US20140360484A1 - Valves, Pressure Sensing Devices, and Controllers for Heating Appliances - Google Patents
Valves, Pressure Sensing Devices, and Controllers for Heating Appliances Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140360484A1 US20140360484A1 US14/467,692 US201414467692A US2014360484A1 US 20140360484 A1 US20140360484 A1 US 20140360484A1 US 201414467692 A US201414467692 A US 201414467692A US 2014360484 A1 US2014360484 A1 US 2014360484A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pressure
- valve
- light
- diaphragm
- coil
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 title claims description 29
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 45
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000012937 correction Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 44
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 19
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 11
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 10
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920001707 polybutylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 3
- SYJPAKDNFZLSMV-HYXAFXHYSA-N (Z)-2-methylpropanal oxime Chemical compound CC(C)\C=N/O SYJPAKDNFZLSMV-HYXAFXHYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- -1 Polybutylene Terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002737 fuel gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 2
- VVQNEPGJFQJSBK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyl methacrylate Chemical compound COC(=O)C(C)=C VVQNEPGJFQJSBK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920005372 Plexiglas® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005669 field effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012216 screening Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012795 verification Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H9/00—Details
- F24H9/20—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F24H9/2064—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for air heaters
- F24H9/2085—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for air heaters using fluid fuel
-
- 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
- F16K1/00—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces
-
- 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
- F16K1/00—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces
- F16K1/32—Details
- F16K1/34—Cutting-off parts, e.g. valve members, seats
- F16K1/44—Details of seats or valve members of double-seat valves
-
- 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
- F16K1/00—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces
- F16K1/32—Details
- F16K1/34—Cutting-off parts, e.g. valve members, seats
- F16K1/44—Details of seats or valve members of double-seat valves
- F16K1/443—Details of seats or valve members of double-seat valves the seats being in series
-
- 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
- F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
- F16K31/06—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a magnet, e.g. diaphragm valves, cutting off by means of a liquid
-
- 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
- F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
- F16K31/06—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a magnet, e.g. diaphragm valves, cutting off by means of a liquid
- F16K31/0644—One-way valve
- F16K31/0655—Lift valves
-
- 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
- F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
- F16K31/06—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a magnet, e.g. diaphragm valves, cutting off by means of a liquid
- F16K31/0644—One-way valve
- F16K31/0655—Lift valves
- F16K31/0658—Armature and valve member being one single element
-
- 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
- F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
- F16K31/06—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a magnet, e.g. diaphragm valves, cutting off by means of a liquid
- F16K31/0675—Electromagnet aspects, e.g. electric supply therefor
-
- 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
- F16K37/00—Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
- F16K37/0058—Optical means, e.g. light transmission, observation ports
-
- 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
- F16K37/00—Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
- F16K37/0075—For recording or indicating the functioning of a valve in combination with test equipment
- F16K37/0091—For recording or indicating the functioning of a valve in combination with test equipment by measuring fluid parameters
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23K—FEEDING FUEL TO COMBUSTION APPARATUS
- F23K5/00—Feeding or distributing other fuel to combustion apparatus
- F23K5/002—Gaseous fuel
- F23K5/007—Details
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N1/00—Regulating fuel supply
- F23N1/005—Regulating fuel supply using electrical or electromechanical means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L9/00—Measuring steady of quasi-steady pressure of fluid or fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elements; Transmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means
- G01L9/0041—Transmitting or indicating the displacement of flexible diaphragms
- G01L9/0076—Transmitting or indicating the displacement of flexible diaphragms using photoelectric means
-
- 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
- G05D16/2006—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means
- G05D16/2013—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means using throttling means as controlling means
-
- 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
- G05D16/2006—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means
- G05D16/2013—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means using throttling means as controlling means
- G05D16/202—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means using throttling means as controlling means actuated by an electric motor
-
- 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
- G05D16/2006—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means
- G05D16/2013—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means using throttling means as controlling means
- G05D16/2022—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means using throttling means as controlling means actuated by a proportional solenoid
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2225/00—Measuring
- F23N2225/04—Measuring pressure
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2235/00—Valves, nozzles or pumps
- F23N2235/12—Fuel valves
- F23N2235/14—Fuel valves electromagnetically operated
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2235/00—Valves, nozzles or pumps
- F23N2235/12—Fuel valves
- F23N2235/20—Membrane valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2235/00—Valves, nozzles or pumps
- F23N2235/12—Fuel valves
- F23N2235/24—Valve details
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/7722—Line condition change responsive valves
- Y10T137/7758—Pilot or servo controlled
- Y10T137/7761—Electrically actuated valve
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8158—With indicator, register, recorder, alarm or inspection means
- Y10T137/8326—Fluid pressure responsive indicator, recorder or alarm
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/87917—Flow path with serial valves and/or closures
- Y10T137/87981—Common actuator
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/87917—Flow path with serial valves and/or closures
- Y10T137/88038—One valve head carries other valve head
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Indication Of The Valve Opening Or Closing Status (AREA)
- Magnetically Actuated Valves (AREA)
- Control Of Fluid Pressure (AREA)
- Regulation And Control Of Combustion (AREA)
Abstract
A valve apparatus includes substantially co-aligned first and second valve seats and substantially co-aligned first and second valve members. The first valve member is moveable relative to the first valve seat between at least an open position in which the first valve member is spaced from the first valve seat and a closed position in which the first valve member is seated against the first valve seat. The second valve member is moveable relative to the second valve seat between at least an open position in which the second valve member is spaced from the second valve seat and a closed position in which the second valve member is seated against the second valve seat. An armature is operable for moving the first and second valve members, in response to a magnetic field generated by a coil.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/983,814 filed on Aug. 6, 2013, which is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US2012/022400, filed Jan. 24, 2012 which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/444,95 filed Feb. 21, 2011. The entire disclosures of each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure relates to valves, pressure sensing devices, controllers, and systems including the same for valve control of fuel to a flame of a heating appliance.
- This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
- A gas-fired, warm air furnace that operates at two or more gas flow rates is generally referred to as a variable or multistage furnace. Multistage furnaces are frequently selected by homeowners for replacement of existing furnaces because they offer increased performance and comfort. But in multistage or variable heating furnaces, the furnace control is only configured for one-way communication with a gas valve. This typically is in the form of a signal applying a voltage source or a variable current signal to the gas valve. Such signals, however, are not capable of providing feedback, and may not be compatible with replacement or retrofit gas valves or other components of the furnace. Accordingly, the inventors hereof have recognized that a need still exists for an improved control of variable stage heating systems.
- This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
- Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of valve apparatus, pressure sensing apparatus, controllers, and systems including the same. In an exemplary embodiment of a valve apparatus, a first valve seat is substantially co-aligned with a second valve seat. A first valve member is substantially aligned with a second valve member. The first valve member is moveable relative to the first valve seat between at least an open position in which the first valve member is spaced from the first valve seat and a closed position in which the first valve member is seated against the first valve seat. The second valve member is moveable relative to the second valve seat between at least an open position in which the second valve member is spaced from the second valve seat and a closed position in which the second valve member is seated against the second valve seat. An armature is operable for moving the first and second valve members relative to at least the second valve seat to vary an opening area therebetween, in response to a magnetic field generated by a coil.
- According to another aspect of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments of pressure sensing apparatus for valves are also provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a pressure sensing apparatus includes a diaphragm moveable in response to changes in pressure acting against the diaphragm, a light emitter, and a light sensing device. A light attenuator is coupled to the diaphragm such that the light attenuator is moveable by the diaphragm between the light emitter and the light sensing device in response to changes in pressure acting against the diaphragm. The light attenuator is configured to attenuate or vary the amount of light transmitted to the light sensing device from the light emitter as the light attenuator is moved therebetween by the diaphragm in response to changes in pressure. The light sensing device is operable to responsively provide a voltage output commensurate with the amount of light sensed by the light sensing device, which voltage output is indicative of a sensed pressure acting against the diaphragm.
- In another exemplary embodiment, a pressure sensing apparatus includes a diaphragm moveable in response to changes in pressure acting against the diaphragm, a first light emitter, a second light emitter, a first light sensing device, and a second light sensing device. A light interrupter is coupled to the diaphragm such that the light interrupter is moveable by the diaphragm between the first light emitter and the first light sensing device when the diaphragm is exposed to a first pressure acting against the diaphragm and such that the light interrupter is moveable by the diaphragm between the second light emitter and the second light sensing device when the diaphragm is exposed to a second pressure acting against the diaphragm. A desired pressure of a valve apparatus can be established by interpolating between first and second positions at which the light interrupter is detected by the first and second light sensing devices corresponding to the first and second pressures.
- In another exemplary embodiment, a pressure sensing apparatus includes a diaphragm moveable in response to changes in pressure acting against the diaphragm, a first switch, a second switch, and a trigger coupled to the diaphragm such that the trigger is moveable by the diaphragm to actuate the first switch when the diaphragm is exposed to a first pressure acting against the diaphragm, and such that the trigger is moveable by the diaphragm to actuate the second switch when the diaphragm is exposed to a second pressure acting against the diaphragm. The first switch and the second switch device are operable to responsively provide an output that is indicative of sensed pressure at the first pressure and second pressure, respectively.
- In another exemplary embodiment, a pressure sensing apparatus includes a transformer and a diaphragm moveable in response to changes in pressure acting against the diaphragm. The transformer includes a moveable core. The moveable core is coupled to the diaphragm such that the moveable core is movable by the diaphragm to vary output of the transformer with changes in pressure acting against the diaphragm. The transformer is operable for providing an output that varies with core movement, which is commensurate with changes in outlet pressure.
- According to another aspect of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments of controllers or control systems for controlling operation of valves are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a system includes a controller in communication with a pressure sensor that provides an output indicative of a pressure within a pressurized volume in a valve. The controller is configured to control application of input voltage to a coil that varies an opening area between a valve and a valve seat based on a magnetic field generated by the coil, the magnitude of which is dependent on the input voltage that is applied to the coil. The controller is configured to determine a sensed pressure from the output of the pressure sensor, and to responsively adjust the application of input voltage to the coil based on the sensed pressure, to thereby adjust the opening area between the valve and the valve seat to achieve a desired pressure at an outlet of the valve.
- In another exemplary embodiment, a system includes a solenoid coil, a pressure sensor, and a controller. The solenoid coil is configured to generate a magnetic field in response to an input voltage to the solenoid coil and to displace a valve member to vary an opening area between the valve member and a valve seat to adjust pressure at an outlet based on a magnitude of the magnetic field, wherein the magnitude of the magnetic field is dependent on the input voltage that is applied to the solenoid coil. The pressure sensor is in communication with the outlet and configured to provide an output indicative of pressure at the outlet. The controller is in communication with the pressure sensor. The controller is configured to determine a sensed outlet pressure from the output of the pressure sensor, and to responsively control the application of input voltage to the solenoid coil based on the output of the pressure sensor indicative of pressure at the outlet, to thereby adjust the opening area between the valve member and the valve seat to achieve a desired pressure at the outlet.
- Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.
- The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
-
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a valve apparatus for adjusting gas flow rate to a variable output heating apparatus; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the valve apparatus shown inFIG. 1 according to the principles of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 is a cut-away view of the valve shown inFIG. 1 , and illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a pressure sensing apparatus; -
FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of the pressure sensing apparatus shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is another cut-away view of the pressure sensing apparatus shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary valve apparatus in combination with the pressure sensing apparatus shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a pressure sensing apparatus according to the principles of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a pressure sensing apparatus according to the principles of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a pressure sensing apparatus according to the principles of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a controller for a valve according to the principles of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 11 shows a chart illustrating various exemplary embodiments of a pressure sensor apparatus in combination with different valve apparatus, and controllers. - Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
- Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- According to one aspect of the present disclosure, various exemplary embodiments of a pressure sensing apparatus are provided, which may be used in combination with a valve apparatus having a valve member that moves relative to a seat to vary an opening therebetween for controlling an outlet pressure. Exemplary embodiments of a pressure sensing apparatus may also be used in combination with a controller that varies an input voltage to a coil for adjusting the opening area between the valve member and seat, based on an outlet pressure sensed by the pressure sensing apparatus.
- According to another aspect of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments of valve apparatus are also provided, which may be used in combination with the various embodiments of pressure sensor apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, a valve apparatus may include a first valve seat and a second valve seat substantially co-aligned (e.g., generally coaxial) with the first valve seat. A first valve member is substantially aligned (e.g., generally coaxial) with a second valve member. The first valve member is moveable relative to the first valve seat between at least an open position in which the first valve member is spaced from the first valve seat and a closed position in which the first valve member is seated against the first valve seat. The second valve member is moveable relative to the second valve seat between at least an open position in which the second valve member is spaced from the second valve seat and a closed position in which the second valve member is seated against the second valve seat. An armature is operable for moving the first and second valve members relative to at least the second valve seat to vary an opening area therebetween, in response to a magnetic field generated by a coil. The valve apparatus may be a modulating valve apparatus configured so as to be operable to vary the outlet pressure to thereby vary the heating output of a variable capacity heating apparatus.
- According to another aspect of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments of pressure sensing apparatus for valves are also provided. In an exemplary embodiment of a pressure sensing apparatus, an output voltage is provided that is indicative of a pressure acting against a diaphragm. The diaphragm is in fluid communication with the valve. The diaphragm is moveable in response to changes in pressure. The pressure sensing apparatus also includes a light emitter, a light sensing device, and a light attenuator. The light attenuator moves between the light emitter and light sensing device. The light attenuator is operated by movement of the diaphragm in response to changes in pressure acting against the diaphragm. The light attenuator attenuates the amount of light that is transmitted to the light sensing device as the light attenuator is operated by the diaphragm in response to changes in pressure.
- According to another aspect of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments of controllers or control systems for controlling operation of valves are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a controller or processor is in communication with a pressure sensor that provides an output indicative of a pressure within a pressurized volume in a valve. The application of input voltage to a coil is controlled to vary an opening area between a valve and a valve seat based on a magnetic field generated by the coil, the magnitude of which is dependent on the input voltage that is applied to the coil. The controller or processor is configured to determine a sensed pressure from the output of the pressure sensor and to responsively adjust the application of input voltage to the coil based on the sensed pressure, to thereby adjust the opening area between the valve and the valve seat to achieve a desired pressure at the outlet of the valve.
- With reference now to the figures,
FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of avalve apparatus 100 that is operable for controlling gas flow to control the output of a heating apparatus. In this example, thevalve apparatus 100 may be a single stage valve that provides a single outlet operating capacity, a two-stage valve that provides for at least two distinct operating capacities, or a modulating valve that provides for variable capacity operation. - The
valve apparatus 100 includes afirst valve seat 102, asecond valve seat 104, and anoutlet 106. Thesecond valve seat 104 substantially co-aligned with thefirst valve seat 102. - The
valve apparatus 100 also includes afirst valve member 112, which is moveable relative to thefirst valve seat 102. Thefirst valve member 112 is spaced from thefirst valve seat 102 when thefirst valve member 112 is in an open position. Thefirst valve member 112 is seated against thefirst valve seat 102 when thefirst valve member 112 is in a closed position. - The
valve apparatus 100 further includes asecond valve member 114 substantially co-aligned (e.g., coaxial) with thefirst valve member 112. Thesecond valve member 114 is moveable relative to thesecond valve seat 104. Thesecond valve member 114 is spaced from thesecond valve seat 104 when thesecond valve member 114 is in an open position. Thesecond valve member 114 is seated against thesecond valve seat 104 when thesecond valve member 114 is in a closed position. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 , thevalve apparatus 100 also includes acoil 120 and anarmature 122. Thearmature 122 is configured to operatively move the first andsecond valve member coil 120. Thearmature 122 is configured to move the first andsecond valve members second valve seat 104 to vary an opening area therebetween. Thearmature 122 is configured to move a first distance to move thefirst valve member 112 away from a closed position against thefirst valve seat 102 towards an open position. Thearmature 122 is also configured to move beyond the first distance so as to also then move thesecond valve member 114 away from a closed position against thesecond valve seat 104 and towards an open position. - Unlike some conventional gas valves, the flow of gas through the
valve apparatus 100 is not diverted to a regulating diaphragm for moving a valve member to control flow. In this exemplary embodiment, thevalve apparatus 100 does not include any regulator diaphragm having a direct mechanical linkage to a valve member (e.g., the first orsecond valve members 112, 114) for mechanically imparting movement of the valve member relative to a seat (e.g., the first or second valve seats 102, 104). Instead of controlling flow via a regulator diaphragm that is responsive to diverted gas flow, the entire flow of gas through thevalve apparatus 100 is directly controlled via the first andsecond valve members valve 100 is a direct-acting valve that directly controls the rate of flow via the first andsecond valve members - Furthermore, unlike some conventional gas valves having side-by-side valve members, the
first valve member 112 andsecond valve member 114 are substantially co-aligned (e.g., coaxial) such that, relative to valves with side-by-side valve members, the linear “span” (shown inFIG. 1 ) in which the entire flow of gas through thevalve 100 is controlled via the first andsecond valve members - The
valve apparatus 100 may be a single stage valve that provides a single outlet operating capacity, a two-stage valve that provides for at least two distinct operating capacities, or a modulating valve that provides for variable capacity operation. Thecoil 120 andarmature 122 of thevalve apparatus 100 may be part of a solenoid, a stepper-motor, or other suitable device for displacing an armature in response to a voltage applied to at least one coil. For example, thecoil 120 may be part of a linear displacement stepper-motor that displaces thearmature 122 based on an applied voltage to at least one coil of the stepper-motor. Thecoil 120 may be a solenoid coil that is configured such that thearmature 122 is operable for moving thesecond valve member 114 relative to thesecond valve seat 104 to vary the opening area therebetween based on a magnitude of the generated magnetic field, which, in turn, may be dependent on an input voltage applied to thecoil 120. Accordingly, thearmature 122 can collectively move thefirst valve member 112 and second valve member 114 (move both members as a single unit) away from theirrespective valve seats second valve members outlet 106. - The
valve apparatus 100 may be operated as a stand-alone device without inclusion of any pressure sensing apparatus. Or, thevalve apparatus 100 may be used in combination with a pressure sensing apparatus as disclosed herein. - By controlling the input voltage that is applied to generate a magnetic field to move the
armature 122, thevalve apparatus 100 can vary the extent of opening area between the first and second valve seats 102, 104 and the first andsecond valve members outlet 106. TABLE 1 below shows various example input voltages to thevalve apparatus 100, and the corresponding pressure level established where thearmature 122 moves upward to displace thefirst valve member 112 andsecond valve member 114 away from the valve seats 102, 104. -
TABLE 1 UPWARD MOVEMENT OF ARMATURE Pressure Input Voltage (volts) - (inches water column) Upward Movement 6.0 1.9 5.4 1.76 4.8 1.60 4.1 1.46 3.3 1.30 2.5 1.15 1.9 1.01 0 0 - Because of hysteresis associated with movement of the
armature 122, an input voltage of 1.6 volts that is applied to move thearmature 122 upward may not establish the same valve position as an input voltage of 1.6 volts that is applied to move thearmature 122 downward. Depending on whether thearmature 122 moves upward or downward, an input voltage of 1.6 volts will establish different outlet pressures. Such outlet pressure differences are illustrated in TABLE 2 below, which shows the pressure established by various example input voltages where thearmature 122 moves downward to move thefirst valve member 112 andsecond valve member 114 towards the valve seats 102, 104. -
TABLE 2 DOWNWARD MOVEMENT OF ARMATURE Pressure Input Voltage (volts) - (inches water column) Downward Movement 5.6 1.89 5.0 1.74 4.4 1.60 3.7 1.44 3.0 1.31 2.3 1.16 1.6 1.00 0 0 - Accordingly, a given input voltage applied to the coil 120 (as shown in
FIG. 1 ) may not establish a set outlet pressure. Because the temperature of thecoil 120 may increase over time with continued use and increase the resistance of thecoil 120, a set input voltage level applied to thecoil 120 at different times would not then result in the same current amperage through thecoil 120 as a result of increased coil resistance due to temperature rise. This means that a given input voltage level applied to thecoil 120 at different times may not generate the same magnetic field magnitude, which may result in variable displacement of thearmature 122 and first andsecond valve members outlet 106. Accordingly, some exemplary embodiments may include thevalve apparatus 100 in combination with a pressure sensing apparatus as disclosed herein. In such exemplary embodiments, the pressure sensing apparatus may include a pressure sensor diaphragm providing a control signal for controlling operation of the coil to modulate gas flow through the valve apparatus 100 (without a direct mechanical linkage between a regulator diaphragm and any valve member) as explained below. - According to additional aspects of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments are provided of pressure sensing apparatus configured to be in communication with pressurized volumes in valves. In such exemplary embodiments, the pressure sensing apparatus is configured to provide an output that is indicative of a sensed pressure at or near an outlet of the valve. The output indicative of sensed pressure may be utilized for controlling the voltage applied to a coil (e.g.,
coil 120 of valve apparatus 100 (FIG. 1)), for example, to establish a desired operating capacity level. The output indicative of sensed pressure may be provided differently and/or in different forms in various embodiments of a pressure sensing apparatus as described below. By way of example only, a pressure sensor may include only a single diaphragm having a diameter less than about 1.5 inches that is utilized in control of a valve apparatus having an effective flow capacity sufficient to support burner operation up to at least about 180,000 British Thermal Units. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , thevalve apparatus 100 is shown with a portion cut away to reveal an exemplary embodiment of apressure sensing apparatus 150. Thepressure sensing apparatus 150 is generally configured to vary an amount of light transmitted to alight sensing device 172 in response to changes in pressure applied to adiaphragm 152. Thelight sensing device 172 provides a voltage output that is commensurate with the amount of sensed light and indicative of sensed pressure. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , thediaphragm 152 includes first andsecond sides first side 152 a is in communication with a pressurized volume within the valve apparatus, such that thediaphragm 152 is moveable in response to changes in pressure acting against thefirst side 152 a. - The
pressure sensing apparatus 150 further includes alight attenuator 164 that is moved by thediaphragm 152, such that changes in pressure causes thediaphragm 152 to raise or lower thelight attenuator 164. Thelight attenuator 164 is configured to vary or attenuate the amount of light transmitted through thelight attenuator 164 to thelight sensing device 172 as thelight attenuator 164 is moved by thediaphragm 152 in response to changes in pressure. - By way of example, the
light attenuator 164 may have a variable thickness configured to reduce the amount of incident light that is transmitted through thelight attenuator 164 as a function of the thickness of thelight attenuator 164. Alternatively, thelight attenuator 164 may be made of a translucent material and include an opaque line having a tapering thickness to vary or attenuate the amount of light transmitted through thelight attenuator 164 as it is moved by thediaphragm 152. As a further example, thelight attenuator 164 may be made of a translucent material and include a linearly increasing pattern of opaque spots or lines thereon, or a controlled pattern of holes therein which vary or attenuate the amount of light transmitted through thelight attenuator 164 as it is moved by thediaphragm 152. Thelight attenuator 164 may also be made of an opaque material and include a slot having a tapering width for varying or attenuating the amount of light transmitted therethrough as thelight attenuator 164 is moved by thediaphragm 152. - With continued reference to
FIG. 4 , thepressure sensing apparatus 150 also includes alight emitter 170 and alight sensing device 172. Thelight emitter 170 andlight sensing device 172 are positioned relative to thelight attenuator 164 such that the attenuating portion of thelight attenuator 164 moves up and down between thelight emitter 170 andlight sensing device 172 in response to changes in pressure. In turn, the light sensing device 174 then responsively provides a voltage output commensurate with the amount of light transmitted through thelight attenuator 164 and sensed by thelight sensing device 172, which voltage output is indicative of a sensed pressure acting against thediaphragm 152. - With regard to communication with an outlet, the
diaphragm 152 may, for example, be disposed in asensing chamber 154 that is in communication with anoutlet 106 via anorifice 156 provided between theoutlet 106 of thevalve apparatus 100 and the sensing chamber 154 (seeFIG. 1 ). While thediaphragm 152 shown inFIG. 3 is disposed within asensing chamber 154 in thevalve body 101, thediaphragm 152 may alternatively be disposed within a housing (not shown) separate from thevalve apparatus 100 but in communication with theoutlet 106 of thevalve apparatus 100. - With regards to the
light attenuator 164 being movable by thediaphragm 152, thelight attenuator 164 may be disposed on a pin 162 (FIG. 4 ) biased by aspring 160 against thesecond side 152 b of the diaphragm 152 (opposite thefirst side 152 a). Accordingly, changes in pressure communicated to thesensing chamber 154 cause thediaphragm 152 to raise or lower thepin 162, thus raising or loweringlight attenuator 164. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
light attenuator 164 has a variable thickness and is disposed on a portion of thepin 162. Thelight emitter 170 and alight sensing device 172 are positioned relative to thepin 162 andlight attenuator 164, such that thelight attenuator 164 is moveable up and down between thelight emitter 170 and thelight sensing device 172 in response to changes in outlet pressure that move thediaphragm 152. - The
light emitter 170 may include a bulb, light emitting diode (LED), or other similar light emitting devices. Thelight sensing device 172 may comprise an optical sensor, photovoltaic cell, or a transistor having a collector base configured to produce an output voltage in response to detecting incident light. As shown inFIG. 5 , thelight emitter 170 andlight sensing device 172 are aligned with and spaced apart from each other, such that thelight emitter 170 is directed at thelight sensing device 172. One example of such alight emitter 170 andlight sensing device 172 is aRPI 579 photo interrupter manufactured by Rohm Semiconductor. - As stated above, the
light attenuator 164 is configured to vary or attenuate the amount of light transmitted through thelight attenuator 164 to thelight sensing device 172 as thelight attenuator 164 is moved by thediaphragm 152 in response to changes in pressure. For example, thelight attenuator 164 may be made of a translucent material that has sufficient light permeability to allow a portion of incident light (light that falls on a surface) to be transmitted through thelight attenuator 164, yet a sufficient amount of opacity that is effective to impede light transmission so as to reduce the amount of light transmitted through thelight attenuator 164 as a function of the thickness of thelight attenuator 164. Through extensive experimentation, numerous materials were found to be unacceptable due to excessive translucency and insufficient opacity to impede light and yield a measurable reduction in light. Extensive experimentation also identified numerous materials that were unacceptable due to insufficient translucency and excessive opacity that effectively blocked all light transmitted through thelight attenuator 164. Through extensive experimentation and testing, suitable materials were found that possessed sufficient light permeability to allow some incident light to be transmitted through thelight attenuator 164, and sufficient opacity to impede light transmission so as to reduce the amount of light transmitted through thelight attenuator 164 as a function of the thickness. Exemplary suitable materials include 420 Polybutylene Terephthalate (Valox PBT) manufactured by Sabic Innovative Plastics, or Polybutylene Terephthalate Natural (Valox 357-BK1001) and Plexiglass 3165 Black. In an example embodiment, thelight attenuator 164 has a variable thickness configured to reduce the amount of incident light that is transmitted through thelight attenuator 164 as a function of the thickness of thelight attenuator 164. In thicknesses of between 0.125 and 0.020 inches, the above materials sufficiently impede incident light to yield a light sensor voltage output in the range of 0 to 5 volts respectively as explained below. - As shown in
FIGS. 3-6 , the illustratedlight attenuator 164 has a generally wedge-shaped configuration with a width that gradually increases over its length from bottom to top. By way of example, the width of thelight attenuator 164 may gradually taper over a length (e.g., of at least about 0.250 inches) so as to provide a sufficient thickness gradient to enable detection of incremental changes in the amount of light transmitted through thelight attenuator 164 over its length. Continuing with this example, the widest portion of thelight attenuator 164 has athickness 166 of at least 0.090 inches, while the narrowest or thinnest portion of thelight attenuator 164 has athickness 168 of not more than 0.030 inches. - The portion of the
light attenuator 164 that is located farthest from thediaphragm 152 has thegreatest thickness 166, while the portion of thelight attenuator 164 that is located closest to thediaphragm 152 has thethinnest thickness 168. As such, an increase in pressure, which would raise thediaphragm 152 and move a thinner portion of thelight attenuator 164 between thelight emitter 170 andlight sensing device 172, would result in an increase in the amount of light transmitted to thelight sensing device 172. Similarly, a decrease in pressure, which would lower thediaphragm 152 and move a thicker portion of thelight attenuator 164 between thelight emitter 170 andlight sensing device 172, would result in a decrease in the amount of light transmitted to thelight sensing device 172. Thelight sensing device 172 responsively provides a voltage output that is commensurate with the amount of light transmitted though thelight attenuator 164 and detected by thelight sensing device 172. Thus, an increase or decrease in outlet pressure correspondingly yields an increase or decrease in voltage output that is indicative of a sensed pressure. - The
light emitter 170 andlight sensing device 172 may experience a drift or decline in output after the devices are operated for extended periods of time. For example, the light emitted by an LED may decay or decline over time, and the ability of thelight sensing device 172 to detect light level may decline over time. In this exemplary embodiment, thepressure sensing apparatus 150 may thus be configured to perform a novel self-calibration of the output voltage for the detected amount of light transmission with the associated position of thelight attenuator 164. Thelight sensing device 172 is configured to provide a voltage output that changes from a substantially maximum voltage output to a fractional voltage output upon detecting movement of thelight attenuator 164 from a position in which thelight attenuator 164 is not between thelight emitter 170 andlight sensing device 172 to a position in which a portion of thelight attenuator 164 is between thelight emitter 170 andlight sensing device 172. Thelight sensing device 172 is configured to thereafter provide a voltage output level that enables thepressure sensing apparatus 150 to calibrate current voltage output of thelight sensing device 172 with the actual known position of thelight attenuator 164 relative to thelight sensing device 172. Accordingly, once the known position of thelight attenuator 164 is detected when it moves from a non-diffusing to a diffusing position between thelight emitter 170 and thelight sensing device 172, any decrease relative to a prior value of sensed light/voltage output caused by decay of the light emitter 170 (or light sensing device 172) is utilized as an error, for offsetting the desired voltage set-point associated with a desired pressure setting. In this exemplary manner, thepressure sensing apparatus 150 is configured to calibrate itself to compensate for drift or decay in the output of thelight emitter 170 orlight sensing device 172. - As shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5 , thepressure sensing apparatus 150 may also include a second orredundant light emitter 176 and a second or redundantlight sensing device 178. Thelight emitter 176 andlight sensing device 178 may be employed for calibrating thelight emitter 170 andlight sensing device 172. - The above described
pressure sensing apparatus 150 may be used in combination with thevalve apparatus 100 shown inFIG. 1 . Utilizing the abovepressure sensing apparatus 150, a desired full capacity operating pressure setting for thevalve apparatus 100 may be set (after manufacture or upon installation) by adjusting the force of the biasingspring 160 using a screw or similar device to compress the spring against thediaphragm 152. The resulting higher spring biasing force would therefore need to be counterbalanced by a higher operating pressure acting against thediaphragm 152, to maintain the position of thelight attenuator 164 between thelight emitter 170 and thelight sensing device 172. To illustrate this in an example, the desired operating pressure at full capacity for thevalve apparatus 100 may be set at 3½ inches of water column at which thepressure sensing apparatus 150 may provide an output voltage of about 3.0 volts, for example. A subsequent increase in outlet pressure above the 3½ inches full capacity operating pressure would increase the light sensing device's output voltage level (to 3.5 volts for example), where the voltage applied to thecoil 120 is subsequently adjusted to move thesecond valve member 114 closer to thesecond valve seat 104 and reduce the pressure at the outlet to achieve the desired pressure setting. To illustrate the above, the TABLE below provides exemplary sensor output voltages and corresponding sensed outlet pressures. -
TABLE 3 Pressure Light Sensing Device Output (inches water column) (volts) 9.5 5.00 8.0 4.25 6.5 3.50 5.0 2.75 3.5 2.00 2.1 1.25 - In heating appliances that provide multiple levels of heating operation or variable heating output, the input voltage that is applied to the
coil 120 can be controlled for reducing the opening area between thevalve members valve seats coil 120 can be controlled to reduce the opening area relative to the valve seats 102, 104 to establish an outlet pressure of about 2.1 inches of water column corresponding to a reduced heating capacity level, and thereafter control the input voltage to thecoil 120 based on the sensed pressure output voltage to adjustably displace the valve member as needed to maintain the desired outlet pressure of about 2.1 inches of water column. This approach is contrary to a stepper-motor that moves a given number of steps to move a valve member to a single displacement position (or conventional valves that move a valve member to a set displacement position), which single displacement position is expected to provide the desired outlet pressure. - Unlike some conventional valves that operate to move a valve member to a set displacement position that is expected to provide a desired outlet pressure, the
valve apparatus 100 senses pressure at theoutlet 106 and continuously controls input voltage for solenoid activation to adjust the displacement of at least one valve member (e.g., 112, 114) relative to at least one valve seat (102, 104) as needed to achieve and maintain a desired outlet pressure, which may be a full operating pressure of 3.5 inches of water column, a low-stage operating pressure of 2.1 inches of water column, or any number of desired operating pressures therebetween. By obtaining an output voltage indicative of the sensed pressure at thevalve outlet 106, the input voltage to thecoil 120 can be controlled to account for increases in temperature and resistance of thecoil 120, increases or decreases in pressure at an inlet of thevalve apparatus 100, and increases or decreases in pressure downstream of theoutlet 106. Thus, the input voltage to thecoil 120 can be controlled based on an output indicative of sensed outlet pressure to continually maintain the pressure at theoutlet 106 at a desired operating pressure. - In exemplary embodiments, the pressure sensing apparatus 150 (
FIGS. 3-5 ) and valve apparatus 100 (FIG. 1 ) may be used together or in combination, for adjusting gas flow for varying heating output of a heating apparatus or appliance. In additional or alternative exemplary embodiments, the pressure sensing apparatus 150 (FIGS. 3-5 ) and valve apparatus 100 (FIG. 1 ) may further be used in combination with a controller or control system for controlling the operation of the valve apparatus based on the sensed pressure. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may include thevalve apparatus 100, thepressure sensing apparatus 150, and a controller. With reference now toFIG. 10 , there is shown a controller, control system, orcontrol 600, which may be coupled to thepressure sensing apparatus 150 and to thecoil 120 ofvalve apparatus 100. In this exemplary embodiment, thecontroller 600 is configured to determine a sensed pressure from the output voltage of thepressure sensing apparatus 150 and to adjust the application of input voltage to thecoil 120 based on the sensed pressure, to thereby adjust the opening area between at least thesecond valve member 114 andsecond valve seat 104 to achieve a desired outlet pressure. - The
pressure sensing apparatus 150 may alternatively be incorporated in or used with different valves other than a modulating valve or thevalve apparatus 100. For example,FIG. 6 illustrates avalve apparatus 100′ in which thepressure sensing apparatus 150 may also be used. In this example embodiment, thevalve apparatus 100′ includes a valve member (not shown) that moves relative to a valve seat (not shown) in response to an input voltage applied to acoil 120. One such example of a valve apparatus is a 36E27 modulating gas valve manufactured by the White-Rodgers Division of Emerson Electric Co. Accordingly, this embodiment includes thevalve apparatus 100′ (FIG. 6 ) in combination with the pressure sensing apparatus 150 (FIGS. 3-5 ) for adjusting gas flow for varying heating output of a heating apparatus. - In additional or alternative exemplary embodiments, the pressure sensing apparatus 150 (
FIGS. 3-5 ) andvalve apparatus 100′ (FIG. 6 ) may further be used in combination with a controller or control system for controlling the operation of thevalve apparatus 100′ based on the sensed pressure. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may include thevalve apparatus 100′, thepressure sensing apparatus 150, and a controller. With reference toFIG. 10 , there is shown a controller orcontrol system 600, which may be coupled to thepressure sensing apparatus 150 and to thecoil 120 ofvalve apparatus 100′. In this exemplary embodiment, thecontroller 600 is configured to determine a sensed pressure from the output voltage of thepressure sensing apparatus 150 and to adjust the application of input voltage to thecoil 120 based on the sensed pressure, to thereby adjust the opening area between the valve member and valve seat to achieve a desired outlet pressure. -
FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of apressure sensing apparatus 250, which may be used in any one or more of the valve apparatus (e.g., 100, 100′, etc.) disclosed herein or other suitable valves (e.g., 36E27 modulating gas valve, etc.). As shown inFIG. 7 , thepressure sensing apparatus 250 includes adiaphragm 252, alight interrupter 264, first and secondlight emitters light sensing device - The
diaphragm 252 includes first andsecond sides 252 a, 252 b. The first side 252 a is in communication with a pressurized volume within the valve apparatus, such that thediaphragm 252 is moveable in response to changes in pressure acting against the first side 252 a of thediaphragm 252. Thelight interrupter 264 is moved by thediaphragm 252, such that changes in pressure acting against thediaphragm 252 causes thediaphragm 252 to raise or lower thelight interrupter 264. - In this exemplary embodiment, the
light interrupter 264 is comprised of a material configured to substantially impede transmission of light through thelight interrupter 264. The material of thelight interrupter 264 may have a given thickness that is uniform or constant, and thus not varying or gradually tapering. - The
light emitters light sensing devices light interrupter 264 therebetween. In this example, thefirst light emitter 270 and firstlight sensing device 272 are positioned on opposite sides of thelight interrupter 264 to detect when thediaphragm 252 is exposed to a first pressure at which thediaphragm 252 moves thelight interrupter 264 between thefirst light emitter 270 and firstlight sensing device 272. Thesecond light emitter 276 and secondlight sensing device 278 are positioned on opposite sides of thelight interrupter 264 higher than or above thefirst light emitter 270 and firstlight sensing device 272. In this exemplary manner, thesecond light emitter 276 and secondlight sensing device 278 are able to detect when thelight interrupter 264 is moving between thesecond light emitter 276 and secondlight sensing device 278 when thediaphragm 252 is exposed to a second pressure higher than the first pressure. Accordingly, a desired pressure of a valve (e.g.,valve apparatus diaphragm 252 can be established by interpolating between first and second positions of the valve (e.g., first and second voltages applied to a coil to establish first and second valve member displacements) at which thelight interrupter 264 is detected by the first and secondlight sensing devices - In operation (e.g., at the time of manufacture), a first outlet pressure is measured when the
light interrupter 264 is detected between thefirst light emitter 270 and firstlight sensing device 272. When thelight interrupter 264 is detected between thesecond light emitter 276 and secondlight sensing device 278, a second outlet pressure is measured. From the known positions of the first andsecond sensors light sensing devices light sensors - In exemplary embodiments, the pressure sensing apparatus 250 (
FIG. 7 ) may be used together or in combination with valve apparatus 100 (FIG. 1 ),valve apparatus 100′ (FIG. 6 ), or any other suitable valve for adjusting gas flow for varying heating output of a heating apparatus or appliance. By way of further example, thepressure sensing apparatus 250 may alternatively be incorporated in or used with different valves other than a modulating valve, thevalve apparatus 100, or thevalve apparatus 100′. For example, thepressure sensing apparatus 250 may be used with or incorporated into a 36E27 modulating gas valve manufactured by the White-Rodgers Division of Emerson Electric Co. - In additional or alternative exemplary embodiments, the pressure sensing apparatus 250 (
FIG. 7 ) and valve apparatus (e.g., valve apparatus 100 (FIG. 1 ),valve apparatus 100′ (FIG. 6 ), etc.) may further be used in combination with a controller or control system (e.g., controller 600 (FIG. 10 ), etc.) for controlling the operation of the valve apparatus based on the sensed pressure. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may include thevalve apparatus pressure sensing apparatus 250, and thecontroller 600 where thecontroller 600 is coupled to thepressure sensing apparatus 250 and thecoil 120. Thecontroller 600 may be configured to determine a sensed pressure from the output of thepressure sensing apparatus 250 and to adjust the application of input voltage to thecoil 120 based in part on the sensed pressure to adjust the opening area between the valve member and valve seat to achieve a desired outlet pressure. Thus, a desired pressure of the valve apparatus can be established based on the output of thepressure sensing apparatus 250. -
FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of apressure sensing apparatus 350, which may be used in any one or more of the valve apparatus (e.g., 100, 100′, etc.) disclosed herein or other suitable valves (e.g., 36E27 modulating gas valve, etc.). As shown inFIG. 8 , thepressure sensing apparatus 350 includes adiaphragm 352 having first andsecond sides 352 a, 352 b. The first side 352 a is in communication with a pressurized volume within the valve apparatus, such that thediaphragm 352 is moveable in response to changes in pressure acting against the first side 352 a of thediaphragm 352. - A
moveable switch trigger 364 is moved by thediaphragm 352 such that a change in pressure acting against thediaphragm 352 causes thediaphragm 352 to raise or lower theswitch trigger 364. Thepressure sensing apparatus 350 also includes first andsecond switch devices first switch device 372 is positioned to detect themoveable switch trigger 364 when thediaphragm 352 is exposed to a first pressure. Thesecond switch device 378 is positioned above thefirst switch device 372 and is operable to detect themoveable switch trigger 364 when thediaphragm 352 is exposed to a second pressure higher than the first pressure. Thefirst switch device 372 and thesecond switch device 378 responsively provide an output that is indicative of the first pressure and second pressure. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , theswitch trigger 364 is disposed on apin 362 that is biased against thediaphragm 352, such that changes in pressure acting against thediaphragm 352 cause thediaphragm 352 to raise or lower thepin 362 and switchtrigger 364. Theswitch trigger 364 extends from and outwardly beyond thepin 362 in a generally perpendicular orientation to thepin 362. The first sensor/switch device 372 is located below the second sensor/switch device 378, such that theswitch trigger 364 is moveable up and down between the first and second sensor/switch devices - The first sensor/
switch device 372 is positioned relative to theswitch trigger 364 such that theswitch trigger 364 engages or causes thefirst switch device 372 to switch. The first sensor/switch device 372 is preferably positioned below the nominal position of theswitch trigger 364 at which nominal position the valve member would be operating to provide a desired rated outlet pressure. The second sensor/switch device 378 is located above the nominal position of theswitch trigger 364. - In operation (e.g., at the time of manufacture), a first outlet pressure is measured when the first sensor/
switch device 372 detects contact with theswitch trigger 364. When the second sensor/switch device 378 detects contact with theswitch trigger 364, a second outlet pressure is measured. From the known positions of the first sensor/switch device 372 and second sensor/switch device 378 associated with the first and second outlet pressures, a desired outlet pressure between the first outlet pressure and the second outlet pressure can be established by interpolating between first and second valve positions (or first and second voltages applied to a valve coil) associated with the known locations of the first sensor/switch device 372 and second sensor/switch device 378 corresponding to the first and second outlet pressures. Control of valve member position (or voltage applied to the coil) can include interpolation between input voltages to the coil corresponding to the positions of the first sensor/switch device 372 and second sensor/switch device 378 to determine any number of adjustable positions between the first outlet pressure and second outlet pressure. - In exemplary embodiments, the pressure sensing apparatus 350 (
FIG. 8 ) may be used together or in combination with valve apparatus 100 (FIG. 1 ),valve apparatus 100′ (FIG. 6 ), or any other suitable valve for adjusting gas flow for varying heating output of a heating apparatus or appliance. For example, thepressure sensing apparatus 350 may be used with or incorporated into a 36E27 modulating gas valve manufactured by the White-Rodgers Division of Emerson Electric Co. - In additional or alternative exemplary embodiments, the pressure sensing apparatus 350 (
FIG. 8 ) and valve apparatus (e.g., valve apparatus 100 (FIG. 1 ),valve apparatus 100′ (FIG. 6 ), etc.) may further be used in combination with a controller or control system (e.g., controller 600 (FIG. 10 ), etc.) for controlling the operation of the valve apparatus based on the sensed pressure. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may include thevalve apparatus pressure sensing apparatus 350, and thecontroller 600 where thecontroller 600 is coupled to thepressure sensing apparatus 450 and thecoil 120. Thecontroller 600 may be configured to determine a sensed pressure from the output of thepressure sensing apparatus 350 and to adjust the application of input voltage to thecoil 120 based in part on the sensed pressure to adjust the opening area between the valve member and valve seat to achieve a desired outlet pressure. Thus, a desired pressure of the valve apparatus can be established based on the output of thepressure sensing apparatus 350. -
FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of apressure sensing apparatus 450, which may be used in any one or more of the valve apparatus (e.g., 100, 100′, etc.) disclosed herein or other suitable valves (e.g., 36E27 modulating gas valve, etc.). As shown inFIG. 9 , thepressure sensing apparatus 450 includes adiaphragm 452 having first andsecond sides 452 a, 452 b. The first side 452 a is in communication with a pressurized volume within the valve apparatus, such that thediaphragm 452 is moveable in response to changes in pressure acting against the first side 452 a of thediaphragm 452. - The
pressure sensing apparatus 450 comprises a core 464 disposed on adiaphragm 452, such that thecore 464 moves along with thediaphragm 452 in response to changes in pressure acting against thediaphragm 452. Thecore 464 moves relative to atransformer 472. Thetransformer 472 provides an output of a current that varies with movement of thecore 464. The current output provided by thetransformer 472 is commensurate with changes in the pressure acting against thediaphragm 452. Thediaphragm 452 may be disposed within a valve body. Also in this example, thecore 464 may be part of thetransformer 472. In operation, an input voltage to a valve's coil (e.g., coil 120) may be controlled based on the output of thepressure sensing apparatus 450, to thereby adjust the opening area between a valve member and a valve seat to achieve a desired outlet pressure. - In exemplary embodiments, the pressure sensing apparatus 450 (
FIG. 9 ) may be used together or in combination with valve apparatus 100 (FIG. 1 ),valve apparatus 100′ (FIG. 6 ), or any other suitable valve for adjusting gas flow for varying heating output of a heating apparatus or appliance. For example, thepressure sensing apparatus 450 may be used with or incorporated into a 36E27 modulating gas valve manufactured by the White-Rodgers Division of Emerson Electric Co. - In additional or alternative exemplary embodiments, the pressure sensing apparatus 450 (
FIG. 9 ) and valve apparatus (e.g., valve apparatus 100 (FIG. 1 ),valve apparatus 100′ (FIG. 6 ), etc.) may further be used in combination with a controller or control system (e.g., controller 600 (FIG. 10 ), etc.) for controlling the operation of the valve apparatus based on the sensed pressure. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may include thevalve apparatus pressure sensing apparatus 450, and thecontroller 600 where thecontroller 600 is coupled to thepressure sensing apparatus 450 and thecoil 120. Thecontroller 600 may be configured to determine a sensed pressure from the output of thepressure sensing apparatus 450 and to adjust the application of input voltage to thecoil 120 based in part on the sensed pressure to adjust the opening area between the valve member and valve seat to achieve a desired outlet pressure. Thus, a desired pressure of the valve apparatus can be established based on the output of thepressure sensing apparatus 450. - According to additional aspects of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments are provided of controller or control systems for controlling a valve apparatus based on an output of a pressure sensing apparatus. For example,
FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a controller orcontrol system 600, which may be used for controlling valve apparatus 100 (FIG. 1 ),valve apparatus 100′ (FIG. 6 ), a 36E27 modulating gas valve, or other suitable valve based on an output of a pressure sensing apparatus, such as pressure sensing apparatus 150 (FIG. 6 ), 250 (FIG. 7 ), 350 (FIG. 8 ), 450 (FIG. 9 ), etc. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , thecontroller 600 includes amicroprocessor 602 in communication with a pressure sensing apparatus that provides an output indicative of pressure in a pressurized volume in a valve apparatus, such asvalve apparatus 100 shown inFIG. 1 . The pressure sensing apparatus may be any of the above describedpressure sensing apparatus microprocessor 602 may be a PIC 12F615/683 microprocessor manufactured by Microchip Technology, Inc. - The
controller 600 and/ormicroprocessor 602 are configured to control the application of input voltage to a coil. Such a coil may becoil 120 shown inFIG. 1 , which varies an opening area between the first andsecond valve members second valve seat 104 based on the magnetic field generated by thecoil 120 that is dependent on the input voltage applied to thecoil 120. - The
controller 600 and/ormicroprocessor 602 are configured to determine a sensed outlet pressure from the output of the pressure sensing apparatus (e.g., 150, 250, 350 or 450), and to responsively adjust the application of input voltage to thecoil 120 based on the sensed outlet pressure, to thereby adjust the opening area (e.g., area between the first andsecond valve members outlet 106 of thevalve apparatus 100. - The
controller 600 may have aninput connector 604 configured to receive an input signal from a furnace controller (not shown) requesting heating operation at a specific operating capacity level. Thecontroller 600 and/ormicroprocessor 602 are configured to detect the presence of an input signal having a frequency that is indicative of a specific operating capacity level. For example, the input control signal may be a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal having a duty cycle ratio of between 4 percent and 95 percent, where the input signal may be a pulse width modulated signal, in which a duty cycle that varies between 4 percent and 95 percent respectively corresponds to an operating capacity level that varies between 35 percent and 100 percent of the full operating capacity level of the heating apparatus. Thecontroller 600 and/ormicroprocessor 602 are configured to respond to the input control signal by generating a given input voltage signal to thecoil 120 as described below. - The
microprocessor 602 has a memory (e.g., programmable read-only-memory) encoded with one or more instructions operable to determine an input voltage to be applied to the coil 120 (shown inFIG. 1 ) to cause displacement of a valve member (e.g., first andsecond valve members FIG. 1 ) to vary the gas pressure at theoutlet 106 to correspond to the operating capacity level requested by a furnace controller (e.g., integrated furnace control (IFC)). The furnace controller may provide 24 volts alternating current to thecontroller 600 andmicroprocessor 602. Thecontroller 600 and/ormicroprocessor 602 are configured to generate an input voltage signal for instructing or causing thecoil 120 to move the valve member (e.g., first andsecond valve members 112, 114) a predetermined amount to establish a gas pressure corresponding to the desired operating capacity level, as explained below. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , the output of the photo interrupter (e.g., light sensor 172 (FIG. 3 ), etc.) is connected to an analog input/output pin on themicroprocessor 602. A moving average of one or more outputs from the photo interrupter device may be used to determine the output of the photo interrupter device at any point in time, based on the analog to digital readings from the photo interrupter device. The photo interrupter preferably includes a transistor, which is operated in the active region. The output of the photo interrupter may vary between 0 and 5 volts direct current depending on the amount of incident light detected by the photo interrupter. - The
microprocessor 602 is configured or programmed to include a photo interrupter output “set point” that corresponds to a desired sensed outlet pressure, for example, and may further include an allowable tolerance or oscillation (error band) relative to the set point. Such a set point and error band may be set in the software of themicroprocessor 602. Themicroprocessor 602 initially (e.g., on power up) provides a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal with a default duty cycle for a predetermined period of time to the Field Effect Transistor (FET) that controls the input voltage and/or signal that is applied to thecoil 120 for varying the pressure at the outlet of thevalve 100. After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the error of the photo interrupter device output relative to the “set point” is determined. Based on the output of the photo interrupter device, a discrete time-based PID (proportional integral derivative) algorithm is used to determine the change in PWM signal's duty cycle (e.g., the ratio of time in which the signal is “high” relative to the time in which the signal is “low”), which will vary the input voltage or signal applied to thecoil 120 for varying the pressure at the outlet to achieve the desired pressure and target/set point. When the determined error is within the allowable error band (e.g., as specified in the software), the PWM signal's duty cycle does not change. - Accordingly, the
controller 600 and/ormicroprocessor 602 are configured to generate a control signal for controlling the application of an input voltage that is applied to a coil for displacing at least one valve member (e.g., 112, 114) relative to at least one valve seat (e.g., 102, 104) for establishing a desired outlet pressure corresponding to a desired operating capacity level. Themicroprocessor 602 is further configured to compare the output of the pressure sensing apparatus (e.g., 150, 250, 350, 450) that is indicative of the pressure at the outlet to a set point associated with a predetermined pressure value associated with the desired operating capacity level, to determine an error amount relative to the predetermined pressure value, and to determine a correction value associated with the control signal for the coil, for adjusting the displacement of the valve member (e.g., 112, 114) to achieve the desired outlet pressure corresponding to a desired operating capacity level. Themicroprocessor 602 is configured to generate a control signal for controlling application of input voltage that is applied to thecoil 120 based on the determined correction value, to displace the valve member to substantially achieve the desired outlet pressure corresponding to the desired operating capacity level for the heating appliance. - The
controller 600 may generate a control signal other than a pulse width modulated signal, where the signal is suitable for controlling the application of input voltage to a coil. Thevalve apparatus 100 shown inFIG. 1 may be utilized with any of the above describedpressure sensing apparatus pressure sensing apparatus FIG. 11 , a chart illustrates various possible combinations of pressure sensor apparatus and valve components according to the present disclosure. For example, thepressure sensor apparatus 150 having a translucentlight attenuator 164 may be utilized with thevalve apparatus 100′ as shown inFIG. 6 , with thevalve apparatus 100 shown inFIG. 1 , other modulating valve, etc. By way of further example, thevalve apparatus 100 may be utilized with a conventionalpressure sensing apparatus 700 as shown at 702, or thevalve apparatus 100 may be utilized with the variouspressure sensing apparatus - According to aspects of the present application, an exemplary embodiment of a modulating gas valve includes or incorporates a co-axial valve assembly as the shut-off and modulating component controlled via an on-board microprocessor receiving information from an onboard pressure sensing assembly. The pressure sensing assembly is constructed of a diaphragm acting against a member constructed of a translucent material of varying thickness, with an optical emitter and collector on each side. The varying voltage output of the emitter/collector device as a function of the motion of the translucent member, in response to changes in pressure, is used to control the co-axial assembly to regulate the output of the valve.
- According to aspects of the present application, an exemplary embodiment of an electronic pressure sensor for a gas valve application with integral safety indicator is disclosed. In this exemplary embodiment, a pressure sensor is internal to the valve and is used to detect a leakage situation when the valve should be closed. The sensor includes a transformer with an input coil, an output coil, and a movable core (e.g., a linear variable differential transformer), coupled, disposed on or attached to a diaphragm which moves as a function of gas pressure. The input and output coils are arranged in a parallel relationship, such that the first or output coil is disposed within the second or input coil. This internal pressure sensor could be used to sense, monitor, and/or detect an internal leak, e.g., pressure (flow) of gas when none is called for in an electrically operated fuel gas valve. By using the transformer, input and output coils, and a movable core, the position of the core can be measured within the input and output coil by measuring the voltage or current of the output coil. Increased engagement of the core increases the efficiency of the transformer. The core may be suspended between a diaphragm and a spring, as pressure is increased the diaphragm moves and pushes the core further into the coil increasing the transformer efficiency and increasing the output coil signal. A means to adjust the “zero pressure” position of the core may be incorporated into the adjustment to the spring pressure or an adjustable position of the coil over the core. Logic within the electronics may be configured to allow the pressure sensor to warn the end user audibly or visually of the presence of pressure when none is called for, as would occur in a leaking control situation. This assembly may thus be operable for outputting an analog response to pressure variation.
- According to aspects of the present application, an exemplary embodiment of an add on pressure sensing module for a gas valve is disclosed. In this exemplary embodiment, the add on pressure sensing module includes a diaphragm switch to sense outlet pressure. Though the pressure sensing capability may be located in the valve body itself in some embodiments, this particular embodiment locates the pressure sensing module in a separate body attached to or separate from the gas valve body or inlet burner tube. The output from the sensor could be connected to a controller onboard the gas valve or connected to a furnace controller (e.g., integrated furnace control (IFC)) directly, such that the furnace controller could operate the modulating mechanism in the valve. In this latter case, the gas valve need not have an onboard controller because the algorithms for control may instead be vested in the furnace controller.
- By way of example, the add on pressure sensing module may be screwed into an outlet pressure tap of a gas valve. In such example, a leak-limiting orifice feeds the underside of a small diaphragm. The small diaphragm may be adjustably spring loaded as a counter to the pressure, such that the diaphragm moves linearly against the spring force based on the gas pressure. Two independently adjustable light sensors may be provided that are triggered by the linear motion of the diaphragm. The output of these two sensors may be converted into a digital output with up to four distinct states, which can be used by a furnace control to create closed-loop feedback.
- According to aspects of the present application, an exemplary embodiment of a closed-loop modulating coaxial gas valve is disclosed. In this exemplary embodiment, a modulating gas valve employs or includes a coaxial cascading valve assembly, which may be used to modulate the flow and pressure through the valve. The assembly may be used in combination with a fixed point electro-mechanical sensor to set a valve stage. The valve includes an internal pressure transducer and a redundant pressure sensor assembly comprising two switches tripped by a “flag” actuated by gas pressure acting on a diaphragm. In this example embodiment, a variable output sensor based on optical technology may be used as opposed to a switch type input. As an example, one embodiment may include low pressure electronic pressure sensing that provides more control options and thermal compensation. This also allows other functions for self-diagnostic capabilities. Accordingly, this exemplary embodiment may include closed-loop regulation as disclosed above, coaxial coil power modulation (e.g., Voltage, Amperage, or PWM control), and coaxial functions and features as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,718, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The coaxial function may provide valve redundancy and an efficient flow path, which, in turn, may allow high capacity in a relatively small valve. The coaxial coil power modulation may provide accurate flow control and allow 1, 2, or 3 stage regulation as well as full modulation. The closed-loop regulation may make the valve independent of flow rate, orifice size, or downstream restrictions. Additional possible advantages that may be realized with this exemplary embodiment may include one or more (but not necessarily any or all) of high and low outlet pressure set point limits, self-diagnostic functions, limited leak detection, redundancy of pressure sensing, and pressure sensing accuracy verification.
- According to aspects of the present application, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a system and method in which optical sensors are used to give a desired output. During operation, the valve outlet might vary with temperature, and with valve variation in the location of the sensing method. A way to address and compensate for this is to communicate to the valve where the known points are and store this in a memory (e.g., permanent memory). In an exemplary embodiment, two known points from calibration may be used to control a single, two stage, or a modulating valve. For example, two optical sensors are located such that one optical sensor is above the single setting for a single stage and the other optical sensor is below the single setting for single stage. For a two stage application, one optical sensor is located above the upper setting for a two stage, and the other optical sensor is located below the lower setting for two stage. During testing when the valve is then built, the outlet pressure reading can be stored in permanent memory for the two optical sensors. Then, the control can interpolate between these two known points to get to the one, two, or many points, depending on the model. Depending on the particular application, current or voltage may be measured and used for the interpolation. In addition, this exemplary embodiment may also include sensing the temperature to add or subtract its average effect on the outlet pressure. Redundancy may be added in the form of additional sensors.
- According to aspects of the present application, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a system and method in which optics are used for sensing position between two known points and/or as an input to a PID (proportional integral derivative) control loop for valve control. An exemplary embodiment includes a sensor configured (e.g., a sensor with a gradual region, a hall sensor) such that there is a varying level or amount of light from sender to receiver. By way of example, an optic sensor having a variable output between two endpoints or a hall sensor may be used. Variability may be provided or produced by a medium located between the emitter and collector photodiodes, such as by a material of variable thickness, screening of ink, doping of material, a slot of varying width, etc. The variable output is indicative of the output pressure of the valve. The amount of light sent by the sender can be varied (e.g., by pulse-width modulation (PWM)) to control the range of sensing and keep it in the desired area. The control can pick the low or high end and adjust the light on the sending end such that the receiver just starts to conduct or is almost in full conduction when the position is at that end, whichever is appropriate. This adjustment of the light output on the sender may, for example, help an LED over time and temperature. A hall approach may also be used for sensing over a range close to one of the two optical digital sensors. In this example, the sensor may be used for internal feedback in controlling a fuel gas valve and/or for setting two endpoints and interpolating between them to determine the operating range of the system. This exemplary embodiment may be used to provide analog signals for PID control for single and two-stage controls as well as modulating controls.
- Thus, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above described embodiments and combinations thereof may be employed in various types of systems with any combination of the above disclosed features, without implementing the others. It will be understood that the gas valves and controllers described above may be utilized in other forms of heating and cooling equipment, including water heater and boiler appliances. Accordingly, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments, and variations thereof, may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.
- Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
- The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
- When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
- Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
- Numerical dimensions and values are provided herein for illustrative purposes only. The particular numerical dimensions and values provided are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure as they may be varied depending on the particular application and/or end use.
- Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
- The disclosure herein of particular values and particular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more of the examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any two particular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define the endpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the given parameter (i.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value for a given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any value between the first and second values could also be employed for the given parameter). Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges.
- The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
Claims (20)
1. A pressure sensing apparatus for sensing a gas pressure within a gas appliance, the pressure sensing apparatus comprising:
a diaphragm moveable in response to changes in pressure acting against the diaphragm;
a light emitter;
a light sensing device; and
a light attenuator coupled to the diaphragm such that the light attenuator is moveable by the diaphragm between the light emitter and the light sensing device in response to changes in pressure acting against the diaphragm, the light attenuator configured to attenuate or vary the amount of light transmitted to the light sensing device from the light emitter as the light attenuator is moved therebetween by the diaphragm in response to changes in pressure;
whereby the light sensing device is operable to responsively provide a voltage output commensurate with the amount of light sensed by the light sensing device, which voltage output is indicative of a sensed pressure acting against the diaphragm.
2. The pressure sensing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
the light attenuator has a variable thickness configured to reduce the amount of incident light transmitted through the light attenuator as a function of thickness of the light attenuator; and/or
the light attenuator is comprised of a material that possesses sufficient light permeability to allow some incident light to be transmitted through the light attenuator, and sufficient opacity to impede light transmission so as to reduce the amount of light transmitted through the light attenuator as a function of the thickness of the light attenuator; and/or
the diaphragm has first and second sides, the first side being in fluid communication with a pressurized volume in a valve apparatus such that the diaphragm is moveable in response to changes in fluid pressure acting against the first side of the diaphragm; and/or
the light attenuator is disposed on a pin biased by a spring against the second side of the diaphragm such that changes in pressure acting against the first side cause the diaphragm to move the light attenuator up and down; and/or
the light emitter and the light sensing device are aligned with and spaced apart from one another, such that the light emitter is directed at the light sensing device; and/or
a width of the light attenuator gradually tapers over its length to provide a sufficient thickness gradient to enable detection of incremental changes in the amount of attenuation by the light attenuator over its length; and/or
the light sensing device of the pressure sensor is configured to provide a voltage output that changes from a substantially maximum voltage output to a fractional voltage output upon detecting that the light attenuator has moved from a position in which the light attenuator is not between the light emitter and the light sensing device to a position in which a portion of the light attenuator is between the light emitter and the light sensing device, and wherein the light sensing device is configured to subsequently provide a voltage output that enables calibration of the present voltage output of the light sensing device with the actual known position of the light attenuator relative to the light sensing device.
3. A valve apparatus including the pressure sensing apparatus of claim 1 , the valve apparatus further including a valve seat, a coil, and a valve member moveable relative to the valve seat in response to an input voltage applied to the coil, wherein input voltage to the coil is controlled based on the voltage output of the light sensing device that is indicative of sensed pressure, to thereby adjust an opening between the valve member and the valve seat to achieve a desired outlet pressure.
4. The valve apparatus of claim 3 , wherein:
the diaphragm is disposed within a housing separate from the valve apparatus and in communication with an outlet of the valve apparatus; and/or
a controller is coupled to the pressure sensing apparatus and the coil, wherein the controller is configured to determine a sensed pressure from the voltage output of the light sensing device, and to adjust the application of input voltage to the coil based on the sensed pressure, to thereby adjust the opening area between the valve member and the valve seat to achieve a desired outlet pressure; and/or
the controller is part of a furnace control that is not disposed on the valve apparatus; and/or
the varying voltage output of the pressure sensing apparatus as a function of the motion of the light attenuator, in response to changes in pressure acting against the diaphragm, is used to control the valve apparatus to regulate the output of the valve apparatus.
5. A pressure sensing apparatus for sensing a gas pressure within a gas appliance, the pressure sensing apparatus comprising:
a diaphragm moveable in response to changes in pressure acting against the diaphragm;
a first light emitter;
a second light emitter;
a first light sensing device;
a second light sensing device; and
a light interrupter coupled to the diaphragm such that the light interrupter is moveable by the diaphragm between the first light emitter and the first light sensing device when the diaphragm is exposed to a first pressure acting against the diaphragm and such that the light interrupter is moveable by the diaphragm between the second light emitter and the second light sensing device when the diaphragm is exposed to a second pressure acting against the diaphragm;
whereby a desired pressure of a valve apparatus can be established by interpolating between first and second positions at which the light interrupter is detected by the first and second light sensing devices corresponding to the first and second pressures.
6. The pressure sensing apparatus of claim 5 , wherein:
the diaphragm has first and second sides, the first side being in fluid communication with a pressurized volume in a valve apparatus such that the diaphragm is moveable in response to changes in fluid pressure acting against the first side of the diaphragm; and/or
the light interrupter is configured to substantially impede transmission of light therethrough, and is disposed on a pin that is biased by a spring against the diaphragm such that an increase or decrease in pressure acting against the diaphragm causes the diaphragm to raise or lower the pin and light interrupter, respectively; and/or
the desired pressure is a pressure level that is above the first pressure and below the second pressure; and/or
the first pressure is below a rated outlet pressure for the valve apparatus and the second pressure is above the rated outlet pressure; and/or
the first light emitter and first light sensing device are preferably aligned with and spaced apart from one another, such that the first light emitter is directed at the first light sensing device; and/or
the second light emitter and the second light sensing device are located above the first light emitter and the first light sensing device.
7. A valve apparatus including the pressure sensing apparatus of claim 5 , the valve apparatus further including a valve seat, a coil, and a valve member moveable relative to the valve seat in response to an input voltage applied to the coil, wherein input voltage to the coil is determined by interpolating between first and second input voltages for establishing first and second positions of the valve member at which the light interrupter is detected by the first and second light sensing devices corresponding to the respective first and second pressures, whereby a desired pressure of the valve apparatus can be established.
8. The valve apparatus of claim 7 , wherein:
the diaphragm is disposed within a housing separate from the valve apparatus and in communication with an outlet of the valve apparatus; and/or
a controller is coupled to the pressure sensing apparatus and the coil, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the application of input voltage to the coil by interpolating between first and second input voltages at which the light interrupter is detected by the first and second light sensing devices corresponding to the respective first and second pressure; and/or
the controller is part of a furnace control that is not disposed on the valve apparatus.
9. A pressure sensing apparatus for sensing a gas pressure within a gas appliance, the pressure sensing apparatus comprising:
a diaphragm moveable in response to changes in pressure acting against the diaphragm;
a first switch;
a second switch; and
a trigger coupled to the diaphragm such that the trigger is moveable by the diaphragm to actuate the first switch when the diaphragm is exposed to a first pressure acting against the diaphragm, and such that the trigger is moveable by the diaphragm to actuate the second switch when the diaphragm is exposed to a second pressure acting against the diaphragm;
whereby the first switch and the second switch device are operable to responsively provide an output that is indicative of sensed pressure at the first pressure and second pressure, respectively.
10. The pressure sensing apparatus of claim 9 , wherein:
the second switch is positioned above the first switch such that the second switch is operable to detect the trigger when the diaphragm is exposed to the second pressure, which is higher than the first pressure; and/or
the first switch and the second switch are aligned with and spaced apart from one another, such that the trigger is raised and lowered between the first switch and the second switch; and/or
the diaphragm has first and second sides, the first side being in communication with an outlet of a valve apparatus such that the diaphragm is moveable in response to changes in outlet pressure acting against the first side; and/or
the trigger extends in a generally perpendicular direction from a pin that is disposed on the diaphragm, such that an increase or decrease in pressure acting against the diaphragm causes the diaphragm to raise or lower the trigger, respectively.
11. A valve apparatus including the pressure sensing apparatus of claim 9 , the valve apparatus further including a valve seat, a coil, and a valve member moveable relative to the valve seat in response to an input voltage applied to the coil, wherein input voltage to the coil is determined by interpolating between first and second input voltages for establishing first and second positions of the valve member at which the trigger actuates the first and second switches that correspond to the respective first and second pressures, whereby a desired outlet pressure of the valve apparatus can be established.
12. The valve apparatus of claim 11 , wherein:
the desired pressure is a pressure level that is above the first pressure and below the second pressure; and/or
the first pressure is below a rated outlet pressure for the valve apparatus and the second pressure is above the rated outlet pressure for the valve apparatus; and/or
the diaphragm is disposed within a housing separate from the valve apparatus and in communication with an outlet of the valve apparatus; and/or
a controller is coupled to the pressure sensing apparatus and the coil, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the application of input voltage to the coil by interpolating between first and second input voltages at which the trigger actuates the first and second switches that correspond to the respective first and second pressures; and/or.
the controller is part of a furnace control that is not disposed on the valve apparatus.
13. A pressure sensing apparatus for sensing a gas pressure within a gas appliance, the pressure sensing apparatus comprising:
a diaphragm moveable in response to changes in pressure acting against the diaphragm; and
a transformer including a moveable core, the moveable core coupled to the diaphragm such that the moveable core is movable by the diaphragm to vary output of the transformer with changes in pressure acting against the diaphragm, whereby the transformer is operable for providing an output that varies with core movement, which is commensurate with changes in outlet pressure.
14. A valve apparatus including the pressure sensing apparatus of claim 13 , the valve apparatus further including a valve seat, a coil, and a valve member moveable relative to the valve seat in response to an input voltage applied to the coil, wherein input voltage to the coil is controlled based on the output of the transformer, to adjust an opening between the valve and the valve seat to attain a desired pressure.
15. The valve apparatus of claim 14 , wherein:
the diaphragm has first and second sides, the first side being in communication with an outlet of the valve apparatus such that the diaphragm is moveable in response to changes in outlet pressure acting against the first side;
and/or the pressure sensing apparatus is not disposed on the valve apparatus;
and/or a controller is coupled to the pressure sensing apparatus and the coil, the controller is configured to determine a sensed pressure from the output of the transformer, and to adjust the application of input voltage to the coil based on the sensed pressure, to thereby adjust the opening area between the valve member and the valve seat to achieve a desired outlet pressure, and/or the controller is part of a furnace control that is not disposed on the valve apparatus.
16. A system comprising:
a pressure sensor configured to provide an output indicative of pressure at an outlet of a valve or within a pressurized volume in the valve; and
a controller in communication with the pressure sensor, the controller being configured to determine a sensed pressure from the output of the pressure sensor, and to responsively control or adjust the application of input voltage to a coil based on the sensed pressure, to thereby operate the coil to adjust an opening area between a valve member and a valve seat to achieve multiple, different desired pressures at the outlet of the valve while the valve is at least partially open.
17. The system of claim 16 , wherein:
the system is operable for controlling a pressure in the pressurized volume in the valve; and
the pressure sensor provides an output indicative of the pressure within the pressurized volume in the valve.
18. The system of claim 16 , wherein:
the system is operable for controlling operating capacity level of a variable capacity heating device; and
the system comprises a solenoid coil configured to generate a magnetic field in response to an input voltage to the solenoid coil, and to displace the valve member to vary the opening area between the valve member and the valve seat to adjust pressure at the outlet based on a magnitude of the magnetic field, wherein the magnitude of the magnetic field is dependent on the input voltage that is applied to the solenoid coil;
the pressure sensor is in communication with the outlet and configured to provide an output indicative of pressure at the outlet; and
the controller is configured to determine a sensed outlet pressure from the output of the pressure sensor, and to responsively control the application of input voltage to the solenoid coil based on the output of the pressure sensor indicative of pressure at the outlet, to thereby displace the valve member to adjust the opening area between the valve member and the valve seat to achieve multiple, different desired pressures at the outlet while the valve is at least partially open.
19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the controller comprises a microprocessor that includes a program that is configured to:
generate a control signal for controlling application of input voltage that is applied to the solenoid coil for displacing the valve member for establishing a desired outlet pressure corresponding to a desired operating capacity level;
compare the output of the pressure sensor that is indicative of the pressure at the outlet to a reference associated with the desired operating capacity level, to determine an error amount relative to the reference;
determine a correction value associated with the control signal for the solenoid coil, for adjusting the displacement of the valve member to achieve the desired outlet pressure corresponding to a desired operating capacity level; and
generate a control signal for controlling application of input voltage that is applied to the solenoid coil for displacing the valve member based on the correction value, to displace the valve member to substantially achieve the desired outlet pressure corresponding to the desired operating capacity level.
20. The system of claim 18 , wherein:
the control signal is a pulse width modulated signal having a duty cycle ratio of between 4 percent and 95 percent; and/or
the control signal is a pulse width modulated signal, in which a duty cycle that varies between 4 percent and 95 percent respectively corresponds to an operating capacity level that varies between 35 percent and 100 percent of the full operating capacity level of the heating device.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/467,692 US20140360484A1 (en) | 2011-02-21 | 2014-08-25 | Valves, Pressure Sensing Devices, and Controllers for Heating Appliances |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161444956P | 2011-02-21 | 2011-02-21 | |
PCT/US2012/022400 WO2012115740A2 (en) | 2011-02-21 | 2012-01-24 | Valves, pressure sensing devices, and controllers for heating appliances |
US201313983814A | 2013-08-06 | 2013-08-06 | |
US14/467,692 US20140360484A1 (en) | 2011-02-21 | 2014-08-25 | Valves, Pressure Sensing Devices, and Controllers for Heating Appliances |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2012/022400 Continuation WO2012115740A2 (en) | 2011-02-21 | 2012-01-24 | Valves, pressure sensing devices, and controllers for heating appliances |
US13/983,814 Continuation US8813776B2 (en) | 2011-02-21 | 2012-01-24 | Valves, pressure sensing devices, and controllers for heating appliances |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140360484A1 true US20140360484A1 (en) | 2014-12-11 |
Family
ID=46721391
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/983,814 Active US8813776B2 (en) | 2011-02-21 | 2012-01-24 | Valves, pressure sensing devices, and controllers for heating appliances |
US14/467,692 Abandoned US20140360484A1 (en) | 2011-02-21 | 2014-08-25 | Valves, Pressure Sensing Devices, and Controllers for Heating Appliances |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/983,814 Active US8813776B2 (en) | 2011-02-21 | 2012-01-24 | Valves, pressure sensing devices, and controllers for heating appliances |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US8813776B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2678592B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5567228B2 (en) |
CN (2) | CN103547844B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012115740A2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3246629A1 (en) * | 2016-05-19 | 2017-11-22 | Bosch Termoteknik Isitma ve Klima Sanayi Ticaret Anonim Sirketi | Gas valve device |
US20210080122A1 (en) * | 2019-09-17 | 2021-03-18 | Emerson Electric Co. | Coaxial Gas Valve Assemblies Including Electronically Controlled Solenoids |
EP4286976A1 (en) * | 2022-05-30 | 2023-12-06 | Nikki Co., Ltd. | Electronically controlled regulator |
Families Citing this family (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN103547844B (en) * | 2011-02-21 | 2015-05-06 | 艾默生电气公司 | Valves, pressure sensing devices, and controllers for heating appliances |
US9032991B2 (en) | 2011-05-03 | 2015-05-19 | Emerson Electric Co. | Field adjustable gas valve and method of control |
US8539978B2 (en) | 2011-05-03 | 2013-09-24 | Emerson Electric Co. | Gas valve unit with bypass flow |
US8714460B2 (en) | 2011-05-03 | 2014-05-06 | Emerson Electric Co. | Multi-stage variable output valve unit |
CN103542168A (en) * | 2013-09-30 | 2014-01-29 | 安徽华印机电股份有限公司 | Instant heating water faucet |
US9841122B2 (en) * | 2014-09-09 | 2017-12-12 | Honeywell International Inc. | Gas valve with electronic valve proving system |
US9645584B2 (en) * | 2014-09-17 | 2017-05-09 | Honeywell International Inc. | Gas valve with electronic health monitoring |
US10054243B1 (en) * | 2015-03-04 | 2018-08-21 | Edmund F. Kelly | Dual spring flow control valve |
CN104988323B (en) * | 2015-06-11 | 2017-03-22 | 深圳阿尔泰克轻合金技术有限公司 | Hot aluminum slag treatment equipment circuit and control method of thereof |
CN106642711B (en) * | 2015-09-22 | 2022-09-16 | 艾欧史密斯(中国)热水器有限公司 | Dual sensing combustion system |
DE202015105132U1 (en) * | 2015-09-29 | 2015-12-07 | Holger Blum | Pressure-measuring device |
KR20170074521A (en) * | 2015-12-22 | 2017-06-30 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Gas furnace for heating an indoor space and Method for controlling it |
US10503181B2 (en) * | 2016-01-13 | 2019-12-10 | Honeywell International Inc. | Pressure regulator |
ITUB20160705A1 (en) * | 2016-02-12 | 2017-08-12 | Elbi Int Spa | Electrovalve device, in particular for domestic appliances. |
US20180045418A1 (en) * | 2016-08-11 | 2018-02-15 | Bsh Home Appliances Corporation | Gas cooktop with defined simmer settings |
DE102017128077A1 (en) | 2017-11-28 | 2019-05-29 | Ebm-Papst Landshut Gmbh | Modular safety valve |
CN108240637B (en) * | 2018-02-26 | 2019-11-22 | 芜湖美的厨卫电器制造有限公司 | Control method, control system and the gas heating equipment of gas heating equipment |
CN108488466B (en) * | 2018-03-16 | 2020-03-17 | 芜湖美的厨卫电器制造有限公司 | Control method and control device for gas proportional valve |
US11248717B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2022-02-15 | Automatic Switch Company | Modular smart solenoid valve |
US11739983B1 (en) | 2020-09-17 | 2023-08-29 | Trane International Inc. | Modulating gas furnace and associated method of control |
US20230175608A1 (en) * | 2021-12-03 | 2023-06-08 | Goodrich Corporation | Smart pressure regulator for emergency evacuation inflation system |
CN114791054A (en) * | 2022-01-27 | 2022-07-26 | 广西南宁市佳翼康科技有限公司 | Intelligent valve device system with gas pressure and temperature and leakage detection alarm functions |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3930221A (en) * | 1973-03-09 | 1975-12-30 | Frank Thing | Exhaust backpressure warning system |
US4373697A (en) * | 1980-12-29 | 1983-02-15 | Caterpillar Tractor Co. | Pulse width modulated constant current servo driver |
US4771808A (en) * | 1986-09-19 | 1988-09-20 | Alexander Controls Limited | Apparatus for controlling the flow of gas |
US5279163A (en) * | 1986-02-28 | 1994-01-18 | Antonio Nicholas F D | Sensor and transducer apparatus |
US5925826A (en) * | 1997-07-23 | 1999-07-20 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Integrated pressure sensor unit and solenoid valve unit |
US7059193B2 (en) * | 2003-07-02 | 2006-06-13 | Techno Excel Kabushiki Kaisha | Pressure sensor with a diaphragm which has plural intermittent ring-shaped reinforcing ribs by grooves |
US8813776B2 (en) * | 2011-02-21 | 2014-08-26 | Emerson Electric Co. | Valves, pressure sensing devices, and controllers for heating appliances |
Family Cites Families (55)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1822645A (en) | 1930-05-28 | 1931-09-08 | Guy G Crane | Remote pressure control system for gas plants |
US3119270A (en) * | 1961-02-02 | 1964-01-28 | Ronald G Wayne | Adjustable range transducer |
FR1440073A (en) | 1965-04-14 | 1966-05-27 | Europ De Materiels Speciaux So | Improvements to devices for measuring the energy radiated by a body |
US3469590A (en) * | 1966-10-17 | 1969-09-30 | Monsanto Co | Modulating control valve |
US3376533A (en) | 1967-05-09 | 1968-04-02 | Pickering & Co Inc | Differential transformers |
US3590259A (en) * | 1970-04-20 | 1971-06-29 | Kinemotive Corp | Chopper stabilized photoelectric transducer |
US3921666A (en) * | 1972-11-22 | 1975-11-25 | Teldix Gmbh | Valve with a plurality of connections |
GB1534728A (en) * | 1976-04-06 | 1978-12-06 | Satchwell Sunvic | Gas control unit for a burner |
US4129813A (en) | 1977-07-26 | 1978-12-12 | The Singer Company | Method and apparatus for adaptive control of a stepper motor |
JPS589307B2 (en) * | 1978-08-23 | 1983-02-19 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Proportional solenoid valve |
DE3204881A1 (en) * | 1982-02-12 | 1983-08-25 | Trützschler GmbH & Co KG, 4050 Mönchengladbach | ELECTRONIC PRESSURE SWITCH, ESPECIALLY AS A MEASURING PART FOR DETECTING PRESSURE VARIATIONS IN TEXTILE MACHINES |
JPS5958316A (en) * | 1982-09-29 | 1984-04-04 | Fuji Electric Co Ltd | Pressure detecting device |
DE3300074A1 (en) * | 1983-01-04 | 1984-07-05 | Wolfgang 7118 Künzelsau Linke | Device for pressure-dependent speed variation of fan motors |
US4779762A (en) | 1984-05-30 | 1988-10-25 | Nordson Corporation | Method and apparatus for controlling the gas content of dispensed hot melt thermoplastic adhesive foam |
US4645450A (en) | 1984-08-29 | 1987-02-24 | Control Techtronics, Inc. | System and process for controlling the flow of air and fuel to a burner |
US4796661A (en) * | 1985-08-30 | 1989-01-10 | Yuken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Proportional electro-hydraulic pressure control valve |
US4986468A (en) | 1989-08-29 | 1991-01-22 | A.O. Smith Corporation | Test circuit for system monitoring apparatus |
JP2548429B2 (en) * | 1990-06-22 | 1996-10-30 | 幡豆工業株式会社 | Control valve |
DE4105705A1 (en) * | 1991-02-21 | 1992-09-03 | Mannesmann Ag | VALVE DEVICE |
US5215115A (en) | 1991-12-31 | 1993-06-01 | Honeywell Inc. | Gas valve capable of modulating or on/off operation |
US5303561A (en) | 1992-10-14 | 1994-04-19 | Copeland Corporation | Control system for heat pump having humidity responsive variable speed fan |
US5329956A (en) | 1993-05-28 | 1994-07-19 | Combustion Engineering, Inc. | Pneumatic operated valve stroke timing |
JPH0814943A (en) * | 1994-06-30 | 1996-01-19 | Shimadzu Corp | Displacement-amount detection apparatus |
US5722064A (en) | 1995-02-24 | 1998-02-24 | Ntp Incorporated | Radio receiver for use in a radio tracking system |
KR0185779B1 (en) | 1995-06-24 | 1999-03-20 | 기옥연 | Recognition method of gas leakage |
US5632614A (en) | 1995-07-07 | 1997-05-27 | Atwood Industries , Inc. | Gas fired appliance igntion and combustion monitoring system |
JP3482046B2 (en) | 1995-09-28 | 2003-12-22 | 株式会社東芝 | Planar magnetic element and planar magnetic device using the same |
JPH0997117A (en) * | 1995-10-02 | 1997-04-08 | Toshiba Eng Co Ltd | Electric automatic pressure reducing valve device |
US5917691A (en) | 1996-04-08 | 1999-06-29 | Kadah; Andrew S. | Fail-safe valve relay driver circuit for gas burners |
DE19650445C1 (en) * | 1996-12-05 | 1998-06-04 | Jci Regelungstechnik Gmbh | Gas control for gas=blast burner in heating plant |
US6000390A (en) | 1997-03-31 | 1999-12-14 | Evers; Michael F. | Control mechanism with gas safety valve for a gas range |
JP3476332B2 (en) * | 1997-04-23 | 2003-12-10 | シーケーディ株式会社 | Electronic control regulator for semiconductor devices |
US6093152A (en) | 1998-10-30 | 2000-07-25 | Protocol Systems, Inc. | Pulse width modulation valve control for vital sign monitors |
JP4308356B2 (en) * | 1999-01-25 | 2009-08-05 | 株式会社堀場エステック | Nozzle diagnosis mechanism for pressure type flow controller and nozzle diagnosis method for pressure type flow controller |
US6047718A (en) * | 1999-04-01 | 2000-04-11 | Emersonelectric Co. | Solenoid valve having coaxial armatures in a single coil design |
CN1307256A (en) * | 2000-02-03 | 2001-08-08 | 中国石油天然气股份有限公司独山子分公司 | Human imitating intelligent regulator |
JP3566178B2 (en) * | 2000-04-05 | 2004-09-15 | ティーエスコーポレーション株式会社 | Pressure detector |
JP3212981B1 (en) * | 2000-05-01 | 2001-09-25 | 正則 茂木 | Valve position output device |
JP4126654B2 (en) * | 2003-07-31 | 2008-07-30 | 三浦工業株式会社 | Double valve structure shut-off valve |
DE202004012505U1 (en) * | 2003-08-11 | 2004-11-04 | Elbi International S.P.A. | Transducer for producing electrical signal dependent on pressure of fluid has diaphragm pressing against spring and pushing tapering pin into beam of light |
JP2007525622A (en) * | 2003-10-03 | 2007-09-06 | スワゲロック カンパニー | Diaphragm monitoring for flow control devices |
US7278447B2 (en) | 2003-12-01 | 2007-10-09 | Kumar Viraraghavan S | Co-axial solenoid actuator |
US6994309B2 (en) | 2004-06-28 | 2006-02-07 | Fernandez-Sein Rafael | Remotely operated self-powered gas safety valve |
CN100529485C (en) * | 2004-07-29 | 2009-08-19 | 三浦工业株式会社 | Cutoff valve |
TW200613672A (en) * | 2004-07-29 | 2006-05-01 | Miura Kogyo Kk | Shutting valve |
US7020543B1 (en) | 2004-10-12 | 2006-03-28 | Emerson Electric, Co. | Controller for fuel fired heating appliance |
US7076373B1 (en) | 2005-01-14 | 2006-07-11 | Honeywell International Inc. | Leak detection system for a water heater |
US20080110435A1 (en) | 2006-11-13 | 2008-05-15 | Oswald Baasch | Air valve and method of use |
JP4672643B2 (en) * | 2006-12-18 | 2011-04-20 | シーケーディ株式会社 | Valve unit for fluid control and fluid pressure detection device |
ATE532120T1 (en) | 2008-04-21 | 2011-11-15 | Emerson Process Man Regulator Technologies Inc | VALVE BODY WITH DOUBLE CAPTURE MECHANISM |
US8381760B2 (en) | 2008-07-14 | 2013-02-26 | Emerson Electric Co. | Stepper motor valve and method of control |
US8192172B2 (en) * | 2009-04-06 | 2012-06-05 | Woodward, Inc. | Flow sensing shutoff valve |
US7938382B2 (en) | 2009-06-15 | 2011-05-10 | Emerson Electric Co., | System and method of step detection for a stepper motor |
US8275484B2 (en) | 2009-07-24 | 2012-09-25 | Emerson Electric Co. | Stepper motor gas valve and method of control |
US9581331B2 (en) | 2011-02-21 | 2017-02-28 | Emerson Electric Co. | Control of stepper motor operated gas valve |
-
2012
- 2012-01-24 CN CN201280019531.4A patent/CN103547844B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2012-01-24 US US13/983,814 patent/US8813776B2/en active Active
- 2012-01-24 WO PCT/US2012/022400 patent/WO2012115740A2/en active Application Filing
- 2012-01-24 JP JP2013554457A patent/JP5567228B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2012-01-24 EP EP12750163.3A patent/EP2678592B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2012-01-24 CN CN201510162003.XA patent/CN104896105B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2014
- 2014-08-25 US US14/467,692 patent/US20140360484A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3930221A (en) * | 1973-03-09 | 1975-12-30 | Frank Thing | Exhaust backpressure warning system |
US4373697A (en) * | 1980-12-29 | 1983-02-15 | Caterpillar Tractor Co. | Pulse width modulated constant current servo driver |
US5279163A (en) * | 1986-02-28 | 1994-01-18 | Antonio Nicholas F D | Sensor and transducer apparatus |
US4771808A (en) * | 1986-09-19 | 1988-09-20 | Alexander Controls Limited | Apparatus for controlling the flow of gas |
US5925826A (en) * | 1997-07-23 | 1999-07-20 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Integrated pressure sensor unit and solenoid valve unit |
US7059193B2 (en) * | 2003-07-02 | 2006-06-13 | Techno Excel Kabushiki Kaisha | Pressure sensor with a diaphragm which has plural intermittent ring-shaped reinforcing ribs by grooves |
US8813776B2 (en) * | 2011-02-21 | 2014-08-26 | Emerson Electric Co. | Valves, pressure sensing devices, and controllers for heating appliances |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3246629A1 (en) * | 2016-05-19 | 2017-11-22 | Bosch Termoteknik Isitma ve Klima Sanayi Ticaret Anonim Sirketi | Gas valve device |
US20210080122A1 (en) * | 2019-09-17 | 2021-03-18 | Emerson Electric Co. | Coaxial Gas Valve Assemblies Including Electronically Controlled Solenoids |
US11499726B2 (en) * | 2019-09-17 | 2022-11-15 | Emerson Electric Co. | Coaxial gas valve assemblies including electronically controlled solenoids |
EP4286976A1 (en) * | 2022-05-30 | 2023-12-06 | Nikki Co., Ltd. | Electronically controlled regulator |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN104896105A (en) | 2015-09-09 |
WO2012115740A2 (en) | 2012-08-30 |
EP2678592B1 (en) | 2016-12-07 |
WO2012115740A3 (en) | 2012-11-15 |
CN104896105B (en) | 2017-12-22 |
EP2678592A4 (en) | 2014-10-15 |
US20130312730A1 (en) | 2013-11-28 |
CN103547844B (en) | 2015-05-06 |
EP2678592A2 (en) | 2014-01-01 |
CN103547844A (en) | 2014-01-29 |
JP2014511462A (en) | 2014-05-15 |
JP5567228B2 (en) | 2014-08-06 |
US8813776B2 (en) | 2014-08-26 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8813776B2 (en) | Valves, pressure sensing devices, and controllers for heating appliances | |
US9038658B2 (en) | Gas valve and method of control | |
US8381760B2 (en) | Stepper motor valve and method of control | |
EP3387508B1 (en) | Pressure regulator | |
EP2520861B1 (en) | Field adjustable gas valves and methods of control | |
WO2019173120A1 (en) | Solenoid operated valve for reducing excessive piping pressure in a fluid distribution system | |
US3765452A (en) | Proportional control valve for gas burners | |
US10107409B2 (en) | Multi-function valve | |
WO2006003684A1 (en) | Multi-function valve for controlling the feed of a combustible gas to a burner apparatus | |
JP6173186B2 (en) | Characteristic evaluation apparatus and characteristic evaluation method | |
US3722812A (en) | Temperature control device | |
JPH0361828A (en) | Pressure sensor and fluid feeder | |
US20190137097A1 (en) | Dual fuel selectable apparatus | |
JP2007155211A (en) | Governor device | |
JPS62248914A (en) | Burner with temperature controller | |
JPS58200873A (en) | Gas burner | |
JPS6153587B2 (en) | ||
JP2004347138A (en) | Weight measuring device for heating cooker |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO., MISSOURI Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:STARK, MARK H.;SANTINANAVAT, MIKE C.;JENSEN, RYAN D.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:033602/0557 Effective date: 20140825 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |