TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a valve assembly for a motor vehicle, such as a pressure relief valve (i.e., an “air extractor”), and a method of using the same. The valve assembly is controlled by an electromagnet.

BACKGROUND

Many vehicles include pressure relief valves, which are sometimes referred to as “air extractors,” configured to mitigate pressure build-up in the vehicle. Pressure build-up may be caused when rapidly closing a door or when opening a window of the vehicle, as examples. In the former example, the pressure build-up created by the rapidly closing door can make it difficult to close the door or can prevent the door from being closed altogether. In latter example, the pressure build-up can cause a phenomenon known as “wind throb,” which can cause passenger discomfort. With only one window open in the vehicle, air trying to enter through the open window generates a low frequency pressure pulsation, which is perceived as a “throbbing” sensation. Pressure relief valves are vents, typically in the rear of the vehicle, that provide an air flow path through the vehicle and mitigate pressure build-up.

SUMMARY

A valve assembly for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a flap moveable to between an open position and a closed position, a slider moveable along an axis and including an integrally formed arm in contact with the flap, and an electromagnet configured to be selectively activated to move the slider along the axis.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing valve assembly, the assembly includes a current source in electronic communication with the electromagnet, and a controller in electronic communication with the current source. The current source is configured to deliver current to the electromagnet in response to an instruction from the controller.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing valve assemblies, the assembly includes a guide, and the slider is configured to move relative to the guide.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing valve assemblies, the guide is attached to a frame supporting the flap.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing valve assemblies, the electromagnet is mounted to the guide, and the slider includes a target configured to be repelled by a magnetic field generated by the electromagnet.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing valve assemblies, when the electromagnet is activated, the electromagnet repels the target such that the slider moves along the axis in a first direction thereby causing the flap to move to a partially open or a fully open position.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing valve assemblies, the flap includes a hinged end and a free end, and movement of the slider in the first direction results in movement of the arm toward the hinged end of the flap.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing valve assemblies, when the electromagnet is deactivated, the slider moves along the axis in a second direction opposite the first direction and the flap moves to a fully closed position.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing valve assemblies, the arm projects from a main body of the slider in a direction substantially normal to the axis.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing valve assemblies, the arm directly contacts the flap.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing valve assemblies, the arm directly contacts the flap between sides of the flap.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing valve assemblies, the flap includes a channel, and the arm is received in the channel.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing valve assemblies, the flap is one of a plurality of flaps, the arm is one of a plurality of arms, and each of the arms contacts a respective one of the flaps.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing valve assemblies, the valve assembly is a pressure relief valve.

A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, opening a flap of a valve assembly by activating an electromagnet and thereby moving a slider in a first direction along an axis. Further, the slider includes an integrally formed arm in contact with the flap.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing method, the slider includes a target, and the step of opening the flap includes activating the electromagnet such that the electromagnet repels the target.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes closing the flap by deactivating the electromagnet and thereby permitting movement of the slider in a second direction opposite the first direction.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the step of opening the flap includes moving the flap to one of a partially open position and a fully open position.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the arm projects from a main body of the slider in a direction substantially normal to the axis.

