Internal-combustion engines – Charge forming device – Exhaust gas used with the combustible mixture
Reexamination Certificate
1998-02-25
2001-05-01
Wolfe, Willis R. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Charge forming device
Exhaust gas used with the combustible mixture
C123S568210
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223733
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to automotive emission control valves and more particularly to an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve for mounting on an intake manifold of an engine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Controlled engine exhaust gas recirculation is a known technique for reducing oxides of nitrogen in products of combustion that are exhausted from an internal combustion engine to atmosphere. A known EGR system comprises an EGR valve that is controlled in accordance with engine operating conditions to regulate the amount of engine exhaust gas that is recirculated to the induction fuel-air flow entering the engine for combustion so as to limit the combustion temperature and hence reduce the formation of oxides of nitrogen.
It is known to mount EGR valves on engine intake manifolds where the valves are subject to a harsh operating environment that includes wide temperature extremes and vibrations. Stringent demands imposed by governmental regulation of exhaust emissions have created a need for improved control of such valves. Use of an electric actuator is one means for obtaining improved control, but in order to commercially successful, such an actuator must be able to operate properly in such extreme environments for an extended period of usage. Moreover, in mass-production automotive vehicle applications, component cost-effectiveness and size may be significant considerations. An EGR valve that possesses more accurate and quicker response can be advantageous by providing improved control of tailpipe emissions, improved driveability, and/or improved fuel economy for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine that is equipped with an EGR system. A valve that is more compact in size can be advantageous because of limitations on available space in a vehicle engine compartment. It should also be possible to attain further economies and benefits by more fully integrating EGR valves with intake manifolds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One general aspect of the present invention relates to an EGR valve for recirculating engine exhaust gases comprising a body including a housing containing an actuator, an inlet port for receiving exhaust gases, an outlet port for delivering exhaust gases, a valve mechanism comprising a valve element that is selectively positionable along an axis relative to a valve seat to control the flow of exhaust gases from the inlet port to the outlet port, a mount for mounting the EGR valve comprising an annular wall transverse to the axis and having an inner margin circumscribing a hole, the housing comprising a wall seating on the transverse wall of the mount and comprising a hole aligned with the hole in the transverse wall of the mount, and a shaft passing from the actuator, through the aligned holes, to the valve element.
Another general aspect relates to an EGR valve for recirculating engine exhaust gases comprising an inlet port for receiving exhaust gases, an outlet port for delivering exhaust gases, a valve mechanism comprising a valve element that is selectively positionable relative to a valve seat by an actuator to control the flow of exhaust gases from the inlet port to the outlet port, a housing that contains the actuator, a walled mount for mounting the EGR valve comprising a radially inner axially extending wall, a radially outer axially extending wall, and a radial wall that cooperates with both the radially inner axially extending wall and the radially outer axially extending wall to bound an annular space that is open in an axial direction facing away from the actuator and closed in an axial direction facing toward the actuator, the radially inner axially extending wall containing the inlet port.
The foregoing, and other features, along with various advantages and benefits of the invention, will be seen in the ensuing description and claims which are accompanied by drawings. The drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, disclose a preferred embodiment of the invention according to the best mode contemplated at this time for carrying out the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1923357 (1933-08-01), Doering
patent: 3989018 (1976-11-01), Beier
patent: 4171689 (1979-10-01), Eheim
patent: 4308841 (1982-01-01), Kingsley
patent: 4327698 (1982-05-01), Hamai et al.
patent: 4539960 (1985-09-01), Cowles
patent: 4662604 (1987-05-01), Cook
patent: 4776313 (1988-10-01), Freismuth et al.
patent: 5003933 (1991-04-01), Rush, II et al.
patent: 5163295 (1992-11-01), Bradshaw
patent: 5207714 (1993-05-01), Hayashi et al.
patent: 5357931 (1994-10-01), Semence
patent: 5425347 (1995-06-01), Zinke et al.
patent: 5433183 (1995-07-01), Vansnick
patent: 5482024 (1996-01-01), Elliott
patent: 5492104 (1996-02-01), Elder et al.
patent: 5542711 (1996-08-01), Vaudry
patent: 5609143 (1997-03-01), Schellenberg et al.
patent: 5642698 (1997-07-01), Diehl et al.
patent: 5666930 (1997-09-01), Elder
patent: 5669364 (1997-09-01), Everingham
patent: 5701874 (1997-12-01), Sari et al.
patent: 5743235 (1998-04-01), Lueder
patent: 5785034 (1998-07-01), Moedinger et al.
patent: 5857446 (1999-01-01), Norton
patent: 5975064 (1999-11-01), Krimmer et al.
patent: 5996559 (1999-12-01), Busato et al.
patent: 195 19 204 (1996-12-01), None
patent: 196 21 221 (1997-11-01), None
patent: 197 40 998 (1998-03-01), None
patent: 07 01 054 (1996-03-01), None
patent: 074 00 66 (1996-10-01), None
patent: 080 21 315 (1996-01-01), None
patent: WO 96 16 263 (1996-05-01), None
Bauhof, Michael J. et al, “Design Of An EGR Interface For Thermoplastic Intake Manifolds”, SAE Technical Paper Series. International Congress and Exposition, Detroit, Michigan; Mar. 1-5, 1993, vol. 930086.
Busato Murray F.
Cook John E.
Hussey Scott E. W.
Siemens Canada Limited
Wolfe Willis R.
LandOfFree
Exhaust gas recirculation valve does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Exhaust gas recirculation valve, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Exhaust gas recirculation valve will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2457516