WO2020131377A1

WO2020131377A1 - Soft-opening valve

Info

Publication number: WO2020131377A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/064439
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Lehman; James BUDNAR
Original assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
Priority date: 2018-12-17
Filing date: 2019-12-04
Publication date: 2020-06-25

Abstract

A soft-opening valve, such as for a refrigeration system, includes a valve body having an inlet, outlet, main passage between the inlet and outlet, and a first valve surface movable in the main passage to control fluid flow from inlet to outlet. The valve also includes a fluid chamber separated from the main passage, and which receives fluid flow from secondary passage(s). A vent passage is provided in the chamber, and a second valve surface is movable in response to fluid pressure in the chamber to open or close the vent passage. When the secondary passage(s) is/are opened to supply flow to the chamber, the opening and closing of the vent passage with the second valve surface operatively controls the first valve surface to move between a partially-open low-flow position and a fully-open full-flow position. When the secondary passage(s) is/are closed, the soft-opening valve is in a closed state.

Description

SOFT-OPENING VALVE

Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/780,560 filed December 17, 2018, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to a soft-opening valve, and more particularly to soft-opening valves such as for use in refrigeration systems.

Background

A vapor-compression refrigeration system typically includes a condenser, an evaporator, a compressor, and an expansion valve, all of which operate to control a working fluid in the system in a well-known manner. In some instances, frost can collect on the evaporator, which reduces coil capacity by acting as a layer of insulation and reducing airflow between the evaporator’s fins. To mitigate this effect, such refrigeration systems often utilize a hot-gas defrost setting, in which refrigerant vapor from either the compressor discharge or high pressure receiver is used to warm the evaporator coils and melt the frost that collected there. However, the introduction of this hot vapor into the system may shock system components, which may lead to malfunction or failure.

Accordingly, conventional refrigeration systems utilize a soft-opening valve, which is located between the outlet of the compressor and inlet of the

evaporator, and is configured to first partially open to gradually introduce the hot vapor into the system before then switching to a fully-open, full-flow state.

Conventional soft-opening valves provide such dual-position opening by using a follower mechanism in the valve body to hold the main valve member in the partial ly-open throttled position. As such, these conventional designs have additional moving parts and more wear surfaces, which reduces product lifespan, reliability and increases costs. Summary of Invention

The present invention provides a unique soft-opening valve that has the ability to automatically provide low-flow and high-flow positions by opening and closing a vent passage in a fluid chamber of the valve.

More particularly, the vent passage may be opened or closed by a first valve element that is movable in response to fluid pressure in the chamber, in which movement of this first valve element is operative to control the position of a second valve element in the main fluid passage for controlling the amount of fluid flow through the valve body.

The first valve element in the fluid chamber may be coupled to the second valve element in the main fluid passage to provide a single valve member, which allows for such automated dual-position control with fewer moving parts and without the need for a separate follower mechanism. Such features therefore provide a simplified valve that reduces the number of wear surfaces and components in the valve, which enables improved lifespan, reliability, and cost of the valve.

According to one aspect of the invention, a soft-opening valve includes: a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a main fluid flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet; an internal chamber separated from the main fluid passage, the internal chamber being in fluid communication with a fluid flow via one or more secondary fluid passages; a vent passage disposed in an internal surface that defines at least a portion of the internal chamber; a first valve surface that is movable in the internal chamber at least partially in response to an amount of fluid pressure in the internal chamber, the first valve surface being configured to open or close the vent passage based upon a position of the first valve surface in the internal chamber; and a second valve surface that is movable in the main fluid passage, the second valve surface being configured to control fluid flow through the main fluid passage; wherein, the opening and closing of the vent passage with the first valve surface operatively controls the second valve surface to move between a first position, which allows a first amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet, and a second position, which allows a second amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet that is greater than first amount. According to another aspect of the invention, a soft-opening valve includes: a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a main fluid flow passage extending between the inlet and outlet; an internal chamber separated from the main fluid passage by a portion of the valve body, the internal chamber being in fluid communication with a fluid flow via one or more secondary fluid passages; a vent passage for enabling venting of fluid from the internal chamber; a first valve element that is movable in the internal chamber at least partially in response to an amount of fluid pressure in the internal chamber, the first valve element being configured to open or close the vent passage based upon a position of the first valve element in the internal chamber; and a second valve element that is movable in the main fluid passage, the second valve element being configured to control fluid flow through the main fluid passage; wherein movement of the first valve element is operative to control movement of the second valve element, such that: (i) when the one or more secondary fluid passages are closed to prevent fluid flow to the internal chamber, and when the first valve element closes the vent passage, the second valve element closes the main fluid passage to prevent fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet; (ii) when the one or more secondary fluid passages are opened to permit fluid flow to the internal chamber, and when the first valve element opens the vent passage, the second valve element opens the main fluid passage by a first amount to permit a first amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet; and (iii) when the one or more secondary fluid passages are opened to permit fluid flow to the internal chamber, and when the first valve element closes the vent passage, the second valve element opens the main fluid passage by a second amount to permit a second amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet that is greater than first amount.

According to another aspect of the invention, a soft-opening valve includes: a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a main fluid passage extending between the inlet and the outlet for permitting passage of a main fluid flow through the valve body; a main valve seat disposed within the main fluid passage between the inlet and the outlet; a main valve portion movable in the main fluid passage and configured to engage or disengage the main valve seat to open or close the main fluid passage; an internal chamber at least partially defined by a portion of the valve body; one or more secondary fluid passages configured to fluidly connect the internal chamber to the main fluid passage at a location upstream of the valve seat; one or more valves in the one or more secondary fluid passages, the one or more valves being configured to open or close the one or more secondary fluid passages to permit or restrict fluid flow into the internal chamber; a vent passage configured to fluidly connect the internal chamber to the main fluid passage downstream of the valve seat; and a chamber valve portion that is movable in the internal chamber at least partially in response to an amount of fluid pressure in the internal chamber, the chamber valve portion being configured to open or close the vent passage based upon a position of the chamber valve portion in the internal chamber; wherein, when the one or more valves in the one or more secondary fluid passages are activated to open the one or more secondary fluid passages, the opening and closing of the vent passage with the chamber valve portion causes movement of the main valve portion between a first position, which allows a first amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet, and a second position, which allows a second amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet that is greater than first amount; and wherein, when the one or more valves in the one or more secondary fluid passages are deactivated to close the one or more secondary fluid passages, the chamber valve portion closes the vent passage and causes the first valve portion to close the main fluid passage.

According to another aspect of the invention, a refrigeration system includes: an evaporator having an inlet, a compressor having an outlet, and a soft-opening valve according to any of the foregoing interposed between the evaporator and the compressor, wherein the inlet of the soft-opening valve is fluidly connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the outlet of the soft- opening valve is fluidly connected to the inlet of the evaporator.

The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages and novel features according to aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

The annexed drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, show various aspects of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary soft-opening valve according to an embodiment of the invention, which is shown in an exemplary closed state.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional top view of the soft-opening valve taken about the line 2-2 in Fig. 1 , including an enlarged sectional view A-A showing a top view of an exemplary vent passage portion of the soft-opening valve.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional top view of the soft-opening valve taken about the line 3-3 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the soft-opening valve shown in an exemplary low-flow state, including an enlarged sectional view B-B showing a side view of the exemplary vent passage portion of the soft-opening valve.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the soft-opening valve shown in an exemplary high-flow state.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of another exemplary soft-opening valve according to an embodiment of the invention, which is shown in an exemplary low-flow state.

Detailed Description

The principles and aspects of the present invention have particular application to soft-opening valves, also referred to as dual-position valves, such as for use in refrigeration systems, and thus will be described below chiefly in this context. It is understood, however, that the principles and aspects of this invention may be applicable to other fluid systems where it is desirable to provide automatic dual-flow control with a simplified valve, such as for use in hot gas, soft gas, king valve, soft liquid and liquid level control applications.

Referring to Figs. 1 -5, an exemplary soft-opening valve 10 is shown. The soft-opening valve 10 (also referred to as valve 10) generally includes a valve body 12 having an inlet opening 14, an outlet opening 16, a main fluid passage 18 extending between the inlet opening 14 and outlet opening 16, and a first (main) valve element 20 that is movable in the main fluid passage 18 to control fluid flow through the main fluid passage. The valve 10 also includes an internal chamber 22 that is separated from the main fluid passage 18, and a second (chamber) valve element 24 that is axially movable in the internal chamber 22. The internal chamber 22 is in fluid communication with fluid flow via one or more secondary fluid passages 26, 28, and the second valve element 24 is configured to move in the internal chamber 22 at least partially in response to an amount of fluid pressure in the internal chamber. The valve 10 further includes a vent passage 30 in the internal chamber 22 for venting fluid across the second valve element 24 and out of the chamber 22. As will be described in further detail below, the exemplary soft-opening valve 10 is configured to automatically shift to a low-flow state (e.g., Fig. 4) or high-flow state (e.g., Fig. 5) by opening and closing the vent passage 30 with the second (chamber) valve element 24, in which such movement of the second valve element 24 is operative to control the position of a first (main) valve element 20 in the main fluid passage 18, thereby controlling the amount of fluid flow through the valve body 12.

In exemplary embodiments, the valve 10 is utilized in a refrigeration system, such as a vapor-compression refrigeration system (not shown), although other refrigeration systems are possible. The refrigeration system may include a condenser, an evaporator, a compressor, and an expansion valve, all of which operate to control a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) in the system in a well-known manner. The soft-opening valve 10 may be fluidly connected between the compressor and the evaporator, such as in a parallel bypass line, and may be used as a fluid control valve for controlling the amount of high temperature fluid (e.g., gaseous refrigerant) that is distributed from an outlet of the compressor to an inlet of the evaporator when it is desirable to defrost the evaporator, for example. Because introduction of high-temperature fluid into the refrigeration system may thermally shock and damage system components, the exemplary soft-opening valve 10 provides the ability to automatically move the main valve element 20 to a partially open position to first gradually introduce the high- temperature fluid into the system for a period of time, before then moving to a fully-open position for providing a greater amount of fluid flow. It is also understood that the exemplary soft-opening valve 10 may be used in other systems or applications to provide the same or similar functionality with other working fluids, such as other gases or liquids.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 12 includes a main body portion 32 having the main fluid passage 18, a cover portion 34 coupled to the main body portion 32, and a cartridge portion 36 disposed in the main body portion 32, in which the cover portion 34 and cartridge portion 36 cooperate to define the internal fluid chamber 22. Such a multipart construction may facilitate ease of assembly of the valve 10; however, it is understood that the valve body 12, including the main body portion 32, cover portion 34, and/or cartridge portion 36 may be integral to form a unitary valve body.

As shown, the first (main) valve element 20 has respective valve surfaces 38 that are configured to sealingly engage or disengage a main valve seat 40 disposed in the main fluid passage 18 for restricting or permitting fluid flow from the upstream inlet 14 of the main fluid passage to the downstream outlet 16. In exemplary embodiments, the sealing valve surfaces 38 of the main valve element 20 may be formed by an annular seal, such as an elastomeric seal, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, the first valve element 20 has a generally piston-style construction, including a generally cylindrical body 42, a flat end face 44, and one or more orifices 46 that allow fluid flow across the valve element 20 (as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, for example).

The second (chamber) valve element 24 also includes respective valve surfaces 48 that are configured to sealingly engage internal surfaces 50 of the valve body 12 (e.g., cartridge portion 36) that define the internal chamber 22. In this manner, the second valve element 24 is configured to restrict fluid flow out of the internal chamber 22, except when the second valve element 24 is positioned to open the vent passage 30, as will discussed in further detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the second valve element 24 has a generally piston-style construction, including a generally cylindrical body and a flat end face 52 that separates the internal chamber 22 into an upstream side and a downstream side.

As discussed above, the second (chamber) valve element 24 is

configured to move at least partially in response to fluid pressure in the internal chamber 22, and movement of the second valve element 24 is operative to control movement of the first (main) valve element 20 to control fluid flow through the main fluid passage 18. In exemplary embodiments, the first valve element 20 and the second valve element 24 are operatively coupled together to provide common axial movement, such as being movable in fixed relation to each other.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first valve element 20 and the second valve element 24 are operatively coupled together with a valve stem 54 to form a single valve member 55 having one part or portion (the second valve element 24) in the internal chamber 22 to open and close the vent passage 30, and an opposite part or portion (the first valve element 20) in the main fluid passage 18 to control main fluid flow based upon the opening and closing of the vent passage 30. Such a configuration provides for common movement of the respective valve parts or portions with a simpler design having fewer moving components and wear surfaces, which may improve the reliability, lifespan and cost of the valve. It is understood that the single valve member 55 may have a unitary or segmented construction. It is also understood that in some

embodiments the respective valve elements 20, 24 may be discrete and/or individually movable parts or portions with respect to each other while still being operably connected together to effect movement of one another and provide a desired functionality, as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

The vent passage 30 is provided in the internal chamber 22 and is configured to allow venting of fluid across the second (chamber) valve element 24 and out of the chamber 22 when the vent passage 30 is opened. In exemplary embodiments, the vent passage 30 is disposed in at least one of the internal surfaces 50 of the valve body 12 (e.g., cartridge portion 36) that defines at least a portion of the internal chamber 22, and the valve surface(s) 48 of the second valve element 24 are configured to open or close the vent passage 30 depending on the position of the second valve element 24 (as shown in Figs. 1 ,

4 and 5, for example). The vent passage 30 may be configured as a recess, groove, notch, channel, or the like. As shown in Fig. 2, for example, the vent passage 30 may be formed as a recess in a discrete (non-continuous) portion of the internal surface 50. As discussed in further detail below, the vent passage 30 is specifically sized to cooperate with the second (chamber) valve element 24 (e.g., valve surface 48) to control the amount of fluid flow through the vent passage 30. It is understood that although the vent passage 30 is shown as a recess in the internal surface 50 forming a portion of the chamber 22, the vent passage 30 could be provided in other configurations or other parts of the valve 10 for cooperation with the second (chamber) valve element 24 to provide the same functionality, as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

The one or more secondary fluid passages 26, 28 are configured to supply fluid flow to the internal chamber 22 via one or more inlet openings 56, 58 into the chamber 22. As discussed in further detail below, the amount of fluid flow supplied to the internal chamber 22 will affect movement of the second (chamber) valve element 24, which consequently will cause movement of the first (main) valve element 20 to control fluid flow through the main fluid passage 18. In exemplary embodiments, more than one secondary fluid passage and inlet opening may be provided to supply a lesser or greater amount of fluid flow into the chamber depending on the opening or closing of flow through the inlet openings. It is understood, however, that in some embodiments a single secondary fluid passage and inlet opening may be provided.

In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more secondary fluid passages 26, 28 includes a lead secondary fluid passage 60 that is branched to provide a first branch (the first secondary fluid passage 26) fluidly coupled to the first inlet opening 56, and a second branch (the second secondary fluid passage 28) fluidly coupled to the second inlet opening 58 for providing flow into the chamber 22. As shown, the upstream side of the lead secondary fluid passage 60 is fluidly connected to the main fluid passage 18 upstream of the main valve seat 40, although it is understood that the fluid flow to the secondary fluid passage(s) may be provided from other fluid sources. As shown, the lead secondary fluid passage 60 extends from the main fluid passage 18 through the main body portion 32 and upwards to the cover portion 34 of the valve body 12, where the lead secondary passage 60 splits via a bridge passage 62 (as shown in Fig. 3, for example) into the first and second branches (also referred to with reference numerals 26 and 28, for clarity). In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary fluid passage(s) (e.g., 26, 28, 60) are small compared to the size of the main fluid passage 18, and are configured to communicate a small pilot flow from the main passage 18 to the internal chamber 22. It is understood that although the secondary fluid passage is shown as being branched and connected to the main fluid passage to provide pilot flow, the one or more secondary fluid passages may have separate and discrete flow paths fluidly connected to the main passage or other fluid source for supplying the desired different flows to the internal chamber, as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

In exemplary embodiments, one or more valves 64, 66 are provided to open or close the flow paths through the one or more secondary fluid passages 26, 28. For example, each branch 26, 28 of the secondary passage may include a valve 64, 66 configured to open or close the flow path in each branch, such as for supplying a lesser or greater amount of fluid flow into the chamber depending on the opening or closing of the valves 64, 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the valves 64, 66 are solenoid valves, which include a plunger and electromagnetic coils that are operable in a well-known manner to move the plunger toward or away from a valve seat to open or close the respective (e.g., pilot) flow paths. In the illustrated embodiment, the solenoid valves 64, 66 are operably connected to a controller 68 which is configured to control independent activation of the valves 64, 66. Also as shown, each branch 26, 28 of the secondary fluid passage may include one or more ports 70, 72, which may be utilized to insert instrumentation (e.g., pressure gauge) or flow control devices, such as a flow restrictor 74 (as shown in Fig. 6, for example, and described in further detail below).

Referring to Figs. 1 , 4 and 5, an exemplary operation of the exemplary soft-opening valve 10 will now be described in further detail. Fig. 1 shows the soft-opening valve 10 in its closed state, which may be the normal operating state for the valve in a refrigeration system, for example. In the illustrated state, a biasing member 76, such as a spring, is contained in the internal chamber 22 and urges the valve member 55, including second (chamber) valve element 24 and first (main) valve element 20, upwards toward a closed position. In the illustrated position, the second (chamber) valve element 24 is in a first position that closes the vent passage 30. In addition, fluid pressure at the upstream side of the main fluid passage 18 may exert a force on the face 44 of the first (main) valve element 20, such that the valve member 55 is urged upward and the valve surfaces 38 of the first (main) valve element 20 engage the main valve seat 40 to close the main fluid flow passage 18.

In this closed state, fluid flow from the upstream side of the main fluid passage 18 may still enter the secondary (e.g., pilot) fluid passage(s), including the lead secondary passage 60, bridge passage 62 and portions of both branches 26, 28 upstream of the valves 64, 66 (as designated with flow directional arrows). However, because both solenoid valves 64, 66 are deactivated (de-energized) and close the respective flow paths of the branches 26, 28, no flow enters the internal chamber 22 and the valve member is not urged downward toward open. Thus, in the illustrated closed state, the secondary fluid passage(s) 26, 28 are closed to prevent fluid flow to the internal chamber 22, the second (chamber) valve element 24 closes the vent passage 30, and the first (main) valve element 20 closes the main fluid passage 18 to prevent fluid flow from the inlet 14 to the outlet 16.

Also as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the soft-opening valve 10 may have a manual override device 78 for opening the valve member 55, such as to relieve fluid pressure in the system in the event of power failure. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the manual override device 78 includes a valve stem 80 extending through the cover portion 34 of the valve body, which is normally in a closed position. When an operator desires to manually open the main fluid passage 18 of the valve, the operator will remove cap 82 and will manually rotate the end portion of the valve stem 80, such as with a wrench.

The valve stem 80 is threadably inserted into the cover potion 34 of the valve body, and when the stem 80 is rotated it will advance head 83 downwards to engage the second valve element 24 in the internal chamber 22, thus causing movement of the first valve member 20 to open the main flow passage 18.

Fig. 4 shows the soft-opening valve 10 in its low-flow state, in which the main valve element 20 is partially opened to allow a throttled amount of fluid flow from the inlet 14 to the outlet 16 of the main fluid passage 18. In the illustrated state, the solenoid valve 64 in the first branch 26 of the secondary fluid passage is activated by the controller 68 to open the flow path and allow the pilot flow from the main passage 18 to enter the internal chamber 22. In the illustrated state, the solenoid valve 66 in the second branch 28 of the secondary fluid passage remains deactivated to close the flow path to the chamber 22. As the fluid pressure in the internal chamber 22 increases due to the flow entering via branch 26, the increased pressure exerts force downwardly against the face 52 of the chamber valve element 24. The fluid pressure in the chamber 22 will eventually reach equilibrium with the fluid pressure in the upstream side of the main passage 18 that exerts force upwardly against the face 44 of the main valve element 20. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the area of the chamber valve element face 52 is greater than the area of the main valve element face 44, and the force of fluid pressure exerted over the greater area of the chamber valve element face 52 is sufficient to overcome the fluid force on the main valve element 20 plus the biasing force of the biasing member 76 to thereby urge the valve member 55 downwards.

As the valve member 55 is moved toward open (e.g., downwards in the illustrated embodiment), the valve surface 48 of the chamber valve element 24 reaches a position that opens the vent passage 30 in the fluid chamber 22 to thereby allow an amount of vent flow to pass across the chamber valve element 24. As shown in the enlarged view B-B in Fig. 4, for example, the valve surface 48 of the chamber valve element 24 has an axial width that is slightly narrower than an axial width of the vent passage 30, which allows the chamber valve element 24 to align with the vent passage 30 to provide openings 84a, 84b at each of the upstream side and downstream side of the chamber 22. As shown, the internal chamber 22 has an outlet 86 fluidly connected to the main fluid passage 18 downstream of the main valve seat 40, which allows the vent flow to exit the downstream side of the internal chamber 22. In the illustrated

embodiment, the size of the chamber outlet opening 86 is greater than the size of the vent passage openings 84a, 84b so as to not restrict flow out of the chamber 22.

In the illustrated state, when the chamber valve element 24 is moved to its open position to open the vent passage 30, the main valve element 20 is moved to its partially-open low-flow position, which allows a throttled amount of fluid flow to pass from the main inlet 14 to the main outlet 16. The valve elements 20, 24 will maintain their respective positions, with the chamber valve element 24 opening the vent passage 30 and the main valve element 20 partially opening the main fluid passage 18, provided a substantially uniform flow is permitted to pass through the main fluid passage 18, through the secondary passage 26 into the chamber 22, through the vent passage 30, and through the chamber outlet 86. In this manner, the valve member 55 (or individual valve elements 20, 24) maintain a balanced position while fluid is flowing through the respective portions of the valve 10 to therefore provide the low-flow state of the valve 10. The factors affecting this balance include: (1 ) the flow rate through the secondary fluid passage(s) 26, 28 into the internal chamber 22; (2) the flow rate across the vent passage 30 and out of the chamber 22; and (3) the biasing force of the biasing member 76. As such, each of these variables (e.g., sizes of the respective flow passages 26, 28, 60, 30, 86, etc.; and size of the biasing member 76) may be specifically configured to achieve the desired effect of automatically shifting the valve member 55 (or individual valve elements 20, 24) to the low-flow state when the valve 64 (e.g., solenoid valve) is activated to open flow to the internal chamber 22.

Referring to Fig. 6, for example, one way of adapting the desired flow rate into the internal chamber 22 is shown, in which the soft-opening valve 10’ includes a flow-restrictor 74 in an upstream portion of the secondary fluid passage 26 (e.g., first branch). In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the soft- opening valve 10’ is identical to the valve 10 shown in Figs. 1 -5, except with the flow-restrictor 74 replacing plug 75 in port 70, and consequently the same reference numerals are used to denote structures corresponding to the same structures. As shown, the flow restrictor 74 is configured with a fixed-restriction orifice, which will reduce and/or meter the amount of fluid flow into the chamber 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow restrictor 74 is insertable into the port 70, which may enable improved tailorability of the soft -opening valve 10 for specific applications. For example, the size of the secondary fluid passage(s)

26, 28 and its opening(s) 56, 58, the size of the vent fluid passage 30 and its openings 84a, 84b, and the biasing force of the biasing member 76, all may be relatively set following assembly of the valve 10; and the ability to modify the amount of fluid flow via the restrictor 74 may allow for better tailoring of the valve for a specific application, such as to accommodate for greater flow rates or pressures of a particular system, for example. It is understood, however, that although one fixed-orifice flow restrictor 74 is shown, one or more other flow restrictors, such as a variable flow control device, also could be used, or could be incorporated with valve(s) 64, 66, for example.

Turning to Fig. 5, the soft-opening valve 10 is shown in its high-flow state, in which the main valve element 20 is fully opened to allow a full amount of fluid flow from the inlet 14 to the outlet 16 of the main passage 18. In the illustrated state, the movement of the valve member 55 further downward occurs when an additional amount of flow is introduced into the upstream side of the chamber 22. This increased flow upsets the balance of the valve member 55 in the low-flow, throttled position (Fig. 4), urging the valve member 55 slightly downward and closing the vent passage 30 with the second (chamber) valve element 24 in a second closed position, while moving the first (main) valve element 20 toward its fully-open position (Fig. 5). In the illustrated embodiment, the additional amount of flow is provided by opening the second branch 28 of the secondary (e.g., pilot) flow passage to allow flow to the chamber 22, such as by activating the second solenoid valve 66 with the controller 68 while the first solenoid valve 64 also remains activated to open branch 26. It is understood, however, that the additional flow may be provided by other sources of fluid flow, such as by further opening the first branch 26, for example, or by bringing flow from an alternate source. In the illustrated state, the first and second valve elements 20, 24 will maintain their respective positions while the fluid pressure provided by the additional flow exerts the additional force to urge the valve member 55

downwards. In the illustrated embodiment, a small amount of bleed flow may escape from the upstream side of the chamber through a small bleed orifice 88 provided in the second (chamber) valve element 24. This small bleed orifice 88 also may assist in allowing the valve member 55 to retract toward its normally biased upward position when the solenoid valves 64, 66 are deactivated with no flow entering the internal chamber 22.

A soft-opening valve, such as for a refrigeration system, has been described herein, which includes a valve body having an inlet, outlet, main passage between the inlet and outlet, and a first valve surface movable in the main passage to control fluid flow from inlet to outlet. The valve also includes a fluid chamber separated from the main passage, and which receives fluid flow from secondary passage(s). A vent passage is provided in the chamber, and a second valve surface is movable in response to fluid pressure in the chamber to open or close the vent passage. When the secondary passage(s) is/are opened to supply flow to the chamber, the opening and closing of the vent passage with the second valve surface operatively controls the first valve surface to move between a partially-open low-flow position and a fully-open full-flow position. When the secondary passage(s) is/are closed, the soft-opening valve is in a closed state.

According to an aspect of the invention, a soft-opening valve includes: a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a main fluid flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet; an internal chamber separated from the main fluid passage, the internal chamber being in fluid communication with a fluid flow via one or more secondary fluid passages; a vent passage disposed in an internal surface that defines at least a portion of the internal chamber; a first valve surface that is movable in the internal chamber at least partially in response to an amount of fluid pressure in the internal chamber, the first valve surface being configured to open or close the vent passage based upon a position of the first valve surface in the internal chamber; and a second valve surface that is movable in the main fluid passage, the second valve surface being configured to control fluid flow through the main fluid passage; wherein, the opening and closing of the vent passage with the first valve surface operatively controls the second valve surface to move between a first position, which allows a first amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet, and a second position, which allows a second amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet that is greater than first amount.

Embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following additional features separately or in any combination.

In some embodiments, the first valve surface is a portion of a first valve element, and the second valve surface is a portion of a second valve element, and wherein movement of the first valve element is operative to control movement of the second valve element, such that: (i) when the one or more secondary fluid passages are closed to prevent fluid flow to the internal chamber, and when the first valve element closes the vent passage, the second valve element closes the main fluid passage to prevent fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet; (ii) when the one or more secondary fluid passages are opened to permit fluid flow to the internal chamber, and when the first valve element opens the vent passage, the second valve element moves to the first position to allow the first amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet; and (iii) when the one or more secondary fluid passages are opened to permit fluid flow to the internal chamber, and when the first valve element closes the vent passage, the second valve element moves to the second position to allow the second amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet.

In some embodiments, when the second valve element is in the first position, the one or more secondary fluid passages are opened to permit a first amount of fluid flow into the internal chamber; and when the second valve element is in the second position, the one or more secondary fluid passages are opened to permit a second amount of fluid flow into the internal chamber that is greater than the first mount of fluid flow into the chamber.

In some embodiments, the first valve surface is operatively coupled to the second valve surface for common movement together.

In some embodiments, the first valve element is coupled to the second valve element with a valve stem to form a single valve member.

In some embodiments, the second valve element has one or more orifices for permitting flow across the second valve element when the second valve element is in the first or second position.

In some embodiments, the valve further including a biasing member that biases the first valve element and the second valve element toward respective closed positions.

In some embodiments, the first valve surface is configured to engage the internal surface that defines at least a portion of the internal chamber to open or close the vent passage; and wherein the second valve surface is configured to engage a valve seat disposed in the main fluid passage to open or close the main fluid passage.

In some embodiments, the vent passage is formed as a recess in a discrete portion of the internal surface. In some embodiments, when the second valve surface is in the first position, the first valve surface is aligned with the vent passage to provide a first vent opening between an upstream portion of the internal surface and the first valve surface, and to provide a second vent opening between a downstream portion of the internal surface and the first valve surface.

In some embodiments, the valve body includes a main body portion having the main fluid passage, a cover portion coupled to the main body portion, and a cartridge portion disposed in the main body portion, in which the cover portion and the cartridge portion cooperate to define the internal fluid chamber.

In some embodiments, the one or more secondary fluid passages are fluidly connected to the main fluid passage at an upstream portion of the main fluid passage.

In some embodiments, the one or more secondary fluid passages are opened or closed with one or more valves.

In some embodiments, the one or more valves are one or more solenoid valves.

In some embodiments, the one or more solenoid valves are operatively coupled to a controller.

In some embodiments, the one or more secondary fluid passages includes one secondary fluid passage that is branched to provide a first branch having a first inlet opening into the internal chamber, and a second branch having a second inlet opening into the internal chamber, wherein the secondary fluid passage is fluidly connected to an upstream portion of the main fluid passage to supply fluid to the first and second branches.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second branches has a solenoid valve configured to open and close the respective first and second branches to respectively permit or restrict fluid flow into the internal chamber.

According to another aspect of the invention, a soft-opening valve includes: a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a main fluid flow passage extending between the inlet and outlet; an internal chamber separated from the main fluid passage by a portion of the valve body, the internal chamber being in fluid communication with a fluid flow via one or more secondary fluid passages; a vent passage for enabling venting of fluid from the internal chamber; a first valve element that is movable in the internal chamber at least partially in response to an amount of fluid pressure in the internal chamber, the first valve element being configured to open or close the vent passage based upon a position of the first valve element in the internal chamber; and a second valve element that is movable in the main fluid passage, the second valve element being configured to control fluid flow through the main fluid passage; wherein movement of the first valve element is operative to control movement of the second valve element, such that: when the one or more secondary fluid passages are closed to prevent fluid flow to the internal chamber, and when the first valve element closes the vent passage, the second valve element closes the main fluid passage to prevent fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet; when the one or more secondary fluid passages are opened to permit fluid flow to the internal chamber, and when the first valve element opens the vent passage, the second valve element opens the main fluid passage by a first amount to permit a first amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet; and when the one or more secondary fluid passages are opened to permit fluid flow to the internal chamber, and when the first valve element closes the vent passage, the second valve element opens the main fluid passage by a second amount to permit a second amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet that is greater than first amount.

According to another aspect of the invention, a refrigeration system includes: an evaporator having an inlet, a compressor having an outlet, and the soft-opening valve according to any of the foregoing interposed between the evaporator and the compressor, wherein the inlet of the soft-opening valve is fluidly connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the outlet of the soft- opening valve is fluidly connected to the inlet of the evaporator.

According to another aspect of the invention, a system includes the soft- opening valve according to any of the foregoing, wherein the system is a hot gas, soft gas, king valve, soft liquid, liquid level control, or refrigeration system.

In some embodiments, a working fluid in the system is a liquid or gas.

It is to be understood that terms such as“top,”“bottom,”“upper,”“lower,” “left,”“right,”“front,”“rear,”“forward,”“rearward,” and the like as used herein may refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference as shown in Fig. 1 , for example.

As used herein, an“operable connection,” or a connection by which entities are“operably connected,” is one in which the entities are connected in such a way that the entities may perform as intended. An operable connection may be a direct connection or an indirect connection in which an intermediate entity or entities cooperate or otherwise are part of the connection or are in between the operably connected entities.

As used herein, an“operable connection,” or a connection by which entities are“operably connected,” also may be one in which signals, physical communications, or logical communications may be sent or received. Typically, an operable connection includes a physical interface, an electrical interface, or a data interface, but it is to be noted that an operable connection may include differing combinations of these or other types of connections sufficient to allow operable control. For example, two entities can be operably connected by being able to communicate signals to each other directly or through one or more intermediate entities like a processor, operating system, a logic, software, or other entity. Logical or physical communication channels can be used to create an operable connection.

It is understood that embodiments of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in combination with digital electronic circuitry, controllers, processors, computer software, firmware, and/or hardware. For example, embodiments may be implemented in a system that uses one or more modules of computer program with instructions encoded on a non-transitory computer-readable medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. The operations may include physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, the physical quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a logic and the like.

It will be appreciated that the processes may be implemented using various programming approaches like machine language, procedural, object oriented or artificial intelligence techniques. In one example, methodologies are implemented as processor executable instructions or operations provided on a computer-readable medium. Thus, in one example, a computer-readable medium may store processor executable instructions operable to perform a method. The computer-readable medium may be a hard-drive, a machine- readable storage device, a memory device, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing. The controller may include all apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers.

The controller may include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question. The computer program (also referred to as software or code), may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. The computer program may be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network. The processor may include all apparatus, devices, and machines suitable for the execution of a computer program, which may include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random-access memory or both. The computer may include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data. Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments may be implemented using a computer having a display device and an input device. Embodiments may include a computing system that includes a back-end component (e.g., as a data server), or that includes a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or that includes a front-end component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface through which a user can interact with an

implementation of the subject matter described is this specification), or any combination of one or more such back-end, middleware, or front-end

components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described elements (components, assemblies, devices, compositions, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a "means") used to describe such elements are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any element which performs the specified function of the described element (i.e. , that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiment or embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been described above with respect to only one or more of several illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A soft-opening valve comprising:

a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a main fluid flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet;

an internal chamber separated from the main fluid passage, the internal chamber being in fluid communication with a fluid flow via one or more secondary fluid passages;

a vent passage disposed in an internal surface that defines at least a portion of the internal chamber;

a first valve surface that is movable in the internal chamber at least partially in response to an amount of fluid pressure in the internal chamber, the first valve surface being configured to open or close the vent passage based upon a position of the first valve surface in the internal chamber; and

a second valve surface that is movable in the main fluid passage, the second valve surface being configured to control fluid flow through the main fluid passage;

wherein, the opening and closing of the vent passage with the first valve surface operatively controls the second valve surface to move between a first position, which allows a first amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet, and a second position, which allows a second amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet that is greater than first amount.

2. The soft-opening valve according to claim 1 , wherein the first valve surface is a portion of a first valve element, and the second valve surface is a portion of a second valve element, and wherein movement of the first valve element is operative to control movement of the second valve element, such that:

when the one or more secondary fluid passages are closed to prevent fluid flow to the internal chamber, and when the first valve element closes the vent passage, the second valve element closes the main fluid passage to prevent fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet; when the one or more secondary fluid passages are opened to permit fluid flow to the internal chamber, and when the first valve element opens the vent passage, the second valve element moves to the first position to allow the first amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet; and

when the one or more secondary fluid passages are opened to permit fluid flow to the internal chamber, and when the first valve element closes the vent passage, the second valve element moves to the second position to allow the second amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet.

3. The soft-opening valve according to claim 2, or any other preceding claim,

wherein, when the second valve element is in the first position, the one or more secondary fluid passages are opened to permit a first amount of fluid flow into the internal chamber; and

wherein, when the second valve element is in the second position, the one or more secondary fluid passages are opened to permit a second amount of fluid flow into the internal chamber that is greater than the first mount of fluid flow into the chamber.

4. The soft-opening valve according to claim 1 , or any other preceding claim, wherein the first valve surface is operatively coupled to the second valve surface for common movement together.

5. The soft-opening valve according to claim 2, or any other preceding claim, wherein the first valve element is coupled to the second valve element with a valve stem to form a single valve member.

6. The soft-opening valve according to claim 5, or any other preceding claim, wherein the second valve element has one or more orifices for permitting flow across the second valve element when the second valve element is in the first or second position.

7. The soft-opening valve according to claim 2, or any other preceding claim, the valve further including a biasing member that biases the first valve element and the second valve element toward respective closed positions.

8. The soft-opening valve according to claim 1 , or any other preceding claim, wherein the first valve surface is configured to engage the internal surface that defines at least a portion of the internal chamber to open or close the vent passage; and

wherein the second valve surface is configured to engage a valve seat disposed in the main fluid passage to open or close the main fluid passage.

9. The soft-opening valve according to claim 1 , or any other preceding claim, wherein the vent passage is formed as a recess in a discrete portion of the internal surface.

10. The soft-opening valve according to claim 1 , or any other preceding claim, wherein, when the second valve surface is in the first position, the first valve surface is aligned with the vent passage to provide a first vent opening between an upstream portion of the internal surface and the first valve surface, and to provide a second vent opening between a downstream portion of the internal surface and the first valve surface.

11. The soft-opening valve according to claim 1 , or any other preceding claim, wherein the valve body includes a main body portion having the main fluid passage, a cover portion coupled to the main body portion, and a cartridge portion disposed in the main body portion, in which the cover portion and the cartridge portion cooperate to define the internal fluid chamber.

12. The soft-opening valve according to claim 1 , or any other preceding claim, wherein the one or more secondary fluid passages are fluidly connected to the main fluid passage at an upstream portion of the main fluid passage.

13. The soft-opening valve according to claim 1 , or any other preceding claim, wherein the one or more secondary fluid passages are opened or closed with one or more valves.

14. The soft-opening valve according to claim 13, or any other preceding claim, wherein the one or more valves are one or more solenoid valves.

15. The soft-opening valve according to claim 14, or any other preceding claim, wherein the one or more solenoid valves are operatively coupled to a controller.

16. The soft-opening valve according to claim 1 , or any other preceding claim, wherein the one or more secondary fluid passages includes one secondary fluid passage that is branched to provide a first branch having a first inlet opening into the internal chamber, and a second branch having a second inlet opening into the internal chamber, wherein the secondary fluid passage is fluidly connected to an upstream portion of the main fluid passage to supply fluid to the first and second branches.

17. The soft-opening valve according to claim 16, or any other preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second branches has a solenoid valve configured to open and close the respective first and second branches to respectively permit or restrict fluid flow into the internal chamber.

18. A soft-opening valve comprising:

a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a main fluid flow passage extending between the inlet and outlet;

an internal chamber separated from the main fluid passage by a portion of the valve body, the internal chamber being in fluid communication with a fluid flow via one or more secondary fluid passages; a vent passage for enabling venting of fluid from the internal chamber; a first valve element that is movable in the internal chamber at least partially in response to an amount of fluid pressure in the internal chamber, the first valve element being configured to open or close the vent passage based upon a position of the first valve element in the internal chamber; and

a second valve element that is movable in the main fluid passage, the second valve element being configured to control fluid flow through the main fluid passage;

wherein movement of the first valve element is operative to control movement of the second valve element, such that:

when the one or more secondary fluid passages are closed to prevent fluid flow to the internal chamber, and when the first valve element closes the vent passage, the second valve element closes the main fluid passage to prevent fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet;

when the one or more secondary fluid passages are opened to permit fluid flow to the internal chamber, and when the first valve element opens the vent passage, the second valve element opens the main fluid passage by a first amount to permit a first amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet; and

when the one or more secondary fluid passages are opened to permit fluid flow to the internal chamber, and when the first valve element closes the vent passage, the second valve element opens the main fluid passage by a second amount to permit a second amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet that is greater than first amount.

19. A soft-opening valve comprising:

a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a main fluid passage extending between the inlet and the outlet for permitting passage of a main fluid flow through the valve body;

a main valve seat disposed within the main fluid passage between the inlet and the outlet;

a main valve portion movable in the main fluid passage and configured to engage or disengage the main valve seat to open or close the main fluid passage; an internal chamber at least partially defined by a portion of the valve body;

one or more secondary fluid passages configured to fluidly connect the internal chamber to the main fluid passage at a location upstream of the valve seat;

one or more valves in the one or more secondary fluid passages, the one or more valves being configured to open or close the one or more secondary fluid passages to permit or restrict fluid flow into the internal chamber;

a vent passage configured to fluidly connect the internal chamber to the main fluid passage downstream of the valve seat; and

a chamber valve portion that is movable in the internal chamber at least partially in response to an amount of fluid pressure in the internal chamber, the chamber valve portion being configured to open or close the vent passage based upon a position of the chamber valve portion in the internal chamber;

wherein, when the one or more valves in the one or more secondary fluid passages are activated to open the one or more secondary fluid passages, the opening and closing of the vent passage with the chamber valve portion causes movement of the main valve portion between a first position, which allows a first amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet, and a second position, which allows a second amount of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet that is greater than first amount; and

wherein, when the one or more valves in the one or more secondary fluid passages are deactivated to close the one or more secondary fluid passages, the chamber valve portion closes the vent passage and causes the first valve portion to close the main fluid passage.

20. A refrigeration system comprising:

an evaporator having an inlet,

a compressor having an outlet, and

the soft-opening valve according to any of claims 1 -19 interposed between the evaporator and the compressor, wherein the inlet of the soft-opening valve is fluidly connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the outlet of the soft-opening valve is fluidly connected to the inlet of the evaporator.

21. A system comprising the soft-opening valve according to any of claims 1 -19, wherein the system is a hot gas, soft gas, king valve, soft liquid, liquid level control, or refrigeration system.

22. The system according to claim 21 , wherein a working fluid in the system is a liquid or gas.