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

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

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

Various embodiments provide an engine safety valve subassembly including 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 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 extending axially between a first base end and a second base end and a cap (cap), wherein the cap forms a seal with the base along the first base end.

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 including 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 radially positioned 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 a top surface of the first platform and a 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 an end of the at least one gap that is 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 are radially positioned 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 includes a disc valve mechanism including a disc assembly including a disc and a gasket, and a biasing member, wherein the disc is overmolded (overmold) with the gasket.

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

Various other embodiments provide an engine safety valve subassembly that includes a housing and a one-way valve mechanism. 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. The check valve mechanism includes a disc valve mechanism including a disc assembly and a biasing member. The disc assembly includes a disc and a washer, the disc being overmolded with the washer.

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

In some embodiments, the engine safety valve subassembly further comprises 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, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described below.

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 (engine blowby gas) flowing through a portion of the CV system of FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a safety valve subassembly of the CV system of fig. 2, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the safety valve subassembly of fig. 3.

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

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

Fig. 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.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a safety valve subassembly that can be used within the CV system of fig. 2, according to another embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a safety valve subassembly that can be used within the CV system of fig. 2, according to yet another embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a safety valve subassembly that can be used within the CV system of fig. 2 according to yet other embodiments.

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

Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the safety valve subassembly of fig. 10A.

Detailed Description

Referring generally to the drawings, various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a safety valve subassembly that releases pressure from an engine assembly. The safety valve subassembly includes a check valve to prevent contaminants from flowing back into the engine assembly through the outlet. Further, 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 a housing of the safety valve subassembly in the closed position.

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a Crankcase Ventilation (CV) system 100. CV system 100 includes an air filter 110, a turbocharger 115, an intake manifold 130, an engine assembly 140 (which includes an engine 142 and a valve cover 146), a CV separator 150 (which may be an electrically driven rotating crankcase ventilation (ecrcv)), and a safety valve subassembly 20. The fluid flows through the air filter 110 to be filtered, and then through the turbocharger 115 and into the intake manifold 130. The fluid then flows into the engine assembly 140 by first flowing into the engine 142 and then optionally through the valve cover 146. The fluid (e.g., engine blowby gases) then flows from the engine assembly 140 (e.g., from the bonnet 146 or the engine 142) into the CV separator 150 and then back to the 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 the CV system 100 under normal conditions. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows engine blowby gas 22 flowing from the engine assembly 140 (particularly from the valve cover 146) and through the inlet tube 153 of the CV separator 150. The inlet pipe 153 directs the engine blowby gas 22 into the CV separator 150. The engine blowby gas 22 flows from the CV separator 150 through an outlet duct 154 of the CV separator 150 and flows from the CV separator 150 (via the outlet duct 154) into the turbocharger 115 or is discharged into the turbocharger 115.

The outlet or flow path of the engine assembly 140 (to the 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 a mixture of oil emulsions and ice creates a blockage within the CV system 100 due to freezing of fluids, the engine assembly 140 and/or the outlet (or flow path) of the CV separator 150 may become blocked by various contaminants (e.g., 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 gases 22 will build up (built up) within the engine assembly 140, particularly within the engine 142, when the engine assembly 140 is running. Thus, rather than exhausting from the engine assembly 140 to the CV separator 150 (and to the turbocharger 115), pressure builds in the engine assembly 140. Once the pressure in the engine assembly 140 reaches a threshold pressure, the engine blowby gases 22 open the safety valve subassembly 20, and the safety valve subassembly 20 provides an alternative and additional (or secondary) flow path out of the engine assembly 140. Specifically, at certain pressure thresholds, the engine blowby gases 22 are vented to the atmosphere through the safety valve subassembly 20 (from the engine assembly 140), as shown in fig. 3-4.

The safety valve subassembly 20 is configured to control and release pressure within the engine assembly 140 (i.e., engine crankcase pressure) and does not become plugged when the engine assembly 140 becomes plugged. For example, the safety valve subassembly 20 is not subject to cleaning or painting procedures that may clog the engine assembly 140. The safety valve subassembly 20 is configured to control and release engine crankcase pressure, particularly when the outlet of the engine assembly 140 or CV separator 150 is plugged. Otherwise, high pressures within the engine assembly 140 (particularly within the bonnet 146) may damage the engine assembly 140 (e.g., damage the engine's seals) and cause leaks. The safety valve subassembly 20 allows engine blowby gases 22 to be released to the atmosphere, thereby reducing any excessive pressure build-up within the engine assembly 140.

Fig. 3-4 illustrate the safety valve subassembly 20 attached to the valve cap 146 of the engine assembly 140. The safety valve subassembly 20 is configured to receive fluid (e.g., oil, water, and engine blowby gas 22) from the engine assembly 140. Fluid (e.g., engine blow-by gas 22) flows from the valve cap 146 and through the safety valve subassembly 20, and is then released to the atmosphere. The safety valve subassembly 20 includes all other features, components, and configurations of the safety valve subassemblies 120, 220, and 320, except as otherwise noted herein, as further described herein.

As shown in fig. 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, the one-way valve mechanism 250 (e.g., the disc valve mechanism 50) and the check valve 70 operate to control fluid flow into and out of the safety valve subassembly 20.

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

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

Cap 46 includes a stop 48, which stop 48 extends axially from an inner surface of cap 46 (which faces base 36) in an axial direction toward 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 disc assembly 52 may 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 separated 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 (as compared to the closed position).

The base 36 of the housing 30 also includes a radially inner base wall 41 (i.e., an inner wall) and a radially outer base wall 42 (i.e., an outer wall) that are concentric with one another and each extend axially along the axial length of the base 36. The outer wall 42 is positioned radially outward of the inner wall 41 and circumferentially surrounds the inner wall 41. The inner wall 41 and the outer wall 42 are radially spaced from one another to allow fluid flow therebetween, and the inner wall 41 is open to allow fluid flow within the area defined and surrounded by the 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 engine 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 and second lands 31, 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 surfaces 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 and 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 extends radially between the inner wall 41 and the outer wall 42). 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. The inlet 33 is positioned on the first platform 31, extends through the first platform 31 and is defined by the first platform 31, and the outlet 34 is positioned on the second platform 32, extends through the second platform 32 and is defined by the second platform 32. In particular, the first platform 31 of the housing 30 defines an aperture as the inlet 33, and the second platform 32 of the housing 30 defines at least one aperture, each aperture defining the outlet 34. Thus, inlet 33 is axially closer to cap 46 and first base end 37 than outlet 34, and axially further from second base end 38.

Due to the positioning of the first land 31, fluid flowing through the inlet 33 (which extends through the first land 31) and through the disc valve mechanism 50 flows in an axial direction toward 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, the 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 opposite sides of the inner wall 41) from each other.

To allow fluid to flow from the inlet 33 to the outlet 34, the inner wall 41 of the housing 30 defines at least one gap 44 that allows fluid (e.g., oil and water) to drain from the area surrounding the inlet 33 and flow through the inner wall 41 in a direction from the inlet 33 to the outlet 34 to an area defined by a step 45 (described further below). The gap 44 extends radially through the inner wall 41 and axially along at least a portion of the length of the inner wall 41 (in the axial region between the first platform 31 and the first base end 37 (and the cap 46)). Alternatively, gap 44 may extend axially between a top surface of first platform 31 (which faces cap 46 and first base end 37) and a 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 axially located 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 from one another around the circumference of the inner wall 41. The gap 44 is positioned between the sections of the inner wall 41 surrounding the first platform 31.

To allow fluids (e.g., oil and water) to be stored within the housing 30 without disrupting the function of the safety valve subassembly 20, the base 36 of the housing 30 defines a step 45 that extends axially between the bottom or base of the gap 44 and the top surface of the second platform 32. The bottom or base of the gap 44 refers to the end of the gap 44 that is closest to the first platform 31 in the axial direction. According to various embodiments (e.g., 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 step 45 extends axially between the top surface of the first platform 31 and the top surface of the second platform 32. According to various other embodiments (e.g., if there is no gap 44), a step 45 extends axially between the top surface of the inner wall 41 and the top surface of the second platform 32.

Step 45 provides an area for fluid (e.g., oil and water) to drain (as fluid flows from inlet 33 to outlet 34) and to be stored therein prior to draining through outlet 34. Step 45 also prevents fluid from flowing back in the opposite direction from the region around outlet 34 to the region around inlet 33. Otherwise, without step 45, fluids (e.g., oil and water) may affect the performance of the disc valve mechanism 50. For example, without step 45, fluid may accumulate around disc assembly 52 (i.e., in the area surrounding inlet 33), and when the fluid freezes to ice (e.g., in winter), the fluid may freeze disc assembly 52 to housing 30 and cause disc assembly 52 to become immobile.

The disc valve mechanism 50 is positioned within the housing 30 to allow fluid to flow through the inlet 33 in one direction (i.e., in the direction into the housing 30). The disc valve mechanism 50 may also be referred to as a valve mechanism or a check valve mechanism. The disc valve mechanism 50 is positioned along the inlet 33 to regulate fluid flow into the housing 30 through the inlet 33 (and to prevent fluid flow from the housing 30 back out through the inlet 33). As further described herein, the disc valve mechanism 50 allows fluid to flow into the 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). The disc valve mechanism 50 is movable between a closed position (in which fluid cannot flow through the inlet 33, as shown in fig. 4) and an open position (in which fluid can flow through the inlet 33 and into the interior of the housing 30). The disc valve mechanism 50 is positioned on the first platform 31 above the first platform 31 and thus in a central region of the housing 30. However, as described further herein, the disc valve mechanism 50 may be positioned in other areas within the housing 30.

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

The disc assembly 52 includes a disc 54 and a washer 56. The disc 54 provides structure and rigidity to the disc assembly 52 (to close the inlet 33 and provide a rigid surface to interact with the biasing member 58). The upper surface of the disc 54 interacts with the lower end of the biasing member 58 and faces the cap 46 and the 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.

The gasket 56 allows the disc assembly 52 to form a seal with the top surface of the first platform 31, which prevents leakage (particularly during vibration of the 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 washer 56 against the top surface of the first platform 31. A gasket 56 is positioned along at least a lower surface of the disc 54 and is configured to form a seal with a top surface of the first platform 31 (in the closed position) to prevent fluid from leaking through the inlet 33 when in the closed position. The gasket 56 may alternatively be constructed of silicone or rubber.

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

A biasing member 58 extends between an upper surface of the disc 54 and a lower surface of the cap 46 (with the lower surface of the cap 46 facing the interior of the 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 may be compressible under some pressure of the incoming fluid pressing against the lower surface of the disc 54 to allow the disc valve mechanism 50 to move to the open position. 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 (relative to in the open position) and presses the disk assembly 52 against the top surface of the first platform 31. The disc assembly 52, and in particular 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 pressing against the lower surface of the disc assembly 52 (which is external to the housing 30 from the engine assembly 140) is at a relatively low pressure and not strong enough to compress the biasing member 58, the disc assembly 52 remains positioned along and pressed against the top surface of the first platform 31, closing the inlet 33, and maintaining the seal formed between the disc assembly 52 and the top surface of the first platform 31. Thus, in the closed position, the disc valve mechanism 50 prevents any fluid from flowing through the 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 apart 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. The biasing member 58 compresses when the force or pressure of the engine blowby gas 22 pressing against the lower surface of the disc assembly 52 is at a relatively high pressure and strong enough to at least partially compress the biasing member 58.

Fig. 4 shows that fluid within the relief valve subassembly 20 exits the housing 30 through the check valve 70 (and thus through the outlet 34). By including the check valve 70 within the safety valve subassembly 20 (and with the disc valve mechanism 50), the check valve 70 (which is a one-way valve) prevents contaminants (e.g., air, water, and dust) from flowing in the opposite direction (i.e., from the outside environment or atmosphere into the safety valve subassembly 20 and then into the engine assembly 140).

Otherwise, contaminants from the atmosphere may affect or degrade the performance of both the safety valve subassembly 20 and the engine assembly 140. Without the check valve 70, if the disc valve mechanism 50 is stuck in an open position, contaminants may flow back to the engine assembly 140. For example, without the check valve 70, moisture may flow back into the safety valve subassembly 20, condense onto the disc valve mechanism 50, and freeze the disc valve mechanism 50 (thereby preventing the disc valve mechanism 50 from operating properly). Thus, the check valve 70 protects both the safety valve subassembly 20 and the 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 the outlet 34 of the housing 30 to regulate fluid flow out of the housing 30. According to the embodiment shown in fig. 4, the safety valve subassembly 20 includes two check valves 70 (which are 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 (e.g., four check valves 70). The size of the check valve 70 may be set based on the engine displacement size.

The check valve 70 is a one-way valve constructed of rubber that is deformable and capable of elastically returning to its original shape, which is particularly advantageous in freezing situations. According to various embodiments as shown in fig. 3-4, the check valve 70 is a duckbill valve. However, the check valve 70 may 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 duckbill valve (as shown in figure 6), each of which may be positioned along the outlet 34. As shown in fig. 6, the outlet end of the angled duckbill valve is angled (relative to the central axis through the check valve 70). Thus, the angled duckbill valve ensures that any residual oil or ice (see residual level 72) on or in the check valve 70 cannot cover the entire drain area 74 of the check valve 70, which allows the angled duckbill valve to function properly in frozen conditions.

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

During use, engine blowby gas 22 (from the engine assembly 140) is pressed against the lower surface of the disc assembly 52. If the pressure strength 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 safety valve subassembly 20. If the pressure of the engine blowby gas 22 builds up within the engine assembly 140 and is strong enough to overcome the force of the biasing member 58 and compress the biasing member 58 (i.e., when the pressure of the engine blowby gas 22 within the engine assembly 140 exceeds a defined value), the engine blowby gas 22 (by compressing the biasing member 58) moves the disc assembly 52 axially away from the top surface of the first platform 31 to the open position. By moving the disc valve mechanism 50 to the open position, engine blowby gas 22 enters the housing 30 of the safety valve subassembly 20 through the inlet 33.

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

According to one embodiment as shown in fig. 7, the safety valve subassembly 120 is shown as not including any check valves 70, but rather including a plurality of outlets 34, the outlets 34 including small holes (e.g., drain holes) to allow fluid (e.g., oil) to drain from the housing 30. The safety valve subassembly 120 includes all other features, components, and configurations of the safety valve subassemblies 20, 220, and 320, except as otherwise noted herein, as further described herein. Optionally, the outlet 34 may be covered with a filter media 80 (e.g., crankcase ventilation media) to prevent contaminants from flowing from the atmosphere back into the safety valve subassembly 120 and subsequently into the engine assembly 140. The filter media 80 may optionally be removable, replaceable, and serviceable. The filter media 80 may freeze and still allow diffusion to the disc valve mechanism 50.

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

The pressure sensor 82 is configured to detect and record the pressure within the housing 30, and the state of the check valve 70 and whether the safety valve subassembly 20 is functioning properly. For example, the pressure sensor 82 may sense whether the pressure in the housing 30 is positive or negative and trigger an alarm or fault code after a certain period of time if desired. As one example, if the check valve 70 is in the open position due to high pressure within the valve cap 146, a positive pressure exists within the housing 30 (which may be detected by the pressure sensor 82). However, if the disc valve mechanism 50 jams or the biasing member 58 breaks, the pressure sensor 82 may sense that the pressure inside the housing 30 is negative and trigger an alarm when needed. The check valve 70 will prevent contaminants (e.g., dust) from flowing back into the bonnet 146 and damaging the engine assembly 140.

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

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

Due to the positioning of the first land 231, fluid (i.e., engine blowby gas 22) flows in an axial direction through the inlet 33 and through the disc valve mechanism 50, away from the cap 46 and away from the 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 in the same direction through the inlet 33 and then through the outlet 34. Alternatively, the fluid changes its axial direction before flowing into the inlet 33, as shown in fig. 9.

Fig. 10A-10B illustrate a safety valve subassembly 320 according to another embodiment. Rather than being positioned on a top portion of the engine assembly 140 such that the engine blowby gas 22 flows approximately vertically into or out of the safety valve subassembly (e.g., as shown with the safety valve subassemblies 20, 120, and 220), the safety valve subassembly 320 is positioned along a side of the engine assembly 140 such that the engine blowby gas 22 flows approximately horizontally into the safety valve subassembly 320 (and optionally flows approximately vertically out of the safety valve subassembly 320).

The safety valve subassembly 320 includes all of the other features, components, and configurations of the safety valve subassemblies 20, 120, and 220, except as otherwise noted herein, as further described herein. The foregoing references to "top" and "bottom" may be relative to the direction of fluid flow through the safety valve subassemblies 20, 120, and 220. For example, engine blowby gas 22 flows into the safety valve subassemblies 20, 120, and 220 through the bottom of the safety valve subassemblies 20, 120, and 220. In addition, the axial direction refers to a direction in which fluid flows into the safety valve subassembly 20, 120, 220, and 320 and passes through the center of the check valve mechanism 250. Thus, in the embodiment shown in fig. 10A-10B, fluid flows into the safety valve subassembly 320 in an axial direction (which is approximately in a horizontal direction) and flows out of the safety valve subassembly in a radial direction (which is approximately in a vertical direction).

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

To accommodate engine blowby gas 22 flowing horizontally into the safety valve subassembly 320, the base 36 and the check valve mechanism 250 (particularly the disc valve mechanism 50) are oriented vertically. Therefore, when the engine blowby gas 22 flows into the safety valve subassembly 320, the disc valve mechanism 50 moves horizontally.

In the safety valve subassembly 320, the outer wall 42 forms and defines the second platform 232. The second platform 232 (having the outlet 34) and the outer wall 42 form a side wall of the housing 30. Thus, the first platform 31 and the second platform 232 are approximately perpendicular to each other. In this configuration, the engine blowby gas 22 exits the safety valve subassembly 320 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of the engine blowby gas 22 flow into the safety valve subassembly 320. In addition, the second platform 232 (and therefore 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 noted 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 a portion of the 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.

The term "attached" and similar terms as used herein mean that two components are directly joined to each other. Such joining may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable).

References herein to the location of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," etc.) are used merely to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be covered by the present 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 appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, the positions 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 present inventions.

Claims (20)

1. An engine safety valve subassembly, comprising:

a housing comprising an inlet and an outlet;

a one-way valve mechanism positioned along the inlet and configured to regulate fluid flowing 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 the housing includes a first land defining the inlet and a second land defining the outlet.

3. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 2, wherein the first land is axially offset from the second land.

4. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 2, wherein the first land and the second land are approximately perpendicular to each other.

5. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 2, wherein the housing comprises a base extending axially between a first base end and a second base end, and a cap, wherein the cap forms a seal with the base along the first base end.

6. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 5, wherein the inlet is axially closer to the cap and the first base end than the outlet.

7. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 5, wherein the first land is axially closer to the cap than the second land.

8. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 7, wherein the one-way valve mechanism is a disc valve mechanism including a disc assembly and a biasing member.

9. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 8, wherein the cap includes a stop that limits movement of the disc assembly of the disc valve mechanism.

10. The engine safety valve subassembly of any of claims 2-9, wherein the housing comprises an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the first land is circumferentially surrounded by the inner wall and the second land is positioned radially between the inner wall and the outer wall.

11. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 10, wherein the inner wall defines at least one gap that allows fluid to flow through the inner wall from the inlet to the outlet.

12. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one gap extends axially between a top surface of the first land and a top end of the inner wall.

13. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 11, wherein the housing defines a step extending axially between a base of the at least one gap and a top surface of the second land, wherein the base of the at least one gap is an end of the at least one gap that is axially closest to the first land.

14. The engine safety valve subassembly of any of claims 2-9, wherein the housing comprises an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the first land and the second land are radially aligned with one another and are radially positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall.

15. The engine safety valve subassembly of any 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 land is positioned within the inner wall and the outer wall defines the second land.

16. The engine safety valve subassembly of any of claims 1-7, wherein 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 washer, wherein the disc is overmolded with the washer.

17. The engine safety valve subassembly of any of claims 1-9 and 11-13, further comprising a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure within the housing.

18. An engine safety valve subassembly, comprising:

a housing comprising 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 including a disc assembly including a disc and a gasket, the disc overmolded with the gasket, and a biasing member.

19. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 18, further comprising a filter media covering the outlet.

20. The engine safety valve subassembly of claim 18 or 19, further comprising a check valve positioned along the outlet port, the check valve configured to at least partially prevent fluid from entering the housing through the outlet port.

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