U.S. patent application number 15/070010 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-07 for pressure relief valve for a vehicle.
The applicant listed for this patent is TRW Automotive U.S. LLC. Invention is credited to Daniel D. Carlson.
Application Number | 20160193898 15/070010 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45568134 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160193898 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carlson; Daniel D. |
July 7, 2016 |
PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE FOR A VEHICLE
Abstract
A pressure relief valve including a housing that mounts in an
aperture in a panel. The housing has a side wall defining an air
flow passage. The side wall has a first side wall section at least
partially defining the air flow passage. The first side wall
section extends at an angle to the panel when the housing is
mounted in the aperture in the panel. The first side wall section
has an opening extending through the first side wall section. A
valve element extends from the first side wall section. The valve
element has a closed condition preventing air flow through the
opening in the first side wall section and an open condition
permitting air flow through the opening in the first side wall
section. A louver assembly may be mounted in the aperture in the
panel. The louver assembly has at least one louver that directs
foreign matter and sound away from the valve element when the valve
element is in the closed condition.
Inventors: |
Carlson; Daniel D.; (Fenton,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TRW Automotive U.S. LLC |
Livonia |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45568134 |
Appl. No.: |
15/070010 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13193770 |
Jul 29, 2011 |
9321326 |
|
|
15070010 |
|
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|
|
61371835 |
Aug 9, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
454/162 ;
137/855 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60H 1/26 20130101; B60H
2001/006 20130101; Y10T 137/7891 20150401; B60H 1/249 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60H 1/24 20060101
B60H001/24; F16K 15/14 20060101 F16K015/14 |
Claims
1-19. (canceled)
20. A pressure relief valve comprising: a housing that mounts in an
aperture in a panel, the housing having a side wall defining an air
flow passage; a valve element having a closed condition preventing
air flow through the air flow passage and an open condition
permitting air flow through the air flow passage; and a louver
assembly mounted in the aperture in the panel, the louver assembly
having at least one louver that directs foreign matter and sound
away from the valve element when the valve element is in the closed
condition to prevent foreign matter and sound from directly
contacting the valve element when the valve element is in the
closed condition; the valve element opening toward the louver
assembly as the valve element moves from the closed condition
toward the open condition.
21. The pressure relief valve as set forth in claim 20 wherein the
side wall has a first side wall section extending at an acute angle
to the panel when the housing is mounted in the aperture in the
panel, the first side wall section having an opening through which
air flows when the valve element is in the open condition, the
louver assembly directing foreign matter and sound away from the
first side wall section.
22. The pressure relief valve as set forth in claim 21 wherein the
side wall includes second and third side wall sections that extend
generally perpendicular to the panel when the housing is mounted in
the aperture in the panel, the housing including a fourth side wall
section extending generally perpendicular to the second and third
side wall sections, the first side wall section extending between
the fourth and second side wall sections.
23. The pressure relief valve as set forth in claim 22 wherein the
opening in the first side wall section extends through a portion of
the second side wall section, the valve element preventing air flow
through the opening in the second side wall section when in the
closed condition and permitting air flow through the opening in the
second side wall section when in the open condition.
24. The pressure relief valve as set forth in claim 20 wherein the
at least one louver includes a first portion located adjacent the
panel extending at a first angle to the panel when the louver is
mounted in the aperture in the panel and a second portion spaced
from the panel extending at a second angle to the panel when the
louver is mounted in the aperture in the panel, the second angle
being smaller than the first angle.
25. The pressure relief valve as set forth in claim 20 wherein the
louver includes a latching member for snapping into a louver
opening in the housing.
26. The pressure relief valve as set forth in claim 25 wherein a
seal extends over the louver opening in the housing, the latching
member extending from the louver engaging the seal when the louver
is connected with the housing.
27. The pressure relief valve as set forth in claim 20 wherein a
sound absorbing member is connected with the housing and is located
within the air flow passage.
28. The pressure relief valve as set forth in claim 20 wherein the
louver assembly directs all foreign matter and sound away from the
valve element when the valve element is in the closed condition to
prevent foreign matter and sound from directly contacting the valve
element when the valve element is in the closed condition.
29. The pressure relief valve as set forth in claim 20 wherein the
louver assembly changes the direction of the foreign matter and
sound traveling in a direction toward the valve element when the
valve element is in the closed condition to prevent foreign matter
and sound from directly contacting the valve element when the valve
element is in the closed condition.
30. The pressure relief valve as set forth in claim 20 wherein
foreign matter and sound traveling in a first direction toward the
valve element when the valve element is in a closed condition is
directed in a second direction different from the first direction
by the louver assembly when the foreign matter and sound enter the
louver assembly to prevent foreign matter and sound from directly
contacting the valve element when the valve element is in the
closed condition.
31. The pressure relief valve as set forth in claim 20 wherein the
housing mounts in an aperture in a portion of the panel, the
portion of the panel lying in a plane, the side wall having a first
side wall section, a second side wall section, and a third side
wall section, the first, second, and third side wall sections at
least partially defining the air flow passage, the first side wall
section extending at an angle to the panel when the housing is
mounted in the aperture in the panel, the first side wall section
having an opening extending through the first side wall section,
the second and third side wall sections extending generally
parallel to each other and perpendicular to the plane in which the
portion of the panel lies when the housing is mounted in the
aperture of the panel, the first side wall section extending
obliquely to the second and third side wall sections, the valve
element extending from the first side wall section, the valve
element preventing air flow through the opening in the first side
wall section when in the closed condition and permitting air flow
through the opening in the first side wall section when in the open
condition, the valve element pivoting between the closed condition
and the open condition about an axis extending at an angle relative
to the plane in which the portion of the panel lies.
32. The pressure relief valve as set forth in claim 31 wherein the
first side wall section extends at an acute angle to the plane in
which the portion of the panel lies when the housing is mounted in
the aperture in the panel.
33. The pressure relief valve as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
housing includes a fourth side wall section at least partially
defining the air flow passage and extending generally perpendicular
to the second and third side wall sections, the first side wall
section extending between the fourth and second side wall sections.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention is directed to a pressure relief valve
for an opening in a motor vehicle and more specifically, to a
pressure relief valve in which a valve element is protected from
damage by foreign matter entering the valve and reduces sound
passing through the pressure relief valve.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Pressure relief valves are widely used in motor vehicles to
relieve air pressure surges or peaks in the passenger compartment
which result for example, when the doors are slammed shut or an
airbag is inflated. The valves generally comprise a simple rigid
frame or housing which mounts in an aperture in a vehicle body
panel. A wall of the housing extending generally parallel to the
vehicle body panel has an opening through which air may pass. A
valve element in the form of a normally flexible plastic flap is
connected to the housing to overlie the opening in the housing
wall. The valve element opens relative to the housing to uncover
the opening to relieve air pressure surges. The pressure relief
valve may include louvers that cover the valve element to make the
pressure relief valve more visually pleasing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention is directed to a pressure relief valve
including a housing that mounts in an aperture in a panel. The
housing has a side wall defining an air flow passage. The side wall
has a first side wall section at least partially defining the air
flow passage. The first side wall section extends at an angle to
the panel when the housing is mounted in the aperture in the panel.
The first side wall section has an opening extending through the
first side wall section. A valve element extends from the first
side wall section. The valve element has a closed condition
preventing air flow through the opening in the first side wall
section and an open condition permitting air flow through the
opening in the first side wall section.
[0004] In another aspect of the present invention a pressure relief
valve includes a housing that mounts in an aperture in a panel. The
housing has a side wall defining an air flow passage. A valve
element has a closed condition preventing air flow through the air
flow passage and an open condition permitting air flow through the
air flow passage. A louver assembly is mounted in the aperture in
the panel. The louver assembly has at least one louver that directs
foreign matter and sound away from the valve element when the valve
element is in the closed condition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art
to which the present invention relates upon reading the following
description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial illustration of a first
exemplary embodiment of a pressure relief valve constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the pressure relief
valve of FIG. 1 taken along the line 2-2;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the pressure relief
valve of FIG. 2 taken along the line 3-3;
[0009] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the pressure
relief valve of FIG. 2;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a second exemplary
embodiment of a pressure relief valve constructed in accordance
with the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of another exemplary
embodiment of a pressure relief valve constructed in accordance
with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of another exemplary
embodiment of a pressure relief valve constructed in accordance
with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of another exemplary
embodiment of a pressure relief valve constructed in accordance
with the present invention; and
[0014] FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of another exemplary
embodiment of a pressure relief valve constructed in accordance
with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The present invention is directed to a pressure relief valve
for a vehicle and more particularly, is directed to a pressure
relief valve for an opening in a base, such as a panel in a motor
vehicle. FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment of a pressure
relief valve 10 to be located in an aperture 12 of a body panel 14
of a motor vehicle constructed in accordance with the present
invention. The pressure relief valve 10 may be located in the area
of the vehicle trunk that is connected to the passenger
compartment.
[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure relief valve 10 includes a
housing 20, at least one flap valve element 70, and a seal 24.
Although the housing 20 is illustrated as having a generally
rectangular construction, it should be understood that the housing
can have any geometry including, for example, square, triangular,
polygonal, elliptical, circular, etc. The housing 20 (FIG. 3)
includes a peripheral side wall 28 that extends around the
perimeter of the housing and defines a central air flow passage 30.
The central air flow passage 30 connects a passenger compartment of
the vehicle with the atmosphere outside the vehicle and establishes
an equalized air pressure between the passenger compartment and the
atmosphere (FIG. 1).
[0017] The side wall 28 of the housing 20 includes a plurality of
side wall sections connected together. First and second longer side
wall sections 34, 36 extend parallel to each other. First and
second shorter side wall sections 38, 40 extend parallel to each
other and perpendicular to the first and second longer side wall
sections 34, 36. A flange 42 extends outwardly from the side walls
34, 36, 38, 40 and substantially perpendicular to the side walls.
The seal 24 is connected to the flange 42. The seal 24 (FIG. 2)
extends from the flange 42 into engagement with the panel 14 when
the pressure relief valve 10 is connected to the panel.
[0018] Each of the first and second longer side wall sections 34,
36 has inner and outer surfaces 48, 50 spaced apart from each
other. Likewise, each of the first and second shorter side wall
sections 38, 40 has inner and outer surfaces 52, 54 spaced apart
from each other. The inner surfaces 52 of the shorter side wall
sections 38, 40 cooperate with the inner surfaces 48 of the longer
side wall sections 34, 36 to define the airflow passage 30 through
the housing 20.
[0019] The housing further includes a side wall section 60 (FIG. 2)
extending from the longer side wall section 34. The side wall
section 60 extends at an angle to the side wall section 34. The
side wall section 60 also extends at an acute angle to the panel 14
when the pressure relief valve is connected to the panel. A side
wall section 62 extends between the side wall section 60 and the
side wall section 36. The side wall section 62 extends generally
perpendicular to the longer side wall sections 34, 36 and generally
parallel to the panel 14 when the pressure relief valve is
connected to the panel 14.
[0020] The side wall section 60 includes one or more internal
sub-frame assemblies or members 66 that are positioned to extend
transversely relative to the side walls 34, 36, 38, 40, 62 of the
housing, as shown in FIG. 3. Each sub-frame 66 has a generally
rectangular construction that defines a flow opening 24a in the
side wall section 60 of the air flow passage 30. Although three
sub-frame assemblies 66 and corresponding flow openings 24a are
illustrated, those having ordinary skill will appreciate that there
could be more or fewer sub-frames and corresponding flow
openings.
[0021] The sub-frames 66 are integrally formed with the housing 20
and lie at the angle shown relative to the side wall sections 38,
40. Each sub-frame 66 includes a planar valve seat defining portion
68. A flexible valve flap element 70 is connected to each sub-frame
66 and is sized to engage peripherally about the flow opening 24a
in the associated sub-frame. The flap element 70 selectively
engages the seat portion 68 to overlie, and thereby close, the
associated flow opening 24a. FIG. 3 illustrates the flap elements
70 in the closed position. Together, the sub-frame(s) 66 and the
flap element(s) 70 block the entire central air flow passage
30.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, retainer bars 74 on the frame 20 and
retainer pins 76 on the sub-frame 66 cooperate to secure each flap
element 70 to the associated sub-frame in a known manner. The
retainer pins 76 extend away from the sub-frame 66 and are spaced
along the sub-frame. The retainer bar 74 is a plastic bar member of
relatively rigid construction integrally molded with the frame 20.
Those having ordinary skill will appreciate that the retainer bar
74 may have a unitary construction or constitute a series of
discrete portions.
[0023] The retainer bar 74 includes a first end 80 integrally
molded with the frame 20 and a second end 82 having slot-like
orifices corresponding to the location and spacing of the
associated retaining pins 76 extending from the sub-frame 66. Each
of the orifices is sized to receive one of the retaining pins
76.
[0024] The retainer bar 74 has a first, initial condition in which
the first end 80 and the second end 82 extend substantially
parallel to the shorter side wall sections 38, 40 of the frame 20
and a second condition in which the second end of the retainer bar
extends transverse to the shorter side wall sections of the
housing. By placing the retainer bar 74 in the second condition,
the retainer bar secures the flap element 70 to each sub-frame
66.
[0025] Once the pressure relief valve 10 is inserted and installed
within the body panel 14 of the vehicle, when an over-pressure
condition exists on the left or upstream side of the flap elements
70, the flap elements are pivoted away from the associated seat
portion 68 of the sub-frame 66 to an open condition, shown in solid
line in FIG. 2. The open condition of the flap elements 70 uncovers
the flow openings 24a on the sub-frame 66 to allow the flow of air
to take place freely from the upstream to the downstream side of
the valve 10 so that air flows from the passenger compartment to
the atmosphere.
[0026] If the pressures on the upstream and downstream sides
balance or a downstream over-pressure condition results, the flap
elements 70 pivot back into engagement with the seat portions 68 of
the sub-frame 66 to a closed condition under the force of gravity
or because of the increased downstream pressure. This closes the
flow openings 24a and, thus, prevents airflow through the valve 10.
It is contemplated that the valve elements 70 may move between the
closed and open conditions in any desired manner, such as using
actuators or springs to move the valve elements.
[0027] The pressure relief valve 10 (FIG. 1) includes at least one
latch member 90 for securing the pressure relief valve to the
opening in the body panel 14 of the vehicle. The latch members 90
extend from the outer surface 50 of the first and second longer
side walls 34, 36. Although two latch members are illustrated on
each longer side wall, those having ordinary skill will appreciate
that more or fewer latch members may be positioned along the longer
side walls 34, 36 and/or the shorter side walls 38, 40.
[0028] The latch members 90 snap outward in a known manner to
engage the inner surface of the body panel 14 while the seal 24 on
the flange 42 engages the outer surface of the body panel, thereby
securing the valve 10 to the body panel.
[0029] As the valve 10 is inserted into the opening 12 in the body
panel 14, the seal 24 is forced into contact with the body panel at
an area peripherally adjacent the side walls 34, 36, 38, 40 of the
housing 20. As the latch elements 90 move into the latching
position, the seal 24 is forced to spread outwardly and parallel
relative to the body panel 14. The function of the seal 24 is to
help seal the connection between the pressure relief valve 10 and
the body panel 14 of the vehicle against air, water, dust, and
foreign matter from passing through the opening 12 in the body
panel except through the central air passage 30.
[0030] The seal 24 may include a first portion 94 and a second
portion 96. The first portion 94 is connected with the flange 42 of
the housing 20. The first portion 94 extends from the flange 42
into engagement with the panel 14. The second portion 96 of the
seal extends from the flange 42 to the side wall sections 34, 36,
38, 40 of the housing 20. The second portion 96 engages the inner
surface of the panel 14 defining the opening 12. The second portion
96 may extend over openings 98 formed in the transition region
between the flange 42 and the side wall sections 34, 36, 38, 40.
The openings 98 are for connecting a louver assembly 100 to the
housing 20.
[0031] The louver assembly 100 has projections or latch members 102
that extend into the openings 98 to snap the louver assembly 100 to
the housing 20. The latch members 102 engage the second portion 96
of the seal 24 when the louver assembly 100 is connected to the
housing 20. The second portion 96 deforms and extends over the
openings 98 and the latch members 102 to help prevent air, water,
dust, and foreign matter from passing through the openings 98.
[0032] The louver assembly 100 includes a plurality of louvers 110.
The louvers 110 direct air, sound waves, water, dust and foreign
matter that enters the pressure relief valve 10 from the exterior
of the panel 14 away from the valve elements 70 and the openings
24a in the side wall section 60. The louvers 110 have first
portions 112 located adjacent the panel 14 and extending at a first
acute angle to the panel 14 when the louver assembly 100 is
connected to the housing 20. The louvers 110 have second portions
114 spaced from the panel 14 that extend at a second acute angle to
the panel 14 when the louver assembly is connected to the housing
20. The second acute angle is smaller than the first acute angle.
Accordingly, the second portions 114 extend at an angle to the
first portions 112. The first portions 112 may extend generally
parallel to the side wall section 60 with the openings 24a.
[0033] The louvers 110 help protect the valve elements 70 from
damage by directing foreign matter, such as pressurized water that
may be directed at the pressure relief valve when the vehicle is
washed, away from the valve elements. The louvers 110 direct
foreign matter entering the pressure relief valve 10 toward the
side wall section 36, which is spaced from the valve elements 70.
The louvers 110 direct foreign matter away from the valve elements
70 when the valve elements are in the closed condition as shown in
dotted lines in FIG. 2 as well as when the valve elements are in
the open condition and shown in solid lines in FIG. 2. The louvers
110 also direct sound waves entering the pressure relief valve 10
from outside the panel 14 away from the valve elements 70 and the
openings 24a in the side wall section 60 to reduce the noise that
enters the vehicle compartment through the pressure relief
valve.
[0034] The exemplary embodiment of the pressure relief valve 10
illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 has a louver assembly 100 that directs
foreign matter away from the valve elements 70 when the valve
elements are open or closed. The exemplary embodiments illustrated
in FIGS. 5 and 6 have louver assemblies that direct foreign matter
away from the valve elements only when the valve elements are in a
dosed condition. Since the embodiments of the invention illustrated
in FIGS. 5 and 6 are generally similar to the embodiment of the
invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, similar numerals will be
utilized to designate similar components.
[0035] The pressure relief valve 10 illustrated in FIG. 5 includes
a louver assembly 200 that directs foreign matter, such as
pressurized water, and sound waves away from the valve elements 70
and the openings 24a in the side wall section 60. The louver
assembly 200 includes louvers 202. The louvers 202 have first
portions 204 that extend at a first acute angle relative to the
panel (not shown) when the pressure relief valve 10 is connected
with the panel. The louvers 202 have second portions 206 that
extend at a second acute angle to the panel when the pressure
relief valve is connected with the panel. The second angle is
smaller than the first angle.
[0036] The louvers 202 extend into the housing 20 a distance
smaller than the distance that the louvers 110 of the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 extend into the housing. Accordingly, the
louver 202 nearest the side wall section 34 may permit foreign
matter, indicated by the arrows, to impact the valve elements 70
when the valve elements are in the open condition, shown in solid
lines in FIG. 5, but direct foreign matter away from the valve
elements 70 when in the closed condition, shown in dotted lines in
FIG. 5. The other louvers 202 direct foreign matter away from the
valve elements 70 when the valve elements are in the dosed
condition or the open condition. The louvers 202 also direct sound
waves away from the openings 24a in the side wall section 60.
[0037] The pressure relief valve 10 illustrated in FIG. 6 includes
a louver assembly 220 that directs foreign matter, such as
pressurized water, and sound waves away from the valve elements 270
and openings in the side wall section 60. The valve elements 270
are connected to the housing 20 in a different manner than the
valve elements 70 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. The valve
elements 270 include tabs 272 that extend through openings 274 in
the housing 20. The tabs connect the valve elements 270 to the
housing 20. It is contemplated that the valve elements 270 may be
connected to the housing 20 in any desired manner.
[0038] The louver assembly 220 includes louvers 222. The louvers
222 have first portions 224 that extend at a first acute angle
relative to the panel (not shown) when the pressure relief valve 10
is connected with the panel. The louvers 222 have second portions
226 that extend at a second acute angle to the panel when the
pressure relief valve is connected with the panel. The second angle
is smaller than the first angle.
[0039] The first portions 224 of the louvers 222 extend into the
housing 20 a distance smaller than the distance that the first
portions 112 of the louvers 110 of the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1-4 extend into the housing. Accordingly, the louvers 222
nearest the side wall section 34 may permit foreign matter,
indicated by the arrows, to impact the valve elements 270 when the
valve elements are in the open condition, shown in solid lines in
FIG. 6, but direct foreign matter away from the valve elements 270
when in the closed condition, shown in dotted lines in FIG. 6. The
other louvers 222 direct foreign matter away from the valve
elements 270 when the valve elements are in the closed condition or
the open condition. The louvers 222 direct sound waves away from
the openings in the side wall section 60.
[0040] The exemplary embodiments of the pressure relief valve 10
illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 have valve elements that are generally
rectangular. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 has a
valve element 370 with a shape that is not rectangular. Since the
embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 7 is generally
similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS.
1-6, similar numerals will be utilized to designate similar
components.
[0041] The valve element 370 illustrated in FIG. 7 has a first,
rectangular portion 372 and a second, triangular portion 374
extending from the rectangular portion toward the side wall section
34. The first portion 372 closes a rectangular portion of the
opening (not shown) extending through the side wall section 60 of
the housing 20. The second portion 374 of the valve element 370
covers a triangular portion (not shown) of the opening that extends
through the side wall section 34. Accordingly, the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 7 has a larger opening extending through the
housing 20 than the openings 24a illustrated in the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-4.
[0042] The exemplary embodiment of the pressure relief valve 10
illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 has a side wall section 60 to which the
valve elements 70 are connected that extends at an acute angle to
the panel when the pressure relief valve is connected to the panel.
The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 has a side wall
section 460 to which valve elements are connected that extends
generally perpendicular to the panel. Since the embodiment of the
invention illustrated in FIG. 7 is generally similar to the
embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, similar
numerals will be utilized to designate similar components.
[0043] The housing 20 has a side wall section 460 extending
generally perpendicular to the panel (not shown) when the pressure
relief valve 10 is connected to the panel. The side wall section
460 extends generally parallel to the side wall section 36. The
valve element 70 is connected with the side wall section 460 and
moves between open and closed conditions to permit air flow through
the air flow passage 30. An end wall section 462 extends between
the side wall sections 36, 460. The end wall section 462 extends
generally perpendicular to the side wall sections 36, 460.
[0044] A sound absorber 466 is connected with the side wall section
36 and end wall section 462. The sound absorber 466 may be
connected to the housing in any desired manner. The sound absorber
466 extends from the side wall sections 36 and 462 into the air
flow passage 30. The sound absorber 466 has a first portion 468
that extends from adjacent the panel (not shown) when the pressure
relief valve is connected to the panel to the end wall section 462.
A second portion 470 of the sound absorber 466 extends along the
end wall section 462 from the side wall section 36 toward the side
wall section 460. The length of the second portion 470 is such that
the second portion is spaced from the valve elements 70 when the
valve elements are in the open condition, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0045] The exemplary embodiment of the pressure relief valve 10
illustrated in FIG. 8 has a side wall section 460 extending
generally perpendicular to the panel when the pressure relief valve
is connected to the panel. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 9 has a side wall section extending at an acute angle to the
panel when the pressure relief valve is connected to the panel.
Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 9 is
generally similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 8, similar numerals will be utilized to designate similar
components.
[0046] The housing 20 (FIG. 8) has a side wall section 560
extending at an acute angle to the panel (not shown) when the
pressure relief valve is connected to the panel. The valve elements
70 are connected with the side wall section 560 and move between
open and closed conditions to permit air flow through the air flow
passage 30.
[0047] A sound absorber 566 is connected with the side wall section
36. The sound absorber 566 extends from the side wall section 36
into the air flow passage 30. The sound absorber 566 may have a
portion that extends along the side wall section 62 from the side
wall section 36 toward the side wall section 560. The sound
absorber has openings or slots through which projections 568 on the
flange 42 of the housing 20 extend to help connect the sound
absorber 566 to the housing 20.
[0048] It is contemplated that a sound absorbing member may be
connected to the housing and extend into the air flow passage of
the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-7.
[0049] From the above description of the invention, those skilled
in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications.
Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of
the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *