Battery drain valve

Abstract

A valve assembly for facilitating one-way fluid flow through an opening in a component is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a passageway, a sealing element disposed about at least a portion of the valve housing, a flap coupled to the valve housing and movable relative thereto to selectively allow fluid flow through the passageway, and a cap coupled to the valve housing. The cap is configured to at least partially encase the valve housing and the flap while allowing fluid flow through one or more openings formed therein. The cap is removably coupled to the valve housing via one or more cap locking tabs extending from the valve housing that engage corresponding features defined in the cap, thereby securing the cap to the valve housing.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 792,419, filed April 22, 2025, entitled “Battery Drain Valve,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] The electric drive components (such as motors, batteries, and power electronics) in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) present unique challenges to the associated hardware (including fasteners and functional components such as valves). EV and HEV battery systems typically include one or more valves, such as drain valves or vent valves, to manage the release of fluids and / or gases within the battery pack or associated systems.

[0004] These valves offer several functions, including thermal management, pressure regulation, safety venting, and ease of maintenance and upkeep. For example, during operation and charging, EV batteries generate heat and may rely on a liquid cooling system to maintain acceptable temperatures. Valves can allow for controlled drainage or replacement of the coolant during maintenance or in the event of a leak. Additionally, under certain failure conditions such as thermal runaway or internal damage, the battery may release gases or fluids. Valves provide a mechanism for the safe venting of such substances, thereby reducing pressure buildup and mitigating the risk of damage, fire, or explosion. Valves can also allow the drainage of unwanted water that has seeped into the battery casing.

[0005] While existing valve assemblies provide fluid control functions, they may be susceptible to damage, contamination, or blockage during operation or throughout the vehicle's lifespan. For example, exposure to debris, mechanical shock, or environmental conditions can impair valve performance and reliability.

[0006] Therefore, there remains a need for improved valve assemblies that enhance durability and operational reliability. In particular, valves incorporating protective features such as caps or covers can help protect them from damage and blockage. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure generally relates to a valve assembly for draining fluid from a volume such as an automotive battery housing and assembly, which is substantially as shown and described in conjunction with at least one of the accompanying drawings, as set forth more fully in the claims. More specifically, this disclosure generally relates to a drain valve assembly particularly for use in EVs. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the apparatuses, systems, and methods described herein will become apparent from the following description of specific examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings, where like or similar reference numerals refer to like or similar structures. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather focus on illustrating the principles of the apparatuses, systems, and methods described herein.

[0009] Figure 1a A first assembly perspective view of an exemplary drain valve system having valve assemblies according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 1b An assembled perspective view of an exemplary drain valve system with valve assemblies is shown.

[0011] Figure 1c A second assembly perspective view of an exemplary drain valve system with valve assemblies is shown.

[0012] Figure 1d It shows the section line AA ( Figure 1c (A perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary drain valve system.)

[0013] Figure 2a An assembled perspective view of the valve assembly is shown, in which the cap is separated from the valve body assembly.

[0014] Figure 2b An assembly perspective view of the valve body assembly, including the valve housing, annular seal, and flap, is shown.

[0015] Figure 2c It shows the section line BB ( Figure 2a The assembly cross-sectional view of the valve assembly, in which the cap and flap are separated from the valve body.

[0016] Figure 2d It shows the section line BB ( Figure 2a The assembly cross-sectional view of the valve assembly, in which the cap is separated from the valve body assembly.

[0017] Figure 2e It shows the section line BB ( Figure 2a ( ) is an assembled cross-sectional view of the valve assembly.

[0018] Figures 3a to 3d The perspective view, side elevation view, top plan view, and bottom plan view of the valve assembly cap are shown respectively.

[0019] Figures 4a to 4d The perspective view, side elevation view, top plan view, and bottom plan view of the valve housing of the valve assembly are shown respectively.

[0020] Figures 5a to 5dPerspective view, side elevation view, top plan view and bottom plan view of the annular seal of the valve assembly are shown respectively.

[0021] Figures 6a to 6d The perspective view, side elevation view, top plan view, and bottom plan view of the valve assembly flap are shown respectively.

[0022] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of a high-flow cap with an outer protective surface, in which multiple windows are distributed around the surrounding sidewalls.

[0023] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of a flow cap with lower sidewall protection, wherein multiple windows are set in the peripheral sidewall, and multiple plates extend upward from the sealing wall toward the cap surface.

[0024] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of a flow cap with upper sidewall protection, in which multiple windows are set in the peripheral sidewalls, and multiple plates extend downward from the cap surface toward the sealing wall.

[0025] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of the full-sidewall protective cap, in which the peripheral sidewalls are basically solid and multiple windows are distributed around the perimeter of the cap surface. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Unless otherwise explicitly stated or indicated in the text, items mentioned in the singular should be understood to include plural items, and vice versa. Unless otherwise stated or indicated by the context, grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of parallel clauses, sentences, words, etc. Unless otherwise stated herein, descriptions of ranges of values ​​herein are not intended to be restrictive, but rather to refer individually to any and all values ​​falling within and / or encompassing that range, and each individual value within that range is incorporated into the description as if it were described separately herein. In the following description, it should be understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” and “rear” are words used for convenience and should not be construed as restrictive terms. For example, although in some examples the first side is positioned as adjacent to or near the second side, the terms “first side” and “second side” do not imply any particular order of side arrangement.

[0027] When accompanied by numerical values, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” etc., should be interpreted as indicating deviations that would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to work satisfactorily for the intended purpose. Ranges and / or numerical values ​​are provided herein only as examples and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” etc.) provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the disclosed examples and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The terms “e.g.” and “for example” introduce one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential for implementing the disclosed examples.

[0028] The term "and / or" refers to any one or more items in a list connected by "and / or". As an example, "x and / or y" refers to any element in the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y and / or z" refers to any element in the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" means "one or more of x, y, and z".

[0029] A valve assembly for draining fluid from a volume such as an automotive battery housing and components is disclosed. More specifically, this disclosure generally relates to a one-way drain valve assembly with a cap, particularly for use in EVs.

[0030] In one example, a valve assembly is provided, comprising a valve housing defining a passage and having a sealing element disposed around at least a portion of the valve housing. A flap is coupled to the valve housing and movable relative to the valve housing to selectively allow unidirectional fluid flow through the passage. The valve assembly also includes a cap coupled to the valve housing, wherein the cap at least partially encloses the valve housing and the flap and defines one or more openings to allow fluid flow therethrough. The cap is removably coupled to the valve housing via one or more cap locking tabs extending from the valve housing, the cap locking tabs being configured to engage corresponding features of the cap.

[0031] In some examples, the cap defines a plurality of fastener openings configured to receive a cap locking tab. In some examples, each fastener opening includes a shoulder configured to engage a corresponding clip feature of the respective cap locking tab.

[0032] In some examples, the cap also includes a plurality of guide walls positioned adjacent to the fastener opening and configured to guide the cap locking tab to engage with the shoulder. In some examples, the guide walls define a channel therebetween, the channel being configured to align the cap locking tab during assembly.

[0033] In some examples, the cap further defines at least one gap notch in at least one fastener opening adjacent to the fastener opening to facilitate the insertion of the cap locking tab.

[0034] In some examples, the cap includes a cap surface and a plurality of rings extending from the cap surface. In some examples, the rings are spaced apart from each other to define a fluid flow path through the cap. In some examples, the rings are interconnected by a plurality of support ribs. In some examples, the cap surface includes a plurality of ribs configured to increase the structural stiffness of the cap.

[0035] In some examples, the cap also includes a sealing wall that extends from the cap surface and is configured to at least partially cover the sealing element. In some examples, the sealing wall is configured to protect the sealing element from direct exposure to fluids and debris entering through the cap.

[0036] In some examples, the cap is configured such that, when coupled to the valve body, the cap cooperates with the sealing element to form a fluid-impermeable interface. In some examples, the cap is configured to engage the valve body such that relative axial movement between the cap and the valve body is restricted by engagement between a cap locking tab and a corresponding feature of the cap. In some examples, the cap is also configured to engage the valve body such that relative rotational movement between the cap and the valve body is restricted.

[0037] In some examples, at least one of the cap locking tabs includes an intrusion shield configured to align with a portion of the cap to block an opening formed in the cap. In some examples, the intrusion shield is configured to block a clearance recess defined in the cap when the cap is attached to a valve housing.

[0038] In some examples, the cap is configured to engage with the valve body via a snap-fit ​​mechanism. In some examples, the cap is configured to be removable from the valve body without damaging any component. In some examples, the cap is configured to enclose the valve body while allowing fluid flow through openings defined between the structural elements of the cap.

[0039] Figure 1a and 1b An assembled perspective view and an assembled perspective view of an exemplary drain valve system 100 having valve assembly 106 according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown respectively. Figure 1c A second assembly perspective view of an exemplary drain valve system 100 is shown, while Figure 1dIt shows the section line AA ( Figure 1c (A perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary drain valve system 100.)

[0040] The valve assembly 106 of the drain valve system 100 is configured to provide unidirectional fluid flow through a component opening 104 in component 102. In various examples, the component opening 104 is shown as a circular opening, but other shapes and configurations are contemplated. Thus, the valve assembly 106 functions as a check valve to allow fluid to leave the volume, for example, through the component opening 104, while preventing fluid from entering the volume through the component opening 104. The valve assembly 106 defines a fluid passage 138 that allows fluid 140 to flow through it.

[0041] like Figure 1a and 1b As shown, component 102 includes, defines, or otherwise provides a component opening 104, which is shown as a circular aperture sized to receive at least a portion of valve assembly 106. Component opening 104 is configured to receive and securely engage valve assembly 106.

[0042] Depending on the application, component 102 may be made of materials such as metal (or metal alloy), synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.), composite materials (e.g., glass fiber), or combinations thereof. In one example, component 102 is an automotive panel. Component 102 may be a vehicle part, such as a battery housing, battery assembly, door, pillars (e.g., A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar), dashboard components (e.g., crossbeams, brackets, frames), center console, fenders, door sills, sheet metal frames, or similar parts.

[0043] The illustrated valve assembly 106 includes a cap 108 and a valve body assembly 114. To facilitate attachment of the cap 108 to the valve body assembly 114 and to component 102, the valve assembly 106 includes one or more attachment features. In the illustrated example, the one or more attachment features include one or more cap locking tabs 154 and one or more component locking tabs 142. The cap 108 is coupled to the valve body assembly 114 via one or more cap locking tabs 154, and the valve body assembly 114 includes or defines one or more component locking tabs 142 configured to attach to component 102. Specifically, the illustrated valve assembly 106 includes: four component locking tabs 142, each having a snap-fit ​​feature 110; and four cap locking tabs 154, each having a snap-fit ​​feature 148 (and in some cases, an intrusion shield 150).

[0044] Each component locking tab 142 may include a fastener release recess 164 to allow the clip feature 110 to disengage from the component 102 (e.g., to facilitate removal of the valve assembly 106). The component locking tab 142 may be disengaged via the fastener release recess 164 by means of, for example, a tool used to manipulate the clip feature 110 to flex the clip feature.

[0045] The valve housing 162 may include a plurality of contact pads 152 configured to abut or otherwise contact the cap 108 when assembled, thereby mitigating wobbling and movement therebetween. As shown, the contact pads 152 extend from the valve housing 162 in the same direction as the cap locking tabs 154. In the illustrated example, four contact pads 152 are provided, with one contact pad positioned between each cap locking tab in the cap locking tabs 154 to stabilize the cap 108 relative to the valve housing 162.

[0046] Four component locking tabs 142 are shown distributed at 90 degrees around the central axis 136, and four cap locking tabs 154 are shown distributed at 90 degrees around the central axis 136. Although four of each are shown, more or fewer locking tabs may be used depending on design requirements (e.g., size, retention strength, etc.).

[0047] Each of the cap locking tabs 154 shown includes a clip feature 148 and an intrusion shield 150. The clip feature 148 is configured to engage with a corresponding feature (e.g., a snap) formed on the cap 108. For example, the clip feature 148 may engage a shoulder 166 formed in a fastener opening 176 defined by the surface of the cap 108, thereby securing the cap 108 to the valve body assembly 114.

[0048] The component locking tab 142 of the integrally formed clip feature 110 is designed to engage the edge or periphery of the component opening 104 of the component 102 and is secured within that edge or periphery. For mounting the valve assembly 106, refer to... Figure 1a and 1b First, align the valve assembly 106 with the component opening 104. Then, as indicated by arrow 112, the attachment features of the valve assembly 106 are linearly inserted into the component opening 104 until the snap-fit ​​feature 110 engages and secures the component opening 104. Although a linear "snap-fit" installation has been described, in other examples, the valve assembly 106 may engage and secure the component opening 104 within the component opening via a quarter-turn rotational movement (e.g., a 90-degree torsional movement) or other fractional rotational movements (e.g., a 10- to 45-degree torsional movement).

[0049] Figure 2a An assembled perspective view of valve assembly 106 is shown, in which cap 108 is separated from valve body assembly 114, while Figure 2b An assembly perspective view of the valve body assembly 114, which includes a valve housing 162, a sealing element 118, and a flap 120, is shown. Figure 2c and 2d It shows the section line BB ( Figure 2a The diagram shows an assembly cross-section of valve assembly 106, in which cap 108 and flap 120 are separated from valve housing 162, and cap 108 is separated from valve body assembly 114. Figure 2e It shows the section line BB ( Figure 2a The assembled cross-sectional view of valve assembly 106.

[0050] The valve assembly 106 shown includes a cap 108 and a valve body assembly 114. The valve body assembly 114 generally includes a valve housing 162, a sealing element 118 (shown as an annular seal), and a flap 120. Figures 3a-3d Tables 4a-4d, 5a-5d, and 6a-6d show detailed views of the cap 108, valve body 162, sealing element 118, and flap 120. Specifically, Figures 3a to 3d Perspective view, side elevation view, top plan view and bottom plan view of the cap 108 of valve assembly 106 are shown respectively. Figures 4a to 4d Perspective view, side elevation view, top plan view and bottom plan view of valve housing 162 of valve assembly 106 are shown respectively. Figures 5a to 5d Perspective view, side elevation view, top plan view and bottom plan view of the sealing element 118 of valve assembly 106 are shown respectively. Figures 6a to 6d Perspective view, side elevation view, top plan view and bottom plan view of the flap 120 of valve assembly 106 are shown respectively.

[0051] Valve housing 162 may also include or define a rigid support grid 126. The rigid support grid 126 may be positioned within the fluid passage 138 of valve housing 162 and configured to provide structural support for the flap 120 during installation. The rigid support grid 126 may be integrally formed with valve housing 162 (as shown) or formed separately and coupled to the valve housing. As shown, the rigid support grid 126 defines a flap frame 132, which includes a pin receiver 134. The flap frame 132 and the pin receiver 134 may be positioned at the center of the rigid support grid 126 to facilitate the securing (e.g., secure attachment) of the flap 120. For example, the flap frame 132 and the pin receiver 134 may be concentric about a central axis 136. Although shown as having a flap frame 132 at the center, the flap frame 132 may be omitted, and the pin receiver 134 may be formed in different portions of valve assembly 106 and / or rigid support grid 126.

[0052] The flap 120 includes a conical body 120a that can be configured for hydrodynamic and sealing efficiency. As shown, the conical body 120a can mate with the surface profile of the rigid support grid 126. A sealing lip 120b can be positioned along the periphery of the base (wide portion) of the conical body 120a. The sealing lip 120b is configured to create or maintain continuous, secure contact with the periphery of the fluid passage 138, thereby ensuring a reliable fluid-proof seal. The attachment mechanism of the flap 120 includes an attachment pin 120c configured to securely engage with a pin receiver 134 in the rigid support grid 126. The conical body 120a, sealing lip 120b, and attachment pin 120c can be integrally formed with the flap 120 (as shown) or formed separately and attached to the flap. Therefore, the flap 120 can be made from a single material as a single component, or from multiple components (and optionally from a variety of different materials).

[0053] The design of the attachment pin 120c includes a ball-shaped head, which reduces the risk of the attachment pin 120c being pulled out of the pin receiver 134 under operating stresses (such as fluid pressure). This ball-shaped head enhances retention strength, ensuring that the flap 120 is securely held in place, thus maintaining the integrity of the seal within the valve housing 162. In practice, to form a connection, the attachment pin 120c of the flap 120 (via the flap frame 132) is pushed through the pin receiver 134. The attachment pin 120c (e.g., the ball-shaped head) can be sufficiently extended to compress and / or deform, thereby passing through the pin receiver 134.

[0054] The illustrated cap 108 generally includes a cap surface 130 and a plurality of rings 124 that generally define sidewalls 116. In the illustrated example, the cap 108 also includes a sealing wall 122 configured to cover and protect the sealing element 118 (e.g., Figure 1d (as shown in detail A), thus protecting the sealed interface from direct exposure to physical interactions, debris, and fluid intrusion.

[0055] The cap surface 130, multiple rings 124, and sealing wall 122 work together to protect the valve body assembly 114 from physical damage and blockage, while also allowing fluid to flow through it. The cap surface 130 covers the valve body assembly 114 (e.g., its top or bottom), while the rings 124 protect the lateral portions of the valve body assembly 114. The cap surface 130 may include multiple ribs 168 to increase rigidity, thereby acting as reinforcements to strengthen the cap 108.

[0056] Multiple rings 124 are spaced apart to form gaps or gaps that allow fluid flow through the sidewalls 116 of the cap 108. In the illustrated example, the multiple rings 124 are spaced apart via support and protective ribs 144 that maintain the spacing and structural integrity of the cap 108.

[0057] To facilitate attachment of the cap 108 to the valve body assembly 114, the cap surface 130 defines a plurality of fastener openings 176, each having a shoulder 166 formed therein. During assembly, the cap locking tabs 154 of the valve body 162 can be aligned between fastener guide walls 146 formed on the cap 108, which guide a snap-fit ​​feature 148 formed at the end of the cap locking tab 154 toward and engages with the shoulder 166. After full assembly, the shoulder 166 and the snap-fit ​​feature 148 then snap together to secure the cap 108 to the valve body 162.

[0058] One or more of the rings 124 and / or cap surfaces 130 may define fastener clearance recesses 174 between the guide walls 146 to allow the cap locking tabs 154 of the valve housing 162 to pass more easily between and along the guide walls 146 to finally engage the shoulder 166 during the installation of the cap 108 during assembly.

[0059] like Figure 1d As shown in detail A, during assembly, the intrusion shield 150 is configured to align with one of the rings 124 of the cap 108 (or another component, depending on the final design) and is configured to at least partially block or otherwise obstruct the area (e.g., an open area) formed by the gap notch 174 between the guide walls 146, thereby mitigating the intrusion of fluids, debris, or contaminants through the cap 108.

[0060] A sealing element 118 is positioned around the periphery of the valve assembly 106. The sealing element 118 is designed to ensure a fluid-proof seal between the valve assembly 106 and the component 102 (e.g., at, within, or near the component opening 104) and between the valve assembly 106 and the cap 108, thereby mitigating fluid leakage. The sealing fit between the valve assembly 106 and each of the component opening 104 and the cap 108 also mitigates accidental loosening. As shown, the sealing element 118 includes a component sealing lip 168 and a cap sealing lip 170. Figure 1d As shown in detail A, during assembly, the component sealing lip 168 forms a seal between component 102 and sealing collar 160, while the cap sealing lip 170 forms a seal between cap 108 and sealing collar 160.

[0061] The valve body 162 and cap 108 can be made from one or more rigid materials, such as synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.), composite materials (e.g., glass fiber), or combinations thereof), using injection molding, additive manufacturing, or other methods. In some examples, the valve body 162 and cap 108 can be manufactured using material extrusion (e.g., fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed melting, directional energy deposition, VAT photopolymerization, or other additive manufacturing / 3D printing processes). In other examples, the valve assembly 106 can be made of metal (or metal alloy).

[0062] The sealing element 118 may be overmolded in a fixed position or otherwise attached to the valve housing 162, while the flap 120 is configured to move or flex relative to the valve housing 162. The sealing element 118 and the flap 120 may be made of one or more flexible and / or resilient materials. The flap 120 is configured to fluidly seal a fluid passage 138 within the valve housing 162, and in some examples, may be biased toward or away from the fluid passage 138 to control flow through it.

[0063] The sealing element 118 and / or flap 120 may be made of foam material, thermoplastic, rubber material, or a combination thereof. Exemplary thermoplastics include polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc. The sealing element 118 may be overmolded and / or formed together with the valve housing 162 by a two-piece injection molding (2K) process. Alternatively, the sealing element 118 and / or flap 120 may be formed and positioned on the valve housing 162 by a die-cutting process. For example, the sealing element 118 may be formed separately and then overmolded, adhered, or otherwise positioned on the valve housing 162, while the flap 120 may be formed separately and mechanically (e.g., via attachment pin 120c) attached.

[0064] The valve housing 162 is designed to integrally form a rigid support grid 126 into or position it within its fluid passage 138. The rigid support grid 126 may be at least partially supported by a plurality of walls 128. In the illustrated example, the plurality of walls 128 are configured to provide enhanced stability to the rigid support grid 126 within the fluid passage 138. Each of the plurality of walls 128 is attached to the outer periphery of the valve housing 162 and extends toward the central axis 136. In the illustrated example, the plurality of walls 128 converge around the central axis 136 and form a flap frame 132. In the illustrated example, eight walls 128 extend radially from the flap frame 132 to one or more corresponding component locking tabs 142. Figure 4c and 4d As shown, the wall 128 divides the fluid passage 138 into eight circular sectors.

[0065] The valve housing 162 includes a sealing collar 160, which serves as the interface between the valve housing 162 and the sealing element 118. The sealing collar 160 may have a surface with a series of holes, recesses, corner features, and valleys. In the example shown, the sealing collar 160 provides a plurality of recesses 156 (e.g., notches) and a plurality of sealing interlocking openings 158 around its periphery.

[0066] The complex surface provided by the multiple recesses 156 allows a corresponding surface pattern 172 to be formed on the inside of the sealing element 118, for example, during the manufacturing process. Similarly, the sealing interlocking opening 158 allows the material of the sealing element 118 to flow through the sealing collar 160 during manufacturing, thereby mechanically interlocking the sealing element 118 with the valve body 162, which also prevents the sealing element 118 from shifting relative to the sealing collar 160.

[0067] Multiple recesses 156 and multiple sealing interlocking openings 158 are used to increase the contact area between the sealing element 118 and the valve body 162. The increased surface area at the interface improves the adhesion strength of the sealing element 118, resulting in a safer and more durable connection, which is further protected by the cap 108 after assembly.

[0068] As can be appreciated, valve body assembly 114 includes a rigid support grid 126 and is coupled to flap 120 to allow unidirectional fluid flow through valve assembly 106. Flap 120 is configured to block fluid passage 138 by forcing flap 120 against rigid support grid 126 when fluid flow forces flap 120 against rigid support grid 126, and to open (i.e., vent or drain) fluid passage 138 by forcing flap 120 away from rigid support grid 126 when fluid flow forces flap 120 away from rigid support grid 126, thereby allowing unidirectional fluid flow through fluid passage 138.

[0069] The rigid support grid 126 structurally supports the flap 120 and includes multiple walls 128 that divide the fluid passage 138 into multiple regions (shown as eight regions). Each region can be further divided into a grid of openings (shown as generally quadrilateral openings, specifically trapezoidal or fan-shaped openings) using a first plurality of ribs arranged transversely to a second plurality of ribs. Each grid opening can be further subdivided into smaller flow opening grids as desired. The valve assembly 106 generally defines the fluid passage 138 through which fluid can flow, while the rigid support grid 126 is positioned within the fluid passage 138 to provide structural support to the flap 120 and maintain the integrity of the valve assembly 106, wherein the cap 108 encloses and protects the assembly while allowing controlled fluid ingress and egress.

[0070] Valve assembly 106 is designed to discharge a variety of fluids, including gases and liquids, thereby ensuring reliable performance in diverse applications. A rigid support mesh 126 within the fluid passage 138 provides a support structure for the flap 120, which improves the overall durability and effectiveness of valve assembly 106.

[0071] Figure 7-10 An alternative cap construction according to an additional example is shown for use with valve assembly 106. While the cap 108 described above utilizes multiple rings 124 and support ribs 144 to define the outlet flow path and provide protection, other cap 108 constructions are also envisioned to customize flow characteristics and protective features.

[0072] refer to Figure 7 The cap 108 is constructed as a high-flow cap with an outer protective surface, wherein a plurality of windows 202 are distributed around the periphery of the cap 108 (i.e. along the sidewall 116) to allow increased lateral fluid flow while maintaining structural integrity.

[0073] refer to Figure 8 The cap 108 is configured as a flow cap with lower sidewall protection, wherein multiple windows 202 are also distributed around the perimeter, and multiple plates 204 extend upward from the sealing wall 122 toward the cap surface 130. The plates 204 are generally vertical and flat, thereby providing protection near the lower portion of the sidewall 116 while still allowing fluid to pass through the windows 202.

[0074] refer to Figure 9 The cap 108 is configured as a flow cap with upper sidewall protection, wherein multiple windows 202 are again distributed around the perimeter, and multiple plates 204 extend downward from the cap surface 130 toward the sealing wall 122. As in the previous example, the plates 204 are generally vertical and flat, but are positioned closer to the upper portion of the cap 108 to provide protection.

[0075] refer to Figure 10 The cap 108 is configured to provide full sidewall protection 116, wherein the periphery of the cap 108 is substantially solid, and the multiple windows 202 are instead distributed around the periphery of the cap surface 130 to allow fluid flow while maximizing sidewall protection. These alternative configurations of the cap 108 demonstrate that the arrangement and location of the flow openings and protective structures can be varied while maintaining compatibility with the valve body 162 and the overall functionality of the valve assembly 106.

[0076] While this method and / or system has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the scope of this method and / or system. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples can be combined, separated, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, this method and / or system is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, this method and / or system will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims both literally and under the principle of equivalents.

Claims

1. A valve assembly, comprising: A valve housing that defines a passage and includes a sealing element disposed around at least a portion of the valve housing; A flap connected to the valve housing is configured to allow unidirectional fluid flow through the passage; as well as A cap is attached to the valve housing, the cap at least partially enclosing the valve housing and the flap, and defining one or more openings to allow fluid to flow through it. The cap is connected to the valve housing via one or more cap locking tabs, which extend from the valve housing and are configured to engage corresponding features of the cap.

2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cap defines a plurality of fastener openings configured to receive the cap locking tab.

3. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the plurality of fastener openings includes a shoulder configured to engage a corresponding clip feature of the corresponding cap locking tab.

4. The valve assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The cap also includes one or more guide walls positioned adjacent to the fastener opening and configured to guide the cap locking tab to engage with the shoulder.

5. The valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The guide wall defines a channel therebetween, the channel being configured to align the cap locking tab during assembly.

6. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The cap further defines at least one gap notch to facilitate the insertion of the cap locking tab.

7. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cap also includes a cap surface and a plurality of rings extending from the cap surface.

8. The valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The plurality of rings are spaced apart from each other to define the fluid flow path through the cap.

9. The valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The multiple rings are interconnected by multiple support ribs.

10. The valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The cap surface includes multiple ribs configured to increase the structural rigidity of the cap.

11. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cap also includes a sealing wall that extends from the cap surface and is configured to at least partially cover the sealing element.

12. The valve assembly of claim 11, wherein, The sealing wall is configured to protect the sealing element from direct exposure to fluids and debris entering through the cap.

13. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cap is configured such that, when coupled to the valve housing, the cap cooperates with the sealing element to form a fluid-impermeable interface.

14. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cap is configured to engage the valve housing such that relative axial movement between the cap and the valve housing is restricted by engagement between the cap locking tab and a corresponding feature of the cap.

15. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cap is also configured to engage the valve housing, thereby restricting relative rotational movement between the cap and the valve housing.

16. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein, At least one of the cap locking tabs includes an intrusion shield configured to align with a portion of the cap to block an opening formed in the cap.

17. The valve assembly of claim 16, wherein, The intrusion shield is configured to block the gap recess defined in the cap when the cap is attached to the valve housing.

18. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cap is configured to be attached to the valve housing via a snap-fit ​​engagement.

19. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cap is configured to be removable from the valve housing without damaging any component.

20. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cap is configured to enclose the valve housing while allowing fluid flow through openings defined between the structural elements of the cap.

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