ELECTROMECHANICAL SOLENOID WITH ARMATURE HAVING CROSS-SECTIONAL SHAPE THAT RESTRICTS ARMATURE ROTATION
FIG4 is a schematic view of an example solenoid switch 
FIG4 is a schematic view of an example electromechanical solenoid which is a solenoid switch 210. Like the solenoid valve 10, the solenoid switch 210 includes a housing 216 that includes an inner wall 218 that has an inner surface 219 and defines an internal cavity 220. The armature 222 is movable along longitudinal axis A to connect and disconnect electric contacts 270, 272 from each other. In particular, the armature 222 is movable between a first position shown in FIG4 in which the electrically conductive plate 260 is spaced apart from electrical contacts 270, 272 and the electrical contacts 270, 272 are electrically disconnected from each other to a second position (not shown) in which the armature moves in direction D1, and causes the electrically conductive plate 260 to contact and electrically connect each of the electrical contacts 270, 272. A spring 236 provides a bias force that biases the armature 222 in direction D2 towards the first position. When the winding 224 is energized, the electromagnetic field of the winding 224 provides a force in a direction D1 that is opposite D2. The force of the electromagnetic field resists the bias force, and moves the armature 222 to the second position (not shown), which compresses the spring 36. When the winding 224 is no longer energized, the magnetic field diminishes and the armature 224 returns to the first position of FIG4.
schematic view
24
winding
210
solenoid switch
236
spring
216
housing
218
inner wall
222
armature
220
internal cavity
231
shaft
270
contacts
240
guide shaft
260
electrically conductive plate
224
winding
['1. An electromechanical solenoid comprising: a wall (18) defining an internal cavity (20); an armature (22) situated within the internal cavity and extending along a longitudinal axis; and a winding (24) disposed radially outward of the wall and at least partially surrounding the armature, the winding configured to provide an electromagnetic field when the winding is energized that moves the armature along the longitudinal axis within the cavity; a cross section of the armature perpendicular to the longitudinal axis having a shape that restricts rotation of the armature about the longitudinal axis within the cavity.', '2. The electromechanical solenoid of claim 1 comprising: a spring (36) that provides a bias force that biases the armature in a first direction along the longitudinal axis and maintains the armature in a first position when the winding is non-energized; wherein when the winding is energized, the electromagnetic field provides a force that resists the bias force and moves the armature along the longitudinal axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction to a second position.', '4. The electromechanical solenoid of claim 2, wherein the wall is part of a valve housing (16) having an inlet (12) and an outlet (14), and wherein one of the first and second positions provides a greater degree of fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet than the other of the first and second positions.', '6. The electromechanical solenoid of claim 2, comprising: first and second switch terminals (26A, B); and an electrically conductive member (260) mounted to the armature; wherein in one of the first and second positions the electrically conductive member contacts and electrically connects the first and second switch terminals, and in the other of the first and second positions the electrically conductive member is spaced apart from and electrically disconnects the first and second switch terminals.', '7. The electromechanical solenoid of any preceding claim, comprising: a housing (16) within which the armature and winding are disposed; and a guide shaft (31) extending from the housing into a longitudinal passage in the armature, the guide shaft guiding movement of the armature along the longitudinal axis.']