Waterproof and breathable valve with cyclone separation structure

Abstract

This invention relates to a waterproof and breathable valve with a cyclone separation structure, comprising a valve body and a cyclone separation device. The valve body has a channel and an air hole. The cyclone separation device is disposed within the valve body, and its interior is connected to both the channel and the air hole. A drainage chamber is formed between the cyclone separation device and the inner wall of the valve body. The interior of the cyclone separation device contains multiple cyclone chambers sequentially connected along the gas flow direction. Cyclone blades are disposed on the inner walls of the multiple cyclone chambers. The cyclone separation device has multiple drainage holes that connect the multiple cyclone chambers to the drainage chamber. Gas containing oil droplets enters the cyclone separation device through the channel and flows sequentially through the multiple cyclone chambers. The oil droplets separated in the multiple cyclone chambers are discharged into the drainage chamber through the multiple drainage holes. The gas obtained after separating the oil droplets is discharged through the air hole. This invention solves the technical problems of porous coalescing filter elements in breathable valve products being prone to saturation, clogging, and having low filtration efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of valve structure, and more particularly to a waterproof and breathable valve, especially a waterproof and breathable valve with a swirl separation structure that can be applied to the internal transmission system of new energy vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] During continuous vehicle operation, the membrane material in the waterproof vent valve element primarily prevents external water and other impurities from entering the power transmission system. During this process, air carrying a significant amount of oil within the system also exchanges air with the external environment through the vent valve element. Therefore, a porous coalescing filter element (a multi-layered fiber filter material within the waterproof vent valve that allows droplet coalescence, typically made of materials such as glass fiber, polypropylene fiber, or cotton fiber) is usually installed in the vent valve to separate the oil from the air. The porous material in the porous coalescing filter element can be made of various materials such as glass fiber, polypropylene fiber, and cotton fiber. The filter layer mainly ensures that air carrying oil does not damage the waterproof vent valve's membrane, thus extending the valve's service life.

[0003] In a waterproof and breathable valve, airflow passes from bottom to top through a porous filter element and a waterproof and breathable membrane (both core components of the valve). The main function of the waterproof and breathable membrane is to intercept water droplets and solid impurities in the gas, ensuring gas cleanliness. The porous filter element removes oil droplets entrained in the gas. Currently, oil removal methods using porous filters are mainly divided into two types: oleophilic adsorption and oleophobic coalescence. Oleophilic adsorption refers to using oleophilic porous materials to adsorb and store oil droplets in the air, achieving oil-liquid separation and removal. Oleophobic coalescence mainly refers to using oleophobic porous materials to capture oil droplets in the gas, causing small droplets to collide and merge within the fibers, forming larger droplets. Gravity then gradually discharges the oil back into the power transmission system components, achieving the purpose of removing oil droplets from the air. However, the above-mentioned porous coalescing filter element has the following problems during operation:

[0004] 1. For oleophilic porous coalescing filter elements, the filter media has a strong adsorption capacity for oil. However, the liquid absorption capacity of this type of oleophilic material has a certain saturation value. When the saturation is reached, the filter media fails and no longer has the ability to remove oil. Therefore, the vent valve needs to be replaced frequently, resulting in high operating costs.

[0005] 2. For oleophobic porous coalescing filter elements, after droplets coalesce through the material, they gradually accumulate and drain back into the system. When the gas velocity is low, as the amount of accumulated droplets increases, the gravity of the accumulated liquid gradually exceeds the drag force of the airflow, causing the liquid to penetrate downwards into the material, clogging the pores of the porous material and reducing the air permeability of the porous coalescing filter element. When the gas velocity is high, the coalesced liquid cannot drain back into the power transmission system by gravity and will accumulate on the upper surface of the porous coalescing filter element. When the droplets accumulate to a certain amount, they will contaminate the waterproof and breathable membrane, affecting its effectiveness and performance, and thus affecting the normal use of the entire waterproof and breathable valve.

[0006] Third, for some existing breather valve products using oleophobic materials, the path or area through which the liquid flows through the porous coalescing filter element block when it is discharged back to the power transmission system is relatively random and without selectivity. As a result, the clean area within the porous filter block gradually decreases, the air permeability and filtration efficiency gradually decrease, and the performance and lifespan of the breather valve are affected.

[0007] There is currently no effective solution to the problems of porous coalescing filter elements in breather valve products being prone to saturation, clogging, and low filtration efficiency in related technologies.

[0008] Therefore, based on years of experience and practice in related industries, the inventor proposes a waterproof and breathable valve with a swirl separation structure to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a waterproof and breathable valve with a swirling separation structure, which can achieve the effect of swirling separation of oil droplets in gas and unidirectional drainage. This effectively solves the problem that when a vehicle is running for a long time, it cannot drain oil droplets back to the power transmission system in time, resulting in excessive liquid accumulation, affecting the air permeability and contaminating the waterproof and breathable membrane, and effectively extending the service life of the waterproof and breathable valve.

[0010] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following methods:

[0011] This invention provides a waterproof and breathable valve with a swirl separation structure, comprising:

[0012] A valve body having an air intake passage and an air outlet for exhausting air;

[0013] A cyclone separator is disposed within the valve body, and the interior of the cyclone separator is connected to the channel and the air hole respectively;

[0014] A drain chamber is formed between the cyclone separator and the inner wall of the valve body. The interior of the cyclone separator has multiple cyclone chambers that are sequentially connected along the gas flow direction. Cyclone blades are provided on the inner walls of the multiple cyclone chambers. The cyclone separator has multiple drain holes that connect the multiple cyclone chambers and the drain chamber respectively. The gas containing oil droplets that enters the cyclone separator through the channel flows sequentially through the multiple cyclone chambers. The oil droplets separated in the multiple cyclone chambers are discharged into the drain chamber through the multiple drain holes. The gas obtained after separating the oil droplets is discharged through the gas hole.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an air inlet chamber is formed inside the cyclone separator. The air inlet chamber is connected to the channel and the cyclone chamber respectively. Gas containing oil droplets enters the cyclone chamber after passing through the channel and the air inlet chamber in sequence.

[0016] The cyclone separator has an outlet hole that connects the air inlet chamber and the liquid outlet chamber. The oil collected in the liquid outlet chamber is discharged sequentially through the outlet hole, the air inlet chamber and the channel.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cyclone separator is provided with a plurality of partitions at intervals inside, the plurality of partitions separating the air inlet chamber from the cyclone chamber and between two adjacent cyclone chambers respectively, and the partitions are provided with air outlets to allow gas to flow between the air inlet chamber and the cyclone chamber and between two adjacent cyclone chambers.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the area of ​​the gas outlets on the plurality of baffles decreases sequentially along the gas flow direction.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air vent is located at or near the edge of the partition, and the air vents on the plurality of partitions are staggered along the gas flow direction.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a flow-blocking structure for prolonging gas passage time is provided in the swirling chamber, and the flow-blocking structure is disposed on the partition plate.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow-blocking structure includes at least two arc-shaped plates, the concave portions of the two arc-shaped plates are arranged opposite to each other, and a gap area for gas passage is left between the two arc-shaped plates.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cyclone separator is a vertically arranged cylindrical structure, the air inlet chamber and the plurality of cyclone chambers are arranged sequentially from bottom to top, and the channel is located at the bottom of the valve body.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the cyclone separator is fixed to the valve body, and the top of the cyclone separator is provided with a coalescing filter element;

[0024] The coalescing filter element has an interconnected oleophobic region and an oleophilic region, which are respectively connected to the drainage chamber and the swirl chamber located at the top.

[0025] When the gas containing oil droplets in the swirling chamber passes through the coalescing filter element, the oil droplets are adsorbed by the coalescing filter element and sequentially converge into the drain chamber through the oleophobic region and the oleophilic region.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an air exchange chamber is formed inside the valve body, the coalescing filter element separates the air exchange chamber from the drain chamber and the swirling chamber located at the top, and the air hole is connected to the air exchange chamber.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cyclone separator is located in the middle of the valve body, the drain chamber is annular, and the drain chamber is arranged around the outer periphery of the cyclone separator.

[0028] The coalescing filter element is sealed at the top of the drainage chamber and at the top of the swirling chamber located at the top. The oleophobic region is located in the middle of the coalescing filter element and is vertically opposite to the swirling chamber. The oleophilic region is annular and is vertically opposite to the drainage chamber.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a filter screen and a breathable membrane are sequentially disposed between the coalescing filter element and the ventilation chamber.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an end cap is provided on the top of the valve body, the air exchange chamber is located between the inner wall of the end cap and the air-permeable membrane, and the air hole is opened on the end cap.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a groove is provided on the bottom inner wall of the valve body, and the bottom of the cyclone separator is inserted into the groove.

[0032] As described above, the features and advantages of the waterproof and breathable valve with a swirling separation structure of the present invention are as follows: a swirling separation device is provided in the valve body, and a drain chamber is formed between the swirling separation device and the inner wall of the valve body. Multiple swirling chambers are formed inside the swirling separation device in sequence along the gas flow direction. The gas containing oil droplets entering the swirling separation device through the channel flows through multiple swirling chambers in sequence. Due to the arrangement of the swirling blades, the gas containing oil droplets forms a swirling flow in the swirling chamber. Under the action of centrifugal force, the oil droplets in the gas are separated and discharged into the drain chamber through multiple drain holes. The gas obtained after separating the oil droplets is discharged through the air hole. The whole process can achieve the effect of real-time separation and one-way drainage of oil droplets mixed in the gas, avoiding the situation where oil droplets in the waterproof and breathable valve cannot be discharged in time, which may cause blockage of the channel and contamination of the waterproof and breathable membrane. It effectively solves the problem that the oil droplets cannot be discharged back to the power transmission system in time during long-term vehicle operation, resulting in excessive liquid accumulation, affecting the air permeability and contaminating the waterproof and breathable membrane, and effectively extending the service life of the waterproof and breathable valve. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings are intended only to illustrate and explain the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0034] in:

[0035] Figure 1 : This is a front view of the waterproof and breathable valve with a swirl separation structure of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 : This is an exploded view of the waterproof and breathable valve with a swirl separation structure of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 :for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-section at position AA.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the swirling separation device in the waterproof and breathable valve with a swirling separation structure of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 This is one of the front cross-sectional views of the swirling separation device in the waterproof and breathable valve with a swirling separation structure of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 6 :for Figure 5 A magnified view of the area at position B in the middle.

[0041] Figure 7 :for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view at position LL.

[0042] Figure 8 :for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view at position OO.

[0043] Figure 9 This is the second front cross-sectional view of the swirling separation device in the waterproof and breathable valve with a swirling separation structure of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 10 :for Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of the UU position.

[0045] Figure 11 :for Figure 9 Cross-sectional view at position TT.

[0046] Figure 12 :for Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of the SS position.

[0047] Figure 13 : This is a top view of the coalescing filter element in the waterproof and breathable valve with a swirl separation structure of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 14 : This is a front cross-sectional view of the coalescing filter element in the waterproof and breathable valve with a swirl separation structure of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 15 : This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the waterproof and breathable valve with a vortex separation structure of the present invention.

[0050] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings of this invention are:

[0051] 1. Valve body; 101. Drainage chamber;

[0052] 102. Ventilation chamber; 103. Passageway;

[0053] 2. End cap; 201. Vent;

[0054] 3. Coalescing filter element; 301. Oil-repellent zone;

[0055] 302. Oleophilic area; 4. Sealing ring;

[0056] 5. Cyclone separator; 501. Baffle plate;

[0057] 5011, Vent; 502, Interval area;

[0058] 503. Flow-blocking structure; 504. Swirl blades;

[0059] 505. Intake chamber; 506. Swirl chamber;

[0060] 507. Drainage hole; 508. Liquid outlet hole;

[0061] 6. Filter screen; 7. Breathable membrane. Detailed Implementation

[0062] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] In this invention, terms such as "up," "down," "top," and "bottom," which indicate direction, are all used in this way. Figure 3 The directions of up, down, top, and bottom are used as a reference, and will be explained here together.

[0064] like Figures 1 to 15 As shown, the present invention provides a waterproof and breathable valve with a swirling separation structure. The valve includes a valve body 1 and a swirling separation device 5. The valve body 1 has an air inlet channel 103 and an air outlet 201. The swirling separation device 5 is disposed inside the valve body 1, and its interior communicates with both the channel 103 and the air outlet 201. A drainage chamber 101 is formed between the swirling separation device 5 and the inner wall of the valve body 1. The interior of the swirling separation device 5 has multiple... Each cyclone chamber 506 has spiral cyclone blades 504 arranged on its inner wall. The cyclone separator 5 has multiple drain holes 507 that connect the multiple cyclone chambers 506 to the drain chamber 101. The gas containing oil droplets that enters the cyclone separator 5 through the channel 103 flows through the multiple cyclone chambers 506 in sequence. The oil droplets separated in the multiple cyclone chambers 506 are discharged into the drain chamber 101 through the multiple drain holes 507. The gas (clean gas) obtained after separating the oil droplets is discharged through the gas hole 201.

[0065] In this invention, a cyclone separator 5 is provided inside the valve body 1. A drain chamber 101 is formed between the cyclone separator 5 and the inner wall of the valve body 1. Multiple cyclone chambers 506 are sequentially connected along the gas flow direction inside the cyclone separator 5. Gas containing oil droplets enters the cyclone separator 5 through the channel 103 and flows sequentially through the multiple cyclone chambers 506. Due to the arrangement of the cyclone blades 504, the gas containing oil droplets forms a cyclone within the cyclone chambers 506. Under the action of centrifugal force, the oil droplets in the gas are separated and drained through the multiple drain chambers. The liquid is discharged from the draining chamber 101 through the drain hole 507. The clean gas obtained after separating the oil droplets is discharged to the atmosphere through the vent 201. The whole process can achieve the effect of real-time separation and one-way drainage of oil droplets mixed in the gas. This avoids the blockage of the channel and pollution of the waterproof breathable membrane that may occur due to the oil droplets in the waterproof breathable valve not being discharged in time. It effectively solves the problem that the oil droplets cannot be discharged back to the power transmission system in time during long-term vehicle operation, resulting in excessive liquid accumulation, affecting the air permeability and polluting the waterproof breathable membrane. This effectively extends the service life of the waterproof breathable valve.

[0066] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 2 to 5 , Figure 9 , Figure 15As shown, the cyclone separator 5 has an intake chamber 505 inside, which is connected to the channel 103 and the cyclone chamber 506. Gas containing oil droplets enters the cyclone chamber 506 after passing through the channel 103 and the intake chamber 505 in sequence. The cyclone separator 5 has an outlet hole 508 connecting the intake chamber 505 and the drain chamber 101. The oil collected in the drain chamber 101 is discharged through the outlet hole 508, the intake chamber 505, and the channel 103 in sequence. The intake chamber 505 connects the channel 103 and the cyclone chamber 506, which not only stabilizes the airflow but also serves as a path for oil return. The oil collected in the drain chamber 101 can be discharged back to the vehicle's power transmission system through the intake chamber 505 and the channel 103 in sequence.

[0067] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figures 9 to 12 As shown, the cyclone separator 5 has multiple baffles 501 arranged at intervals inside. The multiple baffles 501 separate the air inlet chamber 505 and the cyclone chamber 506 and the two adjacent cyclone chambers 506, thereby separating the air inlet chamber 505 and the multiple cyclone chambers 506 inside the cyclone separator 5. The baffles 501 have air outlets 5011 so that gas can flow between the air inlet chamber 505 and the cyclone chamber 506 and between the two adjacent cyclone chambers 506.

[0068] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 9 , Figure 15 As shown, the number of baffles 501 can be, but is not limited to, three. The three baffles 501 divide the interior of the cyclone separator 5 into an air inlet chamber 505 and three cyclone chambers 506.

[0069] Furthermore, such as Figures 9 to 12 As shown, along the gas flow direction (from bottom to top), the area of ​​the air passages 5011 on the multiple baffles 501 decreases sequentially. This causes the gas velocity to suddenly increase when the gas passes through each air passage 5011 and enters each swirling chamber 506. The increased velocity leads to an increase in the centrifugal force on the oil droplets in the gas, making it easier for the oil droplets to be thrown onto the inner wall of the swirling chamber 506 under the action of centrifugal force, thereby achieving the purpose of removing oil from the gas.

[0070] Furthermore, such as Figures 10 to 12As shown, the air outlets 5011 are located at or near the edge of the partition 501, and the air outlets 5011 on multiple partitions 501 are staggered along the gas flow direction. Preferably, the air outlets 5011 on two adjacent partitions 501 are respectively arranged opposite each other on both sides of the swirling chamber 506 (i.e., the air outlets 5011 on two adjacent partitions 501 are arranged diagonally on the cross-section of the swirling chamber 506). This not only helps to change the gas flow direction and give the gas a greater centrifugal force, but also prolongs the time the gas spends in the swirling chamber 506, thus improving the separation effect between the gas and oil droplets.

[0071] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, a flow-blocking structure 503 is provided inside the swirling chamber 506, and the flow-blocking structure 503 is disposed on the partition plate 501. The flow-blocking structure 503 includes at least two arc-shaped plates, the concave portions of the two arc-shaped plates are arranged opposite each other, and a gap region 502 for gas passage is left between the two arc-shaped plates. By providing the flow-blocking structure 503, the time required for gas to pass through the swirling chamber 506 can be effectively extended, and the flow direction of the gas within the swirling chamber 506 can be changed, thereby improving the separation effect between gas and oil droplets.

[0072] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 2 to 9 , Figure 15 As shown, the cyclone separator 5 is a vertically arranged cylindrical structure. The air inlet chamber 505 and multiple cyclone chambers 506 are arranged sequentially from bottom to top. The channel 103 is located at the bottom middle of the valve body 1 and is connected to the air inlet chamber 505.

[0073] Furthermore, there are multiple swirl blades 504, which are spaced apart and evenly distributed along the circumference of the swirl separation device 5. The number of swirl blades 504 may be, but is not limited to, five.

[0074] Furthermore, such as Figures 2 to 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 As shown, there are multiple liquid outlet holes 508, which are spaced apart and evenly distributed along the circumference of the air inlet chamber 505. The diameter of the liquid outlet holes 508 can be, but is not limited to, 2 mm to 4 mm.

[0075] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 8As shown, each swirl chamber 506 corresponds to multiple drainage holes 507, which are spaced apart and evenly distributed along the circumference of the swirl chamber 506. The diameter of the drainage holes 507 can be, but is not limited to, 1 mm.

[0076] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figures 12 to 15 As shown, the bottom of the cyclone separator 5 is fixed inside the valve body 1, and the top of the cyclone separator 5 is provided with a coalescing filter element 3; the coalescing filter element 3 has an interconnected oleophobic region 301 and an oleophilic region 302, the oleophilic region 302 is connected to the drainage chamber 101, and the oleophobic region 301 is connected to the cyclone chamber 506 located at the top; when the gas mixed with oil droplets in the cyclone chamber 506 passes through the coalescing filter element 3, the oil droplets are adsorbed by the coalescing filter element 3 and successively pass through the oleophobic region 301 and the oleophilic region 302 to converge into the drainage chamber 101. Specifically, when the gas mixed with oil droplets in the swirl chamber 506 passes through the coalescing filter element 3, the oil droplets will coalesce in the oleophobic region 301 to form larger oil droplets. Since the oleophilic region 302 has a strong adsorption force on the oil droplets, the oil droplets that have coalesced in the oleophobic region 301 will be absorbed into the interior by the oleophilic region 302. When the oleophilic region 302 reaches saturation, the oil droplets absorbed in the oleophilic region 302 will form oil and converge into the drain chamber 101 under the action of gravity. The oil can then be collected through the drain chamber 101. The whole process can achieve the effect of real-time separation and one-way drainage of oil droplets mixed in the gas. At the same time, it can avoid the blockage of the channel and the contamination of the waterproof breathable membrane that may occur due to the oil droplets in the waterproof breathable valve not being discharged in time. It effectively solves the problem that the vehicle cannot drain the oil droplets back to the power transmission system in time during long-term operation, resulting in excessive liquid accumulation, affecting the air permeability and contaminating the waterproof breathable membrane.

[0077] Furthermore, such as Figure 14 As shown, a protrusion is formed on the coalescing filter element 3 in the oleophobic region 301 (i.e., the thickness of the oleophobic region 301 in the coalescing filter element 3 is greater than the thickness of the oleophilic region 302, with a thickness difference of approximately 1 mm to 3 mm). This protrusion creates a potential energy difference between the oleophobic region 301 and the oleophilic region 302, thereby guiding oil droplets adsorbed in the oleophobic region 301 to the oleophilic region 302. The thickness of the oleophobic region 301 can be increased by electrospinning nanofiber coating on its surface, thus forming the aforementioned protrusion in the oleophobic region 301.

[0078] Furthermore, the coalescing filter element 3 is entirely made of oleophobic filter material (oleophobic glass fiber material). An oleophilic modifier is sprayed onto a predetermined location on the surface of the coalescing filter element 3, thereby forming an oleophilic region 302 on the coalescing filter element 3 (an ultra-oleophilic modifier can also be sprayed to form an ultra-oleophilic region). Of course, other methods can also be used to achieve the oleophilic modification treatment of the coalescing filter element 3; the specific method is not limited here.

[0079] Furthermore, the surface of the coalescing filter element 3 facing the oil droplet entry point is treated with an oleophilic modifier by spraying it, so that the oleophilic region 302 facing the oil droplet entry point (i.e.: Figure 14 The upper surface of the oil droplet (302) is oleophilic and wettable, while the oleophilic region 302 is the side of the surface opposite to where the oil droplet enters (i.e., the surface opposite to where the oil droplet enters). Figure 14 The lower surface of the oleophilic region 302 is oleophobic and wettable, which makes the upper surface of the oleophilic region 302 have a strong ability to capture and adsorb oil droplets, while the lower surface of the oleophilic region 302 can play an oleophobic drainage role. Thus, by treating the coalescing filter element 3, the effect of capturing, adsorbing and draining oil droplets in a unidirectional circulation can be achieved.

[0080] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 , Figure 15 As shown, a ventilation chamber 102 is formed inside the valve body 1. The ventilation chamber 102 is located above the drain chamber 101 and the swirl chamber 506. The coalescing filter element 3 separates the ventilation chamber 102 from the drain chamber 101 and the top-mounted swirl chamber 506. The vent 201 is connected to the ventilation chamber 102. After the oil droplets and gas are separated by the swirl separator 5 and the coalescing filter element 3, the gas enters the ventilation chamber 102 and can exchange with the outside through the vent 201.

[0081] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 , Figure 15As shown, the cyclone separator 5 is located in the middle of the valve body 1, the drain chamber 101 is annular and is arranged around the outer periphery of the cyclone separator 5; the coalescing filter element 3 is sealed at the top opening of the cyclone separator 5 and the drain chamber 101, and correspondingly, the oleophilic region 302 is annular and is arranged around the outer ring of the oleophobic region 301, so that the oleophobic region 301 is located in the middle of the coalescing filter element 3 and is vertically opposite to the cyclone separator 5, and the oleophilic region 302 is vertically opposite to the drain chamber 101. Gas mixed with oil droplets enters the cyclone separator 5 from bottom to top and enters the oleophobic region 301 of the coalescing filter element 3 through the top opening of the cyclone separator 5. The oil droplets that coalesce in the oleophobic region 301 are absorbed by the oleophilic region 302 surrounding the oleophobic region 301 and transported into the oleophilic region 302. When the oleophilic region 302 reaches saturation, the oil droplets absorbed in the oleophilic region 302 will form oil and converge in the drain chamber 101 under the action of gravity. The oil in the drain chamber 101 flows into the intake chamber 505 through the outlet hole 508 and is discharged back to the vehicle's power transmission system through the channel 103 connected to the intake chamber 505, thereby realizing the real-time drainage function of the waterproof and breathable valve.

[0082] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 15 As shown, a filter screen 6 and a breathable membrane 7 are sequentially arranged between the coalescing filter element 3 and the ventilation chamber 102. The filter screen 6 and the breathable membrane 7 can block oil droplets, ensuring that only gas can enter the ventilation chamber 102, thereby further ensuring sufficient collection of oil droplets. Furthermore, the ventilation channel and drainage channel in the waterproof vent valve do not interfere with each other, realizing the one-way drainage function of the waterproof vent valve. The filter screen 6 can be, but is not limited to, a stainless steel filter screen.

[0083] Furthermore, the inner wall of the valve body 1 is provided with a mounting groove, which can be used to secure the edges of the filter screen 6 and the breathable membrane 7, thereby fixing the filter screen 6 and the breathable membrane 7. Of course, other structures or methods can also be used to fix the filter screen 6 and the breathable membrane 7, and the specific structure and method are not limited here.

[0084] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 15 As shown, the valve body 1 is provided with an end cap 2 on the top, and the end cap 2 is sealed to the valve body 1. The air exchange chamber 102 is located between the inner wall of the end cap 2 and the air permeable membrane 7, and the air hole 201 is opened on the end cap 2.

[0085] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 15As shown, there are multiple vents 201, which are spaced apart and evenly distributed along the circumference of the end cap 2. The vents 201 can be, but are not limited to, rectangular holes of 2mm × 3mm.

[0086] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 15 As shown, a sealing ring 4 is provided at the bottom of the valve body 1 at the interface position of the channel 103.

[0087] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 , Figure 15 As shown, the bottom inner wall of the valve body 1 is provided with an annular groove. The diameter of the groove is the same as the diameter of the cyclone separator 5. The bottom of the cyclone separator 5 is inserted into the groove, thereby fixing the cyclone separator 5.

[0088] The working principle of the waterproof and breathable valve with a swirling separation structure of the present invention is as follows: Gas containing oil droplets in the vehicle's power transmission system enters the intake chamber 505 through the channel 103, and sequentially enters each swirling chamber 506 through the air outlets 5011 on each partition 501. In each swirling chamber 506, the gas generates swirling currents, and under the action of centrifugal force, the oil droplets contained in the gas are thrown out onto the inner wall of the swirling chamber 506. The oil droplets on the inner wall of the swirling chamber 506 flow into the drain chamber 101 through the drain hole 507, and converge in the drain chamber 101. The gas after passing through each swirling chamber 506 enters the converging chamber. Inside the filter element 3, the remaining oil droplets in the gas will coalesce in the oleophobic region 301 to form larger oil droplets. Since the oleophilic region 302 has a strong adsorption force on the oil droplets, the oil droplets that coalesce in the oleophobic region 301 will be absorbed into the interior by the oleophilic region 302. When the oleophilic region 302 reaches saturation, the oil droplets absorbed in the oleophilic region 302 will form oil and also converge into the drain chamber 101 under the action of gravity. All the oil that converges in the drain chamber 101 will be discharged back to the vehicle's power transmission system through the outlet hole 508, the intake chamber 505 and the channel 103 in sequence, realizing the collection and return of oil.

[0089] The features and advantages of the waterproof and breathable valve with a swirl separation structure of the present invention are as follows:

[0090] 1. In this waterproof and breathable valve with a cyclone separation structure, the cyclone separation device 5 is used in conjunction with the coalescing filter element 3. First, the oil droplets in the gas are initially separated by combining the cyclone separation device 5 with the control of the gas flow direction. Then, the remaining oil droplets in the gas are separated again by the coalescing filter element 3. This effectively improves the waterproof and breathable valve's ability to separate oil droplets in the gas and its ability to drain liquid, thus extending the service life of the waterproof and breathable valve.

[0091] Second, in this waterproof and breathable valve with a swirling separation structure, a swirling blade 504 is provided in the swirling separation device 5 to remove oil droplets contained in the gas by swirling. In addition, each baffle 501 has an vent 5011 at a different position (i.e., staggered in the overall gas flow direction from bottom to top), so that the swirling separation device 5 combines swirling separation with the maximum gas flow channel, which can effectively improve the performance of the swirling separation device 5 in separating oil droplets. At the same time, each swirling chamber 506 is provided with a flow-blocking structure 503, so that the gas has sufficient time to contact and collide with the swirling blade 504 when passing through each swirling chamber 506, thereby improving the separation effect of oil droplets.

[0092] Third, in this waterproof and breathable valve with a swirling separation structure, along the gas flow direction (from bottom to top), the area of ​​the air passages 5011 on multiple baffles 501 decreases sequentially. This increases the time required for the gas to pass through each swirling chamber 506, allowing the gas to fully contact the swirling blades 504 in each swirling chamber 506, resulting in more thorough separation of oil droplets in the gas. In addition, when the gas enters each swirling chamber 506 sequentially through each air passage 5011, the gas velocity will suddenly increase. The increased velocity leads to an increase in the centrifugal force on the oil droplets in the gas, making it easier for the oil droplets to be thrown onto the inner wall of the swirling chamber 506 under the action of centrifugal force, thereby achieving the purpose of removing oil from the gas.

[0093] The above description is merely an illustrative embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Any equivalent changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the concept and principles of the present invention should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waterproof and breathable valve with a swirl separation structure, characterized in that, include: A valve body having an air intake passage and an air outlet for exhausting air; A cyclone separator is disposed within the valve body, and the interior of the cyclone separator is connected to the channel and the air hole respectively; A drain chamber is formed between the cyclone separator and the inner wall of the valve body. The interior of the cyclone separator has multiple cyclone chambers that are sequentially connected along the gas flow direction. Cyclone blades are provided on the inner walls of the multiple cyclone chambers. The cyclone separator has multiple drain holes that connect the multiple cyclone chambers and the drain chamber respectively. The gas containing oil droplets that enters the cyclone separator through the channel flows sequentially through the multiple cyclone chambers. The oil droplets separated in the multiple cyclone chambers are discharged into the drain chamber through the multiple drain holes. The gas obtained after separating the oil droplets is discharged through the gas hole. The bottom of the cyclone separator is fixed to the valve body, and a coalescing filter element is provided at the top of the cyclone separator. The coalescing filter element has an interconnected oleophobic region and an oleophilic region, which are respectively connected to the drain chamber and the cyclone chamber located at the top. When gas mixed with oil droplets in the cyclone chamber passes through the coalescing filter element, the oil droplets are adsorbed by the coalescing filter element and sequentially pass through the oleophobic region and the oleophilic region to converge into the drain chamber. The cyclone separator is located in the middle of the valve body. The drain chamber is annular and surrounds the outer periphery of the cyclone separator. The coalescing filter element is sealed at the top of the drain chamber and at the top of the cyclone chamber. The oleophobic region is located in the middle of the coalescing filter element and is vertically opposite to the cyclone chamber. The oleophilic region is annular and is vertically opposite to the drain chamber. The cyclone separator has an inlet chamber that is connected to both the channel and the cyclone chamber. Gas containing oil droplets passes through the channel and the inlet chamber sequentially before entering the cyclone chamber. The cyclone separator has an outlet hole that connects the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. Oil collected in the outlet chamber is discharged sequentially through the outlet hole, the inlet chamber, and the channel. The cyclone separator is internally equipped with multiple partitions, which separate the air inlet chamber from the cyclone chamber and between two adjacent cyclone chambers. The partitions have air outlets to allow gas to flow between the air inlet chamber and the cyclone chamber and between two adjacent cyclone chambers. The swirling chamber is provided with a flow-blocking structure to prolong the gas passage time, and the flow-blocking structure is disposed on the partition plate; the flow-blocking structure includes at least two arc-shaped plates, the concave portions of the two arc-shaped plates are arranged opposite each other, and a gap area for gas passage is left between the two arc-shaped plates.

2. The waterproof and breathable valve with a swirl separation structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Along the direction of gas flow, the area of ​​the gas outlets on the plurality of baffles decreases sequentially.

3. The waterproof and breathable valve with a swirl separation structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The air vents are located at or near the edge of the partition, and the air vents on the plurality of partitions are staggered along the direction of gas flow.

4. The waterproof and breathable valve with a swirl separation structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The cyclone separator is a vertically arranged cylindrical structure. The air inlet chamber and the plurality of cyclone chambers are arranged sequentially from bottom to top, and the channel is located at the bottom of the valve body.

5. The waterproof and breathable valve with a swirl separation structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The valve body has an internal ventilation chamber. The coalescing filter element separates the ventilation chamber from the drainage chamber and the swirling chamber located at the top. The air vent is connected to the ventilation chamber.

6. The waterproof and breathable valve with a swirl separation structure as described in claim 5, characterized in that, A filter screen and a breathable membrane are sequentially arranged between the coalescing filter element and the ventilation chamber.

7. The waterproof and breathable valve with a swirl separation structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The valve body is provided with an end cap at the top, the air exchange chamber is located between the inner wall of the end cap and the air-permeable membrane, and the air hole is opened on the end cap.

8. The waterproof and breathable valve with a swirl separation structure as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The valve body has a groove on its bottom inner wall, and the bottom of the cyclone separator is inserted into the groove.

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