WO2012015679A2

WO2012015679A2 - Integrated plastic solenoid module

Info

Publication number: WO2012015679A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/044928
Authority: WO
Inventors: Garrett R. Holmes
Original assignee: Borgwarner Inc.
Priority date: 2010-07-30
Filing date: 2011-07-22
Publication date: 2012-02-02
Also published as: WO2012015679A3

Abstract

A solenoid controlled valve (10) can have a valve body (12) with a fluid passage (14) extending at least partially through the valve body (12). A supply port (16) can be disposed through the valve body (12) and operably connected to the fluid passage (14). The supply port (16) can introduce a fluid medium from a pressurized fluid source. A control port (18) can be disposed through the valve body (12) and operably connected to the fluid passage (14). Between the control port (18) and the supply port (16), a valve member (22) can include a fluid passage defined by a bore (24) extending at least partially through the valve member (22). A metering orifice (26) can connect the fluid passage (14) with the bore (24) of the valve member (22). A sleeve (44) can be insert molded into the plastic solenoid valve body (12) to define an integrated plastic solenoid controlled valve module (10) with a fluid passage bore (14) and a metering land (28).

Description

INTEGRATED PLASTIC SOLENOID MODULE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a solenoid controlled valve for controlling fluid flow through a hydraulic system, and more particularly for actuating a hydraulic 5 system for a motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Solenoids are used in automobiles to control numerous devices such as clutch mechanisms or other transmission components. Solenoids can also be used in virtually any other hydraulically actuated vehicle system. Direct-acting solenoids can i o be used to control the pilot pressure of a solenoid which opposes the control pressure.

Direct-acting solenoids can incorporate the use of a spool or pin valve that moves within the valve portion of the device. The spool or pin valve can have a hollow bore with a passage for connecting the supply, control and exhaust ports of the valve to the hollow portion of the spool or pin valve. The spool or pin valve can have an edge that

15 will block entry of fluid from a port in one direction and will slightly open to allow fluid to flow between the edge of the valve member and the supply port. Thus, metering of fluid flow through the valve can be accomplished at the edge of the pin valve and supply port.

[0003] A conventional design of a solenoid combined with a spool or pin

2 o valve to control hydraulic actuation of a clutch typically includes a high mass valve body. The valve body assembly can further include individual solenoid sleeves, o- rings, and snap filters. This plethora of components can increase cost of materials, cost of manufacture, and cost of assembly, while decreasing fuel economy.

SUMMARY

25 [0004] A solenoid operated valve module can include a valve body with a fluid passage extending at least partially through the valve body. A supply port can be disposed through the valve body and operably connected to the fluid passage. The supply port can introduce fluid medium, by way of example and not limitation, such as hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid or some other suitable fluid, from a pressurized fluid

30 source, by way of example and not limitation, such as a pump. A control port can also be disposed through the valve body and operably connected to the fluid passage. Between the control port and the supply port, a valve member can be operably disposed in the fluid passage. A bore can extend at least partially through the valve member. A metering orifice can connect the fluid passage with the bore of the valve member. A sleeve can be insert molded into the plastic valve body. The sleeve can have a metering land operably engageable with the metering orifice. The valve member can slide or reciprocate with respect to the metering land in order to control the flow of fluid through the metering orifice and into the bore.

[0005] A solenoid control valve can be used in actuating a hydraulic clutch in a manual transmission of a vehicle. The solenoid control valve can include an electronically operated solenoid with an armature displaced through a channel in the solenoid. The solenoid control valve module can include a valve body coupled at one end to the solenoid, and extending away from the one end to a distal second end opposite to the one end coupled to the solenoid. The valve body can have a supply passage, a control passage, and an exhaust passage connectible through the wall of the valve body. A control channel can extend linearly through the valve body.

[0006] The valve member can be slidably or reciprocally disposed in the control channel. The valve member can have a first end adjacent to and connected with the armature of the solenoid, and a second-end located at the second end of the valve body opposite the first end of the valve member.

[0007] Known solenoid control valves typically include a high mass metal body with individual solenoid sleeves, o-rings, and snap filters. It would be desirable to reduce the mass of the solenoid control valve body. It would be desirable to reduce the component cost, and assembly cost, of the solenoid control valve by reducing or eliminating individual solenoid sleeves, o-rings, and snap filters.

[0008] Other applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein: [0010] Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of an integrated plastic solenoid valve module having a plastic valve body with an insert molded sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] An integrated plastic solenoid module 10 can include a plastic valve body 12 with an insert molded sleeve 44 defining a fluid passage 14 longitudinally disposed through the valve body 12. A supply port 16 can be connected to the fluid passage 14 in the valve body 12 to introduce pressurized fluid from a supply source, by way of example and not limitation, such as a pump (not shown), to the valve body 12. The pressurized fluid can be supplied from the valve body 12 to any device the integrated plastic solenoid module 10 is intended to actuate. A control port 18 can be connected through the valve body 12 to the fluid passage 14. The control passage 18 can supply fluid to any device the integrated plastic solenoid module 10 is intended to actuate. The device can be any type of hydraulically actuated device including, by way of example and not limitation, such as transmissions, clutches, differentials, transfer cases, brake systems and all- wheel drive couplings. An exhaust port 20 can be disposed through the valve body 12 to relieve pressure within the valve body 12, when it is not desirable to have a pressurized control port 18. The exhaust port 20 can be connected to a fluid correction area, by way of example and not limitation, such as a sump. The insert molded sleeve 44 can be made of metal material, or any other suitable material depending on the desired application. The plastic valve body 12 reduces the mass of the solenoid control valve body, and reduces the component and assembly cost of the solenoid control valve by reducing or eliminating individual solenoid sleeves, o-rings, and snap filters.

[0012] A valve member 22 can be reciprocally disposed within the fluid passage 14. The valve member 22 is capable of sliding within the fluid passage to control the flow of fluid between the supply port 16, control port 18, and exhaust port 20. The valve member 22 can have a longitudinal bore 24 extending partially through the center of the valve member 22. The bore 24 can be operably connected to the control port 18 by way of the fluid passage 14.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, a metering orifice 26 connects the control port

18 through fluid passage 14 and bore 24 selectively between the supply port 16 and exhaust port 20 depending on the relative position of the valve body 12 with respect to a metering land 28 formed on an interior surface of the sleeve 44 insert molded into the plastic valve body 12. The metering land 28 operably functions to control the flow of fluid between the control port 18 through fluid passage 14 and bore 24 with respect to the supply port 16 and exhaust port 20. The metering land 28 can have metering edges 30 that can be varied in shape in order to control the flow of fluid through the metering orifice 26. The metering edges 30 define the sides of the metering land and control the metering of pressurized fluid between the control port 18, supply port 16 and exhaust port 20 through the metering orifice 26.

[0014] A solenoid portion 32 is connected to or integrated with the plastic valve body 12. The solenoid portion 32 can contain a coil 34 wound on a bobbin 36. The coil 34 can be energized through a connecter 38 connected to the solenoid portion 32. An armature 40 can be positioned within the solenoid portion 32, and is capable of moving within the solenoid portion 32 in response to energization of the coil 34. The armature 40 can contact the valve member 22 in the valve body 12.

[0015] When the coil 34 and the solenoid portion 32 is deenergized, a spring

42 will cause the armature 40 to move the valve member 22 to a first position shifted to the right as depicted in Figure 1. When the valve member 22 is in this first position, pressurized fluid from the supply port 16 can meter across the metering orifice 26 and into the bore 24. The pressurized fluid in bore 24 can be supplied to the control port 18. This configuration can be referred to as a normally high configuration corresponding to when the solenoid valve 10 is in a neutral state, high pressure can be flowing to the control port 18, because spring 42 causes valve member 22 to move to a position where pressurized fluid from the supply port 16 can be introduced to the control port 18. It is within the scope of this invention to have the integrated plastic solenoid module 10 be configured to have a normally low configuration, where the valve member 22 can move to a second position, shifted to the left as depicted in Figure 1, where pressurized fluid from the supply port 16 can not be supplied to the control port 18 when the valve is de-energized, rather the control port 18 is in fluid communication with the exhaust port 20. [0016] When the solenoid valve 10 is energized, the armature 40 can move in a second direction to a second position shifted to the left as depicted in Figure 1, where the metering orifice 26 can be exposed on the other side of the metering land 28. When the orifice 26 is in this position, pressurized fluid in the control port 18 can 5 be relieved through fluid passage 14, bore 24, metering orifice 26, and vented through the exhaust port 20. In operation, the valve member 22 can move between the first and second positions at varying rates depending on the desired application. As a result, the flow of fluid moving between the metering edges 30 of the metering land 28 with respect to the metering orifice 26 can be manipulated by changing the shape i o of the metering edges 30.

[0017] A solenoid control valve 10 for a pressurized fluid system of a motor vehicle can include an electrically operated solenoid 32 including a linearly configured armature 40. A plastic valve body 12 can be connected to the solenoid 32 at a first end in a coaxial relationship with the armature 40. A second end of the plastic valve

15 body 12 can be located at a linearly distal end of the valve body 12 with respect to the solenoid 32. The valve body 12 can have a pressurized fluid supply port 16, a control port 18, and an exhaust port 20 all selectively connectible though the valve body 12. An elongate valve member 22 can have one end connectible to the solenoid 32 and a second end located at a linearly distal end of the valve body 12. The valve member 22

2 o can be operatively associated with the armature 40, and can have a longitudinal fluid passage 24 defining an interior surface extending from the second end through at least through a portion of the valve member 22. A metering orifice 26 can extend from the fluid passage 24 opening through an external surface of the valve member 22. An elongate sleeve 44 can be insert molded within the plastic valve body 12. The sleeve

25 44 can have a bore 14 extending longitudinally from a first end of the sleeve 44

located adjacent the solenoid 32 through at least a portion of the sleeve 44. The sleeve 44 can have a second end located at an end of the plastic valve body 12 distal from the solenoid 32. The sleeve 44 can have a metering land 28 located between the first and second ends of the sleeve 44 defining a separation between an enlarged

30 supply passage chamber 46 and an enlarged exhaust passage chamber 50. The valve member 22 can define an enlarged control passage chamber 48 between the second end of the sleeve 44 and the second end of the valve member 22. The valve member 22 can be reciprocally disposed within the bore 14 of the sleeve 44, such that the metering orifice 26 of the valve member 22 moves across the metering land 28 of the sleeve 44 in response to activation of the solenoid 32.

[0018] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. In an integrated plastic solenoid module (10) having a control valve operated by a solenoid (32), the improvement comprising:

a plastic valve body (12) operably connectible to the solenoid (32); an elongate valve member (22) having a first end operably connected to the solenoid (32) and a second end located distal from the solenoid (32); and

an elongate sleeve (44) insert molded within the plastic valve body (12), the sleeve (44) having a bore (24) extending longitudinally from a first end of the sleeve (44) located adjacent the solenoid (32) through at least a portion of the sleeve (44), the sleeve (44) having a second end located at an end of the plastic valve body (12) distal from the solenoid (32), the valve member (22) reciprocally disposed within the bore (14) of the sleeve (44), such that the valve member (22) moves relative to the sleeve (44) in response to activation of the solenoid (32).

2. The integrated plastic solenoid module (10) of claim 1, wherein the sleeve (44) has a metering land (28) located between the first and second ends of the sleeve (44) defining a separation between an enlarged supply passage chamber (46) and an enlarged exhaust passage chamber (50).

3. The integrated plastic solenoid module (10) of claim 2, wherein the plastic valve body (12) defines a supply port (16) in fluid communication with the enlarged supply passage chamber (46).

4. The integrated plastic solenoid module (10) of claim 2, wherein the plastic valve body (12) defines an exhaust port (20) in fluid communication with the enlarged exhaust passage chamber (50).

5. The integrated plastic solenoid module (10) of claim 2, wherein the valve member (22) has a longitudinal fluid passage (24) defining an interior surface extending from the second end through at least through a portion of the valve member (22), and a metering orifice (26) extending from the fluid passage (24) opening through an external surface of the valve member (22).

6. The integrated plastic solenoid module (10) of claim 5, wherein the valve member (22) defines an enlarged control passage chamber (48) between the second end of the sleeve (44) and the second end of the valve member (22), such that the metering orifice (26) of the valve member (22) moves across the metering land (28) of the sleeve (44) in response to activation of the solenoid (32).

7. The integrated plastic solenoid module (10) of claim 6, wherein the plastic valve body (12) defines a control port (18) in fluid communication with the enlarged control passage chamber (48).

8. A control valve (10) comprising:

a solenoid (32) including a linearly configured armature (40);

a plastic valve body (12) connected to the solenoid (32) at a first end in a coaxial relationship with the armature (40), and a second end located at a linearly distal end of the valve body (12) with respect to the solenoid (32), the valve body (12) having a pressurized fluid supply port (16), a control port (18), and an exhaust port (20) all selectively connectible though the valve body (12);

an elongate valve member (22) reciprocally disposed for movement in response to activation of the solenoid (32), the valve member (22) having a first end adjacent to and operably connect to the solenoid (32), and a second end located at an end opposite the first end adjacent to the second end of the valve body (12); and

an elongate sleeve (44) insert molded within the plastic valve body (12), the sleeve (44) having a bore (14) extending longitudinally from a first end of the sleeve (44) located adjacent the solenoid (32) through at least a portion of the sleeve (44), the sleeve (44) having a second end located at an end of the plastic valve body (12) distal from the solenoid (32), the valve member (22) reciprocally disposed within the bore (14) of the sleeve (44).

9. The control valve (10) of claim 8, wherein the sleeve (44) has a metering land (28) located between the first and second ends of the sleeve (44) defining a separation between an enlarged supply passage chamber (46) and an enlarged exhaust passage chamber (50).

5

10. The control valve (10) of claim 9, wherein the valve member (22) has a longitudinal fluid passage (24) defining an interior surface extending from the second end through at least through a portion of the valve member (22), and a metering orifice (26) extending from the fluid passage (24) opening through an o external surface of the valve member (22), such that the metering orifice (26) of the valve member (22) moves across the metering land (28) of the sleeve (44) in response to activation of the solenoid (32).

11. The control valve (10) of claim 9, wherein the supply port (16) of 5 the plastic valve body (12) is in fluid communication with the enlarged supply passage chamber (46).

12. The control valve (10) of claim 9, wherein the exhaust port (20) of the plastic valve body (12) is in fluid communication with the enlarged exhaust 0 passage chamber (50).

13. The control valve (10) of claim 8, wherein the valve member (22) defines an enlarged control passage chamber (48) between the second end of the sleeve (44) and the second end of the valve member (22).

5

14. The control valve (10) of claim 13, wherein the control port (18) of the plastic valve body (12) is in fluid communication with the enlarged control passage chamber (48). 0 15. A solenoid control valve (10) for a pressurized fluid system of a motor vehicle comprising: an electrically operated solenoid (32) including a linearly configured armature (40);

an elongate valve member (22) with one end connectible to the solenoid (32) and a second end located at a linearly distal end of the valve body (12), wherein the valve member (22) is operatively associated with the armature (40), and the valve member (22) having a longitudinal fluid passage (24) defining an interior surface extending from the second end through at least through a portion of the valve member (22), and a metering orifice (26) extending from the fluid passage opening (24) through an external surface of the valve member (22); and

an elongate sleeve (44) insert molded within the plastic valve body (12), the sleeve (44) having a bore (14) extending longitudinally from a first end of the sleeve (44) located adjacent the solenoid (32) through at least a portion of the sleeve (44), the sleeve (44) having a second end located at an end of the plastic valve body (12) distal from the solenoid (32), the sleeve (44) having a metering land (28) located between the first and second ends of the sleeve (44) defining a separation between an enlarged supply passage chamber (46) and an enlarged exhaust passage chamber (50), the valve member (22) defining an enlarged control passage chamber (48) between the second end of the sleeve (44) and the second end of the valve member (22), the valve member (22) reciprocally disposed within the bore (14) of the sleeve (44), such that the metering orifice (26) of the valve member (22) moves across the metering land (28) of the sleeve (44) in response to activation of the solenoid (32).