US2341758A - Fuel drain valve for engines - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 15,-1944.

J. H. CARPENTER 2,341,758 FUEL DRAIN VALVE FOR ENGINES Filed April 17, 1943V Patented Feb. 15, 1944 FUEL DRAIN VALVE FOR ENGINES John H. Carpenter, Williamsport, Fa., assigner to The Aviation Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application April 17, 1943, Serial No. 483,513

16 Claims.

The invention relates to automatic fuel drainvalves for supercharged internal combustion englnes.

One object of the invention is to improve the construction of automatic fuel drain-valves for use with supercharged engines, which insures the closing of the valves during the operation of the engine and its opening for draining the liquid fuel from the intake manifold when the engine is stopped.

Another object of the invention is to provide a valve of this type which comprises a casing which is composed of abody, cap and intermediate sections with the movable elements all mounted in the intermediate section to facilitate the assembly, inspection or repair of said elements.

Another object of the invention is to provide a valve of this type which is simple in construction, eflicient in operation, and can be produced at la low cost.

Other objects of the invention will appear from the detail description.

The invention consists in the several novel features which are hereinafter set forth and more particularly defined by claims at the conclusio hereof. v

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a section of a valve embodying the invention.

Fig. 2is a section taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a section taken on line 3 3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the valve.

Fig. 5 is a perspective of the intermediate casing-section in which the movable valve member and the piston for shifting said member are mounted.

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the valve.

In the exemplication of the invention illustrated, the casing comprises a body-section, a cap-section, and an intermediate section which is removably secured between the cap and body sections and in which the operating vparts of the valve `are mounted. The body-section I0 is preferably made of aluminum or magnesium, is oupshaped, and comprises a top wall II)a and an annular depending wall Il in which is formed a cylindrical chamber i2 which extends through the lower end of wall II. vA duct I4 extends obliquely and laterally from the upper end of chamber I 2 and lcommunicates with a pipe I5 which is usually connected to the inlet to the impeller between the carburetor and the impeller of the fuel supercharging system of an internal combustion engine, so that suction will be applied to the upper end of chamber I2 at all times when the engine is in operation. The body-section I0 is provided with an integral pad I6 and laterally extending lugs I'I which are provided with holes for screws and are faced for attachment of the valve-casing to a face on the intake manifold through which the fuel is forced by the impeller or supercharger to the engine-cylinders, so that any liquidfuel in said intake and its connections after the engine is stopped will drain into a duct I8. The duct I8 extends to the face or pad I6 to receive the liquid fuel from said manifold and its lower end is extended as at I9 into communication with an annular groove 2E) in the lower portionof` the chamber I2. The duct I8, while the engine is running, is subjected to fluid pressure from the combustible mixture forced through the manifold by the impeller or supercharger (not shown). This exemplifies a chamber, the upper end of which is subjected to suction for closing the automatic drain valve and the lower end to pressure while the engine is running.

The cap-section 2l is also preferably made of aluminum or magnesium, forms a bottom for the casing, and is provided with a chamber 22 which receives the engine fuel drained through the body-section of the casing and an outlet duct 23 to which a pipe 24 is connected for delivering the drained fuel to a reservoir for re-use. Section 2l is provided with integral lugs or ears 25 which are provided with holes for screws 26 which are adapted to removably secure the capsection t0 the body-section of the casing.

The'intermediate casing-section, which is preferablyvmade of steel or other wear-resistant material, comprises a cylinder 21 which fits in cylindrical chamber I2; an integral annular iiange 28 which fits and is adapted to be clamped between cap-section 2l and the lower face on the annular wall Il of the body-section and is provided with holes through which screws 26 extend; a cross-wall 3i) which is provided with drainholes 32a, and a downwardly `facing conical valveseat 32. Ports 29 are formed in the lower portion of cylinder 2l for the ow of fluid under pressure from lduct I8 and groove 2B into the lower end of said cylinder. A ring of packing 33 in a groove in the inner periphery of wall II prevents leakage between the upper and lower ends yof cylindrical chamber I2.

A piston 34 is slidable in the cylinder 2'I above the pressure ports 29 and below the suction duct I4, so that the upper piston face is responsive to suction from duct I4 and the under face will be responsive .to pressure from duct I8. A valvemember 35 is adapted to close against seat 32 and is provided with a stem 36 which extends through and is slidable in the crossewall 30. Piston 34 is fixedly secured on the upper end of valve-stem 36 between a shoulder on the stem 36 and a nut 31, so that said piston will shift the valve-member 35 to and from its seat 32. A coil-spring 38 betweenpistn, 34 and the wall yIlisaisadapted to shift piston'd downwardly to unseat valve-member 35 and permit the fuel to drain through ports or holes 32a into chamber 22 when pressure and suction are not applied to the piston 34, which occurs when the engine is not running. This construction exemplifies one in which the piston and valve-member are mountedwin Fandare'rethe suction in duct M from the inlet side of the impeller 91' beiweenihe carburetor and .the im- -pller will @applied toiheuppef; face .of piston 3.4- esimlllienelll', fluid under :pressure from `duct i8, which is-connected to thel inlet manifold through the eombustiblemixture isforcedto the engine-cylinders bythe impeller, will pass-through brenchduct la annular-www12, and ports 28 into theI lower rend of cylindeigzland against the underside@ Piston .SG- This suctionand pres- ,sure en vthe-pistondit -will overcome theforce of spring Sdand shift the piston upwaidly and force the valve-member 35 agains-tits seat V3,2to -cut off communication between theinterior Iof cylinder 2'I .and-the chamber -22 and duct-2.3 inthe ucapsection 2 l. -Whenthe engine sfstoppedfih-epres- 5111181011 thevunder-sdeandfihef suction-.on its 11p- -perjfface will be released and thes-pring til-will shift Ithe piston 3c downwardly and the latter Wilhunseat valve-member 35. Any residualv liquid Vfuel or any condensate ofthe fuelwill then drain from the manifoldthrough ductl, extension t9, groove 26, ports 29 into thecylinder `2 and thence through ports 32a, chamber 2,2 `andpducts `23 to the drain pipe Zillwhich conducts the fue] to any suitable .point for 11e-use, -i-f desired. While the engine is not running, the `valve remains `open for draining the Ifuel. As soon as the engineis started, piston "Sdwvill beshif-ted to yclose valvemember v35 and eut oif communication between the chamber12'2 and thevinlet manifold.

The invention exemplies a fuel drain valve for engineswhichis simple in construction andefcient and automatic in its operation. The -constructionis adapted for the use of an intermediate section of wear-resisting metal Yfor carryingthe voperating parts andtop and bottom casing sections of lighter metals. flheoperating partsare readily removable for replacement, 'inspection .or repair, because they are all mounted in the intermediate casingfsection. The valve-casing is small and is adapted for direct connection to the intake manifold.

The .invention is not to be understood Vas restricted to the detailsset forth, since-these may be modified within the scope of the appended claims without ydeparting from the .spirit and scopev of the invention. l

Having thus described Vthe invention, what I claim as new and desire lto secure by Letters Patent is:

`1.,-A fuel drainvalve for supercharged vengines .comprising `a casing having actin-shaped bodysecrtvioun and a separate cap-section; the body-sleciionrbeiue provided with e cylindrical chamber, aduc .having enopenfendfierqrmeiion .touis y,0f which is in communication with the suction duct and the lower end of which is in communication `with the pressure and drain duct; a crosswall at the lower en d of the cylinder provided with V'a valve-seat and a drain-opening; a piston slidnable inthe cylinder between the suction and pressure ducts withits faces adapted to be exposed .tosuction and pressure, respectively; a valvemember for engaging the seat and cutting off the flow through the opening in said wall; a connection, :between the piston v.and :said Yralvevmember and eXtendng th-rouehthe wall.; and. means for automatically shifting the piston to unseat said valve-member when'the piston is not subjected to suction and-pressure.

Y2- vA rfuel .dra-in valve `for ,supercharged engines comprising a casing havine fa cup-.Shaped :body section and ,aseparate-fcapfsecticn; the Abodysection being provided with a cylindrical chamber, a duct having an open end for connection to duid pressure from -thepintake :manifold when the engi-ne is running -and 'for Adraining liquid fuel from themanifoldwhen-the engine is-stopped and Communicating :with eine lower v:portion of t :Said chamber, and duct vcommunieating With the upper portion :0f the `;cha-mbleltand connectedfor suction'frornthe kergside of-the=i1npel1er or supercharger :theic .pfsction being-provided with a chamber andan outletgductffor thefuel; a cylinder in said cylindrical chamber, the upper end of vwhich is in communication :with `thesuction duct and the lower end;-of;which1is;inccm municatiQn--;with .the pressure and drain duct; a crosswall at'the-vlower end ofi thecylinder provided with V adownwardly'facing Valve-seat and with drain-ports; a piston slidable in the cylinderbetween the suction and pressure .ducts with its farces adapted-to be exposed to. suctionf andv pressure, respectively; a valve-member under land'for engaging the seat and cutting 01T theflow through the drain-ports in said wall; a stem xedly connectingthe piston and said valve-member and extending throughthe wallyand'means for automatically shifting the piston t-ounseat said .valvemember when thepiston-is not subjected-to suction and pressure.

3. A fuel drain-valve for supercharged engines comprising a casing having a cup-shaped bodysection and -a separate cap-section; :the bodysection being providedwitha cylindrical :chambena duct having anA openend -forvconnection to fluid pressure -from the `intake manifold when the engine Vis running and "for draining liquid fuel from the manifold-when the engine'is stopped and communicating with the upper portion of the chamber and connected-forsuction from/the intake side of the limpelleror -supercharger; the ap-fsection Kbeing lprovided with a chamber and an outlet duct for the fuel; a cylinder in said Cylindrical chamber, the upper end of Vwhich is in communication with the suction duct and the lower end of which is in communication with the pressure and drain duct; packing around thevcylinder between the pressure andsuction ducts; a eresswall at the lower end -of the .cylinderfprovided with a valve-seat and with a drain-opening; a piston slidable in the cylinder between the suction and pressure ducts, with its faces adapted to be exposed to suction and pressure, respectively; a valve-member for engaging the seat and cutting off the flow through the opening in said wall; a fixed connection between the piston and said valve-member, and extending through the wall; and spring means for automatically shifting the piston to unseat said Valve-member when the piston is not subjected to suction and pressure.

4. A fuel drain-valve for supercharged engines comprising a casing having a cup-shaped bodysection and a separate cap-section; the body-section being provided with a cylindrical chamber, a duct having an open end for connection to fluid pressure from the intake manifold when the engine is running and for drainingr liquid fuel from the manifold `when the engine is stopped and communicating with the lower portion of said chamber, and a duct communicating with the upper portion of the chamber and connected for suction from the intake side of the impeller or supercharger; the cap-section being provided with a chamber and an outlet duct for the fuel; a cylinder in said cylindrical chamber, the upper end of which is in communication with the suction duct and the lower end of which is in ccmmunication with the pressure and drain duct; a

crosswall at the lower end of and integral with the cylinder, provided with a downwardly facing valve-seat and with drain-ports; a piston slidable in the cylinder between the suction and pressure ducts with its faces adapted to be exposed to suction and pressurevrespectively; a valve-member under and for engaging the seat and cutting olf the flow through the drain-ports in said wall; a stem fixed between the piston and said valve-member and extending through the wall; and spring means for automatically shifting the piston to unseat said valve-member when the piston is not subjected to suction and pressure.

5. A fuel drain-valve for supercharged engines comprising a casing having a cup-shaped bodysection and a separate cap-section; the body-section being provided with a cylindricaly chamber, a duct having an open end for connection to fluid pressure from the intake manifold when the engine is running and for draining liquid fuel from the manifold when the engine is stopped and communicating with the lower portion of said chamber, and a duct communicating with the upper portion of the chamber and connected for suction from the intake side of the impeller or supercharger; the cap-section being provided with a chamber and an outlet duct for the fuel; a cylinder in said cylindrical chamber, the upper end of which is in communication with the suction duct and the lower end of which is provided with ports in communication with the pressure and drain duct; a crosswall at the lower end of the cylinder provided with a downwardly facing valve-seat and with the drain-ports; a piston slidable in the cylinder between the suction and pressure ducts with its opposite faces adapted to be exposed to suction and pressure, respectively; a valve-member in the chamber in the cap-section, under and for engaging the seat and cutting off the flow through the drain-ports in said wall; a fixed connection between the piston and said valve-member extending through the wall; and a spring between the piston and the top of the body-section for automatically shifting the. piston to unseat said valve-member when the piston is not subjected to suction and pressure.

6. A fuel drain-valve for supercharged engines comprising a casing having a cup-shaped bodysection and a separate cap-section; the body-section being provided with a cylindrical chamber, a duct having an open end for connection to pressure from the intake manifold when the engine is running and for draining liquid fuel from the manifold when the engine is stopped and communicating with the lower end of said chamber, and a duct communicating with the upper portion of the chamber for connection to suction from the intake side of the impeller or supercharger; the cap-section being provided with a chamber for receiving liquid from the body-section, and an outlet duct for the liquid; a cylinder in said cylindrical chamber, the upper end of which is in communication with the suction duct and the lower end of which is in communication with the pressure and drain duct, the cylinder being provided with a flange tting between the body and cap sections; a cross wall on the lower end of the cylinder which is provided with a valve-seat and a drain-opening; screws extending through the cap-section and said flange, for detachably securing the cap-section and flange on the body-section; a piston slidable in the cylinder between suction and pressure ducts, with its opposite faces adapted to be exposed to suction and pressure, respectively; a valve-member for engaging the seat for cutting off the ow through the drain-ports in said wall; a connection between the piston and saidvalvemember extending through the wall for shiftingV the valve-member from the piston; and means for automatically shifting the piston to unseat said valve-member` when the piston is not subjected to suction and pressure. l

'7. A fuel drain-valve for supercharged, engines comprising a casing having a cup-shaped bodysection and a separate cap-section; the bodysection being provided with a cylindrical cham` ber, a duct having an open end for connection to pressure from the intake manifold when the engine is running and for draining liquid fuel from the manifold when the engine is stopped and communicating with the lower end of said chamber, and a duct communicating with the upper portion of the chamber for connection to suction from the intake side of the impeller or supercharger; the cap-section being provided with a chamber for receiving liquid from the body-section and an outlet duct for the liquid; a cylinder in said cylindrical chamber, the upper end of which is in communication with the suction duct and the lower end of which is in communication with. the pressure and drain duct, the cylinder being provided with an integral flange fitting between the body and cap sections and an integral cross wall which is provided with a valve-seat and drain-ports, screws extending through the capsecticn and said flange for detachably securing the cap-section and flange on the body-section; a piston slidable in the cylinder between suction and pressure ducts with its opposite faces adapted to be exposed to suction and pressure, respectively; a valve-member in the cap-section for engaging the seat for cutting olf the flow through the drain-ports in wall; a stem connecting the piston and said valve-member and extending through the wall for shifting the Valve-member from the piston; and means for automatically shifting the piston to unseat said valve-member when 'the piston is not subjected to suction and pressure.

8. A fuel drain-valve for supercharged engines comprising a casing having a cup-shaped bodysection and a separate cap-section; the bodysection being provided with a cylindrical vchamber, a duct having an open end for connection to pressure from the intake manifold when the engine is running -and for draining liquid fuel from the manifold when the engine is stopped and communicating with the lower end of said chamber, and a duct communicating with the upper portion of the chamber for connection to suction from the intake side of the impel-ler or supercharger; the cap-section being provided with a chamber .for receiving liquid from the body-sect-ion and an outlet duct for the liquid; a cylinder in said cylindrical chamber, the upper end of which is open and in communication with the suction duct and the lower end of which is provided with a port in communication with vthe pressure and drain duct, the cylinder being provided with a flange fitting between the body and cap sections and a cross wall which is provided with a valve-seat and drain-ports; packing around the cylinder between its upper and lower ends; screws extending through the cap-section and said flange 'for detachably securing them on the body-section; a piston slidable in the cylinder between suction and pressure ducts, with its opposite faces adapted to be exposed to suction and pressure, respectively; a valve-member for engaging the seat for cutting off the flow through the drain-ports in said wall; a connection between the piston and said valve-member extending through the wall, for shifting the valvemember from the piston; and means for automatically shifting the piston to unseat said valvemember when the piston is not subjected to suction and pressure.

9. A fuel drain valve for supercharged engines comprising a casing having a cup-shaped bodysection and a separate cap-section; the bodysection being provided with an integral pad adapted to t and to be secured against a portion of an intake manifold, a cylindrical chamber, a duct having an end open at the pad for connection to pressure from the intake manifold when the engine is running and for draining liquid fuel from the manifold when the engine is stopped and communicating with the lower end of said chamber, and a duct communicating with the upper portion of the chamber for connection to suction from the intake side of the impeller or supercharger; the cap-section being provided with a chamber for receiving liquid from the body-section and an outlet duct for the liquid; a cylinder in said cylindrical chamber, the upper end of which is in communication with the suction duct and the lower end of which is in communication with the pressure and drain duct, the cylinder being provided with an integral fiange fitting between the .body and cap sections and an integral cross wall which is provided with a Valveseat and drain-ports; screws extending through the cap-section and said flange for detachably securing the cap-section and ange on the bodysection; a piston slidable in the cylinder between suction and pressure ducts with its faces adapted to be exposed to suction and pressure, respectively; a valve-member for engaging the seat for cutting off the flow through the drain-ports in said wall; a connection between the piston and said valve-member extending through the wall for `shifting the valve-member from the piston;

and means for automatically shifting the piston to unseat said Valve-member when the piston is not subjected to suction and pressure.

10. A fuel drain-Valve for supercharged engines comprising a casing having a cup-shaped body-section and a separate cap-section; the body-section being provided with a cylindrical chamber, a duct having an open end for connection to pressure from the intake manifold when the engine is running and for draining liquid fuel from the manifold when the engine is stopped, an annular groove communicating with the lower end of said pressure and drain duct and a duct communicating with the upper por-l tion of the chamber for connection to suction from the intake side of the impeller or supercharger; the cap-section being provided with a. chamber for receiving liquid from the bodysection and an outlet duct for liquid; a cylinder in said cylindrical chamber, the upper end of which is in communication with the suction duct and the lower end of which is provided with ports in communication with the groove in the body-section, the cylinder being provided with a flange fitting between the body and cap sections and a cross wall which is provided with a downwardly facing valve-seat and drain-ports; screws extending through the cap-section and said iange for detachably securing them on the body-section; a, piston slidable in the cylinder between suction and pressure ducts with its opposite faces adapted to be exposed to suction and pressure, respectively; a Valve-member for engaging the seat for cutting off the ow through the drain-ports in said wall; a fixed connection between the piston and said valve-member extending through the wall for shifting the valvemember from the piston; and a spring for automatically shifting the piston to unseat said valve-member when the piston is not subjected to suction and pressure.

11. A fuel drain-valve for supercharged engines comprising a casing having a body-section and a separate cap-section, said body-section having a chamber opening through one wall thereof, a duct having an open end for connection to iiuid pressure from the intake manifold and for draining liquid fuel from the manifold, said duct opening into one end portion of said chamber, a duct communicating with the other end portion of said chamber and connected for suction from the intake side of the supercharger, said cap section having a chamber opening through one wall thereof and having an outlet opening through a second wall, said last-named outlet being communicatively connected to said cap-section chamber, a hollow member having oppositely extending open end portions and extending into said chamber, said hollow member having a valve seat at one open end portion thereof, a piston slidable in said hollow member, said hollow member having its other open end portion communicatively connected with said chamber other end portion, means communicatively connecting said chamber one end portion with said hollow member one end portion intermediate said piston and said seat, a valve member cooperable with said seat to control flow of fluid therethrough, means securing said cap-section to said body-section with said cap-section chamber registering with said hollow member one end portion, means operatively interconnecting said valve and said piston, and means urging said valve away from said seat.

12. A fuel drain-valve for lsupercharged engines comprising a casing having a body-section and a separate cap-section, said body-section having a chamber opening through one wall thereof, a duct having an open end for connection to fluid pressure from the intake manifold and for draining liquid fuel from the manifold, said duct opening into one end portion of said chamber, a duct communicating with the other end portion of said chamber and connected .For suction from the intake side of the supercharger, said cap section having a chamber opening through one Wall thereof and having an outlet opening through a second wall, said last-named outlet being communicatively connected to said cap-section chamber, a hollow member having oppositely extending open end portions and extending into said chamber, said hollow member having a valve seat at one open end portion thereof, a piston slidable in said hollow member, said hollow member having its other open end portion communicatively connected with said chamber other end portion, means communicatively connecting said chamber one end portion with said hollow member one end portion intermediate said piston and said seat, a valve member cooperable with said seat to control flow of fluid therethrough, means securing said cap-section to said body-section with said capsection chamber registering with said hollow member one end portion, means operatively interconnecting said valve and said piston, guide means for said interconnecting means, and means urging said valve away from said seat.

13. A fuel drain-valve for supercharged engines comprising a casing havinga body-section and a separate cap-section, said body-section having a chamber opening through one wall thereof, a duct having an open end for connection to iiuid pressure from the intake manifoldand for draining liquid fuel from the manifold, said duct opening into one end portion of said chamber, a duct communicating with the other end portion of said chamber and connected for suction from the intake side of the supercharger, said cap section having a chamber opening through one wall thereof and having an outlet opening through a second wall, said last-named outlet being communicatively connected to said cap-section chamber, a hollow member having oppositely extending open` end portions and extending into said chamber, said hollow member having a valve seat at one open end portion thereof, a piston slidable in said hollow member, said hollow member having its other open end portion communicatively connected with said chamber other end portion, means communicatively connecting said chamber one end portiony with said hollow member one end portion intermediate said piston and said seat, a valve member cooperable with said seat to control flow of fluid therethrough, said hollow member having a flange portion, means securing said cap-section and said angeportion to said body-section with said cap-section chamber registering with said hollow member one end portion, means operatively interconnecting said valve and said piston, guide means for said interconnecting means, and means urging said valve away from said seat.

14. In a device of the character described, a body member having a chamber opening through one Wall thereof, a duct opening into one end of said chamber away `from said one wall, a duct opening into said chamber adjacent said one wall, a hollow member positioned in and having substantially a fluid tight nt with said chamber, a

nange on said hollow member abutting said body one wall, a transverse wall closing the end of said hollow member adjacent said iiange and having an aperture therethrough, a pressure responsive member positioned in said hollow member, means communicatively interconnecting said second named duct with the interior of said hollow member intermediate said pressure member and said transverse wall, a valve member cooperable with said wall aperture to control flow of fluid therethrough, means operatively connecting said pressure member and said valve member, a cap member having a chamber opening through one wall thereof, said cap member having an outlet passageway leading from said last-named chamber, said cap member one wall abutting said flange, said last-named chamber registering with said wall aperture, and means securing said cap member and said hollow member to said body member.

l5. In a device of the character described, a body member having a chamber opening through one wall thereof, a duct opening into one end of said chamber away from said one Wall, a duct opening into said chamber adjacent said one wall, a hollow member positioned in and having substantially a fluid tight fit with said chamber, a ange on said hollow member abutting said body one wall, a. transverse wall closing the end of said hollow member adjacent said flange and having an aperture therethrough, a pressure responsive member positioned in said hollow member, means communicatively interconnecting said second named duct with the interior of said hollow member intermediate said pressure member and said transverse wall, a valve member cooperable with said wall aperture to control flow of fluid therethrough, means operatively connecting said pressure member and said valve member, guide means for said connecting means, a cap member having a chamber opening through one wall thereof, said cap member having an outlet passageway leading from said last-named chamber, said cap member one Wall abutting said flange, said last-named chamber registering with said wall aperture, and means securing said cap member and said hollow member to said body member.

16. In a device of the character described, a body member having a chamber opening through one wall thereof, a duct opening into one end of said chamber away from said one wall, a duct opening into said chamber adjacent said one wall, a hollow member positioned in and having substantially a fluid tight ht with said chamber, a ange on said hollow member abutting said body one wall, a transverse wall closing the end of said hollow member adjacent said flange and having an aperture therethrough, a piston member positioned in said hollow member, means communicatively interconnecting said second named duct with the interior of said hollow member intermediate said piston member and said transverse wall, a valve member cooperable with saidwall aperture to control W of uid therethrough, means operatively connecting said piston member and saidvalve member, a cap member having achamber opening through one Wall thereof, said cap member having an outlet passageway leading from said last-named chamber, said cap member one wall abutting said ange, said last-named chamber registering with said wall aperture, and means securing said cap member and said hollow member to said body member.

JOHN I-I. CARPENTER.V

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