Valves and valve actuation – Electrically actuated valve – Balanced valve
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-29
2001-04-17
Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3754)
Valves and valve actuation
Electrically actuated valve
Balanced valve
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217001
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to gas valves.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known in the art relating to vehicle engines to provide selective recirculation of engine exhaust gases into the intake manifold under certain operating conditions in order to maintain controlled exhaust emissions within desired limits. For controlling such exhaust gas recirculation, an EGR valve may be provided which includes a valve assembly mountable or connectable to associated intake and exhaust manifolds or systems of the engine to meter the flow of exhaust gas from the intake to the exhaust.
The EGR valve may include a valve assembly operable to close or open a passage between the intake and exhaust manifolds. An actuator assembly may be mounted on or connected with the valve assembly and include a solenoid coil and an armature actuated by the coil to open the EGR valve, which is closed by a spring when the coil is deenergized. Pressure differentials between the intake and exhaust of naturally aspirated engines with manifold fuel injection require substantial solenoid energy to open the valve. With potential application to other engines, such as turbocharged engines, direct injection gasoline engines and diesel engines, where even larger gas flows may be required, reduction of solenoid energy for valve opening is desired to allow use of available solenoid actuators with valves for various engine applications. In addition, it is desirable to reduce or eliminate the effects of intake or exhaust pressure pulsations on the armature, solenoid and closing spring mass system to improve positional stability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides relatively simple partially or completely pressure balanced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves having relatively low friction and gas forces to be overcome by the actuator. Pressure balancing reduces the solenoid and spring energy needed to actuate the valves and balances out the effects of intake or exhaust pressure pulsations on the armature, solenoid, and closing spring mass system. Various means are provided for sealing of the valve members to maintain low leakage of gases through the valve or into the actuator. The valve and actuator may be mounted together for drop in installation into an engine assembly or they may be separately mounted for use in various engine installations. Movable members of the valve and actuator are engaged but physically separate so they may be separately replaced. Various actuators may by applied with various valve assemblies for flexibility in meeting the requirements of a alternative engine applications.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from the following description of certain specific embodiments of the invention taken together with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4553735 (1985-11-01), Brundage
patent: 4582294 (1986-04-01), Fargo
patent: 5046530 (1991-09-01), Gossner et al.
patent: 5443241 (1995-08-01), Odaira et al.
patent: 5701874 (1997-12-01), Sari et al.
Bircann Raul Armando
Gee Paul Timothy
Gluchowski Paul Ludwig
Palmer Dwight Orman
Delphi Technologies Inc.
Keasel Eric
Shaver Kevin
VanOphem John F.
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