Electromechanical solenoid valve with ratchet system for positioning the coil assembly

Claim 1

An electromechanical valve assembly for control of fluid flow comprising: an electrical winding having an axial length; a magnetic flux circuit for said winding defining a flux path comprising a plurality of adjacent magnetic segments, including a generally cylindrical body segment extending within a portion of said axial length and an armature member disposed within a portion of said axial length; said armature being fixedly connected to a metering rod member, said metering rod member being located within at least a portion of said cylindrical body segment; a casing assembly enclosing said electrical winding, said casing assembly being operatively disposed adjacent to said cylindrical body segment, said casing assembly having a plurality of retention sockets located thereon; a ratchet disc member being operatively disposed between said casing assembly and said cylindrical segment; said ratchet disc member having a plurality of extended members operatively positioned for receiving said retention sockets; and, spring means positioned for operatively biasing said casing assembly in a direction toward said ratchet disc member; rotation of said casing assembly being effective to position said extension members within said retention sockets; energization of said winding causing movement of said armature for variation of the position of said metering rod member to alter fluid flow through the valve assembly.