Abstract:
The invention relates to valve system configurations for an active warm-up (AWU) system for an automobile to improve warm-up conditions without delaying cabin warm-up or defrost times. More specifically, the invention relates to a system for heating/cooling transmission fluid of an automobile by controlling the source of the heat exchange fluid for transferring heat to/from the transmission fluid during different start-up conditions using a series of various valves arranged in series intermediate a first heat exchanger associated with cabin warm-up/defrost of the passenger compartment and a second heat exchanger for transferring heat to/from the transmission fluid.
Abstract:
The invention relates to various ways in which to integrate control valves into the structure of a heat exchanger. Accordingly, there is provided a heat exchanger assembly comprising a heat exchanger and a valve integration unit. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of alternating first and second fluid passages in heat exchange relation, and at least one inlet manifold and one outlet manifold interconnected by one of the plurality of first or second fluid passages, the valve integration unit being fixedly attached to heat exchanger and comprising a fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one of the inlet and outlet manifolds. A valve mechanism is mounted within the valve integration unit in fluid communication with the fluid passage, the valve mechanism controlling the flow of a heat exchange fluid through said fluid passage.
Abstract:
A valve including a housing defining first and second bores and a peripheral valve seat. An actuator in the first bore has a reciprocating seal for engaging the valve seat. A coiled return spring urges the reciprocating seal towards the chamber to open the valve, the return spring having a first end connected to the reciprocating seal and a second end engaging a spring support in the housing facing the first bore. In at least one embodiment, the return spring has a larger diameter at its second end than its first end.
Abstract:
A connector assembly having a male member, a female member and a retainer for releasably securing the male member and the female member. The retainer has inner retainer arms for simultaneously engaging the male member and an interior portion of the female member, and an outer retainer flange for engaging an outer portion of the female member.
Abstract:
A by-pass valve capable of activating at least two different temperatures is disclosed. The valve has a valve chamber housing a valve mechanism having a piston-cylinder arrangement. The cylinder defines two separate chambers therein for housing two different thermal materials each having a different activation temperature. A piston is arranged in each end of the cylinder operably coupled to the corresponding thermal material housed within the cylinder. A valve spool or valve sleeve is operably coupled to one of the pistons associated with the valve mechanism, the valve spool or sleeve adapted for sliding within the valve chamber for controlling flow to the fluid outlet ports formed in the valve. In some embodiments, the valve mechanism housing two different thermal materials can be arranged in combination with additional valve mechanism housing different thermal materials allowing for further multi-stage activation allowing for various flow arrangements through the valve.
Abstract:
A by-pass valve capable of activating a two different temperatures is disclosed. The valve has a first bore in fluid communication with a fluid inlet and a second bore having a first end in fluid communication with a first outlet and a second end in fluid communication with a second outlet. First and second branch ports interconnect the first bore and the first end of the second bore and the first bore and the second end of the second bore, respectively. A first valve mechanism is arranged in the first bore for controlling fluid flow to said first branch port and is operable at a first activation temperature. A second valve mechanism is arranged in the second bore for controlling flow to the second outlet and is operable a second activation temperature that is different than said first activation temperature, the first and second valve mechanism operating in series to provide three different operational states.
Abstract:
A valve apparatus having a co-axial fluid inlet and outlet is disclosed. The valve apparatus comprises a housing having a generally tapering main cavity. The valve apparatus further comprises a first fluid inlet formed therein for receiving fluid from a source, a first fluid outlet for returning the fluid to the source, a second fluid outlet for discharging fluid from the housing and a second fluid inlet for receiving fluid and returning the fluid to the fluid source. A valve mechanism is slidingly mounted within a first valve chamber for controlling flow from the first fluid inlet to the second fluid outlet, the valve mechanism having a first position wherein a second valve chamber is in communication with the first valve chamber and the first fluid outlet, and a second position wherein a third valve chamber is in fluid communication with the first valve chamber and the second fluid outlet.
Abstract:
A heat exchanger apparatus containing a heat exchanger and a thermally actuated bypass valve. The heat exchanger having plurality of plates defining a first, a second and a bypass channels. A first fluid inlet manifold in fluid communication with the first and the bypass channels. The bypass valve positioned in the first fluid inlet manifold, and containing a sleeve having a first slot and a second slot, that permit fluid flow from a first fluid inlet to the bypass channel and to the first fluid inlet manifold, respectively. A drum positioned within the sleeve and movable from a first position to a second position. The drum having an aperture permitting first fluid flow to the first slot in the first position and to the second slot in the second position. An actuator engaging the drum and actuating it to move from the first position to the second position.
Abstract:
A mounting bracket (40) for securing a component (10) such as a heat exchanger, including a unitary first bracket member including a first plate portion (42) having a first section (50) for securing to the component (10), and a second plate portion having a second section (52) for securing to the component (10), and an intermediate plate portion (56), the first, second and intermediate plate portions defining a central space (58) therebetween; and a separately formed second bracket member (44) mounted to the first bracket member and having a central portion (80) extending at least partially across the central space (58), the bracket member including engagement members (82, 84) extending outward from the central portion (80) and engaging the first bracket member thereby securing the second bracket member (44) to the first bracket member, the central portion (80) defining a mounting opening (92) there through. During brazing the second bracket member (44) is not braze-clad to ensure the mounting opening (92) is not distorted or altered by braze flow.
Abstract:
A heat exchanger apparatus having a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, a bypass channel, and inlet and outlet manifolds. A thermal bypass valve assembly is positioned within the inlet manifold, and contains an outer sleeve having a first, second and third apertures axially displaced. An inner sleeve positioned within the outer sleeve and moveable from a first to a second position upon actuation of a first actuator. The inner sleeve has a first orifice on a wall of the inner sleeve and a second orifice defined by the inner sleeve second end. The first orifice aligns with the first aperture in the first position and the second aperture in the in the second position. A second actuator coupled to a stopper that engagingly disengages from the second orifice upon actuation of the second actuator.