EP1266164A1 - Robinet doseur a plage de reglage etendue - Google Patents

Robinet doseur a plage de reglage etendue

Info

Publication number
EP1266164A1
EP1266164A1 EP01953024A EP01953024A EP1266164A1 EP 1266164 A1 EP1266164 A1 EP 1266164A1 EP 01953024 A EP01953024 A EP 01953024A EP 01953024 A EP01953024 A EP 01953024A EP 1266164 A1 EP1266164 A1 EP 1266164A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
flow
main valve
pilot
fluid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01953024A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1266164A4 (fr
Inventor
Paul W. Freisinger
Peter R. Haller
Peter A. Holborow
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Asco Controls LP
Original Assignee
Asco Controls LP
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/506,967 external-priority patent/US6619612B2/en
Application filed by Asco Controls LP filed Critical Asco Controls LP
Publication of EP1266164A1 publication Critical patent/EP1266164A1/fr
Publication of EP1266164A4 publication Critical patent/EP1266164A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
    • F16K31/36—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor
    • F16K31/40—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor with electrically-actuated member in the discharge of the motor
    • F16K31/402—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor with electrically-actuated member in the discharge of the motor acting on a diaphragm
    • F16K31/404—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor with electrically-actuated member in the discharge of the motor acting on a diaphragm the discharge being effected through the diaphragm and being blockable by an electrically-actuated member making contact with the diaphragm
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D16/00—Control of fluid pressure
    • G05D16/20—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means
    • G05D16/2093—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with combination of electric and non-electric auxiliary power
    • G05D16/2095—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with combination of electric and non-electric auxiliary power using membranes within the main valve

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a valve of the proportional flow type operated by an electrical solenoid. More particularly, this invention relates to a valve having a high turn 5 down ratio, i.e., one which can control flow rates ranging from very low, through intermediate, to very high magnitudes.
  • Proportional flow valves find utility in performing mixing and measurement functions. For example, proportional flow valves are used to accurately blend gasolines to achieve desired characteristics, such as particular octane ratings, to mix hot and cold
  • a main valve member is lifted off of and lowered onto a main valve seat to open and close the valve.
  • the main valve member can be mounted at the center of a diaphragm.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,676,342 Such a valve permits a rate of fluid flow through the valve proportional to the
  • the actuator behaves in a linear manner, i.e., the force produced by the solenoid armature is linearly proportional to the current applied to the solenoid.
  • the solenoid armature works in a linear manner against a closing spring, which constantly urges the valve member toward the valve seat.
  • a pilot valve seat which surrounds a pilot opening through the center of the main valve member.
  • the plunger of a solenoid above the main valve member carries a pilot valve member which is lowered to seal the pilot
  • valve opening in the main valve member and raised to open the pilot valve opening in the main valve member There is also a bleed opening in the housing or diaphragm, or through another channel, through which fluid can flow between a reservoir chamber above the diaphragm and an inlet chamber below the diaphragm.
  • This bleed opening is smaller than the pilot opening.
  • Pulse width modulation for this purpose is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,294,089 to LaMarca and U.S. Patent No. 5,676,342 to Otto et al.
  • low flow rates are achieved over a continuous range, without lifting the main valve member off of the main valve seat, through pulse width and or frequency modulation of the current applied to the coil of a proportional solenoid valve.
  • the solenoid armature or plunger is oscillated or dithered onto and off of the pilot valve seat on the main valve member with a duty cycle during which the pilot opening is exposed to inlet fluid under pressure for a portion of the cycle, and the pilot opening is closed for the balance of the cycle thereby maintaining the main valve member on the main valve seat and limiting fluid flow to a path through the pilot opening.
  • the duty cycle of the solenoid armature is adjusted to increase the proportion of the cycle during which the pilot opening is exposed to the fluid, and thereby increase the rate of fluid flow through the pilot opening.
  • the duty cycle of the solenoid current is further adjusted to enable the pilot valve to remain open long enough to raise the main valve member from the main valve seat a distance corresponding to a desired intermediate rate of flow whereat the rate of flow through the pilot opening is supplemented by limited flow through the main valve opening.
  • Flow at intermediate mass flow rates is permitted as the main valve member is lifted to a position a short distance from the main valve seat.
  • Higher flow rates, to which the contribution of flow through the pilot opening becomes insignificant, are achieved as the main valve member is lifted further away from the main valve seat.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a proportional flow valve with a solenoid actuator which can be energized by a current having a variable duty cycle for dithering a pilot valve member onto and off of a pilot seat on a main valve member for enabling a continuous range of low flow rates through a pilot opening in the valve without raising the main valve member from the main valve seat.
  • Still another object of this invention is to provide apparatus for modulating flow through the pilot opening in the seated main valve member without reaching the critical flow rate at which open the main valve member is lifted of off the main valve seat.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a valve of the type described above wherein the duty cycle and/or frequency of the pulse width modulated solenoid current can be adjusted to enable the pilot valve to remain open long enough to raise the main valve member from the main valve seat in degrees corresponding to a desired rate of intermediate or high volume fluid flow.
  • Still another object of the invention is to maintain continuity between low flow, intermediate flow, and high flow rates in a proportional solenoid valve as a transition takes place from a range of low flow rates only through the pilot opening (main valve closed) through intermediate flow rates having significant components passing through both the pilot and main valve openings, to high flow rates which occur principally through the main valve opening.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a proportional flow valve in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the solenoid actuator being deenergized and the valve closed.
  • Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, but showing the valve while permitting a low range of mass flow rates.
  • Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 , but showing the valve while permitting an intermediate range of mass flow rates.
  • Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but showing the valve while permitting a high range of mass flow rates.
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram depicting the control structure solenoid of Figs. 1-4.
  • Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a fluid control system of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 is an exemplary mapping curve for low-frequency mode control according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 is an exemplary mapping curve for high-frequency mode control according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a proportional flow valve of the present invention providing the desired overlap characteristics.
  • Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9, but showing the flow shaping element in more detail. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • a proportional flow valve 10 chosen to illustrate the present invention includes a valve body 12 having a fluid inlet port 14, a fluid outlet port 16, and main valve seat 18 surrounding a main orifice 20.
  • the outlet port 16 resides within a hollow elbow having a right angular bend 24 which joins a horizontal section 22 and an a vertical section 28, the latter terminating at the main valve seat 18.
  • a main valve unit 30 includes a main valve member 32, slidably mounted within vertical section 28 of outlet port 16 for reciprocal axial movement.
  • the main valve member 32 has a generally circular cross section and axially extending circumferentially spaced parallel vanes 34, two of which can be seen in the drawings.
  • the outer circumference of the main valve member 32 is profiled to accept an upper diaphragm support washer 36 having a planar lower annular surface and a diaphragm retaining ring 38 having a planar upper annular surface.
  • annular flexible diaphragm 17 Sandwiched between the lower annular surface of upper diaphragm support washer 36 and upper annular surface of diaphragm retaining ring 38 for movement with the main valve member 32 is the central area of an annular flexible diaphragm 17 which serves as a pressure member for the valve 10.
  • a bonnet plate 40 is secured to the top of the valve body 12 by suitable fasteners 42. Disposed between the bonnet plate 40 and a raised circumferential ridge 44 on the top of the valve body 12 is the outer circumference of diaphragm 17 which is fixedly held on its top side by the bonnet plate 40, and on its bottom side by the raised circumferential ridge 44 of the valve body 12 and a seal 46 inside and concentric with the ridge 44. Seal 46 cushions the underside of the diaphragm 17 and prevents leakage of fluid at the interfaces between the bonnet plate 40, valve body, 12, and diaphragm 17.
  • the main valve unit 30 includes main valve member 32, upper diaphragm support washer 36, diaphragm retaining ring 38, diaphragm 17, retaining clip 48. and main valve seal 50. all of which move toward and away from the main valve seat 18 as a unit.
  • an intermediate annular portion 54 of diaphragm 17 is free to flex and stretch while the periphery of diaphragm 17 is held fixedly in place.
  • Axial movement of the main valve unit 30 takes place with the vanes 34 of main valve member 32 guided within a vertical cylindrical wall of the outlet port 16 leading from the main valve seat 18.
  • pilot passageway in the form of a circular bore 56 surrounded at its upper end by a pilot valve seat 58 and opening at its lower end into the outlet port 16.
  • the pilot passageway 56 is selectively opened and closed by a pilot valve sealing member 68.
  • a main valve spring 60 is compressed between a shoulder 62 formed with the bonnet plate 40 and the top surface of the upper diaphragm support washer 36 thereby urging the main valve unit 30 downwardly into engagement with the main valve seat 18.
  • the fluid inlet port 14 is bounded by the underside of the main valve unit 30 (including diaphragm 17) and the exterior surface of vertical section 28 of outlet port 16.
  • a reservoir 64 occupies the open volume above the main valve unit 30.
  • the diaphragm 17 is impermeable to the fluid to be controlled by the proportional flow valve 10.
  • a bleed passageway 66 in the bonnet 40 and valve body 12 enables fluid communication between the reservoir 64 and inlet port 14 so that fluid from the inlet port 14 can enter the reservoir 64 above the main valve unit 30.
  • the bleed passageway 66 has a smaller cross section than the smallest cross section of pilot passageway 56 so that fluid can flow through the pilot passageway 56 faster than through the bleed passageway 66 when the pilot passageway 56 is open.
  • pilot valve When the pilot valve is closed, as shown in Fig. 1, i.e., when pilot valve sealing member 68 engages pilot valve seat 58, and when the main valve is closed, i.e., when main valve seal 50 engages main valve seat 18, fluid cannot flow from the fluid inlet port 14 to the fluid outlet port 16.
  • pilot valve When the pilot valve is open, i.e., when pilot valve sealing member 68 is not in engagement with pilot valve seat 58, and the main valve is closed, as shown in Fig. 2, a fluid can flow from the fluid inlet port 14 to the fluid outlet port 16 only through the bleed hole passageway 66 into the reservoir 64, and then from reservoir 64 through pilot passageway 56.
  • Such fluid flow is therefore limited to a low range of mass fluid flow rates, the actual rate of flow being dependent on the relative time during which the pilot valve is open versus the time during which the pilot valve is closed.
  • the pilot valve member is dithered onto and off of the pilot valve seat by a current having frequency and duty cycle which rapidly permits and interrupts the flow of fluid through the pilot opening so as to maintain sufficient pressure in the reservoir 64 to prevent the inlet pressure beneath the diaphragm from lifting the main valve member off of the main valve seat.
  • the rate of flow through the pilot opening need not be limited to a single magnitude.
  • the frequency and/or duty cycle of the pulse width modulated solenoid current By varying the frequency and/or duty cycle of the pulse width modulated solenoid current, the relative time during which the pilot valve opening is exposed to fluid within the reservoir 64, versus the time the pilot opening is sealed by the pilot valve member, can be varied to continuously increase or decrease the rate of fluid flow through the pilot opening while preventing the pressure in the reservoir 64 from decreasing enough to permit the diaphragm be raised from the main valve seat.
  • the valve will alternate between the off state shown in Fig. 1 and the on state shown in Fig. 2 to permit low rates of fluid flow without opening the main valve, that is, without lifting the main valve member from the main valve seat.
  • the solenoid actuator 70 Surmounting the bonnet plate 40 is a solenoid actuator 70.
  • the solenoid actuator 70 includes a coil 72 of electrically conductive wire wound around a spool 74 made of non-electrically and non-magnetically conductive material. Suitable terminals are provided for connection to a source of electric current for energizing the solenoid coil 72.
  • a stationary armature or plugnut 78 is located within the upper portion of the spool 74.
  • a core tube 80 extends downwardly from the plugnut 78 and through the remainder of the spool 74.
  • a collar 82 Surrounding the lower portion of the core tube 80 is a collar 82 which is, in turn, fastened to the upper portion of the bonnet plate 40. Fastening between the core tube 80 and collar 82, and between the collar 82 and bonnet plate 40 can be by press fit, welding, crimping, threading or in any other conventional manner of forming a sturdy and fluid tight connection as will be known to those skilled in the art.
  • Slidably axially disposed within the core tube 80 is a movable armature 84 of magnetic material.
  • a circumferential flange 86 Mounted on the movable armature 84 near its lower end is a circumferential flange 86.
  • a pilot valve spring 88 surrounding the movable armature 84 is compressed between circumferential flange 86 and the bottom surface of collar 82 and urges the movable armature 84 downwardly away from plugnut 78.
  • the upper face of the movable armature 84 and lower face of the plugnut 78 are correspondingly profiled so that the two faces mesh as the movable armature 84 moves toward the plugnut 78.
  • the movable armature 84 carries the pilot valve sealing member 68 formed of resilient material.
  • solenoid coil 72 When solenoid coil 72 is deenergized (Fig. 1) and the fluid inlet port 14 of proportional flow valve 10 is connected to a source of pressurized fluid, e.g. a gasoline pump, the fluid is forced through the bleed channel 66 into the reservoir 64 above the main valve unit 30.
  • the area of the top of the main valve unit 30 exposed to the fluid is greater than the area of the bottom of the main valve unit 30 exposed to the fluid.
  • solenoid coil 72 When solenoid coil 72 is first energized by an electric current (Fig.
  • movable armature 84 is attracted to plugnut 3, and hence begins to move upwardly against the force of spring 88.
  • movable armature 84 rises, it moves pilot valve sealing member 68 away from pilot valve seat 58, thereby permitting inlet fluid to flow through passageway 56 into outlet port 16 which is at the lower outlet pressure. Because the effective flow rate through the pilot passageway 56 is greater than the effective flow rate through the bleed channel 66, the pressure above the main valve unit 30 and diaphragm 17 begins to decrease.
  • pilot opening in the illustrated preferred embodiment of the invention is of larger diameter than the bleed opening, it possible to have a greater effective flow rate through the pilot opening than through the bleed opening even if the pilot opening has the smaller diameter when the flow channels are such that turbulence retards the rate of flow through the bleed channel relative to the rate of flow through the pilot opening.
  • the main valve unit 30 continues to rise until pilot valve seat 58 engages pilot valve sealing member 68, i.e., the pilot valve is closed.
  • pilot valve sealing member 68 i.e., the pilot valve is closed.
  • high pressure fluid cannot escape from the reservoir 64.
  • the downward force on the valve unit 30 increases until it, in combination with the downward force of the spring 60, again exceeds the upward force of the inlet fluid against the bottom of main valve unit 30.
  • the result is downward movement of the main valve unit 30.
  • pilot valve 68 opens, once again permitting high pressure fluid above the main valve unit 30 to escape through passageway 56 to the fluid outlet port 16.
  • An equilibrium position (Fig. 4) is quickly established in which main valve unit 30 constantly oscillates a very short distance as pilot valve 68 is repeatedly opened and closed.
  • the location of the main valve unit 30 as unit as it oscillates is determined by the position of movable armature 84 and, hence, pilot valve sealing member 68. This position also determines the spacing between main valve member 32 and main valve seat 18, and hence determines the rate of flow through the main valve opening.
  • Whether intermediate or high mass flow rates are obtained is determined by the extent to which the main valve member is raised from the main valve seat, which is in turn set according to the position of movable armature 84 is a function of the duty cycle and/or frequency of the pulse width modulated current applied to solenoid coil 72, the preferred method of current control on solenoid activated proportional flow control valves being by pulse width modulation (PWM).
  • PWM pulse width modulation
  • a fixed frequency variable duty cycle square wave is applied to the coil of the solenoid in order to vary the current in the coil in a linear fashion, thereby varying the force exerted by the solenoid on the valve actuating mechanism, and thus changing the flow through the valve.
  • the use of a square wave signal has two distinct advantages over the use of a linear amplifier to control of the solenoid current. First, the switching type of controller has much greater efficiency than a linear amplifier.
  • the proper choice of the fixed switching frequency of the square wave can provide a small variation in solenoid current that translates into a mechanical dither of the raised solenoid armature which, in turn, reduces the effects of static friction and mechanical hysteresis in the valve.
  • By carefully controlling the mechanical dither via pulse width modulation and/or frequency modulation selection of a desired rate of mass flow through the pilot opening is possible over a range of flow rates without opening the main valve. This range is herein referred to as a low range of mass flow rates.
  • main valve unit 30 will be permitted to rise through just 50% of its maximum rise, and hence main valve unit 30 will be spaced from main valve seat 18 about ! 2 of the maximum spacing.
  • approximately V of the rate of maximum flow through the valve will be permitted between fluid inlet port 14 and fluid outlet port 16.
  • movable armature 84 will rise through 3/4 of its maximum stroke, and as a result approximately 3/4 of the rate of maximum flow through the valve will be permitted between fluid inlet port 14 and fluid outlet port 16. It will be appreciated, therefore, that the rate of high volume flow through the main valve is proportional to the amount of current supplied to the solenoid coil 72. Intermediate and high mass flow rates can be achieved depending on the maximum stroke of the solenoid armature and the diameter of the main valve opening. For example if the pulse width modulation voltage has a 25% duty cycle, the current flowing through the solenoid coil 72 will be 25% of maximum.
  • the movable armature 84 will rise though one quarter its maximum stroke. Consequently, the main valve unit 30 will be permitted to rise through just 25% of its maximum rise and main valve unit 30 will, be spaced from main valve seat 18 about ⁇ A of the maximum spacing. If the diameter of main valve opening is greater than 25% of the maximum stroke of the movable armature 84, flow will be in the intermediate range.
  • valve of the instant invention When operated at high flow rates, i.e., where fluid flow is primarily across the main valve seat, the valve of the instant invention behaves like the valve of U.S. Patent No. 5,294,089. That valve is a fluid assisted design, which by the control of a small pilot orifice, allows the solenoid to effectively position the diaphragm which, in turn controls the flow through a much larger orifice.
  • This type of valve typically has a turn down ratio of about 10 to 1 in flow over its control range.
  • control of armature position is most precise when a pulsed DC source is applied to the solenoid coil 72, as compared to simply varying the amplitude of a continuous DC current.
  • Prior art valves are operable only in the intermediate and high ranges. Pulsing the current in such valves imparts a dither to the movable armature 84 with an amplitude that is very small in comparison with the displacement of the main valve member from the main valve seat. Hence the dithering has negligible effect on flow rate which is determined by the exposed area of the openings between the vanes 34, and which increases as the main valve unit 30 rises.
  • low rates of flow occur solely through the pilot opening.
  • the pulse width and frequency of the dithered pilot valve sealing member are varied to determine the rate of fluid flow through the valve. It has been found that pulsing the pilot solenoid over a carefully controlled range of pulse durations will allow precise control of flow through the pilot flow opening in the valve without causing the diaphragm to open the main valve by raising the main valve member from the main valve seat.
  • a close approximation of a linear correspondence between current and flow rate in the low flow range can be obtained, as it has heretofore been done in the intermediate and high flow ranges.
  • the transition from low flow range to the intermediate flow range can be made transparent with no abrupt discontinuity in the current vs. flow characteristic, as can be done in the transition from the intermediate flow range to the high flow range.
  • the on time of the pulse must be within a range that allows the solenoid to lift the pilot valve member from the pilot seat but does not allow the pilot valve member to expose the pilot opening sufficiently to cause the diaphragm to lift the main valve member from the main valve seat.
  • the frequency of the current applied to the solenoid coil must be limited to a range over which the armature of the pilot solenoid will continue to operate in a pulsing mode. Balancing of three mechanical parameters enables achievement of a continuous range of low flow rates, each of which can be selected by controlling the frequency and pulse wave duty cycle of the solenoid coil current. These mechanical parameters are pilot orifice area, effective bleed channel area and diaphragm hold down spring constant and spring force.
  • the area of the pilot orifice is a major controlling factor in achieving a wide range of low flow rates. As the cross sectional area of the pilot opening increases, so too does the range of available low flow rates or turn down ration of the low flow region of the current vs. flow rate characteristic.
  • the bleed channel of a proportional solenoid valve balances the pressures and forces above and below the diaphragm.
  • the cross sectional area of the bleed channel is typically smaller than the cross sectional area of the pilot opening through the main valve member. Exposure of the pilot opening by lifting of the pilot valve member from the pilot valve seat causes a pressure imbalance across the diaphragm which urges the valve main member away from the main valve seat.
  • sealing of the pilot opening balances the pressures on both sides of the diaphragm thereby allowing it to be closed in response to a mechanical force, e.g., from a spring.
  • the size of the bleed channel is somewhat critical if the bleed area is too small, pressure in the reservoir will decrease so rapidly during the opening phase of the pulse cycle as to cause the diaphragm to lift the main valve member prematurely, thus limiting the high end of the low flow range.
  • Example 1 In a proportional solenoid valve having a circular pilot opening .078 inches in diameter, a bleed channel .073 inches in diameter, and a diaphragm hold-down spring with a spring force of 1.5 lbs. a low flow range of 0.5-5.0 scfm was obtainable by varying the pulse width duty cycle and frequency of the solenoid coil current from 8% and 20 Hz to 50% and 25 Hz, respectively. Depending on the size and design of the valve, frequencies as high as 40 Hz or more, when combined with appropriate duty cycles, can be effective in obtaining low flow rates over a substantial range.
  • a square -wave generator 101 applies current in the form of pulsed DC signals to the coil 72 of the proportional valve solenoid 70.
  • the duty cycle i.e., the percentage of on-time vs. off-time for a single cycle of the square wave signal is controlled by a pulse width modulator 103 the construction of which will be known to those skilled in the art.
  • a frequency setting circuit 105 is also provided for setting the number of cycles per second of the pulsed DC signal produced by the generator 101. The construction of the frequency setting circuit will also be known to those skilled in the art.
  • a manual control device e.g., the control lever on the handle of a gasoline pump, can be mechanically linked to a transducer for sending signals to a digital microcontroller 107 which is connected to the pulse width modulator circuit 103 and frequency adjusting circuit 105 for simultaneously adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the DC pulses applied to the solenoid coil by the generator 101.
  • the microcontroller 107, pulse width modulator circuit 103, and frequency setting circuit 105 may be designed and/or programmed so that narrow pulses are applied, i.e..
  • the pulsed waveform has a low duty cycle, for enabling low flow rates at which time the solenoid armature is dithered for allowing flow only through the pilot opening of the proportional valve while preventing lift off of the main valve member from the main valve seat.
  • the duty cycle and frequency of the solenoid coil current may be adjusted to increase the rate of flow through the pilot opening while still preventing main valve member lift-off. Flow rate is still further increased by enlarging the duty cycle of the solenoid coil current beyond a percentage where lift-off of the main valve member from the main valve seat occurs.
  • an extended range proportional valve in accordance with the invention, it is preferable to model the operation of the valve by examining the response of the valve to a PWM (pulse width modulated) control voltage that is applied to the coil of the solenoid operator.
  • This voltage waveform causes a variation in the position of the armature of the solenoid.
  • the motion of the armature of the solenoid in turn, causes a variation in rate of mass flow through the valve.
  • the motion of the armature can be described by a standard second order differential derived from a free body diagram of the armature and all relevant forces acting on it, including gravity, return spring force, and the magnetic force of attraction.
  • N Number of turns in the solenoid coil
  • the coil current in the solenoid and the magnetic attraction force on the armature in newtons are both functions of the total flux which links the turns of the solenoid coil, and the displacement of the armature from its initial position, i.e.,
  • This tabular data can be extracted from a magnetic finite element analysis of the solenoid over a range of operating conditions with solutions obtained for various values of core position and coil excitation.
  • An example of a commercially available software solver capable of performing this analysis on a digital computer is ⁇ MSS by Ansoft of Pittsburgh PA.
  • This solver integrates magnetic finite element analysis programs with a version of the SPIC ⁇ program. By modeling this problem in such a solver, a solution in the form of a time variant waveform that represents the displacement x, i.e., the displacement of the armature from its initial position, can be obtained.
  • the total mass flow through the valve is equal to pilot flow only.
  • the main valve member remains seated on the main valve seat thereby preventing flow through the main valve opening.
  • the mass flow of a gas or liquid through the pilot opening of the main valve member can be calculated from the following relationships.
  • M p ⁇ ,ot (gas) (K P, C d B x D, N, 2 ) / (T I/2 ), where
  • K - Constant (Ro 1/2 )/ unit temp. [((-l)/2( / ((P1 P2) ((" ' / (" ' )] - (l/( )
  • N 12 Ratio of actual flow to sonic flow per unit area at given values of total temperature and pressure
  • the relationship between the changes in pressure, temperature and volume occurring within the valve can be considered as follows.
  • mass flow rates can be achieved over a continuous low range.
  • rate of pilot mass flow is increased to a magnitude whereat the differential pressure across the main valve member causes it to be initially raised from the main valve seat, mass flow through the pilot opening in the main valve member is supplemented by limited mass flow through the main valve opening which is partially blocked by the main valve member being in close proximity to the main valve opening. While the main valve member is displaced from the main valve seat a distance equal to or less than 25% of the diameter of the main valve opening, mass flow rates over an intermediate range can be achieved.
  • mass flow rates over a high range can be achieved. Once the main valve opening is unsealed, the mass flow rate throughout the intermediate range of flow rates can be calculated as follows.
  • the rate of mass flow through the pilot opening in the main valve member becomes insignificant relative to the rate of mass flow through the main valve opening and can be ignored.
  • the mass flow rate throughout the high range of flow rates can be calculated as follows.
  • Mtotai @ Xd > 25D2 M dlap hragm
  • M dlap hragm (gas) (K Pj A
  • M d ⁇ a phragm (liquid) A ⁇ (2g c p (Pi - P 2 ))' /2 .
  • the effective area of the main valve opening when the main valve member is displaced from the main valve seat by less than 25% of the diameter of the main valve opening is equal to the area of the main valve opening across which an equal pressure drop occurs under similar conditions when the main valve member is sufficiently displaced from the main valve seat so as not to affect mass flow rate through the main valve opening.
  • Figures 6-8 illustrates certain features of one exemplary embodiment of a fluid flow system constructed in accordance with certain teachings provided herein.
  • a fluid control system 60 includes a controller 61 ; a power circuit 62 for generating a pulse width modulated signal at one of two fixed frequencies; and a valve 70 that receives at its actuator the pulse width modulated signal from the power circuit 62 and that, in response, controls the flow of gas or fluid from an inlet fluid feed line 63 to an outlet fluid line 64.
  • the controller 61 receives at its input a fluid flow command signal that corresponds to a desired rate of fluid flow through valve 64.
  • This command signal may take the form of an analog or digital command signal that represents, for example, the desire rate of fluid flow in pounds of fluid per hour or other units such as, kg/sec.
  • the controller 61 receives the command signal and, in response, generates output control signals that correspond to a fixed frequency and a percent duty cycle that are provided to the power circuitry 62.
  • the power circuit 62 responds to those signals by generating a fixed-frequency pulse width modulated signal having an active duty cycle corresponding to the command form controller 61.
  • the valve 70 which is similar to the valve previously discussed in connection with Figures 1-4, will regulate the flow of fluid from line 63 to line 64 in response to the pulse width modulated signal.
  • the controller 61 may be constructed using appropriate digital or analog circuitry and may take the form of a microprocessor based digital controller that is independent or part of a larger control system. In general, the controller 61 will be constructed to provide a "mapping" of the input flow command signal to a desired fixed-frequency and duty cycle,
  • Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary mapping curve that may be implemented by controller 61 for low frequency mode control. Specifically, it illustrates a mapping curve that represents various flow rates and duty cycles for an exemplary valve. In the illustrated "map" the frequency of the PWM signal corresponding to the illustrated parameters is not variable but is fixed at a relatively low frequency, such as 31 Hz.
  • the low frequency may be selected to correspond to the physical characteristics of the valve 70 to be controlled by controller 61 such that, in response to PWM signals at that frequency and below a certain duty cycle, the vast majority of the flow through the valve 70 is through the pilot orifice of the valve, in accordance with the low flow mode previously discussed.
  • the mapping represented by Figure 7 may be implemented in controller 61 through the use of a look-up table, a form of curve fitting, or other appropriate means.
  • the slope of the curve is relatively constant and relatively small such that the curve is relatively "flat".
  • the change in the fluid flow rate as a percent of the change in duty cycle is not that significant for the duty cycle ranges illustrated. This is beneficial in that it allows for a smooth transition to be made to an alternate mode of flow control where different, and higher, fixed frequency is used for the PWM signal provided to valve 70.
  • the controller 61 will implement a "high frequency" control mode, where the fixed frequency command provided to the power circuit 62 changes from the relatively low frequency used for the low frequency mode of control discussed in connection with Figure 7 to a relatively high frequency.
  • the high frequency is 160 Hz.
  • the specific values assigned to the "low frequency” and “high frequency” mode of control will depend, in large part, on the mechanical construction of valve 70 and the electrical properties of the solenoid actuator used in the valve. Specifically, the low frequency should be selected such that application of a PWM signal to the valve 70 in that frequency range will allow the pilot valve member to move up and down to open and close the pilot orifice between each PWM pulse. Further, the high frequency should be selected such that application of a PWM signal in that frequency range, at the anticipated duty cycle, will result in a relatively stable positioning of the pilot valve member without significant movement of dither.
  • Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary mapping curve that may be implemented by controller 61 for high frequency mode control.
  • the illustrated curve does not begin with a duty cycle of 0%, but rather with a duty cycle of approximately 40%. This is because, under the control scheme implemented by controller 61, the controller will typically implement the high frequency control mode after some flow through valve 70 has been established through control of the valve in the low frequency mode.
  • the illustrated curve has three basic sections 65, 66 and 67. Section 65 represents the low flow end of the curve and, as may be noted, has a relatively low and flat slope. Section 66 has a much higher slope, while section 67 has an extremely steep slope.
  • section 67 represents the point where the PWM active duty cycle is at or near 100% and the fluid flow through the valve 70 has reached a maximum value.
  • Section 66 represents a section of approximately constant slope, which should correspond to the normal "high- frequency" operating conditions of valve 70.
  • Section 65 of Figure 8 differs significantly from region 66 in that its slope is significantly less and the curve is essentially flat over a reasonable range of active duty cycles. From a comparison of Figure 8 with the "low frequency" curve of Figure 7, it may be noted: (1) that the flattened section 65 has essentially the same slope as the slope of the low-frequency curve, and (2) that the values of the flow-rates and duty-cycles for the high frequency curve over that range essentially overlap the flow-rates and duty- cycles for the low-frequency curve over that range. This overlap allows for a smooth transition to be made from the low- frequency mode of control to the high frequency mode of control as the fluid flow through valve 70 is increased.
  • the controller 61 may perform a transition from the low frequency mode of control to the high frequency mode of control as follows: First, as the flow through valve 70 is brought up from zero, the controller 61 will operate in the low frequency mode, using low frequency mapping, such as the one illustrated in Figure 7, until a point is reached where the active duty cycle reaches a point corresponding to the overlap region identified above. At that point, in response to a further increase of the fluid command signal, the controller 61 will shift to the high- frequency mode of control and will then implement a high frequency mapping, such as illustrated in Figure 8.
  • controller 61 allows for smooth fluid flow control over a wide range of flow rates.
  • controller 61 may be constructed to transition at different points within the overlap region on the low-high and high-low transition so as to provide a form of hysteresis to prevent repeated transition if the fluid command is changing slightly about a point in the region.
  • controller 61 identifying whether the low or high fixed frequency and a given active duty cycle may take the form of digital or analog signals. They are provided to power circuit 62, which may be of conventional construction. Power circuit 62 converts the control signals to a fixed frequency signal that is applied to the valve 70 to effect control of flow through the valve. In this manner, system 60 allows for effective control of fluid flow over a wide range of flow rates.
  • valve 70 is such that there is a region of overlap between the flow-rate v. active PWM duty cycle characteristics of the valve when receiving a PWM signal at the low frequency and same characteristics of the valve when receiving the high frequency PWM signal. This existence of this overlap region, and the extent of the region, are defined, to a great extent by the design and construction of valve 70.
  • Figure 9 illustrates in detail a valve 70 that provides the desired overlap characteristic identified above, as well as other characteristics suitable for a fluid control system such as that illustrated in Figure 6.
  • valve 70 of Figure 9 includes many of the elements and components of the valve illustrated and described in connection with Figures 1-4 although the arrangement and construction of such components differs in some respects from the previously- described valve. In general, the operation of valve 70 is the same as that previously discussed in connection with the valve of Figures 1 -4.
  • Valve 70 includes a valve body 72, which may be formed of metal or any other material suitable for the fluids that are to be used with the valve.
  • Valve body 72 defines an inlet port 14.
  • the inlet port 14 has two sections, a first section 14a having a first diameter and a section 14b having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter,
  • the inlet port may be attached to a coupling device or tube, such as a VCR fitting, to allow the valve to be connected to a fluid line.
  • Valve body 72 also defines a bleed tube 73 extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the inlet port.
  • the bleed tube 73 that feeds in to a small cylindrical reservoir 74, also defined by valve body 72.
  • the bleed tube extends from the section 14b of the inlet port.
  • the cylindrical reservoir has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the bleed tube 73.
  • the valve body 72 also defines a recessed area 75 for receiving an O-ring or other appropriate sealing member represented by element 76 in Figure 7. While the valve body 72 will typically formed of a metallic material of alloy, the sealing member 76. as well as the other sealing member discussed below, will typically be formed from a compressible, elastomeric material.
  • Valve body 72 further defines a main reservoir 77 that extends in a direction parallel to that of the bleed tube 73 but perpendicular to that of the inlet port 14.
  • the main reservoir 77 has two sections: a first section 77a which is generally cylindrical and has a first diameter, and a second section 77b which extends from the first section and has a diameter less than that of the first section.
  • the main reservoir is in fluid communication with the inlet port 14 such that fluid flowing into the inlet port 14 will flow into reservoir 77.
  • the valve body Near the top of reservoir 77 the valve body defines a recess 79 for receiving a sealing member (not labeled).
  • Main reservoir 77 is in fluid communication with an outlet port 16, also defined by valve body 72.
  • Outlet port extends in a direction parallel to that of inlet port 14 but perpendicular to that of main reservoir 77.
  • the outlet port may be coupled to external adaptations, fittings or couplings (not show) for easy attachment to a fluid line.
  • the bleed tube 73 extends into the inlet port of the valve body 72 as opposed to any portion of the main reservoir. This is believed to be beneficial in that it allows the bleed tube to receive fluid in an area of relatively stable fluid flow (i.e., the inlet port) as opposed to an area of potentially significant turbulent flow as may occur in reservoir 77.
  • valve body 72 is such that it may be easily machined and formed from a single piece of material. Specifically, all of the tubes, ports, and reserviors defined by block 72 are either parallel or perpendicular to one another such that the part can be easily manufactured without expensive and time-consuming manufacturing processes.
  • valve seat tube 80 is positioned within the main reservoir 77.
  • the valve seating tube may be formed of a metallic material that is the same as or different from the material used to form valve body 72.
  • Valve seating tube 80 has an outer diameter slightly greater than the inner diameter of the lower section 77b of main reservoir and a length that extends or substantially the length of the main reservoir 77.
  • Valve seating tube 80 is positioned within the lower section 77b of main reservoir such that the valve seating tube 80 is nested in, and held in place, by the press-fit between the valve seating tube and the lower portion 77b of the main reservoir.
  • a seal 81 also helps position the valve seating tube 80 within the lower portion 77b of main reservoir.
  • the valve body 72 and the valve seating tube 80 are constructed for each of assembly in that the valve seating tube may be readily inserted into the main valve body 72.
  • a movable structure including a flow shaping element 82, upper retaining member 83a, lower retaining member 83b, and a flexible diaphragm 84 sandwiched between the retaining members.
  • the diaphragm is positioned to extend across the main reservoir 77.
  • a sealing member 85 is positioned on the underside of the lower retaining member 83b.
  • the upper retaining member 83a contacts the diaphragm 84 on the side of diaphragm opposite main reservoir 77.
  • Flow shaping element 82 is a solid structure that is fixedly attached to the upper and lower retaining members 83a, 83b and the diaphragm 84 such that, as the flexible diaphragm flexes and moves, the flow shaping element 82 will move with the diaphragm.
  • the valve shaping member defines a first section extending above the flexible diaphragm 84 that defines a pilot tube 86 that feeds into a long cylindrical discharge passageway 87 that extends the length of the flow shaping element 82.
  • the flow shaping element 82 extends along a significant portion of the valve seating tube 80 and in some embodiments, extends for a length greater than or equal to 2.5 times the inner diameter of the valve seating tube 80.
  • the flow-shaping element 82 defines a second section that has an outer diameter approximately equal to, but slightly less than, the inner diameter of the valve seating tube.
  • Figure 10 provides an enhanced view of flow shaping element 82 and valve seating tube 80 from Figure 9.
  • the upper portion of valve seating tube 80 defines a slightly raised portion 80a that defines a valve seat.
  • the fluid-shaping element 82 includes a second section that extends below flexible diaphragm 84.
  • the second section has three parts, a first part 82a that has a straight section that extends in direction substantially parallel to the walls of the valve seating tube 80.
  • a second part 82b of the flow shaping elements includes a piece that tapers inward at a relatively constant slope that, in the illustrated example, is at an 11 degree slope with respect to the walls of the valve seating tube 80.
  • a third part 82c of the valve shaping elements consists of the extension of the discharge passageway 87 and vanes that extend from the passageway 82c. Only two such vanes are illustrated in the figures. In addition to enhancing the fluid flow characteristics of valve 70, the vanes help stabilize the fluid-shaping element 82 and, therefore, the flexible diaphragm 84 attached to element 82.
  • the specific shape of the fluid-shaping element 82 is important to providing the flow characteristics that allow the valve of Figures 9 and 10 to be utilized in a fluid control system such that described in connection with Figure 6. Specifically, as the fluid pressure in the main reservoir 77 increases to a point where the flexible diaphragm 84 is deflected upward the flow shaping element 82 will begin to lift off the valve seat 80a and thus allow fluid to flow over the valve seat 80a and throughout the passageway defined by the relationship between the second section of the fluid shaping element 82 and the inner walls of he valve seating tube 80.
  • valve shaping element 82 As valve shaping element 82 is moved upward in response to deflection of the diaphragm 84, a point will be reached where the tapered section 82b of the flow shaping element begins to define the passageway through which fluid flows over the valve seat 80a into the valve seating tube 80. At this point, the rate of change in fluid flow as a percent of the change in the upward movement will increase significantly beyond that that existed when the passageway was defined by the straight section 82a of element 82. Thus, during this region of movement of the flow-shaping element 82, the valve 70 will exhibit characteristics reflected by intermediate section 66 of Figure 8.
  • Figure 10 also illustrates the manner in which the flexible diaphragm 84 is positioned between the upper and lower retaining members 83a and 83b and the construction of elements 83a and 83b.
  • lower retaining member 83b is a generally circular member that is mounted to both the fluid shaping element 82 and the diaphragm 84.
  • Upper retaining member 83a has a more complicated structure. Specifically, upper retaining member 83a includes two raised sections that define an annular recessed region 90.
  • biasing spring 92 provides a downward biasing force that will tend to bias the upper retaining member 83a, and thus all components attached to that member in a fixed fashion (e.g., the diaphragm 84 and the fluid shaping element 82).
  • biasing spring 92 is conical in shape and has the special characteristics in that one end of the spring 92a has a diameter that is larger than the end of the spring 92b that is received by the upper retaining member 83a.
  • This feature of spring 92 results in the application of an "angled" force to the upper retaining member in that the force applied to the upper retaining member will have both: (1) a “downward” potion - which biases the upper retaining member 83a and all elements attached to it in a fixed fashion - downward against the valve seat 80a and (2) a "lateral” or “sideways” component that will tend to keep the upper retaining member 83a - and the elements affixed to it - from moving in a lateral direction (e.g., left or right in Figure 10).
  • This double biasing feature of spring 92 further contributes to the special flow characteristics of valve 70.
  • valve 70 will operate in the same general manner as the valve described in connection with Figures 1-4.
  • the flow characteristics of the valve will depend, in many respects, on the ability of fluid to flow through the pilot tube 86.
  • the ability of fluid to flow through the pilot tube will depend, in large part, on the volume of an imaginary cylinder that may be visualized as extending up from the pilot tube to the pilot sealing element 120 when the pilot sealing element is lifted off the pilot tube 86.
  • the volume of this imaginary cylinder will depend on a number of parameters including the distance separating the pilot sealing element 120 and the effective cross-sectional area of the pilot tube 86 in the direction of fluid flow.
  • the effective cross-sectional area of the pilot tube 86 will in turn depend of the alignment of the pilot tube 86 and any rocking, lateral- movement, or other movement of the movable structure containing upper retaining member 83a will affect this effective cross-sectional area.
  • the utilization of the special, double biasing spring 92 thus, enhances the ability of the valve 70 to provide controllable fluid flow at low flow rates.
  • a further feature of the upper retaining member 83a is that the outer diameter of the upper retaining member is sized particularly with respect to the inner diameter of the valve seating tube 80 to control the effective area of flexible diaphragm 84.
  • the effective area of a flexible diaphragm is defined by the diameters of the ridged elements supporting the diaphragm.
  • the effective area of the diaphragm 84 of Figure 10 would be approximately halfway between the outer diameter of the upper retaining member 83a and the diameter of the O-ring sealing member in recess 79 that clamps the outside portion of the diaphragm 84.
  • valve 70 By controlling the inner diameter of the upper retaining member 83a it is possible to decrease the effective area of flexible diaphragm 84 thus allowing for more effective control of valve 70.
  • the maximum outer diameter of the upper retaining member 83a is sized such that it is less than or equal to the outer diameter of valve sealing tube 80. This relationship between the outer diameter of the upper retaining member 83a and the valve seating tube 80 is believed to provide for particularly beneficial flow control.
  • the pilot sealing member 120 (sometimes referred to as a sealing disk) 120 is positioned within a movable control element (sometimes referred to as the solenoid core) 125 that, corresponds to the element in Figures 1-4 that moves in response to energization of the solenoid.
  • This element is biased downward against the pilot tube 86 by a double-biasing spring 130 that operates in a manner similar to that described above in connection with spring 92. Because unwanted lateral or other movement of the pilot sealing member 120 may also affect flow through pilot tube 86, the use of the double biasing spring with respect to this element also enhances the ability
  • valve 70 to provide accurate, controllable flow at low flow levels.
  • the movable control element has been machined such that material has been removed in
  • control element 125 and its biasing spring 130 is increased.
  • control element 125 or solenoid
  • valve 70 as much as 28% of the weight of the valve 70
  • upper valve body 100 that may be formed of the same material as main valve body 72.
  • Upper valve body may be formed of a single piece of material that defines an angular passageway 130 that, when upper body 100 is positioned over main valve body 72, is in fluid communication with reservoir 74 so that fluid can flow from the inlet port 14, through bleed tube 73 and reservoir 74 into passageway 130.
  • Passageway 130 is in fluid communication with an upper reservoir 135.
  • Reservoir 135 defines an opening at its upper position. When the valve is assembled, the upper retaining member 83a is positioned in this reservoir 135 and the pilot tube 86 opens into this reservoir.
  • the relationships between the cross sectional areas of the pilot tube 86 (or pilot orifice) and the bleed tube 73 (or effective bleed area) and the spring constant of the spring 92 that biases the diaphragm 84 pilot may be of significant importance to achieving a usable range of flow control for any given frequency and duty cycle pulse.
  • the sizing of the pilot orifice is important in ensuring that the low- frequency mode (e.g., 31 Hz) and high-frequency mode (e.g., 160 Hz) flow vs. PWM duty cycle curves include an appropriate region of overlap, allowing for a clean transition point. If the pilot orifice is too large, the minimum flow obtainable in the high frequency mode may be compromised, and may exceed the maximum controllable flow in low frequency mode. If the pilot orifice is too small, the upper end of the low frequency mode curve may be limited, again resulting in high and low frequency mode curves that do not overlap.
  • the low- frequency mode e.g., 31 Hz
  • high-frequency mode e.g. 160 Hz
  • the bleed path of valve of the type discussed herein is used to balance the pressures and forces above and below the diaphragm.
  • This bleed path is typically smaller than the pilot flow path. Opening of the pilot flow path causes a pressure/force imbalance across the diaphragm, causing the valve main portion to open. Inversely, closing of the pilot causes the diaphragm to be pressure/force balanced, allowing it to be closed by some mechanical means.
  • the sizing of this bleed area in relation to the other parameters can be of significance in that if the bleed area is too small, pressure will be dumped through the pilot flow path, during the active portion of a low- frequency PWM pulse faster than it can be replaced by the bleed flow path.
  • bleed areas too large may result in greater separation of the seat and pilot sealing member, resulting in valve instability
  • the diaphragm bias spring if this spring is too weak, the diaphragm may open prematurely during low frequency mode, limiting the controllable flow range. If the spring is too strong, the upper end of the high frequency curve may be limited, reducing the turn down ratio, It should be noted that no single parameter, duty cycle, frequency, pilot area, bleed area, or diaphragm spring governs successful operation of the valve in the low or high frequency mode. Rather, it is a balance of all parameters.
  • upper body 100 because of its elegant design, may be easily constructed and affixed to main valve body 72.
  • the construction of the main valve body 72, the valve seating tube 80 and the upper body 100 allow for relatively easy, cost- effective, "bottom" up construction of the valve 70.
  • Attached to the upper opening of reservoir 135 is an actuating assembly that includes the movable control element 125 discussed above, and the magnetic and other materials forming the solenoid that cause the movable control element 125 to move in response to an energizing signal.
  • the construction and operation of this portion of valve 70 is the same as that previusly discussed with respect the valve of Figures 1-4 and will not be further discussed herein.
  • valve 70 The general operation of valve 70 is the same as that described above in connection with the valve of Figures 1-4.
  • the valve when the valve is providing a low fluid flow it is operating in response to a controller providing low-frequency PWM control signals.
  • the fluid flow will occur as a result of fluid flowing into the inlet port 14, through the bleed tube 75 into reservoir 135 and, as a result of upward movement of the movable control element 125 during each PWM period, through the pilot tube 86, through passageway 87 and out the outlet port 16.
  • valve 70 As the active duty cycle of the PWM control is increased in this low frequency mode, more and more fluid will flow through valve 70 during each PWM period and a point may be reached where the diaphragm is deflected slightly upward and fluid flows over valve seat 80a into valve seating tube 80 and out the outlet port 16. While the vast majority of the fluid flow in the low frequency mode of operation will be through the bleed and pilot tubes the above is mentioned to indicated that some fluid flow over the valve seat 80a is not inconsistent with the teachings provided herein.

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un robinet doseur (10) capable de commander des valeurs de débit massique correspondant à des plages continues basses, intermédiaires ou élevées. Ce robinet est piloté par un organe (68) monté sur le cadre mobile d'un électroaimant (84) capable de vibrer en rapprochement ou en éloignement de l'orifice pilote principal (58) dans l'obturateur principal du robinet (30). Cet obturateur, ferme la lumière principale du robinet (18) de façon à commander des valeurs de débit massique de la plage basse en faisant varier le cycle de service et/ou la fréquence d'un courant modulé en largeur d'impulsion arrivant à la bobine de l'électroaimant. Pour les valeurs de débits intermédiaires ou élevées, on fait vibrer l'organe pilote (68) selon un cycle de service et/ou une fréquence permettant de soulever du siège principal du robinet(18) l'obturateur principal du robinet (30) sur des courses relativement courtes ou relativement longues suivant le cas.
EP01953024A 2000-02-18 2001-01-17 Robinet doseur a plage de reglage etendue Withdrawn EP1266164A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US506967 1990-02-28
US120673P 1999-02-19
US09/506,967 US6619612B2 (en) 1999-02-19 2000-02-18 Extended range proportional valve
US12067300P 2000-02-19 2000-02-19
PCT/US2001/001493 WO2001061226A1 (fr) 2000-02-18 2001-01-17 Robinet doseur a plage de reglage etendue

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EP1266164A1 true EP1266164A1 (fr) 2002-12-18
EP1266164A4 EP1266164A4 (fr) 2003-05-07

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JP (1) JP2003526055A (fr)
CN (1) CN1188619C (fr)
AU (1) AU2001229548A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001061226A1 (fr)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2001061226A1 (fr) 2001-08-23
EP1266164A4 (fr) 2003-05-07
AU2001229548A1 (en) 2001-08-27
CN1188619C (zh) 2005-02-09
CN1425114A (zh) 2003-06-18
JP2003526055A (ja) 2003-09-02

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