Pressure reducing and pressure relief valve

Abstract

A pressure regulating and pressure relief valve has a valve body defining an inlet port, an outlet port, a valve seat, and a pressure relief opening. During a first portion of motion, a pressure regulating plug is displaced from an open position that provides a continuous flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port to a closed position in which the plug closes against the valve seat to block the continuous flow path. A spring biases the plug to the open position. An actuation surface is exposed to pressure at the outlet port that displaces the plug toward the closed position against the spring bias. During a second portion of the motion that exceeds a range of the first portion of the motion, further displacement of the plug beyond the closed position opens a relief flow path from the outlet port through the pressure relief opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pressure reducing valve, and more particularly to a pressure reducing valve with an integrated pressure relief function. Background Technology

[0002] Low-pressure irrigation system (LPS) piping is delicate and prone to rupture under overpressure and pressure fluctuations. To protect it from damage, such systems are typically equipped with pressure reducing valves (PRVs), which regulate the variable inlet pressure to produce a relatively constant outlet pressure at the desired value. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect is a pressure regulating and pressure relief valve, comprising (a) a valve body defining an inlet port, an outlet port, a valve seat, and a pressure relief opening; (b) a pressure regulating plug configured to displace from an open position to a closed position during a first portion of movement, the open position providing a continuous flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port, the plug being closed against the valve seat to block the continuous flow path in the closed position; (c) a spring configured to bias the plug from the closed position to the open position; the plug having an actuating surface exposed to pressure at the outlet port causing the pressure at the outlet port to displace the plug toward the closed position against the bias of the spring; wherein, during a second portion of movement beyond the range of the first portion of movement, a further displacement of the plug beyond the closed position opens a release flow path from the outlet port through the pressure relief opening to a region outside the valve body.

[0004] In some embodiments, the valve body has a central portion and a peripheral portion, and the valve seat and the plug are configured such that the continuous flow path travels through the peripheral portion, and at least a portion of the release flow path travels through the central portion. In some embodiments, the outer wall of the plug extends radially outward from the valve seat relative to a longitudinal axis extending through the central portion of the valve body from the inlet port to the outlet port. In some embodiments, the pressure regulating and pressure relief valve further includes a central release conduit positioned such that the release flow path passes between the rear wall of the plug and the central release conduit. In some embodiments, the release flow path extends through an opening in the sidewall of the plug.

[0005] In some embodiments, the valve body has a central portion and a peripheral portion, wherein the valve seat and the plug are configured such that the fluid flow path travels through the central portion and the release flow path is in the peripheral portion of the valve body. In some embodiments, the outer wall of the plug is radially inward from the inner wall of the valve seat relative to a longitudinal axis extending through the central portion of the valve body from the inlet port to the outlet port.

[0006] In some embodiments, the central portion of the valve body is located within the plug.

[0007] In some embodiments, the peripheral portion of the valve body extends radially outward from the plug relative to a longitudinal axis extending through the central portion of the valve body from the inlet port to the outlet port.

[0008] In some embodiments, the front and inner edges of the sleeve of the plug are positioned relative to the valve seat such that the continuous flow of fluid does not affect the displacement of the plug.

[0009] In some embodiments, the continuous flow path is configured to run from the inlet port through the valve seat and the plug and continue to the outlet port.

[0010] In some embodiments, the actuating surface includes a flange located at the rear of the plug.

[0011] In some embodiments, during the movement, the plug is linearly displaced relative to the valve seat.

[0012] In some embodiments, the spring and plug are configured such that when the pressure at the outlet port drops below a set point, the plug is opened by the spring, and the continuous flow path is restored to restore the pressure at the outlet port.

[0013] In some embodiments, the valve body has the central portion and the peripheral portion, and the valve seat and the plug are configured such that one of the following is true: (i) the fluid flow path travels through the peripheral portion, and at least a portion of the release flow path travels through the central portion; (ii) the fluid flow path travels through the central portion, and the release flow path is located in the peripheral portion of the valve body.

[0014] In some embodiments, the sleeve of the plug is long enough that during the second portion of the movement, the further displacement of the plug beyond the closed position only begins to open the release flow path after the plug has abutted the valve seat at the closed position, wherein the length of the sleeve of the plug beyond a threshold length of the sleeve corresponds to the range of positions where the plug abuts the valve seat and the release flow path is not open.

[0015] In some embodiments, during the second portion of the movement, the further displacement of the plug beyond the closed position begins to open the release flow path just as the plug closes against the valve seat.

[0016] On the other hand, it is a pressure regulating and relief valve, comprising (a) a valve body defining an inlet port, an outlet port, a valve seat, and a pressure relief opening; (b) a pressure regulating plug configured to displace from an open position to a closed position during a first portion of movement, the open position providing a continuous flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port, the plug being closed against the valve seat in the closed position to block the continuous flow path; and (c) a spring configured to bias the plug from the closed position to the open position; the plug having an actuating surface exposed to pressure at the outlet port causes pressure at the outlet port to resist... The spring biases the plug toward the closed position; wherein, during a second portion of the movement exceeding the range of the first portion of the movement, a further displacement of the plug beyond the closed position opens a release flow path from the outlet port through a pressure relief opening to the region outside the valve body; wherein the valve body has a central portion and a peripheral portion, and wherein the valve seat and the plug are configured such that the continuous flow path travels through the peripheral portion, and at least a portion of the release flow path travels through the central portion; wherein the leading edge and inner edge of the plug are positioned relative to the valve seat such that the continuous flow fluid does not affect the displacement of the plug.

[0017] Another aspect is a pressure regulating and pressure relief valve, comprising (a) a valve body defining an inlet port, an outlet port, a valve seat, and a pressure relief opening; (b) a pressure regulating plug configured to displace from an open position to a closed position during a first portion of movement, the open position providing a continuous flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port, the plug being closed against the valve seat in the closed position to block the continuous flow path; and (c) a spring configured to bias the plug from the closed position to the open position; the plug having an actuating surface exposed to pressure at the outlet port allows for... The pressure at the outlet port resists the bias of the spring, displacing the plug toward the closed position; wherein, during the second portion of the movement, a further displacement of the plug beyond the closed position opens a release flow path from the outlet port through the pressure relief opening to the region outside the valve body, and wherein the sleeve of the plug is short enough that the further displacement opens the release flow path before the plug abuts against the valve seat and closes, such that the first and second portions of the movement overlap, wherein the reduction in the length of the sleeve from the threshold length corresponds to the range of positions where the release flow path is open and the plug is not abutting against the valve seat and closed.

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0019] This document describes various embodiments by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1A This is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve having a fluid flow path that extends through the central portion of the valve body in the open position, while the release port is closed;

[0021] Figure 1B This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of a valve having a fluid flow path extending through the central portion of the valve body, wherein the plug is partially displaced and the release port remains closed;

[0022] Figure 1C This is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve having a fluid flow path that extends through the central portion of the valve body in the closed position, and the release port remains closed;

[0023] Figure 1D This is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve having a fluid flow path extending through the central portion of the valve body, wherein the plug is fully displaced beyond the closed position and the release port is fully open;

[0024] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve having a fluid flow path that extends through a peripheral portion of the valve body in the open position and through a release port in the closed position;

[0025] Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve having a fluid flow path extending through a peripheral portion of the valve body, wherein the plug is partially displaced and the release port is in a closed position;

[0026] Figure 2C This is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve having a fluid flow path that extends through a peripheral portion of the valve body in the closed position and through a release port in the closed position;

[0027] Figure 2D This is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve having a fluid flow path extending through a peripheral portion of the valve body, wherein the plug is completely displaced beyond the closed position and the release port is in the fully open position;

[0028] Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve having a fluid flow path that extends through a peripheral portion of the valve body in the open position and through a release port in the closed position;

[0029] Figure 3B This is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve having a fluid flow path extending through a peripheral portion of the valve body, wherein the plug is partially displaced and the release port is in a closed position;

[0030] Figure 3C This is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve having a fluid flow path that extends through a peripheral portion of the valve body in the closed position and through a release port in the closed position;

[0031] Figure 3D This is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve having a fluid flow path extending through a peripheral portion of the valve body, wherein the plug is completely displaced beyond the closed position and the release port is in the fully open position;

[0032] Figure 3E It is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of line BB;

[0033] Figure 4 It is similar to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B The cross-sectional view shows that the sleeve of the plug has been lengthened; and

[0034] Figure 5 According to the embodiments of the present invention, and Figure 1B A similar diagram, except the sleeve of the plug has been shortened. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The following detailed description represents the currently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. Since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims, this description should not be considered restrictive, but merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

[0036] As another precaution, low-pressure irrigation systems can be equipped with pressure relief valves that open to release excess pressure into the atmosphere in the event of overpressure in the pipeline. In some embodiments, a single valve functions as both a pressure regulating valve and a pressure relief valve within a single valve body, rather than as a pressure relief valve that adds cost and involves additional installation and maintenance expenses to the system.

[0037] Additionally, in some embodiments, the valve prevents pressure fluctuations and build-up before they occur and accumulate in the downstream system, rather than initiating pressure relief only when the pressure reaches a predetermined level and suffering from a relatively slow response time. The valve correlates the movement of the relief port with a pressure-reducing movement, anticipating and eliminating potential downstream pressure increases. The relief port is configured to open during the same pressure-regulating / reducing movement. In contrast, conventional pressure-reducing valves only function to remedy downstream pressure after the valve detects a pressure increase at the set point.

[0038] The principle and operation of the pressure reducing and relief valve according to the present invention can be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings and description.

[0039] like Figures 1A to 3E As shown, the pressure reducing and pressure relief valve 10 includes a valve body 100 defining an inlet port A and an outlet port C, a valve seat 110, and a pressure relief opening D, also referred to as a pressure relief port D.

[0040] Valve 10 also includes a pressure regulating plug 140 configured to displace from an open position to a closed position during a first portion of movement. In the open position, a continuous flow path is provided from inlet port A to outlet port C (e.g., via a passage between valve seat 110 and plug 140). In the closed position, plug 140 closes against valve seat 110 to block the continuous flow path. During the first portion of movement, plug 140 reaches the closed position when it displaces sufficiently to contact valve seat 110, thereby cutting off the continuous flow path (for fluids such as water). The displacement of plug 140 can be linear relative to valve seat 110 during both the first and second portions of movement.

[0041] Valve 10 also includes a spring 160 configured to bias plug 140 from a closed position to an open position. Plug 140 typically has an actuating surface 150 exposed to pressure at outlet port C, such that the pressure at outlet port C displaces plug 140 toward the closed position against the bias of spring 160. Actuating surface 150 may be a flange located at the rear of plug 140.

[0042] For example, such as Figure 1B As shown, the valve seat 110 has a cylindrical portion, and the sleeve 143 of the plug 140 also has a cylindrical portion. During the second part of the movement, the cylindrical portion of the plug 140 moves telescopically overlapping the cylindrical portion of the valve seat 110.

[0043] like Figure 1D (as well as Figure 2D and Figure 3D As shown, during the second part of the movement, which exceeds the range of the first part of the movement, the plug 140 further displaces beyond the closed position, opening a release flow path from the outlet port C through the pressure relief opening D to the area outside the valve body 100.

[0044] Figures 1A to 1D A specific configuration of the valve body 100 is depicted. In this configuration, the valve body 100 has a central portion 102 and a peripheral portion 104. The valve seat 110 and the plug 140 are configured such that the fluid flow path passes through the central portion 102 of the valve body 100 and the release flow path is located in the peripheral portion 104 of the valve body 100. The outer wall of the plug 140 can extend radially inward from the inner wall (throat) of the valve seat 110 (relative to the longitudinal axis extending through the central portion of the valve body from the inlet port to the outlet port).

[0045] Figures 2A to 2D Another configuration of the valve body 100 is depicted, wherein the valve seat 110 and the plug 140 are configured such that a continuous flow path (such as that of a fluid like water) passes through the peripheral portion 104 and at least a portion of the release flow path passes through the central portion 102. An outer wall 141 of the plug 140, such as an outer side wall 141, can extend radially outward from the valve seat 110. The valve body 100 also includes a central release conduit 103, which is positioned such that a release flow path passes between the rear wall of the plug and the central release conduit 103.

[0046] Figures 3A to 3E Another configuration of the valve body 100 is depicted, wherein the valve seat 110 and the plug 140 are configured such that a continuous flow path travels through the peripheral portion 104, and at least a portion of the release flow path travels through the central portion 102 (e.g., Figure 2A-2D The outer wall of plug 14 can extend radially outward from valve seat 110. However, in Figures 3A-3EIn this configuration, the release flow path extends through an opening in the sidewall 141 of the plug 140, rather than extending alongside the rear wall 150 of the plug 140. In one embodiment, the release flow path passes through a release window 135 in the central portion 102 of the valve body 100 to reach a release port D at a pressure of P3 (atmospheric pressure). Figure 3B ).

[0047] Typically, valve body 100 has a central portion 102 and a peripheral portion 104, and valve seat 110 and plug 140 are configured such that one of the following conditions is met: (i) a fluid flow path travels through the peripheral portion 104 of valve body 100 and at least a portion of a release flow path travels through the central portion 102 of valve body 100, or (ii) a fluid flow path travels through the central portion 102 of valve body 100 and a release flow path is located in the peripheral portion 104 of valve body 100.

[0048] According to certain embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 1-3E, Figure 2A-2D and Figures 3A-3E In the embodiments shown, the displacement of the plug 140 is unaffected by the pressure at the inlet port A. This can be achieved by configuring the edges 143A of the sleeve 143 of the plug 140 (i.e., the foremost and innermost edges of the plug 140 or sleeve 143) to be arranged relative to the throat 116 of the valve seat 110, as shown. Figure 1B As shown (this eliminates the effect of pressure from inlet port A acting on plug 140), or as Figure 2B As shown, or as Figure 3B As shown. The front edge of the sleeve 143 is positioned relative to the valve seat 110 such that the continuous flow of fluid (from inlet port A) does not affect (or does not significantly affect) the displacement of the plug 140.

[0049] Figures 1A to 1D The operation of the valve shown

[0050] The plug 140 may have a flange 150 at its rear, which serves as an actuating surface 150. This actuating surface / flange 150 also serves as a release closure. As the seal 134 moves away from the seat line 133, the plug 140 and piston 150 move through the closed position into the throat 116 and open the release port D.

[0051] The plug 140 is not affected by the upstream pressure P1 and is driven by the piston 150 pushed by the downstream pressure P2, and the plug 140 is balanced with the force of the preset spring 160.

[0052] The closed position of plug 140 begins at the point where the edge 143A of plug 140 engages with the seat lip 115.

[0053] The opening of the release port D begins as the piston seal 134 moves away from the release seat line 133.

[0054] To prevent the plug 140 from getting stuck when it meets the valve seat 110, the fit between them cannot be too tight. One option is to leave a minimal clearance. A further option is to have an additional seal (not shown) similar to the O-ring plug seal 119, in addition to the plug seal 119. This additional seal can be located between the plug 140 and the throat 116 of the valve seat 110, so that the plug 140 and the throat 116 of the valve seat 110 are sealed. This is in Figure 1C The closing position begins and continues after further displacement of plug 140, as... Figure 1D As shown. This additional seal can be an option to minimize fluid leakage by leaving a minimal gap between the plug 140 and the throat 116. The use of the additional seal will be a design consideration, depending on whether minimal leakage (due to leaving a minimal gap without the additional seal) is considered acceptable.

[0055] When the downstream pressure P2 increases, the force of the piston 150 exceeds the force of the spring 160, and the plug 140 moves to close, thereby reducing the downstream pressure P2.

[0056] If the downstream pressure P2 drops below the set point, spring 160 takes over and valve plug 140 opens, thereby restoring the downstream pressure P2. Spring 160 and plug 140 are configured such that when the pressure at outlet port C drops below the set point, plug 140 is opened by spring 160 and the continuous flow path is restored to restore the pressure P2 at outlet port C.

[0057] The lower part of valve body 100 is in Figure 1A-1D Winning bidder:

[0058] A Entry Port

[0059] B. Downstream pressure zone of throttling

[0060] C Exit Port

[0061] D pressure relief port

[0062] P1 upstream pressure

[0063] P2 downstream pressure

[0064] P3 releases pressure (atmosphere)

[0065] 100 Pressure Relief Valve Body

[0066] 110 seats

[0067] 111 ribs

[0068] 112 ribs

[0069] 115 lips

[0070] 116 seat throat

[0071] 117 partial flanges

[0072] 118 stop rib

[0073] 119 Plug Seal

[0074] 120 main entrance

[0075] 121 Seal

[0076] 125 Inlet Connection Slot

[0077] 126 Inlet flange

[0078] 130 main export components

[0079] 131 Exit Rear Wall

[0080] 132 seal

[0081] 133 Release seat

[0082] 134 Release seat

[0083] 135 Outlet Connection Slot

[0084] 136 pressure relief connection groove

[0085] 137 Exit Flange

[0086] 138 Exit Section Legs

[0087] 140 throttle plug

[0088] 150 piston

[0089] 155 stop rib

[0090] 160 spring

[0091] 170 bolt-washer-nut

[0092] Figure 2A-2D The operation of the valve shown

[0093] The plug 140 may have a rear wall 150 at its rear end, which serves as an actuating surface 150. This actuating surface 150 also serves as a release closure. The plug 140, including its rear wall 150, moves through the closed position to close the valve seat 110 and open the release port D as the seal 134 moves away from the seat line 133.

[0094] The plug 140 is not affected by the upstream pressure P1 and is driven by the actuating surface / rear wall 150 pushed by the downstream pressure P2, and the plug 140 is balanced with the force of the preset spring 160.

[0095] The closed position of the plug 140 begins at the point where the lip 145 of the plug 140 engages with the seat lip 115.

[0096] The opening of the release port D begins as the piston seal 134 moves away from the release seat line 133.

[0097] When the downstream pressure P2 increases, the force of the piston 150 exceeds the force of the spring 160, and the plug 140 moves to close, thereby reducing the downstream pressure P2.

[0098] If the downstream pressure P2 drops below the set point, spring 160 takes over and plug 140 opens, thereby restoring the downstream pressure P2. Spring 160 and plug 140 are configured such that when the pressure at outlet port C drops below the set point, plug 140 is opened by spring 160 and the continuous flow path (for fluids such as water) is restored to restore the pressure P2 at outlet port C.

[0099] Figures 3A-3E The operation of the valve shown

[0100] When the lip 145 of the valve plug 140 moves past the main valve flow closed position, it opens to the collection passage 136 and the release flow window 135 to the discharge port D, to P3 (atmosphere).

[0101] The plug 140 is not affected by the upstream pressure P1 and is driven by the cross section of the rear flange 150 of the plug 140, which is affected by the downstream pressure P2, and the plug 140 is balanced with the force of the preset spring 160.

[0102] When the plug lip 145 engages with the seat lip 115, the pressure relief plug 140 begins to close. Under the same conditions, release flow begins as the release window tip 133 moves away from the seal 134.

[0103] When the downstream pressure P2 increases, the force of the plug 140 (which is equal to the cross-section of the piston 150 multiplied by P2) exceeds the force of the spring 160, and the plug 140 moves to close, thereby reducing the downstream pressure P2.

[0104] If the downstream pressure P2 drops below the set point, the force of the spring 160 exceeds the force of the plug 140, and the plug 140 is reopened by the force of the spring 160, thereby restoring the downstream pressure P2.

[0105] The lower part of valve body 100 is in Figures 3A-3E Middle Marker:

[0106] A Entry Port

[0107] B. Downstream pressure zone of throttling

[0108] C Exit Port

[0109] D pressure relief port

[0110] P1 upstream pressure

[0111] P2 downstream pressure

[0112] P3 releases pressure (atmosphere)

[0113] 100 valve body

[0114] 105 Valve Body Flange

[0115] 106 Outlet Connection Slot

[0116] 110 Inlet Flow Diffuser

[0117] 111 ribs

[0118] 115 lips

[0119] 118 Stop Surface

[0120] 119 Plug Seal

[0121] 120 main entrance

[0122] 121 Seal

[0123] 125 Inlet Connection Slot

[0124] 126 Inlet flange

[0125] 130 release portion

[0126] 133 release window tip

[0127] 134 Release Seal

[0128] 135 Release Window

[0129] 136 Release Collection Channel

[0130] 137 Release Collection Sleeve

[0131] 140 throttle plug

[0132] 145 lip seal

[0133] 155 stop rib

[0134] 160 spring

[0135] 170 bolt-washer-nut

[0136] exist Figures 1A-3E In this embodiment, the length of sleeve 143, i.e., the sidewall 141 of plug 140, is such that, in some embodiments, plug 140 closes simultaneously with or nearly simultaneously with the opening of the release flow path along the release flow path to release port D. During the second portion of the movement, further displacement of plug 140 begins to open the release flow path just as plug 140 closes against valve seat 110.

[0137] In other forms of valve body 100, with Figure 1A-3E In contrast, the sleeve 143 of the plug 140 can be lengthened or shortened (proportional to the other parts of the valve body 100). For example, if the sleeve 143 is relative to... Figures 1A to 3E Elongation, for example Figure 4 As shown, the flow along the release flow path to the release port D only opens after plug 140 is closed. For example, in Figure 1A-1D In the illustrated embodiment, this only occurs after the plug 140 enters the throat (i.e., the inner wall) of the valve seat 110 (in a non-limiting example, after the plug 140 enters the valve seat 110 and moves 3% of its intended stroke within the valve seat 110). Therefore, in this case, the plug 140 is long enough that during the second portion of the movement, the plug 140 displaces further beyond the closed position, only beginning to open the release flow path after the plug 140 has closed against the valve seat 110. In some embodiments, the length of the sleeve 143 of the plug 140 exceeding a threshold length of the sleeve 143 (where the threshold length of the sleeve 143 is the length of the sleeve 143 such that the opening of the release flow path will occur simultaneously with the closure of the plug 140 against the valve seat 110) corresponds to a position range in which the plug 140 has closed against the valve seat 110 and the opening of the release flow path has not yet occurred.

[0138] On the other hand, such as Figure 5 As shown, if the sleeve 143 of plug 140 is relative to Figures 1A to 3E The flow along the release flow path to the release port D is shortened before plug 140 closes (as a non-limiting example, before the last 5% of its travel before plug 140 closes). In this case, the first portion of the movement or displacement of plug 140 overlaps with the second portion of the movement of plug 140. Plug 140 is short enough that its further displacement during the second portion of the movement opens the release flow path before plug 140 closes against valve seat 110.

[0139] In some embodiments, the length of the sleeve 143 being shorter than the threshold length of the sleeve 143 by an amount such that the opening of the release flow path occurs simultaneously with the closing of the plug 140 against the valve seat 110 corresponds to a position range in which the release flow path is open while the plug 140 is not closed against the valve seat 110.

[0140] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative only, and many other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pressure regulating and pressure relief valve, comprising: (a) A valve body defining an inlet port, an outlet port, a valve seat, and a pressure relief opening; (b) A pressure regulating plug configured to displace from an open position to a closed position during a first portion of movement, the open position providing a continuous flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port, the plug being closed against the valve seat to block the continuous flow path in the closed position, wherein the central portion of the valve body is located inside the plug in both the open and closed positions; (c) A spring configured to bias the plug from the closed position to the open position; A plug having an actuating surface exposed to pressure at the outlet port causes the pressure at the outlet port to displace the plug toward the closed position against the bias of the spring; During the second portion of the movement, which extends beyond the first portion of the movement, a further displacement of the plug beyond the closed position opens a release flow path from the outlet port through the pressure relief opening to the area outside the valve body.

2. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The valve body has a central portion and a peripheral portion, and the valve seat and the plug are configured such that the continuous flow path travels through the peripheral portion, and at least a portion of the release flow path travels through the central portion.

3. The valve according to claim 2, wherein, The outer wall of the plug extends radially outward from the valve seat relative to the longitudinal axis of the central portion of the valve body extending from the inlet port to the outlet port.

4. The valve according to claim 2, wherein, It also includes a central release conduit, which is positioned such that the release flow path passes between the rear wall of the plug and the central release conduit.

5. The valve according to claim 2, wherein, The release flow path extends through an opening in the sidewall of the plug.

6. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The valve body has a central portion and a peripheral portion, wherein the valve seat and the plug are configured such that the continuous flow path travels through the central portion and the release flow path is in the peripheral portion of the valve body.

7. The valve according to claim 6, wherein, The outer wall of the plug extends radially inward from the inner wall of the valve seat relative to the longitudinal axis of the central portion of the valve body extending from the inlet port to the outlet port.

8. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The peripheral portion of the valve body extends radially outward from the plug relative to the longitudinal axis of the central portion of the valve body extending from the inlet port to the outlet port.

9. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The front and inner edges of the plug sleeve are positioned relative to the valve seat so that fluid flowing through the continuous flow path does not affect the displacement of the plug.

10. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The continuous flow path is configured to start from the inlet port, pass between the valve seat and the plug, and continue to the outlet port.

11. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The actuating surface includes a flange located at the rear of the plug.

12. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, During the movement, the plug is linearly displaced relative to the valve seat.

13. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The spring and plug are configured such that when the pressure at the outlet port drops below a set point, the plug is opened by the spring, and the continuous flow path is restored to restore the pressure at the outlet port.

14. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The valve body has the central portion and the peripheral portion, and the valve seat and the plug are configured such that one of the following is true: (i) the continuous flow path travels through the peripheral portion, and at least a portion of the release flow path travels through the central portion; (ii) the continuous flow path travels through the central portion, and the release flow path is located in the peripheral portion of the valve body.

15. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The sleeve of the plug is long enough that during the second portion of the movement, the further displacement of the plug beyond the closed position only begins to open the release flow path after the plug has abutted the valve seat at the closed position, wherein the length of the sleeve of the plug beyond a threshold length of the sleeve corresponds to the range of positions where the plug abuts the valve seat and the release flow path is not open.

16. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, During the second portion of the movement, the further displacement of the plug beyond the closed position begins to open the release flow path just as the plug closes against the valve seat.

17. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The further displacement of the plug beyond the closed position opens the release flow path from the outlet port through the pressure relief opening to the region outside the valve body, while the flow from the inlet port remains blocked.

18. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure on the actuating surface exposed at the outlet port causes the plug to resist the bias of the spring and move toward the closed position, thus achieving the regulation of the pressure at the outlet port as a continuous function of the pressure at the outlet port.

19. A pressure regulating and pressure relief valve, comprising: (a) A valve body defining an inlet port, an outlet port, a valve seat, and a pressure relief opening; (b) A pressure regulating plug configured to displace from an open position to a closed position during a first portion of movement, the open position providing a continuous flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port, the plug being closed against the valve seat to block the continuous flow path in the closed position, wherein the central portion of the valve body is located inside the plug in both the open and closed positions; (c) A spring configured to bias the plug from the closed position to the open position; A plug having an actuating surface exposed to pressure at the outlet port causes the pressure at the outlet port to displace the plug toward the closed position against the bias of the spring; During the second portion of the movement, which extends beyond the first portion of the movement, a further displacement of the plug beyond the closed position opens a release flow path from the outlet port through the pressure relief opening to the area outside the valve body. The valve body has a central portion and a peripheral portion, wherein the valve seat and the plug are configured such that the continuous flow path travels through the peripheral portion, and at least a portion of the release flow path travels through the central portion. The front and inner edges of the plug are positioned relative to the valve seat so that the fluid flowing through the continuous flow path does not affect the displacement of the plug.

20. The valve according to claim 19, wherein, The peripheral portion of the valve body extends radially outward from the plug relative to the longitudinal axis of the central portion of the valve body extending from the inlet port to the outlet port.

21. A pressure regulating and pressure relief valve, comprising: (a) A valve body defining an inlet port, an outlet port, a valve seat, and a pressure relief opening; (b) A pressure regulating plug configured to displace from an open position to a closed position during a first portion of movement, the open position providing a continuous flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port, wherein in the closed position the plug is closed against the valve seat to block the continuous flow path, wherein a peripheral portion of the valve body extends radially outward from the plug relative to a longitudinal axis extending through the central portion of the valve body from the inlet port to the outlet port; (c) A spring configured to bias the plug from the closed position to the open position; A plug having an actuating surface exposed to pressure at the outlet port causes the pressure at the outlet port to displace the plug toward the closed position against the bias of the spring; During the second portion of the movement, which extends beyond the first portion of the movement, a further displacement of the plug beyond the closed position opens a release flow path from the outlet port through the pressure relief opening to the area outside the valve body.

22. A pressure regulating and pressure relief valve, comprising: (a) A valve body defining an inlet port, an outlet port, a valve seat, and a pressure relief opening; (b) A pressure regulating plug configured to displace from an open position to a closed position during a first portion of movement, the open position providing a continuous flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port, the closed position being closed against the valve seat to block the continuous flow path; (c) A spring configured to bias the plug from the closed position to the open position; A plug having an actuating surface exposed to pressure at the outlet port causes the pressure at the outlet port to displace the plug toward the closed position against the bias of the spring; During the second portion of the movement, a further displacement of the plug opens a release flow path from the outlet port through the pressure relief opening to the region outside the valve body, and wherein the sleeve of the plug is short enough that the further displacement opens the release flow path before the plug closes against the valve seat, such that the first and second portions of the movement overlap, wherein a threshold length of the sleeve is defined as the length of the sleeve such that the opening of the release flow path and the closing of the plug against the valve seat occur simultaneously, and wherein a decrease in the length of the sleeve compared to the threshold length corresponds to the range of positions where the release flow path is open but the plug is not closed against the valve seat.

23. The valve according to claim 22, wherein, The pressure on the actuating surface exposed at the outlet port causes the plug to resist the bias of the spring and move toward the closed position, thus achieving the regulation of the pressure at the outlet port as a continuous function of the pressure at the outlet port.

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