Patent ID: 7398774
Filing Date: 2008-07-15
Classification: F02M

Abstract:
1. An exhaust gas recirculation valve for an internal combustion engine, comprising: an enclosure including a combustion air passageway through which combustion air can enter the engine, and an exhaust gas passageway through which engine exhaust gas can be introduced into the combustion air passageway; and an electronically-operated exhaust gas recirculation valve for controlling passage of engine exhaust gas into the combustion air passageway, the valve comprising: a valve mechanism disposed within said enclosure for controlling flow of exhaust gas into the combustion air passageway, said valve mechanism including a valve body and a valve seat, one of the valve body and valve seat being rigidly connected to the enclosure; a pintle having a longitudinal axis, the pintle operably connected to the valve mechanism, movement of the pintle selectively bringing the valve body and valve seat into and out of a contact position to control exhaust gas flow; a main spring receiving surface rigidly fixed to the pintle; a main spring acting on the main spring receiving surface, the main spring biasing the valve body against the valve seat in the contact position; an armature support surface rigidly fixed to the pintle, the armature support surface being substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the pintle; a magnetic armature having an armature reaction surface in contact with the armature support surface, the magnetic armature being moveable with respect to the pintle while maintaining contact between the armature support surface and the armature reaction surface; a calibration nut connected to the pintle; a calibration spring acting between the calibration nut and the armature, the calibration spring exerting a force biasing the armature support surface against the armature reaction surface; and an electromagnetic coil fixed to the enclosure, the magnetic armature being moveable within the coil by magnetic forces exerted by the coil to exert a force on the armature support surface and open the valve mechanism.