valve

Abstract

The invention discloses a directional control valve, the directional control valve has three ports, the first fluid path extends between the first port and the second port, and the second fluid path extends between the second port and the third port extend. A chamber is defined at the intersection of the first fluid path and the second fluid path and houses a spherical valve member (16) disposed between opposed spaced apart valve seats (19, 20). A valve member is movable between the valve seats across the chamber between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the valve member moves away from the first valve seat such that the first fluid path opens and abuts against the second valve seat. The valve seat is sealed such that the second fluid path is closed, and in the closed position the valve member is sealed against the first valve seat such that the first fluid path is closed and moved away from the second valve seat such that the second fluid path is opened. The valve member is biased toward a closed position by opposing first and second biasing members (34, 41) having unequal loads. An actuator (32), such as an electromagnet, is operable to move the valve member from the closed position to the open position against unequal loads.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a valve, and in particular to a directional fluid control valve. Background technique [0002] Directional fluid control valves generally include a valve body having a plurality of ports that provide communication between an internal flow passage and an external flow path to other components. One or more valve members are movable within the valve body between different switching positions to selectively open or close the flow passage and control flow direction between the end ports. [0003] Such valves are generally characterized by the number of ports ("paths") and the number of discrete switching positions provided by the ports. A simple and well-known example of a directional control valve is a two-position, three-way flow control valve that selectively provides communication between three ports, typically: for connection to a source of pressurized fluid a pressure port connected to a reservoir or tank from which ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This design requires high manufacturing tolerances to ensure effective sealing of the ports and is prone to wear

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