WO2020164806A1 - Plaques d'orifice multi-matériau pour ensembles vanne d'évent de systèmes de confinement de liquide - Google Patents

Plaques d'orifice multi-matériau pour ensembles vanne d'évent de systèmes de confinement de liquide Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020164806A1
WO2020164806A1 PCT/EP2020/025060 EP2020025060W WO2020164806A1 WO 2020164806 A1 WO2020164806 A1 WO 2020164806A1 EP 2020025060 W EP2020025060 W EP 2020025060W WO 2020164806 A1 WO2020164806 A1 WO 2020164806A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
channel
seal
cylindrical body
hub
orifice
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2020/025060
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Steven J. RICE
Original Assignee
Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eaton Intelligent Power Limited filed Critical Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
Publication of WO2020164806A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020164806A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M37/0011—Constructional details; Manufacturing or assembly of elements of fuel systems; Materials therefor
    • F02M37/0023—Valves in the fuel supply and return system
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/03256—Fuel tanks characterised by special valves, the mounting thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/03256—Fuel tanks characterised by special valves, the mounting thereof
    • B60K2015/03269—Flap valves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/03256—Fuel tanks characterised by special valves, the mounting thereof
    • B60K2015/03296—Pressure regulating valves

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to liquid containment systems. More specifically, aspects of this disclosure relate to vent valve assemblies for fuel storage systems with vapor recirculation and vapor capture capabilities.
  • a wide array of storage tanks, drums, and other fluid-tight containers are used for holding and transporting various types of fluids.
  • most conventional motor vehicles such as the modern-day automobile, are originally equipped with a fuel system that employs an onboard fuel tank for safely storing combustible petroleum-based fuels, such as gasoline and diesel fuel, used by an internal combustion engine (ICE) assembly.
  • Portable fuel containers more commonly known as“gas cans” or colloquially as“gas caddies” in some countries, are also available for manually transporting smaller quantities of fuel.
  • Liquefied gas tanks are large stationary containers used to store liquefied petroleum gases, such as propane, propylene, butanes, and butylenes, for use in both industrial and residential applications.
  • Vehicle fuel tanks are traditionally refilled at public gas stations or private filling stations.
  • Most vehicle fuel tank systems have a fill pipe with a fill cup that is designed to receive a fill pump nozzle in order to replace the contents of the fuel tank.
  • many fill pump nozzles include a fill-limiting sensor for discontinuing the flow of fuel from the nozzle when the fuel in the tank reaches a predetermined volume.
  • such fill-limiting sensors are triggered when the fuel tank is full, and fuel begins to“back up” the filler neck to reach or spray the fill-limiting sensor.
  • many fuel systems employ a vapor recovery system with an in-line vapor canister for capturing vapor that is emitted from the fuel tank. The captured vapor is stored by the vapor canister for future release to and consumption by the engine as the vehicle is operated.
  • Fuel system vent valve assemblies are used to regulate vapor pressure within the fuel tank by allowing the venting of air and vapor under predetermined conditions.
  • some fuel vapor recovery systems are provided with a fuel limiting vent valve (FLVV) and a grade vent valve (GW), each of which has distinct liquid discriminating properties that help to regulate fill quantity and/or vent capabilities.
  • the FLVV generally has high flow rate capabilities with a low restriction to help control initial shutoff of the fill pump nozzle at a fuel service station.
  • the GVV by comparison, has a reduced-size orifice and low flow rate capabilities to help control the fill capacity of the fuel tank, e.g., to about 100-104% during subsequent attempts at “topping off’ the fuel tank by repeated pulls of the fill nozzle handle.
  • many GVV assemblies close fluid communication between the fuel tank and the vapor recovery system in order to prevent liquid fuel from flowing out of the fuel tank when the vehicle is driving or parked on an extreme grade or is in an inverted position (i.e., has“rolled-over”).
  • multi-material orifice plates for vent valve assemblies of liquid containment systems methods for making such orifice plates, processes for assembling such vent valve assemblies, and fuel storage systems with a vent valve assembly that is outfit with a multi-material orifice plate.
  • a vehicle fuel system that is equipped with a low-liquid leak GVV assembly that uses a two-shot injection molded orifice plate (also referred to herein as“orifice plug”).
  • the orifice plate is a bipartite, unitary construction composed of a hub-shaped polymeric insert with an overmolded elastomeric seal.
  • the polymeric insert may be injection molded as a single-piece structure with a hollow, cylindrical body having an enlarged-diameter head segment at one end thereof, a reduced-diameter tail segment at an opposite end thereof, and a toroidal flange projecting from the body, interposed between the head and tail segments.
  • the elastomeric seal may be injection molded from a fluorosilicone rubber with a frustoconical seal tip adjoining a transversely oriented anchor rail.
  • a distal end of the tail segment is formed or machined with a series of internal channels that retain therein the anchor rail; doing so mechanically couples the elastomeric seal to the polymeric insert.
  • the seal tip sealingly seats against a complementary seal surface of a movable flapper, e.g., providing a restricted liquid leak rate of approximately 0.2 cubic centimeter per minute (ccm) or less or, for at least some configurations, approximately 0.05 ccm or less.
  • a movable flapper e.g., providing a restricted liquid leak rate of approximately 0.2 cubic centimeter per minute (ccm) or less or, for at least some configurations, approximately 0.05 ccm or less.
  • an orifice plug for a vent valve assembly of a fluid containment system which may be in the nature of an automotive fuel system, a stationary fuel tank, a gas caddy, or any other suitable application.
  • the vent valve assembly includes a valve body with first and second internal chambers, an interior wall with an orifice that fluidly connects the internal chambers, and a flapper movably mounted within the valve body.
  • the orifice plug includes an insert hub with a cylindrical body that is formed from a first (rigid polymeric) material.
  • a hub channel extends longitudinally along and is defined through the insert hub’s cylindrical body.
  • a first end of the cylindrical body abuts the interior wall of the valve body, aligning the hub channel with the orifice.
  • a second end of the insert hub’s cylindrical body is formed or machined with an internal anchor channel.
  • the orifice plug also includes a seal section that is formed from a second (elastomeric rubber) material, which is distinct from the first material of the insert hub.
  • the seal section includes a seal tip with an anchor rail that projects, e.g., from a top surface of the seal tip.
  • the anchor rail seats inside the anchor channel of the cylindrical body and thereby mechanically couples the seal section to the insert hub, e.g., such that the orifice plug is formed as a single unit.
  • the seal tip of the seal section sealingly engages a seal surface of the flapper to thereby obstruct the hub channel and orifice.
  • the seal tip disengages from the flapper such that fluid can flow through the orifice plug.
  • GW assemblies for a fuel system of a motor vehicle.
  • the terms“motor vehicle” and“vehicle” may be used synonymously and interchangeably to reference any relevant vehicle platform, such as passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, industrial vehicles, farm equipment, watercraft, aircraft, etc.
  • many of the disclosed GW assemblies may be adapted for use in both automotive and non-automotive applications alike.
  • a vent valve assembly is disclosed for a liquid containment system.
  • the liquid containment system is generally composed of a liquid tank, e.g., for storing a petrol-based fuel, and a vapor recovery system, e.g., fluidly coupled to the tank via a vapor line to receive hydrocarbon vapor from fuel stowed inside the tank.
  • a liquid tank e.g., for storing a petrol-based fuel
  • a vapor recovery system e.g., fluidly coupled to the tank via a vapor line to receive hydrocarbon vapor from fuel stowed inside the tank.
  • the vent valve assembly includes a valve body with first and second internal chambers that are separated by an interior wall.
  • the valve body includes a valve inlet that fluidly connects one of the internal chambers to the liquid tank, and a valve outlet that fluidly connects the other internal chamber to the vapor recovery system.
  • the valve body’s interior wall has an orifice that fluidly connects the first and second internal chambers.
  • a flapper which is movably mounted inside the valve body, includes a flapper plate with a seal surface on one side of the flapper plate.
  • An orifice plug is located inside the valve body, interposed between the flapper and interior wall.
  • the orifice plug includes an insert hub with a cylindrical body that is formed from a first material, and has a hub channel that extends longitudinally through the center of the body.
  • a first end of the cylindrical body abuts the interior wall of the valve body, and aligns the hub channel with the orifice.
  • Opposite the cylindrical body’s first end is a second end with an internal anchor channel.
  • a seal section which is formed from a second material that is distinct from the hub’s first material, includes an anchor rail that projects from one end of a seal tip.
  • the seal tip defines therethrough a seal channel that is fluidly connected to the hub channel and, thus, the orifice.
  • the seal tip sealingly engages the seal surface of the flapper to thereby obstruct the seal channel, hub channel and orifice.
  • the anchor rail is secured inside the anchor channel of the cylindrical body, thereby mechanically coupling the seal section to the insert hub.
  • Additional aspects of this disclosure are directed to methods for making and methods for using any of the herein depicted or described orifice plates/plugs and vent valve assemblies. For instance, a method is presented for manufacturing an orifice plug for a vent valve assembly.
  • the representative method includes, in any order and in any combination with any of the disclosed features and options: molding an insert hub from a first polymeric material, the insert hub being formed with a cylindrical body defining therethrough a longitudinally elongated hub channel, the cylindrical body including opposing first and second ends, the first end being configured to abut the interior wall of the valve body and align the hub channel with the orifice, the second end defining therein an anchor channel; and overmolding, from a second elastomeric material distinct from the first polymeric material, a seal section onto the insert hub, the seal section being formed with a seal tip and an anchor rail projecting from the seal tip, the seal tip being configured to sealingly engage the seal surface of the flapper and thereby obstruct the hub channel and the orifice, and wherein the overmolding seats the anchor rail inside the anchor channel of the cylindrical body and thereby mechanically couples the seal section to the insert hub.
  • the method may optionally include, forming the seal section, including the seal tip and anchor rail, as one single-piece structure, forming the insert hub, including the cylindrical body and a toroidal flange projecting laterally from the body, as another single-piece structure, and joining the two single-piece structures via the overmolding to form a bipartite, unitary construction.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration, shown in partial cross-section, of a representative liquid containment system with a vapor recovery system and a vent valve assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional, side-view illustration of the representative vent valve assembly of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective- view illustration of a representative orifice plate for use with the vent valve assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional illustration of the representative orifice plate of FIG. 3 sectioned along line 4-4.
  • the singular includes the plural and vice versa; the words “and” and“or” shall be both conjunctive and disjunctive; the words“any” and“all” shall both mean“any and all”; and the words“including” and“comprising” and“having” shall each mean“including without limitation.”
  • words of approximation such as “about,”“almost,”“substantially,”“approximately,”“generally,” and the like, may be used herein in the sense of “at, near, or nearly at,” or“within 0-5% of,” or“within acceptable manufacturing tolerances,” or any logical combination thereof, for example.
  • FIG. 1 a representative liquid containment system designed to securely stow, for example, a hydrocarbon-based liquid.
  • the illustrated liquid containment system which is designated generally at 10, is represented herein for purposes of a more detailed discussion as a motor vehicle fuel system, e.g., for a passenger car, commercial vehicle, or other automobile.
  • the specific architecture and contents of the liquid containment system 10 portrayed in FIG. 1 - also referred to herein as“fuel storage system” - are provided as an exemplary application with which novel aspects and features of this disclosure can be practiced.
  • the fuel storage system 10 includes a fuel tank 12 with a pair of bolt flanges 14, e.g., for mounting to a chassis frame or other suitable load-bearing section of a vehicle body (not shown).
  • Fuel tank 12 of FIG. 1 is generally representative of a liquid container that is fabricated as a fluid-tight receptacle for stowing a hydrocarbon-based fuel 11, such as diesel or gasoline, or other liquid.
  • a tank meter 16 mounted on a top surface of the fuel tank 12 is a tank meter 16 for measuring the level of fuel stored by the fuel storage system 10.
  • the fuel storage system 10 is provided with a fuel fill pipe 18 (also known as a“filler neck”) that is fluidly coupled at a first (lower) end thereof to the fuel tank 12.
  • a second (upper) end of the fill pipe 18 is fluidly coupled to a fill cup 20, which is shaped and sized to receive therein at least the spout end of a conventional fill pump nozzle (not shown).
  • Fuel 11 is fed from the fill pump nozzle into the fill cup 20; the incoming fuel 11 passes down from the fill cup 20 through the fuel fill pipe 18 and into the fuel tank 12.
  • a fuel pump module 22 is disposed inside the interior chamber of the fuel tank 12 and selectively operable, e.g., via an in-vehicle fuel control module, to dispense fuel 11 to an internal combustion engine assembly (not shown).
  • Vapor capture and vapor recirculation capabilities may be provided by hydrocarbon vapor capture and hydrocarbon vapor recirculation subsystems 24 and 26, respectively.
  • a vapor line 28 fluidly connects the fuel tank 12 to a vapor canister 30 such that evaporative emissions, namely hydrocarbon vapor, may be vented from the fuel tank 12 to the vapor canister 30. This vapor canister 30 absorbs, stores and selectively releases fuel vapor from the fuel storage system 10.
  • An internal combustion engine (ICE) assembly draws fuel vapors purged from the vapor canister 30, e.g., via a purge pump and dedicated purge line (neither of which are shown), into an intake manifold to fuel the engine as needed.
  • the vapor canister 30 may be in the nature of, but is certainly not limited to, an activated-carbon packed canister, an activated-charcoal canister, or other currently available or hereinafter developed evaporative emissions canister suitable for absorbing fuel vapors in a fuel storage system. Heating elements may be used to activate the packed carbon for desired absorption and desorption performance.
  • the vapor canister 30 of FIG. 1 may be characterized by a lack of a bleed valve or similar structure for purging vapor to the atmosphere.
  • a vapor recirculation line 32 permits fuel vapor to recirculate up from the tank 12, through the fill cup 20, and back into the fill pipe 18 to mix with the incoming flow of fuel 11.
  • a first (lower) end of vapor recirculation line 32 is fluidly coupled to a top wall of the fuel tank 12, e.g., via a fluid junction 34 to vapor line 28.
  • a second (upper) end of the vapor recirculation line 32 is fluidly coupled directly to the fill cup 20, e.g., below the spout opening at the upper-most end of the cup 20.
  • a functional diameter of the recirculation line 32 is noticeably smaller than the functional diameter of the vapor line 28, as can be inferred from FIG. 1 ; thus, vapor will have a natural propensity to evacuate from the tank 12 to the vapor canister 30.
  • the aspirating effect of incoming liquid flow reduces the pressure in the fill cup 20. This creates a pressure differential that, once sufficiently large, diverts hydrocarbon vapor from the vapor line 28 into the vapor recirculation line 32.
  • the recirculation line 32 then transmits this vapor from the fluid junction 34 to the fill pipe 18 via the fill cup 20. It may also be desirable, for at least some configurations, that vapor be transmitted by the recirculation line 32 from the fill cup 20 to the vapor canister 30 during low in-tank pressures.
  • Vent valve assembly 40 may be utilized, for example, to seal an aperture of the fuel tank 12.
  • Vent valve assembly 40 may take on various forms, including a grade vent valve (GW), a roll over valve (ROV), a full-limit vent valve (FLAW), an inlet check valve (ICV), or other suitable application. It should be appreciated that the vent valve assembly 40 may be utilized with other liquid containers besides a vehicle fuel tank 12, such as, for example, a urea tank, a water turbine housing, a drill mud tank, etc.
  • the vent valve assembly 40 can be an internally (or externally) mounted device; as shown, the vent valve assembly 40 is suspended inside the fuel tank 12, e.g., via valve mounting bracket 36, as shown in FIG. 1.
  • a two-headed banjo tank fitting 38 extends through the fuel tank 12 to couple the internally mounted vent valve assembly 40 to the vapor line 28 and vapor canister 30.
  • the vent valve assembly 40 is portrayed in a representative embodiment as a pressure-regulating, roll-over type grade vent valve.
  • the valve assembly 40 includes a two-part valve body 42, which is generally composed of a primary housing 44 that is fixed to a mounting cap 46, such as by welding, fasteners, and/or an adhesive seal.
  • the mounting cap 46 is formed with a toroidal mounting flange 48 that fixes to the fuel tank 12 via valve mounting bracket 36 or other means (e.g., plastic welding) such that at least the primary housing 44 projects into the interior compartment of the fuel tank 12.
  • Float 50 of FIG. 2 is integrally formed with a buoyant tail portion 56 that extends through a housing aperture (or“valve inlet”) 43 in the base of the primary housing 44, out of the valve body 42, and into the interior of the fuel tank 12.
  • a housing aperture or“valve inlet” 43 in the base of the primary housing 44, out of the valve body 42, and into the interior of the fuel tank 12.
  • tail portion 56 contacts the fuel 11; due to the buoyant nature of the tail portion 56, the fuel 11 exerts an upthrust force onto the tail 56 and float 50 thereby urging both towards the mounting cap 46 (upwardly in FIG. 2).
  • Float guide 52 helps to maintain the rectilinear motion of the float 50 as the fuel level rises and falls.
  • the spring 54 maintains the float 50 in a predetermined position when the level of fuel 11 inside the fuel tank 12 falls below a threshold level to limit the extent of return (downward) travel of the float 50.
  • Valve body 42 encloses therein a series of interconnected fluid chambers through which fuel vapor (arrows FV) can pass, including at least a first internal valve chamber 47 that is generally defined within the mounting cap 46 and a second internal valve chamber 49 that is generally defined within the primary housing 44.
  • the valve inlet 43 fluidly connects the second internal valve chamber 49 and, thus, the vent valve assembly 40 to the interior compartment of the tank 12.
  • a barb-nosed hose coupler 45 also referred to herein as“valve outlet” may be integrally formed with the mounting cap 46 portion of the valve body 42.
  • Hose coupler 45 functions to fluidly connect the first internal valve chamber 47 and, thus, the vent valve assembly 40 to the vapor recovery system 24, e.g., via outlet hose 37 and banjo tank fitting 38 of FIG. 1.
  • An interior wall 51 inside the valve body 42 physically separates the two internal valve chambers 47, 49; an orifice 39 through this interior wall 51 fluidly connects the internal valve chambers 47, 49.
  • a three-legged collar 58 projects from a top-most surface of the float 50 into proximity with the orifice 39.
  • An elongated tubular portion 60 which projects from a bottom surface of the interior wall 51, is coaxially aligned with and generally circumscribed by a circular head of the collar 58.
  • the orifice 39 is defined along the interior length of the tubular portion 60, originating inside the collar 58 and terminating inside the first internal valve chamber 47.
  • Collar 58 encircles the tubular portion 60 such that, during reciprocating (up-and-down) movement of the float 50, the tubular portion 60 slides along the collar 58.
  • a flapper 64 is movably mounted inside the valve body 42, situated between the legs of the collar 58, to ride on top of the float 50.
  • the flapper 64 is generally composed of a flapper plate 66 with a seal surface 68 mounted on a top surface of the flapper plate 66.
  • the flapper plate 66 and seal surface 68 can be snap-fit together or, optionally, the seal surface 68 can be over-molded on or adhered to the flapper plate 66. It is envisioned that alternative configurations may integrally form the seal surface 68 with the flapper plate 66 such that the flapper 64 is manufactured as a single-piece structure.
  • the flapper 64 may slide along the legs of the collar 58 or otherwise move relative to the float 50 so that misalignment of the float 50 with respect to the tubular portion 60 will not inhibit the flapper 64 from seating flush with and sealing against the valve seat 102 of an orifice plate 100, as described below in the discussion of FIGS. 3 and 4
  • the float 50 rises and lifts the flapper 64 against the orifice plate 100 to obstruct or otherwise fluidly close the orifice 39 and, thus, the vent valve assembly 40
  • the float 50 concomitantly falls and the flapper 64 is drawn away from the orifice 39 by the collar 58 [0028] FIGS.
  • the orifice plate 100 (also referred to herein as“orifice plug”) may be rigidly mounted, e.g., via fastener, laser or sonic welding, adhesives, or any combination thereof, onto the originating end of the tubular portion 60 within the second internal valve chamber 49 to control the passage of fuel vapor FV through the orifice 39 to the first internal valve chamber 47 It may be desirable, for at least some implementations, to eliminate the tubular portion 60 altogether and directly couple the orifice plate 100 to or integrally form the orifice plate 100 with the interior wall 51 of the valve body 42 In so doing, the seal surface 68 of the flapper 64 of FIG. 2 can sealingly engage a complementary valve seat 102 that is formed on a distal (lower-most) tip of the orifice plate 100 of FIG. 3
  • the orifice plate 100 is a bipartite, unitary construction fabricated with a rigid insert hub 110 that securely attaches at a distal (bottom) end thereof to a compressible seal section 112
  • Insert hub 110 is formed, e.g., via casting, molding, machining, etc., from a first rigid material, which may comprise a metallic material, such as corrosion-resistant stainless steel, a rigid polymeric material, such as a tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) compound, or any combination thereof.
  • a first rigid material which may comprise a metallic material, such as corrosion-resistant stainless steel, a rigid polymeric material, such as a tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) compound, or any combination thereof.
  • TFE tetrafluoroethylene
  • seal section 112 is formed, e.g., via two-shot injection molding or other overmolding process, from a second flexible material, which may comprise a compressible elastomer, such as a fluorosilicone rubber. It may be desirable, for at least some applications, that the orifice plate 100 consist generally of the insert hub 110 and seal section 112, with the insert hub 110 - including any constituent parts thereof - formed as a first single-piece structure, and the seal section 112 - including any constituent parts thereof - formed as a second single-piece structure that is overmolded onto the first single-piece structure.
  • the individual and relative shapes, sizes and orientations of the insert hub 110 and seal section 112 may be varied from that which are shown in the drawings, for example, to accommodate different valve configurations with different packaging constraints and operational requirements.
  • Insert hub 110 which is portrayed in FIGS. 3 and 4 as a top-shaped structure with a cruciform cross-section, may generally comprise an elongated, cylindrical body 114 with a toroidal flange 116 that projects generally orthogonally in a radially outward direction from the cylindrical body 114.
  • a central hub channel 118 (FIG. 4) extends longitudinally along the length of the insert hub’s 110 cylindrical body 114, passing through opposing first and second ends 113 and 115, respectively, of the cylindrical body 114.
  • the cylindrical body 114 is illustrated as having an open right circular cylinder shape; however, the cylindrical body 114 may take on any combination of shapes, including polyhedral and irregular forms.
  • the first end 113 of the cylindrical body 114 may abut or otherwise mate with the tubular portion 60 of the interior wall 51 of the valve body 42.
  • the tubular portion 60 may be eliminated, the orifice plate 100 placed inside an enlarged variation of the orifice 39, and the outer perimeter of the toroidal flange 116 fastened or welded to the interior wall 51.
  • the first end 113 aligns the hub channel 118 with the orifice 39 such that fuel vapor FV may pass from the second internal valve chamber 49 inside the primary housing 44, through the hub channel 118 and orifice 39, to the first internal valve chamber 47 inside the mounting cap 46.
  • the transversely oriented toroidal flange 116 is placed between the first and second ends 113, 115 of the cylindrical body 114.
  • Toroidal flange 116 may extend in an uninterrupted, continuous manner around an outer circumference of the cylindrical body 114. It is also within the scope of this disclosure to form the flange 116 as a discontinuous structure, such as a segmented annulus or a series of circumferentially spaced flange tabs.
  • a ring-shaped rim 120 is shown projecting generally orthogonally from a distal end of the flange 116.
  • the enlarged first end 113 of the cylindrical body 114 may have a first (large) diameter Dl, while the narrower second end 115 of the cylindrical body 114 may have a second (small) diameter D2 that is smaller than the first diameter Dl, whereas the toroidal flange 116 has a third (extra-large) diameter D3 that is greater than both the first and second diameters Dl, D2 of the cylindrical body 114.
  • seal section 112 Rigidly mounted to a distal (lower-most) tip of the insert hub 110, i.e., on the longitudinal end surface of the cylindrical body’s 114 second end 115, is a compressible seal section 112 that forms the valve seat 102 for sealingly engaging the seal surface 68 of the flapper 64.
  • Seal section 112 is fabricated with a seal tip 120 that projects from the second end 115 of the cylindrical body 114, and an anchor rail 122 that is substantially concealed inside the second end 115 of the cylindrical body 114. While it is envisioned that the seal section 112 may take on various shapes and sizes, the seal tip 120 of FIGS. 3 and 4 is shown with a frustoconical segment 121 that adjoins a disc-shaped cap 123.
  • This disc-shaped cap 123 seats flush against and coterminous with the longitudinal end surface of the second end 115.
  • the anchor rail 122 acts as a skeletal framework that is rigidly coupled to a proximal (top-most) surface of the disc-shaped cap 123, projecting (upwardly) from a proximal (top) end of the seal tip 120.
  • the orifice plate 100 is fabricated with a series of interconnected, internal channels that allow for the simplified, yet secure mechanical attachment of the seal section 112 to the insert hub 110.
  • the second end 115 of the cylindrical body 114 is formed or machined with an anchor channel 124 that generally encloses therein and retains the anchor rail 122 to thereby mechanically couple the seal section 112 to the insert hub 110.
  • the anchor channel 124 of FIG. 4 is shown with a lateral channel section 125 that extends transversely with respect to the second end 115 of the cylindrical body 114, and a pair of longitudinal channel sections 127 that extend longitudinally with respect to the second end 115 of the cylindrical body 114.
  • a transverse crossmember 129 section of the anchor rail 122 is retained inside the lateral channel section 125 of the anchor channel 124, whereas a pair of stanchion members 131 are each retained inside a respective one of the longitudinal channel sections 127.
  • Only a single anchor rail 122 is visible in the views provided; however, it is within the scope of this disclosure to incorporate one or more additional anchor rails that may be structurally identical to, but rotated (e.g., 90 degrees) from the anchor rail 122 in FIG. 4.
  • the cylindrical body 114 may be fabricated to include a corresponding number of additional anchor channels to accommodate any additional anchor rails.
  • the geometry, size and/or location of the anchor rail 122 and complementary the anchor channel 124 may be varied from what is illustrated in the drawings.
  • a seal channel 130 extends longitudinally through the seal tip 120 and anchor rail 122. As seen in FIG. 4, this seal channel 130 is coaxial with and fluidly connected to the hub channel 118.
  • the anchor channel 124 also includes a pair of vent openings 133 through the outer-diameter surface of the second end 115 of the cylindrical body 114, and a pair of gate openings 135 that extend through an end surface of the second end 115 of the cylindrical body 114.
  • the lateral channel section 125 of the anchor channel 124 fluidly connects the vent openings 133 to the seal channel 130 and the longitudinal channel sections 127.
  • the longitudinal channel sections 127 of the anchor channel 124 fluidly connect the gate openings 135 to the lateral channel section 125 and, thus, the vent openings 133.
  • the illustrated anchor channel architecture will allow a curable polymer to flow through the gate openings 135 and into the second end 115 of the cylindrical body 114; through the lateral and longitudinal channel sections 125, 127 of the anchor channel 124, and out through the vent openings 133.
  • the vent openings 133 will also allow for the natural expansion of the subsequently formed anchor rail 122 that may be caused when the seal section 112 is exposed to fuel vapor FV.
  • Anchor channel 124 may also include an enlarged-diameter central channel section 137 that is coaxial with and fluidly connected to the hub channel 118.
  • the central channel section 137 has a first channel diameter CD1
  • the hub channel 118 has a second channel diameter CD2 that is greater than the first channel diameter CD1.
  • Clause 1 an orifice plug for a valve assembly, which includes a valve body with first and second internal chambers, an interior wall with an orifice fluidly connecting the internal chambers, and a flapper movably mounted within the valve body and including a seal surface.
  • the orifice plug includes an insert hub and a seal section.
  • the insert hub which is formed - in whole or in part - with a first material, has a cylindrical body with a hub channel that extends longitudinally through the cylindrical body.
  • the cylindrical body includes opposing first and second ends.
  • the first end is configured to abut the interior wall of the valve body and align the hub channel with the orifice, and the second end has an internal anchor channel.
  • the seal section which is formed - in whole or in part - with a second material, distinct from the first material, includes a seal tip and an anchor rail projecting from the seal tip.
  • the seal tip is configured to sealingly engage the seal surface of the flapper and thereby obstruct the hub channel and the orifice.
  • the anchor rail is secured inside the anchor channel of the cylindrical body to thereby mechanically couple the seal section to the insert hub.
  • Clause 2 the orifice plug of clause 1, wherein the anchor channel in the second end of the insert hub includes a lateral channel section extending transversely with respect to the second end of the cylindrical body, and the anchor rail of the seal section includes a transverse crossmember retained inside the lateral channel section.
  • Clause 3 the orifice plug of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the anchor channel further includes a longitudinal channel section extending longitudinally with respect to the second end of the cylindrical body, and wherein the anchor rail further includes a stanchion member retained inside the longitudinal channel section.
  • Clause 4 the orifice plug of clause 2 or clause 3, wherein the seal section defines therethrough a longitudinally extending seal channel, wherein the anchor channel further includes a vent opening through an outer surface of the second end of the cylindrical body, and wherein the lateral channel section fluidly connects the vent opening to the seal channel.
  • Clause 5 the orifice plug of clause 3 or clause 4, wherein the anchor channel further includes a gate opening through an end surface of the second end of the cylindrical body, and wherein the longitudinal channel section fluidly connects the gate opening to the lateral channel section.
  • Clause 6 the orifice plug of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the anchor channel further includes a central channel section coaxial with and fluidly connected to the hub channel, the central channel section having a first channel diameter and the hub channel having a second channel diameter greater than the first channel diameter.
  • Clause 7 the orifice plug of one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the first material includes a rigid polymer and the second material includes a flexible elastomer.
  • Clause 8 the orifice plug of clause 7, wherein the rigid polymer includes a tetrafluoroethylene compound and the flexible elastomer includes a fluorosilicone rubber.
  • Clause 9 the orifice plug of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the insert hub, including the cylindrical body and a toroidal flange projecting laterally from the cylindrical body, is a first single-piece structure, and wherein the seal section, including the seal tip and the anchor rail, is a second single-piece structure that is distinct from and rigidly attached to the first single-piece structure.
  • Clause 10 the orifice plug of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the seal tip includes a frustoconical segment adjoining a disc-shaped cap, and wherein the anchor rail projects from the disc-shaped cap.
  • Clause 11 the orifice plug of any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the insert hub further includes a toroidal flange projecting laterally from the cylindrical body and interposed between the first and second ends of the cylindrical body.
  • Clause 12 the orifice plug of clause 11, wherein the cylindrical body has a right circular cylinder shape, and wherein the toroidal flange extends continuously around an outer circumference of the cylindrical body.
  • Clause 13 the orifice plug of clause 11 or clause 12, wherein the insert hub further includes a ring-shaped rim projecting generally orthogonally from a distal end of the flange.
  • Clause 14 the orifice plug of any one of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the first end of the cylindrical body has a first diameter, the second end of the cylindrical body has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and the toroidal flange has a third diameter greater than the first and second diameters.
  • a vent valve assembly for a liquid containment system.
  • the liquid containment system includes a storage tank and a vapor recovery system.
  • the vent valve assembly comprises a valve body, a flapper, and an orifice plug.
  • the valve body has first and second internal chambers, an interior wall, a valve inlet, and a valve outlet.
  • the valve inlet is configured to fluidly connect the second internal chamber to the storage tank.
  • the valve outlet is configured to fluidly connect the first internal chamber to the vapor recovery system.
  • the interior wall which separates the first and second internal chambers, defines therethrough an orifice that fluidly connects the internal chambers.
  • the flapper is movably mounted inside the valve body.
  • the flapper includes a flapper plate and a seal surface attached to the flapper plate.
  • the orifice plug is located inside the valve body, positioned between the flapper and the interior wall.
  • the orifice plug includes an insert hub and a seal section.
  • the insert hub is formed with a first material and has a cylindrical body that with a hub channel that extends longitudinally therethrough.
  • the cylindrical body includes opposing first and second ends, with the first end abutting the interior wall of the valve body and aligning the hub channel with the orifice, and the second end defining therein an anchor channel.
  • the seal section which is formed with a second material that is distinct from the first material, includes a seal tip and an anchor rail projecting from the seal tip.
  • the seal tip defines therethrough a seal channel that fluidly connects to the hub channel.
  • the seal tip is configured to sealingly engage the seal surface of the flapper and thereby obstruct the seal channel, hub channel and orifice.
  • the anchor rail is secured inside the anchor channel of the cylindrical body, thereby mechanically coupling the seal section to the insert hub.
  • Clause 16 a method of manufacturing an orifice plug for a valve assembly.
  • the valve assembly includes a valve body with first and second internal chambers, an interior wall with an orifice fluidly connecting the first and second internal chambers, and a flapper movably mounted within the valve body and including a seal surface.
  • the method comprises: molding an insert hub from a first polymeric material, the insert hub being formed with a cylindrical body and a hub channel extending longitudinally therethrough, the cylindrical body including opposing first and second ends, the first end being configured to abut the interior wall of the valve body and align the hub channel with the orifice, the second end defining therein an anchor channel; and overmolding, from a second elastomeric material distinct from the first polymeric material, a seal section onto the insert hub, the seal section being formed with a seal tip and an anchor rail projecting from the seal tip, the seal tip being configured to sealingly engage the seal surface of the flapper and thereby obstruct the hub channel and the orifice, and wherein the overmolding secures the anchor rail inside the anchor channel of the cylindrical body and thereby mechanically couples the seal section to the insert hub.
  • Clause 17 the method of clause 16, wherein the anchor channel includes a lateral channel section extending transversely with respect to the second end of the cylindrical body, and the anchor rail includes a transverse crossmember retained inside the lateral channel section.
  • Clause 18 the method of clause 16 or clause 17, wherein the anchor channel further includes a longitudinal channel section extending longitudinally with respect to the second end of the cylindrical body, and wherein the anchor rail further includes a stanchion member retained inside the longitudinal channel section.
  • Clause 19 the method of clause 17 or clause 18, wherein the seal section defines therethrough a longitudinally extending seal channel, the anchor channel further includes a vent opening through an outer surface of the second end of the cylindrical body and a gate opening through an end surface of the second end of the cylindrical body, the lateral channel section fluidly connects the vent opening to the seal channel, and the longitudinal channel section fluidly connects the gate opening to the lateral channel section.
  • Clause 20 the method of any one of clauses 16 to 19, wherein the insert hub, including the cylindrical body and a toroidal flange projecting laterally from the cylindrical body, is formed as a first single-piece structure, and wherein the seal section, including the seal tip and the anchor rail, is formed as a second single-piece structure, distinct from and rigidly attached to the first single-piece structure.

Abstract

L'invention concerne des plaques d'orifice multi-matériau pour des ensembles vanne d'évent, des procédés de fabrication de telles plaques d'orifice et des systèmes de stockage de liquide avec un ensemble vanne d'évent équipés d'une plaque d'orifice multi-matériau. Un bouchon d'orifice pour un ensemble vanne d'évent comprend un moyeu d'insert ayant un corps cylindrique formé à partir d'un premier matériau et définissant à travers celui-ci un canal de moyeu. Une première extrémité du corps cylindrique vient en butée contre une paroi intérieure d'un corps de vanne pour aligner le canal de moyeu avec un orifice de vanne, tandis qu'une deuxième extrémité définit en son sein un canal d'ancrage. Une section d'étanchéité formée à partir d'un deuxième matériau comprend un rail d'ancrage qui fait saillie à partir d'une pointe d'étanchéité. La pointe d'étanchéité vient en prise de manière étanche avec une surface d'étanchéité d'un battant pour obstruer ainsi le canal de moyeu et l'orifice. Le rail d'ancrage est fixé à l'intérieur du canal d'ancrage du corps cylindrique pour accoupler mécaniquement la section d'étanchéité au moyeu d'insert.
PCT/EP2020/025060 2019-02-13 2020-02-12 Plaques d'orifice multi-matériau pour ensembles vanne d'évent de systèmes de confinement de liquide WO2020164806A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201962805001P 2019-02-13 2019-02-13
US62/805,001 2019-02-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020164806A1 true WO2020164806A1 (fr) 2020-08-20

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002021667A (ja) * 2001-05-15 2002-01-23 Nifco Inc 燃料タンクの液面検知バルブ
US20050126633A1 (en) * 2003-12-04 2005-06-16 Ralf Leonhardt Fill limit vent valve
US20070079872A1 (en) * 2005-10-07 2007-04-12 Alfmeier Corporation Vent valve assembly with lever arrangement
EP3106725A1 (fr) * 2014-02-12 2016-12-21 Nifco Inc. Dispositif de vanne
EP3141785A1 (fr) * 2014-05-09 2017-03-15 Nifco Inc. Ensemble soupape
WO2018160698A1 (fr) * 2017-03-01 2018-09-07 Stant Usa Corp. Ensemble tuyau de remplissage de réservoir de carburant

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002021667A (ja) * 2001-05-15 2002-01-23 Nifco Inc 燃料タンクの液面検知バルブ
US20050126633A1 (en) * 2003-12-04 2005-06-16 Ralf Leonhardt Fill limit vent valve
US20070079872A1 (en) * 2005-10-07 2007-04-12 Alfmeier Corporation Vent valve assembly with lever arrangement
EP3106725A1 (fr) * 2014-02-12 2016-12-21 Nifco Inc. Dispositif de vanne
EP3141785A1 (fr) * 2014-05-09 2017-03-15 Nifco Inc. Ensemble soupape
WO2018160698A1 (fr) * 2017-03-01 2018-09-07 Stant Usa Corp. Ensemble tuyau de remplissage de réservoir de carburant

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