SOLENOID VALVE FOR CONTROLLING FLUIDS

Abstract

A solenoid valve for controlling fluids, in particular, a fuel injection solenoid valve. The solenoid valve includes a valve member for opening or closing an opening, an armature for actuating the valve member, and an armature stop, via which a movement of the armature is delimitable. The armature includes an armature base body having a first armature lining, which is situated on the armature base body and which exhibits a lower hardness than the armature stop. Alternatively, the armature stop includes a stop base body having a first stop lining, which is situated on the stop base body and which exhibits a lower hardness than the armature. This makes it possible to dampen a movement of the armature.

Claims

1. A solenoid valve for controlling fluids, the solenoid valve being a fuel injection solenoid valve, the solenoid valve comprising: a valve member for opening and closing an opening; an armature for actuating the valve member; and an armature stop via which a movement of the armature is delimitable; wherein to dampen a movement of the armature, one of: (i) the armature includes an armature base body having a first armature lining, which is situated on the armature base body and which exhibits a lower hardness than the armature stop, or (ii) the armature stop includes a stop base body having a first stop lining, which is situated on the stop base body and which exhibits a lower hardness than the armature.

2. The solenoid valve as recited in claim 1, wherein one of: (i) a second armature lining, which exhibits a greater hardness than the first armature lining, is situated on the armature between the armature base body and the first armature lining, or (ii) a second stop lining, which exhibits a greater hardness than the first stop lining, is situated on the armature stop between the stop base body and the first stop lining.

3. The solenoid valve as recited in claim 1, wherein one of: (i) the armature stop includes a stop base body having a stop lining, which exhibits a greater hardness than the first armature lining, or (ii) the armature includes an armature base body having an armature lining which exhibits a greater hardness than the first stop lining.

4. The solenoid valve as recited in claim 1, wherein the first armature lining or the first stop lining is metallic.

5. The solenoid valve as recited in claim 1, wherein one of: (i) a thickness of the first armature lining is less than 80% of a height of a maximum roughness peak of the second armature lining or of the armature base body, the height of the maximum roughness peak being measured from a center line of a roughness profile of the second armature lining or of the armature base body, or (ii) a thickness of the first stop lining is less than 80% of a height of a maximum roughness peak of the second stop lining or of the stop base body, the height of the maximum roughness peak being measured from a center line of a roughness profile of the second stop lining or of the stop base body.

6. The solenoid valve as recited in claim 1, wherein an additional, separate damping device is provided, which is configured to dampen the movement of the armature.

7. The solenoid valve as recited in claim 1, wherein one of: (i) a hardness of the first armature lining is less than 100 HV, and/or a harness of the second armature lining is greater than 800 HV, or (ii) a hardness of the first stop lining is less than 100 HV and/or a hardness of the second stop lining (52) being greater than 800 HV.

8. The solenoid valve as recited in claim 1, wherein a hardness of the first armature lining is less than 150 HV.

9. The solenoid valve as recited in claim 1, wherein a hardness of the first armature lining is less than 200 HV.

10. The solenoid valve as recited in claim 1, wherein a hardness of the second armature lining is greater than 900 HV.

11. The solenoid valve as recited in claim 1, wherein a hardness of the second armature lining is greater than 1000 HV.

12. The solenoid valve as recited in claim 1, wherein a hardness of the first stop lining is less than 150 HV.

13. The solenoid valve as recited in claim 1, wherein a hardness of the first stop lining is less than 200 HV.

14. The solenoid valve as recited in claim 1, wherein a hardness of the second stop lining is greater than 900 HV.

15. The solenoid valve as recited in claim 1, wherein a hardness of the second stop lining is greater than 1000 HV.

16. An internal combustion engine, including a solenoid valve, the solenoid valve being a fuel injection solenoid valve, the solenoid valve comprising: a valve member for opening and closing an opening; an armature for actuating the valve member; and an armature stop via which a movement of the armature is delimitable; wherein to dampen a movement of the armature, one of: (i) the armature includes an armature base body having a first armature lining, which is situated on the armature base body and which exhibits a lower hardness than the armature stop, or (ii) the armature stop includes a stop base body having a first stop lining, which is situated on the stop base body and which exhibits a lower hardness than the armature.

17. A vehicle, including an internal combustion engine having a solenoid valve, the solenoid valve being a fuel injection solenoid valve, the solenoid valve comprising: a valve member for opening and closing an opening; an armature for actuating the valve member; and an armature stop via which a movement of the armature is delimitable; wherein to dampen a movement of the armature, one of: (i) the armature includes an armature base body having a first armature lining, which is situated on the armature base body and which exhibits a lower hardness than the armature stop, or (ii) the armature stop includes a stop base body having a first stop lining, which is situated on the stop base body and which exhibits a lower hardness than the armature.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the figures, identical or functionally identical components being provided in each case with the same reference numeral.

[0017] FIG. 1 schematically shows a sectional view of a solenoid valve according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged representation of an area of the solenoid valve shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 3 schematically shows a sectional view of a solenoid valve according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 4 schematically shows a sectional view of a solenoid valve according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 5 schematically shows a sectional view of a solenoid valve according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6 schematically shows a sectional view of a solenoid valve according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged representation of an area of the solenoid valve shown in FIG. 6.

[0024] FIG. 8 schematically shows a sectional view of a solenoid valve according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 9 schematically shows a sectional view of a solenoid valve according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 10 schematically shows a sectional view of a solenoid valve according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0027] A solenoid valve 1 for controlling fluids according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0028] Solenoid valve 1 is designed as an injection valve. Solenoid valve 1 is, in particular, a fuel injection solenoid valve, particularly preferably a gasoline high-pressure injection valve. Solenoid valve 1 is configured to inject fuel into a combustion chamber 11 of an internal combustion engine 10.

[0029] As is apparent from FIG. 1, solenoid valve 1 includes a valve member 2 for opening or closing an opening 3, an armature 4 for actuating valve member 2, and an armature stop 5, via which a movement of armature 4 is delimitable. In this exemplary embodiment, solenoid valve 1 is designed as an inwardly opening valve. This means that opening 3 is opened when valve member 2 is moved in the direction toward the interior of solenoid valve 1. In addition, armature stop 5 is situated in such a way that the movement of armature 4 is delimited during the closing process.

[0030] Valve member 2 is designed as a needle and is not fixedly connected to armature 4. Armature 4 is mounted in a cantilever fashion between armature stop 5 and an additional armature stop 6. Armature stop 5 is designed, in particular, as a stop sleeve mounted on valve member 2. Additional armature stop 6 is formed preferably as a stop ring, which is fastened to valve member 2. In addition, armature stop 5 faces combustion chamber 11 of internal combustion chamber 10, the additional armature stop 6 facing a rail or distributor of the internal combustion engine. A solenoid coil 8 and an internal pole 9 are preferably provided for moving armature 4. As solenoid coil 8 is energized, solenoid coil 8 draws armature 4 in the direction of internal pole 9.

[0031] Valve member 2 is actuated via the contacting of armature 4 with additional armature stop 6, which results in the opening of solenoid valve 1 as solenoid valve 1 opens inwardly.

[0032] The above described arrangement of valve member 2 and of armature 4 in relation to one another has the advantage that valve member 2 may be reliably opened even under greater fuel pressures with the same magnetic force via a resulting impulse of armature 4 during opening. This is referred to as mechanical boostering. In addition, a decoupling of the bodies of valve member 2 and of armature 4 is effectuated, as a result of which the impact forces are divided among two impulses in the valve seat of solenoid valve 1. This may reduce wear of the valve seat. The decoupling of the bodies of valve member 2 and of armature 4 also results in a lower bounce tendency in highly dynamic injection valves.

[0033] A spring element 7 is also provided in solenoid valve 1. Spring element 7 is configured in such a way that in an idle state of armature 4, armature 4 abuts armature stop 5. In this exemplary embodiment, spring element 7 is a compression spring that exerts a force on valve member 2 in the direction of armature stop 5 or in a closing direction of solenoid valve 1.

[0034] Armature stop 5 may be understood to be a first armature stop and additional armature stop 6 may be understood to be a second armature stop within the scope of the present invention.

[0035] An axial play 101 is provided between armature 4 and the two armature stops 5, 6, which is referred to as an armature free path. In FIG. 1, solenoid valve 1 is depicted in the closed state, in which armature 4 abuts armature stop 5. In this state, therefore, axial play 101 corresponds to a gap between armature 4 and additional armature stop 6. The closed state corresponds to the idle state of armature 4. When armature 4 abuts additional armature stop 6, which is the case in the open state of solenoid valve 1, axial play 101 corresponds to a gap between armature 4 and additional armature stop 6. In a state between the closed state and the open state, axial play 101 corresponds to the combination of the gap present at this point in time between armature 4 and armature stop 5 and to the gap present at this point in time between armature 4 and additional armature stop 6.

[0036] Armature 4 includes an armature base body 40 having a first armature lining 41, armature stop 5 including a stop base body 50. In this configuration, first armature lining 41 is situated directly on armature base body 40 and has a lower hardness than armature stop 5, and armature base body 50. Armature stop 5 does not include a lining in this exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Armature 4 and armature stop 5 are contactable via first armature lining 41. This means that the hardness of first armature lining 41 is less than the hardness of the portion of armature stop 5, with which first armature lining 41 is contactable.

[0038] First armature lining 41 is, in particular, metallic. Alternatively, first armature lining 41 may be ceramic or made of plastic.

[0039] In addition, a hardness of first armature lining 41 is less than 100 HV, preferably less than 150 HV, particularly preferably less than 200 HV.

[0040] FIG. 2 is an enlarged representation of an area of solenoid valve 1 shown in FIG. 1. It is apparent from FIG. 2 that the harder profile of stop body 50 is formed essentially in the softer profile of first armature lining 41. Thus, the interlinking between armature base body 40 and stop base body 50 is achieved by the filling in of cavities via first armature lining 41.

[0041] In addition, a thickness d1 (FIG. 1) of first armature lining 41 is less than 80% of a height H1 of a maximum roughness peak of armature base body 40, height H1 of the maximum roughness peak being measured from a center line M1 of a roughness profile of armature base body 40 (FIG. 2).

[0042] Significant advantages result from the above described structure of armature 4 as well as of armature stop 5. Thus, the contacting surfaces of armature 4 and of armature stop 5 (i.e., first armature lining 41 and stop base body 50) become quickly aligned within the first thousand load changes, which results in excellent damping properties. At the same time, underlying armature base body 40 of armature 4 ensures wear protection, which protects armature 4 over the operating time. Thus, the change of the hydraulic damping takes place immediately at the outset of the operating time, which may also begin at the factory. A consistent behavior of solenoid valve 1 may thus also be guaranteed over long operating times. An undesirable post-injection due to a bounce-back of armature 4 against armature stop 5, in particular, is avoided.

[0043] FIG. 3 shows a solenoid valve 1 for controlling fluids according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Here, armature 4 includes a second armature lining 42 as compared to the first exemplary embodiment, which is situated between armature base body 40 and first armature lining 41. Second armature lining 42 exhibits a greater hardness than first armature lining 41.

[0045] Thickness d3 (FIG. 3) of first armature lining 41 is less than 80% of a height H1 of a maximum roughness peak of second armature lining 42, height H1 of the maximum roughness peak being measured from a center line M1 of a roughness profile of second armature lining 42 (reference numeral 42 placed in parentheses in FIG. 2).

[0046] In addition, a hardness of first armature lining 41 is less than 100 HV, preferably less than 150 HV, particularly preferably less than 200 HV and/or a hardness of second armature lining 42 is greater than 800 HV, preferably greater than 900 HV, particularly preferably greater than 1000 HV. The hardness of first armature lining 41 is, in particular, less than 200 HV and the hardness of second armature lining 42 is greater than 1000 HV.

[0047] FIG. 4 shows a solenoid valve 1 for controlling fluids according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] In addition to first armature lining 41 on armature base body 40 as in the first exemplary embodiment, here a stop lining 53 is situated directly on stop base body 50. Stop lining 53 in this case exhibits a greater hardness than first armature lining 41. Armature 4 and armature stop 5 are contactable to one another via first armature lining 41 and stop lining 53. First armature lining 41 and stop lining 53 are situated opposite one another.

[0049] FIG. 5 shows a solenoid valve 1 for controlling fluids according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Here, as in the second exemplary embodiment, two armature linings are provided, namely first armature lining 41 and second armature lining 42. In addition, stop lining 53 is situated on stop base body 50 as in the third exemplary embodiment.

[0051] A solenoid valve 1 for controlling fluids according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0052] Armature stop 5 includes a stop base body 50 having a first stop lining 51, which is situated directly on stop base body 50 and has a lower hardness than armature 4 or armature base body 40. In this case, no lining is provided on armature 4.

[0053] In addition, a thickness d2 (FIG. 6) of first stop lining 51 is less than 80% of a height H2 of a maximum roughness peak of stop base body 50, height H2 of the maximum roughness peak being measured from a center line M2 of a roughness profile of stop base body 50 (FIG. 7).

[0054] In addition a hardness of first stop lining 51 is less than 100 HV, preferably less than 150 HV, particularly preferably less than 200 HV.

[0055] FIG. 8 shows a solenoid valve 1 according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Here, stop body 5 further includes a second stop lining 52, which is situated between stop base body 50 and first stop lining 51. Second stop lining 52 exhibits a greater hardness than first stop lining 51.

[0057] Thickness d3 (FIG. 8) of first stop lining 51 is less than 80% of a height H2 of a maximum roughness peak of second stop lining 52, height H2 of the maximum roughness peak being measured from a center line M2 of a roughness profile of second stop lining 52 (reference numeral 52 placed in parentheses in FIG. 7).

[0058] In addition, a hardness of first stop lining 51 is less than 100 HV, preferably less than 150 HV, particularly preferably less than 200 HV and/or a hardness of second stop lining 52 is greater than 800 HV, preferably greater than 900 HV, particular preferably greater than 1000 HV. The hardness of first stop lining 51 is, in particular, less than 200 HV and the hardness of second stop lining 52 is greater than 1000 HV.

[0059] FIG. 9 shows a solenoid valve 1 according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Here, in addition to first stop lining 51 on stop basis body 50, an armature lining 43 is situated directly on armature base body 40. Armature lining 43 in this case exhibits a greater hardness than first stop lining 51.

[0061] FIG. 10 shows a solenoid valve 1 according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Here, two stop linings are provided, namely first stop lining 51 and second stop lining 52, second stop lining 52 being situated between first stop lining 51 and stop base body 50. Furthermore, armature lining 43 is mounted directly on armature base body 40.

[0063] In general, a solenoid valve is provided by the present invention, including a first component (armature or armature stop) and a second component (armature stop or armature), which are contactable with one another, the hardnesses of their surfaces contacting one another being different. This is achieved by providing a layer or lining on one of the components, which is softer than the opposing surface of the other component. With this structure, the surfaces contacting one another rapidly align with one another within the first thousand load changes, which results in excellent damping properties.

[0064] It is noted that the present invention has been explained with the aid of an inwardly opening valve. However, solenoid valve 1 may also be designed as an outwardly opening valve. In this case, the above described specific embodiments relate to additional armature stop 6 instead of armature stop 5 in terms of the stop linings and, in terms of the armature linings, if present, to the surface of armature 4 facing additional stop 6.