DK202170653A1

DK202170653A1 - Control valve

Info

Publication number: DK202170653A1
Application number: DKPA202170653A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Enøe Møller Carsten; Wittendorff Ibsen Bjarne
Original assignee: Flowcon Int Aps
Priority date: 2021-12-22
Filing date: 2021-12-22
Publication date: 2023-09-01
Also published as: DK181362B1

Abstract

A control valve (1) for selectively regulating a fluid flow to a device, comprising: a first inlet (11) for connecting to a first fluid source; a second inlet (12) for connecting to a second fluid source, an outlet (13) for fluidically connecting to an inlet (220) of a differential pressure regulator unit (200); an inlet selection element (17) downstream of the first and the second inlets (11,12) and upstream of the outlet (13), a regulator outlet port (49,49’) for fluidically connecting to a pressure inlet (240) of said differential pressure regulator unit (200), said inlet selection element (17) is moveable between: a first position in which the first inlet (11) is in fluid communication with said outlet (13), and a second position in which the second inlet (12) is in fluid communication with said outlet (13), said inlet selection element (17) comprises a second ceramic plate (17) mounted about a shaft (15,15’) and coupled to the shaft (15,15’) to rotate with the shaft (15,15’) and in intimate contact with a first ceramic plate (16), a fourth fluid passage (76,77,79,40) in fluid communication with said regulator outlet port (49,49’), the fourth fluid passage (76,77,79,40) is in fluid communication with the first inlet (11) when the inlet selection element (17) is in said first position, and the fourth fluid passage (76,77,79,40) is in fluid communication with the second inlet (12) when the inlet selection element (17) is in said second position.

Description

DK 2021 70653 A1 1

CONTROL VALVE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to, a control valve for selectively supplying a fluid flow from several sources to a device, e.g., a heating or cooling convector, preferably a control valve that can be associated with or can comprise a differential pressure regulator.

BACKGROUND

Control valves, e.g., 3-way valves of 6-way valves are used in fluid systems comprising several fluid sources, e.g., warm- and cold water and associated hot and cold water return lines, which need to be selectively coupled to a heating or cooling convector, e.g. in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Condition (HVAC) systems used for controlling the indoor climate of buildings. HVAC systems comprise heating and cooling convectors coupled to central sources of heating and cooling water, each convector being coupled to the two water sources by a control valve such that the convectors may be selectively coupled to the hot- or the cold fluid source depending on whether the convector is required to heat or cool. The hot- or cold water flows through the convectors and accordingly the same amount of water that enters the convector needs to exit the convector, and hence the convector needs to be selectively coupled to either a return line for cold water or a return line for hot water by another 3-way valve. The three- way valve for the inlet side and the 3-way valve for the outlet side are at times combined into one 6-way valve, i.e. a 6-way valve in a single valve body. A differential pressure regulator can be used in with a 3-way valve or with the return

DK 2021 70653 A1 2 part of a 6-way valve that regulates the return flow. The differential pressure regulator can either be placed in a cavity of the valve body of the 3- or 6-way control valve (integral solution) or be placed in a separate valve body that is arranged downstream of the outlet of the 3- or 6-way control valve (separate solution). Both the integral and the separate solutions have advantages and disadvantages, the choice will often depend on circumstances and preferences. 3-way or 6-way control valves often use a spherical element as the movable valve member for regulating the connections and the flow, these valves are often referred to as “ball” valves. However, suspended particles in the water may cause the valve body and the ball (spherical element) to wear, and the “ball” (movable valve member) may get stuck.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to provide a 3-way valve that is suitable for having a differential pressure regulator arranged downstream of the outlet of the 3-way valve for maintaining a constant pressure differential over the valve member of the 3-way valve that is durable, reliable and requires little maintenance.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a control valve for selectively regulating a fluid flow to a device, such as a heating or cooling convector, said control valve comprising: a first inlet adapted to be connected to a first fluid source; a second inlet adapted to be connected to a second fluid source, an outlet adapted to be fluidically connected to an inlet of a differential pressure regulator unit; an inlet

DK 2021 70653 A1 3 selection element arranged downstream of the first and the second inlets, and upstream of the outlet, a regulator outlet port, adapted to be fluidically connected to a pressure inlet of said differential pressure regulator unit, said inlet selection element is moveable between: a first position in which the first inlet is in fluid communication with said outlet, and a second position in which the second inlet is in fluid communication with said outlet, wherein said inlet selection element comprises a second ceramic plate mounted about a shaft, and in intimate contact with a first ceramic plate, the first plate being held stationary against motion about the shaft, while the second plate is coupled to the shaft, to rotate with the shaft, without introducing any rotation of the first plate, a fourth fluid passage, in fluid communication with said regulator outlet port, wherein the fourth fluid passage, is in fluid communication with the first inlet when the inlet selection element is in said first position, and wherein the fourth fluid passage, is in fluid communication with the second inlet when the inlet selection element is in said second position.

By providing a control valve with a regulator outlet port that is selectively fluidically connected to the selected inlet port that is connected to the outlet port and by using two ceramic plates that are in intimate contact with one another as the inlet selection element, the resulting control valve can be used with a differential pressure regulator and that is durable, reliable and requires little maintenance.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, said first plate has a first through-going opening or

DK 2021 70653 A1 4 recess and a second through-going opening or recess, and said second plate has one through-going opening or recess.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second ceramic plate is movable: to a first range of angular positions position in which the first inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet, and to a second range of angular positions in which the second inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet, wherein said first range of angular positions does not overlap with said second range of angular positions.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, said first- and second ceramic plates, are fluidically arranged between said first inlet and said outlet and said first- and second ceramic plates, being fluidically arranged between said second port and said third port.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, said first opening or recess in the first ceramic plate at least partially overlapping said one opening or recess in said second ceramic plate in a first range of angular positions of said second ceramic plate for fluidically connecting said first port to said third port, and sald second opening or recess in the first ceramic plate being at least partially aligned with said one opening or recess in said second ceramic plate in a second range of angular positions of said second ceramic plate for fluidically connecting said second port to said third port.

DK 2021 70653 A1

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the control valve comprises a pressure selector, wherein said pressure selector is moveable between a first selection position, which establishes fluid communication 5 between the first fluid passage and the fourth fluid passage, and a second selection position, which establishes fluid communication between the second fluid passage and the fourth fluid passage.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the pressure selector is operably connected to the inlet selection element such that pressure selector is moved to said first selection position when the inlet selection element connects the first inlet to the outlet and such that the pressure selector moved to said second selection position when the inlet selection element connects the second inlet to the outlet.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the pressure selector comprises a ceramic selector plate having a side that engages a surface of said first- or second ceramic plate, for establishing intimate contact therebetween.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the control valve comprises an arrangement, configured for moving said ceramic selector plate to a first selection position when said second ceramic plate is in said first range of angular positions and to a second selection position when said second ceramic plate is in said second range of angular positions.

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According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, said ceramic selector plate establishes fluid communication between the first fluid passage and the third fluid passage, when it is in said first selection position, and establishes fluid communication between the second fluid passage and the third fluid passage, when it is in said second selection position.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, said ceramic selector plate is slidably movable relative to the first- or second ceramic plate, that it engages.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the movement of said ceramic selector plate relative to the first- or second ceramic plate, that it is in intimate contact with is guided by a recess in and/or projections on said first- or second ceramic plate, that it confronts and engages.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, said ceramic selector plate is at least partially received in a recess in said first- or second ceramic plate, with at least a portion of said ceramic selector plate preferably protruding radially from the first- or second ceramic plate, that it is in intimate contact with

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, said ceramic selector plate is a ceramic selection

DK 2021 70653 A1 7 disc rotatably received in said recess in said first ceramic plate.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, said ceramic selector disc at least partially protrudes radially from said recess.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the control valve comprises an abutment member arranged to impart rotation on said ceramic selector disc relative to said first ceramic plate when said second ceramic plate changes between said first range of angular positions and said second range of angular positions, said abutment member preferably moving in unison with said second ceramic plate.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, said ceramic selector disc comprises a recess or a projection for engaging said abutment member.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, said abutment member comprises a peg connected to sald second ceramic plate to move in unison with said second ceramic plate, said peg preferably being partially accommodated in a bore in said second ceramic plate, said peg preferably extending axially from said secondary plate in the direction towards said first ceramic plate.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, said ceramic selector plate comprises a cavity, said cavity enabling fluidic connection between said first opening

DK 2021 70653 A1 8 or recess and regulator outlet port, in said first selection position and enabling a fluid connection between said second opening and said regulator outlet port, in said second selection position.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, a first pressure communication channel, a second pressure communication channel and a third pressure communication channel are arranged in said first ceramic plate, said first pressure connection channel opening at one end to said first opening or recess and at another end to sald recess at a first position, said second pressure communication channel opening at one end to said second opening or recess and at another end to said recess at a second position and said third pressure communication channel opening at one end to said recess at a third position that is located between said first- and second positions, and at another end opening to a bore in said first ceramic plate in which said shaft is received.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, said cavity is sized, shaped and positioned to overlap with said first position and said third position when the ceramic selector disc is in the first selection position and wherein said cavity is sized, shaped and positioned to overlap with said second position and said third position when the ceramic selector disc is in the second selection position, said cavity being preferably sized shaped and positioned to only overlap with said third position when said ceramic selector disc is in an intermediate position between the first- and second selection positions.

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According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, said shaft is provided with one or more axially extending grooves, at least one of said one or more axially extending grooves opens to said other end of said third pressure communication channel, regardless of the angular position of the shaft, said one or more axially extending grooves preferably fluidically connecting to a fluid passage that connects to a pressure chamber that is axially disposed on the side of the second ceramic plate that faces away from said first ceramic plate, said pressure chamber preferably opening to said regulator cavity or said regulator outlet.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, said shaft, is rotationally suspended in said valve body with a portion of said shaft, configured to be coupled to an actuator for rotation about a valve axis X.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the control valve comprises: a return flow inlet adapted to be connected to the device to receive a fluid returning from the device; a first return flow outlet adapted to be connected to the first fluid drain; a second return flow outlet adapted to be connected to the second fluid drain; and a outlet selection element arranged upstream of the first and the second return flow outlets, and downstream of the return flow inlet, wherein said outlet selection element is moveable between a first position, in which the first return flow outlet is in fluid communication with the return flow inlet, and a second position, in which the second return flow outlet is in fluid communication with the return flow inlet.

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According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the outlet selection element is connected to the inlet selection element such that the outlet selection element and the inlet selection element move in unison.

According to a possible implementation form of the first aspect, said outlet selection element comprises a first ceramic plate and a second ceramic plate mounted about a shaft and in intimate contact with each other, the first plate being held stationary against motion about the shaft, while the second plate is coupled to the shaft to rotate with the shaft without introducing any rotation of the first ceramic plate.

The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the aspects, embodiments, and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a 6-way control valve according to an embodiment,

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the valve of Fig. 1 along the line II-II”,

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the valve of Fig. 1 along the line III-III’,

DK 2021 70653 A1 11

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the valve of Fig. 1 along the line IV-IV',

Fig. 5 is a side view differential pressure regulator,

Fig. 6 is a view of the valve of Fig. 1 along the line V-V’,

Fig. 7 is an exploded elevated view of the valve body of the valve of Fig. 1 showing the differential pressure regulator outside the wvalve body,

Fig. 8 is another side view of the valve of Fig. 1,

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of ceramic plates of the valve of

Fig. 1,

Fig. 10 is another exploded view of ceramic plates of the valve of Fig. 1,

Fig. 11 is another exploded view of ceramic plates of the valve of Fig. 1,

Fig. 12 is a top view of a pressure selected disk of the valve of Fig. 1,

Fig. 13 is another exploded view of some of the components of the valve of Fig. 1,

Figs. 14 to 17 are top views an embodiment of the ceramic plates used in the valve of Fig. 1,

Figs. 17a and 17b are top views on another embodiment of the ceramic plates used in the valve of Fig. 1,

Fig. 18 is a side view of a 6-way control valve according to another embodiment,

Fig. 19 is a sectional view of the valve of Fig. 18 along the line XIX-XIX’,

Fig. 20 is a side view of the valve of Fig. 18,

Fig. 21 is a sectional view of the valve of Fig. 18 along the line XXI-XXI’,

Fig. 22 is an exploded view illustrating some of the components of the valve of Fig. 18,

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Fig. 23 is an exploded view showing the valve body and some of the components of the valve of Fig. 18,

Fig. 24 is a graph describing the relation between a flow rate and the angle of one of the ceramic plates relative to the other ceramic plate, and

Fig. 25 is a sectional view showing a 3-way valve according to an embodiment operably coupled to another 3-way valve according to another embodiment, the operable connection of the two 3-way valves resulting a 6-way valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figs. 1 to 17 disclose an embodiment of a 6-way control valve 1 that is essentially formed by a combination of two coupled 3-way control valves in a single valve body. Hence, it is understood that each of the 3-way valves in the 6-way valve forms an embodiment.

The arrows in the figures that have not been provided with a reference number indicate the direction of the flow for the respective ports.

The shown embodiment has a valve body 2, which is provided with a first inlet 11, a second inlet 12, and an outlet 13 that are associated with a first of the 3-way valves. the valve body 2 is further provided with an inlet 23, a first outlet 21, and a second outlet 22. Control valve 1 is suited for use with various types of systems with several fluid sources where differential pressure regulation may be required. The control valve 1 is particularly suited for using heating, ventilation, and air conditioning HVAC systems, where outlet 13 and inlet 23 may be connected to a device,

DK 2021 70653 A1 13 e.g. a heating and/or cooling convector, and the first inlet 11 can be connected to a first fluid source for supplying the first fluid, e.g. a heating fluid to the device and the second inlet 12 can be connected to a second fluid source supplying a second fluid e.g. a coolant to the device. The return flow of the device is connected to the inlet 23, and the first outlet 21 can be connected to the return to the first fluid source and the second outlet 22 can be connected to the return of the second fluid source.

Generally, the first- and second ceramic plates 16,17 are fluidically arranged between the first inlet 11 and the outlet 13 and the first- and second ceramic plates 16, 17 are fluidically arranged between the second inlet 12 the outlet 13, and the first- and second ceramic plates 26,27 are fluidically arranged between the first outlet of 21 and the in the 23 and the first- and second ceramic plates 26,27 are fluidically arranged between the second outlet 22 and the inlet 23.

The first inlet 11, the second inlet 12, and the outlet 13 are integral parts of valve body 2 and are substantially straight tubular members that are directed radially to the valve axis X. The first of the 12, the second outlet 22, and the in its 23 are an integral part of the valve body 2 and are substantially straight tubular members that are directed radially to the valve axis X.

The first inlet 11, the second inlet 12, and the other 13 are arranged in the same plane, preferably with an angle of 180° between the first and second inlets and at an angle of 90°

DK 2021 70653 A1 14 between the outlet 13 and each of the first and second inlets 11, 12. The first outlet 21, the second outlet 22, and the inlet 23 are arranged also arranged in another same plane, preferably with an angle of hundred 80° between the first- and second inlets and at an angle of 90° between the inlet 23 and each of the first and second outlets 21, 22. This angular placement allows the piping connecting the control valve 1 to the device and fluid sources to be arranged effectively.

To enable a user to select which of the first or the second inlets 11,12 are brought in fluid communication with the outlet 13, and which of the first or second outlet 21, 22 are brought in fluid communication with the inlet 23 the control valve 1 comprises an inlet selection element 17 arranged downstream of the first and the second inlets 11, 12 and upstream of the outlet 13, and an outlet selection element 27 arranged downstream of the inlet 23. The inlet selection element 17 and the outlet section element 27 are operably connected so that the first inlet 11 is connected to outlet 13 when the first outlet 21 is connected to inlet 23 and so that the second inlet 12 is connected to outlet 13 when the second outlet 22 is connected to the inlet 23.

In the shown embodiment, the inlet selection element 17 is provided by a second ceramic plate 17 that is in intimate contact with a first ceramic plate 16. A shaft 15,15” is rotationally suspended in valve body 2 with a portion of the shaft 15,15’ configured to be coupled to an actuator 180 (in the shown embodiment a rotary actuator) for rotation about a valve axis X. In the shown embodiment, shaft 15, protrudes from valve body 2 through a bore in an end plug 9 for allowing

DK 2021 70653 A1 15 the actuator 180 to engage the protruding axial end of shaft 15.

The first, stationary, ceramic plate 16 is of oxide ceramic material and anchored in the valve body 2. The second, rotatable, ceramic plate 17 is of oxide ceramic material and is urged towards the first disk 16 by resilient means 62 that is in the present embodiment formed by a helical spring to ensure that the surfaces of the first and second ceramic plates 16, 17 are in intimate contact with each other. The first and ceramic plates 16,17 have highly polished sides for intimate contact with one another so that second ceramic plate 17 can slide easily on the first ceramic plate 16 while preventing leakage between the sides that are intimate contact.

The first ceramic plate 16 is held stationary against motion about the shaft 15,15’, e.g., by anchoring the first ceramic plate 16 in the valve body 2, while the second ceramic plate 17 is coupled to the shaft 15,15’ to rotate with the shaft 15,15" without introducing any rotation of the first ceramic plate 16. hereto, and opening 36 in the second ceramic plate through which the shaft 15,15’ extent may have a noncircular cross-sectional outline, and at least the axial portion the shaft 15, 15’ that is arranged in the opening 36 having a complementary cross-sectional outline. The first ceramic plate 16 has a first through-going opening or recess 31 and a second through-going opening or recess 32. The second ceramic plate 17 has one through-going opening or recess 33.

The second ceramic plate 17 is rotatable to a first range of angular positions position in which first inlet 11 is in fluid

DK 2021 70653 A1 16 communication with the outlet 13 and to a second range of angular positions in which the second inlet 12 is in fluid communication with the outlet 13. The first range of angular positions does not overlap with the second range of angular positions so that there is never any mixing taking place in the valve. Thus, rotation of the second ceramic plate 17 between the first- and a second range of angular position, bring one of the first inlet 11 or the second inlet 12 into fluid communication with the outlet 13 and disconnects the other.

In the shown embodiment, the outlet selection element 27 is provided by a second ceramic plate 27 that is in intimate contact with a first ceramic plate 17. The shaft 15" is rotationally suspended in valve body 2 with a portion of the shaft 15’’ configured to be coupled to shaft 15” for rotation about a valve axis X.

The first, stationary, ceramic plate 27 is of oxide ceramic material and anchored in the wvalve body 2. The second, rotatable, ceramic plate 27 is of oxide ceramic material and is urged towards the first ceramic plate 26 by the resilient means 62 to ensure that the surfaces of the first and second ceramic plates 26, 27 are in intimate contact with each other.

The first and ceramic plates 26, 27 have highly polished sides for intimate contact with one another so that second ceramic plate 27 can slide easily on the first ceramic plate 26 while preventing leakage between the sides that are intimate contact.

DK 2021 70653 A1 17

The first ceramic plate 26 is held stationary against motion about the shaft 1577, e.g., by anchoring the first ceramic plate 26 in the valve body 2, while the second ceramic plate 27 is coupled to the shaft 15777 to rotate with the shaft 1577 without introducing any rotation of the first ceramic plate 26. Hereto, and opening 46 in the second ceramic plate through which the shaft 15’’ extents may have a noncircular cross-sectional outline, and at least the axial portion the shaft 15’’ that is arranged in the opening 46 having a complementary cross-sectional outline. The first ceramic plate 26 has a first through-going opening or recess 41 and a second through-going opening or recess 42. The second ceramic plate 27 has one through-going opening or recess 43.

The second ceramic plate 27 is rotatable to a first range of angular positions position in which first outlet 21 is in fluid communication with the inlet 23 and to the second range of angular positions in which the second outlet 22 is in fluid communication with the inlet 23. The first range of angular positions does not overlap with the second range of angular positions so that there is never any mixing taking place in the valve. Thus, rotation of the second ceramic plate 27 between the first- and a second ranges of angular position, brings one of the first outlet 21 or the second outlet 22 into fluid communication with the inlet 23 and disconnects the other.

A first fluid passage 18 connects the first inlet port 11 to the first opening recess 31 in the first ceramic plate 16 at a side of the first ceramic plate 16 that faces away from the second ceramic plate 17. A second fluid passage 19 connects the second inlet 12 to the second opening 32 in the first

DK 2021 70653 A1 18 plate 16 on the side of the second ceramic plate 16 that faces away from the second ceramic plate 17. A third fluid passage 20 connects outlet 13 to the one opening or recess 33 in the first ceramic plate 16 on the side of the first ceramic plate 16 that faces away from the second ceramic plate 17.

The first fluid passage 18 and the second fluid passage 19 are in an embodiment formed in a first insert 14. A bore lumen 7 with a preferably circular cross-section in the first insert 14 allows the shaft 15 to pass through insert 14. Shaft 15 preferably has a circular cross-section and a diameter relative to the diameter of the lumen 7 that results in a, preferably small, clearance between the shaft 15,15/and the lumen 7.

The first insert 14 can be a molded article, e.g., a thermoplastic polymer material that is suitable e.g., for injection molding. The first insert 14 is received in valve body 2 defines the first and second fluid passages 18,19.

The third flow passage 20 is in an embodiment partially delimited by a divider 60 and partially delimited by the second ceramic plate 17. The divider 60 can be a molded article, e.g., of a thermoplastic polymer material that is suitable e.g., for injection molding. The divider 60 is received in valve body 2 between the second ceramic disc 17 and the second ceramic disc 27 and defines a bore 65 that allows the shaft 15’ and the shaft 1577 to extend into the divider 60.

DK 2021 70653 A1 19

A fifth fluid passage 28 connects at one end sealingly using e.g., an O-ring to the port in the valve body 2 that forms the first inlet 21 and connects sealingly to the first ceramic plate 26 to open to the first opening 41. A sixth fluid passage 29 connects at one end sealingly using e.g., an O- ring to the port in the valve body 2 that forms second outlet 22 and connects sealingly to the first ceramic plate 26 to open to the second opening 42.

A seventh fluid passage 30 connects the inlet 23 to the one opening or recess 43 in the second ceramic plate 27 on the side of the first ceramic plate 27 that faces away from the first ceramic plate 26. The fifth fluid passage 28 and the sixth fluid passage 29 are in an embodiment formed in a second insert 24. A bore in the second insert 24 allows the shaft 1577 to be received in and rotatably guided by the second insert 24.

The sixth flow passage 30 is partially delimited by the divider 60 and partially delimited by the second ceramic plate 27.

In an embodiment first port 21 forms a first return flow outlet to be connected to a hot water return line of the HVAC system. The second port 22 forms a second return flow outlet to be connected to a cold water return line of the HVAC system. The third port 23 forms a return flow inlet to be connected to the device. The first port 11 forms a first supply flow inlet to be connected to a hot water supply line of the HVAC system, the second port 12 forms a second supply flow inlet to be connected to a cold water supply line of the

DK 2021 70653 A1 20

HVAC system, and the third port 13 forms a supply flow outlet to be connected to the device.

The first opening or recess 31,41 in the first ceramic plate 16,26 at least partially overlaps the one opening 33,42 in the second ceramic plate 17,27 in the first range of angular positions of the second ceramic plate 17,27 for fluidically connecting the first port 11,21 to the third port 13,23 and the second opening or recess 32,42 in the first ceramic plate 16,17 is at least partially overlapping with the one opening or recess 33,43 in the second ceramic plate 17,27 in the second range of angular positions of the second ceramic plate 17,27 for fluidically connecting the second port 12,22 to the third port 13,23.

The size, shape, and position of the first and second openings 31,32 in the first ceramic plate 16,26 and the one opening 33,43 and the second ceramic plate 17,27 are such that rotation of the second ceramic plate 17,27 between the two positions gradually change in the overlapping area between the respective openings 31,32,33,41,42,43, whereby rotation of the inlet selection elements 17,27 allows the user to define the overlap area of to provide flow control.

The size, shape, and position of the openings 31,32,33,41,42,43 is such that when the second ceramic plate 17,27 is in an intermediary potion or an intermediary range of positions between the first and the second angular ranges, neither of the first inlet 11 or the second inlet 12 connects to the outlet 13, and likewise neither of the first outlet 21 or the second outlet 22 connects to the inlet 23, whereby a

DK 2021 70653 A1 21 closed position or a range of closed is provided. The closed position or range of closed positions lies between the first- and second angular start positions.

In the shown embodiment the contour of the openings 31 and 32 has a V-shaped section, i.e., this section of the contour resembles a letter V. Although a letter V generally tapers to a point, the contour of the second opening or recess 32,42 does not end in a sharp point to reduce the notch effect that could lead to cracks in the ceramic plates 17, 27. Hence, the very bottom of the V-shaped section of the contour of the opening is rounded to form a round bottom. However, this rounded bottom forms only a small part of the outline of openings 31 and 32.

The V-shaped section is e.g., shown in Fig. 17. In the shown embodiment the V-shaped section has a shape similar to an inwardly curving letter V, but it is understood that the V- shaped section could just as well have a shape like a letter

V with at least one straight leg. The leg of the V-shaped section that is closest to the opening 35 is preferably arranged to remain substantially parallel with the circular opening 35, whilst the other leg of the V-shaped section can be inwardly curving as shown, straight, or outwardly curving.

The resulting area of overlap for different angular positions of the second ceramic plate 17, 27 is illustrated by the interrupted lines. Three angular positions of the ceramic plate 17, 27are illustrated: the closed position, a first angular position with some overlap, and a second angular position with more overlap.

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The first angular range lies between a first angular start position of the second ceramic plates 17,27 where overlap between the one opening or recess 33,43 and the first opening or recess 31, 41 starts, and a first angular end position where an overlap area between the one opening or recess 33, 34 and the first opening a recess 31, 41 is at its maximum.

The second angular range lies between a second angular start position of the second ceramic plate 17,27 where overlap between the one opening or recess 33, 43 and the second opening or recess 32,42 begins and a second angular end position where an overlap area between the one opening or recess 33, 34 and the second opening or recess 32,42 is at its maximum.

In the shown embodiment the first opening or recess 31 and the one opening or recess 33 have a contour shaped and sized to result in an overlap area that increases faster than proportionally with increasing angular distance from the first annular start position towards the first angular end position and the second opening or recess 32 and the one opening or recess 33 have a contour shaped and sized to result in an overlap area that increases faster than proportionally with increasing angular distance from the second annular start position towards the second angular end position. This faster than personal increase is obtained by the shape of the contour of the first and second openings 31, 32, which is very different from the conventional shape of the openings 41 and 42, through the inclusion of the V-shaped section. This faster than proportional increase of the overlap allows for a characteristic of the control valve 1 that provides for a small increase of the flow when the second ceramic plate 17

DK 2021 70653 A1 23 is rotated towards from the first angular start position towards the first angular end position or on the second angular start position towards the second angular end position. This effect is demonstrated by Figs. 15 and 17, showing that an equal change in angular position of the second ceramic plates 17,27 from the first start position towards the first end position results in a significantly smaller overlap area between the first opening 31 and the one opening 33 when compared to the overlap area between the first opening 41 and the one opening 43. Thus, with a contour, as shown for the openings 31, 32, the control valve one becomes much less sensitive to small angular changes when operating with angles that are close to the respective angular start position. This in turn lowers the requirements on the minimum angular step that the (rotary) actuator 180 need to be able to perform and lessens the requirements on precision of control of the angular position for the (rotary) actuator 180 and lessens to the requirements on hysteresis/ backlash for the rotational actuator 180. The required shape for the contour that results e.g., in an equal percentages profile can be determined mathematically since the flow is proportional to the overlap area 1f the pressure differential is kept constant across the opening or through simple trial error.

In the shown embodiment, the first opening or recess 31 and the one opening or recess 33 have a contour shaped and sized to result in an overlap area that increases according to a function that results in an equal percentage relation between the flow through the overlap and the angle of the second plate 17 when the angle is between the first annular start position and the first angular end position, assuming that the pressure

DK 2021 70653 A1 24 differential over the overlap is substantially constant, and the second opening or recess 32 and the one opening or recess 33 have a contour shaped and sized to result in an overlap area that increases according to a function that results in an equal percentage relation between the flow through the overlap and the angle of the second plate 17 when the angle is between the second annular start position and the second angular end position, assuming that the pressure differential over the overlap is substantially constant. A constant pressure differential over the overlap is ensured by the differential pressure regulator 100 that will be described in detail further below.

In an equal percentage characteristic, each angular increment of the second ceramic plate 17 (away from the intermediate position range) increases the flowrate by a certain percentage of the previous flow and vice versa.

The equal percentage relation between the angle and the resulting flow is illustrated in Fig. 24 by the light grey line. The relation between the angle and the resulting flow that is illustrated by the black line in Fig. 24 represents the flow that would be the result of an overlap between the openings 41,42,43 with a conventional mostly circular contour as illustrated in Fig. 14 and 15, which shows a large increase in the flow for angular changes around the intermediate position.

In the shown embodiment the first opening or recess 31 and the one opening or recess 33 have a contour shaped and sized to result in an overlap area that increases according to a

DK 2021 70653 A1 25 function that results in an equal percentage relation between the flow through the overlap and the angle of the second plate 17 when the angle is between the first annular start position and the first angular end position, assuming that the pressure differential over the overlap is substantially constant, and the second opening or recess 32 and the one opening or recess 33 have a contour shaped and sized to result in an overlap area that increases according to a function that results in an equal percentage relation between the flow through the overlap and the angle of the second plate 17 when the angle is between the second annular start position and the second angular end position, assuming that the pressure differential over the overlap is substantially constant.

The contour of the first- or second opening 31,32 comprises a substantially V-shaped portion, with a first leg of the V- shaped portion being substantially tangentially arranged and a second leg of the V-shaped portion extending in a direction between radial and tangential, the first leg and the second leg preferably forming an acute angle.

The bottom, i.e., there where the legs of the V meet, of the

V-shaped portion, is rounded for reducing notch effect, the rounded bottom preferably being small relative to the V-shaped portion.

A first leg of the V-shaped portion is outside the rounded bottom and is in the shown embodiment substantially tangentially arranged and the second leg of the V-shaped portion outside the rounded bottom is in the shown embodiment arranged at an angle to the radial direction or extends in a

DK 2021 70653 A1 26 direction between radial and tangential, the first leg and the second leg forming an acute angle.

In the shown embodiment, the first leg of the V-shaped portion forms a flat or conical surface, and the second leg of the V- shaped portion forms a conical surface. However, it is understood that in other embodiments the second leg of the V- shaped portion and forms a flat or concave surface.

Thus, the V-shaped portion may resemble a letter V with straight legs or with inwardly curved legs or with one inwardly curved leg and one straight leg or with one inwardly curved leg and one outwardly curved leg.

The bottom of the V-shaped portion of the first opening or recess 31 is tangentially directed opposite to the bottom of the V-shaped portion of the second opening or recess 32.

In the shown embodiment the bottom of the V-shaped portion of the first- and second opening recess 31,32 is radially closer to the shaft 15,15’ than to an outer circumference of the first or ceramic plate 16.

The top of the first and second leg of the V-shaped portion is connected by a curved portion that forms a concave surface thereby giving the first- and second opening 31,32 a deltoid contour. The surfaces forming the first or second opening or recess 31,32 are at a substantially right angle to the sides of the first ceramic plate 16.

DK 2021 70653 A1 27

The one opening 33 in the first ceramic plate has a conventional contour that is circular, except in the area closest to the shaft 15,15’ to allow the one opening 33 to be arranged as close as possible to the shaft 15,15’. Hence, a minor section of the contour of the opening 33 is formed by an inwardly bulging section that forms a convex surface.

In the shown embodiment the first- and second ceramic plates 16,17,26,27 are flat-sided discs with a substantially uniform thickness.

To obtain a control valve 1 with a linear (proportional) characteristic the openings 31,32,33 in the first- and second ceramic plates 16, 17 are sized, shaped, and positioned as shown in Figs. 17a and 17b, which results in the flow rate being proportional to the angular position of the second ceramic plate 17 at a constant differential pressure, since the shown shape for the first- and second openings 31,32 and the one opening 33 with the edges that define the size of the overlap being straight and radially directed and the straight edges connecting to tangentially extending edges to form the contour of the respective opening results in an increase of overlap that is proportional to increase in angle of the second ceramic plate 17 and vice versa.

Control valve 1 comprises in the present embodiment a regulator cavity 90 adapted to accommodate a differential pressure regulator 100. The regulator cavity 90 is arranged downstream of the inlet selection element 17 and upstream of the outlet 13 and is adapted to accommodate a differential pressure regulator 100 adapted to maintain a substantially

DK 2021 70653 A1 28 constant differential pressure over the inlet selection element 17. In the shown embodiment, the regulator cavity 90 is accessible from the outside of the control valve 1 for inserting the differential pressure regulator 100 into the control valve 1. In other embodiments, the differential pressure regulator 100 may be built into the control valve 1.

To connect the regulator cavity 90 to the first and second inlets 11, 12, the control valve 1 further comprises a first fluid passage 18 and a second fluid passage 19 connecting the first inlet 11 and the second inlet 12, respectively, to the first- and second openings 31, 32, and third fluid passage 20 connecting the one opening 33 to the regulator cavity 90 at a first location. A fourth fluid passage 76,77,79,40 communicates the pressure of the respective first- or second fluid passage 18,19 to a second location in the regulator cavity 90. By providing a selective pressure communication between the first inlet 11 and the regulator cavity 90 and a second location and between the second inlet 12 and the regulator cavity 90 at the second location a differential pressure regulator 100 arranged in the regulator cavity 90 will be able to regulate the differential pressure over the inlet selection element 17 despite being arranged downstream of the inlet selection element 17. The selective connection of one of the first or the second fluid passages 11,12 to the fourth fluid passage 76,77,79,40 and the disconnection of the other 11,12 is performed by a pressure selector which will be described in detail below.

To select which one of the first or the second fluid passages 18,19 is connected to the fourth fluid passage 76,77,79,40,

DK 2021 70653 A1 29 and thereby to the regulator cavity 90, the control valve 1 comprises the pressure selector 70 moveable between a first selection position, which establishes fluid communication between the first fluid passage 18 and the fourth fluid passage 76,77,79,40, and a second selection position, which establishes fluid communication between the second fluid passage 19 and the fourth fluid passage 76,77,79,40.

The pressure selector 70 is operably connected to the second ceramic plate 17 such that pressure selector 70 is moved to the first selection position when the second ceramic plate 17 is in the first range of angular positions where it connects the first inlet 11 to the outlet 13 and such that the pressure selector 70 moved to the second selection position when the second ceramic plate 17 is in the second range of position where it connects the second inlet 12 to the outlet 13.

In the shown embodiment, the pressure selector 70 comprises a ceramic selector plate 70 having a side that engages a surface of the first ceramic plate 16 for establishing intimate contact therebetween. In the shown embodiment, the control valve 1 comprises an arrangement 72,73 configured for moving the ceramic selector plate 70 to a first selection position when the second ceramic plate 17 is in the first range of angular positions and to a second selection position when the second ceramic plate 17 is in the second range of angular positions. In an embodiment, the ceramic selector plate 70 has an intermediate position between the first- and second selection positions.

DK 2021 70653 A1 30

The ceramic selector plate 70 establishes fluid communication between the first fluid passage 11 and the fourth fluid passage 76,77,79,40 when it is in the first selection position and establishes fluid communication between the second fluid passage 19 and the third fluid passage 76,77,79,40 when it is in the second selection position.

The ceramic selector plate 70 is slidably movable relative to the first ceramic plate 16, in the shown embodiment the movement is a rotation.

The movement of the ceramic selector plate 70 relative to the first ceramic plate 16 is guided by a recess in and/or projections on the first ceramic plate 16, in the shown embodiment the guidance is by means of a recess 80. The ceramic selector plate 70 is at least partially received in recess 80, with a portion of the ceramic selector plate 70 protruding radially from the first ceramic plate 16. In the shown embodiment, the ceramic selector plate 70 is a ceramic selection disc 70 rotatably received in the recess 80 in the first ceramic plate 16.

The control valve 1 comprises an abutment member 72 arranged to impart rotation on the ceramic selector disc 70 relative to the first ceramic plate 16 when the second ceramic plate 17 changes between the first range of angular positions and the second range of angular positions. In the shown embodiment, the abutment member 72 moves in unison with the second ceramic plate. In the shown embodiment, the ceramic selector disc 70 comprises a V-shaped recess 73. In other embodiments, the ceramic selector disc 70 may comprise a

DK 2021 70653 A1 31 differently shaped recess or a projection for engaging the abutment member 72.

In the shown embodiment the abutment member 72 comprises a peg 72 connected to the second ceramic plate 17 to move in unison with the second ceramic plate 17. The peg 72 is partially accommodated in a bore 38 in the second ceramic plate 17 and the peg 72 extending axially from the second ceramic plate 17 in the direction towards the first ceramic plate 16, so that it engages the V-shaped recess 73 in the ceramic selector disc 70 when the pack 72 moves past the recess 73 when the second ceramic to 17 is moved past the intermediate position. Thus, the ceramic selector disc 70 assumes the first selection position when the second ceramic plate 17 is moved from the intermediate position to the first range of angular positions and the ceramic selector disc assumes the second selection position when the second ceramic plate 17 is moved from the intermediate position to the second range of angular positions by abutment with the respective sides of the V-shaped recess 73.

In the shown embodiment, the ceramic selector plate 70 comprises a cavity 78. The cavity 78 enables a fluidic connection between the first opening or recess 31 and the regulator cavity 90 in the first selection position and enables a fluid connection between the second opening 32 and the regulator cavity 90 or the regulator outlet 49 in the second selection position.

In the shown embodiment, a first pressure communication channel 74, a second pressure communication channel 75, and

DK 2021 70653 A1 32 a third pressure communication channel 76 are arranged in the first ceramic plate 16. The first pressure connection channel 74 opens at one end to the first opening or recess 31 and at another end to the recess 80 at a first position 84. The second pressure communication channel 75 opens at one end to the second opening or recess 32 and at another end to the recess 80 at a second position 85. The third pressure communication channel 75 opens at one end to the recess 80 at a third position 86 that is located between the first- and second positions 84, 85, and at another end opening to a bore 35 in the first ceramic plate 16 in which the shaft 15 is received.

The cavity 78 is sized, shaped, and positioned to overlap with the first position 84 and the third position 86 when the ceramic selector disc 70 is in the first selection position and wherein the cavity 78 is sized, shaped, and positioned to overlap with the second position and the third position when the ceramic selector disc 70 is in the second selection position, the cavity 78 is preferably sized shaped and positioned to only overlap with the third position 86 when the ceramic selector disc 70 is in an intermediate position between the first- and second selection positions. In the shown embodiment, cavity 78 has an elongated curved shape and extends tangentially in the ceramic selector disc 70. However, it should be understood that the cavity 78 could have any other suitable state that allows for overlapping simultaneously with the first position 84 and the third position 86 when the ceramic selector disc 70 is in the first selection position and allows for overlapping simultaneously with the second position 85 and the third position 86 when

DK 2021 70653 A1 33 the ceramic selector disc 70 is in the second selection position.

In the shown embodiment, shaft 15 is provided with several axially extending grooves 77, that open to the third pressure communication channel 76, regardless of the angular position of shaft 15. The axially extending grooves 77 fluidically connect to a fluid passage that connects to a pressure chamber 40 that is axially disposed on the side of the second ceramic plate 17 that faces away from the first ceramic plate 16. The pressure chamber 40 opens to the regulator cavity 90.

The axially extending grooves 77 extends to the axial end of shaft 15 that abuts with an axial end of the shaft 15’. The shaft 15’ is provided with an axial bore 79 that extends from the axial end of the shaft 15’ that abuts with the axial end of shaft 15 to the opposite end of the axial shaft 15’. A gap between the axial end of the shaft 15’ and the axial end of the shaft 15'’ that abuts with the axial end of shaft 157 provides for a fluidic connection between the axial bore 79 and a pressure communication chamber 40 in the divider 60.

The pressure convocation chamber 40 is in direct fluidic communication with the pressure regulator cavity 90.

The axial end of the shaft 15’ that abuts with the axial end of the shaft 15 has a cross-sectional shape that is complementary with the cross-sectional shape of the opening 36 in the second ceramic plate 17, thereby ensuring that the shaft 15’ rotates in unison with the second ceramic plate 17.

DK 2021 70653 A1 34

The axial end of the shaft 15’’ that abuts with the axial end of the shaft 15’ is provided with an axial bore in which a portion of the helical spring 62 is received. The other portion of the helical spring 62 is received in the axial bore 79 in the shaft 15’. The helical spring resiliently urges the second plate 17 towards the first plate 16 and resiliently urges the second plate 27 to the first plate 26.

In the shown embodiment, a differential pressure regulator 100 is accommodated in the regulator cavity 90. Differential pressure regulators 100, in general, are well-known in the literature and come in various types. The regulator cavity 90 can be adapted to accommodate a specific type. In the shown embodiment, the differential pressure regulator 100 comprises a first hollow regulator element 101 and a second hollow regulator element 102, wherein the first regulator element 101 is displaceable along a longitudinal axis of the differential pressure regulator 100, while the second regulator element 102 is fixedly accommodated in the regulator cavity 90.

The pressure regulator 100 comprises a resilient biasing member 103 which in the shown embodiment is provided by a helical spring. The resilient biasing member 103 is operably connected to the first regulator element 101 to urge the first regulator element 101 towards a default position.

In the shown embodiment, the resilient biasing member 103 extends between the first regulator element 101 and an abutment portion fixedly connected to the second regulator

DK 2021 70653 A1 35 element 102 by ribs which allow fluid to enter the inlet chamber 120 of the differential pressure regulator 100.

The first regulator element 101 is connected to the second regulator element 102 via a rolling diaphragm 105 which extends around the circumference of the first regulator element 101, whereby the diaphragm 105 and the first regulator element 101 defines a regulator chamber 104.

The first regulator element 101 is provided with an aperture, preferably in the form of a plurality of radially distributed slots 106, the slots 106 preferably extend axially. Slots 106 connect the inner chamber under 20 with outlet 13.

The position of the rolling membrane 105 is determined by the axlal position of the first regulator element 101. The rolling membrane 105 is configured to obscure the slots 106, depending on the actual position of the first regulator element 101. In the default position, the rolling membrane 105 does either not obscure the slots 106, or the rolling membrane 105 obscures the slots 106 to the least extent. When the first regulator element 101 is in the opposite axial position of the default position the rolling membrane 105 obscures the slots to the most extent, or completely. The axial position of the first regulator element 101, and hence the rolling membrane 105, defines a flow aperture with an area depending on the position of the first regulator element 101 and the rolling membrane 105.

The pressure communication chamber 40 connects to the regulator cavity such that it is in fluid communication with

DK 2021 70653 A1 36 the regulator chamber 90 when a differential pressure regulator 100 is accommodated in the regulator cavity 90 via a pressure communication channel 50 that extends axially and preferably concentrically in the differential pressure regulator 100. The pressure communication channel 50 opens at a pressure communication inlet 140 to an area of the regulator cavity 90 that is fluidically connected to the pressure chamber 40.

Except for the pressure communication channel 50 the regulator chamber 104 is isolated. This means that the pressure in the regulator chamber 104 during operation is substantially the same as the selected inlet 11,12 which through elements 31,32,74,75,85,85,86,78,40,50 is brought into fluid communication with the regulator chamber 104. Effectively, the pressure in the regulator chamber 104 becomes substantially the same as the pressure of the inlet 11, 12 which is connected to outlet 13.

The inlet chamber 120 of the differential pressure regulator 100, extends to the first regulator element 101, and thus the pressure in the inlet chamber 120 acts on the first regulator element 101 and the rolling membrane 105, and this pressure urges the first regulator element 101 in the same axial direction as the resilient biasing member 103. The pressure in the regulator chamber 104 acts on the opposite side of the first regulator element 101 and the rolling membrane 105.

The inlet chamber 120 is in fluid communication with the pressure communication chamber 40, whereby and has a fluid pressure during operation is substantially the same as the

DK 2021 70653 A1 37 fluid pressure of the flow immediately downstream of the inlet selection element 17. Through this configuration, the first regulator element 101 senses both the pressure in the inlet chamber 120 on one side and the pressure in regulator chamber 104 on the other side.

During operation, this means that the first regulator element 101 and hence the rolling membrane 105 will set itself in a balance between the force exerted by the pressure in the regulator chamber 104, i.e., the pressure of the selected inlet 11, 12 and the forces exerted by the pressure of the inlet chamber 120 i.e., the pressure downstream of the inlet selection element 17, and the resilient biasing member 103.

It should be noted that the force exerted on the first regulating element 101 by the biasing member 103 is substantially 0 N at the default position of the first regulator element 101 and that the force exerted on the first regulating element 101 by the biasing member 103 depends on the axial position of the first regulator element 101.

Furthermore, in the shown embodiment wherein the biasing member 103 is provided by a helical spring, the force exerted on the first regulating element 101 by the biasing member 103 will be substantially linear if the resilient member has a linear characteristic. Other embodiments may however be provided with a biasing member 103 with non-linear characteristics.

During operation, the differential pressure over the inlet selection element 17 thus displaces the first regulator element 101 which causes a change in the area of the available flow aperture defined by the overlap of the rolling membrane

DK 2021 70653 A1 38 105 and the slots 106. This in turn regulates the pressure in the inlet chamber 120 by increasing/decreasing the available area for the fluid to flow to the outlet 13.

Through this continuous regulation, the differential pressure regulator 100 is able to maintain a substantially constant differential pressure over the inlet selection element 17, even when the system experiences pressure fluctuations upstream of the selected inlet 101, 102. It should be noted, that in some embodiments, the second regulator element 102 may be provided by the regulator cavity 90 itself.

Figs. 18 to 23 disclose another embodiment of a 6-way control valve 1 that is essentially formed by a combination of two coupled 3-way control valves in a single valve body. Hence, it is understood that each of the 3-way valves in the 6-way valve forms an embodiment. In this embodiment, structures and features that are the same or similar to corresponding structures and features previously described or shown herein are denoted by the same reference numeral as previously used for simplicity.

The control valve 1 according to this embodiment is in many ways similar to the control wvalve 1 of the embodiment according to Figs. 1 to 17, with a major difference being the absence of a regulator cavity in the control valve 1 according to the present embodiment. Instead, the control valve 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to be used in combination with a separate differential pressure regulating unit 200, e.g., a differential pressure regulating unit 200 with a valve body that has a regulator cavity with

DK 2021 70653 A1 39 a differential pressure regulator 100 received therein. The separate valve body is arranged downstream of outlet 13 and provided with a pressure signal inlet 240 that is connected to the pressure signal outlet 49,49 of the control valve 1 of the present embodiment and with an inlet 200 that is connected to outlet 13. The valve body 2 of the control valve 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with two pressure signal outlets 49,49’. Is understood that one pressure signal outlet 49 suffices for being able to communicate the pressure at the selected inlet 11,12 to the pressure inlet 240 of the separate differential pressure regulating unit 200. The divider 60 defines the pressure chamber 40 and defines one or more pressure communication channels 40’ that fluidically connect the space between the axial ends of shaft 15’ and 1577 to the two pressure signal outlets 49,497.

Fig. 25 discloses a first 3-way control valve 1 according to an embodiment and a second 3-way valve 1 according to the embodiment. In this embodiment, structures and features that are the same or similar to corresponding structures and features previously described or shown herein are denoted by the same reference numeral as previously used for simplicity.

In this embodiment the two 3-way control valves 1, which each have their own valve body 2, are operably connected to one another to form a composite (separate solution) 6-way control valve that has the same functionality as the integral 6-way control valve described above. The shaft 1577 of the “upper” control valve 1 is connected to the shaft 15 of the “lower” control valve 1, to ensure that these two shafts 15,1577 rotate in unison. Fach of the 3-way control valves 1 can also be used individually as a control valve.

DK 2021 70653 A1 40

The various aspects and implementations have been described in conjunction with various embodiments herein. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject-matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a” or "an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

The reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this disclosure. As used in the description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

Claims

DK 2021 70653 A1 41 CLAIMS

1. A control valve (1) for selectively regulating a fluid flow to a device, such as a heating or cooling convector, said control valve (1) comprising: a first inlet (11) adapted to be connected to a first fluid source; a second inlet (12) adapted to be connected to a second fluid source, an outlet (13) adapted to be fluidically connected to an inlet (220) of a differential pressure regulator unit (200); an inlet selection element (17) arranged downstream of the first and the second inlets (11,12) and upstream of the outlet (13), a regulator outlet port (49,497) adapted to be fluidically connected to a pressure inlet (240) of said differential pressure regulator unit (200), said inlet selection element (17) is moveable between: a first position in which the first inlet (11) is in fluid communication with said outlet (13), and a second position in which the second inlet (12) is in fluid communication with said outlet (13), wherein said inlet selection element (17) comprises a second ceramic plate (17) mounted about a shaft (15,157) and in intimate contact with a first ceramic plate (16), the first plate (16) being held stationary against motion about the shaft (15,157), while the second plate (17) is coupled to the shaft (15,157) to rotate with the shaft (15,157) without introducing any rotation of the first plate (16), a fourth fluid passage (76,77,79,40) in fluid communication with said regulator outlet port (49,497),

DK 2021 70653 A1 42 wherein the fourth fluid passage (76,77,79,40) is in fluid communication with the first inlet (11) when the inlet selection element (17) is in said first position, and wherein the fourth fluid passage (76,77,79,40) is in fluid communication with the second inlet (12) when the inlet selection element (17) is in said second position.

2. The control valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first plate (16) has a first through-going opening or recess (31) and a second through-going opening or recess (32), and said second plate (17) has one through-going opening or recess (33).

3. The control valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second ceramic plate (17) is movable: to a first range of angular positions position in which the first inlet (11) is in fluid communication with the outlet (13), and to a second range of angular positions in which the second inlet (12) is in fluid communication with the outlet (13), wherein said first range of angular positions does not overlap with said second range of angular positions. 4, The control valve (1) according to any one preceding claim, wherein said first- and second ceramic plates (16,17) are fluidically arranged between said first inlet (11) and said outlet (13) and said first- and second ceramic plates (16,17) being fluidically arranged between said second port (12) and said third port (13).

DK 2021 70653 A1 43

5. The control valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first opening or recess (31) in the first ceramic plate (16) at least partially overlapping said one opening or recess (33) in said second ceramic plate (17) in a first range of angular positions of said second ceramic plate (17) for fluidically connecting said first port (11) to said third port (13), and sald second opening or recess (32) in the first ceramic plate (16) being at least partially aligned with said one opening or recess (33) in said second ceramic plate (17) in a second range of angular positions of said second ceramic plate (17) for fluidically connecting said second port (12) to said third port (13).

6. The control valve (1) of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pressure selector (70), wherein said pressure selector (70) is moveable between a first selection position, which establishes fluid communication between the first fluid passage (18) and the fourth fluid passage (76,77,79,40), and a second selection position, which establishes fluid communication between the second fluid passage (19) and the fourth fluid passage (76,77,79,40).

7. The control valve (1) according to claim 6, wherein the pressure selector (70) is operably connected to the inlet selection element (17) such that pressure selector (70) is moved to said first selection position when the inlet selection element (17) connects the first inlet (11) to the outlet (13) and such that the pressure selector (70) moved to sald second selection position when the inlet selection

DK 2021 70653 A1 44 element (17) connects the second inlet (12) to the outlet (13).

8. The control valve (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the pressure selector (70) comprises a ceramic selector plate (70) having a side that engages a surface of said first- or second ceramic plate (16,17) for establishing intimate contact therebetween.

9. The control valve (1) according to claim 8 when depending on claim 3 or 5, comprising an arrangement (72,73) configured for moving said ceramic selector plate (70) to a first selection position when said second ceramic plate (17) is in said first range of angular positions and to a second selection position when said second ceramic plate (17) is in sald second range of angular positions.

10. The control valve according to claims 8 or 9, wherein said ceramic selector plate (70) establishes fluid communication between the first fluid passage (11) and the third fluid passage (76,77,79,40) when it is in said first selection position, and establishes fluid communication between the second fluid passage (12) and the third fluid passage (76,77,79,40) when it is in said second selection position.

11. The control valve (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein said ceramic selector plate (70) is slidably movable relative to the first- or second ceramic plate (16,17) that it engages.

DK 2021 70653 A1 45

12. The control valve (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the movement of said ceramic selector plate (70) relative to the first- or second ceramic plate (16,17) that it is in intimate contact with is guided by a recess in and/or projections on said first- or second ceramic plate (16,17) that it confronts and engages.

13. The control valve (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein said ceramic selector plate (70) is at least partially received in a recess (80) in said first- or second ceramic plate (16,17), with at least a portion of said ceramic selector plate (70) preferably protruding radially from the first- or second ceramic plate (16,17) that it is in intimate contact with

14. The control valve (1) according to claim 13, wherein said ceramic selector plate (70) is a ceramic selection disc (70) rotatably received in said recess (80) in said first ceramic plate (16).

15. The control valve (1) according to claim 14, wherein said ceramic selector disc (70) at least partially protrudes radially from said recess (80).

16. The control valve (1), according to claim 15, comprising an abutment member (73) arranged to impart rotation on said ceramic selector disc (70) relative to said first ceramic plate (16) when said second ceramic plate (17) changes between said first range of angular positions and said second range of angular positions, said abutment member (72) preferably moving in unison with said second ceramic plate.

DK 2021 70653 A1 46

17. The control wvalve (1), according to claim 16, wherein sald ceramic selector disc (70) comprises a recess (73) or a projection for engaging said abutment member (72).

18. The control valve (1), according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said abutment member (72) comprises a peg (72) connected to said second ceramic plate (17) to move in unison with said second ceramic plate (17), said peg (72) preferably being partially accommodated in a bore (38) in said second ceramic plate (17), said peg (72) preferably extending axially from said secondary plate (17) in the direction towards said first ceramic plate (16).

19. The control valve (1), according to any one of claims 8 to 18, wherein said ceramic selector plate (70) comprises a cavity (78), said cavity (78) enabling fluidic connection between said first opening or recess (31) and regulator outlet port (49,497) in said first selection position and enabling a fluid connection between said second opening (32) and said regulator outlet port (49,497) in said second selection position.

20. The control valve (1), according to claim 19, wherein a first pressure communication channel (74), a second pressure communication channel (75) and a third pressure communication channel (76) are arranged in said first ceramic plate (16), said first pressure connection channel (74) opening at one end to said first opening or recess (31) and at another end to said recess (80) at a first position (84), said second pressure communication channel (75) opening at one end to

DK 2021 70653 A1 47 sald second opening or recess (32) and at another end to said recess (80) at a second position (85)and said third pressure communication channel (75) opening at one end to said recess (80) at a third position (86) that is located between said first- and second positions (84, 85), and at another end opening to a bore (35) in said first ceramic plate (16) in which said shaft (15) is received.

21. The control valve (1) according to claim 20, wherein said cavity (78) is sized, shaped and positioned to overlap with said first position (84) and said third position (86) when the ceramic selector disc (70) is in the first selection position and wherein said cavity (78) is sized, shaped and positioned to overlap with said second position and said third position when the ceramic selector disc (70) is in the second selection position, said cavity (78) being preferably sized shaped and positioned to only overlap with said third position (86) when said ceramic selector disc (70) is in an intermediate position between the first- and second selection positions.

22. The control valve (1) according to claim 21, wherein said shaft (15) is provided with one or more axially extending grooves (77), at least one of said one or more axially extending grooves (77) opens to said other end of said third pressure communication channel (76), regardless of the angular position of the shaft (15), said one or more axially extending grooves (77) preferably fluidically connecting to a fluid passage that connects to a pressure chamber (40) that is axially disposed on the side of the second ceramic plate (17) that faces away from said first ceramic plate (16), said

DK 2021 70653 A1 48 pressure chamber (40) preferably opening to said regulator cavity (90) or said regulator outlet (49).

23. The control valve (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said shaft (157,157,1577) is rotationally suspended in said valve body (2) with a portion of said shaft (15,157,157 7) configured to be coupled to an actuator (180) for rotation about a valve axis X.

24. The control valve (1) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a return flow inlet (23) adapted to be connected to the device to receive a fluid returning from the device; a first return flow outlet (21) adapted to be connected to the first fluid drain; a second return flow outlet (22) adapted to be connected to the second fluid drain; and a outlet selection element (27) arranged upstream of the first and the second return flow outlets (21,22) and downstream of the return flow inlet (23), wherein said outlet selection element (27) is moveable between a first position, in which the first return flow outlet (21) is in fluid communication with the return flow inlet (23), and a second position, in which the second return flow outlet (22) is in Fluid communication with the return flow inlet (23).

25. The control valve (1) of claim 24, wherein the outlet selection element (27) is connected to the inlet selection element (17) such that the outlet selection element (27) and the inlet selection element (17) move in unison.

DK 2021 70653 A1 49

26. The control valve (1) of claim 24 or 25, wherein said outlet selection element (27) comprises a first ceramic plate (26) and a second ceramic plate (27) mounted about a shaft (1577) and in intimate contact with each other, the first plate (26) being held stationary against motion about the shaft (1577), while the second plate (27) is coupled to the shaft (1577) to rotate with the shaft (1577) without introducing any rotation of the first ceramic plate (26).