Ball float vent valve

Abstract

A float drain valve (30) for a hydraulic system (10) of a work machine (1) includes a valve body (32) having an inlet port (34), an outlet port (36), and an axial passage (38) therebetween. The passage (38) can be defined by a cylindrical inlet chamber (40), a cylindrical outlet chamber (42), and a tapered seat (44) connecting the inlet chamber (40) and the outlet chamber (42). The outlet chamber (42) can include an annular retention groove (48) proximate the outlet port (36). A spherical float (46) can be positioned in the outlet chamber (42). The float (46) can be sized to seal the passage (38) when installed on the tapered seat (44). A retainer (50) positioned in the retention groove (48) can include an outer crescent region (54) having a plurality of apertures (52), a central region (56) sized to retain the float (46) in the outlet chamber (42), and a connecting region (58) connecting the outer region (54) to the central region (56).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to exhaust valves, and more specifically to an exhaust valve for a hydraulic system. Background Technology

[0002] The presence of air in the working fluid of a machine can cause significant performance and durability problems, even leading to machine failure or premature component failure. For example, unusual noise in hydraulic systems is often caused by trapped air. Sometimes, arranging the components of a hydraulic system in a specific way can mitigate these problems. However, the design of the hydraulic pump intake line and the hydraulic tank design requirements are not always able to remove all air trapped between the hydraulic tank and the hydraulic pump inlet. If air remains trapped between the hydraulic tank and the hydraulic pump, it may eventually be forced through the pump during high-pressure operation. This can lead to severe corrosion of hydraulic pump components, excessive noise, and serious system failure. Even if all the air is initially removed from the hydraulic pump intake line, air often escapes from the hydraulic fluid during operation and can accumulate in the lines.

[0003] Existing attempts to remove air from hydraulic systems have involved solutions that try to separate air bubbles trapped in the hydraulic fluid. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,105,044 discloses a vortex chamber suspended within a fluid tank. After passing through a filter, air bubbles remaining in the hydraulic fluid gather at the top center of the hydraulic fluid within the vortex chamber, where they create eddies. The bubbles are then expelled through an exhaust flow path under the internal pressure of the vortex chamber.

[0004] Because different operating machines and vehicle models utilize components of different sizes and shapes to meet specific needs, the aforementioned system and method cannot provide a universal solution to the problem of air trapped in the fluid system. Therefore, the float-type air vent valve of the present invention is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a float vent valve is disclosed. The float vent valve may include a valve body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and an axial passage therebetween. The passage may be defined by a cylindrical inlet chamber, a cylindrical outlet chamber, and a conical seat connecting the inlet and outlet chambers. The outlet chamber may include an annular retaining groove near the outlet port. A spherical float may be positioned in the outlet chamber, and its dimensions may be configured to seal the passage when mounted on the conical seat. The float vent valve may further include a retainer positioned in the retaining groove. The retainer may include an outer crescent-shaped region having a plurality of orifices, a central region sized to retain the float in the outlet chamber, and a connecting region connecting the outer region to the central region.

[0006] According to another aspect of the invention, a hydraulic system for a working machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system may include a tank having multiple walls and configured to maintain a supply of hydraulic fluid. A pump may be fluidly connected to the tank. The hydraulic system may also include a suction pipe coupled to one of the multiple walls of the tank. The suction pipe may be fluidly connected to a suction line extending between the pump and the tank. Finally, the hydraulic system may include a float vent valve fluidly coupled to the suction pipe. The float vent valve may include a valve body having an axial passage defined by an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber, and a conical seat therebetween. A spherical float positioned in the outlet chamber may be sized to seal the passage when mounted on the conical seat. The float vent valve may also include a retainer positioned in the outlet chamber, sized to retain the float in the outlet chamber.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, a hydraulic system for a working machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system may include a tank configured to maintain a supply of hydraulic fluid, a pump fluidly connected to the tank, a suction line connecting the pump and the tank, and a float vent valve fixed to the suction line. The float vent valve may include a valve body having an axial passage defined by an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber, and a tapered seat therebetween. A float may be positioned in the outlet chamber. The float vent valve may further include a retainer positioned in the outlet chamber, sized to retain the float in the outlet chamber.

[0008] These and other aspects and features of the invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a side view of the operating machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a side perspective view of a portion of the hydraulic system of a working machine constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a side perspective cross-sectional view of a float vent valve constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a top perspective view of a float vent valve constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a top perspective view of the retaining ring of a float vent valve constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a side perspective cross-sectional view of a float vent valve constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a side perspective view of a portion of a hydraulic tank and float vent valve constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a side perspective view of a portion of a hydraulic tank and float vent valve constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of a hydraulic system having a float vent valve constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a side perspective cross-sectional view of a float vent valve constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a side perspective cross-sectional view of a float vent valve constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a bottom perspective view of a float vent valve constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a side perspective view of a portion of the hydraulic system of a working machine constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Specific embodiments or features will now be described in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numerals are used in all the drawings to denote the same or corresponding parts.

[0023] Figure 1 A side view of a working machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The exemplary working machine 1 may be a vehicle, such as a load transport dump (LHD) loader suitable for underground mining applications, although the features disclosed herein can be used with other types of machines regardless of the type of work performed by the machine. The working machine 1 shown typically includes a frame 2 supporting one or more traction devices 3 configured to engage with the ground 4 of the work site; an operator's cab 5; and a prime mover 8 that can be housed within a housing 6. The prime mover 8 can generate mechanical and / or electrical outputs, which can be transmitted via a hydraulic system 10 (… Figure 2 The hydraulic power is converted into pressurized fluid. The pressurized fluid can then be converted into mechanical motion to operate various components of the working machine 1. The working machine 1 may also include a working tool 7 (e.g., a bucket) or other auxiliary structures, and may be lifted and tilted relative to the working machine. Alternatively or additionally, the working tool 7 may pivot, rotate, slide, swing, or move in any other manner known in the art.

[0024] Figure 2 A side perspective view of a portion of the hydraulic system 10 of a working machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The exemplary hydraulic system 10 can represent... Figure 1 The hydraulic system of the work machine 1 shown herein can also represent the hydraulic system of a loader, shovel loader, grader, or dump truck, although the features disclosed herein can be used with other types of machines regardless of the type of work performed by the machine. The hydraulic system 10 may include a tank 12 for maintaining a fluid supply and at least one pump 14 configured to produce a variable pressurized fluid flow. The pump 14 may be embodied as a variable displacement pump or another type of pump configured to produce a variable pressurized fluid flow. The pump 14 may also be drivably connected to the prime mover 8 of the work machine 1 via, for example, a countershaft, belt, circuitry, or any other suitable means.

[0025] The fluid held in tank 12 may include, for example, hydraulic oil, engine oil, transmission oil, or any other fluid known in the art. Each pump 14 may draw fluid from tank 12 via suction line 16. One or more hydraulic systems within the working machine 1 may draw fluid from tank 12 and return fluid to tank 12. It is also contemplated that hydraulic system 10 may include multiple separate fluid tanks as needed. Tank 12 may include multiple walls 18 and multiple suction lines 20, which may be connected via one or more mounting blocks 22 to suction line 16 and other outlet lines (not shown). Hydraulic fluid may be returned to tank 12 via return line 24, which may include filter 26 and outlet 28.

[0026] During normal operation, the flow rate of pump 14 may not be maintained to purge air from suction line 16 or other hydraulic lines (not shown). Similarly, machine dynamics combined with fluid fluctuations (such as operation on a slope or machine acceleration) can draw large air bubbles from the hydraulic fluid toward pump 14. Even after tank 12 is filled and all air is purged from the hydraulic lines, any air entrained in the hydraulic fluid will escape from the solution over time and form bubbles large enough to be drawn into pump 14. Over time, these large bubbles can damage components of hydraulic system 10. Therefore, bubbles must have means to escape from suction line 16 and suction pipe 20 of hydraulic system 10 to prevent damage to the hydraulic system and its components.

[0027] Figure 3-6A float vent valve 30 for use in a hydraulic system 10, constructed according to an embodiment of the invention, is shown. Valve 30 allows air to exit the intake pipe 20 or intake line 16 while preventing air from re-entering the intake pipe or line. Valve 30 may include a body 32 having an inlet port 34 and an outlet port 36, the inlet port 34 and outlet port 36 defining opposite ends of an axial passage 38 extending through the center of the housing. More specifically, passage 38 may include an inlet chamber 40 and an outlet chamber 42. Inlet chamber 40 and outlet chamber 42 may generally be cylindrical, although other shapes are also contemplated, and are connected by a conical seat 44. The outlet chamber may include a float 46, which, when mounted in the conical seat 44, seals the inlet chamber 40. Finally, outlet chamber 42 may include an annular retaining groove 48, the dimensions of which may form a retainer 50, which will be described in further detail below.

[0028] As shown in the figure, the float 46 of the present invention can be spherical and hollow to ensure buoyancy of the float in the hydraulic fluid. In one embodiment, the float 46 can be made of polypropylene plastic, but other examples of suitable oil-resistant materials include polyamides, such as nylon 6 / 6. The float 46 can be sized such that oil and air can flow around it within the outlet chamber 42. For example, the diameter of the float 46 can be 10 mm. As described above, the float 46 can be sized such that when mounted on the conical seat 44, the inlet chamber 40 is sealed to the inlet of fluid or air that can flow rearward from the outlet port 36 to the inlet port 34. For this purpose, the angle α of the conical seat 44 is considered. Figure 3 ) or β ( Figure 6 Specifically, the working machine with hydraulic system 10 can operate on slopes or inclines up to 60° or higher. These slope operations can lower the hydraulic fluid level on one side of tank 12 and can also lower the hydraulic fluid level below valve 30, thereby facilitating the installation of float 46. For this purpose, proper installation of float 46 on conical seat 44 is ensured, the angle of which can be 90° α. Figure 2 ) or an angle β of 60° Figure 5 ).

[0029] The retainer 50 ensures that air and fluid can flow freely through the passage 38 while also ensuring that the float 46 is retained within the outlet chamber 42. The retainer 50 can be made of metal and can be, for example, stamped or laser-cut, although other manufacturing methods are also conceivable. The retainer 50 may include at least two holes 52 positioned in the outer ring 54 of the retainer, and a central region 56 connected to the outer ring via a connecting region 58. During installation of the retainer 50 in the valve 30, the holes 52 can be pulled together, causing the retainer 50 to contract and reduce its diameter. The retainer 50 can then be inserted through the outlet port 36 and aligned with the annular groove 48. Once aligned, the holes 52 can be released, and the retainer 50 can expand into the groove 48 for secure installation in the valve 30. Therefore, the outer ring 54 can be crescent-shaped to ensure stability while also allowing flexibility during installation. The central region 56 of the retainer 50 can be smooth and flat to ensure that any contact with the float 46 does not compromise the structural integrity of the float. In one embodiment, the diameter of the central region 56 of the retainer 50 may be 7 mm, but other sizes and configurations may also be considered.

[0030] Now refer to Figure 7 and 8 In some models of operating machines utilizing the hydraulic system 10, it may be advantageous to mount the valve 30 on the suction pipe 20 inside the housing 12. As shown, the suction pipe 20 is connected to the suction line 16 via the mounting block 22. Figure 2 Mounting block 22 can be secured to the inner surface 62 of wall 18 of housing 12 by welding or other methods known in the art. Similarly, suction pipe 20 can be secured to mounting block 22 by welding (e.g., using a 3mm fillet weld) or other methods known in the art. Mounting block 22 may include a plurality of drilled holes 60 sized to accommodate a plurality of fasteners (not shown), such as bolts, for securing suction pipe 16 to the outer surface 64 of housing 12 opposite to mounting block 22. Each suction pipe 20 can be coupled to valve 30 via a channel 66 formed in mounting block 22.

[0031] The body 32 of valve 30 includes a lower region 70 and an upper region 72 with threaded external surfaces. As shown, the upper region 72 may have a hexagonal external surface to assist valve installation, such as by means of a wrench, but other configurations are also possible. During installation into mounting block 22, the threaded lower region 70 of valve 30 may threadedly engage with a threaded bore 74. The bore 74 may be located near the end of channel 66, which enables fluid connection between suction pipe 20 and valve 30. Figure 7 and 8As further shown, an exhaust port 76 may also be formed in the mounting block 22. For example, if the level of the hydraulic fluid in the tank is above the exhaust port 76, the exhaust port can help provide an additional outlet for bubbles released from the hydraulic fluid.

[0032] Now refer to Figure 9-12 In an alternative embodiment, it may be advantageous to mount valve 30 on the intake line 16 outside the housing 12. In this arrangement, valve 30 can be mounted directly at the highest point in the intake line 16. Exhaust line hose 78 can be connected to the outlet port 36 of valve 30 to connect the valve to the housing 12. Preferably, exhaust line hose 78 should rise steadily back to the housing 12 to eliminate the chance of air bubbles being trapped between valve 30 and the housing.

[0033] Valve 30 may include a lower sealing ring 80 and an upper sealing ring 82. The upper region 72 of valve 30 and upper sealing ring 82 may form an O-ring seal (ORFS) constructed according to SAE J1926-2. An exhaust hose 78 may then be coupled to the valve's outlet port 36, and the upper sealing ring 82 ensures a leak-proof seal. Similarly, the lower sealing ring 80 ensures a leak-proof seal when threadedly installed in the intake line 16. In one embodiment, the threaded lower region 70 of the valve may be a straight-threaded O-ring (STOR) connection.

[0034] Specific reference Figure 11 and 12 In another embodiment, a hose fitting 84 may be used to accommodate the connection between the exhaust hose 78 and the valve 30. The hose fitting 84 may include an externally threaded surface 86 configured according to SAE J1453 with a straight-threaded O-ring (STOR) connection and adapted to threadedly engage the threaded outlet region 88 of the valve 30. In other embodiments, the hose fitting 84 and the valve 30 may be adapted to threadedly engage other types of adapters and fittings, as well as other threaded components with externally or internally threaded surfaces, as understood by those skilled in the art. A sealing ring 90 may be used to seal the threaded engagement between the threaded surface 86 of the hose fitting 84 and the threaded outlet region 88.

[0035] exist Figure 11 and 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the hose fitting 84 may include a tapered upper seat 92 for the float 46. The tapered upper seat 92 may include a plurality of recesses 94 extending along the length axis of the seat. In this way, the float 46 can be pushed against the upper seat 92 by the flow of hydraulic fluid, but fluid and / or air can still escape around the float through the recesses in the seat.

[0036] In alternative embodiments, such as Figure 13As shown, it is advantageous to mount the valve 30 directly onto the suction pipe 20. The valve 30 can be mounted onto the suction pipe 20 using a weld boss 96. The weld boss 96 can be aligned with a hole (not shown) in the suction pipe 20 and secured to the suction pipe via stud welding or any other welding technique known in the art. The inner surface (not shown) can be threaded to matingly engage the threaded outer surface of the lower region 70 of the valve 30, allowing the valve to be mounted in the weld boss 96 by aligning the valve's threads and the weld boss, and rotating the valve until it is secured.

[0037] Industrial applicability

[0038] In operation, this invention can be used in a variety of industrial applications, such as, but not limited to, transportation, mining, construction, industrial, earthmoving, agricultural, and forestry machinery and equipment. For example, this invention can be beneficial for operating machines utilizing hydraulic systems, including but not limited to loaders, bulldozers, graders, and dump trucks. This invention provides a float vent valve for allowing air to leave the intake pipe or line while preventing air from re-entering the intake pipe or line. The float vent valve of this invention greatly improves pump reliability and reduces machine warranty requirements.

[0039] According to the embodiments described herein, the float vent valve 30 of the present invention can be coupled to a hydraulic fluid line extending between a hydraulic fluid tank 12 and a pump 14. This line may include a suction line 16 extending from an outer surface 64 of a wall 18 of the tank 12 to the pump, which can be coupled to a suction pipe 20 extending from an inner surface 62 of the wall 18 of the tank to the hydraulic fluid stored in the tank. The valve 30 can be in fluid communication with the suction pipe 20 by mounting the valve on a mounting block 22 of the suction pipe 20; alternatively, the valve 30 can be in fluid communication with the suction line 16 by mounting the valve directly on the suction line.

[0040] Regardless of the position of valve 30, the float vent valve 30 of the present invention includes a float 46. In a stationary state, the float 46 can be mounted in a conical seat 44. When mounted, valve 30 is in the closed position, thereby sealing passage 38 to prevent fluid and air from flowing from outlet port 36 to inlet port 34. Varying air pressures and buoyancy in the hydraulic fluid can cause the float 46 to float upwards from its mounted position, thereby opening valve 30 and allowing fluid and air to flow out of suction line 16 or pipe 20. In this way, fluid and air can flow unidirectionally from inlet port 34 towards outlet port 36. As fluid and air flow through valve 30, the float 46 can be held in the valve via retainer 50 or upper seat 92. Retainer 50 includes a central region 56 to hold the float 46 in valve 30 while still allowing air and fluid to flow around the float and towards outlet port 36. Similarly, the upper seat 92 functions to hold the float 46 in the valve 30 in a similar manner, while still allowing air and fluid to flow through the multiple notches 94 to the outlet port 36.

[0041] Typically, valve 30 can be opened before the machine 1 is started. If air bubbles accumulate in the suction line 16 or 20 over time during operation, valve 30 allows air to leave the suction line 16 or 20 during slack periods of pump 14 flow demand, thus preventing the air bubbles from reaching a critical size that would subsequently cause them to be drawn into the pump. During normal machine operation, the level of hydraulic fluid in tank 12 can change dramatically. If valve 30 is installed in tank 12, float 46 can reinstall in cone seat 44 when or if the level of hydraulic fluid in tank 12 drops below valve 30, thereby closing valve 30 and preventing air from re-entering the suction line 20, thus preventing pump 14 from losing start. If an unexpected loss of hydraulic fluid is to reduce the level of hydraulic fluid in tank 12 below the inlet of a lower priority suction line, valve 30 also maintains pump priority. As described above, even when the machine is operating on a slope or ramp surface, float 46 will still be properly installed and valve 30 will be closed due to the taper of cone seat 44.

[0042] While various aspects of the invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various additional embodiments can be conceived by modifying the disclosed machines, systems, and components without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims and any equivalents.

Claims

1. A float vent valve (30) for a hydraulic system (10) of a working machine (1), the float vent valve (30) comprising: The valve body (32) has an inlet port (34), an outlet port (36) and an axial channel (38) therebetween, the channel (38) being defined by a cylindrical inlet chamber (40), a cylindrical outlet chamber (42) and a conical seat (44) connecting the inlet chamber (40) and the outlet chamber (42), the outlet chamber (42) including an annular retaining groove (48) near the outlet port (36); A spherical float (46), positioned in the outlet chamber (42), is sized to seal the channel (38) when mounted on the conical seat (44); and A retainer (50) is positioned in the retaining groove (48), the retainer (50) including an outer crescent-shaped region (54) having a plurality of holes (52), a central region (56) sized to retain the float (46) in the outlet chamber (42), and a connecting region (58) connecting the outer crescent-shaped region (54) to the central region (56).

2. The float vent valve (30) according to claim 1, wherein the valve body (32) further includes an upper region (72) near the outlet port (36) and having a hexagonal outer surface, and a lower region (70) near the inlet port (34) and having a threaded outer surface.

3. The float vent valve (30) according to claim 2, wherein the valve body (32) and the retainer (50) are made of metal.

4. The float vent valve (30) according to claim 1, wherein the angle (β) of the conical seat (44) is 60 degrees.

5. The float vent valve (30) according to claim 1, wherein the float (46) is hollow and made of either polypropylene plastic or nylon 6 / 6.

6. The float vent valve (30) according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic system (10) includes a housing (12) configured to maintain fluid supply and a suction pipe (20) fixed to the wall (18) of the housing (12) via a mounting block (22), and wherein the float vent valve (30) is mounted on the mounting block (22).

7. The float vent valve (30) according to claim 6, wherein the mounting block (22) includes a fluid passage (66) extending between the inlet port (34) of the float vent valve (30) and the suction pipe (20).

8. The float vent valve (30) according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic system (10) includes a pump (14), a housing (12) configured to maintain a fluid supply, and a suction line (16) connected to the housing (12) and the pump, wherein the housing (12) includes a suction pipe (20) fixed to the inner surface (62) of the wall (18) of the housing (12), wherein the suction pipe (20) is in fluid communication with the suction line (16), and wherein the float vent valve (30) is mounted on the suction pipe (20) via a weld boss (96).

9. The float vent valve (30) according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic system (10) includes a pump (14), a tank (12) configured to maintain a fluid supply, and a suction line (16) connected to the pump (14) and the tank (12), and wherein the float vent valve (30) is mounted on the suction line (16).

10. The float vent valve (30) according to claim 9, further comprising a vent hose (78) connecting the float vent valve (30) and the upper region (72) of the housing (12).

Images