Active balancing valve for refrigeration and / or air conditioning applications

Abstract

The invention relates to an actively balanced valve for refrigeration and / or air conditioning applications. The valve comprises a valve housing (1) having an inlet orifice (11), an outlet orifice (12) and a mounting portion (13), a main valve element having a main pressure balancing orifice, and a control element at least partially defining a pressure balancing channel. Each element is slidable within the valve housing and comprises a control surface for controlling the fluid flow between the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice. The control element closes the main pressure balancing orifice of the main valve element in a closed state of the valve.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an active balancing valve for refrigeration and / or air conditioning applications. The valve includes a valve housing having an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, and a mounting portion; a main valve element having a main pressure balancing orifice; and a control element that at least partially defines a pressure balancing passage. Each element is slidable within the valve housing and includes a control surface for controlling fluid flow between the inlet and outlet orifices. The control element closes the main pressure balancing orifice of the main valve element in the closed state.

[0002] Balanced valves, as known in the prior art, are typically used as medium to large capacity expansion valves. Here, a control element in the form of a cone or piston is provided to control the valve's orifice. Due to the pressure difference between the valve's inlet and outlet, a considerable resultant force can act on the control element, thus impairing its movement and consequently degrading the valve's function. To reduce the force acting on the control element, the pressure acting on it is balanced. Therefore, pressure balancing reduces or eliminates the force required to operate the control element under high pressure differentials.

[0003] However, a known problem with balancing valves is that balancing the control element, as described, introduces a secondary leakage path. To avoid excessive leakage in the valve's closed position, a secondary seal is typically introduced. This is usually a dynamic seal located between the control element and the valve body, causing friction as the control element moves up and down. In some cases, friction from this seal may be the primary force required by the actuator used to move the control element. Therefore, the seal increases the overall force requirement, thus increasing the size and cost of the overall solution. Furthermore, friction can introduce opening and control hysteresis, limiting the valve's control accuracy.

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide an improved balancing valve that overcomes the aforementioned problems. This objective is achieved by an active balancing valve comprising the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] According to the present invention, an active balancing valve for refrigeration and / or air conditioning applications is provided. The active balancing valve includes a valve housing having an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, and a mounting portion; a main valve element having a main pressure balancing orifice; and a control element that at least partially defines a pressure balancing passage. Each element is slidable within the valve housing and includes a control surface for controlling fluid flow between the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice. In the context of the present invention, the term "control surface" refers to a portion of a component that may be in direct contact with a fluid to control the amount of corresponding fluid flow. Fluid flow can be controlled by spaced apart from another surface or by contacting the control surface with said other surface. The space or lack thereof between the control surface and the other surface controls fluid flow.

[0006] The main valve element includes a primary control surface that may be spaced apart from or in contact with the valve seat for controlling fluid flow between the inlet and outlet orifices. The control element includes a secondary control surface that may be spaced apart from or in contact with the primary pressure balancing orifice for controlling pressure propagation between the inlet, outlet, and fluid chambers. Contact with the primary pressure balancing orifice can be understood as contact with the edge of the primary pressure balancing orifice and thus closing the primary pressure balancing orifice via the secondary control surface. The control element closes the primary pressure balancing orifice of the main valve element in the closed state.

[0007] The valve according to the invention allows the use of a secondary seal that provides a seal only in the closed valve position. Furthermore, valve balancing occurs only when the valve should be open. Therefore, an active balancing valve is provided that eliminates the frictional contribution of the secondary seal, resulting in a significant reduction in actuator force requirements. Simultaneously, control hysteresis is eliminated.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control element is at least partially disposed within the main valve element. Both elements may be cylindrical, allowing the control element to slide at least partially into the main valve element through its cylindrical surface. The described cylindrical form can be interpreted broadly and may refer to a partially cylindrical or cylindrical shape.

[0009] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the control element is slidable relative to the main valve element, wherein preferably, the sliding distance corresponds to the distance between the position of the secondary control surface of the control element contacting the main pressure balance orifice and the position of the secondary stop portion of the control element contacting the main stop portion of the main valve element.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the secondary stop and the primary stop are contactable to block the fluid passage from the inlet orifice to the outlet orifice. By providing such a perfect or near-perfect fluid barrier, up to 100% perfect or near-perfect pressure balance can be achieved. Furthermore, the stop can combine two functions at the same part of the valve: blocking the fluid passage from the inlet orifice to the outlet orifice and limiting the relative movement of the two related components. This combination of functions simplifies valve manufacturing, allowing for simplified tolerance requirements.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a secondary pressure balancing orifice is disposed in the control element, between the secondary control surface and the secondary stop portion of the control element. Positioning the secondary pressure balancing orifice between the secondary control surface and the secondary stop portion ensures that a pressure balancing path can be provided through the control element, even when the stop portion of the control element and the stop portion of the main valve element are engaged to block the fluid passage from the inlet orifice to the outlet orifice.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the main valve element comprises two main valve element portions, wherein an inner main valve element portion is insertable into an outer main valve element portion and includes a main stop. The two distinct portions of the main valve element facilitate its manufacture and provide a varying inner diameter of the main valve element, which serves as a stop, a control surface, and / or a guide surface.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the two main valve element portions include fluid conduits for connecting the inlet orifice fluid to the interior of the inner main valve element portion. The fluid conduits of the main valve element portions may be positioned corresponding to the mid-diameter portion of the control element, thereby facilitating fluid flow between the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a linear actuator or a portion thereof for actuating the control element is disposed at the mounting portion.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a fluid chamber is disposed between a linear actuator on one side and a control element and a main valve element on the other side, the fluid chamber being fluidly connected to a pressure balancing channel. The positioning and geometry of the fluid chamber ensure that the pressure of the fluid inside the chamber can act on one side of the main valve element and / or the control element to balance the pressure acting on the other side of the main valve element. In particular, the area of ​​the pressure inside the fluid chamber acting in the axial direction toward the main valve element and / or the control element can be equal to the area of ​​the pressure exposed at the valve's outlet orifice acting on the main valve element and / or the control element.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a spring is provided for pressing the control element and / or the main valve element along the direction of the outlet orifice. The spring ensures that the valve remains closed in the default state, in which the actuator does not apply force to the main valve element.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the control element includes a check valve and / or the main valve element includes a seal facing the valve housing. The check valve ensures that the fluid chamber is connected to the inlet and / or outlet ports only when the pressure across the check valve exceeds a certain threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the check valve ensures that pressure balancing can be performed under reverse flow conditions, where the fluid pressure is higher at the outlet port than at the inlet port. Under these conditions, the check valve ensures that the valve is pressure balanced by opening a fluid path between the high-pressure outlet port and the fluid chamber, such that the high pressure acting on the control element and / or the main valve element at the outlet port is balanced by the same high pressure acting on the control element and / or the main valve element at the fluid chamber.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the control element may slide relative to the main valve element and / or the control element includes a large-diameter cylindrical portion and a small-diameter cylindrical portion, wherein the large-diameter cylindrical portion extends a greater distance in the axial direction of the valve than the small-diameter cylindrical portion.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a secondary pressure balancing orifice is disposed at the small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion or between the large-diameter cylindrical portion and the small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion, and / or the pressure balancing channel is connected to the secondary pressure balancing orifice. The conical portion may be disposed between the large-diameter cylindrical portion and the small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion. The secondary pressure balancing orifice may be aligned perpendicular to the pressure balancing channel.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the control element may slide relative to the main valve element and / or the control element includes a large-diameter cylindrical portion, a small-diameter cylindrical portion, a medium-diameter cylindrical portion, and a short large-diameter cylindrical portion, wherein the large-diameter cylindrical portion extends a greater distance in the axial direction of the valve than the small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion, and / or wherein the medium-diameter cylindrical portion is located between the large-diameter cylindrical portion and the short large-diameter cylindrical portion.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, another secondary pressure balancing orifice is provided at the short, large-diameter cylindrical portion, and preferably, the pressure balancing channel is connected to the other secondary pressure balancing orifice.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the large-diameter cylindrical portion and the short large-diameter cylindrical portion have the same diameter.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interior of the main valve element includes an inner small-diameter cylindrical portion and an inner large-diameter cylindrical portion, wherein the inner small-diameter cylindrical portion is longer than the inner large-diameter cylindrical portion along the axial direction of the main valve element.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the secondary stop portion of the control element is configured to contact the main stop portion of the main valve element, opposite to the small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion, and / or the fluid conduit is configured to connect the inlet orifice fluid to the interior of the main valve element.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance between the inner small-diameter cylindrical portion and the short large-diameter cylindrical portion at least partially defines the fluid passage from the inlet orifice to the outlet orifice.

[0026] Further details and advantages of the invention are disclosed in the following description of embodiments shown in the claims and drawings. The drawings illustrate:

[0027] Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 : An enlarged cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figures 3a to 3d Cross-sectional views of the first embodiment of the present invention at various valve positions;

[0030] Figure 4 : An enlarged cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figures 5a to 5c Cross-sectional views of the second embodiment of the present invention at various valve positions;

[0032] Figure 6 : An enlarged cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figures 7a to 7d Cross-sectional views of the third embodiment of the present invention at various valve positions;

[0034] Figure 8 : A cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figures 9a to 9c Cross-sectional views of the fourth embodiment of the present invention at various valve positions;

[0036] Figure 10 Flow curves describing the flow characteristics of each embodiment; and

[0037] Figure 11 : A system diagram showing a possible application of the valve according to the invention.

[0038] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an active balancing valve according to the present invention is shown. The valve includes a valve housing 1 having an inlet orifice 11, an outlet orifice 12, and a mounting portion 3. The inlet orifice 11 and the outlet orifice 12 provide fluid connection between the interior and exterior of the valve, allowing fluid to flow between the orifices 11 and 12 when the valve is open. The valve can be configured to allow fluid to flow in any direction between the two orifices 11 and 12. The term orifice can be interpreted broadly and can include multiple orifices. For example, the inlet orifice 11 includes two or more separate orifices that can be arranged circumferentially around the central axis of the valve. The inlet orifice 11 can be oriented perpendicular to the outlet orifice 12. The mounting portion 13 may include a circular opening for inserting components of the valve and / or some mounting geometry for mounting an actuator (such as a linear actuator 4). The valve may include a complete linear actuator 4 or a portion thereof for actuating the control element 2.

[0039] A fluid chamber 5 and / or a spring 7 may be disposed between the linear actuator 4 and the housing 1. The fluid within the spring 7 and / or the fluid chamber 5 can exert force on other components of the valve.

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The figure shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention. Throughout the description and drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same features for clarity. Here, components that can be inserted into the valve housing 1 are shown enlarged, including a main valve element 3 having a main pressure balancing orifice 31, and a control element 2. The control element 2 is at least partially disposed inside the main valve element 3. The upper portion of the control element 2 may remain outside the main valve element 3 to facilitate connection of the control element to a linear actuator 4.

[0041] The main pressure balancing orifice 31 of the main valve element 3 is shown closed by the control element 2 in the closed state of the valve. Inserting the secondary control surface 22 of the control element 2 into the main pressure balancing orifice 1 restricts the fluid connection between the outlet orifice 12 and the fluid chamber 5, and thus at least partially defines the pressure balancing passage 21 between the outlet orifice 12 and the fluid chamber 5. In other words, the position of the control element 2 within the main valve element 3 alters the extent to which pressure can propagate between the fluid chamber 5 and orifices 1 and 12, resulting in pressure balancing of the control element 2 and / or the main valve element 3.

[0042] Pressure balance channel 21 can be understood as Figure 1 The fluid chamber 5 shown is a partial or complete fluid channel between the fluid chamber 5 and the main pressure balance orifice 1.

[0043] The control element 2 and the main valve element 3 can be slidably arranged inside the valve housing 1. Each of these elements 2 and 3 may include at least one control surface 22 or 32 for controlling fluid flow between the inlet orifice 11 and the outlet orifice 12.

[0044] The control element 2 is slidable relative to the main valve element 3. The sliding distance corresponds to the distance between the position of the main pressure balance orifice 31 contacting the secondary control surface 22 of the control element 2 and the position of the main stop portion 33 of the main valve element 3 contacting the secondary stop portion 23 of the control element 2. The secondary stop portion 23 of the control element 2 may include at least a partially rounded edge that can abut against a corresponding portion of the main stop portion 33 of the main valve element 3.

[0045] The secondary stop 23 and the main stop 33 can contact each other to block the fluid passage from the inlet orifice 11 to the outlet orifice 12. In this case, the two stops 23 and 33 may include contact planes respectively arranged along the circumferential direction of the control element 2 and the main valve element 3. When the contact planes approach and eventually contact each other, the gap between these planes is minimized, such that no fluid flow or only negligible fluid flow can pass through the stops 23 and 33 at the point of contact.

[0046] Pressure can then be transmitted from the outlet orifice 12 to the fluid chamber 5 via a secondary pressure balancing orifice 24, which is located in the control element 2 and between the secondary control surface 22 and the secondary stop 23 of the control element 2. Figure 2 In the case shown, the outlet orifice 2 is fluidly closed by the control surface 22 of the main pressure balancing orifice 31 and the main control surface 32 of the valve seat 14.

[0047] The main valve element 3 may include two main valve element portions 34 and 35. Here, the inner main valve element portion 35 is inserted into the outer main valve element portion 34. The inner main valve element portion 35 includes a main stop 33. Both main valve element portions include fluid conduits 36 and 37 for fluidly connecting the inlet orifice 11 to the interior of the inner main valve element portion 35. The inner main valve element portion 35 may include at least one inner fluid conduit 37, and the outer main valve element portion 4 may include at least one outer fluid conduit 36. A circumferential gap may be provided between the fluid conduits 36 and 37 to facilitate fluid connection between them.

[0048] Figures 3a to 3d A cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention at various valve positions is shown. Figure 3a The valve is shown in the fully closed position. Here, the linear actuator 4 has pushed the control element 2 to its lowest position, effectively pressing the main valve element 3 against the valve seat 14, causing the main control surface 32 to close the fluid path between the inlet orifice 11 and the outlet orifice 12. Simultaneously, the secondary control surface 22 contacts the main pressure balancing orifice 31 to close another fluid path between the outlet orifice 12 and both the inlet orifice 11 and the fluid chamber 5. The secondary pressure balancing orifice 24 and the pressure balancing passage 21 fluidly connect the fluid chamber 5 to the inlet orifice 11.

[0049] Figure 3bThe valve is shown in a partially pressure-balanced position. Here, actuator 4 has moved control element 2 upwards, so that secondary control surface 22 is no longer in contact with primary pressure balancing orifice 31. Both inlet orifice 11 and outlet orifice 12 are connected to fluid chamber 5 via secondary pressure balancing orifice 24 and pressure balancing passage 21. The pressure inside fluid chamber 5 is determined by the difference between the pressure difference between inlet orifice 11 and secondary balancing orifice 24 on one side and the pressure difference between outlet orifice 12 and secondary balancing orifice 24 on the other side. Since the pressure difference between inlet orifice 11 and secondary balancing orifice 24 can be greater than the pressure difference between outlet orifice 12 and secondary balancing orifice 24 depending on the position of control element 2 within main valve element 3, the pressure inside fluid chamber 5 can be closer to the pressure at outlet orifice 12 than the pressure at inlet orifice 11.

[0050] Figure 3c The valve is shown in a fully pressure-balanced position. Actuator 4 has moved the control element further upward, causing the secondary stop 23 to contact the primary stop 33. Since stops 3 and 33 are in contact with each other, no fluid flow or only negligible fluid flow can pass through stops 23 and 33, allowing only outlet orifice 12 to communicate with fluid chamber 5 via secondary pressure-balanced orifice 24 and pressure-balanced passage 21. The pressure inside fluid chamber 5 is determined by the pressure difference between outlet orifice 12 and secondary pressure-balanced orifice 24. The pressure inside fluid chamber 5 can be close to or equal to the pressure at outlet orifice 12. The valve is now fully pressure-balanced, minimizing the force required to lift the main valve element 3 from valve seat 14. To achieve full balance, the area affected by the pressure on the fluid chamber 5 side of the main valve element 3 and / or control element 2 and the area affected by the pressure on the outlet orifice 12 side can be selected to be equal.

[0051] Figure 3d The valve is shown in the fully open position. Control element 2 has raised the main valve element so that the main control surface 32 is no longer in contact with the valve seat 14. In this position, fluid flow between the inlet orifice 11 and the outlet orifice 12 encounters minimal resistance.

[0052] Figure 4An enlarged cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention is shown. Here, as in the previous example, the control element 2 is slidable relative to the main valve element 3. The control element 2 includes a large-diameter cylindrical portion 25 and a small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion 26. These two sections 25, 26 can extend over almost the entire length of the control element 2. As an example, these two cylindrical portions can extend over 80% or 90% or more of the length of the control element 2. The term "cylindrical" can be broadly understood throughout the specification unless otherwise stated, such that the cylindrical portions 5, 26 may include fluid channels and / or grooves or other features, which may indicate some deviation from a perfect cylindrical form. Although in Figure 4 While not clearly visible in the magnified view, the large-diameter cylindrical portion 25 extends a greater distance in the axial direction of the valve than the small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion 26. The axial direction of the valve can correspond to... Figure 4 The vertical direction.

[0053] Similar to the previous embodiment, a secondary pressure balancing orifice 24 is provided. The pressure balancing orifice 24 is located between the large-diameter cylindrical portion 25 and the small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion 26. Alternatively or additionally, the secondary pressure balancing orifice 24 may be located at the small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion 26. In any case, the pressure balancing channel 21 is connected to the secondary pressure balancing orifice 4 to, as follows: Figures 5a to 5c A fluid connection is formed between the fluid chamber 5 at the top of the control element 2 and the bottom of the control element 2 (corresponding to the secondary control surface 22 of the control element 2). A fluid conduit 36 ​​is provided for connecting the inlet orifice 11 to the interior of the main valve element 3.

[0054] Figures 5a to 5c A cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention at various valve positions is shown. Figure 5a The valve is shown in the fully closed position. Here, the linear actuator 4 has pushed the control element 2 to its lowest position, effectively pressing the main valve element 3 against the valve seat 14, causing the main control surface 32 to close the fluid path between the inlet orifice 11 and the outlet orifice 12. Simultaneously, the secondary control surface 22 contacts the main pressure balancing orifice 31 to close another fluid path between the outlet orifice 12 and both the inlet orifice 11 and the fluid chamber 5. The secondary pressure balancing orifice 24 and the pressure balancing passage 21 fluidly connect the fluid chamber 5 to the inlet orifice 11.

[0055] Figure 5b The valve is shown in its pressure equilibrium position. Here, when... Figure 5aCompared to the situation shown, actuator 4 has already moved control element 2 upwards. Secondary control surface 22 no longer contacts main pressure balancing orifice 31. Both inlet orifice 11 and outlet orifice 12 are connected to fluid chamber 5 via secondary pressure balancing orifice 24 and pressure balancing channel 21. The pressure inside fluid chamber 5 is determined by the difference between the pressure difference between inlet orifice 11 and secondary balancing orifice 24 on one side and the pressure difference between outlet orifice 12 and secondary balancing orifice 24 on the other side. Since the pressure difference between inlet orifice 11 and secondary balancing orifice 24 can be greater than the pressure difference between outlet orifice 12 and secondary balancing orifice 24, the pressure inside fluid chamber 5 can be closer to the pressure at outlet orifice 12 than the pressure at inlet orifice 11. Since the areas on which the pressure at fluid chamber 5 and the pressure at outlet orifice 12 act on control element 2 and / or main valve element 3 can be chosen to be equal, the resultant forces on control element 2 and / or main valve element 3 are balanced, allowing for at least partial pressure balance.

[0056] Figure 5c The valve is shown in the fully open position. Actuator 4 has moved control element 2 further upward so that main control surface 32 is no longer in contact with valve seat 14. In this position, fluid flow between inlet orifice 11 and outlet orifice 12 encounters minimal resistance.

[0057] As a key difference between the first and second embodiments, in the second embodiment, the stop portions 23 and 33 are positioned at the ends opposite to the secondary control surface 2, close to the main valve element 3 and the control element 2. Figure 5a Stoppers 23 and 33 are shown as spaced apart, while in Figure b and Figure 5c The secondary stop 23 contacts the main stop 33. By bringing the stop portions 23 and 33 of the control element 2 and the main valve element 3 into contact, the control element 2 can apply force to the main valve element 3 so that both elements 2 and 3 move toward the actuator 4.

[0058] Figure 6An enlarged cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the invention is shown. Again, as in the previous embodiments, the control element 2 is slidable relative to the main valve element 3. In the third embodiment, the control element 2 includes a large-diameter cylindrical portion 25, a small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion 26, a medium-diameter cylindrical portion 27, and a short large-diameter cylindrical portion 28. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 25 extends a greater distance in the axial direction of the valve than the small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion 26, and may represent the longest portion of the control element 2. The medium-diameter cylindrical portion 27 is located between the large-diameter cylindrical portion 25 and the short large-diameter cylindrical portion 28. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 25 and the short large-diameter cylindrical portion 28 may have equal diameters. The diameter referred to is the outer diameter of a given portion, since the inner diameters of the portions may be the same.

[0059] Another secondary pressure balancing orifice 24' is provided at the short, large-diameter cylindrical portion 28, and the pressure balancing channel 21 is connected to the other secondary pressure balancing orifice 24'. Alternatively or additionally, the other secondary pressure balancing orifice 24' may be located at the small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion 26.

[0060] The main valve element 3 internally includes an inner small-diameter cylindrical portion 38 and an inner large-diameter cylindrical portion 39. The inner small-diameter cylindrical portion 38 may be longer than the inner large-diameter cylindrical portion 39 in the axial direction of the main valve element. The axial distance between the inner small-diameter cylindrical portion 38 of the main valve element 3 and the short large-diameter cylindrical portion 28 of the control element 2 defines the fluid flow path between the inlet orifice 11 and another secondary pressure balancing orifice 24' and / or the outlet orifice 12. The closer the edge of the inner small-diameter cylindrical portion 38 is to the edge of the short large-diameter cylindrical portion 28, the greater the flow resistance between the inlet orifice 11 and the other secondary pressure balancing orifice 24' and / or the outlet orifice.

[0061] In the second and third embodiments, the secondary stop portion 23 of the control element 2 is configured to be opposite to the small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion 26, and is used to contact the main stop portion 3 of the main valve element 3.

[0062] Figures 7a to 7d A cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the present invention at various valve positions is shown. Figure 7aThe valve is shown in the fully closed position. Here, the linear actuator 4 has pushed the control element 2 to its lowest position, thereby pressing the main valve element 3 against the valve seat 14, causing the main control surface 32 to close the fluid path between the inlet orifice 11 and the outlet orifice 12. Simultaneously, the secondary control surface 22 contacts the main pressure balancing orifice 31 to close another fluid path between the outlet orifice 12 and both the inlet orifice 1 and the fluid chamber 5. Another secondary pressure balancing orifice 24' and pressure balancing passage 21 fluidly connect the fluid chamber 5 to the inlet orifice 11.

[0063] In the third embodiment, the distance A between the inner small-diameter cylindrical portion 38 and the short large-diameter cylindrical portion 28 at least partially defines the fluid passage from the inlet orifice 11 to the outlet orifice 12. Figure 7a In the case shown, distance A is at its maximum value, while the secondary control surface 22 is in contact with the main pressure balance orifice 31. Outlet 12 is not connected to the fluid chamber 5.

[0064] Figure 7b The valve is shown in a partially pressure-balanced position. Here, actuator 4 has moved control element 2 upwards, so that secondary control surface 22 is no longer in contact with primary pressure balancing orifice 31. Both inlet orifice 11 and outlet orifice 12 are connected to fluid chamber 5 via secondary pressure balancing orifice 24' and pressure balancing passage 21. The pressure inside fluid chamber 5 is determined by the difference between the pressure difference between inlet orifice 1 and secondary balancing orifice 24 on one side and the pressure difference between outlet orifice 12 and secondary balancing orifice 24 on the other side. Since the pressure difference between inlet orifice 11 and secondary balancing orifice 24 can be greater than the pressure difference between outlet orifice 12 and secondary balancing orifice 24, the pressure inside fluid chamber 5 can be closer to the pressure at outlet orifice 12 than the pressure at inlet orifice 11.

[0065] Figure 7c The valve is shown in a fully pressure-balanced position. Actuator 4 has moved the control element further upward, causing the secondary stop 23 to contact the primary stop 33. The pressure inside the fluid chamber 5 is determined by the pressure difference between the outlet orifice 12 and the secondary balancing orifice 24. The pressure inside the fluid chamber 5 can be close to or equal to the pressure at the outlet orifice 12. The valve is now at least partially pressure-balanced because the flow from the inlet orifice 11 toward the other secondary orifice 24' is minimized, thus minimizing the force required to lift the main valve element 3 from the valve seat 14.

[0066] Figure 7d The valve is shown in the fully open position. Control element 2 has raised the main valve element so that the main control surface 32 is no longer in contact with the valve seat 14. In this position, fluid flow between the inlet orifice 11 and the outlet orifice 12 encounters minimal resistance.

[0067] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown. The main difference between the fourth embodiment and the previous embodiments is that the fluid passage 21 is not located inside the control element 2, but rather between the outer surface of the control element 2 and the inner surface of the main valve element 3. The main valve element 3 includes a main pressure balancing orifice 31, but lacks the previously shown fluid conduits 36, 37 for connecting the inlet orifice 11 to the interior of the main valve element 3. The control element 2 includes a check valve 6.

[0068] Figures 9a to 9c A cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention at various valve positions is shown. Figure 9a The valve is shown in the fully closed position. Here, the linear actuator 4 has pushed the control element 2 to its lowest position, effectively pressing the main valve element 3 against the valve seat 14, causing the main control surface 32 to close the fluid path between the inlet orifice 11 and the outlet orifice 12. Simultaneously, the secondary control surface 22 contacts the main pressure balancing orifice 31 to close another fluid path between the outlet orifice 12 and the fluid chamber 5.

[0069] Figure 9b The valve is shown in the fully open position. Actuator 4 has moved control element 2 upwards so that the main control surface 32 is no longer in contact with valve seat 14. In this position, fluid flow between inlet orifice 1 and outlet orifice 12 encounters minimal resistance. Since the main pressure balancing orifice 31 is not in contact with the secondary control surface 22, the pressure balancing passage 21 fluidly connects fluid chamber 5 to outlet orifice 12.

[0070] Figure 9c The valve is shown in a reverse flow condition. There is now high pressure at outlet orifice 12 and low pressure at inlet orifice 11. The high pressure acts on check valve 6, causing pressure balance to occur through it. Secondary control surface 22 can then no longer contact the main pressure balance orifice 31. Outlet orifice 12 communicates with fluid chamber 5 via pressure balance passage 21. The pressure inside fluid chamber 5 can be close to or equal to the pressure at outlet orifice 12.

[0071] Figure 10 Flow curves describing the flow characteristics of various embodiments are shown. The graphs represent valve opening as a percentage and valve lift as a percentage. Here, valve lift may refer to the lift of the aforementioned control element 2. Solid lines represent the flow curve of the first embodiment, dotted lines represent the flow curve of the second embodiment, dashed lines represent the flow curve of the third embodiment, and chain lines represent the flow curve of the fourth embodiment.

[0072] Figure 11A system diagram showing possible applications of the valve according to the invention is illustrated. When the valve is used in the context of refrigeration and / or air conditioning applications, position 1) indicates that the valve is used as a bypass for reducing pressure drop or as a steam control device for controlling condenser temperature. When the valve is used in position 2), the valve can be used for the same purpose.

[0073] When the valve is used in position 3), it can provide control over the overheating process or provide a boost function for rapid air conditioning cooling. When the valve is used in position 4), it can again provide control over the overheating process or provide a rapid charge boost function.

[0074] This invention is not limited to this embodiment, but can be adapted in various ways. All features disclosed in the claims, specification, and drawings (including construction details and spatial arrangements) may be related to the invention individually or in various combinations thereof.

[0075] Figure Labels

[0076] 1. Shell

[0077] 2. Control Components

[0078] 3. Main valve components

[0079] 4 Linear Actuator

[0080] 5 Fluid Chamber

[0081] 6. Check valve

[0082] 7. Springs

[0083] 11. Inlet opening

[0084] 12. Outlet orifice

[0085] 13 Installation Section

[0086] 21 Pressure Balance Channel

[0087] 22 secondary control surfaces

[0088] 23 Secondary stop section

[0089] 24 Secondary pressure balance orifices

[0090] 24' Another secondary pressure balancing orifice

[0091] 25 Large-diameter cylindrical sections

[0092] 26 Small-diameter cylindrical or conical parts

[0093] 27. Medium diameter cylindrical section

[0094] 28. Short, large-diameter cylindrical section

[0095] 31 Main pressure balance orifice

[0096] 32 Main control surface

[0097] 33 Main stop section

[0098] 34 External main valve component section

[0099] 35 Internal main valve component section

[0100] 36, 37 Fluid conduits

[0101] 38. Internal small-diameter cylindrical section

[0102] 39. Internal large-diameter cylindrical section

Claims

1. An active balancing valve for refrigeration and / or air conditioning applications, the active balancing valve comprising: Valve housing (1) having an inlet orifice (11), an outlet orifice (12), and a mounting portion (13). The main valve element (3) has a main pressure balancing orifice (31), and Control element (2), which at least partially defines the pressure balance channel (21), wherein, Each element (2, 3) is slidable within the valve housing (1) and includes a control surface for controlling fluid flow between the inlet orifice (11) and the outlet orifice (12), wherein, When the valve is closed, the main pressure balance orifice (31) of the main valve element (3) is closed by the control element (2). in, The pressure balancing channel (21) provides a fluid connection between the fluid chamber (5) at the top of the control element (2) and the bottom of the control element (2), wherein the positioning and geometry of the fluid chamber (5) ensure that the pressure of the fluid inside the chamber (5) can act on one side of the main valve element (3) and the control element (2) to balance the pressure acting on the other side of the main valve element (3), wherein the pressure balancing channel (21) is controlled via the control element (2) so that the balance occurs only when the valve should be opened.

2. The active balancing valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control element (2) is at least partially disposed inside the main valve element (3).

3. The active balancing valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control element (2) is able to slide relative to the main valve element (3).

4. The active balancing valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sliding distance that the control element (2) can slide relative to the main valve element (3) corresponds to the distance between the position of the secondary control surface (22) of the control element (2) contacting the main pressure balance orifice (31) and the position of the secondary stop (23) of the control element (2) contacting the main stop (33) of the main valve element (3).

5. The active balancing valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The secondary stop (23) and the main stop (33) can contact each other to block the fluid passage from the inlet orifice (11) to the outlet orifice (12).

6. The active balancing valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The secondary pressure balance orifice (24) is disposed in the control element (2), between the secondary control surface (22) and the secondary stop (23) of the control element (2).

7. The active balancing valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main valve element (3) includes two main valve element parts, wherein the inner main valve element part (35) can be inserted into the outer main valve element part (34) and includes the main stop (33).

8. The active balancing valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, These two main valve element sections include fluid conduits (36, 37) for fluidly connecting the inlet orifice (11) to the interior of the internal main valve element section (35).

9. The active balancing valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A linear actuator (4) or a portion thereof for actuating the control element (2) is disposed at the mounting portion (13).

10. The active balancing valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The fluid chamber (5) is disposed between the linear actuator (4) on one side and the control element (2) and the main valve element (3) on the other side, and the fluid chamber (5) is fluidly connected to the pressure balance channel (21).

11. The active balancing valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A spring (7) is provided to press the control element (2) and / or the main valve element (3) in the direction of the outlet orifice (12).

12. The active balancing valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control element (2) includes a check valve (6) and / or the main valve element (3) includes a seal facing the valve housing (1).

13. The active balancing valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control element (2) is slidable relative to the main valve element (3) and / or the control element (2) includes a large-diameter cylindrical portion (25) and a small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion (26), wherein the large-diameter cylindrical portion (25) extends a greater distance in the axial direction of the valve than the small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion (26).

14. The active balancing valve according to claim 13, characterized in that, The secondary pressure balancing orifice (24) is located at the small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion (26) or between the large-diameter cylindrical portion (25) and the small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion (26), and / or the pressure balancing channel (21) is connected to the secondary pressure balancing orifice (24).

15. The active balancing valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control element (2) is slidable relative to the main valve element (3) and / or the control element (2) includes a large-diameter cylindrical portion (25), a small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion (26), a medium-diameter cylindrical portion (27), and a short large-diameter cylindrical portion (28), wherein the large-diameter cylindrical portion (25) extends a greater distance in the axial direction of the valve than the small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion (26), and / or wherein the medium-diameter cylindrical portion (27) is located between the large-diameter cylindrical portion (25) and the short large-diameter cylindrical portion (28).

16. The active balancing valve according to claim 15, characterized in that, Another secondary pressure balancing orifice (24') is located at the short, large-diameter cylindrical section (28).

17. The active balancing valve according to claim 16, characterized in that, The pressure balancing channel (21) is connected to the other secondary pressure balancing port (24').

18. The active balancing valve according to claim 15, characterized in that, The large-diameter cylindrical section (25) and the short large-diameter cylindrical section (28) have the same diameter.

19. The active balancing valve according to claim 15, characterized in that, The main valve element (3) includes an inner small-diameter cylindrical portion (38) and an inner large-diameter cylindrical portion (39), wherein the inner small-diameter cylindrical portion (38) is longer than the inner large-diameter cylindrical portion (39) in the axial direction of the main valve element.

20. The active balancing valve according to claim 13, characterized in that, The secondary stop (23) of the control element (2) is configured to be opposite to the small-diameter cylindrical or conical portion (26) and to contact the main stop (33) of the main valve element (3), and / or the fluid conduit (36) is configured to fluidly connect the inlet orifice (11) to the interior of the main valve element (3).

21. The active balancing valve according to claim 19, characterized in that, The distance between the inner small-diameter cylindrical portion (38) and the short large-diameter cylindrical portion (28) at least partially defines the fluid passage from the inlet orifice (11) to the outlet orifice (12).

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