Solenoid actuated valve device

Abstract

A solenoid actuated valve device for controlling the flow of fluid comprising a body having an inlet port, a first outlet port, a second outlet port, and a bore for fluid communication with the inlet and first outlet ports at one end thereof and for fluid communication with the second outlet port at the other end thereof. A magnetic hollow tubular core is axially mounted within the bore for dividing the bore into an annular outer chamber, a first inner chamber and a second inner chamber communicating among the inlet port, first outlet port and second outlet port, respectively, and the core has first and second apertures for fluid communication between the outer chamber and first and second inner chambers, respectively. A non-magnetic bobbin, having a valve and at least two radially outwardly extending and circumferentially spacing projections, is slidably mounted on an outer periphery of the core to control the effective open areas of the first and second apertures, the projections defining a first series of fluid passages therebetween for decreasing the dynamic fluid pressure axially acting thereon. Springs are seated at one end thereof against the projections of the bobbin for biasing the bobbin to a position wherein the valve closes the first aperture and opens the second aperture. A solenoid coil is wound on said bobbin, and permanent magnets are secured in the body so that the magnetic flux thereof intersects the winding of the solenoid coil at right angles thereto. An electromagnet defines a magnetic circuit with the core and the permanent magnets to provide a magnetic force causing the bobbin to move axially against the springs when electric current passes through the solenoid coil.