Deflation valve and engine assembly
By designing a floating seal to control the venting valve, the problem of coolant entering the expansion tank is solved, achieving energy-saving and efficient venting effects, which is suitable for engine cooling systems.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520746127.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-04-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing vent pipes can easily cause coolant to enter the expansion tank during venting, resulting in increased coolant flow, longer warm-up time, significant energy waste, and negative impacts on fuel economy and emission compliance.
Design an air release valve, including a connecting seat and a floating seal. The density of the floating body is less than that of the coolant. The valve automatically controls the opening and closing of the air outlet by using buoyancy and gravity to prevent coolant from entering the expansion tank.
It effectively prevents coolant from entering the expansion tank, reduces energy waste, improves fuel economy and meets emission standards, and features a compact structure, easy assembly, and low cost.
Smart Images
Figure CN223825110U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of engine technology, specifically relating to a venting valve and an engine assembly. Background Technology
[0002] The automotive engine cooling system is a crucial system for ensuring the normal operation of the engine. To prevent gas accumulation in the cooling system from affecting coolant circulation, engine cooling systems with large water chambers typically have a vent pipe installed high up in the engine water passages. This vent pipe connects to the vehicle's expansion tank. The purpose of the vent pipe is to expel gas from the engine coolant into the expansion tank, thereby reducing cavitation in the water pump and cylinder liners, and minimizing the risk of localized boiling caused by vapor lock in the engine.
[0003] In existing technologies, when venting air through the vent pipe, a significant amount of coolant can easily enter the expansion tank along with the gas. This leads to increased coolant flow, longer warm-up time, and severe energy waste in the cooling system. It can even affect the overall fuel economy and emissions compliance of the engine.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a bleed valve and engine assembly to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vent valve that prevents coolant from entering the expansion tank through the vent pipe. This purpose is achieved through the following technical solution:
[0006] The first aspect of this utility model provides a vent valve for venting air from the cooling chamber of an engine, the cooling chamber being used for the flow of coolant, the vent valve comprising:
[0007] A connecting seat includes a top cover and a housing that are connected to each other. The top cover is provided with an air outlet, which communicates with the interior of the housing. The air outlet is used to communicate with an expansion tank. The side of the housing is provided with a communication port. The housing is used to connect with an engine and is at least partially located inside the cooling chamber. The interior of the housing and the cooling chamber are connected through the communication port.
[0008] A sealing plug is disposed inside the housing. The sealing plug includes a floating body with a density less than that of the coolant. The coolant enables the floating body to float, and the floating body in the floating state can block the air outlet.
[0009] Using the vent valve in this technical solution, when there is no gas inside the cooling chamber, coolant enters the housing through the connecting port. Because the density of the floating body is less than that of the coolant, the sealing plug rises and blocks the vent, thus preventing coolant from entering the expansion tank through the vent. When there is gas inside the cooling chamber, the gas enters the housing through the connecting port, and the sealing plug descends under gravity, moving away from the vent, allowing the gas to be discharged into the expansion tank. Therefore, the sealing plug can effectively block coolant from entering the expansion tank, preventing energy waste in the cooling system. Furthermore, during engine operation, the vent valve can automatically open and close using buoyancy or its own gravity, without requiring the engine to stop for venting or any additional operation. This vent valve has a compact structure, is easy to assemble, requires minimal modification to the original engine structure, and has low operating costs.
[0010] In addition, the vent valve of this utility model may also have the following additional technical features:
[0011] In some embodiments of this utility model, the top cover is provided with a first limiting groove, the first limiting groove extends in a vertical direction, the opening of the first limiting groove forms the air outlet, the top of the floating body is provided with a first limiting part, the first limiting part is inserted into the first limiting groove and the first limiting part can move up and down in the vertical direction of the first limiting groove.
[0012] In some embodiments of this utility model, the top cover is provided with a venting channel, one end of which is connected to the first limiting groove, and the other end of which is used to connect to the expansion tank.
[0013] In some embodiments of this utility model, a sealing part is provided between the first limiting part and the floating body, the outer diameter of the sealing part is larger than the outer diameter of the first limiting part, and the sealing part is used to block the air outlet.
[0014] In some embodiments of this utility model, the outer diameter of the sealing part gradually decreases along the direction from the floating body to the first limiting part; the end of the first limiting groove near the air outlet is funnel-shaped.
[0015] In some embodiments of this utility model, the sealing part is hemispherical or frustum-shaped.
[0016] In some embodiments of this utility model, the sealing part is a rubber stopper or a silicone stopper.
[0017] In some embodiments of this utility model, the bottom of the floating body is provided with a second limiting part extending in the vertical direction, the bottom of the shell is provided with a second limiting groove, the second limiting part passes through the second limiting groove, and the second limiting part can move up and down along the vertical direction of the second limiting groove.
[0018] In some embodiments of this utility model, the top cover and the housing are welded or connected by bolts.
[0019] In a second aspect, an engine assembly is provided, which includes an engine and the bleed valve described in the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:
[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a venting valve (sealing plug for venting) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a vent valve (with a seal far from the vent) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the vent valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
[0024] The labels in the attached diagram are as follows:
[0025] 10. Engine;
[0026] 100. Connecting seat; 110. Top cover; 111. Air outlet; 112. First limiting groove; 113. Venting channel; 120. Housing; 121. Connecting port; 122. Second limiting groove;
[0027] 200, sealing plug; 210, floating body; 220, first limiting part; 230, sealing part; 240, second limiting part. Detailed Implementation
[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.
[0029] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” as used herein may also include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not construed as requiring them to be performed in a particular order described or illustrated unless the order of performance is explicitly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.
[0030] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used in this document to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.
[0031] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used in the text to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to another element or feature, as shown in the figure. These relative terms include, for example, "inside," "outside," "middle," "outer," "below," "below," "above," "over," etc. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" would subsequently be oriented "above other elements or features" or "above other elements or features." Therefore, the example term "below" can include both upper and lower orientations.
[0032] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the structure of a venting valve (sealing plug for venting) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a vent valve (with a seal far from the vent) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a venting valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this utility model proposes a venting valve for venting coolant from the cooling chamber of an engine 10. The cooling chamber is used for the flow of coolant. The venting valve includes a connecting seat 100 and a sealing plug 200. The connecting seat 100 includes a top cover 110 and a housing 120 connected to each other. The top cover 110 is provided with an outlet 111, which is connected to the interior of the housing 120. The outlet 111 is used to connect to an expansion tank. The side of the housing 120 is provided with a connecting port 121. The housing 120 is used to connect to the engine 10 and is at least partially located inside the cooling chamber. The interior of the housing 120 and the cooling chamber are connected through the connecting port 121. The sealing plug 200 is disposed inside the housing 120 and includes a floating body 210. The density of the floating body 210 is less than that of the coolant. The coolant can cause the floating body 210 to float. The floating body 210 in the floating state can block the outlet 111.
[0033] Using the vent valve in this technical solution, when there is no gas inside the cooling chamber, coolant enters the interior of the housing 120 through the connecting port 121. Because the density of the floating body 210 is less than that of the coolant, the sealing plug 200 floats and blocks the vent port 111, thus preventing coolant from entering the expansion tank through the vent port 111. When there is gas inside the cooling chamber, the gas enters the interior of the housing 120 through the connecting port 121. The sealing plug 200 descends under gravity and moves away from the vent port 111, allowing the gas to be discharged into the expansion tank through the vent port 111. Therefore, the sealing plug 200 can effectively block coolant after venting, preventing coolant from entering the expansion tank and effectively avoiding energy waste in the cooling system. Furthermore, during engine 10 operation, the vent valve can automatically open and close using buoyancy or its own gravity, without requiring the engine to stop for venting or any additional operation. This vent valve has a compact structure, is easy to assemble, requires minimal modification to the original structure of the engine 10, and has low operating costs.
[0034] Optionally, the top cover 110 and the housing 120 are made of rigid materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy. During the preparation of the vent valve, the sealing plug 200 is first placed inside the housing 120, and then the top cover 110 and the housing 120 are connected. Optionally, the top cover 110 and the housing 120 are connected by welding or bolts. Welding provides convenient operation and a secure connection; bolted connections facilitate disassembly and maintenance. Since the gas rises to the surface of the coolant, the vent valve is preferably located at the highest point of the cooling chamber so that the gas can enter the interior of the housing 120.
[0035] Optionally, the floating body 210 can be a hollow structure, made of plastic or rubber, to ensure moderate buoyancy in the coolant and not affect the normal operation of the seal 200. The design of the floating body 210 needs to consider high-temperature resistance and chemical stability to adapt to the complex internal environment of the engine 10. Optionally, the floating body 210 can be cylindrical, prismatic, or spherical. The shape and material of the floating body 210 can be adjusted according to the actual application environment and are not limited here.
[0036] Furthermore, the top cover 110 is provided with a first limiting groove 112, which extends vertically and the opening of the first limiting groove 112 forms an air outlet 111. The top of the floating body 210 is provided with a first limiting part 220, which is inserted into the first limiting groove 112 and can move up and down along the vertical direction of the first limiting groove 112.
[0037] By setting the first limiting groove 112 and the first limiting part 220, the movement direction of the sealing plug 200 can be limited, preventing the sealing plug 200 from swaying randomly on the surface of the coolant. This ensures that the sealing plug 200 always stably covers or leaves the vent 111, thereby precisely controlling the gas discharge and improving the working efficiency and reliability of the vent valve. Understandably, the height of the first limiting groove 112 is greater than or equal to the height of the first limiting part 220, thus ensuring that the floating body 210 can tightly seal the vent 111, preventing coolant leakage from the gap between the first limiting groove 112 and the first limiting part 220. Optionally, the first limiting groove 112 can be cylindrical or prismatic, and the shape of the first limiting part 220 is matched with the shape of the first limiting groove 112. The smooth wall of the first limiting groove 112 reduces friction, ensuring smooth movement of the first limiting part 220 and improving sealing accuracy.
[0038] Furthermore, the top cover 110 is provided with a venting channel 113, one end of which is connected to the first limiting groove 112, and the other end of which is used to connect to the expansion tank.
[0039] The design of the venting channel 113 ensures smooth gas discharge. Optionally, the venting channel 113 can be arranged horizontally, that is, the extension direction of the venting channel 113 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first limiting groove 112, which facilitates rapid gas flow and reduces resistance. Of course, the venting channel 113 can also be arranged vertically and communicate with the first limiting groove 112, that is, it is located at the top of the first limiting groove 112. The specific orientation of the venting channel 113 can be adjusted according to actual needs to optimize the gas discharge path.
[0040] Furthermore, a sealing part 230 is provided between the first limiting part 220 and the floating body 210. The outer diameter of the sealing part 230 is larger than the outer diameter of the first limiting part 220. The sealing part 230 is used to block the air outlet 111.
[0041] Understandably, when the sealing plug 200 floats, the edges of the sealing part 230 and the air outlet 111 abut against each other, thereby completely sealing the air outlet 111 and preventing coolant leakage. Optionally, the sealing part 230 and the first limiting part 220 can be an integral structure or separate structures. Optionally, the sealing part 230 and the floating body 210 can be an integral structure or separate structures.
[0042] Furthermore, along the direction from the floating body 210 to the first limiting part 220, the outer diameter of the sealing part 230 gradually decreases; the end of the first limiting groove 112 near the air outlet 111 is funnel-shaped.
[0043] This structural design effectively enhances the sealing effect, ensuring a tight fit between the sealing part 230 and the air outlet 111, reducing the risk of coolant leakage. Simultaneously, the flared design facilitates the smooth entry of the sealing part 230 into the limiting groove, improving the overall structural stability and service life.
[0044] Optionally, the sealing part 230 is hemispherical or frustum-shaped.
[0045] By setting the sealing part 230 to a hemispherical or frustum shape, the curved surface of the sealing part 230 can better adapt to the shape of the first limiting groove 112 wall, thereby enhancing the sealing performance. Of course, the sealing part 230 can also be set to other shapes, such as ellipsoidal or cylindrical, and the specific shape selection can be optimized according to the actual application scenario and sealing requirements.
[0046] Optionally, the sealing part 230 is a rubber stopper or a silicone stopper. Using rubber or silicone gives the sealing part 230 a certain degree of elasticity, ensuring that it can be tightly secured at the air outlet 111. Furthermore, the material of the sealing part 230 must possess high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance to ensure that it does not deform during long-term use.
[0047] Furthermore, the bottom of the floating body 210 is provided with a second limiting part 240 extending in the vertical direction, and the bottom of the shell 120 is provided with a second limiting groove 122. The second limiting part 240 passes through the second limiting groove 122 and can move up and down in the vertical direction of the second limiting groove 122.
[0048] Understandably, the cooperation of the second limiting part 240 and the second limiting groove 122 restricts the movement direction of the sealing plug 200, ensuring that the sealing plug 200 can move stably up and down without shifting inside the housing 120, thereby ensuring that the sealing part 230 can be accurately aligned with the air outlet 111, ensuring the sealing effect. Optionally, the second limiting part 240 can be cylindrical or prismatic, and its shape is set according to the usage requirements, without specific limitation here. Optionally, the second limiting groove 122 can be a through hole or a groove, and its shape can be designed according to the structure of the sealing plug 200. In this embodiment, there is one first limiting part 220 and one second limiting part 240, and the first limiting part 220 and the second limiting part 240 are arranged facing each other. In other embodiments, there can be multiple second limiting parts 240 to enhance the overall stability of the sealing plug 200 and the accurate positioning of the air outlet 111, ensuring that the sealing effect is not affected. When there are multiple second limiting parts 240, there should also be multiple second limiting grooves 122. Each second limiting part 240 cooperates with a corresponding second limiting groove 122 to form a multi-point limiting structure, thereby significantly enhancing the operational stability of the sealing plug 200 and enabling precise positioning of the sealing part 230 and the air outlet 111. In addition, a lubricating coating can be added to the inner wall of the second limiting groove 122 to reduce friction, improve the smoothness of movement of the sealing plug 200, and extend its service life.
[0049] The working principle of the vent valve provided in this technical solution is as follows:
[0050] When gas is present in the cooling chamber, it enters the interior of the housing 120 through the connecting port 121. The sealing plug 200, under its own weight, is located at the bottom of the housing 120, thus the sealing part 230 is away from the vent 111. Gas can enter the first limiting groove 112 through the vent 111, and then enter the expansion tank through the venting channel 113. As the gas inside the cooling chamber is gradually discharged, coolant enters the interior of the housing 120 through the connecting port 121. When the buoyancy of the sealing plug 200 is greater than its own weight, the sealing plug 200 will move upward, so that the sealing part 230 is tightly attached to the vent 111, sealing the vent 111 and effectively preventing coolant leakage from the vent 111, ensuring the normal operation of the cooling system. The floating design of the sealing plug 200 allows it to automatically adjust its position according to changes in the gas and coolant in the cooling chamber, achieving venting when gas is present and precise sealing when no gas is present.
[0051] Furthermore, this technical solution also provides an engine assembly, including an engine and the bleed valve described above.
[0052] Assembly is very convenient by connecting the housing 120 and the engine 10. To install the housing 120, a through hole can be made in the wall of the cooling chamber. The housing 120 is inserted into the cooling chamber through this through hole, and then the housing 120 and the engine 10 are connected. Optionally, the housing 120 and the engine 10 can be fixed by threaded connection or welding to ensure a firm and reliable connection.
[0053] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A vent valve for venting air from a cooling chamber of an engine (10), the cooling chamber being used for the flow of coolant, characterized in that, The venting valve includes: A connecting seat (100) includes a top cover (110) and a housing (120) connected to each other. The top cover (110) is provided with an air outlet (111). The air outlet (111) communicates with the interior of the housing (120). The air outlet (111) is used to communicate with an expansion tank. The side of the housing (120) is provided with a communication port (121). The housing (120) is used to connect with the engine (10) and is at least partially located inside the cooling chamber. The interior of the housing (120) and the cooling chamber are connected through the communication port (121). A sealing plug (200) is disposed inside the housing (120). The sealing plug (200) includes a floating body (210). The density of the floating body (210) is less than that of the coolant. The coolant enables the floating body (210) to float. The floating body (210) in the floating state can block the air outlet (111).
2. The vent valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top cover (110) is provided with a first limiting groove (112), which extends vertically and the opening of the first limiting groove (112) forms the air outlet (111). The top of the floating body (210) is provided with a first limiting part (220), which is inserted into the first limiting groove (112) and can move up and down along the vertical direction of the first limiting groove (112).
3. The venting valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top cover (110) is provided with a venting channel (113), one end of which is connected to the first limiting groove (112), and the other end of which is connected to the expansion tank.
4. The venting valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, A sealing part (230) is provided between the first limiting part (220) and the floating body (210). The outer diameter of the sealing part (230) is larger than the outer diameter of the first limiting part (220). The sealing part (230) is used to block the air outlet (111).
5. The vent valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, Along the direction from the floating body (210) to the first limiting part (220), the outer diameter of the sealing part (230) gradually decreases; the end of the first limiting groove (112) near the air outlet (111) is horn-shaped.
6. The venting valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sealing part (230) is hemispherical or frustum-shaped.
7. The vent valve according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The sealing part (230) is a rubber stopper or a silicone stopper.
8. The vent valve according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The bottom of the floating body (210) is provided with a second limiting part (240) extending in the vertical direction, and the bottom of the shell (120) is provided with a second limiting groove (122). The second limiting part (240) passes through the second limiting groove (122) and can move up and down along the vertical direction of the second limiting groove (122).
9. The venting valve according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The top cover (110) and the housing (120) are welded or bolted together.
10. An engine assembly, characterized in that, Includes an engine (10) and a vent valve according to any one of claims 1-9.