Dual-function electromechanical valve

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dual-function electromechanical valve (1), for an ICE provided with an ORVR vapour recovery system, said valve comprising the incorporation into a single body of the purge canister valve and OBD check valve functions. The purge canister valve function is performed by a canister coil (5) and the OBD check valve function is performed by an OBD coil (6). The coils (5, 6) are arranged on the upper face of a board (2), inside an upper volume, while a lower volume defined from the lower face of the board (2) has outlets in the form of two connectors (16, 17) and an opening (20).

Description

Dual-function electromechanical valve

[0001] The invention relates to a dual-function electromechanical valve and, in particular, to an electromechanical valve capable of integrating the functions of purging vapors accumulated in the canister reservoir and the counter-check valve (also called OBD on-board diagnostic), whose use occurs in vehicle applications known as ORVR (on-board vapor recovery from refueling). State of the Art

[0002] The stringency of emission standards has been increasing over the years, and as a result, the automotive industry has had to adapt to these different requirements. Global emission control programs (EURO in particular, currently in its sixth phase (EURO 6) and preparing for its seventh phase) are further tightening regulations regarding emissions from mobile sources, more specifically evaporative emissions.

[0003] Automobiles, whether running on gasoline, ethanol, blends, or any fuel, regardless of the thermal cycle, emit pollutants. Among the most common gases are carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide, aldehydes, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and vapors from these fuels. It's worth mentioning the EURO 6 standard, which differed from its predecessor EURO 5 by imposing a 72% reduction in the limit for hydrocarbon emissions and an 80% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions. EURO 7 discusses reducing the NOx emission limit, which in EURO 6 is approximately 80 milligrams, to 60 mg (milligrams), requiring automobiles to adapt to this new requirement.

[0004] Ozone (O3), which protects the planet from ultraviolet rays in the upper atmosphere, becomes extremely harmful when near the ground (tropospheric ozone), forming a harmful atmosphere that compromises human health and agriculture.

[0005] The increase in tropospheric ozone (O3) comes from gases emitted by motor vehicles and is significantly increased by the evaporation of the fuels used.

[0006] These evaporative emissions occur with an increase in daytime temperature. and the consequent increase in fuel temperature in the tank and also at the time of refueling. During refueling, 50 liters of gasoline evaporate 75 grams of vapor (or 100 milliliters of liquid gasoline).

[0007] One solution is to store these vapors in a simple coal-fired reservoir using a technology called ORVR, or on-board vapor recovery from refueling.

[0008] More specifically, in vehicles equipped with ORVR technology, and therefore equipped with a canister valve and an OBD valve (see figures 1 and 2 respectively), the canister reservoir consists of a plastic casing containing activated carbon. The vapors released by the fuel in the fuel tank are directed to this reservoir. With the vehicle in motion, the engine's electronic control unit (ECU) chooses the appropriate moment to consume these vapors, opening the canister valve and directing these rich vapors to the intake manifold. At the same time as directing these rich vapors, the ECU blocks the operation of the injectors, preventing the entry of liquid fuel. These activations (canister valve and injectors) occur in a completely automatic and controlled manner without the driver noticing any change in engine operation.

[0009] It is also worth highlighting the added complexity of these purge valves when dealing with a supercharged engine, which, in these cases, must direct fuel vapors to the compressor inlet where there is negative pressure (lower than atmospheric pressure - effective scale).

[0010] The OBD counter-check valve is normally activated when the vehicle's engine is shut off. This counter-check valve complements the circuit by recognizing, at specific times defined by the ECU's software strategy, the occurrence of vapor leaks in the system. When activated, this OBD valve (opening to the atmosphere) causes the internal pressure of the canister circuit to equalize with atmospheric pressure, immediately returning to the closed condition. From this moment on, and with the cooling of the vapors inside the canister, a pressure gradient (usually negative) is generated, monitored by a pressure sensor installed in the system – usually in the fuel tank. If there is a leak, the valve will activate. If there is a leak in the system, this pressure gradient does not occur, and this information is sent to the vehicle's dashboard, generating a fault code.

[0011] As can be seen from the description above, with each new technological advancement, the number of embedded devices multiplies, leading to a greater demand for assembly time, whether directly on a vehicle's assembly line or on a parallel assembly line for a part of it. Furthermore, any increase in the number of vehicle parts also leads to a reduction in its interior space, be it in the engine compartment, inside the instrument panel, or in any other part of the vehicle.

[0012] Additionally, an increase in the number of vehicle parts also creates logistical problems for the manufacturer, which must increase and control one or more items, manage deliveries, storage, and other aspects.

[0013] US patent 9206771 describes a canister purge valve capable of directing the flow of vapors from the fuel tank to one of two outlets, according to the internal conditions (pressure) of the valve.

[0014] US patent document 2013008413 describes a fuel vapor purging device, which incorporates inlets and outlets for parallel flow direction.

[0015] Thus, the need to reduce the component parts of a vehicle always remains in the art. More specifically, the need to provide integrated devices capable of reducing the component parts of a vehicle, as well as their connections to other vehicle devices and systems, also remains in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0016] This and other objectives are achieved using a dual-function electromechanical valve for an ICE equipped with an ORVR vapor recovery system, comprising the integration, in a single unit, of the functions of a purge canister valve and an OBD counter-check valve. The purge canister valve function comprises a canister coil, and the OBD counter-check valve function comprises an OBD coil.

[0017] More specifically, the valve comprises a base, onto which it is fixed. A cover, under which a flow distributor is fixed, the base and cover defining an upper volume, while the base and flow distributor define a lower volume. The cover includes a connector suitable for connecting the upper volume of the valve to a canister in flow. The cover includes an electrical connector suitable for supplying electrical and selective power to the canister coil and the OBD coil via electrical terminals.

[0018] The valve base has a plate shape with rounded lateral ends, and from the upper face of the base project seats suitable for coupling, respectively, the canister coil and the OBD coil. The flow distributor comprises an opening in flow communication with a central passage of the OBD coil, and a filter is disposed upstream of the opening. The flow distributor comprises a first connector interconnecting the lower volume of the valve with an intake manifold; and the flow distributor comprises a second connector interconnecting the lower volume of the valve with an air box. The first connector comprises a first sealing element; and the second connector comprises a second sealing element.

[0019] Finally, inside each coil, pistons move respectively between a raised / retracted position (valve open) and a lowered / extended position (valve closed). Brief Description of the Figures

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more fully from the non-limiting description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a dual-function electromechanical valve, as illustrated in the figures below, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a canister valve, as per the artwork; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an OBD valve, also in accordance with the art; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the electromechanical valve of the invention; Figure 4 is another perspective view of the valve in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a top elevation view of the valve in Figure 3; Figure 6 is a bottom elevation view of the valve in Figure 3; Figure 7 is an exploded view of the valve of the invention; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of the invention; and Figure 9 illustrates a schematic of the valve installation of the invention in an ICE internal combustion engine with forced air intake and equipped with an ORVR system. Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

[0021] For the purposes of this description, the reference frame used to describe each and every component part of the invention is the same as that of the vehicle, considering the installed position of the component part in the vehicle.

[0022] In accordance with Figures 3 to 8, an electromechanical dual-function valve is illustrated, according to the present invention. In summary, said valve 1 integrates, in a single body, the functions of a purge canister valve and an OBD counter-check valve.

[0023] For this purpose, the double valve 1 comprises a base 2 on which a cover 3 is arranged and fixed, defining an upper volume, and under which a flow distributor 4 is arranged and fixed, defining a corresponding lower volume.

[0024] More specifically, base 2 has a generally plate-like shape with rounded lateral ends. On the upper face of base 2 are arranged a canister coil 5 and an OBD coil 6, which are enclosed within cover 3. To this end, from base 2 project seats 7,8 suitable for coupling, respectively, the canister coil 5 and the OBD coil 6. Furthermore, and in a known manner, inside each coil 5,6 pistons 9,10 move respectively between a raised / retracted open valve position and a lowered / extended closed valve position. Both valves thus defined are of the NC type, with the closed valve position being determined by respective springs 11 and 12, acting on the respective pistons 9 and 10, and with the respective canister coil 5 and OBD coil 6 not powered.More specifically, both valves defined by coils 5 and 6 operate by modulating the electrical pulse supply, and the mechanical actuation is performed by the action of a magnetic field generated by coils 5 and 6 specifically designed for this purpose. Opening occurs by magnetic action and closing by spring action. The spring loads must ensure the tightness of the system, as well as the materials used. They close the flows.

[0025] More specifically, an electrical connector 13 projects from cover 3, preferably a female connector, and is suitable for receiving a three-way male connector (not shown), in order to integrate the power supply of each of the canister coils 5 and OBD 6 into the power supply when determined by the ECU (not shown). As visible in figure 7, the three ways of the electrical connector 13 supply each electrical input of each of the coils from a common electrical terminal (vg, a negative terminal) and a specific electrical terminal (vg, a positive terminal). In this way, the ECU is able to control, individually and selectively, each of the canister coils 5 and OBD 6.

[0026] Furthermore, said cover 3 also includes an integrated connector 15 capable of connecting, in flow, the upper volume defined by the interior of cover 3, and upstream of the canister coils 5 and OBD 6, with the fuel reservoir 101, via canister 102, as will be described later.

[0027] Regarding the lower portion of valve 1, said flow distributor 4 defines a lower volume. Said flow distributor 4 comprises a first outlet defined by a first connector 16 and directed to the intake manifold, as well as a second outlet defined by a second connector 17 and directed to the ejector tee.

[0028] The aforementioned first and second outlets are unidirectional outlets, meaning that a first sealing element 18 is provided upstream of connector 16, and a second sealing element 19 is provided upstream of connector 17. The said sealing elements 18 and 19 are of a known type, defined by a disc radially fitted with a sealing material (rubber, plastic, etc.) and centrally fitted with a shaft that passes through said disc. Thus, the said first and second outlets are unidirectional valve outlets, operating passively based on the pressure differential upstream and downstream of each of these outlets.

[0029] Finally, flow distributor 4 also includes an opening 20 to the atmosphere. More specifically, the OBD valve, defined by OBD coil 6, allows an atmospheric airflow to reach connector 15 and therefore canister 102 and the fuel reservoir 101, through central passage 22 of OBD coil 6 and filter 21.

[0030] It is worth noting that, preferably, canister coils 5 and OBD coils 6 are identical to each other, i.e., normally closed (NC) due to the action of their respective first and second springs 11,12 against their respective first and second pistons 9,10. When either canister coil 5 or OBD coil 6 is powered by an electric current from the electrical terminals 14, the electromagnetic field generated by the winding acts on the ferromagnetic material of the piston which, counteracting the elastic force of the spring, moves allowing the passage of a flux through the central passage 22 of the coil.

[0031] More specifically, the electrical supply to the canister coil 5 causes the opening of its central passage 22, thus interconnecting, in flow, the upper volume of valve 1 with the lower volume of valve 1, so as to allow the excess fuel vapors, after being filtered and stored by the canister 102, to be directed, as the case may be, directly to the intake manifold 103 or indirectly via the air box 104, compressor 105 and intercooler 106. The arrangement of the components of the ORVR system and valve 1 can be visualized more clearly from Figure 9, which illustrates a possible arrangement in an ICE. Technicians in the sector will readily perceive and understand that the compressor 105 may represent a turbocharger, a supercharger, or generically a device for actively supplying high-pressure air to the ICE.

[0032] In summary, the invention presents an integrated system combining the functions currently performed by two independent valves, namely the purge valve for vapors accumulated in the canister and the counter-check valve, also known as OBD (on-board diagnostics), which is used in vehicle applications known as ORVR (on-board vapor recovery from refueling), being an integral part of the electronic fuel injection system of internal combustion engines (ICE), whose function is to contribute to the reduction of vehicle emissions, more specifically evaporative emissions.

[0033] In addition to the direct advantage resulting from integrating two valves into one With its single body, another complementary advantage of the invention is that it provides a cleaner and more economical layout along with the intake manifolds.

[0034] The current integration solution also offers the advantage of unifying the electrical connectors, pipe connections, and engine wiring harness, in addition to reducing the mass carried by the intake manifolds when compared to the current system composed of two independent valves.

Claims

Claims 1. Electromechanical dual-function valve (1), for an ICE equipped with an ORVR vapor recovery system, characterized by comprising the integration, in a single body, of the functions of a purge canister valve and an OBD counter-check valve.

2. Valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the purge canister valve function comprises a canister coil (5) and the OBD counter check valve function comprises an OBD coil (6).

3. Valve, according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a base (2), on which a cover (3) is fixed and under which a flow distributor (4) is fixed, the base (2) and the cover (3) defining an upper volume, while the base (2) and the flow distributor (4) define a lower volume.

4. Valve, according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the cover (2) comprises a connector (15) suitable for connecting in flow the upper volume of the valve (1) with a canister (102).

5. Valve, according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the cover (2) comprises an electrical connector (13) suitable for electrically and selectively supplying the canister coil (5) and the OBD coil (6) through electrical terminals (14).

6. Valve, according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the base (2) has a plate-like shape with rounded lateral ends, and in that from the upper face of the base (2) project seats (7,8) suitable for coupling, respectively, the canister coil (5) and the OBD coil (6).

7. Valve, according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the flow distributor (4) comprises an opening (20) in flow communication with a central passage (23) of the OBD coil (6), and in that upstream of the opening (20) a filter (21) is disposed.

8. Valve, according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the flow distributor (4) comprises a first connector (16) interconnecting in flow communication the lower volume of the valve (1) with an intake manifold (103); and the flow distributor (4) comprises a second connector (17) interconnecting in flow communication the lower volume of the valve (1) with an air box (104).

9. Valve according to claim 8, characterized in that the first connector (16) comprises a first sealing element (18); and the second connector (17) comprises a second sealing element (19).

10. Valve, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that inside each coil (5,6) pistons (9,10) move respectively between a raised / retracted position of open valve and a lowered / extended position of closed valve.

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