Claims
- 1. A solenoid assembly for controlling flow of hydraulic fluid from an engine to an electronic engine temperature control valve, the solenoid assembly comprising:a housing adapted to be mounted to an engine, the housing including first and second fluid channels formed in the housing and spaced axially apart from one another, the first fluid channel adapted to communicate with a high pressure hydraulic fluid source in the engine, the second fluid channel adapted to communicate with a hydraulic fluid return in the engine which is in fluid communication with a hydraulic fluid reservoir; the first and second fluid channels communicating with an internal cavity within the housing; a fluid outlet port formed in the housing and adapted to be connected to an external fluid line; and a three-way solenoid valve, engaged with the housing, the solenoid valve having a port housing located within the cavity, the port housing having an outer wall located within the cavity and an interior, the port housing including a first port formed in the port housing and extending into the port housing from the outer wall, the first port being located at a position on the port housing so as to be in fluid communication with the first fluid channel, a second port formed in the port housing and extending into the port housing from the outer wall, the second port being located at a position on the port housing so as to be in fluid communication with the second fluid channel, and a third port formed in the port housing and extending into the port housing from the outer wall, the second port being located at a position on the port housing so as to be in fluid communication with the fluid outlet port, the third port being in fluid communication with the first and second ports through the interior of the port housing, the solenoid valve adapted to receive electrical signals for controlling flow through the ports.
- 2. A solenoid assembly according to claim 1 wherein the cavity is centrally located within the housing and wherein the first and second fluid channels and the fluid outlet port extend substantially radially outwardly from the cavity.
- 3. A solenoid assembly according to claim 1 wherein the three-way solenoid valve includes at least two operating positions, the first position permitting hydraulic fluid flow into the first port and out of the third port; and the second position permitting hydraulic fluid flow into the third port and out of the second port.
- 4. A solenoid assembly according to claim 3 wherein the port housing has a longitudinal axis and wherein the ports are spaced axially along the longitudinal axis of the port housing; wherein the three-way solenoid valve further includes seals located between adjacent ports and spaced axially along the longitudinal axis of the port housing, the seals forming a fluid seal between the port housing and the housing so as to prevent the passage of hydraulic fluid between adjacent ports.
- 5. A solenoid assembly according to claim 4 wherein the housing is adapted to be mounted to an engine block.
- 6. A solenoid assembly according to claim 4 wherein the three-way solenoid is removably mounted to the housing.
- 7. A solenoid assembly for controlling flow of hydraulic fluid from an engine to an electronic engine temperature control valve, the solenoid assembly comprising:a housing adapted to be mounted to an engine, the housing including a central cavity; a first fluid channel formed in the housing and adapted to channel high pressure hydraulic fluid from the engine to the central cavity; a second fluid channel formed in the housing and adapted to channel low pressure hydraulic fluid from the central cavity to the engine, the second fluid channel being spaced axially apart from the first fluid channel; a fluid outlet port formed in the housing and extending outward from the central cavity, the fluid outlet port adapted to be connected to an external fluid line; and a three-way solenoid valve, removably attached to the housing, the three-way solenoid valve having a port housing disposed within the central cavity, the port housing having an outer wall located within the cavity and an interior, the port housing including a first port formed in the port housing and extending into the port housing from the outer wall, the first port being located at a position on the port housing so as to be in fluid communication with the first fluid channel, a second port formed in the port housing and extending into the port housing from the outer wall, the second port being located at a position on the port housing so as to be in fluid communication with the second fluid channel, and a third port formed in the port housing and extending into the port housing from the outer wall, the third port being located at a position on the port housing so as to be in fluid communication with the fluid outlet port, the third port being in fluid communication with the first and second ports through the interior of the port housing, the solenoid valve adapted to receive electrical signals for controlling flow through the ports.
- 8. A solenoid assembly according to claim 7 wherein the first and second fluid channels and the fluid outlet port extend substantially radially outwardly from the cavity.
- 9. A solenoid assembly according to claim 7 wherein the three-way solenoid valve includes at least two operating positions, the first position permitting hydraulic fluid flow into the first port and out of the third port; and the second position permitting hydraulic fluid flow into the third port and out of the second port.
- 10. A solenoid assembly according to claim 9 wherein the port housing has a longitudinal axis and wherein the ports are spaced axially along the longitudinal axis of the port housing; wherein the three-way solenoid valve further includes seals located between adjacent ports and spaced axially along the longitudinal axis of the port housing, the seals forming a fluid seal between the port housing and the housing so as to prevent the passage of hydraulic fluid between adjacent ports.
- 11. A solenoid assembly according to claim 10 wherein the housing is adapted to be mounted to an engine block.
RELATED APPLICATION
This application is related to and claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/186,120, filed Mar. 1, 2000.
US Referenced Citations (3)
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
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60/186120 |
Mar 2000 |
US |