Field

[001 ] This application relates to an oil controlled valve. Background

[002] Hydraulic valves have difficulty responding quickly between the on and off position during applications requiring a high rate of flow. Even if the valve can respond quickly, the flow paths containing fluid can slow the operation down if the paths contain air pockets or inadequate pressure. As such it is difficult to keep the flow paths primed before the valve switches between the off and on position. This presents an even greater challenge during operations that require both a high rate of flow and a frequent change of flow, for example, switching between an off and on position, or in the case of a three-way valve, switching between different flow paths.

SUMMARY

[003] The methods and devices disclosed herein overcome the above disadvantages and improves the art by way of a valve arrangement that keeps flow paths primed and ready for sudden switching between an off and on position while accommodating a high rate of flow.

[004] A valve assembly comprises a valve body extending along a longitudinal axis. The valve body comprises a first end portion and a second end portion, and an inner compartment extending through the valve body from the second end portion towards the first end portion. A first fluid port in to the valve body is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A second fluid port in to the inner

compartment is spaced from the first fluid port, and the second fluid port is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A third fluid port in to the inner compartment is spaced from the second fluid port, and the third fluid port is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the second fluid port is between the third fluid port and the first fluid port. A fourth fluid port is parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the fourth fluid port fluidly connects the second end portion to the inner compartment. A spool is in the inner compartment, and the spool is configured to selectively reciprocate in the inner compartment between a first position adjoining the first end portion to a second position adjoining the second end portion. The spool comprises a first fluid receptacle configured to block fluid flow to the third fluid port and to fluidly

communicate with the second fluid port when the spool adjoins the first end portion. The first fluid receptacle is configured to fluidly communicate with the second fluid port and with the third fluid port when the spool adjoins the second end portion. A second fluid receptacle is configured to receive fluid pressure from the fourth fluid port and is configured to fluidly seal the fourth fluid port from the first fluid port.

[005] Additional objects and advantages will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure. The objects and advantages will also be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[006] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[007] Figure 1A is a cross-section view of a valve arrangement.

[008] Figure 1 B is a cross-section view of an alternative valve arrangement.

[009] Figure 2 is a schematic fluid flow arrangement.

[010] Figures 3A-3E are cross-section views of a valve arrangement comprising fluid flow paths.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[01 1 ] Reference will now be made to the examples which are illustrated in the drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Directional references such as "left" and "right" are for ease of reference to the figures, and are not to limit the installation direction of the assembled valve arrangement.

[012] Figure 1A is a cross-section view of a valve arrangement. The valve arrangement includes a valve body 1 . The valve body extends along a longitudinal axis A-A. A first fluid port 7 in to the valve body is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A second fluid port 6, or control port, in to the inner compartment is spaced from the first fluid port, and the second fluid port 6 is perpendicular to the

longitudinal axis. A third fluid port 1 1 in to the inner compartment 14 is spaced from the second fluid port 6, and the third fluid port 1 1 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A. The second fluid port 6 is between the third fluid port 1 1 and the first fluid port 7. A fourth fluid port 213 is parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A, and the fourth fluid port 213 fluidly connects the second end portion 2 to the inner compartment 14.

[013] The valve body 1 and has a first end portion 2 and a second end portion 3. The arrangement includes a regulation valve 4 located at the first end portion 2 and solenoid valve 5 located at the second end portion 3. Supply fluid under pressure can flow from a first fluid port 7 to the solenoid valve 5 via conduit 16. When the solenoid valve is energized, supply fluid flows from the first fluid port 7 to the solenoid valve 5 to a second end 10 of a spool 8. The fluid moves the spool 8 toward the regulation valve 4, thus, allowing the first fluid port 7 to fluidly

communicate with the second fluid port 6. Fluid flowing from the second fluid port 6 can flow to a control component 80, for example, an engine brake or other device that can receive fluid under pressure. When the solenoid valve 5 is energized, the first end 9 of the spool 8 abuts the regulation valve 4.

[014] While in the energized, or on position, fluid cannot flow from the second fluid port 6 to the third fluid port 1 1 via the inner compartment 14. However, fluid moves outside the valve 1 , along the housing 25. O-rings 13 can seal fluid pathways between the valve body 1 and housing 25, creating a pathway between the second fluid port 6 and the third fluid port 1 1 . When control pressure is alleviated, the fluid pathway between the valve outer body 1 1 1 and housing 25 allows the fluid to flow to the first end 9 of the spool. This allows fluid to create pressure against the first end 9 of the spool. A predetermined pressure can be maintained by the regulation valve 4. This can benefit the arrangement in several ways, for example, it keeps the system primed and ready to transition from the first, or off, position to the second, or on, position, when the solenoid valve 5 is not energized. The pathway between the second fluid port 6 and the third fluid port 1 1 also prevents hydraulic lock from occurring during the transition from the on to the off position. It further assists in moving the spool 8 toward the solenoid valve 5 along the axis A-A during the transition from the on position to the off position.

[015] When in the off position, the solenoid valve 5 is not energized and the second end 10 of the spool is positioned against a portion of the valve body 1 closer to the solenoid valve 5 toward the second end portion 3 of the valve body 1 . The solenoid valve 5 can be a three-way valve, allowing fluid to flow to the spool 8 when on or to an exhaust or fluid reservoir when off. A metered leakage path, in the form of an undercut 12 on the spool, forms opening 19, which permits leakage from first fluid port 7 towards second fluid port 6. In the off position, fluid can also flow from first fluid port 7 at the first end of the spool through opening 19. When a pass- through 30 in the spool communicates with second fluid port 6, excess fluid pressure can be relieved via pressure relief path 21 1 to a tank 50 attached to the regulation check valve 4, as by overcoming the spring force of spring 42 against the check ball 41 . The spring is biased against a plug 43 that can be have vents 47 or tessellations for exhausting fluid to the tank 50. The arrangement in the off position keeps the valve primed and ready for a transition from the off position to the on position.

[016] When a high pressure is desired to the control component attached to control port 6, the solenoid is powered on. The first fluid port 7 at system (high) pressure fluid, which is passed to conduit 16. The conduit 16 can be drilled in to the valve body 1 and plugged by plug 35, as illustrated in Figure 1A. Or, the conduit 160 can be drilled in to the housing 25 as illustrated in Figure 1 B. Other manufacturing techniques, such as casting and molding can be used alone or together with the drilling to form the housing 25 and its affiliated paths and conduits. The high pressure fluid passes through a three way valve or solenoid and to the spool 8. The spool moves towards the first end portion 2. A lip 20 on the spool moves to abut rim 45 of the regulation check valve 4 to block the release of pressure through the check valve. This permits the increased control pressure to pass to second fluid port 6 without leaking out of regulation valve 4. The pass-through 30 is also blocked by the valve body 1 .

[017] Figures 3A-3E are additional cross-section views of a valve

arrangement. The arrangements include an internal compartment 14 where the spool 8 is located. The spool 8 has an arm 22 that connects the first end 9 of the spool to the second end 10 of the spool. The first end 9 of the spool 8 includes a first fluid receptacle 18. The second end 10 of the spool 8 includes a second fluid receptacle 17. Fluid can flow to the internal compartment 14 along first fluid pathway 100 through first fluid port 7. Fluid can flow to the solenoid valve 5 (illustrated by symbols as a three-way valve) along conduit 16. The solenoid can block fluid flow to second fluid receptacle 17, or pass fluid to a sump or exhaust 60, or pass fluid to second fluid receptacle 17 to prime it for motion. Figure 3A illustrates that fluid can enter internal compartment 14. Maintaining the fluid at a preset pressure can prime the control component attached to port 6 and alternatively or additionally prime the spool 8 for motion.

[018] When in the on or energized position, shown in Figure 3C, the solenoid valve 5 allows fluid to flow along path 207 to the fourth fluid port and the second fluid receptacle 17, moving the spool 8 toward the regulation valve 4. A different pressure than the system or preset pressure, such as a higher control pressure, can be supplied to the control port 6 to actuate the control component along flow path 104. The high pressure also overcomes the spring force of spring 23 to move the spool 8. The spring 23 fits in an inner recess 24 in the first fluid receptacle 18.

[019] When in the off position, as shown in Figure 3B, the undercut 12 allows fluid to flow in the opening 19 from the first fluid port 7 to the second fluid port

6 along relief path 102A. Fluid can be bled off at the regulation valve 4. Because the lip 20 is away from the regulation valve 4, fluid can pass between valve outer body

1 1 1 and housing 25 along second relief path 102B.

[020] But when in the fully on position, relief paths 102A & 102B are closed because pass-through 30 is blocked by the valve body 1 . And, lip 20 abuts regulation valve rim 45, which blocks the flow path through third fluid port 1 1 .

[021 ] When control component fluid pressure control is complete, the fluid pressure supplied to the valve 1 can return from a higher control pressure to a lower system or preset pressure. With high enough preset pressure at first fluid port 7, fluid will not drain back through first fluid port 7, and the valve will be primed for fast return to the on position. Thus, it is beneficial to maintain a higher pressure at first port 7 than at control port 6. The metered leakage at opening 19 and metered flow through pass-through 30 help accomplish the requisite pressure difference between first port 7 and second port 6.

[022] To relieve control pressure, Figure 3D shows a return path 106A. The relieved control pressure can exhaust out regulation valve 4 following at least second return path 106B, or by joining system pressure fluid from path 201 within second fluid receptacle 18. The preset or system pressure supplied to first fluid port

7 can be relieved through regulation valve 4, as needed. Fluid from first fluid receptacle 17 can be routed by 3-way valve 5 to a sump or exhaust 60 via third return path 106C. [023] When returning to the off position, the spool begins in the on position but transitions to the off position along an intermediate pathway. Shown in Figure 3E, control fluid can flow along intermediate return path 108A from the second fluid port 6 to the third fluid port 1 1 between the housing 25 and the valve body 1 with the flow path sealed by o-rings 13. When the spool 8 moves to an intermediate position, lock-relief path 108B opens. This can create a pressure against the first end 9 of the spool 8 because fluid fills the first fluid receptacle 18. This pressure can assist the spring 23 in moving the spool 8 toward the solenoid valve 5 when the solenoid valve is de-energized. The lock-relief path 108B alleviates hydraulic lock, or a suction- based force retaining first fluid receptacle against the regulation valve 4. The control fluid can also move check ball 41 and exit regulation valve along intermediate relief path 108C. Thus, the first fluid receptacle 18 is positioned with respect to the third fluid port 1 1 and the second fluid port 6 such that, at a first intermediate spool position, fluid flow in to the first fluid receptacle 18 is only through the third fluid port 1 1 . But as the spool slides to the off position, a second intermediate position permits fluid flow in to the first fluid receptacle 18 through both the third fluid port 1 1 and the second fluid port 6; this flow path remains through the spool reaching the off position.

[024] Once spool 8 moves from the intermediate position to the off position, the alternative flow paths of Figure 3A become available at the three way valve or solenoid, as designed. The relief paths 102A-102C of Figure 3B also return. The metered leakage path or opening 19, pass-through 30, and regulation valve 4 are accessible to fluid pressure. Preset, or system pressure, fluid flow between the first fluid port 7 to the second fluid port 6 keeps the arrangement primed and ready to transition from the off to the on position.

[025] The valve arrangement can be inserted into a bore in housing 25 using o-rings 13 to seal the fluid. The valve arrangement can be held in place by a retaining mechanism such as a retaining bolt or dowel pin. O-rings 13 can be used to separate fluids, for example, supply fluid, control fluid, and exhaust fluid. The fluids can be the same type of fluid (e.g. oil) but under different pressures in the various compartments and ports (e.g. supply port, control port, or exhaust port).

[026] The valve arrangement works well in devices requiring a high flow rate (thus high pressure) and a quick transition between the off and on position. The arrangement can normally remain in the off position until energized. When in the off position, fluid in second fluid receptacle 17 can flow out of the solenoid valve 5 to a sump or exhaust 60. As a three-way valve, the solenoid valve 5 can direct flow to the spool 8 when energized and to the exhaust 60 when de-energized.

[027] When in the off position, there can be regulation pressure due to the check ball arrangement on the first end 9 of the spool 8. In this position, the stepped edge 21 on the exterior of the first receptacle of the spool can be higher on a first side of the spool to overlap the control port 6 so that the majority of the flow area is shut off. But on a second side of the exterior of the first receptacle of the spool, undercut 12 is made so that a small opening 19, or metered leakage path, exists between the valve body 1 and the spool. The opening 19 allows a small amount of flow into the control port. This flow can pass through the undercut 12 in the spool and through a drilled port (the pass-through 30) in the spool to reach the chamber at the end of the spool. A calibrated regulation valve 4 (e.g. check valve or ball valve) can sit on the end of the valve body 1 and maintain a preset level of pressure in the chamber at the end of the spool. This pressure keeps fluid (e.g. oil) moving through the system to prevent aeration and to keep the downstream system primed for fast response. The exiting fluid can be sent to tank 50. Should the assembly experience a pressure in excess of the preset level of pressure, the check mechanism, such as ball 41 , moves against spring 42 to vent the excess. But when the lip 20 of the first receptacle abuts the rim 45, flow through regulation valve 4 is blocked, and a control pressure different from the preset pressure can pass through the valve body from first fluid port 7 to the (control) second fluid port 6.

[028] Figure 2 illustrates schematically the fluid flow paths possible as the spool 8 in the valve body 1 selectively reciprocates in the inner compartment 14 between a first position (on position) adjoining the first end portion 2 to a second position (off position) adjoining the second end portion 3. A pump 70 draws fluid from a sump 71 to control fluid pressure. The sump 71 is optionally joined to exhaust path 205 or exhaust 60 via sump path 716. Pumped fluid travels path 200, where it can enter first fluid port 7 via path 201 , or be directed via path 203 to solenoid 5. Path 203 can be within housing 25, or drilled in to valve body 1 as conduit 16. Solenoid 5 comprises upper schematic half 52 indicating powered fluid flow via power and control source 51 , and lower schematic half 53 indicating unpowered fluid flow with passive mechanism 54. [029] When the solenoid is powered to pass fluid, fluid travels to fourth fluid port 213 via path 207 in to valve body 1 to move spool 8. Fluid can travel between first port 7 to control path 209 attached to control port 6 and from there to control device 80. As above, an pressure relief path 21 1 permits excess pressure relief to tank 50 when the solenoid is off.

[030] When the valve arrangement is in the on position, hydraulic force created from the pressurized fluid flowing from the solenoid valve 5 can overcome the spring 23 bias on the spool 8 and move the spool toward the regulation valve 4 along axis A. The spool can comprise one or more diameter changes 15 in the second end 10. As the spool bangs against the inner compartment wall when returning to the off position, the diameter change on the spool prevents burrs or marring from interfering with spool action. The spool end can further comprise notches in the circumference to allow the fluid pressure to act across the full spool diameter. In the on position, the control port is open to the supply pressure so the high-pressure fluid can flow to the control component (e.g. engine brake). Flow between the regulation valve 4 and the first end 9 of the spool can be shut off.

However, when the spool moves, another port (e.g. third port 1 1 ) drilled through the valve body 1 can allow flow between the regulation valve 4 and the first end 9 portion of the spool. This third port 1 1 allows fluid to travel into first fluid receptacle 18 while the spool 8 moves back to the off position. This bleed back of fluid in to first fluid receptacle 18 prevents hydraulic lock and aids the spring 23 in moving the spool 8, thus, increasing the response time of the valve arrangement. The bleed back fluid, when high pressure control fluid, can provide pressure to the third port 1 1 to assist spool movement to the off position.

[031 ] By implementing a fluid control strategy, the valve 1 is fluidly controlled. Electrical assist is necessary to power the solenoid 5 and can be necessary to power the alternative three way valve. By controlling the pressure supplied to the first through fourth fluid ports, the spool is selectively reciprocated within the inner compartment and a first fluid pathway to the second end of the spool can be supplied or relieved, a second fluid pathway through the regulation valve can permit bleed off of fluid pressure or be blocked, and the third fluid port can be connected fluidly to the first fluid port or blocked. Appropriate computer control, such as tangible memory device, processor executable instructions stored in the memory device, and processor can implement methods of operating the valve in accordance with the disclosed structures and paths.

[032] Other implementations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the examples disclosed herein.