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A control valve for controlling fluid flow in a hydraulic control unit of a vehicular brake system includes a valve seat. A sleeve is mounted on the valve seat. An armature core is slidably received in the sleeve. The sleeve includes a first ferromagnetic portion adjacent the valve seat, a second fe

A control valve for controlling fluid flow in a hydraulic control unit of a vehicular brake system includes a valve seat. A sleeve is mounted on the valve seat. An armature core is slidably received in the sleeve. The sleeve includes a first ferromagnetic portion adjacent the valve seat, a second ferromagnetic portion, and an annular region defining an area of increased magnetic reluctance. A part of the first portion of the sleeve defines a radial magnetic pole for the generally radial flow of magnetic flux from the armature to the sleeve. A portion of the valve seat adjacent the armature defines an axial magnetic pole for the generally axial flow of magnetic flux from the armature to the valve seat. Together, the generally radial flow of flux and the generally axial flow of flux generate a force urging the armature from an open position toward a closed position when the coil is energized.

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1. A control valve for controlling fluid flow in a hydraulic control unit, said control valve comprising:a valve body, said valve body comprising a first body portion and a second body portion adjacent said first body portion, said second body portion having a bore formed therein, wherein said first

1. A control valve for controlling fluid flow in a hydraulic control unit, said control valve comprising:a valve body, said valve body comprising a first body portion and a second body portion adjacent said first body portion, said second body portion having a bore formed therein, wherein said first body portion comprises a valve seat, and said second body portion comprises a sleeve mounted on said valve seat, said sleeve having a first ferromagnetic portion adjacent said valve seat, a second ferromagnetic portion, and an annular region defining an area of increased magnetic reluctance between said first ferromagnetic portion and said second ferromagnetic portion of said sleeve, a stepped portion being formed on an inner surface of said sleeve; an armature slidably received in said bore of said second body portion, said armature comprising a first end, said first end of said armature providing a first generally radial flux flow path and at least one of a second generally radial flux flow path and a generally axial flux flow path, said first end of said armature comprising a stepped portion formed on an outer surface of said first end, said stepped portion of said first end of said armature being complementary to said stepped portion formed on said inner surface of said sleeve and comprising at least two steps, said stepped portion of said sleeve being adapted to receive said stepped portion of said armature, at least two steps of said stepped portion of said armature forming radial magnetic poles for the generally radial transmission of magnetic flux from each of said steps of said first end of said armature to respective associated steps of said stepped portion of said sleeve; and an electrical coil disposed about said valve body for selectively inducing a magnetic flux in said armature. 2. The control valve according to claim 1, said first end of said armature being adjacent said valve seat.3. The control valve according to claim 1, wherein at least part of said first portion adjacent said region of increased magnetic reluctance, said part of said first portion defining a radial magnetic pole for the generally radial transmission of magnetic flux along the first generally radial flow path from said armature to said sleeve, said armature comprising a body slidably received in said sleeve, at least a portion of said valve seat adjacent said first end of said armature defining an axial magnetic pole for the generally axial transmission of magnetic flux along the generally axial flow path from said first end of said armature to said valve seat.4. The control valve according to claim 3, wherein said annular region of increased magnetic reluctance comprises a portion of said sleeve in which a circumferentially extending groove is defined.5. The control valve according to claim 2, wherein said armature further comprises a second end axially opposite to said first end, said second end being formed of non-ferromagnetic material.6. The control valve according to claim 1, said armature being disposed at an extreme of travel away from said valve seat when said coil is deenergized such that said control valve is in an open position, said armature being disposed at an extreme of travel toward said valve seat when said coil is energized, such that said control valve is in a closed position.7. The control valve according to claim 1, including a spring engaging said armature to urge said armature away from said valve seat when said control valve is in an open position.8. The control valve according to claim 1, wherein said armature cooperating with said valve seat to block fluid flow through said control valve when said armature is in a closed position, fluid flow through said control valve not being blocked when said armature is in an open position, the flux flow through said first generally radial flux flow path and the flux flow through said generally axial flux flow path generating a force urging said armature from said open position toward said closed position when said coil is energized.9. The control valve according to claim 1, said first end of said armature being axially opposite said valve seat.10. The control valve according to claim 1, wherein said annular region of increased magnetic reluctance comprises a portion of said sleeve in which a circumferentially extending groove is defined.11. The control valve according to claim 1, said armature being disposed at an extreme of travel toward said first body portion when said coil is deenergized such that said control valve is in a closed position, said armature being disposed at an extreme of travel away from said valve seat when said coil is energized, such that said control valve is in an open position.12. The control valve according to claim 1, including a spring engaging said armature to urge said armature toward said valve seat when said control valve is in a closed position.13. The control valve according to claim 1, wherein said armature cooperating with said valve seat to block fluid flow through said control valve when said armature is in a closed position, fluid flow through said control valve not being blocked when said armature is in an open position, the flux flow through said first generally radial flux flow path and the flux flow through said second generally radial flux flow path generating a force urging said armature from said closed position toward said open position when said coil is energized.14. The control valve according to claim 9 wherein said sleeve having a first ferromagnetic portion adjacent said valve seat, a second ferromagnetic portion, and an annular region defining an area of increased magnetic reluctance between said first ferromagnetic portion and said second ferromagnetic portion of said sleeve, a stepped portion being formed on an inner surface of said sleeve, said first end of said armature comprising a recess, a stepped portion being formed on an inner surface of said recess, said stepped portion of said armature being complementary to said stepped portion formed on said inner surface of said sleeve and comprising at least two steps, said stepped portion of said armature being adapted to receive said stepped portion of said sleeve, at least two steps of said stepped portion of said armature forming radial magnetic poles for the generally radial transmission of magnetic flux from each of said steps of said first end of said armature to respective associated steps of said stepped portion of said sleeve.15. The control valve according to claim 14, wherein said annular region of increased magnetic reluctance comprises a portion of said sleeve in which a circumferentially extending groove is defined.16. The control valve according to claim 14, said armature being disposed at an extreme of travel toward said valve seat when said coil is deenergized such that said control valve is in a closed position, said armature being disposed at an extreme of travel away from said valve seat when said coil is energized, such that said control valve is in an open position.17. The control valve according to claim 14, including a spring engaging said armature to urge said armature toward said valve seat when said control valve is in a closed position.18. The control valve according to claim 14, wherein said armature cooperating with said valve seat to block fluid flow through said control valve when said armature is in a closed position, fluid flow through said control valve not being blocked when said armature is in an open position, the flux flow through said first generally radial flux flow path and the flux flow through said second generally radial flux flow path generating a force urging said armature from said closed position toward said open position when said coil is energized.19. A control valve for controlling fluid flow in a hydraulic control unit, said control valve comprising:a valve body, said valve body comprising a first body portion and a second body portion adjacent said first body portion, said second body portion having a bore formed therein, wherein said first body portion comprises a valve seat, and said second body portion comprises a sleeve mounted on said valve seat, said sleeve having a first ferromagnetic portion adjacent said valve seat, a second ferromagnetic portion, and an annular region defining an area of increased magnetic reluctance between said first ferromagnetic portion and said second ferromagnetic portion of said sleeve, a stepped portion being formed on an inner surface of said sleeve; an armature slidably received in said bore of said second body portion, said armature comprising a first end adjacent said first body portion, said first end of said armature providing a plurality of flux flow paths, said plurality of flux flow paths comprising a generally radial flux flow path and a generally axial flux flow path, said first end of said armature comprising a stepped portion formed on an outer surface of said first end, said stepped portion of said first end of said armature being complementary to said stepped portion formed on said inner surface of said sleeve and comprising at least two steps, said stepped portion of said sleeve being adapted to receive said stepped portion of said armature, at least two steps of said stepped portion of said armature forming radial magnetic poles for the generally radial transmission of magnetic flux from each of said steps of first end of said armature to respective associated steps of said stepped portion of said sleeve; and an electrical coil disposed about said valve body for selectively inducing a magnetic flux in said armature. 20. The control valve according to claim 19, wherein said sleeve having a first ferromagnetic portion adjacent said valve seat, a second ferromagnetic portion, and an annular region defining an area of increased magnetic reluctance between said first ferromagnetic portion and said second ferromagnetic portion of said sleeve, at least part of said first portion adjacent said region of increased magnetic reluctance, said part of said first portion defining a radial magnetic pole for the generally radial transmission of magnetic flux from said armature to said sleeve, said armature comprising a body slidably received in said sleeve, at least a portion of said valve seat adjacent said first end of said armature defining an axial magnetic pole for the generally axial transmission of magnetic flux from said first end of said armature to said valve seat.21. The control valve according to claim 20, wherein said annular region of increased magnetic reluctance comprises a portion of said sleeve in which a circumferentially extending groove is defined.22. The control valve according to claim 19, wherein said armature further comprises a second end axially opposite to said first end, said second end being formed of non-ferromagnetic material.23. The control valve according to claim 19, said armature being disposed at an extreme of travel away from said valve seat when said coil is deenergized such that said control valve is in an open position, said armature being disposed at an extreme of travel toward said valve seat when said coil is energized, such that said control valve is in a closed position.24. The control valve according to claim 19, including a spring engaging said armature to urge said armature away from said valve seat when said control valve is in an open position.25. The control valve according to claim 19, wherein said armature cooperating with said valve seat to block fluid flow through said control valve when said armature is in a closed position, fluid flow through said control valve not being blocked when said armature is in an open position, the flux flow through said first generally radial flux flow path and the flux flow through said generally axial flux flow path generating a force urging said armature from said open position toward said closed position when said coil is energized.26. A control valve for controlling fluid flow in a hydraulic control unit, said control valve comprising:a valve body, said valve body comprising a first body portion and a second body portion adjacent said first body portion, said second body portion having a bore formed therein, wherein said first body portion comprises a valve seat, and said second body portion comprises a sleeve mounted on said valve seat, said sleeve having a first ferromagnetic portion adjacent said valve seat, a second ferromagnetic portion, and an annular region defining an area of increased magnetic reluctance between said first ferromagnetic portion and said second ferromagnetic portion of said sleeve, a stepped portion being formed on an inner surface of said sleeve; an armature slidably received in said bore of said second body portion, said armature comprising a first end and a second end adjacent said first body portion, said first end of said armature providing a plurality of generally radial flux flow paths, said first end of said armature comprising a stepped portion formed on an outer surface of said first end, said stepped portion of said first end of said armature being complementary to said stepped portion formed on said inner surface of said sleeve and comprising at least two steps, said stepped portion of said sleeve being adapted to receive said stepped portion of said armature, at least two steps of said stepped portion of said armature forming radial magnetic poles for the generally radial transmission of magnetic flux from each of said steps of said first end of said armature to respective associated steps of said stepped portion of said sleeve; and an electrical coil disposed about said valve body for selectively inducing a magnetic flux in said armature. 27. The control valve according to claim 19, wherein said annular region of increased magnetic reluctance comprises a portion of said sleeve in which a circumferentially extending groove is defined.28. The control valve according to claim 26, said armature being disposed at an extreme of travel toward said valve seat when said coil is deenergized such that said control valve is in a closed position, said armature being disposed at an extreme of travel away from said valve seat when said coil is energized, such that said control valve is in an open position.29. The control valve according to claim 26, including a spring engaging said armature to urge said armature toward said valve seat when said control valve is in a closed position.30. The control valve according to claim 27, wherein said armature cooperating with said valve seat to block fluid flow through said control valve when said armature is in a closed position, fluid flow through said control valve not being blocked when said armature is in an open position, the flux flow through said first generally radial flux flow path and the flux flow through said second generally radial flux flow path generating a force urging said armature from said closed position toward said open position when said coil is energized.31. A control valve for controlling fluid flow in a hydraulic control unit, said control valve comprising:a valve body, said valve body comprising a first body portion, a second body portion adjacent said first body portion, a sleeve portion adjacent said second body portion, and a third body portion adjacent said sleeve portion, said second body portion and said sleeve portion having a bore formed therein, wherein said first body portion comprises a valve seat, said second body portion comprises an adapter mounted on said valve seat, said sleeve being mounted on said adapter, and said third body portion comprises a pole cap mounted on said sleeve, said sleeve being formed from a non-ferromagnetic material and defining a region of increased magnetic reluctance, a stepped portion being formed on an end surface of said pole cap; an armature slidably received in said bore of said sleeve portion and said second body portion, said armature comprising a first end, said first end of said armature providing at least two generally radial flux flow paths, said first end of said armature comprising a recess, a stepped portion being formed on an inner surface of said recess, said stepped portion of said armature being complementary to said stepped portion formed on said end surface of said pole cap and comprising at least two steps, said stepped portion of said armature being adapted to receive said stepped portion of said pole cap, at least two steps of said stepped portion of said armature forming radial magnetic poles for the generally radial transmission of magnetic flux alone said generally radial flow paths from each of said steps of said first end of said armature to respective associated steps of said stepped portion of said pole cap; and an electrical coil disposed about said valve body for selectively inducing a magnetic flux in said armature to urge movement of said armature. 32. The control valve according to claim 31, said first end of said armature being axially opposite said valve seat.33. The control valve according to claim 31, wherein said valve seat is received within a bore of said adapter.34. The control valve according to claim 31, wherein said adapter and said sleeve define a sub-assembly, said armature being slidably disposed in a bore of said sub-assembly, and said pole cap being received within a sleeve portion of said sub-assembly.35. The control valve according to claim 32, said armature being disposed at an extreme of travel away from said valve seat when said coil is deenergized such that said control valve is in an open position, said armature being disposed at an extreme of travel toward said valve seat when said coil is energized, such that said control valve is in a closed position.36. The control valve according to claim 32, including a spring engaging said armature to urge said armature away from said valve seat when said control valve is in an open position.37. The control valve according to claim 32, wherein said armature cooperating with said valve seat to block fluid flow through said control valve when said armature is in a closed position, fluid flow through said control valve not being blocked when said armature is in an open position, the flux flow through said generally radial flux flow paths generating a force urging said armature from said open position toward said closed position when said coil is energized.38. The control valve according to claim 32, said armature being disposed at an extreme of travel toward said valve seat when said coil is deenergized such that said control valve is in a closed position, said armature being disposed at an extreme of travel away from said valve seat when said coil is energized, such that said control valve is in an open position.39. The control valve according to claim 32, including a spring engaging said armature to urge said armature toward said valve seat when said control valve is in a closed position.40. The control valve according to claim 32, wherein said armature cooperating with said valve seat to block fluid flow through said control valve when said armature is in a closed position, fluid flow through said control valve not being blocked when said armature is in an open position, the flux flow through said generally radial flux flow paths generating a force urging said armature from said closed position toward said open position when said coil is energized.41. The control valve according to claim 32, wherein said armature includes a second end opposite said first end, said armature including a ball pressed into an axial bore formed in said second end of said armature.42. A control valve for controlling fluid flow in a hydraulic control unit, said control valve comprising:a valve body, said valve body comprising a valve seat, an adapter mounted on said valve seat, a sleeve mounted on said adapter, said adapter and said sleeve having a bore formed therein, and a pole cap mounted on said sleeve, said sleeve being formed from a non-ferromagnetic material and defining a region of increased magnetic reluctance, a stepped portion being formed on an end surface of said pole cap; an armature slidably received in said bore of said adapter and said sleeve, said armature comprising a first end, said first end of said armature being axially opposite said valve seat and providing at least two generally radial flux flow paths, said first end of said armature comprising a recess, a stepped portion being formed on an inner surface of said recess, said stepped portion of said armature being complementary to said stepped portion formed on said end surface of said pole cap and comprising at least two steps, said stepped portion of said armature being adapted to receive said stepped portion of said pole cap, at least two steps of said stepped portion of said armature forming radial magnetic poles for the generally radial transmission of magnetic flux along said generally radial flow paths from each of said steps of said first end of said armature to respective associated steps of said stepped portion of said pole cap; and an electrical coil disposed about said valve body for selectively inducing a magnetic flux in said armature to urge movement of said armature. 43. The control valve according to claim 32, wherein said valve seat is received within a bore of said adapter.44. The control valve according to claim 32, wherein said adapter and said sleeve define a sub-assembly, said armature being slidably disposed in a bore of said sub-assembly, and said pole cap being received within a sleeve portion of said sub-assembly.