CN218509566U - Engine safety valve subassembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An engine safety valve subassembly includes a housing, a one-way valve mechanism, and a check valve. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet. A one-way valve mechanism is positioned along the inlet and configured to regulate fluid flow into the housing through the inlet. A check valve is positioned along the outlet and configured to regulate fluid flow out of the housing.

Description

Engine safety valve subassembly

technical field

The present application relates generally to relief valve subassemblies for use in fluid filter assemblies.

Background technique

To regulate pressure within the engine assembly, a valve subassembly may be attached to the engine assembly, wherein the valve subassembly is configured to relieve excess pressure from the engine assembly. However, in such systems, contaminants may flow back into the valve subassembly (backflow), which may degrade the performance of both the valve subassembly and the engine assembly.

Utility model content

Various embodiments provide an engine relief valve subassembly that includes a housing, a one-way valve mechanism, and a check valve. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet. A one-way valve mechanism is positioned along the inlet and is configured to regulate fluid flow into the housing through the inlet. A check valve is positioned along the outlet and is configured to at least partially prevent fluid from entering the housing through the outlet.

In some embodiments, the housing includes a first platform defining the inlet and a second platform defining the outlet.

In some embodiments, the first platform is axially offset from the second platform.

In some embodiments, the first platform and the second platform are approximately perpendicular to each other.

In some embodiments, the housing includes a base and a cap (cap), the base extending axially between a first base end and a second base end, wherein the cap extends along the first base end and the second base end. The base forms a seal.

In some embodiments, the inlet is axially closer to the cap and the first base end than the outlet.

In some embodiments, the first platform is axially closer to the cap than the second platform.

In some embodiments, the one-way valve mechanism is a disc valve mechanism comprising a disc assembly and a biasing member.

In some embodiments, the cap includes a stop that limits movement of the disc assembly of the disc valve mechanism.

In some embodiments, the housing includes an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the first platform is circumferentially surrounded by the inner wall, and the second platform is positioned radially between the inner wall and the outer wall.

In some embodiments, the inner wall defines at least one gap that allows fluid to flow through the inner wall from the inlet to the outlet.

In some embodiments, the at least one gap extends axially between the top surface of the first platform and the top end of the inner wall.

In some embodiments, the housing defines a step extending axially between a base of the at least one gap and a top surface of the second platform, wherein the base of the at least one gap is the The end of at least one gap axially closest to the first platform.

In some embodiments, the housing includes an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the first platform and the second platform are radially aligned with each other and positioned radially between the inner wall and the outer wall.

In some embodiments, the housing includes an inner wall and an outer wall positioned radially outward of the inner wall, wherein the first platform is positioned within the inner wall and the outer wall defines the second platform.

In some embodiments, the one-way valve mechanism comprises a disc valve mechanism comprising a disc assembly and a biasing member, the disc assembly comprising a disc and a gasket, wherein the disc is co-coated with the gasket Molding (overmold).

In some embodiments, the engine relief valve subassembly further includes a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure within the housing.

Various other embodiments provide an engine relief valve subassembly that includes a housing and a check valve mechanism. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet. A one-way valve mechanism is positioned along the inlet and is configured to regulate fluid flow into the housing through the inlet. The one-way valve mechanism includes a disc valve mechanism including a disc assembly and a biasing member. The disk assembly includes a disk and a gasket, with the disk being overmolded with the gasket.

In some embodiments, the engine safety valve subassembly further includes a filter media covering the outlet.

In some embodiments, the engine safety valve subassembly further includes a check valve positioned along the outlet, the check valve configured to at least partially prevent fluid from entering the housing through the outlet.

These and other features, as well as their organization and manner of operation, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements bear like numerals throughout the several figures described below.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a crankcase ventilation (CV) system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of engine blowby gas flowing through a portion of the CV system of FIG. 1 .

3 is a cross-sectional view of a relief valve subassembly of the CV system of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment.

4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the relief valve subassembly of FIG. 3 .

5A is a cross-sectional view of a check valve that may be used within the relief valve subassembly of FIG. 4 according to another embodiment.

5B is a cross-sectional perspective view of a check valve that may be used within the relief valve subassembly of FIG. 4 according to yet another embodiment.

6 is a side view of a check valve that may be used within the relief valve subassembly of FIG. 4 according to another embodiment.

7 is a cross-sectional view of a relief valve subassembly that may be used within the CV system of FIG. 2 according to another embodiment.

8 is a cross-sectional view of a relief valve subassembly that may be used within the CV system of FIG. 2 according to yet another embodiment.

9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a relief valve subassembly that may be used within the CV system of FIG. 2 according to yet other embodiments.

10A is a cross-sectional view of another relief valve subassembly that may be used within the CV system of FIG. 1 .

10B is a cross-sectional view of the relief valve subassembly of FIG. 10A.

Detailed ways

Referring generally to the drawings, various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a relief valve subassembly that relieves pressure from an engine component. The safety valve subassembly includes a check valve to prevent the flow of contaminants through the outlet back into the engine assembly. Additionally, the safety valve subassembly includes a disc valve mechanism including a disc and a gasket. A gasket is overmolded onto the disc to form a safety seal with the housing of the relief valve subassembly in the closed position.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a crankcase ventilation (CV) system 100 . CV system 100 includes air filter 110, turbocharger 115, intake manifold 130, engine assembly 140 (which includes engine 142 and valve cover 146), CV separator 150 (which may be an electrically driven rotary crankcase vent (eRCV)) and safety valve subassembly 20. The fluid flows through air filter 110 to be filtered, and then flows through turbocharger 115 and into intake manifold 130 . Fluid then flows into engine assembly 140 by first flowing into engine 142 and then optionally through valve cover 146 . Fluid (eg, engine blowby gas) then flows from engine assembly 140 (eg, from valve cover 146 or engine 142 ) into CV separator 150 and then returns to turbocharger 115 . According to one embodiment, valve cover 146 may optionally be a threaded oil cap.

FIG. 2 shows an example of how engine blowby gas 22 flows through a portion of CV system 100 under normal conditions. Specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates engine blowby gas 22 flowing from engine assembly 140 (particularly from valve cover 146 ) and through inlet pipe 153 of CV separator 150 . Inlet pipe 153 directs engine blow-by gas 22 into CV separator 150 . Engine blowby gas 22 flows from CV separator 150 through outlet pipe 154 of CV separator 150 and from CV separator 150 (via outlet pipe 154 ) into turbocharger 115 or out into turbocharger 115 .

The outlet or flow path of engine assembly 140 (to CV separator 150 ) may become blocked for various reasons. For example, if the engine assembly 140 is cleaned with water or painted after the entire engine assembly 140 has been assembled, or if a mixture of oil emulsion and ice creates a blockage within the CV system 100 due to fluid freezing, the engine assembly 140 and/or the CV are separated The outlet (or flow path) of the vessel 150 can become clogged with various contaminants such as water, mud, ice or paint. When the outlet of the engine assembly 140 is blocked, the pressure within the engine assembly 140 generated by the engine blowby gas 22 will build up inside the engine assembly 140 (particularly within the engine 142) when the engine assembly 140 is running. . Thus, instead of exhausting exhaust from the engine assembly 140 to the CV separator 150 (and to the turbocharger 115 ), pressure builds up in the engine assembly 140 . Once the pressure in engine assembly 140 reaches a threshold pressure, engine blowby gas 22 opens relief valve subassembly 20, and relief valve subassembly 20 provides alternate and additional (or secondary) flow out of engine assembly 140 path. In particular, at a certain pressure threshold, engine blowby gas 22 is vented to atmosphere through relief valve subassembly 20 (from engine assembly 140 ), as shown in FIGS. 3-4 .

The relief valve subassembly 20 is configured to control and relieve pressure within the engine assembly 140 (ie, engine crankcase pressure) and not become plugged when the engine assembly 140 becomes plugged. For example, relief valve subassembly 20 is not affected by cleaning or painting procedures that may clog engine assembly 140 . The relief valve subassembly 20 is configured to control and relieve engine crankcase pressure, particularly when the outlet of the engine assembly 140 or the CV separator 150 is blocked. Otherwise, high pressure within engine assembly 140 , particularly inside valve cover 146 , could damage engine assembly 140 (eg, damage the engine's seals) and cause leaks. Safety valve subassembly 20 allows engine blowby gases 22 to be released to the atmosphere, thereby reducing any excessive pressure build-up within engine assembly 140 .

3-4 illustrate the relief valve subassembly 20 attached to the valve cover 146 of the engine assembly 140 . The safety valve subassembly 20 is configured to receive fluid (eg, oil, water, and engine blowby gas 22 ) from the engine assembly 140 . Fluid, such as engine blowby gas 22 , flows from valve cover 146 and through relief valve subassembly 20 , and is then released to the atmosphere. Except as otherwise indicated herein, relief valve subassembly 20 includes all other features, components, and configurations of relief valve subassemblies 120, 220, and 320, as further described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 3-4 , the safety valve subassembly 20 includes a housing 30 , a one-way valve mechanism 250 (which may be a disc valve mechanism 50 ) and a check valve 70 . As further described herein, one-way valve mechanism 250 (eg, disc valve mechanism 50 ) and check valve 70 operate to control fluid flow into and out of safety valve subassembly 20 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , housing 30 includes a base 36 and a cover or cap 46 . The base 36 and cap 46 are two separate components that can be attached together and form a seal therebetween. The base 36 and cap 46 are constructed and attached together in such a way that fluid does not flow between the base 36 and the cap 46 . However, according to another embodiment, base 36 and cap 46 may be constructed as a single-piece, such that housing 30 comprises a single integral component that cannot be separated without destruction. For example, cap 46 may form an upper wall of housing 30 .

The base 36 extends axially between two axial ends, ie, a first (upper) base end 37 and a second (lower) base end 38 . Cap 46 forms a seal with base 36 along first base end 37 such that fluid does not flow between cap 46 and base 36 . In particular, the cap 46 is positioned along and closes the first base end 37 .

The cap 46 includes a stop 48 extending axially from an inner surface of the cap 46 (which faces the base 36 ) in an axial direction towards the base 36 . The stop 48 is radially aligned with the center of the disc 54 (as further described herein) to limit movement of the disc assembly 52 of the disc valve mechanism 50 . In particular, the stop 48 limits the distance that the disk assembly 52 can move axially relative to the housing 30 and away from the first platform 31 of the housing 30 . In the closed position, the stop 48 is axially disengaged from the disc assembly 52 to allow the disc assembly 52 to move to the open position. In the open position, the stop 48 contacts the disk assembly 52 or is at least axially closer to the disk assembly 52 (compared to the closed position).

The base 36 of the housing 30 also includes a radially inner base wall 41 (ie, an inner wall) and a radially outer base wall 42 (ie, an outer wall) concentric with each other and each extending axially along the axial length of the base 36 . The outer wall 42 is positioned radially outside the inner wall 41 and surrounds the inner wall 41 circumferentially. Inner wall 41 and outer wall 42 are radially spaced from each other to allow fluid flow therebetween, and inner wall 41 is open to allow fluid flow within the area defined and surrounded by inner wall 41 .

The inner wall 41 includes a connection portion or connector 43 (along the second base end 38 ) configured to connect to the motor assembly 140 . For example, the connector 43 may be a threaded portion along the outer surface of the inner wall 41 .

The base 36 of the housing 30 includes a first wall or platform 31 and a second wall or platform 32 each extending along a radially extending plane. The first platform 31 and the second platform 32 are axially offset from each other by an axial distance. In particular, the first platform 31 is axially closer to the cap 46 and the first base end 37 than the second platform 32 , and is axially further from the second base end 38 . The top surface of each of the first platform 31 and the second platform 32 refers to the inner surface of the first platform 31 and the second platform 32 facing the cap 46 and facing the first base end 37 .

According to one embodiment, the first platform 31 is positioned within the inner wall 41 and is circumferentially surrounded by the inner wall 41, and the second platform 32 is positioned radially between the inner wall 41 and the outer wall 42 (and radially between the inner wall 41 and the outer wall 42 extend). Thus, the first platform 31 is positioned radially inward from the second platform 32 .

The base 36 of the housing 30 also includes an inlet 33 and at least one discharge port or outlet 34 . An inlet 33 is positioned on, extends through and is defined by the first platform 31 , and an outlet 34 is positioned on, extends through and is defined by the second platform 32 . In particular, the first platform 31 of the housing 30 defines an aperture as an inlet 33 and the second platform 32 of the housing 30 defines at least one aperture, each aperture defining an outlet 34 . Thus, the inlet 33 is axially closer to the cap 46 and first base end 37 than the outlet 34 is, and axially farther from the second base end 38 .

Due to the positioning of the first platform 31 , fluid flowing through the inlet 33 (which extends through the first platform 31 ) and through the disc valve mechanism 50 flows in an axial direction towards the cap 46 . The fluid then changes direction along the lower surface of cap 46 (as the fluid flows radially outward) and flows in the opposite axial direction toward outlet 34 .

According to various embodiments, housing 30 may have a plurality of outlets 34 . For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the housing 30 includes two outlets 34 positioned on opposite or substantially opposite sides of the housing 30 (and on opposite sides of the inner wall 41 ) from each other.

To allow fluid to flow from inlet 33 to outlet 34 , inner wall 41 of housing 30 defines at least one gap 44 that allows fluid (eg, oil and water) to drain from the area surrounding inlet 33 and flow from inlet 33 to outlet 34 . The direction of flow through the inner wall 41 flows to the area defined by the step (step) 45 (further described below). Gap 44 extends radially through inner wall 41 and axially along at least a portion of the length of inner wall 41 (in the axial region between first platform 31 and first base end 37 (and cap 46 )). Optionally, a gap 44 may extend axially between the top surface of first platform 31 (which faces cap 46 and first base end 37 ) and the top end of inner wall 41 (along first base end 37 ). However, according to various embodiments, the gap 44 may be axially spaced from the top surface of the first platform 31 such that a portion of the inner wall 41 is located axially between the gap 44 and the top surface of the first platform 31 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the inner wall 41 defines a plurality of gaps 44 spaced apart from each other about the circumference of the inner wall 41 . The gap 44 is positioned between the segments of the inner wall 41 surrounding the first platform 31 .

To allow fluid (eg, oil and water) to be stored within housing 30 without disrupting the function of safety valve subassembly 20, base 36 of housing 30 defines a step 45 at the bottom or base of gap 44 to the first The top surfaces of the two platforms 32 extend axially between them. The bottom or base of the gap 44 refers to the end of the gap 44 that is axially closest to the first platform 31 . According to various embodiments (for example, if the gap 44 extends between the top surface of the first platform 31 and the top end of the inner wall 41, or if there is no inner wall 41), the stepped portion 45 is between the top surface of the first platform 31 and the second Platforms 32 extend axially between top surfaces. According to various other embodiments (eg, if there is no gap 44 ), the step 45 extends axially between the top surface of the inner wall 41 and the top surface of the second platform 32 .

The stepped portion 45 provides an area for fluid (eg, oil and water) to drain (as the fluid flows from the inlet 33 to the outlet 34 ) and be stored therein before being discharged through the outlet 34 . The step 45 also prevents fluid from flowing in the opposite direction from the area around the outlet 34 back to the area around the inlet 33 . Otherwise, fluids (eg, oil and water) may affect the performance of the disc valve mechanism 50 without the stepped portion 45 . For example, without the step 45, fluid may accumulate around the disc assembly 52 (i.e., in the area surrounding the inlet 33), and when the fluid freezes into ice (e.g., in winter), the fluid may freeze the disc assembly 52 52 freezes to the housing 30 and causes the disk assembly 52 to become immovable.

Disc valve mechanism 50 is positioned within housing 30 to allow fluid flow through inlet 33 in one direction (ie, in the direction into housing 30 ). The disc valve mechanism 50 may also be referred to as a valve mechanism or a one-way valve mechanism. Disc valve mechanism 50 is positioned along inlet 33 to regulate fluid flow into housing 30 through inlet 33 (and prevent backflow of fluid out of housing 30 through inlet 33). As further described herein, disc valve mechanism 50 allows fluid to flow into housing 30 only when the fluid reaches a certain pressure.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the disc valve mechanism 50 includes a disc assembly 52 and a biasing member 58 (in the form of a spring, such as a coil spring in certain embodiments). Disc valve mechanism 50 is movable between a closed position (in which fluid cannot flow through inlet 33 , as shown in FIG. 4 ) and an open position (in which fluid can flow through inlet 33 and into the interior of housing 30 ). The disk valve mechanism 50 is positioned on and above the first platform 31 and thus in the central area of the housing 30 . However, the disk valve mechanism 50 may be positioned in other areas within the housing 30 as described further herein.

The tray assembly 52 is positioned along the first platform 31 and closes the inlet 33 in the closed position. Accordingly, disc assembly 52 is the same size as or larger than inlet 33 to close off inlet 33 and prevent fluid flow through inlet 33 . At least the disk 54 of the disk assembly 52 is positioned within the housing 30 (on the downstream side of the inlet 33). Since the disc assembly 52 is the same size as or larger than the inlet 33 , the disc assembly 52 cannot move rearwardly through the inlet 33 . Thus, fluid can only flow in one direction (ie, into the housing 30 ) through the inlet 33 .

Disk assembly 52 includes disk 54 and gasket 56 . Disk 54 provides structure and rigidity to disk assembly 52 (to close inlet 33 and provide a rigid surface to interact with biasing member 58). The upper surface of disc 54 interacts with the lower end of biasing member 58 and faces cap 46 and first base end 37 . The lower surface of the disc 54 interacts with the incoming fluid and faces the top surface of the first platform 31 .

Gasket 56 allows disc assembly 52 to form a seal with the top surface of first platform 31 , which prevents leakage (especially during vibrations of engine assembly 140 ). In particular, in the closed position, the biasing member 58 presses against the top of the disc 54 , which causes the disc 54 to press the gasket 56 against the top surface of the first platform 31 . Gasket 56 is positioned along at least the lower surface of disc 54 and is configured to form a seal with the top surface of first platform 31 (in the closed position) to prevent leakage of fluid through inlet 33 when in the closed position. Gasket 56 may alternatively be constructed of silicone or rubber.

In certain embodiments, disc 54 is overmolded and integrated with the material of gasket 56 to form gasket 56 . This configuration ensures that the disc 54 and gasket 56 are securely attached together and that the disc assembly 52 forms and maintains a strong seal with the first platform 31 in the closed position, particularly during engine vibrations. For example, disc 54 may include a plurality of holes through which gasket 56 may extend and be formed within for secure attachment to disc 54 .

Biasing member 58 extends between an upper surface of disc 54 and a lower surface of cap 46 (with the lower surface of cap 46 facing the interior of housing 30 ). The biasing member 58 is configured to press the disc assembly 52 against the top surface of the first platform 31 to form a seal between the disc assembly 52 and the top surface of the first platform 31 in the closed position. In embodiments where the biasing member 58 is a coil spring, the biasing member 58 is compressible under certain pressure of incoming fluid pressing against the lower surface of the disc 54 to allow the disc valve mechanism 50 to move to the open position. In order to compress the biasing member 58 , the pressure of the engine blowby gas 22 within the engine assembly 140 must exceed a predetermined value (such as, for example, only 6.5 kilopascals (kPa)).

In the closed position, the biasing member 58 extends (as opposed to in the open position) and presses the disc assembly 52 against the top surface of the first platform 31 . The disc assembly 52 , particularly the gasket 56 , forms a seal with the top surface of the first platform 31 to prevent fluid from flowing through the inlet 33 and into the housing 30 . When the force or pressure of the engine blowby gas 22 (which is external to the housing 30 from the engine assembly 140) against the lower surface of the disc assembly 52 is at a relatively low pressure and not strong enough to compress the biasing member 58, but the disk assembly 52 remains positioned along the top surface of the first platform 31 and is pressed against the top surface of the first platform 31, closing the inlet 33, and remains between the disk assembly 52 and the top surface of the first platform 31 The seal formed between. Thus, in the closed position, disc valve mechanism 50 prevents any fluid from flowing through inlet 33 .

In the open position, the biasing member 58 is compressed (relative to the closed position) and allows the disk assembly 52 to be axially spaced and separated from the top surface of the first platform 31 . This allows fluid to flow through the inlet 33 and into the interior of the housing 30 by flowing between the top surface of the first platform 31 and the lower surface of the disc assembly 52 . Biasing member 58 compresses when the force or pressure of engine blowby gas 22 against the lower surface of disc assembly 52 is at a relatively high pressure and strong enough to at least partially compress biasing member 58 .

FIG. 4 shows fluid within relief valve subassembly 20 exiting housing 30 through check valve 70 (and thus through outlet 34 ). By including check valve 70 within safety valve subassembly 20 (and with disc valve mechanism 50), check valve 70 (which is a one-way valve) prevents contamination (eg, air, water, and dust) from moving in the opposite direction. flow (ie, from the external environment or atmosphere into the safety valve subassembly 20 and subsequently into the engine assembly 140).

Otherwise, contaminants from the atmosphere may affect or degrade the performance of both safety valve subassembly 20 and engine assembly 140 . Without the check valve 70 , if the disc valve mechanism 50 becomes stuck in the open position, contaminants may flow back into the engine assembly 140 . For example, without check valve 70, moisture could flow back into safety valve subassembly 20, condense onto disc valve mechanism 50, and freeze disc valve mechanism 50 (thereby preventing disc valve mechanism 50 from operating properly). Thus, check valve 70 protects both relief valve subassembly 20 and engine assembly 140 .

The safety valve subassembly 20 may have a check valve 70 positioned along each outlet 34 . According to various embodiments, the safety valve subassembly 20 includes at least one check valve 70 and optionally a plurality of check valves 70 . Each check valve 70 is positioned along outlet 34 of housing 30 to regulate fluid flow from housing 30 . According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the safety valve subassembly 20 includes two check valves 70 (positioned along the two outlets 34 and on opposite sides of the inner wall 41 ). However, according to various embodiments, the safety valve subassembly 20 may have only one check valve 70 or more than two check valves 70 (eg, four check valves 70 ). Check valve 70 may be sized based on engine displacement size.

Check valve 70 is a one-way valve constructed of rubber to be deformable and elastically return to its original shape, which is particularly advantageous in freezing conditions. According to various embodiments as shown in FIGS. 3-4 , the check valve 70 is a duckbill valve. However, the check valve 70 can be a variety of different types of one-way valves, such as a diaphragm check valve, an umbrella check valve, the check valve 70 shown in Figures 5A-5B, or a needle or angled duck Mouth valves (as shown in FIG. 6 ), each of these check valves can be positioned along the outlet 34 . As shown in Figure 6, the outlet end of the angled duckbill valve is angled (angled through the check valve 70 relative to the central axis). Thus, the angled duckbill valve ensures that any residual oil or ice (see residual level 72) on or in the check valve 70 does not cover the entire discharge area 74 of the check valve 70, which allows The angled duckbill valve works correctly in freezing conditions.

Check valve 70 may optionally drain fluid onto engine assembly 140 or into an oil sump (via a pipe or oil line). Optionally, safety valve subassembly 20 may include a pan to collect and dry fluid discharged through check valve 70 . Bleeding from check valve 70 may also provide the user with an indication that there may be a problem with crankcase pressure within engine assembly 140 .

During use, engine blowby gases 22 (from engine assembly 140 ) are pressed against the lower surface of disc assembly 52 . If the pressure intensity of the engine blowby gas 22 within the engine assembly 140 is not strong enough to overcome the force of the biasing member 58 and compress the biasing member 58, the disc valve mechanism 50 remains in the closed position and fluid cannot flow into the relief valve. Component 20. If the pressure of engine blowby gas 22 builds up within engine assembly 140 and is strong enough to overcome the force of biasing member 58 and compress biasing member 58 (i.e., when the pressure of engine blowby gas 22 within engine assembly 140 exceeds the limit), engine blowby gases 22 (via compression biasing member 58 ) move disc assembly 52 axially away from the top surface of first platform 31 to the open position. By moving disc valve mechanism 50 to the open position, engine blowby gas 22 enters housing 30 of relief valve subassembly 20 through inlet 33 .

After engine blow-by gas 22 enters housing 30, engine blow-by gas 22 flows radially outward through gap 44 in inner wall 41 and then axially downward (in a direction away from cap 46 and first base end 37). direction) toward the top surface of the second platform 32. Engine blowby gas 22 then flows out of housing 30 (through outlet 34 ) through check valve 70 and into the atmosphere. This allows engine blowby gas 22 to exit engine assembly 140 through check valve 70 of relief valve subassembly 20 .

According to one embodiment as shown in FIG. 7 , the relief valve subassembly 120 is shown not including any check valve 70 , but instead includes a plurality of outlets 34 that include small holes (eg, weep holes) to allow Fluid (eg, oil) drains from housing 30 . Except as otherwise indicated herein, relief valve subassembly 120 includes all other features, components, and configurations of relief valve subassemblies 20, 220, and 320, as further described herein. Optionally, outlet 34 may be covered with filter media 80 (eg, crankcase ventilation media) to prevent contaminants from flowing back from the atmosphere into safety valve subassembly 120 and subsequently into engine assembly 140 . Filter media 80 may optionally be removable, replaceable and serviceable. The filter media 80 can freeze and still allow diffusion into the disc valve mechanism 50 .

According to various embodiments, the relief valve subassembly 20 may also include a pressure sensor 82, as shown in FIGS. 8-10B. The pressure sensor 82 may be positioned toward or on the top of the housing 30 . For example, pressure sensor 82 may be positioned on the upper surface of cap 46 .

Pressure sensor 82 is configured to detect and record the pressure within housing 30 , and the status of check valve 70 and whether safety valve subassembly 20 is functioning properly. For example, pressure sensor 82 may sense whether the pressure in housing 30 is positive or negative and, if desired, trigger an alarm or fault code after a certain period of time. As one example, if check valve 70 is in the open position due to high pressure within valve cover 146 , there is positive pressure in housing 30 (which may be detected by pressure sensor 82 ). However, if the disc valve mechanism 50 becomes stuck or the biasing member 58 becomes damaged, the pressure sensor 82 can sense that the pressure inside the housing 30 is negative and trigger an alarm if desired. Check valve 70 will prevent backflow of contaminants (eg, dust) into valve cover 146 and damage to engine assembly 140 .

According to one embodiment as shown in FIG. 9 , a relief valve subassembly 220 is shown wherein the housing 30 includes an alternative first platform 231 . Except as otherwise indicated herein, relief valve subassembly 220 includes all other features, components, and configurations of relief valve subassemblies 20, 120, and 320, as further described herein. The first platform 231 is positioned in a different area from the first platform 31 within the housing 30 . Except as otherwise indicated herein, the first platform 231 includes all other features, components and configurations of the first platform 31 as further described herein. Rather than being radially inward from second platform 32 and radially inward from inner wall 41 (as in the embodiment of FIG. 4 ), first platform 231 is radially aligned with second platform 32 and positioned radially on the inner wall. 41 (with the second platform 32 positioned radially between the inner wall 41 and the outer wall 42 ). The first platform 231 is positioned axially above the second platform 32 such that the first platform 231 is positioned axially directly between the second platform 32 and the cap 46 (and the first base end 37 ). The first platform 231 is positioned closer to the cap 46 and the first base end 37 than the second platform 32 .

The inlet 33 extends through the first platform 231 . Disc valve mechanism 50 is positioned with (i.e., aligned with and positioned on and adjacent to) first platform 231 , and thus positioned within housing 30 (as with the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 ). compared to) in different regions. With respect to the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the disk valve mechanism 50 of FIG. 9 is upside down. Thus, the biasing member 58 is radially aligned with both the first platform 231 and the second platform 32 and is positioned axially between the bottom surface of the first platform 231 and the top surface of the second platform 32 . In the embodiment of FIG. 9 , the stop 48 is positioned along and extends from the top surface of the second platform 32 (rather than being part of the cap 46 ).

Due to the positioning of first land 231 , fluid (ie, engine blowby gas 22 ) flows through inlet 33 and through disc valve mechanism 50 in an axial direction away from cap 46 and away from first base end 37 . Instead of changing direction as the fluid flows between the inlet 33 and the outlet 34 (as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4 ), the fluid flows through the inlet 33 and then through the outlet 34 in the same direction. Instead, the fluid changes its axial direction before flowing into the inlet 33 as shown in FIG. 9 .

10A-10B illustrate a relief valve subassembly 320 according to another embodiment. The relief valve subassembly 320 is not positioned on the top portion of the engine assembly 140 so that the engine blowby gas 22 flows approximately vertically into or out of the relief valve subassembly (e.g., as with the relief valve subassemblies 20, 120 and 220 ), but positioned along the sides of engine assembly 140 such that engine blowby gas 22 flows approximately horizontally into relief valve subassembly 320 (and optionally approximately vertically from relief valve subassembly 320 outflow).

Except as otherwise indicated herein, relief valve subassembly 320 includes all other features, components, and configurations of relief valve subassemblies 20, 120, and 220, as further described herein. The foregoing references to “top” and “bottom” may be relative to the direction of fluid flow through the relief valve subassemblies 20 , 120 , and 220 . For example, engine blowby gas 22 flows into relief valve subassemblies 20 , 120 , and 220 through the bottom of relief valve subassemblies 20 , 120 , and 220 . Additionally, the axial direction refers to the direction in which fluid flows into the safety valve subassemblies 20 , 120 , 220 , and 320 and through the center of the one-way valve mechanism 250 . Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A-10B , fluid flows axially (which is approximately horizontal) into the safety valve subassembly 320 and flows radially (which is approximately vertical) out of the safety valve subassembly 320. valve subassembly.

As shown in FIG. 10A , the relief valve subassembly 320 is positioned along and attached to a vertical sidewall of the valve cover 146 of the engine assembly 140 . Engine blowby gas 22 flows approximately horizontally through the approximately vertical sidewalls of engine assembly 140 into relief valve subassembly 320 .

To accommodate engine blowby gas 22 flowing horizontally into safety valve subassembly 320 , base 36 and check valve mechanism 250 , particularly disc valve mechanism 50 , are oriented vertically. Thus, the disk valve mechanism 50 moves horizontally as the blow-by gas 22 flows into the relief valve subassembly 320 .

In the relief valve subassembly 320 , the outer wall 42 forms and defines the second platform 232 . The second platform 232 (with the outlet 34 ) and the outer wall 42 form the side walls of the housing 30 . Therefore, the first platform 31 and the second platform 232 are approximately perpendicular to each other. In this configuration, engine blowby gas 22 flows out of relief valve subassembly 320 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the flow of engine blowby gas 22 into relief valve subassembly 320 . Additionally, the second platform 232 (and thus also the outlet 34 ) is axially closer to the first base end 37 than the first platform 31 and the inlet 33 . As further described herein, check valve 70 is positioned within outlet 34 (which is defined by second land 232 ). Except as otherwise indicated herein, the second platform 232 includes all other features, components, and configurations of the second platform 32 as further described herein.

According to various embodiments, the second platform 232 is part of a sidewall of the cap 46 . However, according to various other embodiments, the second platform 232 may be a sidewall of the base 36 .

Each of the various embodiments disclosed herein can have any aspect, feature, component and configuration of the other embodiments, unless stated otherwise.

As used herein, the term "attached" and similar terms mean that two components are directly joined to each other. Such linkages may be fixed (eg, permanent) or movable (eg, removable or releasable).

References herein to the location of elements (eg, "top," "bottom," etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that according to other exemplary embodiments, the orientation of the various elements may be different, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by this disclosure.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications (for example, in size, dimension, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, parameter Variations in values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. An engine safety valve subassembly, characterized in that the engine safety valve subassembly comprises: a housing including an inlet and an outlet; a one-way valve mechanism positioned along the inlet and configured to regulate fluid flow into the housing through the inlet; and A check valve positioned along the outlet, the check valve configured to at least partially prevent fluid from entering the housing through the outlet. 2. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 1 wherein said housing includes a first land defining said inlet and a second land defining said outlet. 3. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 2, wherein said first platform is axially offset from said second platform. 4. The engine relief valve subassembly of claim 2, wherein said first platform and said second platform are approximately perpendicular to each other. 5. The engine relief valve subassembly of claim 2, wherein said housing includes a base extending axially between a first base end and a second base end, and a cap, wherein said A cap forms a seal with the base along the first base end. 6. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 5, wherein said inlet is axially closer to said cap and said first base end than said outlet. 7. The engine relief valve subassembly of claim 5, wherein said first platform is axially closer to said cap than said second platform. 8. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 7, wherein the one-way valve mechanism is a disc valve mechanism comprising a disc assembly and a biasing member. 9. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 8, wherein said cap includes a stop that limits movement of said disc assembly of said disc valve mechanism. 10. The engine safety valve subassembly of any one of claims 2-9, wherein the housing includes an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the first platform is circumferentially surrounded by the inner wall, and the The second platform is positioned radially between the inner wall and the outer wall. 11. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 10, wherein said inner wall defines at least one gap that allows fluid to flow through said inner wall from said inlet to said outlet. 12. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 11, wherein said at least one gap extends axially between a top surface of said first platform and a top end of said inner wall. 13. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 11 wherein said housing defines a step extending axially between a base of said at least one gap and a top surface of said second platform, Wherein the base of the at least one gap is the end of the at least one gap axially closest to the first platform. 14. The engine safety valve subassembly of any one of claims 2-9, wherein the housing includes an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the first platform and the second platform are radially aligned with each other , and radially positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall. 15. The engine safety valve subassembly of any one of claims 2-9, wherein the housing includes an inner wall and an outer wall positioned radially outward of the inner wall, wherein the first platform is positioned Within the inner wall, and the outer wall defines the second platform. 16. The engine safety valve subassembly of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the one-way valve mechanism comprises a disc valve mechanism comprising a disc assembly and a biasing member, wherein The disc assembly includes a disc and a gasket, wherein the disc is overmolded with the gasket. 17. The engine safety valve subassembly according to any one of claims 1-9 and 11-13, wherein the engine safety valve subassembly further comprises a pressure sensor configured to detect the the pressure inside the housing. 18. An engine safety valve subassembly, characterized in that the engine safety valve subassembly comprises: a housing including an inlet and an outlet; and a one-way valve mechanism positioned along the inlet and configured to regulate fluid flow into the housing through the inlet, the one-way valve mechanism comprising a disc valve mechanism comprising A disc assembly and a biasing member, the disc assembly including a disc and a gasket, the disc being overmolded with the gasket. 19. The engine relief valve subassembly of claim 18, further comprising filter media covering the outlet. 20. The engine relief valve subassembly of claim 18 or 19, further comprising a check valve positioned along the outlet, the check valve configured to at least partially prevent fluid from entering the housing through the outlet.

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