ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTUATOR DEVICE, SOLENOID VALVE, AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTUATOR DEVICE

Abstract

An electromagnetic actuator device, in particular an electromagnetic valve device, has at least one magnet core element, has a magnet armature element, which is supported movably relative to the magnet core element and forms a receiving recess, and has a reset spring, which is configured to push the magnet core element and the magnet armature element away from one another, the magnet armature element having an application face, which is arranged inside the receiving recess and on which a first end of the reset spring is supported, wherein the electromagnetic actuator device comprises a damping element, which is arranged between the magnet core element and the magnet armature element and which forms a spring seat, on which a second end of the reset spring, lying opposite the first end, is supported.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic actuator device, in particular an electromagnetic valve device, having at least one magnet core element, having a magnet armature element, which is supported movably relative to the magnet core element and forms a receiving recess, and having a reset spring, which is configured to push the magnet core element and the magnet armature element away from one another, the magnet armature element having an application face, which is arranged inside the receiving recess and on which a first end of the reset spring is supported, comprising a damping element, which is arranged between the magnet core element and the magnet armature element and which forms a spring seat, on which a second end of the reset spring, lying opposite the first end, is supported.

2. The electromagnetic actuator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reset spring has a diameter-length ratio of at least 0.35, preferably at least 0.4 and preferentially at least 0.45, a diameter relevant for calculating the diameter-length ratio being formed from an average value of an outer diameter of the reset spring and an inner diameter of the reset spring.

3. The electromagnetic actuator device as claimed in claim 2, wherein a quotient, which is formed from a difference between the outer diameter of the reset spring and the inner diameter of the reset spring and from a length of the reset spring, is more than 0.85, preferably more than 1.0 and preferentially more than 1.1.

4. The electromagnetic actuator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the damping element is arranged in a central region of the magnet armature element and/or the magnet core element, said central region lying radially inward as seen relative to an axial direction of the magnet armature element and/or of the magnet core element.

5. The electromagnetic actuator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the damping element is arranged at least partially in the receiving recess.

6. The electromagnetic actuator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the damping element is movable inside the receiving recess.

7. The electromagnetic actuator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnet core element has a further receiving recess, which is configured to receive the damping element in such a way that it is at least substantially secured against radial movements.

8. The electromagnetic actuator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein as seen from the magnet core element in the axial direction, the spring seat of the damping element is arranged below an end of the magnet armature element facing toward the magnet core element.

9. The electromagnetic actuator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the damping element is formed at least partially from an elastomer.

10. The electromagnetic actuator device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the damping element is realized as a multi-part structural element having at least two components or as a composite structural element having at least two components, a first component of the multi-piece structural element or of the composite structural element being formed from the elastomer and being arranged at least partially in a region of the damping element facing toward an abutment face of the magnet armature element.

11. The electromagnetic actuator device as claimed in claim 10, wherein a second component of the damping element realized as a multi-piece structural element or as a composite structural element is formed from a material that is substantially harder than the elastomer of the first component and is arranged at least partially in a region of the damping element around the spring seat for the reset spring.

12. The electromagnetic actuator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion of the magnet armature element lying radially outward is free of covering elements, such as damping elements, on at least one side facing toward the magnet core element.

13. The electromagnetic actuator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a large portion of an overlap section of the magnet armature element, which is configured to enclose at least a portion of the magnet core element in the radial direction in at least one operation state of the magnet armature element, is free of covering elements, such as damping elements, on at least one side facing toward the magnet core element.

14. An electromagnetic actuator device, in particular an electromagnetic valve device, having at least one magnet core element, having a magnet armature element, which is supported movably relative to the magnet core element and forms a receiving recess, and having a reset spring, which is configured to push the magnet core element and the magnet armature element away from one another, the magnet armature element having an application face, which is arranged inside the receiving recess and on which a first end of the reset spring is supported, wherein at least in an operation state of the magnet armature element in which the reset spring is maximally relaxed, the reset spring is arranged fully inside the receiving recess of the magnet armature element.

15. An electromagnetic actuator device, in particular an electromagnetic valve device, having at least one magnet core element, having a magnet armature element, which is supported movably relative to the magnet core element and forms a receiving recess, and having a reset spring, which is configured to push the magnet core element and the magnet armature element away from one another, the magnet armature element having an application face, which is arranged inside the receiving recess and on which a first end of the reset spring is supported, wherein the application face for the reset spring runs through the theoretical armature rotation point of the magnet armature element or, as seen from the magnet core element, runs below the theoretical armature rotation point of the magnet armature element.

16. An electromagnetic actuator device, in particular an electromagnetic valve device, having at least one magnet core element, having a magnet armature element, which is supported movably relative to the magnet core element and forms a receiving recess, and having a reset spring, which is configured to push the magnet core element and the magnet armature element away from one another, the magnet armature element having an application face, which is arranged inside the receiving recess and on which a first end of the reset spring is supported, wherein as seen from the magnet core element, the application face for the reset spring runs in a lower half of the magnet armature element.

17. A solenoid valve, in particular a 2/2-way valve, having an electromagnetic actuator device as claimed in claim 1.

18. (canceled)

Description

DRAWINGS

[0030] Further advantages may be found from the following description of the drawings. The drawings represent an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description and the claims contain many features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them to form further expedient combinations.

[0031] In the figures:

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a solenoid valve with an electromagnetic actuator device,

[0033] FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a magnet armature element and a reset spring of the electromagnetic actuator device, and

[0034] FIG. 3 shows a schematic flowchart of a method with the electromagnetic actuator device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a solenoid valve 60. The solenoid valve 60 is embodied as a 2/2-way NC seated valve. The solenoid valve 60 may, for example, be configured for use in the motor vehicle sector. The solenoid valve 60 comprises a working connection 66. The solenoid valve 60 comprises a supply connection 68. The solenoid valve 60 controls a communication between the working connection 66 and the supply connection 68. The solenoid valve 60 has a valve seat 70. The valve seat 70 is configured to interact with a valve seat element 88 of a magnet armature element 12. The valve seat element 88 is realized as a valve seal. The valve seat element 88 is configured to be seated in a leaktight manner on the valve seat 70. When the valve seat element 88 is seated in a leaktight manner on the valve seat 70, the working connection 66 is closed. When the valve seat element 88 is seated in a leaktight manner on the valve seat 70, a path between the working connection 66 and the supply connection 68 is closed. When the valve seat element 88 is removed from the valve seat 70, the path between the working connection 66 and the supply connection 68 is opened.

[0036] The solenoid valve 60 has an electromagnetic actuator device 62. The electromagnetic actuator device 62 is realized as a valve device. The electromagnetic actuator device 62 has a magnet coil 72. The magnet coil 72 is embodied as a hollow coil. The magnet coil 72 comprises a coil carrier element 76. The magnet coil 72 comprises coil windings 74. The coil windings 74 are wound repeatedly around the coil carrier element 76. The magnet coil 72 has an axial direction 36. The axial direction 36 of the magnet coil 72 runs centrally through an interior 82 of the magnet coil 72, in particular through a winding center of the coil windings 74. The electromagnetic actuator device 62 has a magnet core element 10. The magnet core element 10 at least partially forms a magnet core of the electromagnetic actuator device 62. The magnet core element 10 is supported movably relative to the magnet coil 72. The electromagnetic actuator device 62 has a housing 78. The housing 78 encloses at least a large portion of the magnet coil 72. The magnet coil 72 is fixed relative to the housing 78, preferably on the housing 78. The magnet core element 10 is fixed relative to the housing 78, preferably on the housing 78. The magnet core element 10 is arranged at least partially, in particular at least mostly, inside the coil windings 74 of the magnet coil 72. The magnet core element 10 forms an inductor together with the magnet coil 72.

[0037] The electromagnetic actuator device 62 has the magnet armature element 12. The magnet armature element 12 has an axial direction 36. The axial direction 36 of the magnet armature element 12 is identical to the axial direction 36 of the magnet coil 72. The magnet armature element 12 is supported movably relative to the magnet core element 10. The magnet armature element 12 is supported movably relative to the magnet coil 72. magnet armature element 12 is supported movably relative to the valve seat 70. The magnet armature element 12 is supported movably along the axial direction 36. The magnet armature element 12 interacts with a magnetic field of the magnet coil 72. The magnet armature element 12 is attracted toward the magnet core element 10 as a function of the magnetic field of the magnet coil 72. The magnet armature element 12 is arranged partly in the interior 82 of the magnet coil 72. The magnet armature element 12 is attracted further into the interior 82 of the magnet coil 72 as a function of the magnetic field of the magnet coil 72. An air gap 80 is formed between the magnet core element 10 and the magnet armature element 12. When the magnetic field of the magnet coil 72 is activated, the magnet armature element 12 tends to reduce an extent of the air gap 80 by movement of the magnet armature element 12 along the axial direction 36. The magnet armature element 12 has the valve seat element 88. The magnet armature element 12 holds the valve seat element 88. The electromagnetic actuator device 62 has a pole tube 84. The pole tube 84 is arranged partially in the interior 82 of the magnet coil 72. The pole tube 84 is aligned parallel to the axial direction 36. The magnet armature element 12 is arranged inside the pole tube 84. The magnet armature element 12 is movable inside the pole tube 84. In the case of an ideal parallel alignment of its axial direction 36 with respect to the axial direction 36 of the magnet coil 72, the magnet armature element 12 Is free of contact with the pole tube 84. Only in the event of (minimal) tilting of the magnet armature element 12 relative to the axial direction 36 of the magnet coil 72 can contact take place between the pole tube 84 and the magnet armature element 12.

[0038] The magnet armature element 12 has a receiving recess 14. The magnet armature element 12 forms the receiving recess 14. The receiving recess 14 is aligned parallel to the axial direction 36 of the magnet armature element 12 and/or of the magnet coil 72. The receiving recess 14 passes axially through the magnet armature element 12. The receiving recess 14 comprises a plurality of subregions with different transverse extents/diameters. The valve seat element 88 is arranged in the receiving recess 14. The valve seat element 88 is arranged in a lower portion of the receiving recess 14 as seen from the magnet core element 10. The valve seat element 88 is arranged at an end of the receiving recess 14 and/or of the magnet armature element 12 pointing away from the magnet core element 10. The electromagnetic actuator device 62 has a reset spring 16. The reset spring 16 is represented FIG. 1 in the assembled and preloaded state. In the assembled and preloaded state, the reset spring 16 has a length 34. The reset spring 16 is configured to push the magnet armature element 12 and the magnet core element 10 away from one another. By pushing the magnet armature element 12 and the magnet core element 10 away from one another, the reset spring 16 generates the NC configuration of the solenoid valve 60. The reset spring 16 is arranged in the receiving recess 14. At least in an operation state of the magnet armature element 12 in which the reset spring 16 is maximally relaxed, the reset spring 16 is arranged fully inside the receiving recess 14 of the magnet armature element 12. In FIG. 1, the reset spring 16 is represented in the maximally relaxed state. The reset spring 16 is arranged fully inside the receiving recess 14 of the magnet armature element 12 in all operation states of the magnet armature element 12. The reset spring 16 is embodied as a helical compression spring. The reset spring 16 is preloaded in the receiving recess 14. The reset spring 16 is preloaded in all operation states of the magnet armature element 12.

[0039] The magnet armature element 12 has an application face 18 for the reset spring 16. The application face 18 forms a spring seat 86 of the magnet armature element 12. The reset spring 16 has a first end 24 facing toward the magnet armature element 12 and a second end 26 facing toward the magnet core element 10. The reset spring 16 is supported with the first end 24 on the application face 18. The application face 18 is arranged inside the receiving recess 14. The receiving recess 14 forms a subregion with a reduced diameter, which in turn forms the application face 18. The reset spring 16 is supported on the magnet armature element 12 inside the receiving recess 14 of the magnet armature element 12. The application face 18 for the reset spring 16 is arranged in a lower half 64 of the magnet armature element 12 as seen from the magnet core element 10. The application face 18 for the reset spring 16 runs perpendicularly to the axial direction 36 of the magnet armature element 12 in the lower half 64, as seen from the magnet core element 10, of the magnet armature element 12.

[0040] The magnet armature element 12 has a theoretical armature rotation point 58. The theoretical armature rotation point 58 is formed by a midpoint of two diametrically opposite outermost contact points 98, 100 of the magnet armature element 12. The two outermost contact points 98, 100 consist of the points on a surface 102 of the magnet armature element 12 at which the magnet armature element 12 first touches the pole tube 84 enclosing the magnet armature element 12 in the circumferential direction, in particular cylindrically, when the magnet armature element 12 is rotated (for example in one of the directions denoted by an arrow 106) from a position in which the axial direction 36 of the magnet armature element 12 and an intended actuation direction 104 of the magnet armature element 12 run parallel. The theoretical armature rotation point 58 lies on a midaxis 108 of the magnet armature element 12. The application face 18 for the reset spring 16, formed by the magnet armature element 12, is arranged below the theoretical armature rotation point 58 as seen from the magnet core element 10. The application face 18 for the reset spring 16, formed by the magnet armature element 12, runs entirely below the theoretical armature rotation point 58 as seen from the magnet core element 10. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the application face 18 for the reset spring 16 to run through the theoretical armature rotation point 58 of the magnet armature element 12.

[0041] The electromagnetic actuator device 62 has a control cone 90. The control cone 90 is configured to minimize and/or compensate for transverse magnetic forces that may influence a movement of the magnet armature element 12. The control cone 90 comprises two control cone parts 92, 94. The first control cone part 92 is realized as a portion of the magnet core element 10. The first control cone part 92 is realized as a projection that protrudes annularly from the magnet core element 10 in the direction of the magnet armature element 12. The second control cone part 94 is realized as a portion of the magnet armature element 12. The second control cone part 94 is realized, as seen from the magnet core element 10, as an uppermost portion of the receiving recess 14 which has an increased diameter in comparison with an underlying region that tightly encloses the reset spring 16. The two control cone parts 92, 94 are configured to overlap and/or engage in one another during a movement of the magnet armature element 12 in the direction of the magnet core element 10. The first control cone part 92 has an outer circumferential face, which faces toward the coil windings 74 of the magnet coil 72 and the surface 110 of which is angled relative to the axial direction 36 of the magnet coil 72 or relative to an axial direction 36 of the magnet core element 10. The surface 110 of the first control cone part 92 is angled relative to the axial direction 36 in such a way that the surface 110 approaches the coil windings 74 of the magnet coil 72 when moving further on the surface 110 in the direction of the magnet armature element 12. The second control cone part 94 has an inner circumferential face, which faces toward the reset spring 16 and the surface 112 of which is angled relative to the axial direction 36 of the magnet coil 72 or relative to the axial direction 36 of the magnet armature element 12. The surface 112 of the second control cone part 94 is angled relative to the axial direction 36 in such a way that the surface 112 approaches the coil windings 74 of the magnet coil 72 when moving further on the surface 110 in the direction of the magnet core element 10. With respect to a more detailed description of the effect of this configuration of the control cone 90 providing stabilization against transverse magnetic forces, reference is again made to EP 2 630 647 A2.

[0042] The electromagnetic actuator device 62 has a damping element 20. The damping element 20 is arranged between the magnet core element 10 and the magnet armature element 12. The damping element 20 is arranged in the air gap 80. The damping element 20 is configured to prevent contact between the magnet armature element 12 and the magnet core element 10. The damping element 20 is configured to form and/or define an abutment for the movement of the magnet armature element 12. The damping element 20 is configured to damp the braking of the magnet armature element 12 at the end of a movement distance directed toward the magnet core element 10. The damping element 20 forms a spring seat 22 on which a second end 26 of the reset spring 16, lying opposite the first end 24, is supported. The damping element 20 has a spring guiding element 96. The spring guiding element 96 is implemented as a circular elevation of the damping element 20 on a side of the damping element 20 facing toward the reset spring 16. The spring seat 22 of the damping element 20 runs around the spring guiding element 96. The spring guiding element 96 prevents radial slipping of the reset spring 16 in the assembled and preloaded state.

[0043] The damping element 20 is arranged in a central region 38 of the magnet armature element 12, lying radially inward as seen relative to the axial direction 36 of the magnet armature element 12. The damping element 20 is arranged in a central region 38 of the magnet core element 10, lying radially inward as seen relative to the axial direction 36 of the magnet core element 10. The magnet core element 10 has a further receiving recess 40, which is configured to receive the damping element 20 in such a way that it is at least substantially secured against radial movements. The magnet core element 10 is fixed in the further receiving recess 40 of the magnet core element 10 by a snug fit or by means of a light press fit. A portion 50 of the magnet armature element 12 lying radially outward is free of covering elements, such as damping elements 20, on a side 52 facing toward the magnet core element 10. An overlap section 54 of the magnet armature element 12, which is configured to enclose at least a portion of the magnet core element 10 in the radial direction 56 in at least one operation state of the magnet armature element 12, is free of covering elements, such as damping elements 20, on at least one side 52 facing toward the magnet core element 10. A portion 114 of the magnet core element 10 lying radially outward is free of covering elements, such as damping elements 20, on a side 116 facing toward the magnet armature element 12. The air gap 80 is free of elements that conduct a magnetic field poorly or not at all, for example damping elements 20, in a region between the parts 50, 114 of the magnet armature element 12 and of the magnet core element 10 that lie radially outward.

[0044] The damping element 20 is (in each operation state of the magnet armature element 12) arranged partially in the receiving recess 14. The damping element 20 is movable relative to the magnet armature element 12 inside the receiving recess 14. During a movement of the magnet armature element 12 in the magnetic field of the magnet coil 72, a position of the damping element 20 relative to the magnet armature element 12 changes. During the movement of the magnet armature element 12 in the magnetic field of the magnet coil 72, a position of the damping element 20 in the receiving recess 14 changes. As seen from the magnet core element 10 in the axial direction 36 of the magnet armature element 12, the spring seat 22 of the damping element 20 is arranged below an end of the magnet armature element 12 facing toward the magnet core element 10, in particular below a front side 118 of the magnet armature element 12 facing toward the magnet core element 10.

[0045] The damping element 20 is formed partially from an elastomer. The damping element 20 is formed partially from a material other than an elastomer. The damping element 20 is realized as a multi-piece structural element having at least two components 42, 44. Alternatively, the damping element 20 may also be realized as a composite structural element having at least two components 42, 44. The first component 42 of the multi-piece structural element or of the composite structural element is formed from the elastomer. The magnet armature element 12 forms an abutment face 120, which is configured to abut on the damping element 20 at a maximum deflection of the magnet armature element 12. The first component 42 is arranged in a region 46 of the damping element 20 facing toward an abutment face 120 of the magnet armature element 12. The first component 42 forms a shape of an annular disk. The first component 42 is fixed on the second component 44. The first component 42 may be materially bonded (or connected in another way) to the second component 44. The second component 44 of the damping element 20 realized as a multi-piece structural element or as a composite structural element is formed from a material that is substantially harder than the elastomer of the first component 42. The second component 44 of the damping element 20 is arranged in a region 48 of the damping element 20 lying around the spring seat 22 for the reset spring 16.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows a schematic plan view of a section through the reset spring 16 and of the magnet armature element 12 in a vicinity of the spring seat 86 of the magnet armature element 12. The reset spring 16 has an inner diameter 32. The reset spring 16 has an outer diameter 30. The reset spring 16 has a diameter 28 which is formed from an average value between the outer diameter 30 and the inner diameter 32. The reset spring 16 has a diameter-length ratio of at least 0.35, preferably at least 0.4 and preferentially at least 0.45. In order to calculate the diameter-length ratio, the diameter 28 formed from the average value of the outer diameter 30 and the inner diameter 32 is used. In the maximally relaxed state shown in FIG. 1, the reset spring 16 has a length 34 which is used to calculate the diameter-length ratio. The reset spring 16 is formed from a steel wire. The steel wire has a wire thickness 122. The wire thickness 122 is the difference between the outer diameter 30 of the reset spring 16 and the inner diameter 32 of the reset spring 16. A quotient formed from a length 34 of the reset spring 16 (see FIG. 1) and the wire thickness 122 is more than 0.85, preferably more than 1.0 and preferentially more than 1.1. In the maximally relaxed state shown in FIG. 1, the reset spring 16 has the length 34 which is used to calculate the quotient.

[0047] FIG. 3 shows a method for operating the electromagnetic actuator device 62. In at least one method step 124, the magnet coil 72 is kept de-energized. No magnetic force is therefore exerted on the magnet armature element 12, and the reset spring 16 presses the valve seat element 88 onto the valve seat 70. The path between the working connection 66 and the supply connection 68 is closed. In at least one further method step 126, the magnet coil 72 is energized. The magnet armature element 12 is thereby moved in the direction of the magnet core element 10. The path between the working connection 66 and the supply connection 68 is now opened. In the method step 126, transverse magnetic forces that occur are compensated for and/or absorbed at least partially by the reset spring 16 positioned and realized according to the description above. The magnet armature element 12 therefore moves with substantially reduced tilting, that is to say with substantially reduced friction on the pole tube 84. Low-wear and energy-saving operation of the electromagnetic actuator device 62 may therefore be achieved. In at least one further method step 128, the magnetic field of the magnet coil 72 is deactivated again so that the magnet armature element 12 returns into the initial placement of method step 124.