Air shut-off swing-gate valve

Abstract

Air shut-off swing-gate valve (10, 110), comprising: (a) a valve body (12, 112) with an air channel (24, 124) therein, wherein the air channel (24, 124) is provided for supplying air; (b) a valve swing gate (14, 114) pivotable on a swing arm (26, 126) rotatably arranged next to the valve body (12, 112), wherein the swing gate (14, 114) can be pivoted next to the air duct (24, 124) from an open position, in which the swing gate (14, 114) is positioned next to the air duct (24, 124) so ​​that air can flow freely through the air duct (24, 124), to a closed position, in which the swing gate (14, 114) is positioned in the air duct (24, 124) to substantially close the air duct (24, 124); (c) a rotatable shaft (18, 118) with a longitudinal axis (A, B), wherein the shaft (18, 118) generally extends perpendicular to the swing arm (26, 126), the swing arm (26, 126) being arranged on the shaft (18, 118) such that a rotation of the shaft (18, 118) about its longitudinal axis (A, B) causes a rotation of the swing arm (26, 126) to move the swing gate (14, 114) between the open and closed positions; (d) a return mechanism (20, 120) such that a rotation of the return mechanism (20, 120) to rotate the shaft (18, 118) causes a movement of the swing gate (14, 114) from the closed position to the open position; (e) a spring (22, 122) arranged around the rotatable shaft (18, 118) and configured to rotary bias the rotatable shaft (18, 118) about its longitudinal axis (A, B) to push the swing gate (14, 114) towards the closed position; (f) an actuating housing (28, 128) with a trigger assembly (30, 130) for securing the swing gate (14, 114) in the open position and for triggering the rotatable shaft (18, 118) to rotate due to the preload from the spring (22, 122) in order to cause the swing gate (14, 114) to move from the open position to the closed position, the trigger assembly (30, 130) comprising: (i) an actuator (36, 136) with an actuator shaft (44, 144) which is movable from an extended position to a retracted position; (ii) a trigger rocker arm (40, 140) which is rotatably arranged at a first end (50, 150) on the actuator shaft (44, 144) and which, opposite the first end (50, 150), is rotatably arranged at a second end (52, 152) on a second end (54) of the actuating housing (28, 128), such that a linear movement of the actuator shaft (44, 144) causes a corresponding rotation of the trigger rocker arm (40, 140); and (iii) a cam (38, 138) which is arranged on the rotatable shaft (18, 118); (g) wherein the trigger rocker arm (40, 140) and the cam (38, 138) are locked together when the actuator shaft (44, 144) is in the extended position, and wherein actuation of the actuator (36, 136) causes the actuator shaft (44, 144) to retract into the retracted position, disengaging the cam (38, 138) and the trigger rocker arm (40, 140), wherein the spring (22, 122) causes the rotatable shaft (18, 118) to rotate about its longitudinal axis (A, B) in order to move the swing gate (14, 114) into the closed position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an air shut-off valve, for example to prevent uncontrolled engine runaway.

[0002] Diesel engines occasionally enter a runaway condition in the presence of flammable gases in the atmosphere. Without a suitable device to mitigate this problem, the engine can accelerate uncontrollably. In this condition, the engine overspeeds and, if not stopped, can reach speeds that can lead to engine destruction and / or catastrophic failure, as well as personal injury. There are several causes of runaway, such as a faulty engine governor, engine overheating, or the intake of unregulated hydrocarbons into the combustion chamber through the air intake. Such hydrocarbons can originate from an external source, such as airborne gas, or from the engine itself due to a malfunction, such as a turbocharger oil seal failure.

[0003] A conventional method for stopping a diesel engine is to cut off the flow of fuel to the combustion chamber. However, in the event of a runaway diesel engine, an alternative stopping procedure must be used. The most common method, used for many years, involves blocking the air supply to the engine's combustion chamber. When the oxygen supply is stopped, the runaway also ceases. Accordingly, safety valves have been developed that interrupt the air supply to the engine in order to shut it down in such a situation.

[0004] One type of air shut-off valve, placed in the engine's air intake, uses a spring-loaded, spring-loaded valve that holds it in a closed position, blocking airflow to the combustion chamber. The spring-loaded valve is held in an open position by a manually cocked release mechanism. A solenoid or other suitable device can be used to trigger the release mechanism, closing the valve. In the open position, airflow to the engine is unobstructed. When the release mechanism is engaged (or disengaged), the valve snaps into its closed position, cutting off airflow to the combustion chamber and causing the engine to stall.

[0005] Various approaches to air sealing are known from the patent literature of the prior art.

[0006] US Patent 4,546,954 A describes a shut-off valve consisting of a flat, T-shaped housing, which forms a hollow body and includes a flat cover. The walls of the housing create an internal T-shaped chamber in which a gate valve is rotatably mounted. The gate valve comprises a pivotally mounted stem and a slide for shutting off and sealing openings to interrupt airflow. An actuator in the form of an elongated, mechanical locking cylinder with a (locking) piston engages in a recess in the gate valve.

[0007] German patent application DE 696 11 067 T2 relates to a motor shut-off device with a housing, wherein a flap with a flap lever is rotatably mounted inside the housing about a flap axis between a first position (open position) and a second position (closed position) in order to open or close an air passage. Furthermore, a compression spring is arranged in the housing, which acts on a rod to pre-tension it in order to move the flap via the flap lever from the first position to the second position.

[0008] Document CA 1 335 487 A relates to an air shut-off valve with a valve body in which a shut-off lever or slide lever with a slide comprising two spaced-apart discs is mounted. The slide lever is rotatably mounted about the axis and is pre-tensioned by a torsion spring to allow adjustment of the slide between an open and a closed position. A hydraulically actuated locking mechanism serves to lock and release the slide.

[0009] Reference is also made to the printed documents CA 587 457 A and GB 1 429 650 A.

[0010] Air shut-off valves used in the past were susceptible to damage from high vibration loads and excessively high temperatures.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved valve that can withstand higher vibrations and temperatures.

[0012] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further embodiments and applications of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] All references cited herein are in their entirety included by reference herein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An air shut-off swing-gate valve is provided, comprising a valve body with an air channel for supplying air and a valve swing-gate that can be pivoted on a swing arm rotatably mounted next to the valve body. The swing-gate can be rotated next to the air channel from an open position, in which it is positioned adjacent to the air channel to allow free air flow, to a closed position, in which it is positioned within the air channel to essentially close it. A rotatable shaft with a longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the swing arm is provided. The swing arm is arranged on the shaft such that rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis causes rotation of the swing arm to move the swing-gate between its open and closed positions.A reset handle is arranged on the shaft, so that turning the reset handle rotates the shaft, causing the swing gate to move from its closed position to its open position. A spring pre-tensions the shaft around its longitudinal axis to push the swing gate toward its closed position. A trigger assembly is provided to secure the swing gate in its open position and to cause the shaft to rotate due to the spring pre-tension, thus moving the swing gate from the open to the closed position. The trigger assembly includes an actuator with an actuator shaft that moves from an extended to a retracted position, and a receptacle in one of the swing arm and the swing gate to accommodate the actuator shaft.When the actuator shaft is in the extended position, the actuator shaft is arranged in the receptacle and the swing gate is locked in its open position, whereby actuation of the actuator causes the actuator shaft to retract into its retracted position outside the receptacle, the spring causing the rotatable shaft to rotate about its longitudinal axis to move the swing gate into its closed position.

[0015] The actuator can be mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, a piezoelectric actuator, a solenoid, or the like. The actuator can be arranged such that its actuator shaft is generally parallel to the swing arm when the swing gate is in its open and locked position, so that the actuator shaft is positioned against the receptacle on the swing arm to hold the swing gate in the open position. The swing arm actuator shaft can have a cam surface designed to engage with a cam surface on the receptacle. The receptacle can be an opening in the swing gate, wherein, when the actuator shaft is in its extended position, the actuator shaft is positioned within the opening to hold the swing gate in its open position.The actuator can be arranged such that its actuator shaft is generally perpendicular to the swing gate, so that the actuator shaft is positioned against the receptacle on the swing gate to hold the swing gate in the open position. Brief description of several views of the drawings

[0016] The invention is described in connection with the following drawings, in which identical reference numerals denote identical elements. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a side view of an air shut-off swing gate valve according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 a simplified cross-sectional view of the air shut-off swing gate valve of Fig. 1, essentially along lines II- - II of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 A partially isometric view of an actuating mechanism of the air shut-off swing gate valve for an engine of Fig. 1, shown with the cover removed for clarity; Fig. 4 A rear view of the air shut-off swing gate valve for an engine from Fig. 1, shown with the valve in its open position; Fig. 5 A front view of the actuating mechanism of the air shut-off swing gate valve for an engine of Fig. 1, shown with the valve in its open position, with the cover removed for clarity; Fig. 6 A rear view of the air shut-off swing gate valve for an engine from Fig. 1, shown with the valve in its closed position; Fig. 7 A front view of the actuating mechanism of the air shut-off swing gate valve for an engine of Fig. 1, shown with the valve in its closed position, with the cover removed for clarity; Fig. 8 a side view of an air shut-off swing gate valve for a motor according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 an isometric rear view of the air shut-off swing gate valve for an engine of Fig. 8, shown with the valve in its closed position; Fig. 10 An isometric rear view of the air shut-off swing gate valve for an engine from Fig. 8, shown with the valve in its open position; Fig. 11 an isometric view of an actuating mechanism of the air shut-off swing gate valve of Fig. 8; Fig. 12 an isometric front view of the actuation mechanism of Fig. 11, shown with the valve set in an open position, with the cover removed for clarity; Fig. 13 an isometric front view of the actuating mechanism of Fig. 11, shown with the valve set in a closed position, with the cover removed for clarity; Fig. 14 a simplified side view of an air shut-off swing gate valve according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the swing gate shown in its closed position; Fig. 15 a simplified side view of the air shut-off swing-gate valve of Fig. 14, shown with the swing gate in the open and locked positions, before the swing gate is moved; Fig. 16 a simplified side view of the air shut-off swing gate valve of Fig. 14, shown with the swing gate open, but with its actuator in the released position, but before the movement of the swing gate; Fig. 17 an isometric view of the air shut-off swing gate valve of Fig. 14; Fig. 18 a simplified side view of an air shut-off swing gate valve according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the swing gate in the open and locked positions and in an alternative position of an actuator indicated by dashed lines; Fig. 19 a partially simplified side view of an air shut-off swing gate valve according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the swing gate shown in the open and locked positions; Fig. 20 a partially simplified side view of the air shut-off swing gate valve of Fig. 19, shown immediately after the release of the swing gate; Fig. 21 a simplified side view of the air shut-off swing gate valve of Fig. 19, shown in its closed position; Fig. 22 a simplified isometric view of an air shut-off swing gate valve according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the actuator mounted at an alternative location; Fig. 23 a simplified isometric cutaway view of the air shut-off swing gate valve of Fig. 22, shown with the swing lock in the open and locked positions; Fig. 24 a simplified isometric view of the air shut-off swing gate valve of Fig. 22, shown with the swing gate in the released position, but before the swing gate is fully closed; and Fig. 25 a simplified isometric view of the air shut-off swing gate valve of Fig. 22, shown with the swing lock in the closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The invention is illustrated in more detail with reference to the following embodiments, but it should be understood that the present invention is not to be regarded as limited thereto.

[0018] With reference to all embodiments described below, the present invention relates to swing-gate valve designs for use as an emergency air shut-off swing-gate valve in a diesel engine. The embodiments are designed to operate over a wide range of engine air intake temperatures from approximately -40°F (-40°C) to approximately +600°F (+316°C), and at elevated pressures (approximately 4 bar overpressure), for example, in conjunction with an installation downstream of the turbocharger and upstream of the intercooler.

[0019] The valves provide a complete engine stop by creating an airtight seal in the intake manifold, achieved by means of a closure attached via an arm to an actuating mechanism.

[0020] Swing-gate valves are designed to be used as part of an intake manifold as an emergency air shut-off valve at the air intake of a diesel engine. The basic concept of the valve is that it has a manually latched swing-gate held in the open (i.e., running) position by an actuating mechanism. The open position is defined as the swing-gate being generally outside the intake airflow, allowing intake air to enter the engine unimpeded. The latched valve remains in the open position until it is triggered, at which point the swing-gate, under the action of a spring, swings into the closed position, blocking the airflow channel and creating a generally airtight seal with the valve body. The restriction created by the closed valve completely throttles the engine, causing it to shut down.

[0021] The design is similar to an existing AMOT / RODA DEACO design, such as the 2190 and 2102 models, with improvements for use over wider temperature and pressure ranges and an improved, enclosed trigger mechanism. The trigger housing is sealed against the environment and boost pressure.

[0022] The swing gate is preferably made of bronze. The gate is preferably loosely attached to the arm. There is essentially no possibility of fasteners coming loose and entering the engine's intake airflow. The swing gate is mounted to the swing gate arm by a bolt, which is held in place to ensure that it does not come loose.

[0023] Preferably, two seals are used to prevent charge air from escaping into the atmosphere or the trigger housing when the shaft protrudes from the valve body.

[0024] In some embodiments, a separate actuating assembly, including the trigger assembly, is contained in a separate housing from the valve body. The trigger mechanism includes a cam and a trigger arm that are interlocked when the swing gate is in the open position. The moving parts of the actuating assembly are connected to the swing gate via a linkage mechanism that accommodates manufacturing tolerances and ensures that the swing gate is correctly oriented in the open or closed position.

[0025] With regard to the embodiments of the present valve, an electric actuation can be used. This means that preferably an electronic solenoid provides the actuation force. In an alternative embodiment, the valve can be triggered by a loss of boost pressure. Furthermore, an air cylinder can be used as part of a pneumatic actuator to generate the triggering force. In each case, the mechanism is triggered, and the spring generates the force to rotate the swing gate into the closed position when the cam and trigger arm are disengaged. The trigger mechanism can also include a manual override button for manually triggering the valve. The manual override button is present regardless of the actuation type.

[0026] Various means are possible for installing the air shut-off swing gate valve, such as hump hoses and flanges (bolted, Marmon clamps [“Marmon claims”] etc.), by incorporating the appropriate geometry at the end connections of the appropriate cast body.

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention solve numerous problems, including, but not limited to, the following: - the valve is designed to operate over a wide range of engine air intake temperatures from -40 degrees F (-40 degrees C) to approximately +600 degrees F (+316 degrees C) and increased pressures (up to 4 bar overpressure), which are associated, for example, with installation behind the turbocharger and in front of the intercooler; - the valve is designed to operate at airflow rates for standard pipe sizes without any obstruction of the flow, as the swing gate is located outside the airflow when the motor is operating; - the trigger housing and the valve body are sealed using sealing rings and elastomeric seals; - The trigger mechanism requires little actuation force to activate, so only low pneumatic pressures or low electrical solenoid forces are needed. This results in reduced valve weight and minimal envelope dimensions; - The use of a swing-gate latch and arm that are loosely mounted together prevents the possibility of components coming loose and entering the engine through the air intake flow; - The use of stainless steel components allows the valve to be used in corrosive environments; - The balancing of system forces prevents the swing gate from springing open when actuated and allowing unwanted air to flow into the motor; - the valve reaches a fully closed position in less than 1 second after receiving a trigger signal; - The design of the swing gate and shaft mounting parts on the valve body allows the swing gate to operate without vibration in the intake airflow, thus minimizing turbulence and resulting in stable engine operation; and - A vibration-free return handle and a stop device offer a long service life even under "hard" installations, without hose connections.

[0028] The air shut-off swing gate valve of the present invention is designed to be installed as part of the intake manifold of a diesel engine. The basic concept of the valve is that it uses a manually latched swing gate which is held in the open (or running) position by an actuating trigger mechanism. The open or running position means that the swing gate allows intake air to flow freely into the engine. The latched valve remains in the open position until the valve is triggered, at which point the swing gate rotates under the action of a spring, creating an airtight seal with the valve body. The restriction created by the closed disc completely throttles the engine and causes it to shut down.

[0029] Now, with reference to the drawing figures, in which identical part numbers denote identical elements in all of the multiple views, the Fig. Figures 1-7 show an air shut-off swing-gate valve 10 for a motor according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The air shut-off swing-gate valve 10 generally comprises a valve body 12, a valve swing-gate 14, an actuating arrangement 16, a rotatable shaft 18, a return handle 20, and a spring 22 (e.g., a torsion spring as shown).

[0030] The valve body 12 has an air channel 24 for supplying air to a motor to which the air shut-off valve 10 is attached. The swing gate 14 can pivot about a pivot arm 26, which is rotatably mounted. The swing gate 14 can be opened from an open position (see Fig. 4), in which the swing gate 14 is adjacent to the air duct 24 to allow air to flow freely through the air duct 24, into a closed position (see Fig. 6) be pivoted, in which the swing gate 14 is located in the air duct 24, in order to substantially close the air duct 24. The actuating arrangement 16 comprises an actuating housing 28 and a trigger arrangement 30. The actuating housing 28 is preferably arranged on the valve body 12 by means of fastening means 32 (e.g. the threaded holes shown in combination with screws).

[0031] The rotatable shaft 18 has a longitudinal axis A (see Fig. 1) and extends from the actuating arrangement 16 at least to the swing arm 26. The swing arm 26 is arranged on the shaft 18 such that a rotation of the shaft 18 about its longitudinal axis A causes a rotation of the swing arm 26 to move the swing gate 14 between its open (see Fig. 4) and its closed position (see Fig. 6) to move. The return handle 20 is attached to the shaft 18 such that a rotation of the return handle 20 to rotate the shaft 18 causes the swing gate 14 to move from its closed position to its open position. The spring 22 biases the shaft 18 rotationally about its longitudinal axis A in order to push the swing gate 14 towards its closed position.

[0032] The trigger arrangement 30 serves to secure the shaft 18 such that the swing gate 14 is in its open position (see Fig. 4) is held, and to trigger the shaft 18, to rotate due to the preload from the spring 22 in order to cause a movement of the swing gate 14 from the open position to the closed position. The trigger assembly 30 generally includes an actuator 36 (preferably linear), a rotatable cam 38 and a trigger rocker arm 40 (see Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 7) The actuator 36 is arranged at a first end 42 of the actuating housing 28 and has an actuator shaft 44. The rotatable cam 38 is arranged in the actuating housing 28 and is positioned on the rotatable shaft 18 such that rotation of the rotatable cam 38 causes rotation of the rotatable shaft 18. The rotatable cam 38 also has a trigger piece 46 and a cam contact surface 48. The trigger rocker arm 40 is arranged in the actuating housing 28 and has a first end 50 that is rotatably attached to the actuator shaft 44 of the actuator 36, a second end 52 that is rotatably attached to a second end 54 of the actuating housing 28, and a curved cam surface 56 that adjoins the second end 52 of the trigger rocker arm 40. The curved cam surface 56 has a notch 58 (as best seen in Fig. 7), to receive the trigger piece 46 of the cam 38. The cam surface 56 of the trigger rocker arm 40 serves to contact the cam contact surface 48 of the cam 38, so that the rotary movement of the return handle 20 against the preload of the spring 22 causes the cam contact surface 48 of the rotatable cam 38 to follow the cam surface 56 of the trigger rocker arm 40, in order to cause a rotation of the rocker arm 40 about its second end 52 into a position in which the trigger piece 46 is received in the notch 58 (see 7). Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. 6).

[0033] Actuation of the actuator 36 to effect a (preferably, but not limited to, linear) movement of the actuator shaft 44 causes a movement of the first end 50 of the rocker arm 40, so that the rocker arm 40 pivots about the second end 52 of the rocker arm 40 away from the cam 38, so that the trigger piece 46 of the cam 38 releases from the notch 58 of the rocker arm 40, so that the spring 22 is allowed to cause a rotation of the rotatable shaft 18 about its longitudinal axis in order to move the breechblock into its closed position.

[0034] The actuator 36 can be of essentially any type. It is preferably a linear actuator, but any actuator or solenoid or similar device that produces a suitable movement of the rocker arm 40 is considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, mechanical, electromechanical, solenoid, hydraulic, pneumatic, and piezoelectric actuators could all work well.

[0035] A switch 60 may be provided, which is connected to an indicator to show when the swing gate 14 is in its open and closed positions. The switch 60 may, for example, be located next to the cam 38, with a rotation of the cam 38 activating and deactivating the switch 60. The switch 60 may, for example, be an electromagnetic switch, a mechanical switch, or a Hall effect switch.

[0036] A manual override device 62 can be provided to trigger the trigger assembly 30, thereby manually moving the swing gate 14 into the closed position to block air from reaching the motor. The manual override device 62 includes an override device shaft 64, which is slidably mounted in an opening in the actuator housing 28 adjacent to the actuator 36. The override device shaft 64 is substantially parallel to an axis of movement of the actuator shaft 44. The override device shaft 64 has a first end 68 and a second end 70. The first end 68 is located outside the actuator housing 28 and has a handle 72 for manually moving the override device shaft 64 through the opening.The second end 70 is arranged adjacent to the first end 50 of the rocker arm 40, so that a manual movement of the override device shaft 64 causes a substantially identical movement of the rocker arm 40 as the movement effected by the actuator shaft 44. The manual override device 62 can be biased by a spring 74 into a position in which it does not contact the rocker arm 40.

[0037] The Fig. Figures 8-13 show an air shut-off swing-gate valve 110 for a motor according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The air shut-off swing-gate valve 110 generally comprises a valve body 112, a valve swing-gate 114, an actuating arrangement 116, a rotatable shaft 118, a return handle 120, and a spring 122.

[0038] The valve body 112 has an air channel 124 for supplying air to a motor, to which the air shut-off valve 110 is attached. The swing gate 114 is pivotable on a swing arm 126, which is rotatably arranged adjacent to the valve body 112. The swing gate 14 is open from a (see Fig. 10), in which the swing gate 114 is positioned next to the air duct 124 so that air can flow freely through the air duct 124, into a closed position (see Fig. 9) pivotable, in which the swing gate 114 is located in the air duct 124 to substantially close the air duct 124. The actuating arrangement 116 includes an actuating housing 128 and a trigger arrangement 130. The actuating housing 128 is preferably arranged on the valve body 112 by means of fastening means 132.

[0039] A rotatable shaft 118 has a longitudinal axis B (see Fig. 11) and extends from the actuating arrangement 116 at least to the swing arm 126. The swing arm 126 is arranged on the shaft 118 such that a rotation of the shaft 118 about its longitudinal axis B causes a rotation of the swing arm 126 to move the swing gate 114 between its open position (see Fig. 10) and its closed position (see Fig. 9) to move. The reset handle 120 is arranged on the shaft 118 such that a rotation of the reset handle 120 to rotate the shaft 118 causes the swing gate 114 to move from its closed position to its open position. The spring 122 biases the shaft 118 rotationally about its longitudinal axis B in order to push the swing gate 114 towards its closed position (see Fig. 9).

[0040] The trigger arrangement 130 serves to secure the shaft 118, so that the swing gate 114 is held in its open position (see Fig. 10), and to trigger the shaft 118 to rotate due to the preload from the spring 122, in order to move the swing gate 114 from the open position to the closed position (see Fig. 9) to effect. How best to do this in the Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the trigger assembly 130 generally includes an actuator 136 (preferably linear), a rotatable cam 138, and a trigger rocker arm 140. The actuator 136 is arranged at a first end 142 of the actuating housing 128 and has an actuator shaft 144. The rotatable cam 138 is arranged in the actuating housing 128 and on the rotatable shaft 118, such that rotation of the rotatable cam 138 causes rotation of the rotatable shaft 118. The rotatable cam 138 also has a notch 158 and a cam surface 156. The trigger rocker arm 140 is arranged in the actuating housing 128 and has a first end 150 that is rotatably attached to the actuator shaft 144 of the actuator 136. The trigger rocker arm 140 also has a central section 147, which is rotatably mounted on the actuating housing 128 between the rotatable cam 138 and the actuator 136. Finally, the trigger rocker arm has the trigger piece 146 and the cam contact surface 148 at its second end 152.The trigger piece 146 is designed to be received in the notch 158 of the cam 138. The cam surface 156 of the rotatable cam 138 serves to contact the cam contact surface 148 of the trigger rocker arm 140, so that a manual rotation of the return handle 120 against the preload of the spring 122 causes the cam contact surface 148 of the trigger rocker arm 140 to follow the cam surface 156 of the rotatable cam 138, in order to cause the rocker arm 140 to rotate about its central section 147 into a position until the trigger piece 146 is received and held in the notch 158.

[0041] Actuation of the actuator 136 to effect a linear movement of the actuator shaft 144 causes a movement of the first end 150 of the rocker arm 140, so that the rocker arm 140 pivots about the middle section 147 of the rocker arm 140 to cause a rotation of the second end 152 of the rocker arm 140 away from the notch 158 such that the trigger piece 146 of the trigger rocker arm 140 is released from the notch 158 of the cam 138, whereby the spring 122 causes a rotation of the shaft 118 about its longitudinal axis B to move the breechblock 114 into its closed position.

[0042] Here again, the actuator 136 can be of essentially any type. It is preferably a linear actuator, but any actuator, solenoid, or similar device that provides suitable movement of the rocker arm 140 is considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and piezoelectric actuators could all work well.

[0043] A switch 160 may be provided, which is connected to an indicator to show when the swing gate 114 is in its open and closed positions. The switch 160 may be located adjacent to the cam 138, with a rotation of the cam 138 activating and deactivating the switch 160. The switch 160 may, for example, be an electromagnetic switch, a mechanical switch, or a Hall-effect switch.

[0044] A manual override device 162 may be provided to trigger the trigger assembly 130, thereby manually triggering the swing gate 114 to move it into the closed position and block the air supply to the motor. This manual override device 162 includes an override device shaft 164, which is slidably arranged in an opening of the actuator housing 128 adjacent to the actuator 136. The override device shaft 164 is coaxial with the actuator shaft 144. The override device shaft 164 has a first end 168 and a second end 170. The first end 168 is located outside the actuator housing 128 and has a handle 172 (or a button or any section available for manual grasping) for manually moving the override device shaft 164 through the opening.The second end 170 is arranged on the actuator shaft 144 in such a way that a manual movement of the override device shaft 144 causes a substantially identical movement of the rocker arm 140 as the movement effected by the actuator shaft 144.

[0045] The Fig. Figures 14-17 show an air shut-off swing-gate valve 210, for example, for an engine according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. The air shut-off swing-gate valve 210 generally comprises a valve body 212, a valve swing-gate 214, a trigger assembly 230, a rotatable shaft 218, and a reset handle 220 (see Figure 14-17). Fig. 17) and a spring (not shown, but similar to previous embodiments). The valve body 212 has an air channel 224 for supplying air, for example, to an engine. The valve swing gate 214 is pivotable on a swing arm 226, which is rotatably mounted on the valve body 212. The swing gate 214 is pivotable next to the air channel 224 from an open position, in which the swing gate 214 is positioned next to the air channel 224 so that air can flow freely through the air channel 224 (see Fig. 15), pivotable into a closed position in which the swing gate 214 is positioned in the air duct 224 to substantially close the air duct 224 (see Fig. 14). The rotatable shaft 218 has a longitudinal axis Z (perpendicular to the side in Fig. 14 - 16). The rotatable shaft 218 runs perpendicular to the swing arm 226. The swing arm 226 is arranged on the rotatable shaft 218 such that a rotation of the rotatable shaft 218 about its longitudinal axis Z (in directions from arc X, see Fig. 14) causes a rotation of the swing arm 226 to move the swing gate 214 between the open and closed positions. The reset handle 220 is arranged on the rotatable shaft 218 such that a rotation of the reset handle 220 to rotate the shaft 218 causes a movement of the swing gate 214 from its closed position (see Fig. 15) into his open position (see Fig. 14) causes. The spring, e.g. a torsion spring, is provided to pre-tension the shaft 218 rotationally about its longitudinal axis in order to push the swing gate 214 towards its closed position.

[0046] The trigger arrangement 230 is for securing the swing gate 214 in its open position (see Fig. 15) and to trigger the shaft 218 to rotate due to the preload of the spring, in order to cause a movement of the swing gate 214 from the open position to the closed position. The trigger assembly 230 includes an actuator 236 with an actuator shaft 244, which extends from an extended position (see Fig. 15) into a withdrawn position (see Fig. 14 and Fig. 16) is movable. The actuator shaft 244 is received in a receptacle 245, e.g., an opening, in the swing arm 226. When the actuator shaft 244 is in the extended position, it is positioned in the receptacle 245 and the swing gate 224 is locked in its open position. Actuation (or disengagement) of the actuator 236 causes the actuator shaft 244 to retract out of the receptacle 245 into its retracted position, thereby causing the spring to rotate the rotatable shaft 218 about its longitudinal axis to move the swing gate 224 into its closed position.

[0047] As in the previous embodiments, the actuator can again be, for example, a mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or piezoelectric actuator, or a solenoid. The actuator 236 can be arranged such that its actuator shaft 244 is generally parallel to the swing arm 226 when the swing gate 214 is in its open and locked position, so that the actuator shaft 244 is positioned against / in the receptacle 245 on the swing arm 226 to hold the swing gate 214 in the open position.

[0048] Fig. Figure 18 shows an air shut-off swing-gate valve 310, for example, for an engine according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The air shut-off swing-gate valve 310 generally comprises a valve body 312, a valve swing-gate 314, a trigger assembly 330, a rotatable shaft 318, a reset handle (not shown, but similar to those in previous embodiments), and a spring (not shown, but similar to those in previous embodiments). The valve body 312 has an air channel 324 for supplying air. The valve swing-gate 314 is pivotable on a swing arm 326, which is rotatably arranged on the valve body 312.The swing gate 314 is pivotable next to the air duct 324 from an open position, in which the swing gate 314 is positioned next to the air duct so that air can flow freely through the air duct 324 (shown), to a closed position, in which the swing gate 314 is positioned in the air duct 324 to essentially close the air duct 324 (similar to . Fig. 14 shown). The rotatable shaft 318 has a longitudinal axis Z' (perpendicular to the side in Fig. 18) The rotatable shaft 318 extends to the swing arm 326. The swing arm 326 is arranged on the rotatable shaft 318 such that a rotation of the rotatable shaft 318 about its longitudinal axis causes a rotation of the swing arm 326 to move the swing arm 314 between its open and closed positions. The return handle is arranged on the rotatable shaft 318 such that a rotation of the return handle to rotate the shaft 318 causes the swing gate 314 to move from its closed position to its open position. The spring, e.g., a torsion spring, is provided for the rotational preloading of the shaft 318 about its longitudinal axis in order to push the swing gate 314 toward its closed position.The trigger assembly 330 is designed to secure the swing gate 314 in its open position and to trigger the shaft 318, which, due to the spring preload, rotates to move the swing gate 314 from the open position to the closed position. The trigger assembly 330 includes an actuator 336 with an actuator shaft 344 that can be moved from an extended position to a retracted position. The actuator shaft 344 is received in a receptacle 345, e.g., an opening, in the swing arm 326, or in the swing gate 324. As in the example in [reference missing]. Fig. As can be seen from the dashed lines in Figure 18, the actuator 336, 336' can be located on the valve body 312 at any suitable location.

[0049] The Fig. Figures 19-21 show an air shut-off swing-gate valve 410 for an engine according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The air shut-off swing-gate valve 410 generally comprises a valve body 412, a valve swing-gate 414, a trigger assembly 430, a rotatable shaft 418, a return handle (not shown, but similar to those in previous embodiments), and a spring (not shown, but similar to those in previous embodiments). The valve body 412 has an air channel 424 for supplying air. The valve swing-gate 414 is pivotable on a swing arm 426, which is rotatably mounted on the valve body 412. The swing-gate 414 is in an open position adjacent to the air channel 424, allowing air to flow freely through the air channel 424 (see Figure 19-21). Fig. 21), rotatable into a closed position in which the swing gate 414 is positioned in the air duct 424 to substantially close the air duct 424 (see Fig. 19). The rotatable shaft 418 has a longitudinal axis Z'' (perpendicular to the side in Fig. 21) The rotatable shaft 418 extends to the swing arm 426. The swing arm 426 is arranged on the rotatable shaft 418 such that a rotation of the rotatable shaft 418 about its longitudinal axis causes a rotation of the swing arm 426 to move the swing gate 414 between its open and closed positions. The reset handle is arranged on the rotatable shaft 418 such that a rotation of the reset handle to rotate the shaft 418 causes the swing gate 414 to move from its closed position to its open position. The spring, e.g., a torsion spring, is provided for the rotational preloading of the shaft 418 about its longitudinal axis in order to push the swing gate 414 toward its closed position.The trigger assembly 430 is designed to secure the swing gate 414 in its open position and to trigger the shaft 418, which, due to the preload of the spring, rotates to cause the swing gate 414 to move from the open position to the closed position. The trigger assembly 430 includes an actuator 436 with an actuator shaft 444, which extends from an extended position (see figure 436). Fig. 19) into a withdrawn position (see Fig. 20) is movable. The actuator shaft 444 is received in a receptacle 445, e.g., an opening (or notch), in the swing arm 426 to accommodate the actuator shaft 444. As shown in this embodiment, the actuator shaft 444 can have a cam surface 449 designed to fit a cam surface 451 of the receptacle 445.

[0050] Finally, the Fig. Figures 22-25 describe an air shut-off swing-gate valve 510 for an engine according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The air shut-off swing-gate valve 510 generally comprises a valve body 512, a valve swing-gate 514, a trigger assembly 530, a rotatable shaft 518, a return handle (not shown, but similar to those in previous embodiments), and a spring (not shown, but similar to those in previous embodiments). The valve body 512 has an air channel 524 for supplying air. The valve swing-gate 514 is pivotable on a swing arm 526, which is rotatably mounted on the valve body 512. The swing-gate 514 is in an open position adjacent to the air channel 524, allowing air to flow freely through the air channel 524 (see Figures 22-25). Fig. 22 and Fig. 23), rotatable into a closed position in which the swing gate 514 is positioned in the air duct 524 to essentially close the air duct 524 (similar to in Fig. 14 shown). The rotatable shaft 518 has a longitudinal axis Z''' (see Fig.24). The rotatable shaft 518 extends to the swing arm 526. The swing arm 526 is arranged on the rotatable shaft 518 such that a rotation of the rotatable shaft 518 about its longitudinal axis causes a rotation of the swing arm 526 to move the swing gate 514 between its open and closed positions. The reset handle is arranged on the rotatable shaft 518 such that a rotation of the reset handle to rotate the shaft 518 causes the swing gate 514 to move from its closed position to its open position. The spring, e.g., a torsion spring, is provided for the rotational preloading of the shaft 518 about its longitudinal axis in order to push the swing gate 514 toward its closed position.The trigger assembly 530 is designed to secure the swing gate 514 in its open position and to trigger the shaft 518, causing it to rotate due to spring preload, thus moving the swing gate 514 from the open to the closed position. The trigger assembly 530 includes an actuator 536 with an actuator shaft 544 that is movable from an extended to a retracted position. The actuator shaft 544 is received in a receptacle 545, such as an opening, in the swing arm 526 or in the swing gate 524. Here, the actuator 536 is arranged such that its actuator shaft 544 is generally perpendicular to the swing gate 514, so that the actuator shaft 544 is arranged on the receptacle 545 on the swing gate 524 (or on the swing arm 526) to hold the swing gate 524 in the open position.

[0051] With reference to all embodiments, the valve body 12, 112, 312, 412, 512 is preferably made of aluminum, but any suitable material may be used. Preferably, Marmon flanges may be used to connect the valve 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 to the motor, but any suitable flange or hose connection may be used. Preferably, the swing gate is made of a bronze alloy or a composite material.

[0052] The present invention operates either in "hard installations," e.g., integrated into aluminum pipes, or in "flexible installations," e.g., along rubber hoses. Each of the improvements described herein contributes to enabling the valve to operate in environments with strong vibrations and high temperatures.

[0053] While the present invention has been described primarily with reference to an engine such as a diesel engine, the present invention is not limited to such engines. Its use is intended in essentially any application where an air shut-off valve could be used, even including, for example, a water supply shut-off valve.

Claims

[1] Air shut-off swing-gate valve (10, 110), comprising: (a) a valve body (12, 112) with an air channel (24, 124) therein, wherein the air channel (24, 124) is provided for supplying air; (b) a valve swing gate (14, 114) pivotable on a swing arm (26, 126) rotatably arranged next to the valve body (12, 112), wherein the swing gate (14, 114) can be pivoted next to the air duct (24, 124) from an open position, in which the swing gate (14, 114) is positioned next to the air duct (24, 124) so ​​that air can flow freely through the air duct (24, 124), to a closed position, in which the swing gate (14, 114) is positioned in the air duct (24, 124) to substantially close the air duct (24, 124); (c) a rotatable shaft (18, 118) with a longitudinal axis (A, B), wherein the shaft (18, 118) generally extends perpendicular to the swing arm (26, 126), the swing arm (26, 126) being arranged on the shaft (18, 118) such that a rotation of the shaft (18, 118) about its longitudinal axis (A, B) causes a rotation of the swing arm (26, 126) to move the swing gate (14, 114) between the open and closed positions; (d) a return mechanism (20, 120) such that a rotation of the return mechanism (20, 120) to rotate the shaft (18, 118) causes a movement of the swing gate (14, 114) from the closed position to the open position; (e) a spring (22, 122) arranged around the rotatable shaft (18, 118) and configured to rotary bias the rotatable shaft (18, 118) about its longitudinal axis (A, B) to push the swing gate (14, 114) towards the closed position; (f) an actuating housing (28, 128) with a trigger assembly (30, 130) for securing the swing gate (14, 114) in the open position and for triggering the rotatable shaft (18, 118) to rotate due to the preload from the spring (22, 122) in order to cause the swing gate (14, 114) to move from the open position to the closed position, the trigger assembly (30, 130) comprising: (i) an actuator (36, 136) with an actuator shaft (44, 144) which is movable from an extended position to a retracted position; (ii) a trigger rocker arm (40, 140) which is rotatably arranged at a first end (50, 150) on the actuator shaft (44, 144) and which, opposite the first end (50, 150), is rotatably arranged at a second end (52, 152) on a second end (54) of the actuating housing (28, 128), such that a linear movement of the actuator shaft (44, 144) causes a corresponding rotation of the trigger rocker arm (40, 140); and (iii) a cam (38, 138) which is arranged on the rotatable shaft (18, 118); (g) wherein the trigger rocker arm (40, 140) and the cam (38, 138) are locked together when the actuator shaft (44, 144) is in the extended position, and wherein actuation of the actuator (36, 136) causes the actuator shaft (44, 144) to retract into the retracted position, disengaging the cam (38, 138) and the trigger rocker arm (40, 140), wherein the spring (22, 122) causes the rotatable shaft (18, 118) to rotate about its longitudinal axis (A, B) in order to move the swing gate (14, 114) into the closed position. [2] Air shut-off swing gate valve (10, 110) according to claim 1, wherein the actuator (36, 136) is a mechanical actuator, electromechanical actuator, hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator or a piezo actuator, wherein the actuating housing (28, 128) is arranged on the valve body (12, 112) and is designed to be separate from the valve body (12, 112). [3] Air shut-off swing-gate valve (10, 110) according to claim 1, wherein the actuator (36, 136) is a solenoid. [4] Air shut-off swing-gate valve (10, 110) comprising: a valve body (12, 112), a valve swing-gate (14, 114) pivotable from an open position, allowing air to flow freely through an air duct (24, 124), to a closed position to substantially close the air duct (24, 124), wherein a rotatable shaft (18, 118) is arranged as a pivot point on the swing arm (26, 126), a return mechanism (20, 120) for rotating the shaft (18, 118) to effect a movement of the swing-gate (14, 114) from the closed position to the open position, a spring (22, 122) for rotary biasing the shaft (18, 118) about its longitudinal axis (A, B) to pivot the swing-gate (14, 114) in the direction of the closed position, an actuating housing (28, 128) with a trigger arrangement (30, 130) for securing the shaft (18, 118) so that the swing gate (14, 114) is held in the open position,and to trigger the shaft (18, 118) to rotate due to the preload of the spring (22, 122) in order to cause a movement of the swing gate (14, 114) from the open position to the closed position, wherein the trigger arrangement (30, 130) comprises the following: (a) an actuator (36, 136) with an actuator shaft (44, 144) which is movable from an extended position to a retracted position; (b) a trigger rocker arm (40, 140) which is rotatably arranged at a first end (50, 150) on the actuator shaft (44, 144) and which, opposite the first end (50, 150), is rotatably arranged at a second end (52, 152) on a second end (54) of the actuating housing (28, 128) such that a linear movement of the actuator shaft (44, 144) causes a corresponding rotation of the trigger rocker arm (40, 140), and (c) a cam (38, 138) which is arranged on the rotatable shaft (18, 118); wherein the trigger rocker arm (40, 140) and the cam (38, 138) are locked together when the actuator shaft (44, 144) is in the extended position, wherein actuation of the actuator (36, 136) causes the actuator shaft (44, 144) to retract into the retracted position, disengaging the cam (38, 138) and the trigger rocker arm (40, 140), wherein the spring (22, 122) causes the rotatable shaft (18, 118) to rotate about its longitudinal axis (A, B) in order to move the swing gate (14, 114) into the closed position. [5] Air shut-off swing gate valve (10, 110) according to claim 4, wherein the actuator (36, 136) is a mechanical actuator, electromechanical actuator, hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator or a piezo actuator, wherein the actuating housing (28, 128) is arranged on the valve body (12, 112) and is designed to be separate from the valve body (12, 112). [6] Air shut-off swing-gate valve (10, 110) according to claim 4, wherein the actuator (36, 136) is a solenoid.

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