U.S. patent number RE35,040 [Application Number 07/991,846] was granted by the patent office on 1995-09-26 for pressure and temperature relief valve and diaphragm valve.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Outboard Marine Corporation. Invention is credited to Chester G. DuBois.
United States Patent |
RE35,040 |
DuBois |
September 26, 1995 |
Pressure and temperature relief valve and diaphragm valve
Abstract
A temperature and pressure responsive relief valve assembly
preferably used in the cooling system of an internal combustion
engine to control the rate of flow of a coolant fluid through the
engine, which valve assembly comprises a housing having an inlet
and an outlet, and a fluid passageway interconnecting the inlet and
the outlet and including a valve seat, a pressure responsive
diaphragm valve in the passageway and including a peripheral edge
fixed to the housing and an annular combination valve member and
valve seat defining an opening and forming a portion of the
passageway and movable relative to the valve seat and movable
toward the outlet in response to fluid pressure the inlet, a
thermostat mounted in the passageway and including a valve member
movable in response to operation of the thermostat, and a spring in
the passageway for biasing the combination valve member and valve
seat into a seated position on the valve seat and on the valve
member, and a second spring for biasing the valve member into a
seated position on the combination valve member and valve sent.
Inventors: |
DuBois; Chester G. (Zion,
IL) |
Assignee: |
Outboard Marine Corporation
(Waukegan, IL)
|
Family
ID: |
24028454 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/991,846 |
Filed: |
December 16, 1992 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
509877 |
Apr 16, 1990 |
05048751 |
Sep 17, 1991 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
236/92C;
137/508 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16K
31/002 (20130101); G05D 16/0663 (20130101); F16K
17/0453 (20130101); F01P 7/16 (20130101); F16K
17/003 (20130101); G05D 27/00 (20130101); G05D
23/022 (20130101); Y10T 137/7834 (20150401); F01P
2070/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F01P
7/16 (20060101); F01P 7/14 (20060101); G05D
23/02 (20060101); G05D 23/01 (20060101); G05D
027/00 (); F16K 031/12 () |
Field of
Search: |
;236/34.5,93R,92C
;165/134.1 ;138/DIG.6 ;251/368 ;137/375,508 ;166/902 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Mark's Mechanical Handbook May 1980, pp. 6-106..
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Primary Examiner: Wayner; William E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Michael, Best & Friedrich
Claims
I claim:
1. A temperature and pressure responsive relief valve assembly
comprising a housing including an inlet and an outlet, and a fluid
passageway in said housing interconnecting said inlet and said
outlet and including a valve stop, a pressure responsive flexible
member in said passageway and including a peripheral edge fixed to
said housing and an annular combination first valve member and
valve seat defining an opening forming a portion of said passageway
and being movable relative to said valve stop, a thermally
responsive assembly movably mounted in said passageway and
including a thermally responsive actuator and a second valve member
movable in response to operation of said actuator and relative to
said combined first valve member and valve seat for seating
engagement between stud second valve member and said combined rim
valve member and valve seal and means in said passageway for
biasing said combined first valve member and valve seat into
engaged position on said valve stop and on said second valve
member.
2. A relief valve assembly as set fourth in claim 1, wherein said
combined first valve member and valve seat is made of non-metallic
material.
3. A relief valve assembly as set forth in claim 2, wherein said
flexible member comprises a diaphragm and wherein said thermally
responsive actuator extends through said opening.
4. A relief valve assembly as forth in claim 3, wherein said
combined first valve member and valve seat is integral with said
flexible member.
5. A relief valve assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
flexible member is made of a non-metallic material.
6. A relief valve assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
housing includes a top portion and another portion and means for
removably fastening said top portion to said other portion of said
housing.
7. A relief valve assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
flexible member has therein an orifice.
8. A relief valve assembly as set forth in claim 1, and further
comprising means in said passageway for biasing said second valve
member into a seated position on said combined first valve member
and valve set.
9. A relief valve assembly u set forth in claim 8, wherein said
means for biasing said second valve member has greater relative
strength than said means for biasing said combined first valve
member and valve seat.
10. A diaphragm valve for use in a pressure relief valve assembly
including a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a fluid
passageway in the housing inter-connecting the inlet and the outlet
and including an outer valve .[.stop.]. .Iadd.seat.Iaddend., and an
inner valve seat mounted in the passageway, said diaphragm valve
comprising a flexible diaphragm adapted to be located within the
passageway and including a peripheral edge adapted to be fixed to
the housing, and an annular valve member on said flexible diaphragm
and defining an opening forming a portion of the passageway and
being movable relative to said outer valve .[.stop.]. .Iadd.seat
.Iaddend.and to said inner valve seat for seating engagement
therewith.
11. A diaphragm valve as set forth in claim 10, wherein said
diaphragm valve includes an integral valve member.
12. A diaphragm valve as set forth in claim 10 wherein said valve
member is made of a non-metallic material.
13. A diaphragm valve as set forth in claim 10, wherein said valve
member has therein an orifice.
14. A diaphragm valve as set forth in claim 10, wherein said inner
valve sent is movable relative to said valve member and to said
outer valve stop in response to changes in the temperature of fluid
in said passageway.
15. A diaphragm valve as set forth in claim 14 and further
comprising member for biasing said valve member toward said outer
valve stop and said inner valve seat, and means for biasing said
inner valve seat toward said valve member.
16. A temperature and pressure responsive relief valve assembly
comprising a housing including an inlet and an outlet, and a fluid
passageway in said housing interconnecting said inlet and said
outlet and including a valve stop, a pressure responsive flexible
member in said passageway and including a peripheral edge fixed to
said housing and an annular combination first valve member and
valve seat defining an opening forming a portion of said passageway
and being movable relative to said valve stop, a thermally
responsive assembly movably mounted in said passageway and
including a thermally responsive actuator extending through said
opening and a second valve member movable in response to operation
of said actuator and relative to said combined first valve member
and valve seat for seating engagement between said second valve
member and said combined first valve member and valve seat, means
in said passageway for biasing said combined first valve member and
valve seat into engaged position on said valve stop and on said
second valve member, and means in said passageway for biasing said
second valve member into a seated position on said combined first
valve member and valve seat.
17. A relief valve assembly as set forth in claim 16, wherein said
means for biasing said second valve member has greater relative
strength than said means for biasing said combined first valve
member and valve seat.
18. A relief valve assembly as set forth in claim 16, wherein said
combined first valve member and valve seat is integral with said
flexible member. .Iadd.
19. An engine including a metallic body defining a coolant passage,
a temperature responsive valve assembly comprising a metallic part
and including a thermostatic body including a temperature
responsive valve member, and a pin extending from said thermostatic
body, and means for supporting said temperature responsive valve
assembly in said passage and for electrically isolating said
metallic part of said temperature responsive valve assembly from
said metallic body, said means including non-metallic means
engaging said metallic body and said pin, and non-metallic means
engaging said metallic body and said thermostatic body. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.
20. An engine in accordance with claim 19 wherein said non-metallic
means engaging said pin comprises a metallic cover removably
connected to said metallic body and non-metallic isolator between
said cover and said pin. .Iaddend. .Iadd.
21. An engine in accordance with claim 19 wherein said non-metallic
means engaging said pin comprises a non-metallic cover removably
connected to said metallic body and engaging said pin. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.
22. An engine in accordance with claim 19 wherein said non-metallic
means engaging said thermostatic body comprises a non-metallic
member located in said passage. .Iaddend. .Iadd.
23. An engine including a metallic body defining a coolant passage,
a temperature responsive valve assembly including a metallic part,
a thermostatic body, and a pin extending from said thermostatic
body, means for supporting said temperature responsive valve
assembly in said passage and for electrically isolating said
metallic part of said temperature responsive valve assembly from
said metallic body, and a non-metallic pressure responsive member
supported by said metallic body, extending across said passage, and
including therein an opening affording coolant flow therethrough,
wherein said metallic body defining said coolant passage comprises
a metallic cylinder head and a removable metallic cover, wherein
said temperature responsive valve assembly is selectively sealingly
engagable with said pressure responsive valve member to open and
close said opening, and wherein said means for supporting said
temperature responsive valve assembly and for electrically
isolating said metallic part from said metallic body comprises a
non-metallic housing member located in said passageway and engaging
said metallic body and including therein a coolant inlet
communicating with said opening, a helical spring engaged between
said non-metallic housing and said thermostatic body, and a
non-metallic isolator located between said pin and said cover.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.24. An engine including a metallic body defining a
coolant passage, a temperature responsive valve assembly including
a metallic part, means for supporting said temperature responsive
valve assembly in said passage and for electrically isolating said
metallic part of said temperature responsive valve assembly from
said metallic body, and a non-metallic pressure responsive member
supported by said metallic body, extending across said passage, and
including therein an opening affording coolant flow therethrough,
wherein said metallic body defining said coolant passage comprises
a metallic cylinder head, wherein said temperature responsive valve
assembly is selectively sealingly engagable with said pressure
responsive member to open and close said opening, and wherein said
means for supporting said temperature responsive valve assembly and
for electrically isolating said metallic part from said metallic
body comprises a non-metallic housing member located in said
passageway and engaging said metallic body and including therein a
coolant inlet communicating with said opening, a helical spring
engaged between said non-metallic housing and said thermostatic
body, and a non-metallic cover located between said pin and said
cylinder head. .Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to pressure and temperature relief
valve arrangements and, more particularly, to pressure and
temperature relief valve arrangements for restricting coolant flow
through a water cooled internal combustion engine. The invention
also relates to a pressure responsive diaphragm valve for use in
the valve arrangement.
2. Reference to Prior Art
Numerous valve arrangements have been employed for use in the
cooling systems of internal combustion engines. Conventional
temperature and pressure relief valve assemblies which are used in
engine cooling systems and which restrict coolant flow through the
engine include two separate and independent valve members which
seat on separate valve seats. One of the valve members is generally
temperature responsive, and the other of the valve members is
generally operable in response to high fluid pressure in the
cooling system caused by high engine speeds and the resulting high
coolant flow rate. The temperature responsive valve is commonly
actuated by a thermostat comprising a body enclosing a thermally
responsive material, and a rod and piston arrangement which moves
in response to expansion or contraction of the thermally responsive
material. The pressure setting it which the pressure responsive
valve unseats is commonly determined by compressing a biasing
spring for the valve to a desired degree. The thermally responsive
valve member is also commonly biased into a seated position by a
spring.
Conventional valve arrangements commonly employ valves and valve
seats made of metal. The use of metal valves and valve seats can
lead to corrosion of the valve components.
Attention is directed to the following United Sates Patents:
______________________________________ U.S. Pat. No. Inventor
Issued ______________________________________ 1,972,170 Spencer
September 4, 1934 2,497,201 Banner February 4, 1950 2,570,432
Dillon October 9, 1951 2,740,586 Chaniot April 3, 1956 2,785,861
Kimm et al. March 19, 1957 2,810,527 Work October 22, 1957
3,498,537 Backman Wong March 3, 1970 3,512,710 Resta May 19, 1970
3,700,166 Foults October 24, 1972 3,724,753 Thornton April 3, 1973
4,078,722 Luckenball March 14, 1978 4,344,564 Magnuson August 17,
1982 ______________________________________
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a temperature and pressure responsive relief
valve assembly comprising a housing including an inlet and an
outlet, and a fluid passageway in the housing interconnecting the
inlet and the outlet and including a first valve seat, a pressure
responsive flexible member in the passageway and including a
peripheral edge fixed to the housing and an annular combination
first valve member and second valve seat defining an opening
forming a portion of the passageway and being movable relative to
the first valve seat, a thermally responsive assembly movably
mounted in the passageway and including a thermally responsive
actuator and a second valve member movable in response to operation
of the actuator and relative to the combined first valve member and
second valve seat for seating engagement between said second valve
member and said combined first valve member and second valve seat,
and means in the passageway for biasing the combined first valve
member and second valve seat into engaged position on the first
valve seat and on the second valve member.
The invention also provides a diaphragm valve for use in a pressure
relief valve assembly including a housing having an inlet and an
outlet, and a fluid passageway in the housing interconnecting the
inlet and the outlet and including an outer valve seat, and an
inner valve seat mounted in the passageway, the diaphragm valve
comprising a flexible diaphragm adapted to be located within the
passageway and including peripheral edge adapted to be fixed to the
housing, an annular valve member on the flexible diaphragm and
defining an opening forming a portion of the passageway and being
movable relative to the outer valve seat and to the inner valve
seat for seating engagement therewith.
In one embodiment, the diaphragm and pressure responsive valve
member are integral and are made of a non-metallic material.
A principal feature of the invention is the provision of a
temperature and pressure responsive relief valve assembly
preferably used for automatically controlling coolant flow in a
water cooled internal combustion engine, the temperature and
pressure responsive valve members serving as valve seats for each
other.
Another principal feature of the invention is the provision of a
relief valve arrangement which is self-cleaning and which will
remove dirt and debris from the valve seat of the thermally
responsive valve member by revving the engine.
Another principal feature of the invention is the provision of a
temperature and pressure responsive valve assembly which resists
corrosion.
Still another principle feature of the invention is the provision
of a temperature and pressure responsive valve assembly which
provides a different size valve assembly for use in different size
engines by interchanging only one part.
Other feature and advantages of the invention will become apparent
to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed
description, claims, and drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram, partially in section, illustrating
various of the features of the invention as applied to the cooling
system of an internal combustion engine.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a diaphragm
valve embodying various of the features of the invention.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view, partially in section, of the
valve assembly shown in FIG. 1, and showing the valves in closed
positions.
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, and showing the temperature
responsive valve member in an unseated position in response to high
inlet fluid temperature conditions.
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3, and showing the pressure
responsive valve member in an unseated position in response to high
inlet fluid pressure conditions.
Before one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it
is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of the construction and the arrangements
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and
of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it
is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used
herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded
as limiting.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A pressure and temperature responsive relief valve assembly 10
embodying various features of the invention is illustrated in the
drawings. While the valve assembly 10 can be used in various
systems, machines or apparatus, in the illustrated arrangement, the
valve assembly 10 is used in the cooling system of an internal
combustion engine to control the rate of flow of coolant fluid
through the engine. As will be seen from the following, the valve
assembly 10 illustrated in the drawings is intended to
automatically control coolant flow through the engine to achieve
engine operating temperature within a desired temperature
range.
Shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings is a portion of a water or coolant
cooled, two-cycle internal combustion engine 12 which includes a
cylinder block 14, a cylinder head 16 fixed to the cylinder block
14, a fluid or coolant passageway 18 extending through the cylinder
block 14 and the cylinder head 16, and the valve assembly 10
located in the passageway 8. As is conventional, the engine 12 also
includes a cylinder bore 20 containing a piston 22, the piston
being connected to a crank shaft 24 through a rod 26 and a crank
arm 28.
In the specific arrangement shown in the drawings, the cylinder
head 16 serves as a frame or housing for the valve assembly 10, and
receives a downstream frame or housing member 32. As illustrated in
the drawings, the housing member 32 is located upstream of the
valve assembly 10 and includes an annular valve sent or stop 34 and
an inwardly directed annular flange 36 defining a fluid inlet 38.
The cylinder head 16 includes a cover portion 40 which is removably
attached to the rest of the cylinder head 16 so that access can be
gained to the valve assembly 10. The cover 40 is attached by screws
42 or other conventional means.
Components of the valve assembly 10 include a pressure responsive
flexible member which in the illustrated arrangement is in the form
of a diaphragm 44 and which includes an annular pressure responsive
valve member 46, and a temperature responsive assembly 48 including
a temperature responsive valve member 50. Each of the valve members
46 and 50 serve as valve seats for each other.
As shown in FIG. 2, the diaphragm 44 also includes an outer or
peripheral edge 52 which is fixed to the cylinder head 16, and a
rolling or bellows portion 58.
While the pressure responsive valve member 46 can be a separate
member attached to the diaphragm 44, in the illustrated
arrangement, the valve member 46 is integral with the diaphragm 44.
The annular Pressure responsive valve member 46 defines an opening
54 which forms part of the fluid passageway 18. The valve member 46
is moveable toward a fluid outlet 64 in response to increased fluid
pressure at the inlet 38, and is selectively engageable with both
the valve seat 34 and the temperature responsive valve member 50 to
restrict fluid flow through the valve assembly 10. Fluid pressure
is generally raised by increasing the speed of the engine, since at
higher engine speeds a water or coolant pump (not shown) delivers
more coolant to the engine 12.
The valve assembly 10 is provided with means for biasing the
pressure responsive valve member 46 into a seated position on the
valve seat 34 and on the temperature responsive valve member 50.
While various means can be employed for biasing the pressure
responsive valve 46, in the illustrated construction, the means for
biasing includes a helical spring 72 which has a first end bearing
against the cover 40 and a second end bearing against the pressure
responsive valve member 46. The spring 72 is rated to allow the
valve member 46 to open at a desired predetermined fluid pressure.
Preferably, the spring 72 will maintain the valve member 60 on the
valve seat 34 when the engine is operating at idle speeds and will
allow the valve member 46 to unseat at engine speeds in excess of
idle speed.
The temperature responsive assembly 48 is mounted in the passageway
18. While various temperature responsive assemblies can be
employed, in the illustrated arrangement, the temperature
responsive assembly 48 is in the form of a conventional thermostat
which includes a thermostat body 82, a pin 84 disposed partially
within the body 82, and the temperature responsive valve member 50.
The valve member 50 is selectively engageable with the pressure
responsive valve member 46 to restrict fluid flow through the valve
assembly 10. As is conventional, the body 82 contains a thermally
responsive expansible-contractable material (not shown) and serves
as an actuator for the temperature responsive valve member 50.
The valve assembly 10 is also provided with means for supporting
the thermally responsive assembly 48 in the passageway 18. While
various supporting means can be employed, in the illustrated
construction, the supporting means include a second helical spring
86 which includes a first end bearing against the flange 36 and a
second end bearing against the valve member 50. The spring 86
serves the dual purpose of biasing the valve member 50 into a
seated position on the pressure responsive valve member 46, and
forcing the pin 84 to bearing against the cover 40. The spring 86
is relatively stronger than the spring 72 to prevent the spring 72
from forcing the pin 84 out of engagement with the cover 40.
Typically, the thermostat body 82, the pin 84, and the temperature
responsive valve member 50 are made of metal. Although the
diaphragm 44 and the pressure responsive valve member 46 can be
made of any suitable material, non-metallic materials, such as
rubber, are preferred. Means are provided for isolating the metal
components of the valve assembly 10 from the metal components of
the cylinder head 16. While other isolating means can be employed,
in the illustrated construction, the isolating means includes an
isolator 90 which is made of a non-metallic material. The cover 40
may itself be non-metallic, so that the separate isolator 90 is not
needed. The housing member 32 is also preferably made of a
non-metallic material such as plastic. The use of non-metallic
materials for the isolator 90 or cover 40, the pressure responsive
valve member 46, and the housing member 32 serves to isolate the
metal thermostat components from other parts made of metal, thereby
tending to reduce or eliminate electrolytic corrosion. Furthermore,
the use of non-metallic materials such as rubber aids in the
reduction of corrosion and wear caused by the vibration of
components in contact with one another.
As can been seen from the drawings, the valve assembly 10 or
components thereof can be easily removed from the cylinder head 16
after first removing the cover 40 from the cylinder head 16. In
addition, the valve assembly 10 can be in the form of a complete
drop-in unit which can include the housing member 32 and the
isolator 90. The parts comprising the valve assembly 10, or the
entire valve assembly 10, may be replaced when warn or
defective.
The valve assembly 10 can be used in engines of all sizes by
changing a single part, such as the diaphragm 44. For example, when
the valve assembly 10 is used in larger engines requiring greater
coolant flow rates, or smaller engines requiring lesser coolant
flow rates, the valve member 46 of diaphragm 44 can be reduced or
enlarged, respectively. Changing the size of the valve member 46 is
accompanied by a change in the size of the opening 54 which is
defined by the valve member 46. As previously mentioned, the
opening 54 forms part of the passageway 18, so that enlargement or
reduction of the opening 54 allows greater or lesser coolant flow
rates through the valve assembly 10.
An advantage of the valve assembly 10 is that it can be sized to
maximize the speed of the coolant flowing through the valve
assembly while still maintaining a flow rate to properly cool the
engine. Higher coolant flow speeds assist in flushing debris past
the valve assembly 10. The sizes of the pressure and temperature
responsive valve members 46 and 50 can be selected to maximize the
speed of coolant flow around the valve members and through the
opening 54 while still allowing a coolant flow rate sufficient to
cool the engine.
FIG. 3 illustrates the valve assembly 10 which is closed and which
is operating at inlet fluid pressure and temperature levels below
that required to open the valve assembly 10. The valve assembly 10
is provided with means for purging air in the system. While various
purging means can be employed, in the disclosed construction, the
purging means includes an orifice 94 which is located in the
bellows portion 58 of the diaphragm 44 so that diaphragm flexure
prevents mineral build-up in the orifice. Preferably, the valve
assembly 10 remains closed at engine idle speeds when the engine is
cold.
FIG. 4 shows the temperature responsive valve member 50 in an open
position in response to increased inlet fluid temperature. As the
engine 12 warms up, increased fluid temperatures cause the
thermally responsive material contained with the thermostat body 82
to expand which in turn causes the valve member 50 to move relative
to the pressure responsive valve member 46 and against the force of
the spring 86 to permit fluid flow in the direction shown by the
arrows in FIG. 4. When the engine is shut off or when the fluid
flow rate is high enough to prevent the coolant from becoming
sufficiently warmed, the thermally responsive material will
contract and the spring 86 will bias the thermally responsive valve
member 50 toward the pressure responsive valve 46.
Referring to FIG. 5, the valve assembly 10 is shown acting under
inlet fluid pressure levels sufficient to move the pressure
responsive valve member 46 against the force of the spring 72 and
away from the valve seat 34 and the temperature responsive valve
member 50. As engine speed is reduced and fluid pressure decreases,
the spring 72 biases the pressure responsive valve 46 back towards
a seated position on the valve seat 34 and on the temperature
responsive valve member 50.
Foreign matter which clogs the valve assembly 10 can cause poor
engine performance. For example, a chip of foreign matter may
become lodged between the valve members 46 and 50 so that the valve
members do not properly seal when engaging one another. When the
engine is started, the chip may cause undesireable fluid leakage
through the valve assembly 10. The increased fluid flow caused by
the leakage can slow warm-up of the engine and can lead to engine
difficulties such as rough idle.
Because the temperature responsive valve member 50 seats on the
pressure responsive valve member 46, dirt or debris can be flushed
from the valve assembly 10 without movement of the temperature
responsive valve member 50. To remove a foreign substance lodged
between the valve members 46 and 50, the engine can be revved to
increase engine speed so that increased fluid pressure at the inlet
38 causes the pressure responsive valve member 46 to open so that
the dirt or debris from between the valve members 46 and 50 is
flushed out.
Various features of the invention are set forth in the following
claims.
* * * * *