초록 ▼

In a hydraulically actuated gas exchange valve, the initiation and termination of gas exchange is achieved with a hydraulically driven valve that functions by opening an actuation fluid passage to a high pressure inlet source and a low pressure drain, respectively. The large amount of fluid needed t

In a hydraulically actuated gas exchange valve, the initiation and termination of gas exchange is achieved with a hydraulically driven valve that functions by opening an actuation fluid passage to a high pressure inlet source and a low pressure drain, respectively. The large amount of fluid needed to actuate a gas exchange valve can result in dynamic flow forces around the hydraulically driven valve making closing of the valve with a conventional biasing spring problematic. The small size of the valve limits the size and therefore strength of the biasing springs. Likewise, the need to provide a sufficiently strong spring limits valve designs. The present invention is intended to provide superior control over the timing of gas exchange by employing a hydraulic bias in place of the conventional biasing spring. Hydraulic bias allows both a greater closing force on the valve than could be provided with a spring, and allows for greater versatility in future valve designs.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A hydraulically driven valve comprising:a valve body defining a first passage and a second passage; a valve member positioned in said valve body and being moveable between a first position in which said first passage is open to said second passage, and a second position in which said first passag

1. A hydraulically driven valve comprising:a valve body defining a first passage and a second passage; a valve member positioned in said valve body and being moveable between a first position in which said first passage is open to said second passage, and a second position in which said first passage is closed to said second passage, and said valve member including a biasing hydraulic surface and a control hydraulic surface; a biasing pressure chamber defined at least in part by said valve body and said biasing hydraulic surface; a control pressure chamber defined at least in part by said valve body and said control hydraulic surface; said biasing pressure chamber and said control pressure chamber being fluidly isolated from said first passage and said second passage; a medium pressure force on said biasing hydraulic surface; and one of a high pressure force and a low pressure force on said control hydraulic surface.