IT201900003069A1 - SOLENOID VALVE DEVICE FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND RELATED HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES. - Google Patents

Description

TITLE: SOLENOID VALVE DEVICE FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND RELATED HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES.

The present invention relates to an electrovalve device, for example solenoid valves or solenoid pilot valves, suitable for use in household appliances, such as washing machines (washing machines and dishwashers), ovens and relative household appliances.

Various types of solenoid valve devices are known, comprising a solenoid, capable of making direct valves or indirect valves, in which said solenoid valve devices are adapted to be applied in household appliances.

In general, said solenoid valve device comprises at least one shutter, mounted movably in a chamber, able 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 coupled with said shutter. Said solenoid being adapted to control said core by making it translate in said tubular portion. Said tubular portion being suitable for flooding, filling and emptying of fluid, at least partially, during the movement of said core. In particular, the positioning of the core in said tubular portion generates a space, of variable dimensions, between a first end of the tubular portion and a first end of the core. This compartment is able to be filled with fluid present in the chamber defined by said hollow body. With the return of the core inside the tubular portion, said compartment is destined to shrink and the liquid contained in it will be forced out, returning to said chamber defined by said hollow body. The fluid entering and leaving said compartment can cause the accumulation of residues or corpuscles, in said tubular portion, which could compromise the mobility of said core.

In currently known solutions, the valve device is designed in such a way that there is a clearance between the core and the tubular portion, making said core with a diameter significantly smaller than the diameter of the tubular portion. This solution is such as to create a circular crown 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 suitably designed in such a way as to prevent the movement of the core from being prevented by residual material which accumulates in said cavity or circular crown. This circular ring increases the size of the air gap present between the solenoid and the core, reducing the efficiency of the solenoid valve.

It is increasingly required that solenoid valve devices be able to operate in any condition, even if the fluid has a high amount of corpuscles dispersed in it, in order to ensure the reliability of the solenoid valve device in any operating condition. Furthermore, it is increasingly required that solenoid valve devices have an ever faster switching speed, in order to switch in the different operating conditions in the shortest possible time.

The present invention aims to solve the aforesaid technical problems, and others besides, by realizing an electrovalve device having a movable core shaped in such a way as to define a path for the transit of an alternative fluid to those currently known.

An aspect of the present invention relates to an electrovalve device having the characteristics of the attached claim 1.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a household appliance having the characteristics of the attached claim 11.

The accessory features of the device and the appliance are contained in the related dependent claims.

The characteristics and advantages of the electrovalve device and of the household appliance, according to the present invention, will be clear and evident from the following description of different possible embodiments, exemplary and not limiting, of the electrovalve device and of the household appliance and from the attached figures which respectively illustrate:

• Figures 1A, 1B show, in a sectional view with respect to a vertical plane, a first possible embodiment of the solenoid valve device according to the present invention, in which the core is hollow, comprising a groove along the entire longitudinal length of the nucleus; this core defines a duct along which fluid and the undissolved substances contained in it can pass, in the two different operating configurations, in particular, figure 1A shows the solenoid valve device in a closed configuration, figure 1B shows the solenoid valve device in a configuration open;

• Figures 2A and 2B show, in a sectional view with respect to a vertical plane, a second possible embodiment of the solenoid valve device according to the present invention, in which the core is hollow, comprises a groove along the entire longitudinal length of the core itself, and the shutter comprises a notch, so that the combination of notch, groove and hollow core defines a duct along which fluid and the undissolved substances contained in it can pass 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 a possible embodiment of the core of an electrovalve device, according to the present invention, in particular according to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1A-2B;

• figures 4A-4C show different possible embodiments of direct solenoid valve devices, according to the present invention, in particular figure 4A shows a possible embodiment of the solenoid valve device in which the core is hollow and comprises a groove located near the end portion of the core, and the shutter comprises a notch, so that the combination of notch, groove and hollow core defines a conduit along which fluid can pass; Figure 4B shows a further possible embodiment of the solenoid valve device according to the present invention, in which the core is hollow and the shutter comprises a notch, so that the combination of notch and hollow core defines a duct along which it can transit of fluid; Figure 4C shows still a further possible embodiment of the solenoid valve device according to the present invention, in which the core is hollow and comprises a through hole placed in proximity to the terminal portion of the core, which are shaped in such a way that it is defined a duct along which fluid and undissolved substances contained in it can pass;

Figure 5 shows a sectional view of a different embodiment of the solenoid valve device which comprises a core having a hollow portion shaped in such a way as to define at least a portion of a duct for the transit of a fluid, in which the device solenoid valve is in a closed configuration;

• Figures 6A and 6B show an indirect solenoid valve device, according to the present invention, in which the core is hollow and comprises a groove along the entire longitudinal length of the core, defining a duct along which fluid can pass 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 electrovalve device according to the present invention.

With reference to the aforementioned figures, the numerical reference 2 refers to an electrovalve device as a whole; while the numerical reference 1 refers to a household appliance, as a whole, comprising an electrovalve device 2, according to the present invention.

The solenoid valve device 2, according to the present invention, is particularly suitable for being applied, by way of non-limiting example, in household appliances 1, such as washing machines, dishwashers and / or electric ovens.

The solenoid valve device 2, according to the present invention, comprises a hollow body 3.

In this hollow body 3 there are at least one inlet conduit 36 and at least one outlet conduit 37.

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.

The solenoid valve device 2, according to the present invention, comprises at least one shutter assembly 7. Said shutter assembly 7 is mounted movably in said chamber 35.

The solenoid valve device 2, according to the present invention, furthermore comprises at least one actuator 4. Said actuator 4 is adapted to control and command said shutter assembly 7.

Said hollow body 3 comprises at least one tubular portion 312. Said tubular portion 312 has a first closed end 312a, and a second open end 312b, so as to put said tubular portion 312 in fluid 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 surrounding at least a portion of at least one tubular portion 312.

Said actuator 4 also comprises at least one core 6. Said core 6 is placed inside a tubular portion 312 in such a way as to translate, in particular by moving along an axis, preferably along its longitudinal axis "L". Said core 6 and said tubular portion 312 are made, and positioned between them, in such a way as to define a space 313.

Preferably, at least one element (72, 74) of said shutter assembly 7 is fixed to the core 6, and in particular to an end portion 62 thereof, so as to move integrally with said core 6.

In general, said compartment 313 has a variable volume according to the translation movements performed 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 fluid communication with said compartment 313. Said duct 64 defines an alternative path for the transit of a said fluid chamber 35 with said compartment 313, in particular different from those currently known.

The structure or body of said core 6 can be of different shapes, for example substantially cylindrical or prismatic, preferably a prism with a hexagonal base or with a polygon base with a number of sides greater than six.

In particular, said core 6 comprises at least a hollow portion 63. Said hollow portion 63 being able to define at least a section of said duct 64. Preferably, the entire hollow portion 63 of the core 6 is capable of defining itself a section of the duct 64, for example by defining the entire section of a duct. Preferably, said hollow portion 63 is in axis with a longitudinal axis "L" of the core 6.

In a preferred but not limitative embodiment of the solenoid valve device 2, according to the present invention, said core 6 is hollow having a tubular conformation, preferably open at one or both ends.

In the present embodiment, therefore, the hollow portion 63 extends substantially for the entire longitudinal extension, with respect to said longitudinal axis "L", of the core 6. Preferably, one or more bases of the cylinder or prism can define an entrance and / or an outlet of at least a portion of the duct 64.

In general, said hollow portion 63 designed to define at least a portion of said duct 64 can extend along the entire longitudinal extension, with respect to said longitudinal axis "L", or only partially. Preferred, said hollow portion is in axis with said longitudinal axis "L".

In a possible exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of the electrovalve device 2, according to the present invention, said core 6 comprises a hollow portion offset from said longitudinal axis. This hollow portion can take the form of at least one hole or slot. For example, said hollow structure can be for example one or more through holes between the bases or ends of the cylinder or prism structure of the core 6, made parallel to said longitudinal axis "L".

In a preferred, exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of the 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 made in the lateral outer surface of said core 6 in such as to define at least a portion of said duct 64.

Preferably, said at least one hole or slot 65 is in fluid communication with said at least one hollow portion 63 of the core 6.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, said hole or slot 65 extends along the longitudinal extension, with respect to said longitudinal axis "L", of said core 6, in a rectilinear or helical way (not shown).

Preferably, said hole or slot 65 extends along the entire longitudinal extension of the core 6.

In a possible embodiment of said at least one hole or slot 65 defines a notch. Said notch is in fluid communication with the hollow portion of the core 6. Preferably, this notch extends along the entire longitudinal extension, with respect to said longitudinal axis "L", of the core 6.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, said core 6 is hollow, for example having a tubular structure, it comprises a hole or slot 65 defining a notch in fluid communication with the hollow portion 63 of the core 6, extending, as said hollow portion 63, along the entire longitudinal extension, with respect to said longitudinal axis "L", of the core 6. In this embodiment, at any point of the core 6, along the longitudinal axis "L", its cross section will have a substantially "C" shape. Alternatively, instead of a single notch extending along the entire longitudinal extension, with respect to said longitudinal axis "L", of the core 6, it is possible to make a plurality of holes or slots 65, for example equidistant from each other along a straight line between the two ends of the core 6, in which each hole 65 is in fluid communication with said hollow portion 63 of the core 6.

In an alternative embodiment, said at least one hole or slot 65 is located near an end of said core, preferably near one of the end portion 62. By way of example, core 6 can comprise a single hole 65 or at least a pair of holes 65, preferably aligned, making a through hole.

The various characteristics of the core 6 described above can be combined with each other in order to produce said duct 64 with the desired characteristics according to the needs and / or characteristics of the application of the solenoid valve device 2, for example according to the type of fluid. whereby the solenoid valve device 2 is used, for example in the case of liquids as a function of the size of the particulate present in the liquid itself and / or other characteristics of the fluid itself, for example such as viscosity, etc.

In general, said core 6 can be shaped in different possible embodiments in order to define a duct 64 along which fluid can pass, in which part of the duct is defined by an internal portion of the same core 6. Therefore, the core 6 , according to the present invention, defines an alternative path for the transit of a fluid said chamber 35 with said compartment 313.

In general, said core, for example thanks to a hole or slot 65, is made in such a way as to put the hollow interior of the core 6 in communication with the outside, and in particular said chamber 35 and / or said compartment 313.

In a preferred embodiment, said notch 65 can extend along at least a part, preferably the whole, of the generatrix of the hollow cylinder defining the core 6.

The preferred embodiment of the core 6, in which this core 6 is hollow and has a tubular structure, comprises a notch 65, in fluid communication with the hollow portion 63 of the core 6, extending along the entire longitudinal extension, with respect to said longitudinal axis "L", of the core 6 itself, can be made with a different manufacturing process with respect to the processes currently known for making the core 6. In fact, normally the core is made through processes in which there is an extrusion step , and subsequently mechanical processing is carried out on the extruded body, necessary to obtain the desired shape of the core.

The core 6, according to the present invention, can be made by means of a production process comprising:

- at least one lamination step;

- at least one folding or calendering or curling step;

These steps are performed on a sheet of ferromagnetic material. Therefore, the core 6 is made starting from a sheet instead of a piece of extruded ferromagnetic material.

For example, the rolling step can be adapted to obtain the desired thickness of the sheet.

The bending or calendering or curling step is carried out to obtain the "C" conformation of the section of the core 6, by bending this sheet.

The “C” conformation of the core 6 can vary according to the needs, being able to realize more or less open “C” shaped cores.

In general, the aforementioned steps of the method, exemplary and not limiting, allow to create a core 6 in which, at any point along the longitudinal axis "L", its cross section has a substantially "C" shape. This "C" shape can be constant or vary along the longitudinal extension, with respect to said longitudinal axis "L", of the core 6 allowing the fixing of at least one element (72, 74) of the shutter assembly 7. Furthermore, the machining sheet metal processing mechanics have a lower cost than mechanical processing such as turning etc.

The method for manufacturing the core 6 can comprise one or more drawing or forming or tapering steps, in order to create a different "C" -shaped section, for example in order to create an end portion 62, at one end of the core 6, to which at least one element (72, 74) of the shutter assembly 7 can be fixed.

More generally, the present invention makes it possible to reduce the overall weight of the core 6 with respect to a core of the same equivalent diameter, since the core 6, according to the present invention, defines at least a portion of a duct 64 suitable for communicating fluid said chamber 35 with said compartment 313, comprising at least a hollow portion 63, and possibly at least one hole or slot 65, as previously specified.

The core 6 according to the present invention makes it possible to considerably reduce the clearance existing between the core 6 and the tubular portion 312, since there is at least one portion of channel 64 suitable for putting said chamber 35 in fluid communication with said compartment 313 made at the interior of the core structure 6.

In general, the solenoid valve device 2, according to the present invention, provides that said actuator 4 may comprise an elastic element 42. Preferably, said elastic element 42 is a helical spring.

Said elastic element 42 is preferably housed in said tubular portion 312. Alternatively, or in addition, said elastic element 42 can be housed in said chamber 35.

Said elastic element 42 is for example adapted to keep the actuator 4, and in particular said shutter assembly 7 connected to said actuator 4, in an operating configuration, in particular a configuration such as to create a normally closed valve. In particular, said elastic element 42 is able to counteract the force generated by the actuator 4, preferably in order to maintain said solenoid valve 2 in a closed configuration.

In the embodiment in which said elastic element 42 is housed in said tubular portion 312, a head of the elastic element 42 acts on said first end 312a of said tubular portion 312, in particular being in contact with it.

In a preferred embodiment of the solenoid valve device 2, according to the present invention, said elastic element 42 is at least partially housed in a hollow portion 63 of the core 6. Said hollow portion 63 is shaped in such a way that said elastic element 42 acts to its opposite end on a surface more distant from said first end 312a of the tubular portion 312 with respect to a center of gravity of said core 6. This embodiment allows for example to have greater control over the mobility of the core 6 inside the tubular portion 312 , reducing the risk of jamming and / or friction due to the rotational moments that the elastic element 42 could generate on the core 6, for example as a function of the degree of insertion of the core 6 itself inside said tubular portion 312.

In the embodiment of the solenoid valve device 2, according to the present invention, in which said core 6 has a tubular shape, said elastic element 42 acts directly on the terminal portion 62 of the core 6, in particular the portion of the core 6 which controls the shutter group 7. Even more preferably, the elastic element 42 at the opposite end is able to act directly on the element (72, 74) of the shutter group 7 fixed to the terminal portion 62 of the core 6. The present solution allows to have a direct action of the elastic element 42 on the shutter group 7 in order to keep said shutter group 7, and in particular said solenoid valve device 2, in a desired configuration.

In a possible embodiment of the solenoid valve device 2, according to the present invention, said shutter assembly 7 is able to contribute to the definition of at least a portion or section of the duct 64 to put said chamber 35 in fluid communication with said compartment 313.

In an alternative embodiment, but said shutter assembly 7 in at least a portion of the element (72, 74) fixed to said core 6 comprises at least a conduction portion 71 in which at least a portion or section of the duct 64 is made to put said chamber 35 in fluid communication with said compartment 313. Said conduction portion 71 can be a slot and / or a hole along which a fluid can flow. Said conduction portion 71 is in fluid communication with at least a portion of the duct 64 made in said core 6.

In a preferred embodiment, said conduction portion 71 is in fluid communication with the hollow portion 63 of the core 6 and / or with said hole, slot and / or groove 65 of the core 6.

In a preferred embodiment, said conduction portion 71 extends along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis "L" of the core 6, for example through a slot or notch.

In general, returning to the conformation of the core 6, said terminal portion 62 is shaped in such a way as to be able to fix at least one element (72, 74) of said shutter assembly 7 to the core 6, so that said at least one element (72, 74) of said shutter assembly 7 can move integrally with said core 6.

In a possible embodiment, said terminal portion 62 is made in such a way as to surround, retaining, at least a portion of at least one element (72, 74) of said shutter assembly 7, preferably in proximity to said conduction portion 71 of the assembly shutter 7.

Alternatively, said end portion 62 is surrounded by at least a portion of at least one element (72, 74) of said shutter group 7, preferably in proximity to said conduction portion 71 of shutter group 7. This last embodiment can be made through an injection process, for example hot.

In general, said solenoid valve device 2, according to the present invention, can be structured in such a way that said shutter assembly 7 is suitable for realizing an electrovalve device 2 of the direct type. Alternatively, said solenoid valve device 2, according to the present invention, can be structured in such a way that said shutter assembly 7 is able to realize an electrovalve device 2 of the indirect type. In general, the core 6, according to the present invention, can be used in solenoid valve devices 2 suitable for making direct valves and / or indirect valves.

The characteristics and the operating principle of a direct valve and an indirect valve will not be described in greater detail, as they are already known per se to a person skilled in the art.

More generally, said shutter assembly 7 can comprise one or more elements (72, 74), which can operate directly or indirectly to selectively allow the passage of fluid between the inlet duct 36 and the outlet duct 37 For example, said shutter assembly 7 can comprise a single element 72 which acts as a direct shutter, acting on a seat 33, to selectively allow the passage of fluid between the inlet duct 36 and the outlet duct 37, as for example example shown in figures 1A-2B, 4A-4C. In alternative embodiments, said shutter assembly 7 can comprise a plurality of elements, for example a first element 72 and a second element 74, which operate as two shutters adapted to act on seats 33, different and distinct from each other, such as example shown in figure 5.

Still alternatively, said first and second elements (72, 74) constitute the shutter and the pilot valve of an electrovalve device of the indirect type, as shown for example in figures 6A-6B.

In a possible embodiment of said solenoid valve device 2, exemplary and not limiting, said hollow body 3 comprises an upper portion 31 and a lower portion 32 coupled together in a liquid-tight manner, with the interposition of a sealing element 34 to for example a gasket, preferably an O-ring. Said upper portion 31 and said lower portion 32 can be made of plastic material. Preferably, said inlet duct 36, or said outlet duct 37, is included in said upper portion 31 and respectively said outlet duct 37, or said inlet duct 36, is made in said lower portion 32.

In said chamber 35, and preferably in said upper portion 31, there is at least one seat for shutter 33.

Preferably, said tubular portion 312 is comprised in said upper portion 31. Even more preferably, said tubular portion 312 is an element in its own right, coupled to the remaining paste of the upper portion 31 by means of sealing elements 34, such as gaskets.

At least one solenoid 5 is mounted in a fixed position around the tubular portion 312 of the body 2, made in a per se known manner with insulated electric wire. The ends of this solenoid 5 are connected to respective connection terminals 22, for example in the form of lamellar plugs, for the electrical and / or electronic connection to a control circuit, for example included in the household appliance 1 in which the electrovalve device 2 is included.

The electrovalve device 2, according to the present invention, is particularly suitable for being applied to a household appliance 1.

In general, the household appliance 1 comprises at least one circuit 12 suitable for the controlled conduction of at least one fluid. In general, said circuit 12 comprises at least one electrovalve device 2, according to the present invention, in order to conveniently control at least one fluid flow passing through at least a portion of said circuit 12.

Preferably, said household appliance 1 comprises at least one control circuit adapted to suitably drive said at least electrovalve device 2.

Said household appliance 1 can be, by way of non-limiting example, a washing machine, a dishwasher, an oven, etc., or any household appliance in which it is necessary to selectively control the transit of fluid in a circuit. Figure 8 shows a portion of a possible household appliance 1, in a schematic representation, comprising at least one electrovalve device 2 according to the present invention. In particular, figure 8 shows a cross-section of the external casing of the household appliance 1 through which it is possible to view the interior of the household appliance 1. From the figure, a portion of the circuit 12 suitable for the controlled conduction of at least one fluid is visible, preferably a liquid, such as for example water. Said household appliance 1 is for example an electric oven.

In the embodiment shown, two solenoid valve devices 2 are visible, which are solenoid valve devices according to the present invention.

Continuing in the description of the attached figures, figures 1A and 1B show, in sectional views with respect to a vertical plane, a first possible embodiment of the solenoid valve device 2 according to the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the core 6 is hollow, comprising a hollow portion 63, and comprises a groove 65 along the entire longitudinal length, with respect to the longitudinal axis "L", of the core 6, defining a duct 64 along which it can transit a fluid. In the present embodiment, the duct 64 is made and defined through said groove 65 and said hollow portion 63 of the core 6, the latter having a tubular shape. In particular, said groove 65 is in fluid 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 on said first end 312a of said tubular portion 312. Said elastic element 32 is partly housed in said hollow portion 63 of the core 6. At the opposite end, said elastic element 42 acts directly on the element 72 of the shutter assembly 7 fixed to the terminal portion 62 of the core 6. In the illustrated embodiment, said elastic element 42 acts on a surface further away from said first end 312a of the tubular portion 312 with respect to a center of gravity of said core 6.

The embodiment illustrated in figures 1A and 1B shows an electrovalve device 2 of the direct type, comprising an element 72 of said shutter assembly 7 which acts on a seat 33 for the shutter. Comparing Figures 1A and 1B it is evident that in both operative configurations, part of the groove 65 and therefore part of the hollow portion 63 of the core 6 is always located in the chamber 35. Therefore the duct 64, made and defined by means of said groove 65 and said hollow portion 63 of the core 6, is always in fluid communication both with said chamber 35 and with said compartment 313. This solution allows to obtain blowing effects both in the chamber 35 and in the compartment 313 such as to avoid the accumulation of impurities and / or corpuscles.

A possible alternative embodiment is shown for example in Figures 2A and 2B. Figures 2A and 2B show in section views with respect to a vertical plane an embodiment of the solenoid valve device 2 in which the core 6 is hollow and comprises a groove 65 along the entire longitudinal length, with respect to said longitudinal axis "L" , of the core 6, and the shutter assembly 7 comprises a conduction portion 71, in the shape of a notch, so that the combination of notch, groove and hollow core defines a conduit 64 along which fluid can pass.

In the present embodiment, both the core 6 and an element 72 of the shutter assembly 7 contribute to the definition of the duct 64. In fact, in said at least one conduction portion 71 there is at least a portion or section of the duct 64, in the form of a notch , to put said chamber 35 in fluid communication with said compartment 313.

Also in the present embodiment, said elastic element 42, housed in said tubular portion 312, acts at one end on said first end 312a of said tubular portion 312, while at the opposite end it acts directly on element 72 of shutter assembly 7 fixed to the end portion 62 of the core 6.

From the comparison of Figures 2A and 2B it is evident that in both operating configurations, part of the groove 65 and therefore part of the hollow portion 63 of the core 6 and part of the conduction portion 71 is always located in the chamber 35. Therefore the duct 64, made and defined by said groove 65, said hollow portion 63 of the core 6 and said conduction portion 71 of the shutter assembly 7, is always in fluid communication both with said chamber 35 and with said compartment 313. This solution allows to obtain both blowing effects and in the chamber 35 and in the compartment 313 such as to avoid the accumulation of impurities and / or corpuscles.

Figure 3 shows a possible embodiment of the core 6 for an electrovalve device 2, according to the present invention. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 substantially corresponds to the core 6 shown in Figures 1A-2B.

From figure 3 it is visible how the core 6 includes a hollow portion 63, which extends for the entire longitudinal extension, with respect to said longitudinal axis "L", defining a tubular conformation. Figure 3 also shows a groove 65 which extends for the entire longitudinal extension, with respect to said longitudinal axis "L", of the core 6. Said groove 65 and said hollow portion 63 are in fluid communication with each other, defining at least a portion of said duct 64.

The core 6 illustrated in Figure 3 can be made with the method for making the core described above.

Possible alternative embodiments of the core 6 are illustrated for example in Figures 4A-4C.

These figures show structures of the solenoid valve device 2 substantially similar to the embodiments illustrated in figures 1A-2B, proposing different conformations of the core 6 and / or of the shutter assembly 7 to make said duct 64.

In particular, Figure 4A shows a possible embodiment of the solenoid valve device 2, according to the present invention, in which the core 6 is hollow and comprises a slot 65 located near the terminal portion 62 of the core 6. Furthermore, the element 72 of the shutter assembly 7 comprises a conduction portion 71 in the form of a notch. In the present embodiment, the combination of notch 71, slot 65 and hollow core 6 defines a conduit 64 along which fluid and the undissolved substances present therein can pass.

In the illustrated embodiment, the core 6 has a hollow portion 63 which extends for the entire longitudinal extension of the core 6, placed in fluid communication with said slot 65, made in one, preferably only one, region of the external lateral surface of the core 6.

Also in the present embodiment, said elastic element 42, housed in said tubular portion 312, acting at one end on said first end 312a of said tubular portion 312, while at the opposite end acting directly on the element 72 of the shutter assembly 7 fixed to the end portion 62 of the core 6.

Instead, figure 4B shows a further possible embodiment of the solenoid valve device 2, according to the present invention, in which the core 6 is hollow and the element 72 of the shutter assembly 7 comprises a conduction portion 71 in the form of a notch . In the present embodiment, the combination of notch 71 and hollow core 6 defines a conduit 64 along which fluid and the undissolved substances present therein can pass.

In the illustrated embodiment, the core 6 has a hollow portion 63 that extends for the entire longitudinal extension of the core 6, placed in fluid communication with said conduction portion 71.

The conformation of the elastic element 42 of the actuator 4 is substantially identical to that shown in figure 4A.

The embodiment of the solenoid valve device 2, according to the present invention, shown in figure 4C represents a further possible embodiment of the core 6 in which the core 6 is hollow and comprises a through hole 65 placed in proximity to the terminal portion 62 of the core 6. Alternatively, said core 6 comprises a single hole 65, not passing through, placed in proximity to the end portion 62.

In the illustrated embodiment, the core 6 has a hollow portion 63 which extends for the entire longitudinal extension of the core 6, placed in fluid communication with said hole 65. In the illustrated embodiment, said hole 65 passes through secant with respect to the external lateral surface of the nucleus 6, even more preferably perpendicular to said longitudinal axis "L" of the nucleus 6.

Figure 5 shows a different embodiment of the electrovalve device 2 comprising a different conformation of the shutter assembly 7 and of the chamber 35 defined by the hollow body 3.

In particular, figure 5 shows the solenoid valve device 2 in a closed configuration.

In the present embodiment, said core 6 comprises at least a hollow portion 63 which extends, starting from one end of the same core 6, for most of the longitudinal extension of the core 6, in particular up to the end portion 62. Said core 6 further comprises a groove 65 which extends from one end of core 6 for a length at least equal to the extension of the hollow portion 63 of core 6 itself. Said groove 65 and said hollow portion 63 are in fluid communication in order to realize said conduit 64.

In the illustrated embodiment, there is an elastic element 42 housed in said tubular portion 312. This elastic element 42 acts at one end on said first end 312a of said tubular portion 312. Said elastic element 32 is partly housed in said hollow portion 63 of the core 6. At the opposite end, said elastic element 42 acts on a surface, defining the end of the hollow portion 63, which is more distant from said first end 312a of the tubular portion 312 with respect to a center of gravity of said core 6.

In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal portion 62 of the core 6 is shaped like a neck, having a portion of reduced diameter, to which a first element 72 of the shutter assembly 7 is attached. At the opposite end of said first element 72 is there is an asolar cavity directed upwards, into which the upper end of the second element 74 penetrates, the latter projecting inferiorly from said first element 72.

Said first element 72 includes a protrusion that extends outwards like a flange to which a sealing member is engaged and held, able to cooperate operationally, like a shutter, with a seat 33 for the shutter.

Said second element 74 comprises an outwardly projecting body to which a second sealing element is engaged, intended to cooperate, like a shutter, with another seat 33 for the shutter.

In the present embodiment there is also a further elastic element 42, in the form of a helical spring, interposed between the hollow body 3 defining the chamber 35 and said first element 72 of the shutter assembly 7, which tends to push towards the seat 33 the first element 72 and consequently the second element 74 towards the respective seat 33.

The present embodiment makes it possible to ensure that if some corpuscles are trapped, for example pinched, between the first element 72 and the respective seat 33, so as to keep the assembly of first element and core slightly raised with respect to a nominal position of closure, as shown in the present figure, the second element 74 of the shutter assembly 74, thanks to its conformation, is still able to ensure an effective sealing action against the associated seat 33.

Finally, figures 6A and 6B show an electrovalve device 2, according to the present invention, of the indirect type. In this embodiment, the core 6 is hollow and includes a groove 63 along the entire longitudinal length of the core 6, defining a duct 64 along which fluid and the undissolved substances contained therein can pass. The embodiment of the core 6 shown in Figures 6A and 6B is substantially similar to the embodiment of the core 6 shown in Figures 1A and 1B.

In the present embodiment, a first element 72 of the shutter assembly 7 is fixed to the terminal portion 62 of the core 6, which cooperates with a second element 74 of the same shutter assembly 7 in order to form an indirect valve. In particular, said second element 74, which cooperates with the shutter seat 33, is connected to an annular sealing element 34 by means of a flexible membrane. Said second element 74 comprises at least one through hole so as to put a control chamber in fluid communication with said inlet conduit 36 and / or said outlet conduit 37. Said through hole is selectively occluded by means of said first element 72 operatively connected to said core 6.

In general, the present invention makes it possible to have no impurity deposits around the core 6, guaranteeing the core 6 itself to be able to translate in said tubular portion 312 without jamming and / or excessive friction.

The present solution also allows to generate fluid flows in the duct 64, in the compartment 313 and in the chamber 35 such as to generate blowing effects which allow to further reduce the risks that particles, impurities and / or corpuscles carried by the fluid may in some way affect the functionality of the solenoid valve 2, for example by accumulating or stationing in undesired points. The positioning with respect to the chamber 35 of said holes, slots and grooves (65 71), made in the core 6 and / or in the shutter assembly 7, and in particular with respect to said inlet duct 36 and said outlet duct 37, can be designed to obtain blowing effects in chamber 35, allowing the generation of fluid turbulence which reduces the risk of deposits in the hollow body 3.

This duct 64 is also an escape route for the impurities that can accumulate in the chamber 35 and / or in the compartment 313 of the solenoid valve device 2.

Said conduit 64 also allows to facilitate the transit of fluid between the chamber 35 and the compartment 313, increasing the reactivity of movement of the shutter assembly 7 by the actuator 4.

As already mentioned previously, the present invention allows to reduce the overall weight of the core 6, favoring its reactivity, reducing the force necessary to allow the translational movement of the core 6.

Furthermore, in the embodiment in which said elastic element 42 is at least partially housed in a hollow portion 63 of the core 6, acting on a surface more distant from said first end 312a of the tubular portion 312 with respect to a center of gravity of said core 6, this embodiment allows to increase the degrees of freedom in the design of the elastic element 42 itself, allowing to vary the response properties of the electrovalve device 2.

Finally, as already mentioned, the present invention also allows to reduce the circular crown between the external walls of the core 6 and the internal walls of said tubular portion 312, reducing the clearance between the two parts.

Embodiments not expressly described and / or illustrated, which can be easily deduced for a person skilled in the art in the light of the present patent application, must be considered included in the technical content of the present patent application.

NUMERICAL REFERENCES

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 Shutter seats 33 Sealing element 34 Chamber 35 Inlet duct 36 Duct output 37 Actuator 4 Elastic element 42 Solenoid 5 Core 6 End portion 62 Hollow portion 63 Conduit 64 Hole or slot 65 Obturator group 7 Conduction portion 71 First element 72 Second element 74 Longitudinal axis "L"

Claims (10)

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 obtained for a flow of a fluid, said hollow body (3) defining a chamber (35); - at least one shutter assembly (7) movably mounted in said chamber (35); - at least one actuator (4) adapted to control and command said shutter assembly (7); said hollow body (3) comprising at least one tubular portion (312), having a first closed end (312a), and a second open end (312b) in fluid communication with said chamber (35); said actuator (4) comprising: - at least one solenoid (5), mounted in a fixed position and surrounding at least a portion of said at least one tubular portion (312); - at least one core (6), placed inside said tubular portion (312) in such a way as to translate, defining a compartment (313); said core (6) to an end portion (62) being fixed to at least one element (72, 74) of said shutter assembly (7); said compartment (313) having a variable volume according to the translation movements performed by said core (6); said core (6) comprises at least a hollow portion (63); said hollow portion (63) being able to define at least a portion of a duct (64) able to put said chamber (35) in fluid communication with said compartment (313). 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said core (6) is hollow having a tubular conformation. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said core (6) comprises at least one hole or slot (65), made in the lateral outer surface of said core (6) able to define at least a section of said duct (64); said hole or slot (65) being in fluid communication with said hollow portion (63). 4. Device according to claim 3, wherein said hole or slot (65) defines a notch in fluid communication with the hollow portion (63) of the core (6), said notch extends along an entire longitudinal extension, with respect 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 at one end on said first end (312a) of said tubular portion (312); said elastic element (42) being at least partially housed in said hollow portion (63) of the core (6) said elastic element (42) acting at the opposite end on a surface more distant from said first end (312a) of the tubular portion (312) with respect to a center of gravity of said core (6). 6. Device according to claim 2 or 5, wherein said core (6) is made by means of a production process comprising: - at least one lamination step; and - at least one folding or calendering or curling step; these steps being carried out on a sheet made of ferromagnetic material. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said shutter assembly (7) in at least a portion of the element (72, 74) fixed to said core (6) comprises at least a conduction portion (71) in which at least a portion or section of the duct (64) for putting said chamber (35) in fluid communication with said compartment (313). 8. Device according to claim 1 or 7, wherein said shutter assembly (7) is able to realize an electrovalve device (2) of the direct or indirect type. 9. Device according to claim 5, wherein said elastic element (42) at the opposite end acts directly on the element (72, 74) of the shutter assembly (7) fixed to the end portion (62) of the core (6). 10. Household appliance (1) comprising at least one circuit (12) suitable for the controlled conduction of at least one fluid; said circuit (12) comprising at least one electrovalve device (2) adapted to control the flow passing through at least a portion of said circuit (12); characterized in that said solenoid valve device is an electrovalve device (2) according to claim 1.