WO2011058570A1

WO2011058570A1 - Air breather valve assembly with single vent and one valve designed to fluff

Info

Publication number: WO2011058570A1
Application number: PCT/IN2009/000635
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arun Kumar Sinha
Original assignee: Arun Kumar Sinha
Priority date: 2009-11-12
Filing date: 2009-11-12
Publication date: 2011-05-19

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air breather vent assembly with single vent and single valve operable for a mechanically enclosed environment, comprising of a body with a single circular chamber for intake and exhaust; a cap to cover the said body and house the spring, metal tray and valve for intake of fresh air and for exhaust air for oil vapour; wherein the metal tray along with spring assembly is disposed on the top of the metal body which is configured to accommodate the said assembly.

Description

AIR BREATHER VALVE ASSEMBLY WITH SINGLE VENT AND ONE VALVE DESIGNED TO FLUFF

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure deals with advancement in stabilizing air-pressure in a mechanically enclosed environment such as a gear box / differential transmission etc. More particularly the present invention relates to a vacuum relief valve and / or air breather valve in a mechanically closed environment with single vent and one valve. The present invention is therefore designed in particular to substitute the complex vent hose assembly and breather vent and thereby which controls and dynamically regulates the pressure or vacuum of the area. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Breather Vents permit free exchange of filtered air for gear cases, crank cases vented to atmosphere. Rugged and corrosion resistant, breather vent models can be adapted to incorporate air intake and exhaust for special applications. The prior art basic model of breather vent passes air through a filter media stopping solid particles. A micro metal filter (100 micrometers or finer) is an option for use in areas where high temperature, corrosive vapors or fine filtration issues exist.

[0003] In most internal combustion engines, it is desirable to maintain the pressure within the crankcase at a level equal to or slightly less than atmospheric pressure to reduce leaks through gaskets and seals from the crankcase to the atmosphere. As is well known, in an internal combustion engine, so-called blow- by gases are emitted in the crankcase as a result of leaks of the air-fuel intake mixture and combustion gases through the clearances around piston rings during the compression, combustion and/or exhaust cycles. Because of these blow-by gases, the internal crankcase pressure will inherently rise promoting oil leakage from the crankcase to the surrounding environment.

[0004] Many heavy duty and high horsepower engines use a turbocharger or supercharger to increase the power output of the engine. In such an engine, the fresh air intake is pressurized before entering the combustion chamber, thereby allowing the combustion of more fuel and producing more power for a given engine volume. This design creates difficulties for CCV systems as the lower pressure blow-by gases cannot be introduced directly into the higher pressure intake air line.

[0005] Since the gearbox / differential transmission are often subjected to extreme temperature variations, it is desirable for a transmission fluid to function somewhat consistently over the vehicle operating range. In addition to variations in ambient operating temperatures, a transmission fluid is also subjected to heat generated by friction produced by the numerous rotating components. This temperature fluctuation is manifested as a change in viscosity of the transmission fluid. The change in viscosity may pose a number of challenges in designing a mechanical transmission for consistent performance over a typical operating range.

[0006] Ambient and operating temperature variations also result in expansion and contraction of transmission fluid, which results in fluctuations in the transmission fluid volume. This results in a pressure differential between the interior of the transmission and the exterior, which is subjected to atmospheric pressure. Such pressure differences could cause failure of the transmission seals. For this reason the air breather is used for a mechanically enclosed environment Thus, it is desirable to control the pressure differential using vents between the interior and exterior of a transmission. [0007] Thus, a number of transmission manufacturers have added a vent or breather to their transmissions to equalize interior and exterior pressures. For many applications, a small vent tube, which is strategically positioned, provides this function. However, many of the prior art devices allow bridging of the transmission fluid, which results in unnecessary fluid expulsion. Bridging occurs when the transmission fluid spans the opening of the vent or breather due to the cohesion tension of a viscous fluid. As the transmission warms up, the pressure increases within the transmission creating bubbles within the tube or breather which forces the fluid to be expelled unnecessarily from the transmission.

[00081 Thus, it is desirable to provide a transmission breather, which provides pressure equalization while reducing or eliminating unnecessary transmission fluid expulsion from the breather during normal operation of the transmission without allowing easy entry of external contaminants into the transmission. It is also desirable to provide a breather, which reduces or eliminates fluid escape in the form of vapor. It is also desirable to provide a breather, which comprises only a few parts, which can be easily manufactured and which can be easily installed in the transmission with a top-drivable tool, such as a socket wrench or a screwdriver. It is also desirable to provide a breather, which is designed to withstand the types of impacts which could occur over the lifetime of the breather and which is corrosion resistant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] Therefore such as herein described the present invention discloses vacuum relief valve and / or air breather valve for an enclosed gearbox / differential transmission having a mono check vent with single valve designed to fluff. The present invention is therefore designed in particular to substitute the complex vent hose assembly and breather vent and any other existing devices, which controls and dynamically regulates the pressure or vacuum of a mechanically enclosed environment with a single vent with one valve. Further the assembly comprises of a body with a single circular chamber for intake and exhaust; a cap to cover the said body and house the spring, metal tray and valve for intake of fresh air and for exhaust air for oil vapour; wherein the metal tray alongwith spring assembly is disposed on the top of the metal body which is configured to accommodate the said assembly

[0010] Therefore it is a prime objective of the present invention is to design a vent system, which can be installed easily either manually or by robot as needed in the present day assembly lines of manufacturing industry.

[0011] As per another object of the present invention is to introduce vacuum limiting assembly, which controls and dynamically adjusts the amount of vacuum of an internal combustion engine.

[0012] As per another object of the present invention there is provided a unit assembly which is a simple compact engineered product designed to stabilize air-pressure in a mechanically enclosed environment such as a gear box, differential transmission etc.

[0013] As per another object of the present invention there is provided a unit assembly which meets all the requirements of the assemblies (gear box etc), so effectively, besides bestowing tremendous cost reduction benefit that the manufactures / user would appreciate, world-wide.

[0014] As per an exemplary embodiment of the present invention there is provided a unit assembly, which is, threaded and compatible for an easy installation over the gear box, differential, transmission assemblies of any size. [0015] As per another object of the present invention there is provided an unit assembly which does not allows any spillage of lubricant from gearbox /differential chamber etc., in case the automobile rolls and settles as an add angle, thereby ensuring no possible fire hazard (possible, for example, if the leaking lubricant comes in contact with silencer of the vehicle, which due to use of catalysts assume high temperature).

[0016] Beside, the present invention results in benefit like:

• No spilled lubricant, no slippery road besides no fire hazard.

· Manpower saving in manufactures assembly lines.

• Increased productivity for the manufactures.

• Reduced inventory for the manufactures.

[0017] As per another exemplary embodiment of the present invention there is provided a unit assembly, which functions as air lock and arrests water from entering into the enclosure.

[0018] As per another object of the present invention there is provided a moulded body comprising one circular chamber fitted with single exhaust and intake valve.

[0019] And another object of the present invention is to provide a vent assembly that is simple, easy to construct, easy to install, inexpensive and versatile.

[0020] Yet still another object of the instant invention is to provide a vent assembly, which inhibits contaminants from entering the space of the container.

[0021] Still a further object of the immediate invention is the provision of inhibiting personal injury with a vent when the liquid carried within the container is toxic. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0022] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0023] Fig 1 (a) is the sectional view of the cap of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention;

[0024] Fig 1(b) is the plan view of the cap of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention [0025] Fig 2 is the plan view of the spring of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention

[0026] Fig 3(a) is the elevation view of the tray of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention

[0027] Fig 3(b) is the plan view of the tray of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention

[0028] Fig 4(a) is the elevation view of the seal valve of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention

[0029] Fig 4(b) is the plan view of the seal valve of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention [0030] Fig 5(a) is the elevational view of the body (metal) of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention

[0031 ] Fig 5(b) is the plan view of the body (metal) of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention

[0032] Fig 6 is the elevation view of the body (nylon) in two parts of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention [0033] Fig 7 is the elevation view of the complete assembly of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0034] For the purposes of promoting understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

[0035] The disclosed vent has a valve resting over the seat and lightly pressed with the help of a tray and spring. The valve makes an air tight seal and thus does not permit air or water to enter the chamber. When the vehicle moves, the dynamic air pressure causes the valve to fluff so as to allow atmospheric air inside the chamber to neutralize vacuum (existing inside the chamber due to cooling), when vehicle is parked after a run, when the content of the gearbox/ differential/ etc was hot. Thus the vent assembly deals the problem of suction pressure inside the chamber.

[0036] The top of the body is covered with a cap as shown in Fig 1(a) and 1(b). The cap after it is crimped holds the spring in position, which keeps the valve lightly pressed against specially designed seat on the body with the help of the tray. The cap is spring loaded and has space to play within certain limits. This results in slight vibration of the cap ensuring mud, dust from the road, if struck when wet, to peal off, when its get dry. [0038] Now referring to Fig 5(a) and 5(b), there is shown a sectional view of an essential component i.e. body of the air breather valve assembly. The body holds all the other sub component parts and has male thread, which fits in, the female thread of a receptor housing. The body further comprises of a circular chamber, which further contains valve (spring loaded), containing air passage to the gear box chamber, for the purposes of particularly exhaust and the air intake / suction respectively. The outer shape of the body is configured further to hold a cap. The cap holds onto the body. The cap is crimped after the valve; tray and spring are in position. The exhaust pressure, at which the valve opens is tested only after the cap is crimped.. Further Fig 5 illustrates that the threads and / or the dimensions of the threads can be changed as per need of the recapture/ chamber are provided with holes at the bottom for the air intake and exhaust.

[0039] The specially designed seat on the body and the size and shape of the valve helps it stay in open condition till a vehicle is in speed , say 50kms/hr or so, thus no pressure in the chamber is ever created. The speed at which the valve opens is adjustable by varying the design of the various components like valve, its seat, spring, etc.

[0040] The valve closes when speed drops below 50kms/hr or so.

[0041] The closed valve does not allow any oil spillage even when the vehicle rests at a steep inclination or rest upside down.

[0042] The closed valve also does not allow water ingestion, even when the chamber contents cools and vacuum is created. [0043] The air breather valve assembly further comprises a spring, tray and valve assembly as shown in Fig 2 to Fig 4. The body comprises of single chambers compatible for the air intake and exhaust simultaneously. Fig 3 illustrates a further sub component i.e. a metallic tray that is meant to keep the valve in position and ensures uniform pressure on the valve by the spring. The metal body is configured to hold the valve and the tray in position.

[0044] Fig 7 illustrates the complete cross sectional view of the air breather valve assembly. The cross section shows all the parts used in the fitting and explains the functioning of the product. When the pressure rises hot air and / or gases from chamber / box adopt the route shown by ->H. Moreover, when the suction pressure is created due to the cooling off, air finds way into the chamber adopting the route shown by ->C. [0045] In other embodiment of the present invention the Fig 6 illustrates the top plan view of the moulded nylon body. The view of moulded nylon body shows single circular chamber for exhaust and intake.

[0046] Further fig 7 illustrates the spring used for the opening and closing of the valves. The spring keeps the valve and the metal tray in position and allows suction / exhaust of air by actuating the valves. The cap keeps the spring, metal tray, valve / seal in place and the opening allows the intake the atmospheric air inside the chamber. [0047] Some of the advantages of the air breather valve assembly are as under:

1. No oil spillage, thus gear assembly life increases.

2. Life of the oil seals increases.

3. Efficiency of the engine/ receptor increases.

4. Smooth power transmission has positive impact on the fuel consumption and speed. 5. Overall cost saving in running / maintaining the vehicle.

6. Pollution (air and noise) gets reduced.

7. Creates a satisfied customer / user.

5 [0048] Although the foregoing description of the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and applications thereof, it has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular embodiments and applications disclosed. It will be apparent to those having0 ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, variations, or alterations to the invention as described herein may be made, none of which depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The particular embodiments and applications were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby5 enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such changes, modifications, variations, and alterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the0 breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

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Claims

I CLAIM:

1. An air breather vent assembly with single vent and single valve_operable for a mechanically enclosed environment, comprising of:- a body with a single circular chamber for intake and exhaust;

a cap to cover the said body and house the spring, metal tray and valve for intake of fresh air and for exhaust air for oil vapour;

wherein the metal tray alongwith spring assembly is disposed on the top of the metal body which is configured to accommodate the said assembly.

2. An air breather vent assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the body comprises of a single vent and single valve seated over specially designed seat, which completely seals the chamber for the air intake and exhaust.

3. An air breather vent assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the assembly further comprises of valve / rubber seal disposed over the exhaust and air intake chamber.

4. An air breather vent assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the assembly further comprises of spring configured for keeping the valve and the metal tray in position and allows the suction and exhaust of air by actuating the valve due to dynamic air pressure (created due to speed of the vehicle of around 50km/hr or so).

5. An air breather vent assembly with single vent and single valve operable for a mechanically enclosed environment, substantially as herein described with particular reference to accompanying drawings.