Pressure regulator for engine lubrication system

Abstract

A lubrication system for an internal combustion engine includes a fluid flow control device at an outlet side of a pump that regulates pressure conditions at the outlet side of the pump upstream of a lubrication circuit in the engine. The fluid flow control device includes a chamber that opens in response to fluid pressure exceeding a threshold to allow fluid to pass from the outlet side of the pump back to an inlet side of the pump. The fluid flow control device also includes at least one elongated orifice in communication with the chamber to receive fluid fed from the chamber and to allow the fluid in the chamber to flow to the inlet side of the pump.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 073,558, filed on September 2, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to internal combustion engines, and more precisely, but not exclusively, to pressure regulators for lubrication systems of engines. Background Technology

[0004] Generally, fluid flow control devices are used in internal combustion engines to control the flow of engine oil and other fluids to provide lubrication and cooling for one or more engine components. For example, pressure regulators can be used to limit or prevent excessive pressure conditions in the lubrication circuit caused by the operation of the oil pump. However, current pressure regulators are not satisfactory due to the pulsating outlet flow from the pump. When the pressure regulator opens and discharges engine oil into the pump's suction side, the pulsating outlet flow can cause the pressure regulator to circulate uncontrollably due to large fluctuations in oil pressure. This can lead to excessive noise, premature wear of the regulator spring, and rapid oscillation of the oil flow, which can result in unstable oil pressure. Therefore, there is a need to improve the fluid flow control devices used for lubricating and cooling components in internal combustion engines. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure includes a unique system and / or device for regulating fluid flow in the lubrication circuit of an internal combustion engine. The system includes: a reservoir from which fluid is fed; and a pump for circulating fluid through the engine's lubrication circuit. The lubrication system includes a fluid flow control device at the pump's outlet side, which regulates pressure conditions output from the pump upstream of the lubrication circuit in the engine. In one embodiment, the fluid flow control device includes a first chamber that opens in response to a fluid pressure exceeding a threshold to allow fluid to travel from the pump's outlet side back to the pump's suction or inlet side. The fluid flow control device also includes at least one elongated orifice communicating with the chamber to receive fluid fed from the chamber and to allow fluid in the chamber to flow to the pump's inlet side.

[0006] Another embodiment includes a fluid flow control device for regulating pressure of a lubrication circuit in an internal combustion engine. The fluid flow control device includes an elongated body having an opening at a first end of the body and a chamber extending from the first end of the body to a second end of the body. The elongated body includes a number of axially elongated apertures along its perimeter that open into the chamber and at an exterior of the elongated body. The apertures allow fluid in the chamber to flow to an inlet side of a pump. A spring-loaded valve member in the first end opening admits the fluid into the chamber, the spring-loaded valve member configured to pop open in response to an outlet pressure of fluid from the pump exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0007] This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which are referred to herein and wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an example engine fluid lubrication system having a fluid flow control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a lumen housing a fluid flow control device in a closed position and showing a recirculation path from an outlet side to an inlet side of a pump of the lubrication system when the fluid flow control device is in an open position. Figure 1

[0011] Figure 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing progressive opening of the fluid flow control device.

[0012] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lumen of Figure 2 with the closed fluid flow control device in a direction facing the pump.

[0013] Figure 4 is an elevation view of the body of the fluid flow control device of

[0014] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the body of the fluid flow control device of Figure 4 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] ​​For the purposes of clarity, brevity, and precision in describing the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, making and using the same, and in order that the present disclosure can be practiced, made and used, reference will now be made to certain example embodiments, including the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, however, be understood that the scope of the present application is not limited by the specific language, and that the application includes and protects these alterations, modifications, and other applications of the example embodiments that would occur to one skilled in the art.

[0016] The present disclosure relates to a lubrication system for an internal combustion engine having a mechanically controlled fluid flow control device configured to open when fluid pressure in a lubrication circuit exceeds a threshold pressure. In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 The lubrication system 10 includes a fluid flow control device 30, for example a pressure regulator valve 24 positioned downstream of a lubrication fluid pump 12 and upstream of a lubrication fluid filter 14 of the engine 18. The lubrication system 10 also includes a gallery 16 providing a lubrication fluid flow path to a plurality of engine components 20; and / or other galleries (not shown) distributed around various components and locations relative to the engine 18. The lubrication fluid returns to a reservoir, such as an oil sump 22 at or near the inlet side or suction side of the pump 12. It is understood that not all components or aspects of a lubrication system are illustrated, and that the system 10 can be configured with the inventive fluid flow control device 30 of the present disclosure according to any known engine fluid lubrication system. Further, while the lubrication fluid can be engine oil according to one embodiment, other types of fluids and fluid circuits employing the fluid flow control device 30 are contemplated.

[0017] The pressure regulator valve 24 is located at the outlet side of the lubrication fluid pump 12 and controls the pulsed output flow from the pump 12 by opening when the lubrication fluid pressure exceeds a threshold pressure. Opening the pressure regulator valve 24 causes the lubrication fluid to recirculate back to the inlet side of the pump 12. As discussed further below, the pressure regulator valve 24 includes at least one elongated orifice for recirculating the lubrication fluid that slowly displaces the plunger of the pressure regulator valve 24 as the plunger progressively opens the elongated orifice to recirculate the lubrication fluid. Thus, the pulsed output flow of lubrication fluid from the pump 12 is smooth and oscillation of the lubrication fluid is reduced. The fluid flow control device 30 disclosed herein allows the recirculation path to be progressively opened and closed, which allows the pressure regulator device to be placed close to the outlet of the pump 12, such as within about 50 millimeters of the pump outlet. Other embodiments contemplate other distances depending on the parameters and requirements of the lubrication system. Further, the system 10 does not require a separate bypass valve for the lubrication fluid during cold start conditions, and does not require the use of a pressure relief valve in the system 10.

[0018] refer to Figures 2-3 This illustrates an embodiment of a fluid flow control device 30 in a recirculation flow path 80, which is in fluid communication with a lumen 16 at the outlet side of pump 12 and upstream of filter 14. The flow path 80 includes: a fluid flow drawn by pump 12 from oil pan 22, as indicated by arrow 84; a flow from pump outlet to engine 20, as indicated by arrow 86; and a regulated flow through fluid flow control device 30 when it is activated, as indicated by arrow 88.

[0019] The fluid flow control device 30 includes an elongated body 50 defining a chamber 58 having an opening 56 at a first end 51 of the body 50. The chamber 58 is closed at an opposite second end 52 of the body 50. The body 50 includes at least one elongated orifice (e.g., opposing elongated orifices 54a, 54b) in fluid communication with the chamber 58 and an outer side of the body 50. Other embodiments cover a single elongated orifice 54, or more than two elongated orifices, or one or more elongated orifices combined with one or more orifices of different shapes. If multiple elongated orifices are provided, the multiple elongated orifices do not need to be directly opposite each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the orifice 54 includes a racetrack shape extending along the longitudinal axis of the body 50. Other shapes, such as elliptical shapes, are also covered to provide controlled opening to release pressure in response to an oscillating pressure input.

[0020] Orifices 54a and 54b allow lubricating fluid to enter opening 56 to flow from chamber 58 to the outside of body 50. In one embodiment, opening 56 is located at a first end 51 of body 50 and is in fluid communication with recirculation flow path 80 and chamber 58 when fluid flow control device 30 opens in response to a pressure condition at the outlet side of pump 12 exceeding a threshold pressure. Other embodiments encompass opening 56 that may be located in a sidewall of body 50, adjacent to the first end 51. Orifices 54a and 54b are in fluid communication with chamber 58 and inlet side 82 of pump 12 to allow lubricating fluid recirculation when fluid flow control device opens in response to a pressure condition exceeding a threshold pressure.

[0021] In an example embodiment, the fluid flow control device 30 may include a plunger 32 housed in a chamber 58 adjacent to an opening 56. Figure 2AAs shown, in response to pressure conditions exceeding a pressure threshold (such as burst pressure), plunger 32 is passively controlled to move into chamber 58 to open and close the recirculation flow path 80 between the outlet side and the inlet side of pump 12, the pressure threshold being sufficient to overcome the bias closing force of spring 38 and displace the plunger along orifices 54a, 54b into chamber 58, as shown by plunger 32'. As the pressure increases, plunger 32 gradually displaces further along orifices 54a, 54b, thereby providing additional opening area for fluid flow via orifices 54a, 54b, as shown by plunger 32''. As the pressure decreases, spring 38 returns plunger 32 to its normally closed position and closes the fluid flow path when the pressure drops below the pressure threshold, as shown by plunger 32. In the closed position, lubricating fluid cannot flow through the fluid flow control device 30 to the inlet side of pump 12.

[0022] The plunger 32 may include a base 36 at one end, wherein the base 36 is located in a chamber 58. The plunger 32 may also include a rod 34 extending outward from the base 36 through an end opening 56 at a first end 51 of the body 50. The rod 34 may extend into a passage 39 in the engine block or other structure to guide movement of the plunger 32. A spring 38 may be received in and contact the base 36. In the chamber 58, the spring 38 extends from the base 36 and contacts a second end 52 of the body 50.

[0023] refer to Figures 4-5 The body 50 is elongated and cylindrical from its opening 56 at its first end 51 to its second end 52. The second end 52 may include a flange 64 that engages with a tool to insert into and remove the body 50 from the engine block. The body 50 may also define a thread 66 adjacent to the second end 52 for engagement with the engine block thread.

[0024] The body 50 may also include a circumferential groove 68 adjacent to the first end 51, the circumferential groove 68 for receiving an O-ring seal to seal the exterior of the body 50 around the first end 51 to isolate it from the recirculation fluid flow 80. The body 50 also includes an elongated groove portion 62 around the orifices 54a, 54b, the elongated groove portion 62 forming a recess in the body 50 around the orifices 54a, 54b, thereby allowing lubricating fluid to exit the chamber 58 for recirculation.

[0025] The chamber 58 includes a reduced-diameter portion 60 adjacent to the second end 52, which extends to the closed end 70 of the chamber 58. A spring 38 is abutted at the second end 52 at the closed end 70. An aperture 72 communicating with the chamber 58 is provided in the body 50 to help maintain pressure balance within the chamber 58 as the plunger 32 moves back and forth within it. The aperture 72 allows fluid to move into and out of the rear portion of the chamber 58 (behind the plunger 32) to prevent hydraulic locking.

[0026] Further written descriptions of many exemplary aspects of this disclosure and embodiments thereof will now be provided. It should be understood that any combination of one or more of the embodiments is covered.

[0027] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a lubrication system for an internal combustion engine includes a reservoir from which a pump feeds fluid to circulate the fluid through the lubrication system via a fluid flow path. A flow control device is coupled downstream of the pump's outlet side to the fluid flow path. The flow control device includes: an elongated body defining a chamber extending from a first end of the body toward a second end of the body; and a plunger located at the first end of the body, configured to normally close the chamber at the first end of the body and to displace into the body in response to a fluid pressure exceeding a threshold in the fluid flow path to allow fluid into the chamber. When the plunger is displaced into the body, fluid is allowed to flow from the chamber to the pump's inlet side along at least one elongated orifice of the body.

[0028] In one embodiment, the plunger is spring-loaded and movable to selectively open and close the chamber from the fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the plunger includes a base oriented toward the second end and a rod extending from the base toward the first end of the body.

[0029] In one embodiment, the at least one elongated orifice is two elongated orifices. In another embodiment, the two elongated orifices are located on opposite sides of the body.

[0030] In one embodiment, the at least one elongated orifice is racetrack-shaped, i.e., rectangular along opposite sides and having rounded ends, wherein the elongated sides extend along the longitudinal axis of the body. In one embodiment, the at least one elongated orifice is positioned closer to the first end of the body than to the second end of the body.

[0031] In one embodiment, the at least one elongated orifice extends from a first end oriented toward the first end of the body to an opposite second end of the at least one elongated orifice, and as the plunger moves into the body to allow fluid into the chamber, the plunger moves along the at least one elongated orifice from the first end toward the second end to progressively expose the at least one elongated orifice to the fluid allowed into the chamber, so that the fluid circulates through the exposed portion of the at least one elongated orifice to the inlet side of the pump.

[0032] In one embodiment, the body defines a recessed portion that forms a recess around the at least one elongated orifice on the exterior of the body. In one embodiment, the body includes a flange at a second end of the body and an externally threaded portion positioned adjacent to the flange. In one embodiment, the chamber extends to a closed end adjacent to the second end of the body.

[0033] In one embodiment, the body includes a hole extending through the body and adjacent to the second end of the body. In one embodiment, the fluid flow control device is located on the outlet side of the pump.

[0034] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a flow control device is provided for controlling pressure in a fluid flow path of an internal combustion engine. The flow control device includes an elongated cylindrical body defining a chamber extending from a first end of the body toward a second end of the body. A plunger at the first end of the body is configured to normally close the chamber at the first end of the body and to displace into the body in response to a fluid pressure in the fluid flow path exceeding a threshold, thereby allowing fluid into the chamber. The chamber is opened into the chamber along at least one elongated orifice of the body and, at an outside of the body, fluid flow is allowed through the at least one elongated orifice in response to the plunger's displacement into the body.

[0035] In one embodiment, the plunger is spring-loaded and movable to selectively open and close the chamber from the fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the at least one elongated orifice is two elongated orifices located on opposite sides of the body.

[0036] In one embodiment, the at least one elongated orifice extends from a first end oriented toward the first end of the body to an opposite second end of the at least one elongated orifice. As the plunger moves into the body to allow fluid into the chamber, the plunger moves along the at least one elongated orifice from the first end toward the second end to progressively expose the at least one elongated orifice to the fluid allowed into the chamber so that the fluid circulates through the exposed portion of the at least one elongated orifice.

[0037] In one embodiment, the body defines a recessed portion that forms a recess around the at least one elongated orifice on the exterior of the body. In one embodiment, the body includes a flange at a second end of the body and an externally threaded portion positioned adjacent to the flange, and the chamber extends to a closed end adjacent to the second end of the body. In one embodiment, the body includes a hole that extends through the body, adjacent to the second end of the body.

[0038] While illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, these illustrative embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It should be understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, and protection is intended for all changes and modifications within the spirit of the claimed invention. It should be understood that while the use of terms such as preferred, especially, or more preferred in the foregoing description indicates that the features so described may be more desirable, they may not be necessary, and embodiments without said features are contemplated within the scope of the invention, defined by the appended claims. When reading the claims, the use of terms such as “a / an,” “at least one,” or “at least a portion” is not intended to limit the claims to a single item unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims. When the language “at least a portion” and / or “a portion” is used, the item may include a portion and / or the entire item unless expressly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. A lubrication system for an internal combustion engine, comprising: A reservoir from which a pump feeds fluid to circulate the fluid through the lubrication system via a fluid flow path; as well as A flow control device, connected downstream of the outlet side of the pump to the fluid flow path, the flow control device comprising: an elongated body defining a chamber extending from a first end of the body toward a second end of the body; A plunger, located at the first end of the body, configured to normally close the chamber at the first end of the body and to displace into the body in response to a fluid pressure exceeding a threshold in the fluid flow path to allow fluid into the chamber; and at least one elongated orifice along the longitudinal axis of the body, the at least one elongated orifice opening into the chamber and located outside the body, the at least one elongated orifice being configured to slowly displace the plunger as the plunger progressively opens the at least one elongated orifice to allow fluid to flow from the chamber to the inlet side of the pump as the plunger displaces into the body.

2. The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the plunger is spring-loaded and movable to selectively open and close the chamber from the fluid flow path.

3. The lubrication system of claim 2, wherein the plunger includes a base oriented toward the second end and a rod extending from the base toward the first end of the body.

4. The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated orifice is at least two elongated orifices.

5. The lubrication system of claim 4, wherein the at least two elongated orifices are located on opposite sides of the body.

6. The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated orifice is racetrack-shaped.

7. The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated orifice is positioned closer to the first end of the body than to the second end of the body.

8. The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated orifice extends from a first end oriented toward the first end of the at least one elongated orifice toward the body to an opposite second end of the at least one elongated orifice, and as the plunger moves into the body to allow fluid into the chamber, the plunger moves along the at least one elongated orifice from the first end toward the second end to progressively expose the at least one elongated orifice to the fluid allowed into the chamber, such that the fluid circulates through the exposed portion of the at least one elongated orifice to the inlet side of the pump.

9. The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the body defines a groove portion, the groove portion forming a recess around the at least one elongated orifice on the exterior of the body.

10. The lubrication system of claim 9, wherein the body includes a flange at the second end of the body and an external threaded portion positioned adjacent to the flange.

11. The lubrication system of claim 10, wherein the chamber extends to a closed end adjacent to the second end of the body.

12. The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the body includes a hole extending through the body and adjacent to the second end of the body.

13. A flow control device for controlling pressure in a fluid flow path of an internal combustion engine, comprising: An elongated cylindrical body defining a cavity extending from a first end of the body toward a second end of the body; A plunger, located at the first end of the body, configured to normally close the chamber at the first end of the body and to displace into the body in response to the pressure in the fluid flow path exceeding a threshold to allow fluid into the chamber; and at least one elongated orifice extending along the longitudinal axis of the body, the at least one elongated orifice opening into the chamber and located outside the body, the at least one elongated orifice being configured to slowly displace the plunger as the plunger progressively opens the at least one elongated orifice to allow fluid flow through the at least one elongated orifice in response to the plunger displacing into the body.

14. The flow control device of claim 13, wherein the plunger is spring-loaded and movable to selectively open and close the chamber from the fluid flow path.

15. The flow control device of claim 13, wherein the at least one elongated orifice is two elongated orifices located on opposite sides of the body.

16. The flow control device of claim 13, wherein the at least one elongated orifice extends from a first end oriented toward the first end of the at least one elongated orifice toward the body to an opposite second end of the at least one elongated orifice, and when the plunger moves into the body to allow fluid into the chamber, the plunger moves along the at least one elongated orifice from the first end toward the second end to progressively expose the at least one elongated orifice to the fluid allowed into the chamber so that the fluid circulates through the exposed portion of the at least one elongated orifice.

17. The flow control device of claim 13, wherein the body defines a groove portion, the groove portion forming a recess around the at least one elongated orifice on the exterior of the body.

18. The flow control device as claimed in claim 17, wherein: The body includes a flange at the second end of the body and an external threaded portion positioned adjacent to the flange; as well as The chamber extends to a closed end adjacent to the second end of the body.

19. The flow control device of claim 18, wherein the body includes a hole extending through the body and adjacent to the second end of the body.

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