GB2592352A

GB2592352A - Temperature-activated valve assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2592352A
Application number: GB2001522.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Davies Matthew; Waite Daniel; Garrett Stephen
Original assignee: Nifco Inc
Current assignee: Nifco Inc
Priority date: 2020-01-27
Filing date: 2020-02-05
Publication date: 2021-09-01
Anticipated expiration: 2040-02-05
Also published as: GB2592352B; GB202001522D0; GB202001123D0

Abstract

A temperature-activated valve assembly includes a first chamber (102, Fig. 1) and a second chamber (104, Fig. 1). A partition 106 is arranged between the first chamber and the second chamber, the partition including a passage 108 providing a fluid connection between the first chamber and the second chamber. A valve gate 118 is configured for rotating about an axis between a first position that closes the passage and a second position that opens the passage. A bimetal actuator 112 mounted on the partition 106 has a proximal end and a distal end engaging the valve gate 118. When a temperature of the bimetal actuator is at or below an activation temperature of the bimetal actuator, the valve gate is in the first position. When the temperature of the bimetal actuator increases above the activation temperature, the bimetal actuator deflects and the distal end engaging the valve gate allows the valve gate to rotate into the second position.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

TEMPERATURE-ACTIVATED VALVE ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The disclosed is a temperature-activated valve assembly that is suitable for use in vehicle for controlling flow of fluid through a passage between two chambers, reservoirs, tanks, vessels, etc., based on the temperature of the fluid. Embodiments of the temperature-activated valve assembly may be used, for example, in oil pans used in a lubrication circuit for an internal combustion engine to control a flow of lubricating oil within an oil pan between adjacent chambers based on the temperature of the oil in one of the chambers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A temperature-activated valve assembly is known, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-1369766, which is installed in an oil pan. The oil pan includes a main body 10 divided into a first chamber RI, and a second chamber R2 by a partitioning member 20 having a communication hole 21. An opening and closing valve 30 is attached to a side of the communication hole 21, and is activated by a bimetal attached to a side of the partitioning member 20.

[0003] In the Japanese Publication, the bimetal is formed in a coil shape and is attached to a side of the partitioning member 20, as shown in Fig. 3 of the publication. Since the bimetal has a long coil shape, the bimetal is expensive. Also, since the opening and closing valve 30 is attached to the side of the partitioning member 20, it requires a large space in the oil pan.

[0004] The present invention has been made to obviate problem of the prior art, and an object of the invention is to provide a temperature-activated valve assembly which is simple and requires a small space for installation.

[0005] The above and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the

following description of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A temperature-activated valve assembly of the invention comprises a first chamber and a second chamber; a partition arranged between the first chamber and the second chamber, the partition including a passage providing a fluidic connection between the first chamber and the second chamber; a valve gate configured for rotating about an axis between a first position that closes the passage and a second position that opens the passage; and a bimetal actuator mounted on the partition. The bimetal actuator has a proximal end and a distal end engaging the valve gate. When a temperature of the bimetal actuator is at or below an activation temperature of the bimetal actuator, the valve gate is in the first position, and when the temperature of the bimetal actuator increases above the activation temperature, the bimetal actuator deflects and the distal end engaging the valve gate allows the valve gate to rotate into the second position. Accordingly, the fluid can flow between the first chamber and the second chamber through the passage.

[0007] In the invention, the bimetal structure is attached to the partition above the valve gate, and directly actuates the valve gate. Thus, the bimetal structure is simplified, and is made compact. A space for the bimetal structure can be reduced.

[0008] The temperature-activated valve assembly of the invention may further include a retainer member attached to the partition for retaining a top or proximal end portion of the bimetal actuator, and a holder member attached to the valve gate for retaining a bottom or distal end portion of the bimetal actuator. The top and bottom portions are retained in the retainer member and the holder member.

[0009] In the temperature-activated valve assembly, the bimetal actuator is circular.

However, the bimetal actuator may have a rectangular shape, an oval shape, or other shapes.

[0010] The temperature-activated valve assembly may further comprise a holding member extending from the partition through the bimetal actuator to hold the bimetal actuator. The holding member may include a retention structure for limiting displacement of the bimetal actuator. Accordingly, bending direction and displacement of the bimetal structure can be assured.

[0011] In the temperature-activated valve assembly, a plurality of bimetal actuators may be arranged side by side. In this structure, in case the valve gate is large and heavy, the valve gate can be rotated by the plurality of bimetal actuators.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

[0013] FIG. 1 is an orthogonal section view of an oil pan incorporating an embodiment of the temperature-activated valve assembly.

[0014] FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional right front view of an embodiment of the temperature-activated valve assembly of FIG. 1 [0015] FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional view generally along a vertical plane corresponding to line 3-3 of FIG. 2, wherein FIG. 3A shows that a valve is closed and FIG. 3B shows that the valve is opened.

[0016] FIGS. 4A and 4B are enlarged explanatory views similar to FIGS. 3A and 3B, wherein FIG 4A shows that the valve is closed and FIG 4B shows that the valve is opened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, or the like, are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Other components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, or the like, are contemplated.

[0018] In the description, spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below, 'lower," "above," "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the Figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation(s) depicted in the Figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted or reinterpreted accordingly.

[0019] The embodiment of a temperature-activated valve assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-4B is incorporated into an oil pan assembly 100 that includes a first oil chamber 102 and a second oil chamber 104 that are separated by a partition 106 that includes a passage 108 extending through a lower portion of the partition 106. A temperature-activated valve assembly 110 is provided on the partition 106 and provides on/off control of oil flowing between the first and second oil chambers 102, 104.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an oil pan assembly 100 that includes the first oil chamber 102 and the second oil chamber 104, the first and second oil chambers being separated by the partition 106. The temperature-activated valve assembly 110 is arranged on the partition 106 for providing on/off control of the oil flowing between the first and second oil chambers through the passage 108 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) in response to the temperature of the oil in the first oil chamber.

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates the components comprising the temperature-activated valve assembly 110. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of disk-shaped bimetal actuators 112 and a retaining member 114 for retaining proximal portions of the bimetal actuators 112 adjacent the partition 106. Each of the bimetal actuators 112 also includes a holding member 116 for holding the bimetal actuator 112 in both non-deflected and deflected states. A distal portion of the bimetal actuator 112 extends into a recess 120 of a holding portion 117 provided on the valve gate 118. In the non-operated or closed state as shown in FIG 4A, the bimetal actuator 112 urges the valve gate 118 against a corresponding valve seat 119 and thereby prevent oil flowing through the passage 108.

[0022] Incidentally, the valve gate 118 has an inclined surface 11 8a, which can seat on an inclined surface 119a of the valve seat 119. Therefore, when the valve gate 118 is closed, the valve gate 118 can sit on the valve seat 119 to close the passage 108.

[0023] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the components comprising the temperature-activated valve assembly 110, wherein FIG. 3A shows the non-actuated or closed state and FIG 3B shows the actuated or open state. The illustrated embodiment includes a first disk-shaped bimetal actuator 112 and the retaining member 114 for retaining the proximal portion of the bimetal actuator 112 in a space 115 under the retaining member 114. The bimetal actuator 112 is held by the holding member 116 that extends through an opening in the bimetal actuator to hold the bimetal actuator 112 in both non-deflected and deflected states. A distal portion of the bimetal actuator 112 extends into a recess 120 under a holding portion 117 provided on an upper portion of the valve gate 118.

[0024] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the components comprising the temperature-activated valve assembly 110, wherein FIG. 4A shows the non-actuated state and FIG. 4B shows the activated or open state, similar to FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIGS. 4A and 4B clearly show the disk-shaped bimetal actuator 112, the retaining member 114 for maintaining the proximal portion of the bimetal actuator 112, the holding member 116 for holding the bimetal actuator, and the holding portion 117. The distal portion of the bimetal actuator 112 extends into the recess 120 provided under the holding portion 117. In the non-actuated state as shown in FIG. 4A, the bimetal actuator 112 is bent in one direction to urge the valve gate 118 against the corresponding valve seat 119, thereby preventing the oil flowing through the passage 108.

[0025] In FIG. 4B, the bimetal actuator 112 is heated and bent in a direction opposite to the direction shown in FIG 4A. Namely, the temperature has reached or exceeded its activation temperature Ta and deflected or "dished" accordingly, thereby causing the peripheral portions of the bimetal actuator to move in the opposite direction shown in FIG. 4A. Thus, the valve gate 118 is pushed and rotated to open the passage 108.

[0026] The bimetal actuator 112 includes the holding member 116 for holding the bimetal actuator 112 on the partition 106. The proximal or top portion of the bimetal actuator 112 is retained in the space 115 of the retaining assembly 114, and the distal portion of the bimetal actuator 112 extends into the recess 120 provided in the holding portion 117 on the valve gate 118.

[0027] In the state as shown in FIG. 4A, the distal portion of the bimetal actuator 112 bends in one direction to close the passage 108. In the state as shown in FIG. 4B, the bimetal actuator 112 rotates the valve gate 118 around the valve gate pivot 121. Namely, the bimetal actuator 12 pushes the valve gate 118 to open for flowing the oil through the passage 108. The rotation of the valve gate 118 allowing oil flowing from the first oil chamber 102, through the passage 108, and into the second oil chamber 104.

[0028] This oil flowing through passage 108 will continue as long as the temperature of the bimetal actuator 112 remains at or above its activation temperature Ta. In the event that the temperature of the bimetal actuator 112 falls below its activation temperature Ta, the bimetal actuator will snap back to its original (FIG. 4A), i.e. bent in the direction opposite to the state (FIG.4B), and thereby tending to once again urge the valve gate 118 against a corresponding valve seat 119 and thereby terminate oil flowing through the passage 108 until such time as the activation temperature Ta, is once again reached or exceeded.

[0029] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various parameters including, e.g., relative dimensions, the pivot location, the size, materials, number, and configuration of the bimetal actuators, may be modified as necessary to provide the desired flow control effects. For example, the temperature-activated valve assembly 110 may be configured to open a first passage using a first bimetal actuator that deflects at a first activation temperature Tat to provide an initial flow between the first and second oil chambers and to open second passage using a second bimetal actuator that deflects at a higher second activation temperature Ta2 to provide increased flow between the first and second oil chambers.

[0030] Similarly, although illustrated with a flat valve gate/valve seat arrangement, additional embodiments can include a circular passage with a conical valve gate that would provide an annular or circular flow path when the bimetal actuator is in the deflected state. Further, although illustrated with a pair of generally circular bimetal actuators, other configurations may able to provide the necessary degree of deflection and force for successful operation of the temperature-activated valve assembly including ovals with one or two axes of symmetry, rectangular, or other shapes depending on the available space and the valve design parameters.

[0031] Temperature-activated valve assemblies according to the disclosure are capable of providing an on-off valve that requires less space and which can be manufactured more economically than conventional bimetal valves In particular, the circular bimetal actuators useful in providing the motive force for valve operation may be press-formed in a disk shape. If more motive force is required, additional bimetal actuators may be used for driving the rotation of the valve gate.

[0032] In the embodiment of the invention, the temperature-activated valve assembly may be utilized to provide thermal management functionality to an oil pan assembly 100 comprising an oil-pan main member to store oil, a partition member 106 partitioning an internal space inside the oil-pan main member into a first oil chamber 102 where an oil suction opening is positioned, and a second oil chamber 104, which will typically not include an oil suction opening, and including a communication passage 108 through which oil can flow from the first oil chamber 102 to the second oil chamber 104. The flow of oil through the communication passage 108 is, in turn, controlled by an on-off valve assembly 1 1 0 that opens and closes the communication passage 108 in response to changing temperature in the first oil chamber.

[0033] The driving or actuating member for the on-off valve assembly HO is a bimetal actuator 112, which can be press-formed in a disk shape and bent in one direction, positioned within the first oil chamber 102 so as to come into contact with the oil contained within the first oil chamber. In this state, the valve gate 118 closes the communication passage When the activation temperature Ta of the bimetal actuator 112 is reached, the actuator 112 deflects in the opposite direction to apply a predetermined force to an end portion valve gate 118, causing the valve gate to rotate about the valve gate pivot 121 and thereby opening the communication passage 108 to permit hot oil to flow from the first oil chamber to the second oil chamber. The communication passage 108 will remain open for as long as the temperature of the bimetal actuator 112 remains at or above the activation temperature Ta. Utilizing the deflection of relatively compact bimetal actuators 112 to provide the motive force valve gate permits the construction and use of the space-saving, reliable, and economical temperature-activated valve assemblies. It is not necessary for the bimetal actuators to positively open the gate, but the bimetal actuators may only hold the valve closed. Also, the difference in levels between the chambers may naturally lead to the gate opening.

[0034] The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A temperature-activated valve assembly comprising: a first chamber and a second chamber; a partition arranged between the first chamber and the second chamber, the partition including a passage providing a fluidic connection between the first chamber and the second chamber; a valve gate configured for rotating about an axis between a first position that closes the passage and a second position that opens the passage; and a bimetal actuator mounted on the partition, the bimetal actuator having a proximal end and a distal end engaging the valve gate, wherein when a temperature of the bimetal actuator is at or below an activation temperature of the bimetal actuator, the valve gage is in the first position; and when the temperature of the bimetal actuator increases above the activation temperature, the bimetal actuator deflects and the distal end engaging the valve gate allows the valve gate to rotate into the second position.
2. The temperature-activated valve assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a retainer member attached to the partition for retaining one portion of the bimetal actuator, and a holder member attached to the valve gate for retaining another portion of the bimetal actuator.
3. The temperature-activated valve assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bimetal actuator is circular.
4. The temperature-activated valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a holding member extending from the partition through the bimetal actuator to hold the bimetal actuator.The temperature-activated valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein the holding member includes a retention structure for limiting displacement of the bimetal actuator.The temperature-activated valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a plurality of bimetal actuators having another ends engaging the valve gate.