VALVE AND VEHICLE SUPPORT DEVICE

Description

1 / 7 VALVE AND VEHICLE SUPPORT DEVICE Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention is situated in the field of fluid reservoir systems, more specifically in the development of a valve module for fluid connection between the reservoir, the filling tube and the atmosphere. Background of the Invention

[0002] Vehicle emission control systems play a key role in reducing the environmental impact of internal combustion engines. With the advancement of environmental regulations, vehicle manufacturers have sought innovative solutions to meet the new requirements without compromising the performance, reliability, and economic viability of their products.

[0003] One of the changes imposed by PL8 legislation is the need to transition from a two-way canister purge system to a three-way system, which includes an additional EOBD valve. This modification aims to improve the monitoring of evaporative gases and ensure compliance with the new emission limits established. However, integrating new components into the engine compartment presents significant challenges, especially in vehicles with limited space and already established layouts.

[0004] In conventional systems, the installation of additional valves in the intake manifold generally requires structural modifications to the component's plastic body. These changes demand new manufacturing processes, including changes to the tooling and molding of the manifolds, resulting in high development and production costs. Furthermore, the need for structural and functional revalidation can impact the implementation schedule of the solution.

[0005] Another relevant challenge is related to the assembly and maintenance of these components. In many existing solutions, access to the valves and supports in the engine compartment is limited, making the fastening process difficult and increasing the time required for installation and any repairs. Some approaches require the use of welded metal supports or complex fastening systems, which increase the weight of the assembly and raise production costs.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a technical solution that allows the incorporation of an EOBD valve into the system without requiring significant design changes. Petition 870250014869, dated 24 / 02 / 2025, page 10 / 22 2 / 7 of the intake manifold. The solution must ensure simplified installation, reducing manufacturing and assembly costs, while meeting the requirements for mechanical strength, durability, and compliance with current legislation.

[0007] Some prior art documents have attempted to solve this problem, as can be seen below:

[0008] EP3350009 - The present invention discloses a tank system for a motor vehicle, comprising a fuel tank and a venting device for venting the internal volume of the fuel tank, wherein said fuel tank is connected to the venting device, to a vent line connected to the venting device and to a control valve connected to the vent line, being directly connected to the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine.

[0009] US8371272 - A method for testing a vapor purge system in an internal combustion engine and in a hybrid vehicle comprising a controller for closing a first valve coupled between a charcoal canister of the vapor purge system and the external environment, starting the engine to create a vacuum in the system, closing a second valve coupled between the charcoal canister and the engine, and monitoring the pressure in the system. The vapor purge system comprises a charcoal canister coupled to the engine via a first valve, coupled to the atmosphere via a second valve, and a pressure transducer.

[0010] EP3622207 - The present invention discloses a valve module for an operational fluid reservoir system, comprising a body having a first connector for fluid connection to the interior of the fluid reservoir, a second connector for fluid connection to the filling tube, and a third connector for direct or indirect fluid connection to the atmosphere. The first connector is fluidically connected within the body to the second and third connectors, while the second connector is also fluidically connected to the third connector. The first, second, and third connectors are independently adjustable between an open position, in which fluid communication is permitted, and a closed position, in which fluid communication is interrupted.

[0011] Existing solutions fail to develop a valve module for fluid reservoir systems that combines functional versatility, efficient flow control and Petition 870250014869, dated 24 / 02 / 2025, page 11 / 22 3 / 7 Structural reliability, without compromising integration with other components. The present invention proposes to solve these limitations, offering a technical alternative that ensures adequate fluid control, simplifies the design and improves the operational efficiency of the system, guaranteeing a safe and functional connection between the reservoir, the filling tube and the atmosphere. Objectives of the Invention

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a solution for installing an EOBD valve in the engine intake system without the need for significant modifications to the intake manifold, ensuring compliance with the requirements of PL8 legislation.

[0013] Another objective of the invention is to reduce manufacturing and assembly costs by using a low-cost stamped metal support, eliminating the need for additional processes such as welding or structural changes to the plastic body of the intake manifold.

[0014] Additionally, the invention aims to optimize the assembly process on the production line, ensuring simple and efficient installation by fixing the support to the intake manifold using two screws, without compromising structural strength or the accessibility of the components for maintenance. Brief Description of the Invention

[0015] The present invention discloses a valve support device comprising at least one metal support and at least one fastening means.

[0016] The aforementioned metal support is configured to be the base for attaching the device to the engine's intake manifold. The said attachment means is integrated into the metal support and is configured to hold a valve in the correct position, ensuring stability and preventing unwanted movement during vehicle operation.

[0017] It is important to highlight that the aforementioned metal support is manufactured from stamped steel sheet with anti-corrosion coating.

[0018] The fastening means comprises a tab with holes for the passage of a fastening screw.

[0019] Furthermore, the aforementioned metal support has a suitable shape to accommodate the aforementioned valve. Petition 870250014869, dated 24 / 02 / 2025, page 12 / 22 4 / 7

[0020] It should also be noted that the aforementioned metal support is attached to the intake manifold of an engine by means of two screws.

[0021] Moreover, the fastening means has a damping system to minimize valve vibrations and is configured in such a way as to allow installation and removal of the valve without the need for special tools.

[0022] It is also important to highlight that the aforementioned valve support device is compatible with different valve models.

[0023] Regarding the present invention, the valve in question is an EODB valve.

[0024] The aforementioned valve support device still supports operating temperatures between -30°C and 160°C without loss of structural performance.

[0025] The present invention further discloses a vehicle comprising a valve support device as described in any of the preceding claims. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] The present invention will be described in more detail after the presentation of the figures, which contain a preferred configuration. The Figures show: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the present invention installed in a vehicle. Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates a view of the valve in question.

[0027] The reference elements present in the figures are: 100 - valve support device; 1 - metal support; 2 - fastening means; 3 - valve; 4 - screws. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0028] Before the invention is detailed, it is important to understand that it is not limited to the specific components of the described device, as these may vary. It is also relevant to emphasize that the terminology employed serves only to describe particular embodiments and should not be seen as limiting. It should be noted that, as used in this descriptive report and in the associated claims, the singular forms a, an, and may refer to both singular and plural elements, unless the context indicates otherwise. Furthermore, when ranges of numerical parameters are provided, they are considered to include limiting values.

[0029] It should also be understood that the modalities presented here should not be viewed in isolation or disconnected. The characteristics described for a Petition 870250014869, dated 24 / 02 / 2025, p. 13 / 22 The 5 / 7 modality is also applicable to the other modalities mentioned. If a specific characteristic is mentioned in one modality but not in another, the specialist in the field would understand that this does not necessarily imply that the characteristic should not be considered for the other modality. The specialist would understand that the objective of this request is to reveal the characteristic also for other modalities, but, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, this has not been explicitly stated in each case.

[0030] The present invention discloses a valve support device 100 comprising at least one metal support 1 and at least one fastening means 2.

[0031] The aforementioned metal support 1 is configured to be the base for attaching the device to the engine intake manifold. The aforementioned fastening means 2 is integrated into the metal support 1 and is configured to hold a valve 3 in the appropriate position, ensuring stability and preventing unwanted movement during vehicle operation.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the metal support 1 is manufactured from stamped steel sheet with anti-corrosion coating.

[0033] In a preferred configuration of the present invention, said fastening means 2 comprises a tab with holes for mounting a plastic clamp.

[0034] In a preferred configuration of the present invention, said metal support 1 has a shape suitable for fitting said valve 3.

[0035] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the metal support 1 is fixed to the intake manifold of an engine by means of two screws 4.

[0036] Also in a preferred configuration of the present invention, the fastening means 2 has a damping system to minimize vibrations of the valve 3.

[0037] It is further anticipated, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, that the fastening means 2 is configured in such a way as to allow the installation and removal of the valve 3 without the need for special tools.

[0038] In yet another preferred configuration of the present invention, it is compatible with different valve models 3, allowing for supplier variation.

[0039] Preferably in the present invention, said valve 3 is an EOBD valve. In alternative configurations of the present invention, said valve 3 is a valve responsible for allowing the entry of canister vapors formed in the fuel tank into the engine. Petition 870250014869, dated 24 / 02 / 2025, p. 14 / 22 6 / 7

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the metal support has a thickness between 2.6 mm and 3.8 mm, more preferably between 2.9 mm and 3.1 mm, and even more preferably said thickness is 3 mm.

[0041] In a preferred configuration of the present invention, the said metal support has a mechanical strength of the material used between XX MPa and XX MPa, more preferably between 164 MPa (yield strength) and 410 MPa (yield strength before the onset of rupture - cross-sectional reduction), even more preferably, the material has a strength of 410 MPa.

[0042] The aforementioned metal support is configured to withstand operating temperatures between -30°C and 160°C, more preferably between 0°C and 140°C, and even more preferably, to withstand temperatures up to 160°C.

[0043] The metal support is configured to ensure the correct installation of valve 3, keeping the valve at a distance between 10 mm and 15 mm from the intake manifold, more preferably between 11 mm and 14 mm, even more preferably, the distance is 12 mm.

[0044] The present invention further discloses a vehicle comprising a support device for valve 100 as described earlier in this descriptive report.

[0045] Thus, the present invention achieves its objectives by providing a metal support with an optimized configuration for the installation of an EOBD valve, ensuring compliance with PL8 legislation without the need for significant modifications to the intake manifold. The use of a metal support manufactured from stamped sheet metal with structural reinforcements and anti-corrosion coating ensures mechanical strength, durability and ease of assembly. In addition, the solution reduces production costs and facilitates the installation process on the assembly line, maintaining the stability and functionality of the components, while meeting the requirements of structural performance, reliability and compatibility with different vehicle configurations.

[0046] All combinations of elements that perform the same function in a substantially similar manner, using equivalent methods and producing the same results as the elements specified in the claims, are encompassed within the scope of this invention. This means that even if a variation of elements performs the function in a slightly different way, as long as the result is essentially the same, these variations are also protected by the patent. Furthermore, it is important Petition 870250014869, dated 24 / 02 / 2025, page 15 / 22 7 / 7 emphasize that the scope of protection conferred by this invention is not limited to the literal content of the claims described, but also includes variations or modifications that may be considered equivalent.

[0047] It is necessary to observe that the attached drawings, although representing the ideas and concepts of the invention, have not necessarily been drawn to scale and serve only to illustrate conceptually the possible configurations of the elements. This choice aims only to facilitate the understanding of the invention and not to restrict the interpretation of the claims to a specific or exact dimension. Furthermore, all combinations of elements that perform the same function in an essentially equivalent way, even if they operate slightly differently, are protected by the scope of the invention. The patent protection, therefore, covers a wide range of potential variations that may differ in their specific characteristics, but which achieve the same results.This flexibility allows the invention to protect not only the exact forms described, but also other possible variations and modifications, including so-called equivalents, which fall within the broader scope of the claims. Petition 870250014869, dated 24 / 02 / 2025, page 16 / 22

Claims

1 / 2 Claims 1. Valve support device (100), characterized by comprising at least one metal support (1) and at least one fastening means (2); wherein said metal support (1) is configured to be the base for fixing the device to the engine intake manifold; wherein said fastening means (2) is integrated into the metal support (1) and is configured to hold a valve (3) in a suitable position, ensuring stability and preventing unwanted displacement during vehicle operation.

2. Support device for valve (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the metal support (1) is made of stamped steel sheet with anti-corrosion coating.

3. Support device for valve (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (2) comprises a tab with holes for the passage of a fastening screw.

4. Support device for valve (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said metal support (1) has a shape suitable for fitting said valve (3).

5. Valve support device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal support (1) is fixed to the intake manifold of an engine by means of two screws (4).

6. Valve support device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (2) has a damping system to minimize valve vibrations (3).

7. Valve support device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (2) is configured so as to allow the installation and removal of the valve (3) without the need for special tools.

8. Valve support device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by being compatible with different valve models (3). Petition 870250014869, dated 24 / 02 / 2025, p. 17 / 22 2 / 2 9. Support device for valve (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said valve (3) is an EODB valve.

10. Valve support device (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by withstanding operating temperatures between 30°C and 160°C without loss of structural performance.

11. Vehicle characterized by comprising a valve support device (100) as described in any of the preceding claims. Petition 870250014869, dated 24 / 02 / 2025, p. 18 / 22

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