Ventilation valve

Abstract

A ventilation valve includes a fluid passage, a housing, and a valve element movable between first and second axial positions, in which the fluid passage is respectively closed or open. An actuator arrangement selectively displaces the valve element between the two axial positions. A locking arrangement transitions the valve between locked and unlocked configurations. In the locked configuration the valve element at least partially opens the fluid passage. The locking arrangement includes one locking element affixed to the valve element, rotatable and axially displaceable with respect to another locking element affixed to the housing. A cam arrangement has a cam coupled to a cam follower, each included in one or another of the two locking elements. The cam defines one cam passage allowing the valve element to move between the two axial positions, and another cam passage preventing the valve element from moving between the two axial positions.

Description

[0001] VENTILATION VALVE

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to ventilation valves, in particular to electrically actuated ventilation valves for tanks, more in particular for fuel tanks for example of vehicles.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Electrically operated vent valves are commonly used in vehicles for ventilating the fuel tank just prior to and during refueling, and are usually maintained closed during all other times. A solenoid is typically activated to open the vent valve, and a biased spring returns the valve to the closed position when the solenoid is deactivated.

[0006] During assembly of the vehicle at the factory, there is often a need to introduce a small quantity of fuel to the fuel tank, requiring the vent valve to be at least partially open. However, it is often the case that the vehicle's electrical system is not operational at such a time, and therefore unable to activate the solenoid to thereby open the valve. One known solution is to maintain the valve locked in a partially open position via a blocking member.

[0007] By way of non-limiting example, US 10,697,557 discloses a tank ventilation valve for a motor vehicle for selectively enabling or blocking a fluid flow, including a valve body or tappet, which is linearly movable in one direction and another direction opposite to the one direction to selectively open or close a valve passage; at least one spring for urging the valve body in the one direction, an actuator for moving the valve body in the other opposite direction against the force applied by the spring, and a blocking element for blocking the valve body such that a movement of the valve body in the one direction is blocked. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0008] According to a first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a ventilation valve defining a selectively and alternately closeable and openable fluid passage therethrough, comprising: a valve housing defining a valve seat; a valve element reciprocably mounted with respect to the valve seat along a valve axis, and selectively movable between a first axial position and a second axial position, wherein the first axial position defines a closed configuration in which the fluid passage is closed and thereby preventing venting through the venting valve, and wherein the second axial position defines an open configuration in which the fluid passage is open thereby allowing venting through the ventilation valve; an actuator arrangement coupled to the valve element, the actuator arrangement operative to selectively displace the valve element between the first axial position and the second axial position, to thereby transition the valve element between the closed configuration and the open configuration; a locking arrangement for selectively transiting the valve between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein in the locked configuration the valve element is locked in at least a partially open position in which the fluid passage is at least partially open thereby allowing venting through the ventilation valve, the locking arrangement comprising a first locking element affixed to the valve element and a second locking element affixed to the valve housing, the first locking element and the second locking element being rotatable and axially displaceable with respect to one another between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, wherein in the unlocked configuration the valve element is selectively movable between the first axial position and the second axial position via operation of the actuator arrangement; the locking arrangement further comprising a cam arrangement comprising a cam and a cam follower, wherein one of the first locking element and second locking element comprises the cam and the other one of the first locking element and second locking element comprises the cam follower, the cam follower being coupled with respect to the cam; the cam defining a first cam passage corresponding to the unlocked configuration and which allows the valve element to be selectively displaced between the first axial position and the second axial position via operation of the actuator arrangement, and a second cam passage corresponding to the locked configuration and in which the second cam passage prevents the valve element from being displaced between the first axial position and the second axial position absent actuation of the actuator arrangement.

[0009] For example, the ventilation valve comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein the valve seat and the valve element are disposed intermediate between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and wherein the fluid passage is defined between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, intermediately passing through valve seat.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, for example, in the locked configuration, the locking arrangement operates to block and prevent axial movement of the valve element with respect to the valve housing, and wherein concurrently, the valve element is locked in the at least partially open position in which the fluid passage is at least partially open to thereby allowing venting through the ventilation valve.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the first locking element and the second locking element are telescopically movable with respect to one another along the valve axis, such that respective axial portions of the first locking element second locking element overlap axially in each one of the open configuration, the closed configuration, and the locked configuration.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the first locking element comprises a first wall proj ecting in a direction towards the second locking element. For example, the first wall is generally cylindrical. Additionally or alternatively, for example, wherein the first locking element comprises a plurality of lateral openings through the first wall to thereby provide free fluid communication between an inside and an outside of the first locking element.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the second locking element comprises a second wall. For example, the second wall is generally cylindrical. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the first locking element and the second locking element are concentric with one another and coaxial with respect to the valve axis.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, for example, one of the second locking element and the first locking element is partially nested within the other one of the first locking element and the second locking element, in each one of the open configuration, the closed configuration, and the locked configuration.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the second locking element comprises an anchoring portion configured for fixedly mounting the second locking element with respect to the housing.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the first locking element and the second locking element are selectively rotatable with respect to one another between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, about the valve axis.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the second locking element is fixedly attached to the housing, and wherein the first locking element is selectively rotatable with respect to each one of the second locking element and the housing.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the cam element and the cam follower are coupled with respect to one another.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the first locking element comprises the cam follower, and wherein the second locking element comprises the cam element.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the cam follower comprises a pin radially projecting inwardly from the second wall.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the first locking element comprises the cam element, and wherein the second locking element comprises the cam follower.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the cam element comprises a cutout in the second wall, and wherein the cutout comprises a cutout edge defining a cam path for the cam follower. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the cam path comprises a plurality of cam path portions, including a first cam path portion and a second cam path portion, wherein the first cam path portion and the second cam path portion are non-parallel with respect to one another. For example, the first cam path portion corresponds to the unlocked configuration and allows the valve element to be moved between the first axial position and the second axial position. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the second cam path portion corresponds to the locked configuration, and prevents the valve element from being moved between the first axial position and the second axial position.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the first cam path portion is rectilinear and parallel to the valve axis, such that when the cam follower is in abutment with the first cam path portion, the first cam path portion only allows the cam follower in a direction parallel to the valve axis; for example, a length of the first cam path portion in a direction parallel to the valve axis is at least equal to a first axial spacing between the first position and the second position. Additionally or alternatively, for example, in the unlocked configuration, the cam follower is associated with the first cam path portion, and the locking arrangement including the cam arrangement do not interfere with normal of operation of the ventilation valve, wherein in said normal operation of the ventilation valve the valve element is alternately closed or opened with respect to the valve seat, thereby transitioning the ventilation valve between the closed configuration and open configuration, under operation of the actuator arrangement.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the second cam path portion is configured for selectively trapping the cam follower in the locked configuration under predetermined conditions; for example, the second cam path portion comprises a well portion, the well portion comprising an opening and inverted U-shaped side walls; for example, the well portion is sized to capture the cam follower therein in a direction parallel to the valve axis, towards the valve seat and away from the second locking element. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the well portion is in the form of an inverted U-shaped slot, the opening being at the bottom end thereof and allowing entry and exit with respect thereto by the cam follower. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the U-shaped side wall of the well portion is closed at a top end of the well portion, thereby preventing the cam follower to travel further upwards. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the U-shaped side wall has a width correlated to at least a width of the cam follower, such as to facilitate sliding in and out of the cam follower with respect to the slot-shaped well portion, and concurrently provides limited lateral movement within the slot-shaped well portion; for example, said width of the U-shaped side wall is between 10% and 100% greater than a width of the cam follower.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, for example, in the locked configuration the cam follower is captured in the well portion, and the cam follower is at a third axial position intermediate between the first axial position and the second axial position, thereby partially displacing the valve element away from the valve seat by a partial spacing that is less than aid first spacing, wherein the partial spacing is sufficient to partially open the fluid passage and thereby allow venting via the ventilation valve when the actuator arrangement is not yet operative.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the well portion is sized and shaped such as to prevent any exclusively rotational movement about the valve axis between cam follower and the well portion, such as would be expected to result in returning the cam follower to abut against the first cam path portion; for example, the cam follower is released from the well portion and allowed to return to the first cam path portion, only responsive to the provision of an axial force towards the second locking element. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the cam path further comprises a first slanted cam path portion and a second slanted cam path portion, each disposed on either side of the well portion; for example, the first slanted cam path portion and the second slanted cam path portion are slanting in opposite directions with respect to one another.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the cam path further comprises a horizontal portion interconnecting a bottom end of the first cam path portion with a bottom end of the first slanted cam path portion. Additionally or alternatively, for example, a top end of the first slanted cam path portion is connected to one arm of the U-shaped wall. Additionally or alternatively, for example, a bottom end of the second slanted cam path portion is connected to another arm of the U-shaped wall. Additionally or alternatively, for example, a top end of the second slanted cam path portion is laterally opposite a top end of the first cam path portion, defining therebetween a cam path opening.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the first cam path portion, the horizontal portion, the first slanted cam path portion, the well portion, and the second slanted cam path portion are serially connected to provide the open-looped cam path; additionally or alternatively, for example, the cam path opening is sized to allow the cam follower to be inserted into the cutout in an axial direction during assembly of the first locking element with respect to the second locking element.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the ventilation valve has an absence of any active biasing arrangement to maintain the cam follower in abutment with the first cam path portion in the unlocked configuration.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the actuator arrangement comprises an actuator and a biasing spring, the actuator being coupled to the valve element and operative when actuated to displace the valve element to one of the first axial position or the second axial position, the biasing spring being coupled to the valve element such as to thereby urge the valve element towards the other one of the first axial position or the second axial position absent actuation of the actuator. For example, the actuator is an electrical actuated actuator.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, for example, with the ventilation valve initially in the closed configuration and the actuator arrangement not activated, said predetermined conditions include the first locking element and the second locking element being manually rotated with respect to one another about the valve axis in one direction such as to displace the cam follower away from the first cam path portion and towards the well portion. For example, the manual pivoting is accomplished by applying a first force to the first locking element generally orthogonal to a radius projecting from the valve axis. For example, the first locking element comprises at least one radial wing to facilitate applying the first force application. For example, each said wing is in the form of a small plate radially projecting away from an outer surface of second wall. Additionally or alternatively, for example, at least one said wing is located close to, and opposite to, the fluid inlet.

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the ventilation valve further comprises an over pressure release (OPR) arrangement, wherein the over pressure release arrangement operates independently of the actuator arrangement, and wherein the over pressure release arrangement is configured to provide automatic pressure release when the ventilation valve is subject to predetermined over pressure conditions. For example, the OPR arrangement comprises a flexible annular diaphragm, a through opening, and an OPR biasing spring, wherein the valve seat is movably coupled to the housing via the diaphragm, wherein the through opening operates as a fluid port, and wherein the biasing spring biases the valve seat against the housing under conditions other than the predetermined over pressure conditions. Additionally or alternatively, for example, under said predetermined over pressure conditions, the OPR arrangement displaces the valve seat with respect to the housing, thereby allowing over pressure venting via the OPR arrangement.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, for example, in the locked configuration the valve element is prevented from moving between the first axial position and the second axial position.

[0034] According to the aforesaid first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a ventilation valve defining a fluid passage therethrough, comprising: a valve housing defining a valve seat; a valve element reciprocably mounted with respect to the valve seat along a valve axis, and selectively movable between a first axial position in which the fluid passage is closed and thereby preventing venting through the venting valve, and a second axial position in which the fluid passage is open thereby allowing venting through the ventilation valve; an actuator arrangement coupled to the valve element, the actuator arrangement comprising an actuator and a biasing spring, the actuator being coupled to the valve element and operative when actuated to displace the valve element to one of the first axial position or the second axial position, the biasing spring being coupled to the valve element such as to thereby urge the valve element towards the other one of the first axial position or the second axial position absent actuation of the actuator ; a locking arrangement for selectively transiting the valve between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein in the locked configuration the valve element is locked in at least a partially open position in which the fluid passage is at least partially open thereby allowing venting through the ventilation valve, the locking arrangement comprising a first locking element affixed to the valve element and a second locking element affixed to the valve housing, the first locking element and the second locking element being rotatable and axially displaceable with respect to one another between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, wherein in the unlocked configuration the valve element is selectively movable between the first axial position and the second axial position via operation of the actuator arrangement; the locking arrangement further comprising a cam arrangement comprising a cam and a cam follower, wherein one of the first locking element and second locking element comprises the cam and the other one of the first locking element and second locking element comprises the cam follower, the cam follower being coupled with respect to the cam; the cam defining a first cam passage corresponding to the unlocked configuration and which allows the valve element to be displaced between the first axial position and the second axial position via operation of the actuator arrangement, and a second cam passage corresponding to the locked configuration and in which the second cam passage prevents the valve element from being displaced between the first axial position and the second axial position absent actuation of the actuator arrangement.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a kit comprising the ventilation valve as defined herein regarding the first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, and a plug member.

[0036] For example, the plug member is generally elongate, having a distal end and a proximal end longitudinally spaced from one another along the plug longitudinal axis.

[0037] For example, the plug is insertable into the housing via the fluid inlet, such that the distal end penetrates into the housing, while the proximal end remains outside of the housing.

[0038] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the plug includes a cantilevered locking arm having a free end configured to snap fit over an external flange externally provided on the fluid inlet

[0039] According to a third aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a method for transitioning a ventilation valve between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, comprising providing a kit as defined valve as defined herein regarding the second aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter,, and wherein in the unlocked configuration, and prior to locking the valve to the locked configuration, the method includes inserting the plug into the housing via the fluid inlet, such that the proximal end is close to or just abutting one said radial wings, without the plug applying any significant force to said radial wing.

[0040] For example, the first force is applied responsive to the plug being pushed further into the housing via the fluid inlet, along the plug longitudinal axis, thereby pushing against the radial wing, and thus inducing a pivoting moment to the first locking element about the valve axis, thereby rotating the first locking element relative to the second locking element, and wherein concurrently with applying the first force via the plug, a second force can be applied to the first locking element in a direction towards the second locking element, thereby axially displacing the first locking element away from the second axial position and towards the first axial position, but not all the way to the first axial position.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, for example, responsive to applying the first force and the second force to the first locking element, the cam follower is displaced downwards and sidewards towards the second slanted cam path portion, abuts onto the second slanted cam path portion, continues to slide over the second slanted cam path portion in a general downwards and sidewards direction, overshoots the well portion, and continues towards and abuts onto the first slanted cam path portion.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the method comprises terminating the second force and allowing the ventilation valve to automatically apply a restoring force to the valve element in the opposite direction to the former second force, thereby displacing the cam follower upwardly, while in abutting contact with the first slanted cam path portion, and allowing the first locking element to pivot further, thereby transporting the cam follower into the well portion, and thereby transiting the ventilation valve to the locked configuration.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the second force is applied by inserting a suitable tool into the fluid outlet, such as to abut the valve element.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the second force is applied by electrically activating the actuator arrangement such as to displace the valve element away from the valve seat, and subsequently deactivating the actuator arrangement when the cam follower is in abutting contact with the first slanted cam path portion and the cam follower is subsequently captured the well portion.

[0045] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the method further comprises the step of removing the plug from the ventilation valve. For example, subsequent to removing the plug from the ventilation valve, the ventilation valve is connected to an electrical system of a vehicle, and the fluid inlet and fluid outlet are coupled a fuel tank and a vent port / carbon canister, respectively, and subsequently thereto, the ventilation valve is transitioned to the unlocked configuration by activating the actuator arrangement. Alternatively, for example, subsequent to activating the actuator arrangement the actuator arrangement is deactivated, allowing the ventilation valve to automatically apply a restoring force to the valve element, thereby transitioning the ventilation valve to the unlocked configuration.

[0046] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] Fig- 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a venting valve according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the valve being in the unlocked configuration and in the open configuration.

[0049] Fig- 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the example of Fig. 1, the valve being in the unlocked configuration and in the closed configuration.

[0050] Fig- 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the example of Fig. 1, the valve being in the locked configuration.

[0051] Fig. 4A is a side view of an example of a locking arrangement of the valve example of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2; Fig. 4B is a side view of an example of a locking arrangement of the valve example of Fig. 3; Fig. 4C is an isometric top / side view of the example of Fig. 4A; Fig. 4D is an isometric top / side view of the example of Fig. 4B. Fig. 5A is a side view of the second locking element of the valve example of Fig. 4A to Fig. 4D; Fig. 5B is an isometric top / side view of the example of Fig. 5A.

[0052] Fig. 6A is an isometric bottom / side view of the first locking element of the valve example of Fig. 4A to Fig. 4D; Fig. 6B is an isometric top / side view of the example of Fig. 6A.

[0053] Fig- 7 illustrates a portion of the second locking element of the example of Fig. 5 A, in which the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical wall of the second locking element has been projected onto a flat plane.

[0054] Fig. 8A schematically illustrates a motion between the cam follower and cam path of the example of Fig. 7, when transitioning from the closed configuration to the open configuration; Fig. 8B schematically illustrates a motion between the cam follower and cam path of the example of Fig. 7, when transitioning from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0055] Fig. 9A schematically illustrates a first portion of a motion between the cam follower and cam path of the example of Fig. 7, when transitioning from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration; Fig. 9B schematically illustrates a second portion of a motion between the cam follower and cam path of the example of Fig. 7, when transitioning from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

[0056] Fig. 10A is a top view of a plug according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter, in spatial relationship with the locking arrangement example of Fig. 4A and 4C; Fig. 10B is a top view of a plug according to the example of Fig. 10A, in spatial relationship with the locking arrangement example of Fig. 4B and 4D.

[0057] Fig. 11A is an isometric top / side view of the example of Fig. 10A; Fig. 11B is an isometric top / side view of the example of Fig. 10B.

[0058] Fig. 12 is an isometric top / side view of a kit according to an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, including the valve example of Fig. 3 and the plug example of Fig. lOA to 11B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Referring to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3, a ventilation valve (also referred to interchangeably herein as a venting valve, a vent valve, or a valve) according to a first example of the presently disclosed subject matter, generally designated 100, comprises a valve housing 120, a valve element 160, an actuator arrangement 200, and a locking arrangement 300.

[0060] The valve 100, in particular the valve housing 120, has a fluid inlet 102 and a fluid outlet 104. For example, the fluid inlet 102 can be coupled to a fuel tank, and the fluid outlet 104 can be open to the atmosphere or connected to a vapor treating device (for example a carbon cannister) for example, enabling selectively venting the tank via the valve 100.

[0061] The housing 120 defines a valve seat 165 that selectively cooperates with the valve element 160 to open or close fluid passage therethrough. The valve seat 165 and the valve element 160 are disposed intermediate between the fluid inlet 102 and the fluid outlet 104.

[0062] A selectively and alternately closeable and openable fluid passage FP is defined between the fluid inlet 102 and the fluid outlet 104, intermediately passing through valve seat 165.

[0063] As will become clearer herein, the valve 100 has, and is operable between, an open configuration OC, a closed configuration CC, and a locked configuration LC.

[0064] The valve element 160 is reciprocably mounted with respect to the valve housing 120 along a valve longitudinal axis (also interchangeably referred to herein as the valve axis) LA, and movable between a first axial position Pl and a second axial position P2.

[0065] Referring to Fig. 1, in the first axial position Pl the valve 100 is in the open configuration OC, thereby opening the fluid passage FP though the valve 100, and thereby allowing venting of fluids through the ventilation valve 100.

[0066] Referring to Fig. 2, in the second axial position P2 the valve 100 is in the closed configuration CC, in which the fluid passage FP is closed and thereby prevents venting of fluids through the venting valve 100. Thus the valve seat 165 selectively cooperates with the valve element 160 to thereby open or close the fluid passage FP, in the open configuration OC or the closed configuration CC, respectively.

[0067] In the open configuration OC, the valve element 160 is axially spaced from the valve seat 165 by a spacing SP that corresponds to the axial spacing between the first axial position Pl and the second axial position P2, thereby opening the fluid passage FP.

[0068] In the closed configuration CC, the valve element 160 is sealingly abutting the valve seat 165, thereby closing the fluid passage FP.

[0069] The actuator arrangement 200 comprises an actuator 210 and a biasing spring 240. The actuator 210 is coupled to the valve element 160 and is operative when actuated to displace the valve element 160 to the first axial position Pl to thereby open the valve 100, while the biasing spring 240 is coupled to the valve element 160 such as to thereby urge the valve element 160 to the second axial position P2 when the actuator 200 is not being operated, i.e., when no electrical power is being supplied to the actuator 200, to thereby close the valve 100. Thus, the actuator 200 provides a "normally closed" configuration to the valve, 100.

[0070] However, in at least some alternative variations of this example, the respective actuator can instead have a normally open configuration, in which the respective actuator is coupled to the valve element and is operative when actuated to displace the respective valve element to the second axial position thereby closing the valve, while the respective biasing spring is coupled to the valve element such as to thereby urge the valve element to the first axial position when the actuator is not being operated, i.e., when no electrical power is being supplied to the actuator, to thereby open the valve.

[0071] The actuator arrangement 200 is thus operable during normal operation of the valve 100 to selectively open the valve 100 (to thereby open the fluid passage FP) and to selectively close the valve 100 (to thereby close the fluid passage FP).

[0072] By "normal operation" is meant operation of the valve to fully open or fully close the valve 100 between the open configuration OC and the closed configuration CC, to thereby fully open or fully close, respectively, the fluid passage FP, for example to open the valve 100 just prior to and during refueling of the tank, and to close the valve 100 after refueling. Such "normal operation" is responsive to the actuator arrangement 200 being electrically actuated via electrical energy from an electrical power source, for example a car battery. Normal operation of the valve is to be distinguished from operation of the valve 100 in the locked configuration LC, in which the valve 100 is maintained mechanically locked in a partially open position at least until first "normal operation" of the actuator arrangement to open the valve via electrical actuation, as will become clearer herein.

[0073] Thus, in at least this example, during normal operation of the valve 100, the valve 100 has a normally closed configuration. In other words, in the absence of any electrical energy being applied to actuate the actuator arrangement 200, the actuator arrangement 200 automatically closes, and remains closed until the actuator arrangement 200 is electrically actuated.

[0074] The actuator 210 is an electrically actuated actuator, and at least in this example comprises a solenoid 220 fixedly housed in the housing 120The actuator 210 also comprises an armature 250 reciprocably movable with respect to the solenoid 220 responsive to the solenoid being electrically energized. The armature 250 is coupled to a piston member 167, which in turn carries the valve element 160.

[0075] Thus, in normal operation of the valve 100 when the solenoid is electrically energized, the armature 250, piston member 167, and the valve element 160 are together displaced as a unit along the longitudinal axis LA from the second axial position P2 to the first axial position Pl, thereby transitioning the valve 100 from the closed configuration CC to the open configuration OC. Conversely, when electrical power to the solenoid 220 is terminated, the biasing spring 240 returns the armature 250, piston member 166, and the valve element 160 together to the first position Pl as a unit, thereby transitioning the valve 100 from the open configuration OC to the closed configuration CC. Thus, in normal operation of the valve 100, transitioning the valve 100 from the closed configuration CC to the open configuration OC compresses the biasing spring 240 and thereby storing potential energy, which is released when electrical power to the solenoid 220 is terminated, thereby causing the valve 100 to transition from the open configuration OC to the closed configuration CC. In at least some alternative variations of this example, the solenoid can instead be affixed to the piston member and the valve element, while the armature is fixedly mounted to the housing.

[0076] In at least this example, the valve 100 further includes an over pressure release arrangement (also interchangeably referred to herein as an OPR arrangement) 190, which operates independently of the actuator arrangement 200, and which provides automatic pressure release when the valve is subject to predetermined over pressure conditions. However, in at least some alternative variations of these examples, the OPR arrangement can be omitted.

[0077] In at least this example, the OPR arrangement 190 comprises a flexible annular diaphragm 192, and the valve seat 165 is movably coupled to the housing 120 via the diaphragm 192. The OPR arrangement 190 comprises a through opening or aperture 166, which operates as a fluid port. The OPR arrangement 190 further comprises a OPR biasing spring 194 that biases the valve seat against the housing under conditions other than the predetermined over pressure conditions. However, in the predetermined over pressure conditions, the OPR arrangement displaces the valve seat 165 in an upward direction (in the views shown in Figs. 1 and Fig. 2) thereby allowing over pressure venting via the OPR arrangement 190. Under normal operation of the valve 100, the OPR valve 190 is in a normally closed configuration.

[0078] In at least some alternative variations of the above examples in which the respective vent valve omits the OPR valve, the respective valve seat is immovably affixed with respect to the respective housing.

[0079] As will become clearer herein, the locking arrangement 300 is configured for selectively locking the valve element 160 in the locked configuration LC, in which the valve element 160 is in an at least partially open position in which the fluid passage FP is correspondingly at least partially open, thereby allowing venting through the ventilation valve 100. The locking arrangement comprises a first locking element 310 affixed to the valve element 160 and a second locking element 360 affixed to the valve housing 120. The first locking element 310 and the second locking element 360 are rotatable and axially displaceable with respect to one another between the locked configuration LC and the unlocked configuration UC. In the unlocked configuration UC the valve element 160 is movable between the first axial position Pl and the second axial position P2 (in at least this example, under the action of the actuator arrangement 200), whilst in the locked configuration LC the valve element 100 is fixed in an at least partially open position, allowing venting therethrough.

[0080] Referring also to Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, the locking arrangement 300 is configured for selectively providing the locked configuration, LC, in which the valve element 160 is selectively locked in at least a partially open position and spaced from the valve seat 165, and in which the fluid passage FP is at least partially open to thereby allowing venting through the ventilation valve 100.

[0081] As will become clearer here, the locking arrangement 300 is configured for selectively transitioning the valve 100 between the locked configuration LC and an unlocked configuration UC.

[0082] In the locked configuration LC, the locking arrangement 300 blocks and prevents any reciprocal movement, or any axial movement, of the valve element 160 with respect to the valve housing 120. Concurrently, the valve element 160 is locked in the aforesaid at least partially open position in which the fluid passage FP is at least partially open to thereby allowing venting through the ventilation valve 100.

[0083] The unlocked configuration UC essentially corresponds to normal operation of the valve 100, in which the locking arrangement 300 allows normal operation of the valve 100, and thus allows the valve element 160 to be displaced with respect to the valve housing 120 to selectively open or close the fluid passage FP, responsive to operation of the actuator arrangement 200, between the open configuration OC and the closed configuration CC.

[0084] Thus, in the unlocked configuration UC the valve element 160 is movable between the first axial position Pl and the second axial position P2, whereas in the locked configuration LC the valve element 160 is fixed in an at least partially open position.

[0085] In at least this example, and as disclosed above, the locking arrangement 300 comprises the first locking element 310 and second locking element 360, the first locking element 310 being affixed to the valve element 160, and the second locking element 360 being affixed to the valve housing 120. Thus when the valve element 160 is displaced between the first axial position Pl and the second axial position P2, i.e., between the open configuration OC and the closed configuration CC, the first locking element 310 concurrently moves with the valve element 160 as a unit, axially between the first axial position Pl and the second axial position P2. At the same time, the second locking element 360 remains fixed in position with respect to the housing 120.

[0086] Thus, in at least this example, the first locking element 310 and the second locking element 360 move axially with respect to one another in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis LA.

[0087] Furthermore, in at least this example, the first locking element 310 and the second locking element 360 are telescopically movable with respect to one another along the longitudinal axis LA, such that respective axial portions of the first locking element 310 second locking element 360 overlap axially in each one of the open configuration OC, the closed configuration CC, and the locked configuration LC.

[0088] In at least this example, the first locking element 310 comprises a first wall 320 projecting in a downward direction (as seen in the views of Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) from the valve element 160, i.e., projecting in a direction towards the second locking element 360. In at least this example, the first wall is a peripheral wall, extending 360° around the longitudinal axis LA. While in at least this example, the first wall 320 is generally cylindrical, in at least some alternative variations of this example, the respective first wall can have any suitable shape, for example multi-faceted and circumscribable by a cylindrical surface.

[0089] In at least this example the first locking element 310 comprises a plurality of lateral openings 325 through the cylindrical wall 320, providing free fluid communication between the inside and outside of the first locking element 310.

[0090] In at least this example, the second locking element 360 comprises a second wall 380. In at least this example, the second wall is a peripheral wall, extending 360° around the longitudinal axis LA. While in at least this example, the second wall 380 is generally cylindrical, in at least some alternative variations of this example, the respective second wall can have any suitable shape, for example multi-faceted and circumscribable by a cylindrical surface. In at least this example, the first locking element 310 and the second locking element 360 are concentric with one another and coaxial with respect to the longitudinal axis LA.

[0091] In at least this example, the second locking element 360 is partially nested within the first locking element 310, in each one of the open configuration OC, the closed configuration CC, and the locked configuration LC, and thus the internal diameter of the second locking element 360 is greater than the external diameter of the first locking element 310. However, in at least some alternative variations of these examples, the respective first locking element is at least partially nested within the respective second locking element.

[0092] The second locking element 360 has an anchoring portion 362 configured for fixedly mounting the second locking element 360 with respect to the housing 120.

[0093] In at least this example the first locking element 310 and the second locking element 360 are selectively rotatable with respect to one another between the locked configuration LC and the unlocked configuration UC, about the longitudinal axis LA. In at least this example, the second locking element 360 is fixedly attached to the housing 120, and thus the first locking element 310 is selectively rotatable with respect to the second locking element 360 and thus with respect to the housing 120, as will become clearer herein.

[0094] The locking arrangement 300 further comprises a cam arrangement 350 that selectively operates to transition the locking arrangement 300 between the locked configuration LC and the unlocked configuration UC.

[0095] The cam arrangement 350 comprises a cam element 354 and a cam follower 358 coupled with respect to one another.

[0096] In at least this example, the first locking element 310 comprises the cam follower 358, while the second locking element 360 comprises the cam element 354. However, in at least some alternative variations of these examples, the respective first locking element comprises the cam element, while the respective second locking element comprises the cam follower. The cam follower 358 is in the form of a barrel cam or drum cam, in at least this example.

[0097] In at least this example, the cam follower 358 comprises a pin 359 radially projecting inwardly from the cylindrical wall 320, as best seem in Fig. 6 A and Fig. 6B. Also in at least this example, the cam element 354 comprises a cutout 356 in the second wall 380, as best seen in Fig. 5 A and Fig. 5B. The cutout 356 has a cutout edge 357 that defines a cam path 351 for the cam follower 358 or pin 359.

[0098] In operation of the locking arrangement 300, the cam follower 358 or pin 359 engages with the cutout edge 357 or cam path 351, following the contour of the cam path 351 and thus causing the first locking element 310 to rotate and / or translate with respect to the second locking element 360, as will become clearer herein.

[0099] Referring to Fig. 7, the cam path 351 comprises a plurality of cam path portions, including a first cam path portion 362 and a second cam path portion 366. The first cam path portion 362 and the second cam path portion 366 are non-parallel with respect to one another.

[0100] The first cam path portion 362 corresponds to the unlocked configuration UC and allows the valve element to be moved between the first axial position Pl and the second axial position P2. The second cam path portion 366 corresponds to the locked configuration LC and prevents the valve element to be moved between the first axial position Pl and the second axial position P2.

[0101] Fig. 7 illustrates a portion of the second locking element 360 including the cam path 351, in which the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical wall 380 has been projected onto a flat plane. In Fig. 7, then, relative pivoting movement between the first locking element 310 and the second locking element 360 about the longitudinal axis LA is represented by displacements along the X-axis, whereas axial displacement between the first locking element 310 and the second locking element 360 along the longitudinal axis LA is represented by displacements along the Y-axis.

[0102] The first cam path portion 362 is rectilinear and parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. Thus, when the cam follower 358 or pin 359 is in abutment with the first cam path portion 362, the first cam path portion 362 only allows the cam follower 358 or pin 359 to translate in either direction along the Y axis, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis LA, i.e., up or down as viewed in Fig. 7. Concurrently, since the cam follower 358 or pin 359 is affixed to the first locking element 310 (which is coupled to the valve element 160) and the first cam path portion 362 is comprised in the second locking element 360 (which is affixed to the housing 120), the first locking element 310 (and thus also the valve element 160) are also displaced along the longitudinal axis LA in the same manner.

[0103] The length LC of the first cam path portion 362 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA is at least equal to, or can be greater than, the axial spacing SP between the first position Pl and the second position P2.

[0104] Thus, in the unlocked configuration UC, the cam follower 358 or pin 359 is associated with the first cam path portion 362, and the locking arrangement 300 including the cam arrangement 350 do not interfere with the normal of operation of the valve 100, in which the valve element 160 is closed or opened with respect to the valve seat 165, transitioning between the closed configuration CC and open configuration OC, under operation of the actuator arrangement 200.

[0105] The second cam path portion 366 is configured for selectively trapping the cam follower 358 or pin 359 in the locked configuration LC under predetermined conditions. In at least this example the second cam path portion 366 comprises an (inverted) well portion 367, having an opening 367B and inverted U-shaped side walls 367A.

[0106] The well portion 367 is sized to capture the cam follower 358 or pin 359 therein in an upward direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA, i.e., towards the valve seat 165 and away from the second locking element 360. In particular, the well portion 367 is in the form of an inverted U-shaped slot, the opening 367B at the bottom end thereof allowing entry and exit with respect thereto by the cam follower 358 or pin 359. The U-shaped side wall 367A of the well portion 367 is closed at the top end, preventing the cam follower 358 or pin 359 to travel further upwards. The U-shaped side wall 367A also has a width correlated to at least (or can be greater than) the width or diameter of the cam follower 358 or pin 359, such as to allow easy sliding in and out of the cam follower 358 or pin 359 with respect to the slot-shaped well portion 367 but at the same time provides limited lateral movement within the slot-shaped well portion 367. For example the width of the U-shaped side wall 367A can be up to 100% greater than the width or diameter of the cam follower 358 or pin 359, for example between 10% and 100% greater than the width or diameter of the cam follower 358 or pin 359. In the locked configuration LC, in which the cam follower 358 or pin 359 is captured in the well portion 367, the cam follower 358 or pin 359 is at a third axial position P3 intermediate between the first axial position Pl and the second axial position P2, thereby partially displacing the valve element 160 away from the valve seat 165 by a partial spacing PSP that is less than spacing SP. The partial spacing PSP is nonetheless sufficient to partially open the fluid passage FP and thus allow venting via the valve 100 when the electrical system, and thus the actuator arrangement 200, are not yet operative.

[0107] Essentially, the well portion 367 is sized and shaped such as to prevent any exclusively pivotal or rotational movement about the longitudinal axis LA (i.e., displacement along the X-axis in Fig. 7) between cam follower 358 or pin 359 and the well portion 367, such as would be expected to result in returning the cam follower 358 or pin 359 to abut against the first cam path portion 362. Rather, the cam follower 358 or pin 359 can only be released from the well portion 367 and allowed to return to the first cam path portion 362 responsive to the provision of an axial force towards the second locking element, in particular by providing such an axial force in the opposite direction to the restoring force provided by the biasing spring 240, as will become clearer herein.

[0108] The cam path 351 also comprises two slanted cam path portions 368, 369, disposed on either side of the well portion 367, and also comprises a horizontal portion 361.

[0109] The two slanted cam path portions 368, 369 are slanting in opposite directions with respect to one another. Thus, in Fig. 7, the first slanted cam path portion 368 has a positive slope, while the second slanted cam path portion 369 has a negative slope. in at least this example, the horizontal portion 361 runs generally orthogonally with respect to the first cam path portion 362, and interconnects a bottom end of the first cam path portion 362 with a bottom end of the first slanted cam path portion 368. The top end of the first slanted cam path portion 368 is connected to one arm or bottom end 367C of the U- shaped wall 367A.

[0110] The bottom end of the second slanted cam path portion 369 is connected to other arm or bottom end 367D of the U-shaped wall 367A. In at least this example, the top end of the second slanted cam path portion 369 is laterally opposite the top end of the first cam path portion 362, defining therebetween a cam path opening 363. Thus, the first cam path portion 362, horizontal portion 361, first slanted cam path portion 368, well portion 367, and second slanted cam path portion 369 are serially connected to provide the open-looped cam path 351. In at least this example, each one of the first cam path portion 362, horizontal portion 361, first slanted cam path portion 368, well portion 367, and second slanted cam path portion 369 is nominally rectilinear (in the projected view of Fig. 7). However, in at least some alternative variations of these examples, one or more of each one of the respective first cam path portion, the respective horizontal portion, the respective first slanted cam path portion, the respective well portion, and the respective second slanted cam path portion is non-rectilinear for example curved, for example convexly or concavely, or for example each including a combination of convex and / or concave and / or rectilinear parts.

[0111] The cam path opening 363 is sized to allow the cam follower 358 or pin 359 to be inserted into the cutout 356 in an axial direction during assembly of the first locking element 310 with respect to the second locking element 360. However, in at least some alternative variations of the above examples, the respective cam path can be in the form of a closed loop, in which the respective cam path opening is in fact closed by another cam path portion spanning the top end of the respective second slanted cam path portion and the top end of the respective first cam path portion; in such an example the respective cam follower or pin can be inserted within the cam path by snap-fitting, for example.

[0112] In at least this example, the valve does not include any active biasing arrangement, for example a spring or other resilient element, to maintain the cam follower 358 or pin 359 in abutment with the first cam path portion 362 in the unlocked configuration UC, when the valve 100 is transition between the open configuration OC and the closed configuration CC. Nevertheless, if while in the unlocked configuration UC, for any reason the first locking element 310 and the second locking element 360 pivot with respect to one another about the longitudinal axis LA, such that the cam follower 358 or pin 359 moves laterally away and out of abutment with the first cam path portion 362, one or the other of the two slanted cam path portions 368, 369 can cooperate with the cam follower 358 or pin 359, essentially overshooting the well portion 367, to allow transition between the open configuration OC and the closed configuration CC. For example, and referring to Fig. 8A, in normal operation of the valve 100 in which the actuator 200 is activated to transition the valve 100 from the closed configuration CC to the open configuration OC, the cam follower 358 or pin 359 is in an angularly (laterally - as seen in this figure) displaced position (i.e., position Al) away from the first cam path portion 362. When the actuator arrangement 200 is activated the valve element 160 is displaced downwards, concurrently displacing the cam follower 358 or pin 359 from the second axial position P2 towards the first axial position Pl. If for any reason there is any concurrent relative pivoting about the longitudinal axis LA between the first locking element 310 and the second locking element 360 towards the right (as seen in Fig. 8A), the cam follower 358 or pin 359 can be displaced laterally towards the first slanted cam path portion 368 and abuts thereon. After this, as the first locking element 310 is displaced downwards, the cam follower 358 or pin 359 can follow the slanted path of the first slanted cam path portion 368 to position A2, then to position A3 on the second slanted cam path portion 369, and then along the corresponding slanted surface to the final position A4 at the first axial position Pl.

[0113] Similarly, and referring to Fig. 8B, in normal operation of the valve 100 in which the actuator 200 is deactivated to enable transition the valve 100 from the open configuration OC to the closed configuration CC, the cam follower 358 or pin 359 is in a laterally displaced position (position Bl) away from the first cam path portion 362. When the actuator 200 is deactivated the valve element 160 is displaced upwards under the action of the biasing spring 240, concurrently displacing the cam follower 358 or pin 359 from the first axial position Pl towards the second axial position P2. If for any reason there is any concurrent relative pivoting about the longitudinal axis LA between the first locking element 310 and the second locking element 360, the cam follower 358 or pin 359 can be displaced laterally towards the second slanted cam path portion 369 and can optionally abut thereon. After this, as the first locking element 310 is displaced upwards, the cam follower 358 or pin 359 can simply be displaced upwards (or optionally follows part of the slanted path of the second slanted cam path portion 369) to position B2 on the first slanted cam path portion 368, and then along the corresponding slanted surface to the final position B3 at the second axial position P2. Such limited lateral displacements of the cam follower 358 or pin 359 away from the first cam path portion 362 can sometimes occur, for example due to vibrations or other movements of the vehicle in which the valve is installed.

[0114] In at least some alternative variations of these examples, the valve can include any active biasing arrangement, for example a torsion spring, to bias and maintain the cam follower 358 or pin 359 in abutment with the first cam path portion 362 in the unlocked configuration UC, when the valve 100 is in transition between the open configuration OC and the closed configuration CC.

[0115] In order to transition the valve to the locked configuration LC, and referring to Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, the valve 100 is initially in the "normally" closed configuration CC, in which the actuator arrangement 200 is not activated, and the biasing spring 240 urges the valve element 160 against the valve seat 165. According to the aforesaid predetermined conditions, the first locking element 310 and the second locking element 360 are then manually rotated with respect to one another about the longitudinal axis LA in one direction so as to displace the cam follower 358 or pin 359 away from the first cam path portion 362 and towards the well portion 367 (i.e. along the X axis from left to right in Fig. 7). This manual pivoting can be accomplished by applying a first force Fl to the first locking element 310 generally orthogonal to a radius projecting from the longitudinal axis LA. To facilitate this force application, and referring again to Fig. 4A to Fig. 6B, the first locking element 310 comprises a pair of diametrically disposed radial wings 392, 394. The radial wings 392, 394 are in the form of small plates or tabs radially projecting away from the outer surface of second wall 380. Furthermore, and as can be best seen in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3, one of the two radial wings 392, 394 is located close to, in particular opposite to, the fluid inlet 102. In at least some alternative variations of these examples, the first locking element comprises one radially disposed radial wing, or more than two radial wings.

[0116] Referring also to Fig. 10A, Fig. 10B, Fig. 11 A, Fig. 1 IB and Fig. 12, this first force Fl can be applied via a plug member 400.

[0117] Thus, and referring to Fig. 12 for example, according to an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a kit 1400, comprising the ventilation valve 100 and plug member 400. The plug member 400 is generally elongate, having a distal end 420 and a proximal end 440 longitudinally spaced from one another along the plug longitudinal axis PA. Referring in particular to Fig. 12, the plug is insertable into the housing 120 of the valve 100 via the fluid inlet 102, such that the distal end 420 penetrates into the housing 120, while the proximal end 440 remains outside of the housing 120.

[0118] In the unlocked configuration UC prior to locking the valve 100, and referring in particular to Fig. 10A and Fig. 11 A, the proximal end 440 is close to or just abutting one of the two radial wings 392, 394 (in this example, the radial wing 392), but without applying any significant force thereto. In this position, the first locking element 310 is at a first angular disposition (angle al) relative to the second locking element 360 about the longitudinal axis LA. To apply the required first force Fl, and referring in particular to Fig. 10B and Fig. 1 IB, the plug 400 is pushed further into the housing 120 via the fluid inlet 102, along the plug longitudinal axis PA, thereby pushing against the respective radial wing 392, and thus inducing a pivoting moment to the first locking element 310 about the longitudinal axis LA, thereby rotating the first locking element 310 to close to the maximum second angular disposition (angle a2) relative to the second locking element 360.

[0119] Concurrently with applying the first force Fl via the plug 400, a second force F2 is also applied to the first locking element 310, in a longitudinal direction towards the second locking element 360, thereby axially displacing the first locking element 310 away from the second axial position P2 and towards the first axial position Pl, but not all the way to the first axial position Pl. Rather, and as best seen in Fig. 9 A, as the first force Fl and the second force F2 are applied to the first locking element 310, the cam follower 358 or pin 359 is displaced downwards and sidewards towards the second slanted cam path portion 369, abuts onto the second slanted cam path portion 369, continues to slide over the second slanted cam path portion 369 in a general downwards and sidewards direction, overshoots the well portion 367, and continues towards and abuts onto the first slanted cam path portion 368, at an angular (lateral) displacement close to the maximum second angle a2.

[0120] At this point no further axial displacement in the downwards direction is possible, since abutment of the cam follower 358 or pin 359 on the first slanted cam path portion 368 generates a reaction force having a force component in the opposite direction to the first force Fl. Thus, the first force Fl, which continues to act on the first locking element 310 and thus on the cam follower 358 or pin 359, effectively resists (via abutment of the cam follower 358 or pin 359 on the first slanted cam path portion 368) any movement in the opposite direction as would reduce the angular (lateral) displacement to below the second angle «2.

[0121] At this point, and referring to Fig. 9B, the second force F2 is terminated, and the biasing spring 240 automatically applies a restoring force F3 to the valve element 160 in the opposite direction to the former second force F2, and thus to the first locking element 310 and thus on the cam follower 358 or pin 359. As a result, and in view that the first force Fl is still being applied, the cam follower 358 or pin 359 is displaced upwardly, while in abutting contact with the first slanted cam path portion 368. This also allows the first locking element 310 and thus on the cam follower 358 or pin 359, to pivot further to the maximum second angle «2, thereby transporting the cam follower 358 or pin 359 into the well portion 367, and thereby transiting the valve 100 to the locked configuration LC.

[0122] The axial second force F2 can be applied manually, for example by inserting a suitable tool such as for example a plunger or other probe, into the fluid outlet 104, through opening 166 in the valve seat 165, such as to abut the valve element 160.

[0123] Alternatively, the valve 100 can be electrically connected to a suitable electrical power supply, and the actuator arrangement 200 is electrically activated such as to displace the valve element 160 away from the valve seat 165, thereby providing the required second force F2. The actuator arrangement 200 can then be deactivated when the cam follower 358 or pin 359 is in abutting contact with the first slanted cam path portion 368, and the cam follower 358 or pin 359 is subsequently is captured the well portion 367, as before.

[0124] Once the cam follower 358 or pin 359 is located within the well portion 367, the biasing spring 240 continues to apply the restoring force F3 to the valve element 160, and thus to the first locking element 310, and thus on the cam follower 358 or pin 359. Accordingly, the cam follower 358 or pin 359 is trapped, i.e. immobilized, within the well portion 367, until such time as the actuator arrangement 200 is first actuated, thereby pushing against the biasing spring 240.

[0125] In normal operation, the valve 100 is handled, including transportation and / or storage, in the locked configuration LC, at least up until installation in the vehicle. Until this point, the plug 400 can be maintained inserted in the fluid inlet 102. In at least this example, the plug 400 includes a cantilevered locking arm 450 having a free end 455 that snap fits over an external flange 130 provided externally on the fluid inlet 102, as best seen in Fig. 12.

[0126] Once the valve 100 is connected to the electrical system of the vehicle, and the plug 400 is removed, and the fluid inlet 102 and fluid outlet 104 are coupled to the fuel tank and vent port / carbon canister, respectively, the valve 100 can be transitioned to the unlocked configuration LC by activating the actuator arrangement 200. Such actuation applies a downward force on the cam follower 358 or pin 359, forcing the cam follower 358 or pin 359 out of the well portion 367 and into abutting contact with the first slanted cam path portion 368. As the first force Fl is no longer present (since the plug 400 was previously removed and it is no longer possible to apply the first force Fl) the cam follower 358 or pin 359 continues to slide over the first slanted cam path portion 368 until it reaches the first axial position Pl, and remains there in the open configuration OC, until the actuator arrangement 200 is deactivated. At this point the first locking arrangement 310 has pivoted back to the first angle al or close thereto.

[0127] Thus, when the actuator arrangement 200 is deactivated, the biasing spring 240 applies a restoring force F3 to the valve element 160, and thus to the first locking element 310 and thus on the cam follower 358 or pin 359. The cam follower 358 or pin 359 is then displaced upwards, either via the first cam path portion 362, or via the first slanted cam path portion 368 and the second slanted cam path portion 369 (for example as disclosed above with reference to Fig. 8B), thereby transiting the valve to the closed configuration CC.

[0128] After this point the valve 100 remains in the unlocked configuration UC, allowing normal operation of the valve 100 between the open configuration OC and the closed configuration CC, until such time, if at all, a user actively transits the valve to the locked configuration LC as disclosed herein.

[0129] Finally, it should be noted that the word “comprising” as used throughout the appended claims is to be interpreted to mean “including but not limited to”. While there has been shown and disclosed examples in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter, it will be appreciated that many changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter as set out in the claims.

Claims

1. CLAIMS:

1. A ventilation valve defining a selectively and alternately closeable and openable fluid passage therethrough, comprising: a valve housing defining a valve seat; a valve element reciprocably mounted with respect to the valve seat along a valve axis, and selectively movable between a first axial position and a second axial position, wherein the first axial position defines a closed configuration in which the fluid passage is closed and thereby preventing venting through the venting valve, and wherein the second axial position defines an open configuration in which the fluid passage is open thereby allowing venting through the ventilation valve; an actuator arrangement coupled to the valve element, the actuator arrangement operative to selectively displace the valve element between the first axial position and the second axial position, to thereby transition the valve element between the closed configuration and the open configuration; a locking arrangement for selectively transiting the valve between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein in the locked configuration the valve element is locked in at least a partially open position in which the fluid passage is at least partially open thereby allowing venting through the ventilation valve, the locking arrangement comprising a first locking element affixed to the valve element and a second locking element affixed to the valve housing, the first locking element and the second locking element being rotatable and axially displaceable with respect to one another between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, wherein in the unlocked configuration the valve element is selectively movable between the first axial position and the second axial position via operation of the actuator arrangement; the locking arrangement further comprising a cam arrangement comprising a cam and a cam follower, wherein one of the first locking element and second locking element comprises the cam and the other one of the first locking element and second locking element comprises the cam follower, the cam follower being coupled with respect to the cam; the cam defining a first cam passage corresponding to the unlocked configuration and which allows the valve element to be selectively displacedbetween the first axial position and the second axial position via operation of the actuator arrangement, and a second cam passage corresponding to the locked configuration and in which the second cam passage prevents the valve element from being displaced between the first axial position and the second axial position absent actuation of the actuator arrangement.

2. The ventilation valve according to claim 1 , comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein the valve seat and the valve element are disposed intermediate between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and wherein the fluid passage is defined between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, intermediately passing through valve seat.

3. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein in the locked configuration, the locking arrangement operates to block and prevent axial movement of the valve element with respect to the valve housing, and wherein concurrently, the valve element is locked in the at least partially open position in which the fluid passage is at least partially open to thereby allowing venting through the ventilation valve.

4. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first locking element and the second locking element are telescopically movable with respect to one another along the valve axis, such that respective axial portions of the first locking element second locking element overlap axially in each one of the open configuration, the closed configuration, and the locked configuration.

5. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first locking element comprises a first wall projecting in a direction towards the second locking element.

6. The ventilation valve according to claim 5, wherein the first wall is generally cylindrical.

7. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the first locking element comprises a plurality of lateral openings through the first wall to thereby provide free fluid communication between an inside and an outside of the first locking element.

8. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second locking element comprises a second wall.

9. The ventilation valve according to claim 8, wherein the second wall is generally cylindrical.

10. The ventilation valve according to any one claims 1 to 9, wherein the first locking element and the second locking element are concentric with one another and coaxial with respect to the valve axis.

11. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein one of the second locking element and the first locking element is partially nested within the other one of the first locking element and the second locking element, in each one of the open configuration, the closed configuration, and the locked configuration.

12. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second locking element comprises an anchoring portion configured for fixedly mounting the second locking element with respect to the housing.

13. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first locking element and the second locking element are selectively rotatable with respect to one another between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, about the valve axis.

14. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second locking element is fixedly attached to the housing, and wherein the first locking element is selectively rotatable with respect to each one of the second locking element and the housing.

15. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cam element and the cam follower are coupled with respect to one another.

16. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first locking element comprises the cam follower, and wherein the second locking element comprises the cam element.

17. The ventilation valve according to claim 16, wherein the cam follower comprises a pin radially projecting inwardly from the second wall.

18. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first locking element comprises the cam element, and wherein the second locking element comprises the cam follower.

19. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the cam element comprises a cutout in the second wall, and wherein the cutout comprises a cutout edge defining a cam path for the cam follower.

20. The ventilation valve according to claim 19, wherein the cam path comprises a plurality of cam path portions, including a first cam path portion and a second cam path portion, wherein the first cam path portion and the second cam path portion are non-parallel with respect to one another.

21. The ventilation valve according to claim 20, wherein the first cam path portion corresponds to the unlocked configuration and allows the valve element to be moved between the first axial position and the second axial position.

22. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 20 to 21, wherein the second cam path portion corresponds to the locked configuration, and prevents the valve element from being moved between the first axial position and the second axial position.

23. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the first cam path portion is rectilinear and parallel to the valve axis, such that when the cam follower is in abutment with the first cam path portion, the first cam path portion only allows the cam follower in a direction parallel to the valve axis.

24. The ventilation valve according to claim 23, wherein a length of the first cam path portion in a direction parallel to the valve axis is at least equal to a first axial spacing between the first position and the second position.

25. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein in the unlocked configuration, the cam follower is associated with the first cam path portion, and the locking arrangement including the cam arrangement do not interfere with normal of operation of the ventilation valve, wherein in said normal operation of the ventilation valve the valve element is alternately closed or opened with respect to the valve seat, therebytransitioning the ventilation valve between the closed configuration and open configuration, under operation of the actuator arrangement.

26. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the second cam path portion is configured for selectively trapping the cam follower in the locked configuration under predetermined conditions.

27. The ventilation valve according to claim 26, wherein the second cam path portion comprises a well portion, the well portion comprising an opening and inverted U-shaped side walls.

28. The ventilation valve according to claim 27, wherein the well portion is sized to capture the cam follower therein in a direction parallel to the valve axis, towards the valve seat and away from the second locking element.

29. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 27 to 28, wherein the well portion is in the form of an inverted U-shaped slot, the opening being at the bottom end thereof and allowing entry and exit with respect thereto by the cam follower.

30. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the U-shaped side wall of the well portion is closed at a top end of the well portion, thereby preventing the cam follower to travel further upwards.

31. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the U-shaped side wall has a width correlated to at least a width of the cam follower, such as to facilitate sliding in and out of the cam follower with respect to the slot-shaped well portion, and concurrently provides limited lateral movement within the slot-shaped well portion.

32. The ventilation valve according to claim 31 , wherein said width of the U-shaped side wall is between 10% and 100% greater than a width of the cam follower.

33. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein in the locked configuration the cam follower is captured in the well portion, and the cam follower is at a third axial position intermediate between the first axial position and the second axial position, thereby partially displacing the valve element away from the valve seat by a partial spacing that is less than aid first spacing, wherein the partial spacing is sufficient to partiallyopen the fluid passage and thereby allow venting via the ventilation valve when the actuator arrangement is not yet operative.

34. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein the well portion is sized and shaped such as to prevent any exclusively rotational movement about the valve axis between cam follower and the well portion, such as would be expected to result in returning the cam follower to abut against the first cam path portion.

35. The ventilation valve according to claim 34, wherein the cam follower is released from the well portion and allowed to return to the first cam path portion, only responsive to the provision of an axial force towards the second locking element.

36. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 27 to 35, wherein the cam path further comprises a first slanted cam path portion and a second slanted cam path portion, each disposed on either side of the well portion.

37. The ventilation valve according to claim 36, wherein the first slanted cam path portion and the second slanted cam path portion are slanting in opposite directions with respect to one another.

38. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 36 to 37, wherein the cam path further comprises a horizontal portion interconnecting a bottom end of the first cam path portion with a bottom end of the first slanted cam path portion.

39. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein a top end of the first slanted cam path portion is connected to one arm of the U-shaped wall.

40. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein a bottom end of the second slanted cam path portion is connected to another arm of the U-shaped wall.

41. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 36 to 40, wherein a top end of the second slanted cam path portion is laterally opposite a top end of the first cam path portion, defining therebetween a cam path opening.

42. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the first cam path portion, the horizontal portion, the first slanted cam path portion, the well portion, andthe second slanted cam path portion are serially connected to provide the open-looped cam path.

43. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 41 to 42, wherein the cam path opening is sized to allow the cam follower to be inserted into the cutout in an axial direction during assembly of the first locking element with respect to the second locking element.

44. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 20 to 43 , wherein the ventilation valve has an absence of any active biasing arrangement to maintain the cam follower in abutment with the first cam path portion in the unlocked configuration.

45. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein the actuator arrangement comprises an actuator and a biasing spring, the actuator being coupled to the valve element and operative when actuated to displace the valve element to one of the first axial position or the second axial position, the biasing spring being coupled to the valve element such as to thereby urge the valve element towards the other one of the first axial position or the second axial position absent actuation of the actuator.

46. The ventilation valve according to claim 45, wherein the actuator is an electrical actuated actuator.

47. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 26 to 46, wherein with the ventilation valve initially in the closed configuration and the actuator arrangement not activated, said predetermined conditions include the first locking element and the second locking element being manually rotated with respect to one another about the valve axis in one direction such as to displace the cam follower away from the first cam path portion and towards the well portion.

48. The ventilation valve according to claim 47, wherein the manual pivoting is accomplished by applying a first force to the first locking element generally orthogonal to a radius projecting from the valve axis.

49. The ventilation valve according to claim 48, wherein the first locking element comprises at least one radial wing to facilitate applying the first force application.

50. The ventilation valve according to claim 49, wherein each said wing is in the form of a small plate radially projecting away from an outer surface of second wall.

51. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 49 to 50, wherein at least one said wing is located close to, and opposite to, the fluid inlet.

52. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 1 to 51, further comprising an over pressure release (OPR) arrangement, wherein the over pressure release arrangement operates independently of the actuator arrangement, and wherein the over pressure release arrangement is configured to provide automatic pressure release when the ventilation valve is subject to predetermined over pressure conditions.

53. The ventilation valve according to claim 52, wherein the OPR arrangement comprises a flexible annular diaphragm, a through opening, and an OPR biasing spring, wherein the valve seat is movably coupled to the housing via the diaphragm, wherein the through opening operates as a fluid port, and wherein the biasing spring biases the valve seat against the housing under conditions other than the predetermined over pressure conditions.

54. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 52 to 53, wherein under said predetermined over pressure conditions, the OPR arrangement displaces the valve seat with respect to the housing, thereby allowing over pressure venting via the OPR arrangement.

55. The ventilation valve according to any one of claims 1 to 54, wherein in the locked configuration the valve element is prevented from moving between the first axial position and the second axial position.

56. A kit comprising the ventilation valve as defined in any one of claims 2 to 55, and a plug member.

57. The kit according to claim 56, wherein the plug member is generally elongate, having a distal end and a proximal end longitudinally spaced from one another along the plug longitudinal axis.

58. The kit according to claim 57, wherein the plug is insertable into the housing via the fluid inlet, such that the distal end penetrates into the housing, while the proximal end remains outside of the housing.

59. The kit according to any one of claims 56 to 58, wherein the plug includes a cantilevered locking arm having a free end configured to snap fit over an external flange externally provided on the fluid inlet60. A method for transitioning a ventilation valve between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, comprising providing a kit as defined in any one of claims 56 to 59, and wherein in the unlocked configuration, and prior to locking the valve to the locked configuration, the method includes inserting the plug into the housing via the fluid inlet, such that the proximal end is close to or just abutting one said radial wings, without the plug applying any significant force to said radial wing.

61. The method according to claim 60, wherein the first force is applied responsive to the plug being pushed further into the housing via the fluid inlet, along the plug longitudinal axis, thereby pushing against the radial wing, and thus inducing a pivoting moment to the first locking element about the valve axis, thereby rotating the first locking element relative to the second locking element, and wherein concurrently with applying the first force via the plug, a second force can be applied to the first locking element in a direction towards the second locking element, thereby axially displacing the first locking element away from the second axial position and towards the first axial position, but not all the way to the first axial position.

62. The method according to claim 61, wherein responsive to applying the first force and the second force to the first locking element, the cam follower is displaced downwards and sidewards towards the second slanted cam path portion, abuts onto the second slanted cam path portion, continues to slide over the second slanted cam path portion in a general downwards and sidewards direction, overshoots the well portion, and continues towards and abuts onto the first slanted cam path portion.

63. The method according to claim 62, comprising terminating the second force and allowing the ventilation valve to automatically apply a restoring force to the valve elementin the opposite direction to the former second force, thereby displacing the cam follower upwardly, while in abutting contact with the first slanted cam path portion, and allowing the first locking element to pivot further, thereby transporting the cam follower into the well portion, and thereby transiting the ventilation valve to the locked configuration.

64. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 64, wherein the second force is applied by inserting a suitable tool into the fluid outlet, such as to abut the valve element.

65. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 64, wherein the second force is applied by electrically activating the actuator arrangement such as to displace the valve element away from the valve seat, and subsequently deactivating the actuator arrangement when the cam follower is in abutting contact with the first slanted cam path portion and the cam follower is subsequently captured the well portion.

66. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 65, further comprising the step of removing the plug from the ventilation valve.

67. The method according to claim 66, wherein, subsequent to removing the plug from the ventilation valve, the ventilation valve is connected to an electrical system of a vehicle, and the fluid inlet and fluid outlet are coupled a fuel tank and a vent port / carbon canister, respectively, and subsequently thereto, the ventilation valve is transitioned to the unlocked configuration by activating the actuator arrangement.

68. The method according to claim 66, wherein, subsequent to activating the actuator arrangement the actuator arrangement is deactivated, allowing the ventilation valve to automatically apply a restoring force to the valve element, thereby transitioning the ventilation valve to the unlocked configuration.

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