PCV valve

Abstract

To detect a disconnection of a PCV valve from a crankcase.SOLUTION: A positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve includes: a tubular body extending along an axis between a first end and a second end, the tubular body having an outer diameter and an inner diameter that define a wall around a central passage that extends through the tubular body and are orthogonal to the axis; and a metering device secured within the central passage adjacently to the first end. The wall includes a window between the metering device and the second end, and the window defines an air flow path through the wall and into the central passage for detecting a disconnection of the PCV valve from the crankcase, where a total area of the window is greater than an open axial area within the metering device when the metering device is in a maximum flow condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 081,102, filed September 21, 2020, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The exemplary diagrams described herein generally relate to a blow-by gas return device for returning blow-by gases leaking from a combustion chamber of an engine to the combustion chamber by allowing the blow-by gases to flow through a PCV valve into a return passage and an intake manifold passage. [Background technology]

[0003] Automotive engines use closed or positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) systems to prevent harmful gases from escaping into the atmosphere. A typical PCV system establishes a direct airflow from the engine's crankcase to the intake manifold, ensuring positive pressure ventilation and reducing pressure within the crankcase, allowing blow-by combustion gases to return to the air intake.

[0004] Typically, the flow rate through known PCV valves during engine operation ranges from negligible (at idle or with high intake vacuum) to a maximum that occurs during high-speed operation (and when the intake is below high vacuum). When the intake is at high vacuum during idle, the PCV valve's pintle stem seats against the inner end of the PCV valve, substantially blocking gas flow. When the engine is running, the intake is not at high vacuum, creating a pressure differential across the pintle stem, which moves the pintle stem and allows gas flow from the crankcase to the intake manifold.

[0005] Occasionally, the PCV valve may become disengaged from the crankcase. When this occurs, the pressure on the air intake side of the PCV valve is no longer a high vacuum under all conditions, and the pintle stem is not seated, causing the PCV valve to allow at least some gas flow. In this disengaged condition, outside air flows through the PCV valve, and the flow rate through the PCV valve may be indistinguishable from the mass air flow that occurs during normal operation. As a result, the engine's mass air flow sensor may not detect a disengaged PCV valve, and no warning may be issued to the vehicle's computer or the driver. Operating a vehicle with a disengaged PCV valve releases uncombustible gases directly into the atmosphere. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As emissions regulations become increasingly stringent, vehicles are being required to quickly detect a disconnected PCV valve from the crankcase. Current PCV valves have a restricted flow path through the pintle shaft assembly, and current air sensors in the intake manifold and engine controller generally cannot detect the amount of air. Some PCV valves have a small hole in the body of the valve that allows air to pass when the PCV valve is disconnected. However, because some gas still flows during normal PCV valve operation, situations can arise where the mass flow sensor cannot detect a disconnected PCV valve.

[0007] Therefore, a need remains for an improved PCV valve that can detect when the PCV valve has become dislodged from the crankcase. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present disclosure relates to an improved PCV valve apparatus and method that can detect when the PCV valve has become disconnected from the crankcase.

[0009] According to one aspect, a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve includes a tubular body extending along an axis between a first end and a second end, the tubular body defining a wall around a central passage extending therethrough and having outer and inner diameters perpendicular to the axis, and a metering device secured within the central passage proximate the first end, the wall having a window between the metering device and the second end, the window defining an airflow path through the wall into the central passage for detecting disengagement of the PCV valve from the crankcase, the total area of ​​the windows being greater than the axial open area within the metering device when the metering device is in a maximum flow condition.

[0010] A method of manufacturing a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve includes the steps of: providing a tubular body extending along an axis between a first end and a second end, the tubular body defining a wall around a central passage extending therethrough and having an outer diameter and an inner diameter perpendicular to the axis; fixing a metering device within the central passage proximate the first end; and disposing a window in the wall between the metering device and the second end, the window defining an air flow path through the wall and into the central passage for detecting disengagement of the PCV valve from the crankcase, the total area of ​​the window being greater than the axial open area within the metering device when the metering device is in a maximum flow condition.

[0011] The engine has a crankcase, an air intake, and a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve disposed in fluid communication between the crankcase and the air intake. The PCV valve includes a tubular body extending along an axis between a first end and a second end, the tubular body defining a wall around a central passage extending therethrough and having outer and inner diameters perpendicular to the axis, and a metering device fixed within the central passage proximate the first end. The wall has a window between the metering device and the second end, the window defining an airflow path through the wall and into the central passage for detecting disengagement of the PCV valve from the crankcase, the total area of ​​the window being greater than the axial open area within the metering device when the metering device is in a maximum flow condition.

[0012] The scope of the claims is not limited to the particular drawings, but various aspects thereof can be best understood through the description of various examples. Exemplary examples are shown in detail in the drawings herein. While the drawings illustrate examples, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated to better explain the novel aspects of the embodiments. Furthermore, the exemplary examples described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to be limiting or restrictive of the exact forms and configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an engine equipped with a PCV valve. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary PCV valve in an idle condition with minimum flow. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary PCV valve in a maximum flow operating condition. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary PCV valve in a backfire condition. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary PCV valve. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary PCV valve. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view of the PCV valve fully secured to the crankcase. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view of the PCV valve with a portion completely removed from the crankcase. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary decorative design of a PCV valve. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating an exemplary decorative design of a PCV valve. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a rear view illustrating an exemplary PCV valve decorative design. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a left side view showing an exemplary decorative design of a PCV valve. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a right side view showing an exemplary PCV valve decorative design. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating an exemplary decorative design of a PCV valve. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a bottom view illustrating an exemplary PCV valve decorative design. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The scope of the claims is not limited to the particular drawings, but various aspects thereof can be best understood through the description of various examples. Exemplary examples are shown in detail in the drawings herein. While the drawings illustrate examples, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated to better explain the novel aspects of the embodiments. Furthermore, the exemplary examples described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to be limiting or restrictive of the exact forms and configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.

[0015] Below are diagrams and descriptions of exemplary PCV valves according to the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an engine equipped with a PCV valve, and FIGS. 2A-2C show exemplary operating conditions of the PCV valve during a minimum flow idle condition (FIG. 2A), a maximum flow operating condition (FIG. 2B), and a backfire condition (FIG. 2C).

[0017] In FIG. 1 , engine 100 includes a mass air flow sensor 102 that passes metered air through an intake manifold or air inlet line 104 and a breather line 106. The air inlet line 104 is restricted by a throttle body plate 108 and leads to a combustion chamber 110. The combustion chamber 110 is supplied with air via the air inlet line 104 and is also supplied with fuel (lines not shown) during the combustion process. During combustion, a piston 112 reciprocates against a piston wall 114, and, as is known, blow-by gases 116 pass between the piston 112 and the piston wall 114 (piston rings are located in grooves in the piston; the rings and grooves are not shown) as blow-by gases 118 and may enter a crankcase 120 of the engine 100. The blow-by gases 118 not only contribute to increased pressure within the crankcase 120, but also generally contain unburned fuel / air that can result in excessive emissions that exceed combustion engine air quality standards and requirements.

[0018] Traditionally, due to vehicle sensor detection of the mass airflow sensor in the air intake and the vehicle's engine controller, which controls and monitors the air mixture through the air intake, existing sensors cannot reliably determine whether the PCV valve is disengaged or loose. This is because known PCV valves restrict airflow equally whether they are fully engaged or disengaged, allowing ambient air to pass through the PCV valve. When the PCV valve is disengaged, hydrocarbons and combustion gases are released into the atmosphere through open ports and connecting openings in the crankcase or engine block. This allows unregulated combustion gases and hydrocarbons to flow freely without an exhaust gas filter, increasing vehicle emissions.

[0019] This situation is problematic due to increasingly stringent CARB-mandated emissions regulations, as a dislodged PCV valve releases gases and combustion byproducts into the atmosphere through an open port or opening in the crankcase. For example, CARB requires in Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13 Section 1968.2 that emissions monitoring for vehicles launched in 2024 include monitoring and detection of the PCV valve-to-crankcase connection / seal. This, and similar emissions regulations internationally, require vehicles to have a diagnostic method capable of detecting when the PCV valve is locked and functioning, in order to incorporate air exhausted through the PCV valve into the intake air to further reduce hydrocarbons and combustion gases from the vehicle's exhaust.

[0020] To that end, the PCV valve 122 is located in a return line fluidly connected from the crankcase 120 to the air inlet line 104. Typically, the airflow is measured by the mass air flow sensor 102, and therefore returns to the air inlet line 104 after the mass air flow sensor 102.

[0021] The engine 100 can operate from idle to full throttle and anywhere in between, and occasionally the engine 100 may experience engine backfire, so the PCV valve 122 adjusts its operation based on these changing or variable conditions.

[0022] 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate a highly generalized example of a PCV valve, referred to as PCV valve 200. PCV valve 200 includes an inlet 202, an outlet 204, a pintle shaft 206, and a compression spring 208. Pintle shaft 206, in this example, has a tapered or conical surface 210, and PCV valve 200 includes a housing 212 having a tapered or conical inner surface 214 configured to seal or "seat" against tapered or conical surface 210. As can be seen, the tapered or conical configuration between surfaces 210 and 214 causes movement of pintle shaft 206 within housing 212 to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening between surfaces 210 and 214, thereby controlling the mass flow rate through PCV valve 200.

[0023] As shown, the pintle shaft 206 has a lip 216 against which the compression spring 208 presses. The PCV valve 200, which corresponds to the PCV valve 122 of FIG. 1, is positioned such that the outlet 204 corresponds to or faces toward the first position 126 and the inlet 202 corresponds to or faces toward the second position 128.

[0024] The position of pintle shaft 206 is adapted to be adjusted depending on the operating conditions of engine 100 during operation. For example, Figure 2A corresponds to engine 100 idling operation, during which a deep vacuum is present in air inlet line 104. The deep vacuum, corresponding to position 126 and outlet 204, pulls pintle shaft 206 against compression spring 208, moving the pintle shaft toward outlet 204 and forcing surfaces 210 and 214 toward one another. Thus, a minimum flow 218 (Figure 2A) may occur, and under certain conditions flow may be completely blocked.

[0025] When a throttle is applied to the engine 100, causing the engine to reciprocate at a speed greater than idle, there is no longer sufficient vacuum in the air intake line 104, and the pressure acting against the compression spring 208 decreases. The change in pressure differential acting on the pintle shaft 206 causes the pintle shaft 206 to move toward the inlet 202, thereby increasing the amount of clearance between surfaces 210 and 214. As engine speed increases, the tendency for blow-by gases 116 to communicate with the crankcase 120 increases, thereby opening the PCV valve and allowing increased flow 220 (FIG. 2B). Thus, engine operating conditions, particularly the vacuum in the air intake line 104 (which itself is engine speed dependent), cause the PCV valve to open and close in coordination with engine speed and based on the vacuum in the air intake line 104.

[0026] 2C illustrates a potential contingency that may occur if the engine 100 backfires. In such a situation, a sudden burst of pressure in the intake line 104 due to the backfire causes a sudden, explosive high pressure 222 to push against the pintle shaft 206, forcing it to move rapidly toward the inlet 202, causing the lip 216 to engage the end 224 of the housing 212 and preventing potentially damaging pressure from being transmitted to the crankcase 120.

[0027] The above is a general description of the operation of PCV valve 200, and other configurations and arrangements are contemplated as well. For example, surfaces 210 / 214 need not be conical or tapered, but the general operation is achieved by providing a variable cross-sectional area depending on the vacuum conditions in the intake manifold or air intake line for operation of the PCV valve.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a PCV valve 300 according to the present disclosure, and Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the PCV valve 300. The PCV valve has an outlet 302 and an inlet 305 that generally coincide with the inlet 202 and outlet 204 and locations 128 and 126 in the engine 100. Within the metering device 308 is a pintle shaft. 304 is placed and compressed spring 310 is the pintle axis 304 In the example disclosed herein, the pintle shaft 304 has a tapered or conical surface 314 that can press against a washer or sealing ring that is itself located and housed in a groove. Thus, under the conditions described above, when the PCV valve 300 is properly installed in the engine 100, the vacuum in the air intake line 104 creates a varying vacuum against the pintle shaft 304, which in turn creates a vacuum-dependent pressure on the pintle shaft 304 that favors the operation of the PCV valve as described above.

[0029] The PCV valve 200 can be secured between the valve and the crankcase or engine block (not shown) by known methods, including various twist and lock mechanisms. The exemplary PCV valve 300 has threads adjacent the inlet 305 and a tab that mates with the securing lip 318 to secure it to the crankcase.

[0030] 5 is a side view of the PCV valve 300 fully secured to the crankcase 500. The securing lip 318 of the PCV valve 300 is thereby pressed against the outer bore 502 of the crankcase 500. The PCV valve 300 may optionally be provided with a tube lip 320 that can function as a compression device, and in some configurations, the air inlet line 104 is a flexible tube (not shown). The PCV valve 300 has a first O-ring 322 in a first groove 324 and a second O-ring 326 in a second groove 328.

[0031] Thus, by properly installing the O-rings 322, 326, a gas seal is formed against the inner surface of the outer bore 502 to control the flow of gas through the PCV valve 300 during engine operation.

[0032] Due to increasing emissions CARB (California Air Resources Board) standards and regulations, CARB standards require vehicle diagnostics to determine if the PCV valve is not properly secured to the crankcase or engine block. If the PCV valve 300 is not properly secured, combustion gases, fuel gases, and generally blow-by gases may be routed directly to the atmosphere, bypassing the exhaust and resulting in unacceptable levels of hydrocarbons or combustion gases being emitted from the crankcase to the atmosphere. Typically, the exemplary PCV valve 300 and configuration shown in FIG. 1 allows for detection of unconditioned air that may travel through the PCV valve and bypass the metering device 308 for vehicle diagnostic purposes.

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates this exemplary condition, showing a side view of the PCV valve with a portion completely removed from the crankcase. As can be seen from the figure, and based on the above discussion, when a typical PCV valve is partially or completely removed from the crankcase, full atmospheric pressure can be applied to the inlet of the PCV valve, causing the compression spring to at least partially move the pintle stem from its sealed position during normal operating conditions. Operation of a typical PCV valve, whether installed within the crankcase or not, can result in mass flow rates through the PCV valve being indistinguishable from one another.

[0034] In accordance with the present disclosure, the PCV valve 300 disclosed herein includes a window 330 that allows a relatively large amount of air or gas to enter the body of the PCV valve when the PCV valve 300 is removed from the crankcase, as shown in FIGURE 6. That is, when the PCV valve 300 is at least partially removed from the crankcase 500, the second O-ring 326 similarly moves out of its sealing position against the inner periphery of the outer bore 502, exposing the window 330 to allow airflow into the PCV valve. Thus, in this condition, blow-by gases generated during normal engine operation can enter the PCV valve, but may escape to the environment due to improper operation of the PCV valve.

[0035] Even worse, if the PCV valve 300 were to be completely disengaged from the crankcase 500, blow-by gases and other engine gases would pass directly from the outer bore 502 to the ambient air and would not pass through the PCV valve 300 at all. However, due to the presence of the window 330, such an action would still go undetected because at least some measurable air would pass through the PCV valve 330.

[0036] The PCV valve is axially aligned between a first end 334 and a second end 336. 335 (Axis center AA) The tubular body 332 has a tubular member 332 extending along the axis thereof. 335 (Axis center AA)The PCV valve 300 has an outer diameter 338 and an inner diameter 340 that define a wall 342 about a central passage 344 that is perpendicular to the first end 336. The metering device 308 is secured within the central passage 344 adjacent the first end 336. The wall 342 includes one or more windows 330 between the metering device 308 and the second end 336, the windows 330 defining an air flow path 346 through the wall 342 and into the central passage 344 for detecting disengagement of the PCV valve 300 from the crankcase 500. The total area of ​​the windows 330, or the combined area of ​​all the windows 330, is greater than the axial open area 343 within the metering device 308 when the metering device 308 is in a maximum flow condition. That is, due to the relatively large size of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the windows 330, the amount of air that passes into or through the windows 330 exceeds the total flow of gas through the metering device 308, in accordance with the present disclosure. In this manner, if a mass flow rate through PCV valve 300 is detected that exceeds any mass flow rate through PCV valve 300 that would occur under normal engine operating conditions, such flow is not only clearly detectable and distinct, but also known to have passed through window 300, providing confirmation that the PCV valve is not properly seated in the crankcase and may be completely disengaged. Thus, in this example, axial open area 343 corresponds to the axial area through which fluid flows during operation, which in this embodiment is the total area between outer surface 341 of pintle shaft 304 and inner surface 345 of washer or seal ring 316. However, in accordance with the present disclosure, the area between outer surface 341 and inner surface 345 is merely exemplary, and other PCV valve configurations may define different amounts of open area when the PCV valve is in its open state. Therefore, in accordance with the present disclosure, the total cross-sectional area of ​​window 330 exceeds the area of ​​a properly functioning PCV valve at maximum flow rate if the PCV valve becomes dislodged, broken, or otherwise no longer sealed to the crankcase, allowing an excessive amount of gas flow therethrough that can be detected as excessive mass flow.

[0037] The weighing device 308 is a weighing device 308 Pintle shaft 304 and pintle seat (not shown)It restricts and controls the amount of air that flows through it. Compression Spring 310 is the force of the pressure difference between the air intake and the crankcase. Compression Spring 310 is the pintle axis 304 Restricting the movement of the metering device in the engine and crankcase relative to the air intake 308 Determine the force required to open and close the PCV valve shown. 300 Weighing equipment in 308 is a tubular body 332 The first end of 334 The first end is disposed adjacent to the 334 Additional snap ring located near (not shown) or by other known methods or fasteners, 308 Inner pintle axis 304 and Compression Spring 310 can be fixed.

[0038] 6, window 330 allows unmetered, unregulated air to flow, a volume large enough that current OBDII and engine controller air sensors in the air intake can detect a problem and notify the driver. The OBDII and engine controller can reliably flag an error due to the unregulated air flow and warn of an air blockage or leak to comply with CARB standards for diagnosing and detecting PCV valve connections.

[0039] According to the present disclosure, window 330 can have any number of openings, and in one embodiment, has at least two separate, multiple openings. According to one example, each window 330 is rectangular in shape. A rectangular shape is advantageous because the amount of space available in the axial region of window 330 is limited, maximizing the amount of open space and thereby most effectively indicating a defective PCV valve installation. Furthermore, circular, oval, or elliptical windows may restrict flow to the PCV valve and result in wasted axial space. In other words, to maximize the amount of window space, in one example, rectangular windows are desirable because they minimize wall space between one window and the next, thereby maximizing the total amount of window openings for a given axial space available to the PCV valve.

[0040] In one example, the total window area is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner diameter near second end 336. In this embodiment, the detection system can be clearly and easily calibrated so that if this maximum air flow is detected due to too much exposed window area for air to pass through, the detection system will easily detect an improperly installed PCV valve.

[0041] In one example, the window 330 has only one opening 346 defined along the axial distance of the tubular body such that the total area of ​​the openings 346 is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner diameter near the second end 336. Thus, while multiple windows 330 are shown in the perspective view of the PCV valve 300 in Figure 3, in one example, only one window 346 is shown, as in Figure 4. For example, each window 330 in a particular engine application may be: Axial center 335 (axis center AA) The height along the 331 should be 7.85 mm. Axial center 335 (axis center AA)The width 333, measured perpendicular to the tubular body 332 and along the outer surface 335 of the tubular body 332, can be up to 7.83 mm. The tubular body 332 in this example has a central passageway 344 extending therethrough and having an inner diameter of 11.5 mm at the axial opening 343. In this example, the open area of ​​each window 330 is 61.47 mm. 2 (i.e., 7.85 mm x 7.83 mm). The central passage 344 has a diameter of 11.5 mm and a cross-sectional area of ​​103.87 mm. 2 (i.e., A=π·X·(11.5 / 2) 2 mm 2 ), so that the ratio of the total area of ​​the openings 346 to the total area of ​​all windows 330 is 245.88 mm in this Example 4. 2 (i.e. 61.47mm 2 ×4), which is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the central passage 344 near the second end 336, with an area ratio of 2.37 (i.e., 245.88 mm 2 / 103.87mm 2 ) PCV valves with windows 330 spaced around the periphery of the tubular body 332 allow the ratio to be adjusted depending on the application and sensitivity of the air sensor to determine if any of the PCV valves have tripped. In other applications and in accordance with this disclosure, the area ratio is approximately equal to or greater than 2, thereby ensuring sufficient and smooth flow through the PCV valve that can be detected by the detection system to alert the operator to an error or problem that must be resolved.

[0042] According to the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve includes the steps of: providing a tubular body extending along an axis between a first end and a second end, the tubular body defining a wall around a central passage extending therethrough and having an outer diameter and an inner diameter perpendicular to the axis; fixing a metering device within the central passage proximate the first end; and disposing a window in the wall between the metering device and the second end, the window defining an air flow path through the wall and into the central passage for detecting disengagement of the PCV valve from the crankcase, the total area of ​​the window being greater than the axial open area within the metering device when the metering device is in a maximum flow condition.

[0043] Figures 7-13 clarify the unique design, shape, and decorative appearance of an exemplary PCV valve and the PCV valve within the crankcase. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the decorative design of an exemplary PCV valve. Figure 8 is a front view of the decorative design of an exemplary PCV valve. Figure 9 is a rear view of the decorative design of an exemplary PCV valve. Figure 10 is a left side view of the decorative design of an exemplary PCV valve. Figure 11 is a right side view of the decorative design of an exemplary PCV valve. Figure 12 is a top view of the decorative design of an exemplary PCV valve. Figure 13 is a bottom view of the decorative design of an exemplary PCV valve.

[0044] The illustrative diagrams are not limited to the examples described above. Rather, numerous variations and modifications are possible using the concepts of the illustrative diagrams and fall within the scope of protection. As such, it should be understood that the above description is illustrative and not restrictive. The illustrative valves, windows, seals, and airflow rates can be used in other vehicle, exhaust, and air or vacuum systems where valve misalignment detection is critical to operation. The valve body and window configuration can result in unmetered air passing through to the detected volume, or an error code can occur due to the engine controller's inability to compensate for unregulated airflow through the window. While the fluid in the above example is air, such valves can be used with other media, fluids, and gases, and purging air from the engine block is just one application of the valve body and window passage configuration to bypass the metering device in the valve.

[0045] With respect to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, the steps of these processes, etc. have been described as occurring in a particular ordered sequence; however, such processes may be practiced by performing the described steps in an order other than that described herein. Furthermore, certain steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the process descriptions herein are used to describe particular embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the invention as described in the claims.

[0046] Thus, it should be understood that the above description is illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples given will be apparent from reading the above description. The scope of the invention should be determined not with reference to the above description, but rather with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that the technology discussed herein will develop in the future, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In short, it should be understood that the invention is capable of modification and variation and is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0047] All terms used in the claims are intended to have their ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art to be their broadest reasonable interpretation, unless expressly stated otherwise in the specification. In particular, the use of singular articles such as "a," "the," etc. in the English specification should be read to refer to one or more of the indicated elements, unless a claim expressly states otherwise.

Claims

1. A positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve, comprising: a tubular body extending along an axis between a first end and a second end of the PCV valve, the tubular body defining a wall about a central passageway extending therethrough and having an outer diameter and an inner diameter perpendicular to the axis; a metering device secured within the central passage of the tubular body adjacent the first end, the wall has a window between the metering device and the second end, the window defining an air flow path through the wall into the central passage for detecting disengagement of the PCV valve from the crankcase, the total area of ​​the window being greater than the axial open area within the metering device when the metering device is in a maximum flow condition; A pintle shaft, a seal ring, and a compression spring are arranged in the metering device, and the pintle shaft is configured to open and close the inner surface of the hole in the seal ring, and the compression spring is configured to move the pintle shaft in a downstream direction to close the hole in the seal ring when a downstream side corresponding to a second end of the PCV valve is in a first state where the downstream side is in a high vacuum state, and to urge the pintle shaft in an upstream direction to open the hole in the seal ring when pressure on the downstream side increases from the first state to a second state where the pressure is higher than the first state. Positive crankcase ventilation valve.

2. The PCV valve of claim 1, The window is a PCV valve having multiple, at least two separate openings.

3. The PCV valve of claim 1, A PCV valve with a rectangular window.

4. The PCV valve of claim 1, The PCV valve, wherein the total area is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner diameter near the second end.

5. The PCV valve of claim 4, A PCV valve in which the window has only one opening defined along an axial distance of the tubular body, the total area of ​​the openings being greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner diameter near the second end.

6. The PCV valve of claim 1, The wall defines an exterior surface having a groove between the window and the second end of the PCV valve.

7. The PCV valve of claim 6, The PCV valve further includes an O-ring that seats in a groove to seal the PCV valve when assembled to the intake manifold.

8. A method for manufacturing a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve providing a tubular body extending along an axis between a first end and a second end of the PCV valve, the tubular body defining a wall about a central passageway extending therethrough and having an outer diameter and an inner diameter perpendicular to the axis; and securing a metering device within the central passage of the tubular body adjacent the first end; a pintle shaft, a seal ring, and a compression spring are disposed within the metering device of the PCV valve, the pintle shaft is configured to open and close an inner surface of a hole in the seal ring, and the compression spring is configured to move the pintle shaft downstream to close the hole in the seal ring when a downstream side corresponding to a second end of the PCV valve is in a first state in which the downstream side is in a high vacuum state, and to urge the pintle shaft upstream to open the hole in the seal ring when pressure on the downstream side increases from the first state to a second state in which the pressure is higher than the first state; The method further comprises: The method includes the steps of: disposing a window in the wall between the metering device and the second end, the window defining an air flow path through the wall into the central passage for detecting disengagement of the PCV valve from the crankcase, the total area of ​​the window being greater than the axial open area within the metering device when the metering device is in a maximum flow condition.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, The method wherein the step of disposing the window includes disposing a plurality of, at least two, separate openings.

10. 9. The method of claim 8, The method, wherein the step of placing a window includes placing a rectangular window.

11. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of positioning the windows includes positioning the windows so that their total area is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner diameter adjacent the second end.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, The method further comprising defining the window as only one opening along the axial distance of the tubular body such that the total area of ​​the openings is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner diameter near the second end.

13. 9. The method of claim 8, The method further includes defining a wall having an outer surface with a groove between the window and the second end.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, The method further includes the step of placing an O-ring in the groove to seal the PCV valve when installed in the intake manifold.

15. An engine, The crankcase and Air intake and a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve disposed in fluid communication between the crankcase and the air intake; The PCV valve is a tubular body extending along an axis between a first end and a second end of the PCV valve, the tubular body defining a wall about a central passageway extending therethrough and having an outer diameter and an inner diameter perpendicular to the axis; a metering device secured within the central passage of the tubular body adjacent the first end; and the wall has a window between the metering device and the second end, the window defining an air flow path through the wall into the central passage for detecting disengagement of the PCV valve from the crankcase, the total area of ​​the window being greater than the axial open area within the metering device when the metering device is in a maximum flow condition; a pintle shaft, a seal ring, and a compression spring are arranged within the metering device, the pintle shaft is configured to open and close the inner surface of the hole in the seal ring, and the compression spring is configured to move the pintle shaft in a downstream direction to close the hole in the seal ring when the downstream side corresponding to the second end of the PCV valve is in a first state in which the downstream side is in a high vacuum state, and to urge the pintle shaft in an upstream direction to open the hole in the seal ring when the pressure on the downstream side rises from the first state to a second state in which the pressure is higher than the first state.

16. 16. The engine of claim 15, The window has multiple, at least two separate openings.

17. 16. The engine of claim 15, The engine window is rectangular in shape.

18. 16. The engine of claim 15, an engine wherein the total area is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner diameter adjacent the second end.

19. 20. The engine of claim 18, The window has only one opening defined along an axial distance of the tubular body, the total area of ​​the openings being greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner diameter near the second end.

20. 16. The engine of claim 15, The wall defines an outer surface having a groove between the window and the second end, and further includes an O-ring mounted in the groove to seal the PCV valve when installed in the intake manifold.

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