Solenoid actuated valve

• US 5,464,191 A
• Filed: 01/06/1994
• Issued: 11/07/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 01/06/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Envirovac, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Envirovac, Inc.
• Inventors: Shenk, David
• Primary Examiner(s): RIVELL, JOHN A
• Application Number:
  US08/178,523
• Time in Patent Office: 670 Days
• Field of Search: 251/368, 251/129.21, 251/129.15
• US Class Current: 251/129.21
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/02 Toilet fittings of general application A47K
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/0651 the fluid passing through the solenoid coil
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/0655 Lift valves

Abstract

A solenoid actuated valve for controlling flow of fluid through a bore defined by a tube comprises an armature fitted slidably in the bore for displacement therein under solenoid control. The armature comprises a generally cylindrical magnetic body that is a clearance fit in the bore, and a glide pad carried by the magnetic body for guiding movement of the magnetic body relative to the tube and preventing direct sliding contact therebetween.

Claims

1. A solenoid actuated valve for controlling supply of water from a potable water system of a transport vehicle to a toilet bowl installed in the vehicle, said valve comprising:

a tube member that is made of corrosion-resistant metal and defines a passage, said tube member being part of a housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening and the passage defined by the tube member extending from the inlet opening to the outlet opening,

an armature fitted slidably in the passage for displacement therein under solenoid control, the armature being tubular and comprising a generally cylindrical magnetic member that is made of passivated stainless steel and is a clearance fit in the passage, and

a glide means carried by at least one of said members for guiding movement of the magnetic member relative to the tube member and preventing direct metal-to-metal contact therebetween, the glide means comprising at least one solid glide member made of a material that is dimensionally stable in water, provides a low friction bearing surface, is wear resistant, and does not support growth of fungus or bacteria,

an actuator tube fitted within the passage between the armature and the inlet opening and slidable in the passage between a first position, in which the valve is open and water that enters the housing by way of the inlet opening flows through the actuator tube and the tubular armature toward the outlet opening, and a second position, in which the valve is closed, and wherein when the solenoid is energized, the armature engages the actuator tube and urges the actuator tube toward its first position,

a first spring urging the actuator tube toward the second position,

a magnetic armature stop fitted inside the tube member between the armature and the inlet opening for limiting movement of the armature toward the inlet opening and forming part of a magnetic circuit containing the armature,

a second spring urging the armature away from the armature stop, and

a means forming a gad of high magnetic reluctance in the magnetic circuit when the armature engages the armature stop, whereby when the solenoid is de-energized the second spring is able to force the armature away from the armature stop.

2. A valve according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic member is formed with first and second peripheral grooves spaced apart therealong and the glide means comprises first and second glide rings fitted in the first and second grooves respectively.

3. A valve according to claim 1, wherein the glide means comprises at least one ring formed of a composite PTFE material.

4. A valve according to claim 3, wherein the glide ring is formed of a glass filled PTFE material.

5. A valve according to claim 3, wherein the glide ring is formed of a graphite filled PTFE material.

6. A solenoid actuated valve for controlling flow of fluid through a passage defined by a tube member that is part of a housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and wherein the passage defined by the tube member extends from the inlet opening to the outlet opening, said valve comprising:

a tubular armature fitted slidably in the passage for displacement therein under solenoid control, the armature comprising a generally cylindrical magnetic member that is made of passivated stainless steel and is a clearance fit in the passage, and a glide means carried by at least one of said members for guiding movement of the magnetic member relative to the tube member and preventing direct sliding contact therebetween,

an actuator tube fitted within the passage between the armature and the inlet opening and slidable in the passage between a first position, in which the valve is open and fluid that enters the housing by way of the inlet opening flows through the actuator tube and the tubular armature toward the outlet opening, and a second position, in which the valve is closed, and wherein when the solenoid is energized, the armature engages the actuator tube and urges the actuator tube toward its first position,

a first spring urging the actuator tube toward the second position,

a magnetic armature stop fitted inside the tube member between the armature and the inlet opening for limiting movement of the armature toward the inlet opening and forming part of a magnetic circuit containing the armature,

a second spring urging the armature away from the armature stop, and

a means forming a gap of high magnetic reluctance in the magnetic circuit when the armature engages the armature stop, whereby when the solenoid is de-energized the second spring is able to force the armature away from the armature stop.