Abstract:
Device for stabilizing air-pressure in a mechanically enclosed environment, namely to a vacuum relief valve and/or air breather valve designed in particular to substitute the vent hose assembly and breather vent and thereby controls and dynamically regulates the pressure or vacuum of the desired area.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a device for stabilizing air-pressure mechanically enclosed environment. More particularly the present invention relates to a vacuum relief valve and/or air breather valve in a mechanically closed environment. The present invention is therefore designed in particular to substitute the vent hose assembly and breather vent and thereby which controls and dynamically regulates the pressure or vacuum of the area. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Breather Vents permit free exchange of filtered air for gear cases, crank cases vented to atmosphere. Rugged and corrosion resistant, some breather vent models can be adapted to incorporate oil separators for special applications. The basic model of breather vent passes air through a filter media stopping solid particles. A micro metal filter (100 micrometers or finer) is an option for use in areas where high temperature, corrosive vapors or fine filtration issues exist. 
         [0003]    In most internal combustion engines, it is desirable to maintain the pressure within the crankcase at a level equal to or slightly less than atmospheric pressure to reduce leaks through gaskets and seals from the crankcase to the atmosphere. As is well known, in an internal combustion engine, so-called blow by gases are emitted in the crankcase as a result of leaks of the air-fuel intake mixture and combustion gases through the clearances around piston rings during  25  the compression, combustion and/or exhaust cycles. Because of these blow-by gases, the internal crankcase pressure will inherently rise promoting oil leakage from the crankcase to the surrounding environment. 
         [0004]    Many heavy duty and high horsepower engines use a turbocharger or supercharger to increase the power output of the engine. In such an engine, the fresh air intake is pressurized before entering the combustion chamber, thereby allowing the combustion of more fuel and producing more power for a given engine volume. This design creates difficulties for CCV systems as the lower pressure blow-by gases cannot be introduced directly into the higher pressure intake air line. 
         [0005]    Since are often Subjected to extreme temperature variations, it is desirable for a transmission fluid to function somewhat consistently over the vehicle operating range. In addition to variations in ambient operating temperatures, a transmission fluid is also subjected to heat generated by friction produced by the numerous rotating components. This temperature fluctuation is manifested as a change in viscosity of the transmission fluid. The change in viscosity may pose a number of challenges in designing a mechanical transmission for consistent performance over a typical operating range. 
         [0006]    Ambient and operating temperature variations also result in expansion and contraction of transmission fluid, which results in fluctuations in the transmission fluid volume. This results in a pressure differential between the interior of the transmission and the exterior which is subjected to atmospheric pressure. Such pressure differences could cause failure of the transmission seals. For this reason the air breather is used for a mechanically enclosed environment Thus, it is desirable to control the pressure differential using vents between the interior and exterior of a transmission. 
         [0007]    Thus, a number of transmission manufacturers have added a vent or breather to their transmissions to equalize interior and exterior pressures. For many applications, a small vent tube which is strategically positioned provides this function. However, many of the prior art devices allow bridging of the transmission fluid which results in unnecessary fluid expulsion. Bridging occurs when the transmission fluid spans the opening of the vent or breather due to the cohesion tension of a viscous fluid. As the transmission warms up, the pressure increases within the transmission creating bubbles within the tube or breather which forces the fluid to be expelled unnecessarily from the transmission. 
         [0008]    Thus, it is desirable to provide a transmission breather which provides pressure equalization while reducing or eliminating unnecessary transmission fluid expulsion from the breather during normal operation of the transmission without allowing easy entry of external contaminants into the transmission. It is also desirable to provide a breather which reduces or eliminates fluid escape in the form of vapor. It is also desirable to provide a breather which comprises only a few parts, which can be easily manufactured and which can be easily installed in the transmission with a top-drivable tool, such as a socket wrench or a screwdriver. It is also desirable to provide a breather which is designed to withstand the types of impacts which could occur over the lifetime of the breather and which is corrosion resistant. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    Therefore such as herein described the present invention discloses vacuum relief valve and/or air breather valve for a mechanically closed environment. The present invention is therefore designed in particular to substitute the vent hose assembly and breather vent and any other existing devices which controls and dynamically regulates the pressure or vacuum of a mechanically enclosed environment. 
         [0010]    Therefore it is a prime objective of the present invention is to device a vent system, which can be installed easily either manually or by robot as needed in the present day assembly lines of manufacturing industry. 
         [0011]    As per another object of the present invention is to introduce vacuum limiting assembly which controls and dynamically adjusts the amount of vacuum of an internal combustion engine. 
         [0012]    As per another object of the present invention there is provided a unit assembly which is a compact engineered product designed to stabilize air-pressure in a mechanically enclosed environment such as a gear box transmission, differential etc. 
         [0013]    As per another object of the present invention there is provided a unit assembly which meets all the requirements of the assemblies (gear box etc), so effectively, besides bestowing tremendous cost reduction benefit that the manufactures/user would appreciate, world-wide. 
         [0014]    As per an exemplary embodiment of the present invention there is provided a unit assembly which is threaded for an easy installation over the gear box, differential, transmission assemblies. 
         [0015]    As per another object of the present invention there is provided an unit assembly which does not allows any spillage of lubricant from gearbox/differential chamber etc., in case the automobile rolls and settles as an add angle, thereby ensuring no possible fire hazard (possible, for example, if the leaking lubricant comes in contact with silencer of the vehicle, which due to use of catalysts assume high temperature). 
         [0016]    Beside, the present invention results in benefit like:
       No spilled lubricant, no slippery road besides no fire hazard.   Manpower saving in manufactures assembly Jines.   Increased productivity for the manufactures.   Reduced inventory for the manufactures.       
 
         [0021]    As per another exemplary embodiment of the present invention there is provided a unit assembly which functions as a air lock and arrests water from entering into the enclosure. 
         [0022]    As per another object of the present invention there is provided a plug for the exhaust chamber and it holds the valve and spring in place which further allows hot air to escape and also allows water to the chamber in case the axle is submerged inside water. 
         [0023]    As per another object of the present invention there is provided a moulded body comprising two circular chambers fitted with exhaust and intake values and two other chambers to accommodate water sucked inside the vent in case the gear box/differential is submerged in water and develop suction pressure. 
         [0024]    As per another object of the present invention there is provided specially designed, researched and engineered rubber seals for the escape of exhaust air during pressure rise and also intake of air during suction. 
         [0025]    As per another object of the present invention there is a provided air filter elements in the unit assembly which ensures intake of only clean air inside the chamber as well as allows escape of only clean air into the atmosphere. 
         [0026]    As per another object of the present invention there is provided a voluminous cap unit assembly wherein the increased height ensures additional accumulation of water (if Submerged in water) before it enters the chamber. 
         [0027]    And another object of the present invention is to provide a vent assembly that is easy to construct, easy to install, inexpensive and versatile. 
         [0028]    Yet still another object of the instant invention is to provide a vent assembly which inhibits contaminants from entering the space of the container. 
         [0029]    Still a further object of the immediate invention is the provision of inhibiting personal injury with a vent when the liquid carried within the container is toxic. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is the sectional view of the body of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is the sectional view of the body of the air breather valve assembly having different thread size in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  ( a ) is the cross sectional view of the cap of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  ( b ) is the plan view of the cap of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  ( a ) is the cross sectional view of the plug of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  ( b ) is the plan view of the plug of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0037]      FIG. 5  is the plan view of the tray of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0038]      FIG. 6  ( a ) is the sectional view of the Rubber seal intake of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0039]      FIG. 6  ( b ) is the plan view of the Rubber seal intake of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0040]      FIG. 7  ( a ) is the sectional view of the Rubber seal exhaust of he air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0041]      FIG. 7  ( b ) is the plan view of the Rubber seal exhaust of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0042]      FIG. 8  is the complete cross sectional view of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0043]      FIG. 9  is the elevation view of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0044]      FIG. 10  is the plan view of the moulded body of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0045]      FIG. 11  is the plan view of the machined body of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0046]      FIG. 12  is the top plan view of the spring of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0047]      FIG. 13  ( a ) is the cross sectional view of the tube for the air filter element of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0048]      FIG. 13  ( b ) is the top plan view of the tube for the air filter element of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0049]      FIG. 14  ( a ) is the cross sectional view of the cap for the tube for the air filter element of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
           [0050]      FIG. 14  ( b ) is the plan view of the cap for the tube for the air filter element of the air breather valve assembly in accordance with the present invention 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0051]    For the purposes of promoting understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. 
         [0052]    These days the pollution control laws have mandated the engine emissions be reduced, and prevented from venting to the atmosphere. Engine exhaust must be cleaned and rendered environmentally safe. As a result, such advances as unleaded fuels and catalytic converters have been developed. Blow by devices such as pollution control valves (PVC) have become required standard equipment for all automobiles. These devices capture emissions from the crankcase and communicate them in a closed system to the air intake system for the automobile. Therefore, the product has been designed to stabilize air-pressure in a mechanically enclosed environment such as a gear box, transmission differential etc. Besides, it prevents oil vapor to exhaust into the atmosphere. Further, it is designed to substitute vent hose assembly and breather vent most commonly used, presently, in such assemblies, world over. 
         [0053]    Now referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a sectional view of an essential component i.e. body ( 11 ) of the air breather valve assembly. The body ( 11 ) holds all the other sub component parts and has male thread ( 12 ), which fits in, the female thread of a receptor housing. The body ( 11 ) further comprises of a plurality of circular chambers ( 13 ), which further contains valve (spring loaded), plug ( 5 ), filter tubes ( 3 ,) containing air filter ( 4 ) passage to the gear, box chamber, for the purposes of particularly exhaust and the air intake/suction respectively. The outer shape of the body ( 11 ) is configured further to hold a cap ( 1 ). The cap ( 1 ) holds onto the body ( 11 ). The cap ( 1 ) is crimped after the valves and other parts are in position and unit it tested. Further  FIG. 2  illustrates that the threads ( 12 ) and/or the dimensions of the threads can be changed as per need of the recapture/chamber are provided with holes at the bottom for the air intake and exhaust. 
         [0054]    As discussed earlier the top of the body ( 11 ) is covered with a cap ( 1 ) as shown in  FIGS. 3(   a ) and  3 ( b ). The cap ( 1 ) provides a mechanical protection to small intricate parts fitted in the body and house air filter fiber for oil vapour. Besides this the cap ( 1 ) also functions as air lock and arrests water from entering into the gear box by forming an air lock. The cap ( 1 ) is crimped over the body ( 11 ) after completing the assembly of the sub components over and inside the body. 
         [0055]    The air breather valve assembly further comprises a plug as shown in  FIGS. 4(   a ) and  4 ( b ). The body ( 11 ) comprises of two chambers ( 13 ) i.e. an exhaust chamber ( 13   b ) and the other is air intake chamber ( 13   a ).  FIG. 4(   a ) illustrates the cross section view of the plug ( 5 ). The plug ( 5 ) is placed over the exhaust chamber ( 13   b ) and it holds the valve, tray ( 7 ) and the spring ( 8 ) in place. The opening allows hot air to escape and also allows water to the chamber in case the axle is submerged inside water. The  FIG. 4(   b ) illustrates the plan view of the plug ( 5 ) to which comprises a slot for screwdriver mend for the tightening of the plug ( 5 ) to secure the tray and spring assembly ( 8 ) inside the chamber ( 13   b ). 
         [0056]      FIG. 5  illustrates a further sub component i.e. a metallic tray ( 7 ) which is meant to keep the valve in position and ensures uniform pressure on the valve by the spring ( 8 ). Further  FIGS. 6 and 7  describes the rubber seals ( 6 ,  10 ) for both the chambers present in the body ( 11 ). The rubber seal ( 10 ) for the exhaust chamber is shown in  FIG. 7 , wherein the valve lifts against the spring ( 8 ) for the escape of exhaust air when pressure in the chamber ( 13   b ) is more. The rubber seal ( 6 ) for intake chamber ( 13   a ) is shown in  FIG. 6  pushes down against the suction pressure when the chamber ( 13   a ) experience negative pressure. 
         [0057]      FIG. 8  illustrates the complete cross sectional view of the air breather valve assembly. The cross section shows all the parts used in the fitting and explains the functioning of the product. When the pressure rises&#39; hot air and/or gases from chamber box adopt the route shown by −&gt;H. Moreover, when the suction pressure is created due to the cooling off, air finds way into the chamber adopting the route shown by −&gt;C. Both the valve operates at a very nominal pressure/suction. In case the gearbox/differential is submerged in water and develop suction pressure. The water enters along periphery of the cap as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Water first enters in the two chambers  14   a  and  14   b  (illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the moulded body and  FIG. 11 , the machined body). Then, water goes into exhaust chamber  13   b.  Next water rises to the level of filter (fiber) tube ( 3 ). Finally water moistens the air filters ( 4 ) (Ref  FIG. 8 ).  FIG. 9  illustrates the end plan view of the complete assembly. The passage of air or exhaust will be around the cap&#39;s lower edge above the slant of the hex. 
         [0058]    In other embodiment of the present invention the  FIG. 10  illustrates the top plan view of the moulded body ( 11 ). The view of moulded body ( 11 ) shows two circular chambers ( 13   b,    13   a ) for exhaust and intake valves and two other chambers (half moon shaped) ( 14   a,    14   b ) to accommodate water sucked inside the vent in case the gear box differential is submerged in water and develop suction pressure. Similarly  FIG. 11  shows the plan view of the machined body, which illustrates the four chambers. The larger chambers are meant to house exhaust and intake valves assemblies, while the smaller chambers are meant to accommodate water in case unit is submerged under water and simultaneous suction, pressure is created inside the gear box differential etc. 
         [0059]    Further  FIG. 12  illustrates the spring ( 8 ) used for the opening and closing of the valves. The spring keeps the valve and the metal tray ( 7 ) in position and allows suction exhaust of air by actuating the valves. As per another exemplary embodiment the  FIGS. 13  ( a ) and ( b ) illustrates the tube ( 3 ) for the air filter element ( 4 ). The cross sectional view shows the tube ( 3 ) with a threaded portion to fit over the intake chamber of the body. The tube base forms seat for the delicate valve against which spring ( 8 ) keeps the valve and the tray ( 7 ) in position. It contains air filter elements ( 4 ) which ensures intake of only clean air inside the chamber ( 13   a ). The height of the tube ensures more accumulation of water (if submerged in water) before it enters the chamber. The plan view ( FIG. 13   b ) shows a slot at the bottom of the tube ( 3 ) for the screwdriver meant for tightening purposes. The tube ( 3 ) for the air filter element ( 4 ) is further covered with a cap ( 15 ) having a central hole and illustrated in  FIGS. 14  ( a ) and  14  ( b ) in their cross section and the plain view. The cap ( 15 ) keeps the air filter element ( 4 ) in place and the opening allows the intake the atmospheric air inside the chamber. 
         [0060]    Inside of cap ( 1 ) is filled with air filter ( 16 ) for exhaust air to trap oil vapours discharging into the atmosphere. Refer to  FIG. 8 . Some of the advantages of the air breather valve assembly are as under:
       1. Only pure air (without SPM—Suspended Particulate Matter) intake,   2. Lubricant not gets contaminated due to SPM.   3. Life of the lubricating oil increases. Result: longer servicing interval, less discarded lubricant, less traffic on already over flowing roads.   4. Life of the messing pinion increases. Result: less iron ore mining less deforestation.   5. Life of the oil seals increases.   6. Efficiency of the engine/receptor increases.   7. Smooth power transmission has positive impact on the fuel consumption and speed.   8. Overall cost saving in running/maintaining the vehicle.   9. Pollution (air and noise) gets reduced.   10. Creates a satisfied customer/user.       
 
         [0071]    Although the foregoing description of the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and applications thereof, it has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular embodiments and applications disclosed. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, variations, or alterations to the invention as described herein may be made, none of which depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The particular embodiments and applications were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such changes, modifications, variations, and alterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably en titled.