|
Patent Abstract
A fluid dispensing solenoid valve includes a plunger tube that forms
an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice. A plunger that forms a fluid
chamber is slidably disposed within the plunger tube. The plunger
is movable between a fluid fill configuration, wherein the fluid
chamber communicates with the inlet orifice to allow the fluid chamber
to be filled and a fluid dump configuration, wherein the fluid chamber
communicates with the outlet orifice to allow the fluid chamber
to be emptied. The fluid dispensing solenoid valve is used to dispense
a very accurate quantity of fluid in very controllable manner.
Patent Claims
We claim:
1. A fluid dispensing solenoid valve, comprising: a plunger tube
forming at least a first inlet orifice and at least a first outlet
orifice; and a plunger slidably disposed relative to the plunger
tube, the plunger forming a fluid chamber, the plunger being movable
between a fluid fill configuration wherein the fluid chamber communicates
with the inlet orifice to allow the fluid chamber to be filled and
a fluid dump configuration wherein the fluid chamber communicates
with the outlet orifice to allow the fluid chamber to be emptied.
2. The valve of claim 1, further comprising: a source reservoir
in fluid communication with the inlet orifice, the source reservoir
communicating with the fluid chamber when the plunger is in the
fluid fill configuration.
3. The valve of claim 2, further comprising: a target reservoir
in fluid communication with the outlet orifice, the target reservoir
communicating with the fluid chamber when the plunger is in the
fluid dump configuration.
4. The valve of claim 1, further comprising: a coil surrounding
the plunger, the coil being energizable to bias the plunger between
the fluid fill configuration and the fluid dump configuration.
5. The valve of claim 4, further comprising: a housing surrounding
the coil.
6. The valve of claim 2, wherein the source reservoir is a stand-alone
source reservoir.
7. The valve of claim 5, wherein the source reservoir is an integrally
formed source reservoir, the reservoir being integrally formed with
the sensor between the plunger tube and the housing.
8. The valve of claim 1, wherein the plunger tube forms at least
a second outlet orifice and the valve further comprises: a vent
tube connected to the second outlet orifice, the vent tube allowing
the fluid chamber to vent when being filled.
9. The valve of claim 1, wherein the plunger tube forms at least
a second inlet orifice and the valve further comprises: a vent tube
connected to the second inlet orifice, the vent tube allowing the
fluid chamber to vent when being emptied.
10. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve is in fluid communication
with an engine oil pan to provide fluid to the engine oil pan when
the valve is in the fluid dump configuration.
11. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve is in fluid communication
with a transmission to provide fluid to the transmission when the
valve is in the fluid dump configuration.
12. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve is in fluid communication
with a hydraulic machine to provide fluid to the hydraulic machine
when the valve is in the fluid dump configuration.
13. A system for dispensing a predetermined quantity of fluid to
an engine oil pan, comprising: an engine; an oil pan; and a fluid
dispensing solenoid valve in fluid communication with the oil pan,
the solenoid valve being energizable to dispense a predetermined
quantity of fluid to the oil pan.
14. The system of claim 13, further comprising: a microprocessor
electrically connected to the solenoid valve, the microprocessor
periodically sending a signal to the solenoid valve causing the
solenoid valve to dispense the predetermined quantity of fluid to
the oil pan.
15. The system of claim 14, further comprising: a sensor disposed
within the oil pan and connected to the microprocessor, the microprocessor
receiving a signal from the sensor when the condition of oil within
the oil pan falls below a predetermined minimum threshold, and in
response thereto, sending a signal to the solenoid valve causing
the solenoid valve to dispense the predetermined quantity of fluid
to the oil pan.
16. The system of claim 14, further comprising: a sensor disposed
within the oil pan and connected to the microprocessor, the microprocessor
receiving a signal from the sensor when the level of oil within
the oil pan falls below a predetermined minimum threshold, and in
response thereto, sending a signal to the solenoid valve causing
the solenoid valve to dispense the predetermined quantity of fluid
to the oil pan.
17. The system of claim 13, wherein the solenoid valve comprises:
a plunger tube forming at least one inlet orifice and at least one
outlet orifice; and a plunger slidably disposed relative to the
plunger tube, the plunger forming a fluid chamber, the plunger being
movable between a fluid fill configuration wherein the fluid chamber
communicates with the inlet orifice to allow the fluid chamber to
be filled and a fluid dump configuration wherein the fluid chamber
communicates with the outlet orifice to allow the fluid chamber
to be emptied.
18. The system of claim 17, further comprising: a source reservoir
in fluid communication with the fluid dispensing solenoid valve,
the source reservoir communicating with the fluid chamber when the
plunger is in the fluid fill configuration.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the oil pan is in fluid communication
with the fluid chamber when the plunger is in the fluid dump configuration.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the valve further comprises:
a coil surrounding the plunger, the coil being energizable to bias
the plunger between the fluid fill configuration and the fluid dump
configuration.
21. The system of claim 18, wherein the source reservoir is a standalone
source reservoir.
22. The system of claim 18, wherein the valve further comprises
a housing and the source reservoir is integrally formed with the
housing.
Patent Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to solenoids and
actuators.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many engine lubrication systems manufactured today include
an oil level sensor that senses the level of oil in a reservoir,
e.g., an oil pan, that is part of the system. If the oil level in
the reservoir falls below a critical level, the operator is advised,
e.g., by an indicator light, that oil must be added to the engine
lubrication system. Thus, the operator must either add the oil to
the engine or have a service technician, e.g., a mechanic, do so.
[0003] In addition to the oil level sensor, some engine lubrication
systems include an oil condition sensor that senses the condition
of the engine oil based on an oil parameter, e.g., oil dielectric
constant. If the condition of the oil deteriorates below a predetermined
threshold, the operator is instructed, e.g., by an indicator light,
to either change the oil or add a chemical additive to the oil in
order to enhance the condition of the oil. In either situation,
the engine must be temporarily removed from operation so that someone,
e.g., a mechanic, can manually service the engine in order to change
the engine oil, add fresh oil to the engine oil, or add a chemical
additive to the engine oil. To avoid extended down time while the
engine is being serviced, an on board system can be used to automatically
provide fresh oil or a chemical additive to the lubrication system.
Such a system requires a device that can automatically administer
a required amount of fresh oil or chemical additive in an accurate
and controllable manner.
[0004] It happens that fluid dosage devices for automatically dispensing
fluid, e.g., oil, have been provided for use in conjunction with
two-stroke engines. These devices typically include gear driven
pumps that dispense a predetermined dose of oil to the fuel mixture
or directly to parts within the engine in need of lubrication, e.g.,
crank bearings. A crank shaft or transmission shaft are typically
used to drive these devices. Thus, as recognized by the present
invention, it is difficult to accurately control when the oil is
dispensed to the engine. Moreover, the present invention recognizes
that it is difficult to accurately control the amount of fluid dispensed.
[0005] As such, the present invention has recognized these prior
art drawbacks, and has provided the below-disclosed solutions to
one or more of the prior art deficiencies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A fluid dispensing solenoid valve includes a plunger tube
that forms a first inlet orifice and a first outlet orifice. A plunger
that forms a fluid chamber is slidably disposed relative to the
plunger tube. The plunger is movable between a fluid fill configuration,
wherein the fluid chamber communicates with the inlet orifice to
allow the fluid chamber to be filled and a fluid dump configuration,
wherein the fluid chamber communicates with the outlet orifice to
allow the fluid chamber to be emptied.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the valve includes a source reservoir
that is in fluid communication with the inlet orifice. Moreover,
the source reservoir communicates with the fluid chamber when the
plunger is in the fluid fill configuration. Preferably, the valve
also includes a target reservoir that is in fluid communication
with the outlet orifice. The target reservoir also communicates
with the fluid chamber when the plunger is in the fluid dump configuration.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the valve includes a coil that
surrounds the plunger. The coil is energizable in order to bias
the plunger between the fluid fill configuration and the fluid dump
configuration. Preferably, the valve includes a housing that surrounds
the coil. In one aspect of the present invention, the source reservoir
is a stand-alone source reservoir. In another aspect, the source
reservoir is an integrally formed source reservoir that is integrally
formed with the sensor between the plunger tube and the housing.
[0009] Preferably, the plunger tube forms a second outlet orifice
and the valve includes a vent tube that is connected to the second
outlet orifice. The vent tube allows the fluid chamber to vent as
it is filling. The plunger tube also forms a second inlet orifice
and the vent tube is also connected to the second inlet orifice
to allow the fluid chamber to vent as it is emptying.
[0010] Preferably, the fluid dispensing solenoid valve is in fluid
communication with an engine oil pan to provide fluid to the engine
oil pan when the valve is in the fluid dump configuration. The solenoid
valve may also be used to provide fluid to a fluid based transmission
or a hydraulic machine.
[0011] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a system
for dispensing a predetermined quantity of fluid to an engine oil
pan includes an engine, an oil pan, and a fluid dispensing solenoid
valve in fluid communication with the oil pan. The solenoid valve
is energizable to dispense a predetermined quantity of fluid to
the oil pan.
[0012] The present invention will now be described, by way of example,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a cross-section view of a fluid dispensing solenoid
valve in the fluid fill configuration;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the fluid dispensing solenoid
valve in the fluid dump configuration with portions shown in FIG.
1 removed;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of an alternate fluid dispensing
solenoid valve in the fluid fill configuration;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of an alternate fluid dispensing
solenoid valve in the fluid dump configuration;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an engine lubrication system
in which the present invention can be incorporated;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a fluid based power transmission
system in which the present invention can be incorporated; and
[0019] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a hydraulic machine system
in which the present invention can be incorporated.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a fluid dispensing solenoid
valve is shown and generally designated 10. FIG. 1 shows that the
solenoid valve 10 includes a generally cylindrical plunger tube
12 that defines a proximal end 14 and a distal end 16. As shown
in FIG. 1, an end cap 18 is preferably press fitted into the distal
end 16 of the plunger tube 12. FIG. 1 shows that the plunger tube
12 is formed with a first inlet orifice 20 and a second inlet orifice
22. Moreover, the plunger tube 12 is formed with a first outlet
orifice 24 and a second outlet orifice 26.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a plunger 28 is disposed within the
plunger tube 12. The plunger 28 defines a proximal end 30 and a
distal end 32. A hollow, toroidal coil 34 of wire closely surrounds
the proximal end 14 of the plunger tube 12 and is magnetically coupled
to the proximal end 30 of the plunger 28. A coil housing 36 surrounds
and protects the coil 24.
[0022] Still referring to FIG. 1, an annular chamber 38 is formed
near the distal end 32 of the plunger 28. A seal 40 circumscribes
the distal end 32 of the plunger 28. Moreover, the plunger tube
12 forms a first annular seal contact face 42 and the end cap 16
forms a second annular seal contact face 44. As shown in FIG. 1,
when the coil 34 is de-energized and the solenoid valve 10 is in
the fluid fill configuration, the seal 40 engages the first seal
contact face 42 to prevent the annular chamber 38 from leaking.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, a spring 46 is installed in compression
between the end cap 16 and the distal end 32 of the plunger 28.
When the coil 34 is energized, the plunger 28 moves to the left,
as shown in FIG. 2, and further compresses the spring 46 until the
seal 40 engages the second seal contact face 44. Thus, the solenoid
valve 10 is in the fluid dump configuration, as shown. When the
coil 34 is de-energized, the spring 46 biases the solenoid valve
10 from the fluid dump configuration to the fluid fill configuration.
FIG. 1 shows that the solenoid valve 10 defines a central axis 47.
In a preferred embodiment, the solenoid valve 10 is oriented so
the central axis 47 is horizontal. It is to be appreciated that
the solenoid valve 10 can be configured so that the central axis
47 is vertical.
[0024] As further shown in FIG. 1, an inlet tube 48 is connected
to the first inlet orifice 20. The inlet tube 48 provides fluid
communication between a stand-alone source reservoir 50, placed
above the solenoid valve 10, and the annular chamber 38 when the
solenoid valve 10 is in the fluid fill configuration. An outlet
tube 52 connected to the first outlet orifice 24 provides fluid
communication between the annular chamber 38 and a target reservoir
54 when the solenoid valve 10 is in the fluid dump configuration.
A vent tube 56 is connected to the second inlet orifice 22 and the
second outlet orifice 26 and allows the annular chamber 38 to be
vented when being filled or emptied, as described above. A flapper
valve 58 is installed between the second outlet orifice 26 and the
vent tube 56 to prevent the vent tube 56 from being filled with
fluid when the solenoid valve 10 is in the fluid fill configuration.
[0025] When the plunger 28 is in the fluid fill configuration,
fluid, e.g., oil or an oil additive, flows from the source reservoir
50 through the inlet tube 48 and the first inlet orifice 20 to the
annular chamber 38. When the coil 34 is energized, the plunger 28
moves to the fluid dump configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, wherein
fluid flows from the annular chamber 38 through the first outlet
orifice 24 and the outlet tube 52 to the target reservoir 54. As
such, each time the solenoid coil 34 is energized, a predetermined
dose of fluid is provided to the target reservoir 54. It is to be
appreciated that the volume of fluid provided each time the coil
34 is energized depends on the size of the annular chamber 38. It
is also to be appreciated that since the source reservoir 50 is
placed above the fluid dispensing solenoid valve 10, the fluid flows
from the source reservoir 50 to the annular chamber 38 under the
force of gravity.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an alternative embodiment of
the fluid dispensing solenoid valve is shown and generally designated
60. FIG. 3 shows that the solenoid valve 60 includes a plunger tube
62 that defines a distal end 64. As shown, the plunger tube 62 forms
an inlet orifice 66 and a first outlet orifice 68. Moreover, an
end cap 70 formed with a second outlet orifice 72 is preferably
press fitted into the distal end 64 of the plunger tube 62. FIG.
3 shows a plunger 74, that defines a distal end 76, slidably disposed
within the plunger tube 62. The plunger 74 forms an annular chamber
78 near its distal end 76. As shown in FIG. 3, a source reservoir
80 is integrally formed between the plunger tube 62 and a housing
82 surrounding the plunger tube 62 such that, as described below,
fluid can flow from the source reservoir 80 through the inlet orifice
66 to the annular chamber 78.
[0027] The plunger 74 is moveable between a fluid fill configuration,
shown in FIG. 3, wherein the annular chamber 78 communicates with
the inlet orifice 66 and a fluid dump configuration, shown in FIG.
4, wherein the annular chamber 78 communicates with the outlet orifice
72. As shown in FIG. 3, the plunger tube 62 forms an annular seal
contact face 84. A seal 86 circumscribes the distal end 76 of the
plunger 74 and when the valve 60 is in the fluid fill configuration,
the seal 86 engages the seal contact face 84 to seal the annular
fluid chamber.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows that the end cap 70 forms at least one, but
preferably two plunger stops 88, that are configured to stop the
motion of the plunger 74 when the coil (not shown) is energized,
but allow fluid to flow from the annular chamber 78 through the
second outlet orifice 72 to a target reservoir 90. When the coil
is de-energized, a spring 92, installed in compression between the
end cap 70 and the distal end 76 of the plunger 74, biases the plunger
to the fluid fill configuration.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the target reservoir 90 includes an
inlet tube 94 into which the distal end 64 of the plunger tube 62
is fitted. A vent tube 96 is connected to the first outlet orifice
68 and allows air within annular chamber to vent as it is filled.
A flapper valve 98 is installed in the base of the vent tube 96
to prevent the vent tube 96 from filling with fluid when the plunger
74 is in the fluid fill configuration. FIG. 3 shows that the solenoid
valve 60 defines a central axis 99 and the solenoid valve 60 is
oriented so the central axis is vertical.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 5, an engine lubrication system is
shown and generally designated 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the engine
lubrication system 100 includes an engine 102 having an oil pan
104 attached thereto. A sensor 106, e.g., an oil level/condition
sensor, is disposed within the oil pan 104 and is used to monitor
the level and/or condition of oil within the oil pan 104. FIG. 5
shows that the sensor 106 is connected to a microprocessor 108 via
an electrical line 110. The microprocessor 108 uses the sensor 106
to monitor the level and/or condition of oil within the oil pan
104.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, a fluid dispensing solenoid, e.g., the
valve 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is in fluid communication with
the oil pan 104 via fluid line 112. The solenoid valve 10 specifically
the coil 34, is also electrically connected to the microprocessor
108 via electrical line 114. When the oil level within the oil pan
104, or the condition thereof, falls below a predetermined minimum
threshold as indicated by a signal from the sensor 106, the microprocessor
108 sends a signal to the coil 34 to energize the coil 34 and open
the solenoid valve 10 to provide a predetermined dose of fluid,
e.g., fresh oil or a chemical additive, from the solenoid valve
10 to the oil pan 104.
[0032] FIG. 5 further shows a source reservoir, e.g., the stand-alone
source reservoir 50 described in conjunction with the solenoid valve
10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, that is fluid communication with the
solenoid valve 10 to provide fluid to the fluid dispensing solenoid
valve 10 when it is in the fluid fill configuration.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 6, a fluid based power transmission system
is shown and generally designated 120. As shown in FIG. 6, the power
transmission system 120 includes a transmission 122 that contains
a predetermined quantity of transmission fluid. A sensor 124, e.g.,
an transmission fluid level/condition sensor, is disposed within
the transmission 122 and is used to monitor the level and/or condition
of transmission fluid within the transmission 122. FIG. 6 shows
that the sensor 124 is connected to a microprocessor 126 via an
electrical line 128. The microprocessor 126 uses the sensor 124
to monitor the level and/or condition of transmission fluid within
the transmission 122.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, a fluid dispensing solenoid, e.g., the
valve 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is in fluid communication with
the transmission 122 via fluid line 130. The solenoid valve 10 specifically
the coil 34, is also electrically connected to the microprocessor
126 via electrical line 132. When the level of transmission fluid
within the transmission 122, or the condition thereof, falls below
a predetermined minimum threshold as indicated by a signal from
the sensor 124, the microprocessor 126 sends a signal to the coil
34 to energize the coil 34 and open the solenoid valve 10 to provide
a predetermined dose of fluid, e.g., fresh transmission fluid or
a chemical additive, from the solenoid valve 10 to the transmission
122.
[0035] FIG. 6 further shows a source reservoir, e.g., the stand-alone
source reservoir 50 described in conjunction with the solenoid valve
10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, that is fluid communication with the
solenoid valve 10 to provide fluid to the fluid dispensing solenoid
valve 10 when it is in the fluid fill configuration.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 7, a hydraulic machine system is shown
and generally designated 140. As shown in FIG. 7, the hydraulic
machine system 140 includes a hydraulic machine 142, e.g., a hydraulic
tool press, that contains a predetermined quantity of hydraulic
fluid. A sensor 144, e.g., a hydraulic fluid level/condition sensor,
is disposed within the hydraulic machine 142 and is used to monitor
the level and/or condition of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic
machine 142. FIG. 7 shows that the sensor 144 is connected to a
microprocessor 146 via an electrical line 148. The microprocessor
146 uses the sensor 144 to monitor the level and/or condition of
hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic machine 142.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 7, a fluid dispensing solenoid, e.g., the
valve 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is in fluid communication with
the hydraulic machine 142 via fluid line 150. The solenoid valve
10 specifically the coil 34, is also electrically connected to the
microprocessor 146 via electrical line 152. When the level of hydraulic
fluid within the hydraulic machine 142, or the condition thereof,
falls below a predetermined minimum threshold as indicated by a
signal from the sensor 144, the microprocessor 146 sends a signal
to the coil 34 to energize the coil 34 and open the solenoid valve
10 to provide a predetermined dose of fluid, e.g., fresh hydraulic
fluid or a chemical additive, from the solenoid valve 10 to the
hydraulic machine 142.
[0038] FIG. 7 further shows a source reservoir, e.g., the stand-alone
source reservoir 50 described in conjunction with the solenoid valve
10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, that is fluid communication with the
solenoid valve 10 to provide fluid to the fluid dispensing solenoid
valve 10 when it is in the fluid fill configuration.
[0039] With the configuration of structure and logic described
above, it is to be appreciated that the fluid dispensing solenoid
valve 10, 60 can be used to relatively accurately control when fluid
is dispensed to a target reservoir 54, 90, e.g., an engine oil pan
104. Moreover, the fluid dispensing solenoid valve 10, 60 can be
used to relatively accurately control the quantity of fluid dispensed.
[0040] While the particular FLUID DISPENSING SOLENOID VALVE as
herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining
the above-described objects of the invention, it is to be understood
that it is the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention
and thus, is representative of the subject matter which is broadly
contemplated by the present invention, that the scope of the present
invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious
to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention
is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended
claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not
intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly
so stated, but rather "one or more." All structural and
functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred
embodiment that are known or later come to be known to those of
ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference
and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover,
it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every
problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it is
to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element,
component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended
to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element,
component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No
claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of
35 U.S.C. section 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly
recited using the phrase "means for."
|