A novel built-in gravity valve

Abstract

This utility model relates to a novel built-in gravity valve, comprising an integrated shell structure: eliminating the bottom cover and O-ring, the valve body and shell are integrated into one piece; the valve nozzle is connected to the valve body by laser welding, achieving 0-360° multi-directional angle adjustment; a metal disc is disposed inside the valve body, below the valve nozzle, for controlling the opening and closing of the gas passage; the sealing system is composed of a sealing plate bridge, sealing plate, float, and spring. This utility model reduces the closing height of the gravity valve to 18mm and shortens its length by 10mm, thereby improving its placement in space-constrained fuel tanks and maximizing the effective volume of the fuel tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the fields of automotive engineering and precision manufacturing, specifically a novel built-in gravity valve. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of new energy vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have become one of the mainstream products in the market due to their combination of electric and fuel drive advantages. However, because hybrid electric vehicles simultaneously carry battery and fuel systems, the overall vehicle layout is significantly limited, especially in terms of fuel tank design. In order to accommodate battery components within a limited space, the fuel tank volume is often forced to be compressed, which places higher demands on the compactness of the fuel system structure.

[0003] Against this backdrop, the gravity valve (GVV) inside the fuel tank, as a crucial component controlling gas exchange between the inside and outside of the tank and preventing fuel leakage, directly impacts the effective volume of the fuel tank and the overall vehicle space utilization through its structural dimensions and arrangement. Currently, common GVV products on the market typically have a closing height of 21mm and an overall length of approximately 105mm. Some have complex structures that are difficult to adapt to space-constrained fuel tank designs, resulting in ineffective installation or use in certain vehicle models.

[0004] Furthermore, existing GVV products mostly employ ultrasonic welding to connect the valve nozzle to the valve body. While this process is low-cost, it offers limited weld strength and makes it difficult to flexibly adjust the valve nozzle angle, thus restricting its adaptability to different tank structures. Additionally, traditional GVV structures typically include sealing components such as a bottom cover and O-ring, increasing the number of parts, assembly complexity, and manufacturing costs. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome the defects of the prior art and provide a new type of built-in gravity valve to solve the problem of limited fuel tank volume caused by the space occupied by the battery in hybrid vehicles.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0007] A novel built-in gravity valve, characterized in that it comprises:

[0008] Integrated housing structure: The bottom cover component and O-ring are eliminated, and the valve body and housing are integrated into one piece;

[0009] The valve nozzle is connected to the valve body by laser welding to achieve 0-360° multi-directional angle adjustment;

[0010] Metal disc: Located inside the valve body, below the valve nozzle, used to control the opening and closing of the gas passage;

[0011] Sealing system: It is composed of sealing plate bridge, sealing plate, float and spring working together.

[0012] The novel built-in gravity valve is characterized in that: the sealing plate bridge and the float are located inside the valve body, the sealing plate is set on the sealing plate bridge, and the float is connected to the valve body by a spring, which is used to control the opening and closing of the gravity valve according to the change of fuel level in the fuel tank.

[0013] The novel built-in gravity valve is characterized in that: the valve body has a closing height of 18mm and a length of 95mm.

[0014] The novel built-in gravity valve is characterized in that: the integrated shell structure is made of POM modified plastic, and the valve nozzle is made of POM material.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: As can be seen from the above technical solution, this application provides a novel built-in gravity valve with a more compact structure, stronger adaptability, and lower cost. Specifically, the technical problems to be solved by this utility model include:

[0016] Reduce the overall size of the GVV: By optimizing the structural design, the closing height of the GVV is reduced to 18mm and the length is shortened by 10mm, thereby improving its placement in space-constrained fuel tanks and maximizing the effective volume of the fuel tank.

[0017] Improve the flexibility and reliability of valve connection: Change the connection method between valve and valve body from traditional ultrasonic welding to laser welding. This not only improves welding strength and sealing performance, but also allows the valve angle to be adjusted according to customer needs, enhancing the product's versatility and installation flexibility.

[0018] This application simplifies the structure and reduces costs: by eliminating the bottom cover component in the traditional GVV and integrating its function into the housing, while removing the O-ring seal, the number of parts is reduced and the assembly process is simplified, thereby effectively reducing manufacturing costs.

[0019] In summary, this utility model, through optimized design of the GVV structure, solves the shortcomings of existing products in terms of size, adaptability, and cost, and has significant practical value and promotion prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the structure of this application.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0024] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown: A novel built-in gravity valve, comprising:

[0025] Integrated housing structure: The housing is made of POM modified plastic through injection molding, eliminating the bottom cover and O-ring. The valve body 3 and housing 4 are integrated into one piece. The top of the housing has a laser welding interface, and the bottom is an open float movement chamber. The overall dimensions are 95mm in length × 22mm in diameter, and the closing height is compressed to 18mm, which reduces the volume by 15% compared to the traditional structure.

[0026] Valve Nozzle 1: Made of POM material, with a spherical connector machined at the end. It is connected to the outer shell interface by laser welding (1500W power, 0.8mm weld width) to achieve stepless angle adjustment from 0-360°. After welding, the valve nozzle can withstand a torsional torque of ≥50N·m, ensuring that it will not loosen under the vibration of the oil tank.

[0027] Metal disc 2:

[0028] Located inside the valve body, below the valve nozzle, it is used to control the exhaust pressure inside the oil tank and the valve.

[0029] Sealing system: It is composed of sealing plate bridge 5, sealing plate 6, float 7 and spring 8 working together.

[0030] The sealing plate bridge and float are located inside the valve body. The sealing plate is set on the sealing plate bridge, and the float is connected to the valve body through a spring. It is used to control the opening and closing of the gravity valve according to the change of fuel level in the fuel tank.

[0031] Working principle:

[0032] This application is a high-efficiency gas exchange control device designed to address the problem of limited fuel tank space in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Its working principle is based on the synergistic effect of buoyancy regulation and mechanical control, and automatically controls the opening and closing of the gas passage by sensing changes in the fuel level in the fuel tank.

[0033] 1. Initial state (fuel level normal)

[0034] Float position: When the fuel level in the tank is within the normal range, float 7 is suspended in the upper middle part of the valve body by the buoyancy of the fuel, and spring 8 is in a slightly compressed state.

[0035] Metal disc status: The float indirectly fixes the sealing plate 6 through the sealing plate bridge 5, keeping the metal disc 2 in the open position and ensuring unobstructed gas passage.

[0036] At this time, the gas inside and outside the oil tank can freely exchange through valve 1 to maintain pressure balance.

[0037] 2. Fuel level rises (due to refueling or fuel expansion)

[0038] Float rises: As the fuel level rises, the float is pushed upward by buoyancy, compressing the spring and causing the sealing plate bridge to move upward in sync.

[0039] Sealing plate closure: When the float rises to the preset threshold, the sealing plate tightly adheres to the lower surface of the valve body's exhaust port, blocking the gas passage. At this time, the valve nozzle closes, preventing fuel vapor from leaking into the external environment.

[0040] Spring: assists the float in closing response rate and can enable the valve to close in advance before fuel leakage occurs when a car rolls over (valve flips).

[0041] 3. Fuel level drops (fuel consumption)

[0042] Float descends: When fuel is consumed and the liquid level drops, the float moves downward under the influence of gravity, and the spring gradually returns to its original deformation.

[0043] Sealing plate opening: When the float drops below the threshold, the sealing plate separates from the valve vent, and the gas passage reopens.

[0044] At this time, outside air enters the fuel tank through the valve nozzle to compensate for the negative pressure caused by the reduction of fuel and prevent the fuel tank from deforming.

[0045] 4. Extreme operating condition protection

[0046] Overpressure / Negative pressure protection: When the pressure inside the fuel tank exceeds the safety threshold (such as when high temperature causes fuel evaporation to accelerate), the metal disc will automatically open under the action of pressure difference to release excess gas; under negative pressure conditions, the channel will be opened by reverse pressure difference to maintain structural integrity.

[0047] Leakage control: The sealing system, through the synergistic action of the sealing plate bridge, sealing plate, float and spring, ensures that the leakage rate is less than 0.1mL / min after 1000 hours of continuous testing in an 85℃ fuel vapor environment, meeting the stringent sealing requirements.

[0048] 5. Structural advantages support the realization of the principle

[0049] Integrated housing design: By eliminating the bottom cover component and O-ring, the valve body and housing are integrated into one piece, reducing sealing points, lowering the risk of leakage, and shortening the axial dimension (closing height 18mm, length 95mm) to adapt to compact tank layouts.

[0050] Laser-welded valve nozzle: Laser welding enables 0-360° multi-directional angle adjustment between the valve nozzle and the valve body, meeting the installation requirements of different oil tank structures. At the same time, the welding strength is improved (it can withstand ≥50N·m torsional torque), ensuring long-term reliability.

[0051] After 1000 hours of continuous testing in an 85℃ fuel vapor environment, the gravity valve achieved an opening / closing cycle life of 500,000 cycles, with no cracks at the welded parts, the metal disc corrugated structure remained intact, and the leakage rate was less than 0.1 mL / min.

[0052] By optimizing the internal structure design of the GVV, the closing height of the GVV has been reduced from 21mm to 18mm, and the overall length has also been shortened by 10mm. This structural optimization reduces the installation space requirement of the GVV within the fuel tank, making it better suited to the space-constrained fuel tank structure in hybrid vehicles. This effectively improves the utilization rate of the internal space of the fuel tank and maximizes its effective volume.

[0053] The connection process between the valve nozzle and the valve body has been changed from traditional ultrasonic welding to laser welding. Laser welding technology has the advantages of high welding strength and good sealing performance, which can effectively improve the overall reliability and service life of the GVV. At the same time, the application of laser welding technology allows the installation angle of the valve nozzle to be flexibly adjusted according to the actual needs of customers, thereby improving the adaptability and layout flexibility of the GVV in different tank structures.

[0054] The bottom cover component in the traditional GVV structure has been eliminated, and its function has been integrated into the outer shell, making the outer shell a single, integrated structure. This design not only reduces the number of parts and assembly complexity but also improves the overall strength and sealing performance of the structure.

[0055] At the same time, the O-ring seal used for sealing in the traditional structure has been eliminated. By optimizing the sealing structure (such as using a combination structure of sealing plate bridge and sealing plate), the cost of parts and assembly has been further reduced while ensuring sealing performance.

[0056] Through the aforementioned structural optimizations and process improvements, the GVV's overall structure is more compact and flexible, better adapting to the different tank structures and layout requirements of various customers. In particular, the adjustable valve angle design greatly enhances the product's versatility and adaptability, meeting the personalized needs of diverse customers.

[0057] This gravity valve achieves intelligent coupling control of fuel level and gas passage through a linkage mechanism of buoyancy, spring, and sealing plate. Simultaneously, structural optimization (integrated shell, laser welding) enhances its spatial adaptability and durability. Its ultra-low closing height of 18mm and compact length of 95mm reduce volume by 15% compared to traditional products, significantly improving the effective volume utilization of the fuel tank and providing key technical support for the design of fuel tanks in hybrid vehicles.

[0058] This invention, through optimized design of the GVV's structural dimensions, welding process, number of parts, and sealing structure, specifically and effectively solves the technical problems existing in the prior art, such as excessive size, insufficient welding strength, large number of parts, high cost, and poor adaptability. These improvements not only enhance the performance and reliability of the GVV but also reduce manufacturing costs, demonstrating significant practical value and promising prospects for widespread application.

[0059] The above are merely embodiments provided in this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. However, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A novel built-in gravity valve, characterized in that... It includes: Integrated housing structure: The bottom cover component and O-ring are eliminated, and the valve body and housing are integrated into one piece; The valve nozzle is connected to the valve body by laser welding to achieve 0-360° multi-directional angle adjustment; Metal disc: Located inside the valve body, below the valve nozzle, used to control the opening and closing of the gas passage; Sealing system: It is composed of sealing plate bridge, sealing plate, float and spring working together.

2. The novel built-in gravity valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing plate bridge and float are located inside the valve body. The sealing plate is set on the sealing plate bridge, and the float is connected to the valve body through a spring. It is used to control the opening and closing of the gravity valve according to the change of fuel level in the fuel tank.

3. A novel built-in gravity valve according to claim 2, characterized in that: The valve body has a closing height of 18mm and a length of 95mm.

4. The novel built-in gravity valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The integrated housing structure is made of POM modified plastic, and the valve nozzle is made of POM material.

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