Butterfly valve assembly

Abstract

A butterfly valve assembly for an engine apparatus is disclosed. The butterfly valve assembly includes a valve housing and a valve member. The valve housing defines at least a portion of the conduit. The valve member is disposed within the conduit and is rotatable about an axis between an open configuration in which fluid flow through the valve member is permitted through the conduit and a closed configuration in which the valve member seals the conduit. The valve member is rotatable in a first direction from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The valve member includes a blocking surface, a secondary surface, and a peripheral surface. The blocking surface extends across the conduit in the closed configuration to seal the conduit. The secondary surface is substantially opposite the blocking surface. The peripheral surface extends between the blocking surface and the secondary surface and defines a thickness of the valve member. A first end portion of the peripheral surface extends about an axis at a first end of the valve member. A gap is defined between the duct and an apex of the first end portion closest to the duct. As the valve member pivots from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the clearance is minimal when the valve member is in the closed configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a butterfly valve assembly for an engine device, an exhaust pipe device for an engine comprising the butterfly valve assembly, and a valve member for a butterfly valve. Background Art

[0002] It is known in the art to use a butterfly valve assembly (e.g., including a valve housing and a valve member [which may be referred to as a flap valve]) in an engine device. The valve assembly may take a variety of forms in an engine device, including, but not limited to, an exhaust throttle valve (ETV) and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. The function of such a valve assembly includes selectively increasing the back pressure of the exhaust gas flow across the valve (e.g., for engine braking or to increase pumping work for thermal management).

[0003] In view of the relatively high temperature environment (e.g., about 900 degrees Kelvin) in which such butterfly valve assemblies operate, the valve housing and valve member of the butterfly valve assembly may be susceptible to thermal deformation (e.g., expansion) during operation. Specifically, the components of the butterfly valve assembly may be susceptible to different levels of thermal expansion (because the valve member and the valve housing are made of different materials and have different associated thermal expansion coefficients). Such thermal deformations may cause the valve member to be stuck in the valve housing, which may affect the operation of the entire butterfly valve assembly. For example, in some cases, the valve member may not be able to follow (i.e., rotate to) the command position from the linked actuator. However, when the valve member is in a fully closed configuration, the need to maintain a gap between the valve member and the valve housing (to allow the valve member to rotate in the valve housing) must be balanced with the need to be able to almost completely seal the valve member. In addition, materials with relatively large thermal resistance are typically more expensive and more difficult to machine. Summary of the invention

[0004] There is a need to overcome one or more disadvantages associated with existing butterfly valve assemblies, whether or not such disadvantages are addressed herein or otherwise.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a butterfly valve assembly for an engine device, the butterfly valve assembly comprising: a valve housing defining at least a portion of the conduit; and a valve member disposed within the conduit and rotatable about an axis between an open configuration in which fluid flow is permitted through the conduit through the valve member and a closed configuration in which the valve member seals the conduit; wherein the valve member is rotatable in a first direction from the open configuration to the closed configuration; and Wherein, the valve component comprises: - a blocking surface extending across the duct in the closed configuration to seal the duct; - a secondary surface, said secondary surface being substantially opposite to said blocking surface; and - a peripheral surface extending between the blocking surface and the secondary surface and defining a thickness of the valve member; wherein a first end portion of the peripheral surface extends about the axis at a first end of the valve member; wherein a gap is defined between the conduit and an apex of the first end portion closest to the conduit; and Wherein, as the valve member pivots from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the gap is smallest when the valve member is in the closed configuration.

[0006] The butterfly valve assembly may be used in particular as an exhaust throttle valve (ETV) or an exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR valve).The engine device may include a turbine, such as a turbocharger.

[0007] The valve housing preferably surrounds the valve member and defines one or more locating features configured to receive a shaft. The shaft preferably also extends through the valve member and defines an axis. When the valve member is in a fully open configuration and a fully closed configuration, the conduit preferably extends at least to completely surround the valve member in all directions.

[0008] The valve member may alternatively be described as a valve body or a flap valve. When the valve member is in an open configuration (i.e., a fully open configuration), the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the pipeline is blocked by the valve member. In other words, in the fully open configuration, the valve member provides the least amount of blocking or sealing of the fluid in the pipeline. In the closed configuration (i.e., a fully closed configuration), the valve member provides the greatest blocking effect (e.g., the highest back pressure). However, since at least some clearance is required to allow the valve member to pivot within the pipeline, the valve member does not hermetically seal the pipeline even in the closed configuration. Having said that, in some embodiments, the valve member can hermetically seal the pipeline when in the fully closed configuration.

[0009] The valve member can rotate in a first direction or can be described as the valve member can rotate in a closing direction. When the valve member is in a fully closed configuration, the valve member may not be arranged normal to the flow direction through the pipeline. Instead, the valve member can be arranged in the pipeline at a relative angle. This can advantageously improve the operation of the valve by providing more clearance for the valve to rotate in the pipeline. This can be achieved by providing a chamfered edge (preferably at the front edge of the valve member).

[0010] The blocking surface may be described as a first surface (eg, a first major surface or face) of the valve member. The secondary surface may be described as a second surface (eg, a second major surface or face) of the valve member.

[0011] The first end portion of the peripheral surface may be flat. The first end portion of the peripheral surface may alternatively be described as the outermost surface of the valve member, excluding any possible integral shaft. The first end portion of the peripheral surface may refer to an upper end portion or a lower end portion (e.g., on the side of the valve member close to or away from the actuator). The first end portion may define a hole through which the shaft is received, the combination of the shaft and the hole defining the axis. The first end of the valve member may be the upper end or the lower end of the valve member.

[0012] A gap is defined between a pipeline and a vertex or can be described as specifically defining a gap between the inner surface of a pipeline and a vertex. The vertex can be a relatively sharp vertex (i.e., a corner), or can be a point on an edge (e.g., a point on a fillet). The vertex closest to the pipeline of the first end portion refers to the vertex closest to the pipeline of the first end portion when the valve member moves toward a fully closed configuration. The vertex closest to the pipeline of the first end portion can be referred to as the first vertex or the front vertex. As the valve member pivots from an open configuration to a closed configuration, when the valve member is in a closed configuration, the gap is minimum, which means that among all points in the case where the valve member moves from a fully open configuration to a fully closed configuration, only when the valve member reaches a fully closed configuration, the gap is minimum. In other words, the minimum gap is not reached before the valve member is set in a fully closed configuration. For example, when the valve member is in an 80% closed configuration (i.e., a partially closed configuration), there is no minimum gap point. The axial position of the vertex can be the plane where the first end portion is located. The gap can be defined in a plane normal to the axis at the axial position of the vertex. The direction of the gap (for example, if a line is drawn between the apex and the portion of the conduit closest to the apex) can change as the valve member is rotated. Similarly, the point on the conduit closest to the apex can change as the valve member is rotated.

[0013] Advantageously, when the valve member is in the closed configuration, the butterfly valve assembly according to the present invention defines a minimum clearance point only at the first end portion of the valve member. Therefore, the minimum clearance can be reached only when the valve member is in the fully closed configuration. This alleviates the problem associated with the valve member getting stuck in the valve housing or pipeline in the partially closed configuration, particularly due to significant thermal transients in operation. For example, in some arrangements, as the valve member partially moves from the fully open configuration to the fully closed configuration, the minimum clearance can be defined. Therefore, the rotation of the valve member may be hindered by the valve member (particularly the apex of the valve member) invading the nearest part of the pipeline. The invasion may be caused by the relative thermal expansion between the pipeline and the valve member due to significant thermal transients.

[0014] The present invention provides an advantageous alternative to using materials with higher heat resistance (which are more expensive and more difficult to machine) and reducing the height of the valve member (which increases clearances but increases leakage at all operating points of the valve assembly).

[0015] The first end portion of the peripheral surface may be defined by at least a first recess and a second recess.

[0016] Advantageously, the first and second recesses reduce the risk of the valve member, in particular the first end portion of the valve member, encroaching upon a proximal portion of the conduit as the valve member moves from the fully open configuration to the fully closed configuration.

[0017] The presence of the first recess and the second recess can effectively define the first end portion as a prominent feature relative to those recesses. The first recess and the second recess preferably occupy different quadrants of the first end portion of the valve member. In a preferred arrangement, the first recess and the second recess extend beyond the fourth quadrant and the second quadrant of the first end portion, respectively, and the second quadrant and the fourth quadrant are alternatively described as closed quadrants, which are arranged to first approach the pipeline as the valve member moves toward the fully closed configuration. The first recess and the second recess may be substantially identical to each other in volume. The first recess and the second recess may be arranged to be in a rotationally symmetrical arrangement about an axis.

[0018] The first recess and the second recess may be disposed across the axis from each other.

[0019] The first recess and the second recess are arranged across the axis to each other or can be described as the first recess and the second recess being arranged in different quadrants. The first recess and the second recess are preferably arranged in different, diagonally opposite quadrants. When the valve member is viewed from above or below, the vertical plane extends through the axis, and the horizontal plane or the middle plane normal to the vertical plane also extends through the axis, and the first recess and the second recess are preferably arranged on different left and right sides of the vertical plane. In other words, the first recess and the second recess are preferably arranged on different sides of the vertical plane. The first recess is preferably arranged on the right side of the valve member. The second recess is preferably arranged on the left side of the valve member.

[0020] Advantageously, by arranging the first and second recesses across the axis from each other, the risk of the valve member becoming stuck as the valve rotates in either direction is reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, arranging the first and second recesses in this way means that the mass of the valve member is more evenly distributed about the axis, thereby providing smoother rotation in operation. A more balanced aerodynamic load is also achieved during use.

[0021] The first recess may extend to the blocking surface, and the second recess may extend to the secondary surface.

[0022] The first recess extends to the blocking surface or can be described as the first recess extending from the blocking surface. In other words, the first recess extends from the front of the valve member. The second recess extends to the secondary surface or can be described as the second recess extending from the secondary surface. The second recess can be described as being arranged at the rear of the valve member.

[0023] This arrangement has been found to be particularly advantageous when the valve member is in a fully closed configuration in which it is arranged slightly counter-clockwise relative to a blocking surface extending completely normal to the conduit when the valve member is viewed from above.

[0024] A mid-plane of the valve member may be defined through the peripheral surface between the blocking surface and the secondary surface; and wherein the first recess extends at least from the blocking surface to the middle plane; and Wherein, the second recess at least extends from the secondary surface to the middle plane.

[0025] The mid-plane of the valve member may be described as the horizontal plane of the valve member when the valve member is viewed from above or below. The first recess extends at least from the blocking surface to the mid-plane or may be described as the first recess extending at least halfway across the thickness of the valve member. Similarly, the second recess extends at least from the secondary surface to the mid-plane or may be described as the second recess also extending at least halfway across the thickness of the valve member. Given that the first recess and the second recess extend from different (i.e., opposite) sides or main faces of the valve member, the first recess and the second recess may be described as extending in opposite directions.

[0026] Advantageously, it has been found that the first and second recesses extending as described above provide sufficient clearance for the valve member to rotate during high temperature operation. The recesses extending to this extent also save on the use of material and therefore reduce the mass of the valve member and the associated operating energy requirements.

[0027] The first recess may extend from at least the blocking surface beyond the mid-plane; and Wherein, the second recess at least extends from the secondary surface beyond the middle plane.

[0028] The first end portion may also be defined by a third recess and a fourth recess.

[0029] The third and fourth recesses may be relatively small in volume compared to the first and second recesses. Advantageously, the combination of the third and fourth recesses provides material and weight saving benefits to the valve member.

[0030] The first recess and the third recess may be provided at one side of the first end portion, and wherein the second recess and the fourth recess may be provided at the other side of the first end portion.

[0031] The side of the end portion referred to here means on which side of a vertical plane the recess is disposed when the valve member is viewed from above or below, the vertical plane extending through the axis and normal to the mid-plane. In other words, when the valve member is viewed from above, the first recess and the third recess may be disposed on the right side, while the second recess and the fourth recess may be disposed on the left side. The combination of the first recess and the third recess may define at least a portion of the second protrusion. The combination of the second recess and the fourth recess may define at least a portion of the first protrusion. The combination of each of the first recess, the second recess, the third recess, and the fourth recess may define the entire first end portion.

[0032] A bore may extend through the valve member along the axis.

[0033] The hole may be configured to receive a shaft therethrough.A center point of the hole may define an axis of rotation about which the valve member rotates.

[0034] Advantageously, providing a bore through the valve member means that the valve member can be easily mounted in place in a valve housing, in particular in a conduit of the valve housing.The shaft may then be inserted into the bore.

[0035] The hole may be provided in the thickened portion of the valve member.

[0036] The thickened portion of the valve member, as the name implies, refers to the area where the separation between the blocking surface and the secondary surface of the valve member is the largest. When viewed in a cross section normal to the axis, the thickened portion is generally rectangular. The thickened portion of the valve member is thickened to provide a larger cross-sectional area of ​​material to receive the shaft.

[0037] A problematic factor faced by baseline valve members is that the presence of the thickened portion effectively increases the distance between the axis and the radially outermost point of the end portion of the valve member.The geometries described herein may be considered to mitigate any clearance issues that might otherwise result from the inclusion of a thickened portion of the valve member.

[0038] The lip of the first end portion may extend around the aperture.

[0039] The lip refers to a region of relatively thin thickness of material extending around the hole. The lip can be said to border the hole and extend circumferentially around the hole.

[0040] The lip may have a thickness of at least about 1 mm (eg, about 1.5 mm). Advantageously, the presence of the lip extending around the hole reduces the risk of fluid leaking around the valve member near the shaft. Thus, the presence of the lip improves the seal around the shaft.

[0041] The first end portion may also be defined by first and second protrusions extending from the lip.

[0042] The first and second protrusions may alternatively be referred to as first and second arms. The first and second protrusions extending from the lip are intended to encompass the first and second protrusions that are integral with the lip. In other words, the combination of the first and second protrusions and the lip may together define the entirety of the first end portion.

[0043] Advantageously, the presence of the first and second projections, in cooperation with the lip, means that the first end portion provides an adequate seal across the conduit (when the valve member is in the fully closed configuration) whilst reducing the risk of the valve member becoming lodged in the conduit.

[0044] The first and second projections and the lip portion may define a web of material that defines the first end portion.

[0045] The material web defining the first end portion is intended to encompass the material web defining the entire first end portion. In other words, the first end portion is a material web. Material web is intended to refer to a material geometric arrangement having a relatively narrow cross-section when viewed normal to the axis. In other words, the relative thickness of all materials defining the material web normal to the axis is relatively low. For example, the thickness of the material may be at least about 1 mm (e.g., about 1.5 mm).

[0046] The first protrusion may be disposed on a first side of the first end portion, and the second protrusion may be disposed on the other side of the first end portion.

[0047] The first protrusion is arranged on a first side of the first end portion or can be described as, when the valve member is viewed from the upper end or the lower end, the first end portion is arranged on the left side of a vertical plane passing through the valve member. The second protrusion can be arranged on the other side of the first end portion or can be described as, the second protrusion is arranged on the opposite side of the vertical plane.

[0048] The first protrusion may be defined by the first recess and the third recess, and the second protrusion may be defined by the second recess and the fourth recess.

[0049] A second end portion of the peripheral surface corresponding to the first end portion may be provided at an opposite second end of the valve member.

[0050] The second end portion of the peripheral surface corresponding to the first end portion is intended to mean that a mirror image arrangement of the end portions is provided at the opposite end of the valve member. In a preferred embodiment, the first end portion corresponds to the lower end of the valve member. In a preferred embodiment, the valve member has a plane of symmetry (except for the rivet holes) about a plane extending horizontally through the midpoint of the valve member when viewed normal to the blocking surface.

[0051] Advantageously, by providing a corresponding end portion at the other end of the valve member, the risk of the valve member becoming stuck in the pipe is further reduced.

[0052] When the valve member is in an 80% closed position, the gap may be at least about 0.3 mm.

[0053] Advantageously, by providing a clearance of at least about 0.3 mm when the valve is in the 80% closed position, the minimum clearance point that might otherwise exist is reduced to an acceptable level, thereby reducing the risk of the valve member becoming stuck within the conduit.

[0054] The mid-plane and a second plane normal to the mid-plane and the axis may define four quadrants of the valve member.

[0055] The second plane normal to the mid-plane and the axis may alternatively be described as a vertical plane.

[0056] When the valve member is in the closed configuration, any protruding features of the first end portion may be located outside of two diagonally opposed quadrants proximate to the conduit.

[0057] A protruding feature refers to any feature other than the lip. For example, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are examples of protruding features. A protruding feature may refer to any feature that protrudes from the axis to a greater extent than the outer edge of the lip.

[0058] The protruding features are positioned outside the two diagonally opposite quadrants near the conduit when the valve member is in the closed configuration, or can be described as the protruding features are positioned outside the two front quadrants. The diagonally opposite quadrants near the conduit when the valve member is in the closed configuration refer to the two quadrants that are first closest to the conduit as the valve member moves toward the fully closed configuration.

[0059] Advantageously, by excluding any protruding features of the first end portion from the two front quadrants, a greater clearance is provided at the first end portion when the valve member approaches the fully closed configuration.

[0060] When the valve member is in the closed configuration, the apex may be located in one of two diagonally opposed quadrants located away from the conduit.

[0061] The two diagonally opposite quadrants that are away from the pipeline when the valve member is in the closed configuration may be described as the trailing quadrants. In other words, as the valve member moves toward the closed configuration, the two diagonally opposite quadrants are generally disposed at the position farthest from the pipeline.

[0062] Advantageously, by positioning the apex in one of these tail ducts, a greater clearance can be provided as the valve member moves toward the closed configuration. In other words, a clearance is provided at or within the front quadrant that otherwise might not exist due to the apex.

[0063] The butterfly valve assembly may be an exhaust throttle valve (ETV) or an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve.

[0064] Exhaust throttle valves are used in engine applications to generate back pressure for engine braking or thermal management (ie, increasing the temperature of exhaust aftertreatment devices) through increased pumping work.

[0065] The exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR valve) is located in the exhaust gas duct and is used to selectively recirculate exhaust gas back into the intake manifold. The EGR valve is used to control nitrogen oxides (NO x ) emissions. In other words, the EGR valve can be considered a valve that provides selective fluid communication between the exhaust manifold and the intake manifold of the engine.

[0066] Both the ETV valve and the EGR valve operate in a high temperature environment, and thus the butterfly valve assembly according to the present invention is particularly useful when used as the ETV valve or the EGR valve.

[0067] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exhaust pipe device for an engine, the exhaust pipe device comprising: an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the engine; and A butterfly valve assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention; wherein the butterfly valve assembly is arranged to be in fluid communication with the exhaust pipe; and Wherein, the valve member is operable to selectively seal the exhaust conduit.

[0068] The butterfly valve assembly may be an EGR valve or ETV. The engine may be an internal combustion engine, such as a spark ignition or compression ignition engine. The engine may be a hybrid engine including a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

[0069] Advantageously, the valve member is operable to selectively seal the exhaust conduit, thereby increasing back pressure in the exhaust conduit. This may be used to provide an engine braking function and / or increase pumping work for thermal management (ie, for bringing the exhaust aftertreatment device to operating temperature).

[0070] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a valve member for a butterfly valve assembly, the valve member comprising: a blocking surface configured to obstruct fluid flow; a secondary surface, the secondary surface being generally opposite the blocking surface; a peripheral surface extending between the blocking surface and the secondary surface and defining a thickness of the valve member; and an axis of rotation extending through the valve member; wherein a first end portion of the peripheral surface extends around the rotation axis, the first end portion being defined by at least a first recess and a second recess; wherein a mid-plane of the valve member is defined through the peripheral surface between the blocking surface and the secondary surface; and Wherein, the first recess at least extends from the blocking surface beyond the middle plane, and the second recess at least extends from the secondary surface beyond the middle plane.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the first recess and the second recess extend across a front quadrant of the valve member (ie the quadrant first closest to the conduit when the valve member moves towards the closed configuration).

[0072] Advantageously, a valve member having the aforementioned geometry is less likely to become stuck within the conduit due to relative thermal expansion between the valve member and the surrounding conduit.

[0073] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a valve member for a butterfly valve assembly, the valve member comprising: a blocking surface configured to obstruct fluid flow; a secondary surface, the secondary surface being generally opposite the blocking surface; a peripheral surface extending between the blocking surface and the secondary surface and defining a thickness of the valve member; and an axis of rotation extending through the valve member; Wherein a first end portion of the peripheral surface extends around the rotation axis, the first end portion being defined by a web of material.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the first recess and the second recess extend across a front quadrant of the valve member (ie the quadrant first closest to the conduit when the valve member moves towards the closed configuration).

[0075] Advantageously, a valve member having the aforementioned geometry is less likely to become stuck within the conduit due to relative thermal expansion between the valve member and the surrounding conduit.

[0076] The material web defining the first end portion is intended to encompass the material web defining the entire first end portion. In other words, the first end portion is a material web. Material web is intended to refer to a material geometric arrangement having a relatively narrow cross-section when viewed normal to the axis. In other words, the relative thickness of all materials defining the material web normal to the axis is relatively low. For example, the thickness of the material may be at least about 1 mm (e.g., about 1.5 mm).

[0077] Optional and / or preferred features of each aspect of the invention described herein may also apply to any other aspect of the invention where appropriate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0079] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a butterfly valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front view of a butterfly valve assembly;

[0081] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front view of a butterfly valve assembly in which a valve member is shown alone;

[0082] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a valve member;

[0083] Figure 5 and Figure 6 yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 an end view of a valve member;

[0084] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a baseline valve member showing an end portion of the baseline valve member;

[0085] Figure 8 yes Figures 3 to 6 a perspective view of one end of a valve member shown;

[0086] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A front view of a portion of a butterfly valve assembly is shown;

[0087] Fig.10 Shown according to Fig. 9 The cross-sectional view indicated in the figure is located in the butterfly valve assembly Figure 7 a first end portion of a baseline valve member;

[0088] Fig.11 Shown according to Fig. 9 The cross-sectional view indicated in the figure is located in the butterfly valve assembly Figures 3 to 6 and Figure 8 a first end portion of a valve member;

[0089] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 an enlarged front view of the arrangement shown with the baseline valve member in a 100% closed position;

[0090] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 an enlarged front view of the illustrated embodiment with the valve member in a 100% closed position;

[0091] Fig.14 yes Fig.10 an enlarged front view of the arrangement shown with the baseline valve member in an 80% closed position;

[0092] Fig.15 yes Fig.11 an enlarged front view of the illustrated embodiment with the valve member in an 80% closed position;

[0093] Figures 16a to 16d The following diagram shows the behavior of the baseline valve member as it moves from a 70% closed configuration to a 100% closed configuration. Fig.10 Arrangement;

[0094] Figures 17a to 17d The diagram shows the valve member moving from a 70% closed configuration to a 100% closed configuration. Fig.11 Embodiments of

[0095] Fig.18 It shows how the minimum clearance between the valve member and the pipe changes with the Figure 7 and Figure 8 Graphs showing changes in the rotational position of the valve members shown in FIG.

[0096] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 Table of the values ​​plotted in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a butterfly valve assembly 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The butterfly valve assembly 2 includes a valve housing 4 and a valve member 6. The valve housing 4 defines at least a portion of a conduit 8 through which the valve member 6 extends. In the illustrated embodiment, the conduit 8 extends from an upstream end 10 to a downstream end 12. In use, a fluid (e.g., exhaust gas) flows through the conduit 8 (unless blocked by the valve member 6). As can be seen in subsequent figures, the valve member 6 is disposed within the conduit 8 and is rotatable about an axis between an open (i.e., fully open) configuration and a closed (i.e., fully closed) configuration.

[0099] In the open configuration, fluid flow is permitted through the conduit 8 (i.e., from the upstream end 10 to the downstream end 12, across the valve member 6). In the closed configuration, the valve member 6 extends across the conduit 8, thereby substantially blocking fluid flow through the conduit 8. In other words, in the closed configuration, the valve member 6 substantially seals the conduit 8. For completeness, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The position of the valve member 6 in both figures is in a configuration halfway between the open configuration and the closed configuration, wherein the valve member 6 is in an 80% closed configuration. For completeness, the 80% closed configuration refers to the proportion of the "full" angular travel of the valve member 6 that the valve member 6 is in. For example, in the fully open configuration, the valve member 6 (specifically, Figure 5 As shown, the middle plane 66) is relative to the vertical plane extending through the central axis of the pipe 8 (for Figure 2 8. In other words, in the fully open configuration, the mid-plane 66 of the valve member 6 extends along the conduit 8. In the fully closed configuration, the valve member 6 (again, specifically the mid-plane 66) is disposed at 74.2° relative to the aforementioned vertical plane extending through the central axis of the conduit 8 (in the illustrated embodiment). The 74.2° rotational offset can be in either rotational direction, depending on the geometry of the valve member 6 (e.g., depending on the geometry of the valve member 6, e.g., Figure 5 8 and 88). In the fully closed configuration, the valve member 6 may contact the inner surface of the conduit 8. The 80% closed configuration may alternatively be described as a rotational offset of the mid-plane 66 of the valve member 6 relative to a vertical plane passing through the conduit 8 of about 59.4° in the illustrated embodiment (e.g., 80% of the "full" 74.2° rotational offset of the fully closed configuration).

[0100] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Also shown is a portion of the blocking surface 14 of the valve member 6. A secondary surface is defined on a substantially opposite side of the blocking surface 14, but the secondary surface is Figure 1 or Figure 2 Not visible in.

[0101] The valve member 6 is shown attached or mounted to the shaft (not visible) by rivets 18a, 18b. In the illustrated embodiment, the heads of the rivets 18a, 18b are disposed adjacent to the blocking surface 14. However, in other embodiments this may not be the case (e.g., in other embodiments, the rivet heads may be disposed adjacent to the secondary surface). In addition, it should be understood that a variety of other ways of securing the valve member 6 to the shaft (e.g., laser welding) may be utilized. Other ways of securing the valve member 6 to the shaft include using splines, threaded engagement, and / or press fit.

[0102] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Many other components that form part of the butterfly valve assembly 2 are also shown. An actuator 20 is arranged in torque communication with the valve member 6 to rotate the valve member 6. The actuator 20 shown is an electric actuator, but in other embodiments, the actuator may alternatively be a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator. The actuator 20 is in torque communication with the valve member 6 through an intermediate drive plate 30 and a spring 32.

[0103] The actuator 20 is coupled to the valve housing 4 via an actuator bracket 22. The actuator bracket 22 is fastened to the valve housing 4 by a plurality of fasteners 74a-d. Also attached to the actuator bracket 22 is a heat shield 26, which is used to protect the actuator 20 from high ambient temperatures. The heat shield 26 is coupled to the actuator bracket 22 by a plurality of fasteners 28a-d.

[0104] Of particular interest to the present invention is the geometry of the first end portion 34 and the second end portion 36 of the valve member 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 34 and the second end portion 36 correspond to the lower and upper sides of the valve member 6, respectively. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 34 and the second end portion 36 refer to the outermost surfaces of the valve member 6 about the axis about which the valve rotates and are located away from and close to the actuator 20, respectively. For reasons that will be explained later in this article, in use, the first end portion 34 and the second end portion 36 of the valve member 6 may undesirably contact (e.g., infringe upon) the surrounding valve housing 4, particularly its conduit 8. Due to the high temperature environment in which the butterfly valve assembly 2 operates, the thermal expansion of the valve member 6 and / or the valve housing 4 during operation may exacerbate the situation. One aspect of the present invention overcomes this problem by providing a modified geometry at one or both of the first end portion 34 and the second end portion 36, which provides increased clearance at otherwise problematic "pinch points", but does not compromise the sealing ability of the valve member 6.

[0105] The upper and lower sides of the valve member 6 may alternatively be described as the actuator bushing side and the bottom bushing side, respectively.

[0106] The valve member 6 is preferably made of austenitic stainless steel. The valve housing 4 is preferably made of cast iron. Since cast iron has a lower thermal expansion coefficient, the valve member 6 expands faster due to higher temperatures.

[0107] Go to Figure 3 , providing an effective front view of the valve member 6. Figure 3 The front view is taken normal to the blocking surface 14 of the valve member 6 .

[0108] As combined Figure 1 and Figure 2 As discussed, the valve member 6 includes a blocking surface 14 and an opposing secondary surface 16 (the secondary surface is Figure 3 Not visible in , but in Figure 4 The peripheral surface 38 extends between the blocking surface 14 and the secondary surface to define the effective thickness of the valve member 6. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is shown more clearly. Figure 3 As shown, the peripheral surface 38 forms a portion of a bevelled edge when viewed normal to the blocking surface 14. Again, in Figure 5 This is also shown in .

[0109] Return to Figure 3 , the thickened portion 40 of the valve member 6 extends across a portion of the blocking surface 14. Figure 4 The thickened portion 40 is also shown. At the thickened portion 40, the extent or thickness of the peripheral surface 30 is effectively increased to provide a valve member 6 with a shaft ( Figure 3 space not shown).

[0110] The two rivet holes 42a, 42b extend through the thickened portion 40 of the valve member 6, passing through the entire valve member 6. As the name implies, the rivet holes 42a, 42b receive the rivets 18a, 18b (such as Figure 2 As shown), to connect the valve member 6 to the shaft ( Figure 3 not shown).

[0111] exist Figure 3 Also indicated schematically is an axis 44. The axis 44 is the axis about which the valve member 6 rotates in use.

[0112] exist Figure 3 Also labeled are the first and second end portions 34, 36 of the valve member 6. Each of the first and second end portions 34, 36 extends about the axis 44 at a respective upper end 46 or lower end 48 of the valve member 6. The first and second end portions 34, 36 can be described as defining the outermost geometry of the valve member 6 at the uppermost and lowermost ends of the valve member 6, respectively.

[0113] like Figure 3 As shown, the valve member 6 is generally symmetrical about the symmetry plane 49, but the first (upper) rivet hole 42a is slightly closer to the plane 49 than the second (lower) rivet hole 42b. In other words, the valve member 6 is symmetrical about the symmetry plane 49 without the rivet holes 42a, 42b.

[0114] Go to Figure 4 , provides a perspective view of the valve member 6 generally from the upper end 46 of the valve member 6 and the blocking surface 14 side. Figure 4 The combination is also shown in Figure 3 Many features are described and therefore will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0115] Figure 4 The thickened nature of the thickened portion 40 compared to the thickness of the valve member 6 on the rest of the blocking surface 14 is shown. Figure 4 Also shown is a bore 50 which extends through the entire axial extent of the valve member 6 and is configured to receive a shaft in use. The axis 44 may therefore be described as being defined by the bore 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the bore 50 is a through bore.

[0116] exist Figure 4 Further features of the first end portion 34 can also be seen in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 These features are described in more detail, but as previously described, the first end portion 34 is the outermost surface of the valve member 6 located at the upper end 46 of the valve member 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 34 is flat and extends normal to the axis 44. The first end portion 34 is defined by a web of material including first and second protrusions 52, 54 and a lip 56.

[0117] The first end portion 34 can be described as being defined by four recesses: first through fourth recesses 58, 60, 62, 64. The first recess 58 extends from the blocking surface 14 beyond the mid-plane (which will be combined with the Figure 5 To describe, in Figure 5 66 in the ). Return to Figure 4 The second recess 60 extends beyond the mid-plane from the secondary surface 16. The first recess 58 and the second recess 60 are located in diagonally opposite corners or quadrants about the axis 44 (as will be described later in conjunction with Figure 5 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the first recess 58 and the second recess 60 are substantially identical to each other, but are rotated 180° about the axis 44. The first recess 58 and the second recess 60 can be described as corresponding recesses. In the illustrated embodiment, the first recess 58 and the second recess 60 are the larger recesses of the four recesses.

[0118] The third recess 62 extends from the secondary surface 16, but does not extend to or does not extend beyond the middle plane. Therefore, both the second recess 60 and the third recess 62 extend from the secondary surface 16 side of the valve member 6 (i.e., extend from the same main face of the valve member 6). The fourth recess 64 extends from the blocking surface 14, but does not extend to or does not extend beyond the middle plane. Similar to the first recess 58 and the second recess 60, the third recess 62 and the fourth recess 64 are substantially consistent with each other, but are rotated 180° around the axis 44. The third recess 62 and the fourth recess 64 can be described as corresponding recesses. In the illustrated embodiment, the third recess 62 and the fourth recess 64 are smaller recesses of the four recesses.

[0119] The combination of the first through fourth recesses 58 , 60 , 62 , 64 defines the first end portion 34 , which in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a web of material.

[0120] Now go to Figure 5 , a separate plan view of the valve member 6 is provided. Figure 5 The illustration is from the upper end of the valve member (i.e., Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 46 ).

[0121] exist Figure 5 Also schematically indicated is a horizontal mid-plane 66. The horizontal mid-plane 66 extends through the axis 44 and approximately through the midpoint of the thickness defined by the peripheral surface 38 of the valve member 6. A second plane 68 extends normal to the mid-plane 66, which can be referred to as a vertically extending plane or vertical plane, which also extends through the axis 44. Therefore, the combination of the mid-plane 66 and the secondary plane 68 defines four quadrants: a first quadrant 70, a second quadrant 72, a third quadrant 74, and a fourth quadrant 76. The first quadrant 70 is considered as Figure 5 The lower left quadrant is shown, wherein the second to fourth quadrants 72 , 74 , 76 are arranged in a clockwise manner from the first quadrant 70 .

[0122] The second quadrant 72 and the fourth quadrant 76 may be referred to as leading quadrants because these quadrants are the first quadrants closest to the pipe when the valve member 6 moves toward the closed configuration. The first quadrant 70 and the third quadrant 74 may be referred to as trailing quadrants because these quadrants are the quadrants that are located away from the pipe when the valve member 6 moves toward the closed configuration. In other words, as the valve member 6 moves toward the closed configuration, the second quadrant 72 and the fourth quadrant 76 approach the pipe before the first quadrant 70 and the third quadrant 74.

[0123] As combined Figure 4As depicted, the first end portion 34 is the uppermost surface of the valve member 6. The first end portion 34 extends around the bore 50 of the valve member 6, and therefore extends around the axis 44 of the valve member 6. The first end portion 34 is defined by a lip 56 that extends directly around the entire bore 50 and a combination of the first and second protrusions 52, 54 that extend from the lip 56.

[0124] Figure 5 Also illustrated are chamfered edges defined by the peripheral surface 38 that extend around a portion of the valve member 6. In particular, at the illustrated left and right sides 78, 80 of the valve member, it will be appreciated that the outer edges 82, 84 are not parallel to the vertical plane 68. Rather, the edges extend at a relative angle relative to the vertical plane 68 (i.e., are inclined relative to the vertical plane 68). For the left side 78 of the valve member 6, the outer edge 82 is shown as extending at a relative angle 88 relative to a plane 90 that extends normal to the intermediate plane 66 at the same location (i.e., at the outermost left edge of the valve member 6). In the illustrated embodiment, the angle 88 is approximately 20°, which corresponds to the position of the valve member 6 about the axis 44 when the valve member 6 is in the fully closed configuration. Although in the embodiment illustrated, the angle 88 is approximately 20°, the angle 88 corresponds to the position of the valve member 6 about the axis 44 when the valve member 6 is in the fully closed configuration. Figure 5 80 , but a rotationally symmetrical geometry is provided at the right side. A rotationally symmetrical or uniform geometry is advantageous for reasons of improved fatigue performance. In addition, a rotationally symmetrical geometry means that as the valve member 6 rotates, the gap between the valve member 6 and the inner surface of the pipe 8 is the same on either side of the secondary plane 68 (e.g., on either side of the valve member 6). Specifically, for a given rotational position of the valve member 6, the gap between the rotationally offset vertices (e.g., 94 and 98) of the (one or more) end portions and the inner surface of the pipe 8 is the same. In other words, the geometric proximity of the valve member 6 to the pipe 8 is also rotationally symmetrical. In a preferred embodiment, the entire valve member 6 can have a rotationally symmetrical geometry when viewed from above or below.

[0125] When the valve member 6 is in the closed state, the edges 82, 84 are aligned substantially parallel to the corresponding edges of the conduit sealed by the valve member 6. Figure 5 It will be appreciated that when the valve member 6 is in the fully closed configuration, the rotational position of the valve member 6 is actually the same as Figure 5 The rotational position shown is slightly offset, by up to about 20° in the counterclockwise direction about the axis 44 .

[0126] Returning to the details describing the first end portion 34, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the recesses 58, 60, 62, 64 has an axial depth of between about 1.2 mm and about 1.4 mm (e.g., about 1.3 mm). In other embodiments, the depth can be anywhere up to about 3 mm (e.g., from about 1 mm to about 2 mm thick). The depth is taken relative to the first end portion 34. A fillet extends around the first end portion 34, the fillet having a radius of about 0.6 mm. In other embodiments, the fillet radius can be anywhere up to about 2 mm. One such point of the fillet mentioned above is at Figure 5 However, as described above, the fillet generally extends continuously around the first end portion 34. See also for perspective views Figure 4 , Figure 4 The precise location of the fillet is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the radius of the lip profile 57 is about 5.25mm. The radius 57 can be between about 2mm and about 8mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the radius of the profile 59 is about 4mm. The radius 59 can be between about 2mm and about 10mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the minimum height of the protrusions 52, 54 marked as 55 is about 1.5mm. The height 55 can be between about 1mm and about 5mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the first protrusion 52 and the second protrusion 54 deviate from the intermediate plane 66 at the nearest point by about 1mm. They can be offset between about 0.5mm and about 3mm.

[0127] Return to Figure 5 As previously described, the first end portion 34 includes a first protrusion 52 and a second protrusion 54. Beginning with the first protrusion 52, the first protrusion 52 includes a first vertex 92 and a second vertex 94. Vertices may alternatively be referred to as corners or outer points. The first vertex 92 and the second vertex 94 may be referred to as a leading vertex or leading point and a trailing vertex or trailing point, respectively. The leading vertex 92 and the trailing vertex 94 define the two radially outermost points of the first end portion 34 relative to the axis 44. A first outer edge 96 extends between the leading vertex 92 and the trailing vertex 94. From Figure 5 It will be appreciated that the first outer edge 96 extends at an angle relative to the vertical plane 68. Preferably, the first outer edge 94 is parallel to the left edge 82 as shown at the left side 78 of the valve member 6. In other words, the relative angular offset of the first outer edge 96 relative to the vertical plane 68 can be considered to be defined by the angle 88. Advantageously, with the trailing apex 92, 100 (e.g., corresponding to the trailing edge of the first outer edge 96 and the leading edge of the second outer edge 102) being located closer to the secondary plane 68, this reduces the effective flow area across the valve member 6 in the fully closed configuration.

[0128] like Figure 5As shown, both the front vertex 92 and the rear vertex 94 are located outside the second quadrant 72. The combination of the first protrusion 52 being effectively located outside the second quadrant 72 together with the geometry of the first end portion 34 (e.g., the combination of the lip 56 and the first and second protrusions 52, 54) generally advantageously reduces the risk that any portion of the first end portion 34 will collide with the pipe as the valve member 6 swings toward the fully closed configuration. In addition, the geometry of the first end portion 34 can be easily manufactured using a machining process (e.g., milling), which is performed to machine the lip 56 for aligning the valve member 6 in any manner within the pipe 8. The outer surface can be milled first to serve as a reference. The recesses 58, 60, 62, 62 can then be milled out subsequently.

[0129] Briefly describing features in conjunction with the second projection 54 , the second projection 54 includes a third vertex 98 and a fourth vertex 100 (which may be referred to as a leading vertex and a trailing vertex, respectively) and a second outer edge 102 extending between the third vertex 98 and the fourth vertex 100 .

[0130] For both the first protrusion 52 and the second protrusion 54, the leading and trailing vertices are so called because the leading vertices are located closest to the surrounding points on the pipe in that plane, before the trailing edge, when the valve member 6 swings from the open configuration toward the closed configuration. In other words, as the valve member 6 transitions to the fully closed configuration, the trailing vertices are located generally away from the pipe in that plane.

[0131] Simply, Figure 6 and Figure 5 Same, but shows many comments removed.

[0132] Despite the combination Figure 5 or Figure 6 None of the figures mentions this, but at the second end portion at the other end of the valve, Figure 3 49, a mirror image arrangement of the end portions is provided. In other words, preferably, the same geometric arrangement is provided at both ends of the valve member 6. As mentioned above, the first (upper) rivet hole 42a is slightly closer to the plane 49 than the second (lower) rivet hole 42b, and therefore the valve member 6 is not completely symmetrical about the plane 49.

[0133] Go to Figure 7, provides a perspective view of a portion of a baseline valve member 200 that falls outside the scope of the present claims. The baseline valve member 200 shares some common features with the previously described valve member 6, and for the sake of brevity, these features will not be described in detail again herein. However, briefly, the baseline valve member 200 includes a blocking surface 202 having an opposing secondary surface 204. A peripheral surface 206 extends between the blocking surface 202 and the secondary surface 204, respectively. A first end portion 208 is defined at the upper end of the valve member 200. The first end portion 208 is also a flat surface that defines an uppermost end surface of the valve member 200.

[0134] A hole 210 is defined in the first end portion 208 and extends through the extent of the valve member 200. The first end portion 208 is defined by first through fourth recesses 212, 214, 216, 218, which are generally located near each corner of the first end portion 208. Figure 7 and Figure 8 It should also be appreciated that first end portion 208 has a relatively larger surface area than first end portion 34 of valve member 6, which also occupies each of the four quadrants about the axis of rotation. Unlike first end portion 34, end portion 208 of baseline valve member 200 includes material in each of the four quadrants other than the material of the lip extending around the aperture. For completeness, recall that in Figure 5 The middle four quadrants are labeled 70, 72, 74 and 76.

[0135] Return to Figure 7 , the first end portion 208 generally takes the form of a parallelogram that completely surrounds the aperture 210 .

[0136] Go to Figure 8 , simply, Figure 8 6 is a perspective view of the upper end of valve member 6, showing first end portion 34. When compared to baseline valve member 200, it can be appreciated that first end portion 34 of valve member 6 has a relatively small surface area, and in particular, other than lip 56, no material of first end portion 34 extends to the base portion 34. Figure 5 In other words, as the valve member 6 moves toward the fully closed configuration, the first and second projections 52, 54 of the first end portion 34 are located outside of the quadrant closest to the surrounding surface of the conduit.

[0137] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A front view of a portion of a butterfly valve assembly 2 is shown. Fig. 9 is taken from the upstream end 10 of the conduit 8, and the valve member 6 is also visible. Fig. 9Also visible in the drawing is a portion of a shaft 104 which is received through a hole in the valve member 6 and about which the valve member 6 rotates. Fig. 9 A section line 106 is also schematically indicated in FIG. Fig.10 and Fig.11 The view on which the geometry is based.

[0138] Fig.10 and Fig.11 Shows Fig. 9 The cross-sectional views marked as 106 in FIG. 1 correspond to Figure 7 The baseline valve member 200 and Figure 8 Valve member 6. Fig.10 and Fig.11 Commonly labeled in each of the Figures are the axis of rotation 44, the shaft 104 passing through the corresponding hole, and the conduit 8 selectively sealed by the valve member. Fig.10 and Fig.11 Both show that the respective valve member is in an 80% closed configuration. That is, the valve member is not shown in a fully closed configuration. Fig.10 and Fig.11 Both of the views are taken in planes corresponding to the axial position of the respective vertices of the end portion, in particular to the planes corresponding to the axial position of the vertices defining the minimum clearance with the pipe 8 .

[0139] exist Fig.10 and Fig.11 In both figures, when the valve member is in the open configuration, the fluid moves from the left side to the right side. Therefore, the blocking surface is the surface that generally faces the left side, and the secondary surface is the surface that generally faces the right side. However, it should be understood that no matter which direction the fluid moves, the effective flow area through the valve member 6 is the same. Therefore, when the valve member is in the open configuration, the fluid can flow equally from Fig.10 and Fig.11 In other words, the blocking surface can be located on either side of the valve member. A sealing effect is achieved on both sides of the valve member (e.g., substantially across the valve member).

[0140] from Fig.10 Initially, the first end portion 208 of the baseline valve member 200 is illustrated, with the shaft 104 extending through the baseline valve member 200 . Fig.10 A gap 220 is schematically illustrated. The gap 220 represents the distance between a first or front vertex 222 of the first end portion 208 and a point 224 on the conduit 8 (specifically, the inner surface of the conduit 8) that is closest to the first vertex 222 at that location (and in that vertical plane, e.g., normal to the first end portion 208). The inventors have recognized that when the baseline valve member 200 is in a position such as Fig.10In the illustrated 80% closed configuration, the gap 220 is the minimum gap throughout the entire travel of the baseline valve member 200. In other words, as the valve member 200 pivots from the fully open configuration to the fully closed configuration, the gap 220 is the minimum distance between any point on the first end portion 208 and the corresponding point on the conduit 8. It has been recognized that this minimum gap 220 (about 0.2 mm in the illustrated arrangement) is small enough that the relative thermal expansion between the conduit 8 and the valve member 200 in use may cause the first vertex 222 of the baseline valve member 200 to intrude into the conduit 8. It should be understood that this in turn may cause the entire baseline valve member 200 to become stuck within the conduit 8, resulting in failure of the butterfly valve assembly. This is particularly problematic during severe thermal transients. For example, in the case of a butterfly valve assembly being used as an exhaust throttle valve (ETV), severe thermal transients may be observed in the case of a hot shutdown (where the engine is shut down, but the ambient temperature continues to rise as the coolant flow stops) and when the engine transitions from an ignition mode to a braking mode.

[0141] although Fig.10 Although not shown in detail in FIG. 8 , it is understood that a similar gap exists between the third vertex 230 (ie, the other front vertex) and the corresponding point of the conduit 8 .

[0142] For completeness, there is a gap 226 between the second or trailing apex 228 of the first end portion 208 and a corresponding point on the conduit 8. It should be appreciated that the gap 226 is greater than the gap 224. Thus, the gap 224 represents the "pinch point" or minimum gap, and thus the first apex (or also referred to as the leading apex) 222 is responsible for or drives the minimum gap for the rotation of the baseline valve member 200 (rather than the second or trailing apex 228).

[0143] Go to Fig.11 , the valve member 6 , specifically the first end portion 34 of the valve member 6 is shown.

[0144] For completeness, it is noted that in the previous figures, the first end portion has been indicated as being located at the upper end of the valve member 6. In contrast, Fig.11 ,like Fig. 9 , corresponds to the lower end of the valve member 6. Given that both ends of the valve member 6 in the illustrated embodiment include corresponding end portions (i.e., have the same geometry), different reference numerals will not be used here for corresponding features of the end portion at the lower end of the valve member 6. For the avoidance of doubt, the first end portion 38 of the valve member 6 may be located at the upper end (i.e., the actuator end) or the lower end (i.e., away from the actuator) of the valve member 6. As described above, similar end portions may be present at both ends of the valve member 6.

[0145] Even a simple comparison Fig.10 and Fig.11It will also be appreciated that the minimum clearance at the 80% closed configuration is significantly greater for valve member 6 (108) compared to baseline valve member 200 (220).

[0146] Specifically, the gap between the first vertex 92 and the corresponding point 110 on the inner surface of the pipe 8 is marked as 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the gap 108 is about 0.5 mm (about 0.5 mm). Fig.10 The gap 220 in the pipe 8 is about 0.3 mm). A gap 112 is also indicated between the second (i.e., tail) vertex 94 and the corresponding point on the pipe 8. For the avoidance of doubt, the closing direction of the valve member 6 is Fig.11 The middle direction is marked as 114 and the open direction is marked as 116.

[0147] As previously described, when the valve member 6 is in the fully closed configuration, the first outer edge 96 extending between the first vertex 92 and the second vertex 94 is substantially parallel (e.g., within about 0.5° of parallelism) to the corresponding edge 118 of the conduit 8. The same applies to the second outer edge 102 of the second protrusion 54.

[0148] Combined with Fig.10 Similar to that described, although not combined Fig.11 Described in detail, however, there is also a corresponding gap on the other side of the first end portion 34 (ie, corresponding to the second protrusion 54 ).

[0149] When combined Figure 5 consider Fig.11 , wherein the first to fourth quadrants 70, 72, 74, 96 are indicated, it will be appreciated that, because the first end portion 34 is largely outside of the second quadrant 72 and the fourth quadrant 76, the gap 108 defined between the first front vertex 92 and the conduit 8 is significantly increased compared to the gap 220 between the first front vertex 222 and the conduit 8, as opposed to the first end portion 208 of the baseline valve member 200. This advantageously allows for a greater degree of thermal expansion between the conduit 8 and the valve member in use before sticking occurs. In effect, sticking of the valve member 6 in operation is mitigated.

[0150] In other words, with Fig.10 In comparison, Fig.11 In the embodiment, the minimum clearance point or pinch point of the first end portion 34 is moved to a position such as Figure 5 The other side of the marked middle plane 66. In addition, when the valve member 6 has been rotated to the fully closed configuration, the minimum clearance of the first end portion 34 is achieved. Fig.10 Instead, when the valve member 6 is partially rotated between the fully open configuration and the fully closed configuration, the minimum clearance point is not achieved.

[0151] Although the specific geometry of the first end portion 34 has been described in detail herein, it should be understood that a variety of other geometries that achieve the same effect may alternatively be used. For example, simply turning to Figure 5 , the third and fourth recesses 62, 64 may be eliminated (i.e., the first end portion is solid in these areas) and still achieve the same effect. The various recesses may also be deeper (e.g., so that the first end portion effectively extends to a greater extent from the majority of the valve member 6). In other embodiments, the first end portion 34 may also have a more uniform geometry (e.g., the wall thickness may be more uniform, which is desirable for reasons of improved thermomechanical fatigue performance).

[0152] It is also worth noting that the combination Fig.10 and Fig.11 The gaps described and shown have been simplified for ease of explanation. It should be understood that, in practice, the minimum gap (for a given rotational position of the valve member) may not be located in a plane normal to the first end portion. There may be a gap between the vertex and the corresponding nearest point on the pipeline in either direction. Therefore, it should be understood that the direction of the gap (for example, if a line is to be drawn between the points) can be related to the opening / closing of the valve member. For reference, the minimum gap refers to the minimum gap achieved during the entire stroke of the valve member (for example, between a fully open configuration and a fully closed configuration). The minimum gap refers to the minimum gap achieved by the valve member at a given rotational position. That is, for the valve member 6, the minimum gap corresponds to the minimum gap when the valve member is in a fully closed configuration.

[0153] Go to Fig.12 , a front view of a portion of a butterfly valve assembly including a baseline valve member 200 is provided. Fig.12 It is shown from the upstream end of the conduit 8 . Fig.12 The baseline valve member 200 is shown in a fully closed configuration (ie, 100% closed). Fig.13 A front view of a butterfly valve assembly 2 including a valve member 6 according to the present invention is shown. Fig.12 and Fig.13 The view in Fig. 9 It is schematically indicated by 107.

[0154] Fig.12 and Fig.13Both valve members 200, 6 are shown in a fully closed (i.e., 100% closed) configuration. By showing an enlarged view of the lower end of the butterfly valve assembly, it can be understood that the effective flow area through the pipe 8 (i.e., the cross-sectional area not blocked by the valve members 200, 6) is almost the same for the baseline valve member 200 and the valve member 6. It should be understood that there is still a small effective open area around the valve member, and even in the fully closed configuration, the valve member cannot completely seal the pipe. This small gap is provided to enable the valve to be operated. Fig.13 It shows that even if the Figure 8 and Fig.11 Even with the modified first end portion geometry shown, the degree to which valve member 6 obstructs conduit 8 is not negatively impacted (i.e., leakage is not significantly increased). In other words, the effective flow area of ​​valve member 6 when in the fully closed configuration is substantially the same as the effective flow area of ​​baseline valve member 200. In other words, the profile or footprint of valve member 6 when viewed from the front remains substantially the same. Thus, the sealing capability of valve member 6 is substantially mirrored or identical to the sealing capability of baseline valve member 200, but potential issues with end portion sticking of the valve member due to insufficient horizontal clearance are mitigated. The minimum clearance between (the apex of) the first end portion and the nearest point on the conduit is at Fig.13 It is marked as 113.

[0155] Go to Fig.14 and Fig.15 , provides a front view of a butterfly valve assembly including a baseline valve member 200 and a valve member 6, respectively. Fig.14 and Fig.15 , the valve member is shown in an 80% closed configuration.

[0156] As indicated by the ellipses labeled 232 and 120, respectively, when the valve member is set in the 80% closed position, the effective flow area defined by the valve member 6 is slightly increased compared to the baseline valve member 200. This actually means that there is a slight loss of sealing associated with the valve member 6 at this precise position. However, it is worth noting that the same back pressure across the valve member 6 can be achieved, but this may simply require a slight adjustment of the valve position (i.e., in order to achieve the same level of back pressure provided by the baseline valve member 200, the valve member 6 may need to be closed slightly more than the baseline valve member 200). Moreover, this slight loss is still highly desirable compared to changing the height of the valve member 6, and particularly by reducing the offset between the end portion and the main blocking surface, because doing so will increase the effective flow area throughout the entire sweep or stroke of the valve member 6. This also includes the situation when the valve member is in the fully closed configuration. For these reasons and the reasons previously described, it is therefore desirable that the height of the valve member 6 remain unchanged compared to the baseline valve member 200. The minimum gap (between the apex of the first end portion and the nearest point on the pipe) is at Fig.15 It is indicated as 115 in FIG. Fig.15 The gap 115 is greater than Fig.13 The (minimum) gap in is 113.

[0157] Figures 16a to 16d In fact, it corresponds to Fig.10 , with respect to the first end portion 208 of the baseline valve member 200. However, Figures 16a to 16d The following diagram shows the relationship between the closed and closed positions of the baseline valve member 200. Fig.16a ) to 100% fully closed configuration ( Fig.16d ) arrangement. Similarly, Figures 17a to 17d Corresponds to Fig.11 The embodiment shown, however, shows the valve member 6 from a 70% closed configuration ( Fig.17a ) to the fully closed configuration ( Fig.17d ).

[0158] By comparison Figures 16a to 17d It should be understood that when the baseline valve member 200 is in the 80% closed configuration ( Fig.16b ), the minimum clearance point between the end portion of the baseline valve member 200 and the conduit 8 occurs. Conversely, only when the valve member 6 has reached a 100% closed (ie, fully closed) configuration ( Fig.17d) will only occur a minimum gap between the end portion of the valve member 6 and the conduit 8. For completeness, the first vertex 222 and the second vertex 226 (which may alternatively be referred to as the leading vertex and the trailing vertex, respectively) of the baseline valve member 200 of the end portion 208 of the baseline valve member 200 are labeled. Similarly, the first vertex 92 and the second vertex 94 of the end portion 34 of the valve member 6 are also labeled.

[0159] Finally, combine Fig.17d It will be appreciated that when the valve member 6 is in the fully closed configuration, each of the first outer edge 96 and the second outer edge 102 of the first end portion 34 of the valve member 6 is substantially parallel and aligned with the corresponding edge of the conduit 8. Figures 16a to 16d A radial line 236 is shown extending from the axis of rotation to the first front vertex 222. Thus, the radial line 236 indicates the distance from the axis of rotation to the vertex defining the minimum clearance point (ie, Fig.16b ). Similarly, in Figures 17a to 17d , a radial line 122 is indicated extending from the axis of rotation to the first front vertex 92. Again, the radial line 122 schematically indicates the radial position of the minimum clearance point on the first end portion 34 relative to the axis.

[0160] Now go to Fig.18 , provides a display Figure 7 and Figure 8 Graphs of the change in clearance for each of the leading and trailing vertices of each valve member 6, 200 shown in FIG. In particular, the change in clearance from these vertices to the nearest point of the pipe (particularly the inner surface of the pipe) is provided and shown, as a function of the position of the valve member. The percentage closure (i.e., position) of the valve member is provided on the X-axis. The clearance with the pipe in millimeters is provided on the Y-axis. As indicated in the legend, four different data series are provided.

[0161] Fig.18 The diagram illustrates how the front apex of the baseline valve member has minimum clearance when the valve member is in the 80% closed configuration (labeled 300). In contrast, for embodiments of the present invention, the front apex of the valve member 6 has minimum clearance with the conduit only when the valve member is in the closed configuration (labeled 302). Therefore, Fig.18It is shown that, according to the present invention, advantageously, the minimum clearance point from the front vertex to the pipeline is shifted from the partially closed configuration of the valve member to the fully closed configuration. This eliminates the risk of the valve member getting stuck during significant thermal transients, otherwise the relative thermal expansion may cause deformation and the risk of contact / stuck of the valve member in the pipeline. It is worth noting that, and as mentioned above, the various points of minimum clearance may not all be located in the same plane, and it is more likely that the direction of the minimum clearance (for example, if a line is drawn between the vertex and the part of the pipeline closest to the vertex) can change with the rotation of the valve member. Similarly, the point on the pipeline closest to the vertex can change with the rotation of the valve member.

[0162] Fig.19 It is used for drawing Fig.18 A table of values.

[0163] Throughout this document, the terms "position" and "configuration" may be used interchangeably. For example, a closed position of a valve member may alternatively be described as a closed configuration.

[0164] The shaft is preferably made of stainless steel.

[0165] The described and illustrated embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that only preferred embodiments are shown and described, and all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims are intended to be protected. With respect to the claims, when words such as "one", "at least one", or "at least a portion" are used to indicate a feature, it is not intended to limit the claim to only one such feature, unless otherwise expressly stated to the contrary in the claim. When language such as "at least a portion" and / or "a portion" is used, the item may include a portion and / or the entire item, unless otherwise expressly stated to the contrary.

[0166] The optional and / or preferred features described herein may be used alone or in combination with each other where appropriate, and in particular in combination as described in the appended claims. Where appropriate, the optional and / or preferred features of each aspect of the invention listed herein may also be applicable to any other aspect of the invention.

Claims

1. A butterfly valve assembly for an engine device, the butterfly valve assembly comprising: a valve housing defining at least a portion of the conduit; and a valve member disposed within the conduit and rotatable about an axis between an open configuration in which fluid flow is permitted through the conduit through the valve member and a closed configuration in which the valve member seals the conduit; wherein the valve member is rotatable in a first direction from the open configuration to the closed configuration; and Wherein, the valve component comprises: - a blocking surface extending across the duct in the closed configuration to seal the duct; - a secondary surface, said secondary surface being substantially opposite to said blocking surface; and - a peripheral surface extending between the blocking surface and the secondary surface and defining a thickness of the valve member; wherein a first end portion of the peripheral surface extends about the axis at a first end of the valve member; wherein a gap is defined between the conduit and an apex of the first end portion closest to the conduit; and Wherein, as the valve member pivots from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the gap is smallest when the valve member is in the closed configuration.

2. The butterfly valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first end portion of the peripheral surface is defined by at least a first recess and a second recess.

3. The butterfly valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The first recessed portion and the second recessed portion are disposed across the axis from each other.

4. The butterfly valve assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The first recess extends to the blocking surface, and the second recess extends to the secondary surface.

5. The butterfly valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein: defining a mid-plane of the valve member through the peripheral surface between the blocking surface and the secondary surface; and wherein the first recess extends at least from the blocking surface to the middle plane; and Wherein, the second recess at least extends from the secondary surface to the middle plane.

6. The butterfly valve assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The first recess extends from at least the blocking surface beyond the mid-plane; and Wherein, the second recess at least extends from the secondary surface beyond the middle plane.

7. A butterfly valve assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein: The first end portion is further defined by a third recess and a fourth recess.

8. The butterfly valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The first recess and the third recess are provided on one side of the first end portion, and wherein the second recess and the fourth recess are provided on the other side of the first end portion.

9. A butterfly valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A bore extends through the valve member along the axis.

10. The butterfly valve assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The hole is provided in a thickened portion of the valve member.

11. The butterfly valve assembly according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: A lip of the first end portion extends around the aperture.

12. The butterfly valve assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The first end portion is also defined by first and second protrusions extending from the lip.

13. The butterfly valve assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The first and second projections and the lip portion define a web of material that defines the first end portion.

14. A butterfly valve assembly according to claim 12 or 13 when indirectly dependent on claim 5, wherein: The first protrusion is disposed on a first side of the first end portion, and the second protrusion is disposed on the other side of the first end portion.

15. A butterfly valve assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 14 when indirectly dependent on claim 7, wherein: The first protrusion is defined by the first recess and the third recess, and the second protrusion is defined by the second recess and the fourth recess.

16. A butterfly valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A second end portion of the peripheral surface corresponding to the first end portion is disposed at an opposite second end of the valve member.

17. A butterfly valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When the valve member is in an 80% closed position, the gap is at least about 0.3 mm.

18. A butterfly valve assembly according to claim 5 or any one of claims 6 to 17 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 5, wherein: The mid-plane and a second plane normal to the mid-plane and the axis define four quadrants of the valve member.

19. The butterfly valve assembly according to claim 18, wherein: When the valve member is in the closed configuration, any protruding features of the first end portion are positioned outside of two diagonally opposed quadrants proximate to the conduit.

20. The butterfly valve assembly according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: When the valve member is in the closed configuration, the apex is positioned in one of two diagonally opposed quadrants located away from the conduit.

21. A butterfly valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The butterfly valve assembly is an exhaust throttle valve (ETV) or an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve.

22. An exhaust pipe device for an engine, the exhaust pipe device comprising: an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the engine; and A butterfly valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims; wherein the butterfly valve assembly is arranged to be in fluid communication with the exhaust pipe; and Wherein, the valve member is operable to selectively seal the exhaust conduit.

23. A valve member for a butterfly valve assembly, the valve member comprising: a blocking surface configured to obstruct fluid flow; a secondary surface, the secondary surface being generally opposite the blocking surface; a peripheral surface extending between the blocking surface and the secondary surface and defining a thickness of the valve member; and an axis of rotation extending through the valve member; wherein a first end portion of the peripheral surface extends about the rotation axis, the first end portion being defined by at least a first recess and a second recess; wherein a mid-plane of the valve member is defined through the peripheral surface between the blocking surface and the secondary surface; and Wherein, the first recess at least extends from the blocking surface beyond the middle plane, and the second recess at least extends from the secondary surface beyond the middle plane.

24. A valve member for a butterfly valve assembly, the valve member comprising: a blocking surface configured to obstruct fluid flow; a secondary surface, the secondary surface being generally opposite the blocking surface; a peripheral surface extending between the blocking surface and the secondary surface and defining a thickness of the valve member; and an axis of rotation extending through the valve member; Wherein a first end portion of the peripheral surface extends around the rotation axis, the first end portion being defined by a web of material.

Images