MX2011004984A

MX2011004984A - An expansion valve comprising biasing means.

Info

Publication number: MX2011004984A
Application number: MX2011004984A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Claus Thybo
Original assignee: Danfoss As
Priority date: 2008-11-12
Filing date: 2009-11-11
Publication date: 2011-05-30
Also published as: US20120036885A1; CN102216703A; EP2356384A1; WO2010054655A1; BRPI0921201A2; JP2012508364A; RU2471105C1

Abstract

An expansion valve (1) comprising an inlet opening adapted to receive fluid medium in a liquid state and at least two outlet openings (8), each being adapted to deliver fluid medium in an at least partly gaseous state, is disclosed, e.g. for use in a refrigeration system. The expansion valve (1) further comprises a first valve part (2) having at least two valve seats (3) formed therein, each of the valve seats (3) being fluidly connected to one of the outlet openings (8), a second valve part (4), the first valve part (2) and the second valve part (4) being arranged movably relative to each other, and at least two valve elements (5), each valve element (5) being arranged in such a manner that the valve seats (3) and the valve elements (5) pair-wise form at least two valves. Biasing means, e.g. in the form of springs (6), are arranged to bias the valve elements (5) and the valve seats (3) towards a position defining a minimum opening degree of the valves, or towards a position defining a maximum opening degree of the valves.

Description

VALVE OF EXPANSION THAT MEANS DEVIATION MEDIA Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an expansion valve, in particular for use in a cooling system, for example an air conditioning system. The expansion valve of the present invention is adapted to distribute the fluid medium to at least two parallel flow paths, for example in the form of at least two evaporators or parallel evaporator tubes.

Background of the Invention In this fluid circuit, such as a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration system, it is sometimes desirable to divide the flow path into two or more parallel flow paths along a portion of the fluid circuit. This is the case, for example, in refrigeration systems comprising two or more evaporators placed in parallel. It may further be desirable to have the ability to control the flow of the fluid for each of the parallel flow paths, for example in such a way that a substantially equal fluid distribution is obtained, or in such a way that the system is operated on. an optimal way, for example in terms of energy consumption or efficiency.

In some previous attempts to control the REF.220032 distribution of the refrigerant between two or more parallel flow paths in a refrigeration system, a distributor is placed downstream relative to an expansion valve in the flow path of the refrigerant. Accordingly, the refrigerant is distributed after the expansion of the refrigerant, i.e. the refrigerant is mainly gaseous. This has the disadvantage that it is very difficult to control the flow of the refrigerant to obtain a substantially equal distribution between the parallel flow paths.

Brief Description of the Invention It is an object of the embodiments of the invention to provide an expansion valve that is capable of controlling the distribution of the fluid to two or more parallel flow paths.

It is a further object of the embodiments of the invention to provide an expansion valve that is adapted to handle the distribution of the fluid to two or more parallel flow paths in a facilitated manner.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an expansion valve comprising: - an inlet opening adapted to receive the fluid medium; in a liquid state, - at least two outlet openings, each one is adapted to supply the medium of the fluid in a state at less partially gaseous, - a first part of the valve having at least two valve seats formed therein, each of the valve seats are connected in fluid communication with one of the outlet openings, - a second part of the valve, the first part of the valve and the second part of the valve are movably movable relative to each other, at least two valve elements, each valve element is positioned in such a way that the valve seats and the valve elements are formed in pairs in at least two valves, and - diverting means positioned to divert the valve elements and the valve seats to a position that defines a minimum opening degree of the valves, or towards. a position defining a maximum opening degree of the valves, wherein the second part of the valve and the valve elements are connected in such a way that: the mutual position of the first part of the valve and the second part of the valve determines a degree of opening of each of the valves.

The expansion valve of the invention defines flow paths between the inlet opening and at least two outlet openings. The fluid medium in a liquid state is received in the inlet opening and the fluid medium in an at least partially gaseous state it is supplied in the outlet openings. In the present context, the term "liquid state" should be interpreted to mean that the fluid medium that is introduced to the expansion valve by means of the inlet opening is substantially in a liquid phase. Similarly, in the present context the term "at least partially gaseous state" must be interpreted to mean that the fluid medium left by the expansion valve through the openings; The outlet is completely in a gaseous phase, or at least a part, for example a substantial part, of the volume of fluid medium leaving the expansion valve in a gaseous phase. Accordingly, at least a portion of the fluid medium that is introduced to the expansion valve suffers a transition of the phase from the liquid phase to the gas phase when it passes through the expansion valve.

The inlet opening and the outlet openings may preferably be connected in fluid communication with one: or more of other components, such as other components of a refrigeration system. The expansion valve can advantageously be part of a flow system, such as a flow circuit.

The expansion valve comprises a first part of the valve, and a second part of the valve placed moveable in a related way. This can be achieved by mounting the first and / or second part of the valve in a manner that allows it to be moved relative to the remaining portions of the expansion valve. Accordingly, the first part of the valve can be movable while the second part of the valve is mounted in a fixed manner. As an alternative, the second part of the valve can be movable while the first part of the valve is mounted in a fixed manner. Finally, both of the valve parts can be movably mounted. In all of the situations described above, a relative movement between the first part of the valve and the second part of the valve is possible, whereby it defines a mutual position of the first part of the valve and the second part of the valve.

The first part of the valve has at least two valve seats formed therein, and each of the seats of the valve is connected in fluid communication with one of the outlet openings. At least two elements of the: valve are positioned in such a way that the valve seats and the valve elements are formed as pairs in at least two valves. The valve elements are additionally connected to the second part of the valve in such a way that the mutual position of the first part of the valve and the second part of the valve determine a; degree of opening of the valves. Consequently, the valve elements preferably move relative to the valve seats when the first part of the valve and the second part of the valve perform relative movements. Accordingly, the degree of opening of the valves, and hence the amount of fluid medium supplied to each of the outlet openings, can be adjusted by adjusting the mutual position of the first part of the valve and the second part, of the valve. Since the opening degrees of the valves are defined by the mutual position of the first part of the valve and a second part of the valve, the opening degrees are adjusted synchronously, thereby maintaining at least substantially a key distribution between the exit openings.

The expansion valve further comprises diverting means positioned to divert the valve members and the valve seats to a position defining a minimum opening degree of the valves, or to a position defining a maximum opening degree of the valves. valves. In the event that the diverting means is arranged to divert the valve members and the valve seats to a position that defines a minimum degree of opening of the valves, the diverting means will attempt to close the valves, and when the valve Expansion is operated to cause the valves to be opened, work must be performed against the deflection force provided by the diverting means. On the other hand, in the event that the diverting means are arranged to divert the valve members and the valve seats to a position that defines a maximum opening degree of the valves, the diverting means will attempt to maintain the valves open, and when the expansion valve is operated to cause the valves to be closed, work must be done against the deflection force provided by the deflection means.

In any case, the deflection force provided by the deflection means defines a point of equilibrium for the relative movements of the valve seats and the valve elements. The design and placement of the deviating means carefully allow for this a correspondence between a force of movement applied to provide a! relative movement between the valve parts and the degree of opening of the valves for which they are to be designed. For example, the biasing force can be selected in such a way that a "soft" closing of the valve is obtained, and / or in such a way that a specific applied movement force leads to a specific opening degree.

The elements of the valve can be part of the second part of the valve. According to this embodiment, the relative movements between the first part of the valve and the second valve directly lead in corresponding relative movements between the valve seats and the valve elements. For example, the relative movements between the first part of the valve and the second part of the valve can be substantially linear movements that cause each of the valve elements to move simultaneously toward or away from the corresponding valve seat. The valve parts each may be or comprise, for example, a substantially disc-shaped part having the valve seats and the valve elements, respectively, formed on the parts of the valve surface. In this case, the valve seats can! to be in the form of holes extending through the disk forming the first part of the valve, and the valve elements may be in the form of projecting portions formed on a surface of the disk forming the second part. of the valve that is turned towards the first part of the valve.

As an alternative, the valve elements can form separate parts that are operatively connected to the second valve part. Agree with this mode, the valve elements and the second part of the valve can be placed on the opposite sides of the first part of the valve, and the movement of the first part of the valve and the second part of the valve one towards the other can cause the second part of the valve to simultaneously push the valve elements in a direction away from the valve seats, thereby increasing the degree of opening of the valves defined by the valve elements and valves. valve seats. In this case, the diverting means can advantageously be positioned to push the valve elements in a direction towards the valve seats. Therefore, when the first part of the valve and the second part of the valve move away from each other, the diverting means will ensure that the valve elements are moved towards the valve seats, thereby reducing the degree operation of the valves.

The deflection means may be or may comprise at least one spring, such as a compressible spring. The spring may be in a compressed state, in which case the force of the spring acts to push the two parts, for example the first and second parts of the valve or the first part of the valve and one or more elements of the valve, departing each. Alternatively, the spring it can be in a stretched state, in which case the force of the spring acts to push the two parts, for example the first and second parts of the valve or the first part of the valve and one or more valve elements, some towards the others.

The valve elements may be of the needle type, or may be of the type of a sphere. Alternatively, the valve elements may be of any suitable kind.

The expansion valve may further comprise a thermostatic element, and the first part of the valve and / or the second part of the valve may be operatively connected to the thermostatic element, the relative movements of the first part of the valve and the second part of the valve. The valve is caused by this by the thermostatic element. According to this embodiment, the thermostatic element determines the degrees of opening of each of the valves defined by the valve seats and the valve elements, that is to say the thermostatic element simultaneously determines the mass flow for each of the valves. exit openings.

The deflection means may be arranged, in this case, to counteract the movements caused by the thermostatic element in response to an increase in pressure. According to this modality, the strength of deviation provided by the means of deflection and the force of the movement that originates from the thermostatic element in response to changes in pressure, in combination define a balance that determines the degrees of opening of the valves.

As an alternative, the relative movements between the parts of the valve, and hence the opening degrees of the valves defined by the valve seats and the valve elements, can be controlled by other suitable classes of actuators.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a cooling system comprising: - at least one compressor, - at least one capacitor, - at least two evaporators placed in parallel along one! refrigerant flow path of the refrigeration system, and An expansion valve according to any of the preceding claims, the expansion valve is: positioned in such a way that each of the valves is positioned to supply the refrigerant to one of the evaporators.

Accordingly, the expansion valve according to the first aspect of the invention can be placed advantageously in the cooling path of a cooling system, for example a cooling system used in a cooling arrangement or an air conditioning system.

Brief Description of the Figures The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the appended figures, in which: Figure 1 is a cross section of an expansion valve according to a first embodiment of the invention, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an expansion valve according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an expansion valve 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The expansion valve 1 comprises a first part 2 of the valve having a number of seats 3 of the valve, two of which are visible, formed therein. The expansion valve 1 further comprises a second part 4 of the valve having an element number of the needle type valve 5, two of which are visible, forming part thereof. The seats 3 of the valve and the elements 5 of the valve they are positioned in a manner related to each other such that a number of valves are defined by the pairs of the seats 3 of the valve and the elements 5 of the valve.

The first part 2 of the valve and the second part 4 of the valve can move relative to each other along a substantially vertical direction of the figure, ie in such a way that the elements 5 of the valve are movable towards and away from the seats 3 of the valve. Therefore, the relative position of the first part 2 of the valve and the second part 4 of the valve determines the relative position of the seats 3 of the valve and the elements 5 of the valve. Due to the substantially conical shape of the valve elements 5, the relative position of the first part 2 of the valve and the second part 4 of the valve determines the size of a passage through each of the seat 3 of the valve , and therefore the degree of opening of each of the valves defined by the pairs of the seats 3 of the valve and the elements 5 of the valve.

The expansion valve 1 further comprises deflection means in the form of a compressible spring 6. The spring 6 is positioned between the first part 2 of the valve and the second part 4 of the valve. It may be in a compressed state, in which case it pushes the first part 2 of the valve and the second part 4 of the valve in one direction moving away from each other. Since the valve seats 3 are part of the first part 2 of the valve and the valve elements 5 are part of the second part 4 of the valve, the spring 6 also pushes the valve seats 3 and the elements 5 of the valve in a direction away from each other, ie toward a position that defines a maximum opening degree of the valves.

Alternatively, the spring 6 may be in a stretched state, in which case the same pulls the first part 2 of the valve and the second part 4 of the valve, and hence the seats 3 of the valve and the elements 5 of the valve , in one direction towards the other, that is to say toward a position that defines a minimum degree of opening of the valves.

The second part 4 of the valve is operatively connected to a thermostatic element (not shown), and the relative position of the first part 2 of the valve and the second part 4 'of the valve is thereby determined by the thermostatic element.

The expansion valve 1 of figure 1 can operate in the following manner. The fluid medium in a substantially liquid state is introduced to the expansion valve 1 by means of an inlet opening as illustrated by the arrow 7. The fluid medium is conducted to the through the expansion valve 1 towards the seats 3 of the valve, and further towards the outlet openings 8, possibly fixing the expansion valve 1 by means of the outlet openings 8. During this period of time, the fluid medium it is expanded, and the fluid medium left by the expansion valve 1 through the outlet openings 8 is therefore in an at least partially gaseous state.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an expansion valve 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the expansion valve 1 of Figure 2 comprises a first part 2 of the valve having a number of seats 3 of the valve formed therein, and a second part 4 of The valve. The first part 2 of the valve: and the second part 4 of the valve can move relative to each other along a substantially vertical direction of the figure.

The expansion valve 1 further comprises a number of valve elements 5, two of which are visible, in the form of separate elements movably positioned with respect to the seats 3 of the valve and in such a way that a number of valves are defined by pairs of seats 3 of the valve and elements 5 of the valve.

The elements 5 of the valve are placed in such a so that they are allowed to extend through the openings defined by the seats 3 of the valve and in embedment with the second part 4 of the valve. The diverting means in the form of compressible springs 6 are placed between the valve elements 5 and a part 9 of the base of the expansion valve 1. The springs 6 are in a compressed state, whereby they push the elements 5. from the valve to the seats 3 of the valve and in embedment with the second part 4 of the valve. Accordingly, the springs 6 push the valve elements 5 towards a position defining a minimum opening degree of the valves.

Since the elements 5 of the valve are placed in embedment with the second part 4 of the valve, and since the springs 6 ensure a firm embedding between the elements 5 of the valve and the second part 4 of the valve, the valve elements 5 perform movements corresponding to the movements of the second part 4 of the valve. Accordingly, when the first part 2 of the valve and the second part 4 of the valve are moved in a manner related to each other in a direction away from each other, the valve elements 5 and the seats 3 of the valve are moved in one direction. direction towards each other, whereby the opening degrees of the valves defined by the seats are reduced 3 of the valve and the valve elements 5. Similarly, when the first part 2 of the valve and the second part 4 of the valve are moved relative to each other in one direction toward each other, the seats 3 of the valve and the valve elements 5 are pushed away from each other, whereby the opening degrees of the valves defined by the seats 3 of the valve and the elements 5 of the valve increase. Due to the substantially conical shape of the valve elements 5, the relative position of the first part 2 of the valve and the second part 4 of the valve thus determine the size of a passage through which each seat 3 of the valve , and for this, the degrees of opening of the valves.

The second part 4 of the valve is operatively connected to the thermostatic element (not shown), and the relative position of the first part 2 of the valve and the second part 4: of the valve is thereby determined by the thermostatic element.

The expansion valve 1 of Figure 2 can operate in the following manner. The fluid medium in a substantially liquid state is introduced to the expansion valve 1 by means of an inlet opening as illustrated by the arrow 7. The medium of the fluid is conducted through the expansion valve 1 to the seats 3. of the valve, and in addition to the outlet openings 8 formed in the base part 9 and connected in fluid communication to the seats 3 of the valve. The medium of the fluid leaves the expansion valve 1 through the outlet openings 8. During this period of time the medium of the fluid is expanded, and the medium of the fluid leaving the expansion valve 1 through the outlet openings 8 therefore it is in an at least partially gaseous state.

It is noted that in relation to this date the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. An expansion valve, characterized in that it comprises: - an inlet opening adapted to receive the fluid medium in a liquid state, - at least two outlet openings, each adapted to supply the medium of the fluid in an at least partially gaseous state, - a first part of the valve having at least two valve seats formed therein, each of the valve seats is connected in fluid communication with one of the outlet openings, - a second part of the valve, the first part of the valve 1 and the second part of the valve are movably arranged with each other, at least two valve elements, each valve element is positioned in such a way that the valve seats and the valve elements are formed in pairs in at least two valves, and - diverting means positioned to divert the valve elements and the valve seats to a position defining a minimum degree of opening of the valves. valves, or to a position that defines a maximum opening degree of the valves, wherein the second part of the valve and the elements of the valve are connected in such a way that the mutual position of the first part of the valve and the second part of the valve determines a degree of opening of each of the valves.

2. An expansion valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve elements are part of the second part of the valve.

3. An expansion valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the elements of the valve form separate parts that are operatively connected to the second part of the valve.

4. An expansion valve according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflection means are or comprise at least one spring.

5. An expansion valve according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve elements are of the needle type.

6. An expansion valve according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that the valve elements are of the sphere type.

7. A. expansion valve in accordance with In addition, it comprises a thermostatic element, in which the first part of the valve and / or the second part of the valve is / are operatively connected to the thermostatic element, the relative movements of the first part. of the valve and the second part of the valve are therefore caused by the thermostatic element.

8. An expansion valve according to claim 7, characterized in that the deflection means are positioned to counteract the movements caused by the thermostatic element in response to an increase in pressure.

9. A refrigeration system, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one compressor, - at least one capacitor, - at least two evaporators placed in parallel along a refrigerant flow path of the refrigeration system, and - an expansion valve according to any of the preceding claims, the expansion valve is positioned in such a way that each of the valves is positioned to supply the refrigerant to one of the evaporators. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an expansion valve (1) comprising an inlet opening adapted to receive a fluid medium in a liquid state and at least two outlet openings (8), each being adapted to supply the fluid medium in a state at least partially gaseous, for example, for use in a refrigeration system. The expansion valve (1) further comprises a first part (2) of the valve having at least two seats (3) of the valve formed therein, each of the seats (3) of the valve are connected in communication of fluid with one of the outlet openings (8), a second part of the valve (4), the first part of the valve (2) and the second part of the valve (4), are movably arranged one with In relation to the other, and at least two elements of the valve (5), each valve element (5) is positioned in such a way that the seats (3) of the valve and the elements (5) of the valve conform by pairs in at least two valves. The diverting means, for example in the form of springs (6), are positioned to divert the elements (5) of the valve and the seats (3) of the valve to a position that defines a minimum opening degree of the valves , or to a position that defines a maximum opening degree of the valves. 1/2 Fig. 1