Valve with flow guide insert

Abstract

A valve (1) is disclosed comprising a valve housing (2) having a first port (4) and a second port (5) and housing a valve element (8) movable between a first end position and a second end position. The valve element (8) is movable along the first opening (13) towards the second port (5), and the valve (1) further comprises at least one first flow guide insert (15) mounted in the valve housing (2) in a flow path interconnecting the first port (4) and the second port (5), for example between the first opening (13) and the second port (5), close to the first opening (13), in order to guide a fluid flow, and at least one second flow guide insert (15) mounted in the valve housing (2), close to the second opening (5), in a flow path interconnecting the first port (4) and the second port (5), for example between the first opening (13) and the second port (5). The fluid flow is conducted, for example, towards or away from the first opening (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve having a valve housing that houses a movable valve element for controlling the fluid flow through the valve. The valve according to the present invention is provided with at least one flow guiding insert. Background Art

[0002] Controllable valves typically include a movable valve element housed in a valve housing in such a way that the movement of the valve element controls the fluid flow through the valve. For example, the position of the movable valve element can determine at least one opening degree of the valve. The movement of the valve element, and thus the fluid flow through the valve, can be controlled by appropriately controlling an actuator operably connected to the movable valve element.

[0003] The valve element can, for example, move along at least one opening formed inside the valve such that the position of the valve element relative to the opening defines the cross-sectional dimension of the opening through which fluid can flow, thereby defining the opening degree of the valve relative to the fluid connection including the opening.

[0004] Regions close to these openings may define sudden obstacles and / or changes in the cross-section of the flow path. This can generate turbulence and / or other undesirable flow effects, such as hammering, in the fluid flowing through the valve. This is especially a problem in valves with high flow rates. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a valve in which the risk of turbulence and / or other undesirable flow effects in the fluid flowing through the valve is reduced.

[0006] The present invention provides a valve that includes a valve housing having a first port and a second port, the valve housing housing a valve element that is movable between a first end position and a second end position, the first end position defining a fully open fluid connection between the first port and the second port, and the second end position defining a fully closed fluid connection between the first port and the second port, and wherein an intermediate position of the valve element defines a partially open fluid connection between the first port and the second port,

[0007] wherein the valve element is positioned between the first port and the second port, and wherein the valve further includes at least one first flow guiding insert that is installed in the valve housing in a flow path interconnecting the first port and the second port so as to guide the fluid flow in the flow path.

[0008] The valve element can, for example, be movable along a first opening towards the second port, and wherein at least one first flow guiding insert can be installed in the valve housing in the flow path interconnecting the first opening and the second port close to the first opening so as to direct the fluid flow towards or away from the first opening.

[0009] Thus, the valve according to the present invention comprises a valve housing having a first port and a second port, and the valve thus defines a fluid connection between the first port and the second port. The fluid flowing through the valve can flow in either direction, i.e., from the first port serving as the fluid inlet to the second port serving as the fluid outlet, or from the second port serving as the fluid inlet to the first port serving as the liquid outlet. Depending on the requirements at a given point in time, the direction of fluid flow through the valve can even be selected.

[0010] The valve housing houses a valve element that is movable between a first end position and a second end position. The first end position defines a fully open fluid connection between the first port and the second port, and the second end position defines a fully closed fluid connection between the first port and the second port. Thus, when the valve element is in the second end position, the fluid connection between the first port and the second port is completely closed and no fluid flows in the fluid connection. If the valve element is moved away from the second end position, the fluid connection between the first port and the second port gradually opens until the first end position is reached, at which the fluid connection is fully open. Thus, when the valve element is arranged in an intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position, the fluid connection between the first port and the second port is partially open. Thus, the position of the valve element determines the fluid flow rate through the fluid connection between the first port and the second port, and thus the fluid flow rate through the valve. In other words, the position of the valve element determines the opening degree of the valve.

[0011] The valve element is positioned between the first port and the second port, and the valve further comprises at least one first flow guide insert that is mounted in the valve housing and located in the flow path interconnecting the first port and the second port. Thus, the at least one first flow guide insert guides the fluid flow in this flow path.

[0012] The valve element is capable of moving along a first opening towards the second port, and thus the first opening is arranged in or forms part of the fluid connection between the first port and the second port. Thus, in this case, the position of the valve element relative to the first opening defines the cross-sectional dimension of the first opening through which fluid can flow, and thus the opening degree of the valve relative to the fluid connection between the first port and the second port. For example, the valve element can be moved along the first opening in such a way that the position of the valve element relative to the first opening determines the size of the portion of the first opening covered by the valve element and how much of the first opening is left for the fluid to pass through. For example, the movement of the movable valve element can occur along a direction substantially parallel to the plane defined by the first opening, where the fluid flow through the first opening occurs substantially perpendicular to the plane. Thus, the valve element can be regarded as sliding along the first opening.

[0013] In this case, at least one first flow guiding insert may be installed within the valve housing in the flow path connecting the first opening and the second port in the region close to the first opening. Thus, according to this embodiment, depending on the direction of fluid flow in the fluid connection between the first port and the second port, the at least one first flow guiding insert guides the fluid flow from the first opening towards the second port or from the second port towards the first opening.

[0014] The guidance of the fluid flow provided by the at least one first flow guiding insert ensures that the fluid flow in the flow path interconnecting the first port and the second port, for example the fluid flow in the region close to the first opening, is smooth and substantially free of sudden obstructions and / or changes in the cross-section of the flow path. Thus, the risk of introducing turbulence and / or other undesired flow effects such as water hammer in the fluid flowing through the valve is minimized. This improves the performance of the valve and reduces the risk of noise, even at high flow rates of the valve.

[0015] Furthermore, since the guidance of the fluid flow is provided by an insert, i.e. by a separate element rather than by features directly formed in the valve housing, it can be obtained in an accurate and cost-effective manner. For example, the flow guiding insert can be easily manufactured in a desired shape and size, providing the desired guidance of the fluid flow while using a standard or common valve housing and matching the requirements of a particular valve used in a specific environment. Thus, various customized valves can be provided using standard parts, achieving this without unduly increasing the manufacturing cost. In addition, at least one flow guiding insert can be retrofitted onto an existing valve, thereby improving the performance of the existing valve.

[0016] The at least one first flow guiding insert may define a tapered inner surface, and the cross-sectional diameter of the flow path passing through the at least one first flow guiding insert may increase in a direction away from the first opening.

[0017] The tapered inner surface may provide a smooth transition between the cross-section defined by the first opening and the cross-sectional area defined by the flow path interconnecting the first opening and the second port.

[0018] According to this embodiment, the cross-sectional diameter defined by the first opening may be smaller than the cross-sectional diameter defined by the flow path interconnecting the first opening and the second port. The tapered inner surface of the at least one first flow guiding insert provides a smooth transition between the smaller cross-sectional diameter of the first opening and the larger cross-sectional diameter of the flow path interconnecting the first opening and the second port, thereby minimizing the risk of turbulence and / or other undesired flow effects.

[0019] At least one first flow guiding insert may be made of a composite material. The composite material may be, for example, a polymer-based material such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), glass-filled polymer (GF), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), or a combination of two or more of these materials. As is well known, such composite materials are durable, low-cost, and lightweight. Thus, forming the first flow guiding insert from a composite material makes the flow guiding insert durable and lightweight and can be manufactured at low cost. In addition, it is easy to manufacture flow guiding inserts with shapes and sizes that match the various requirements of the valve, such as in terms of flow characteristics.

[0020] Other parts of the valve, such as the valve housing and / or the valve element, may also be made of a composite material. For example, the valve element may be made of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU). For example, this will allow for the provision of a valve element with a complex shape in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0021] The first opening may be provided with a lip along the edge of the first opening, and the lip abuts against the valve element at least in the region close to the first opening. According to this embodiment, when the valve element moves along the first opening, it remains adjacent to the lip along the edge of the opening. This ensures that when the valve element is in a given position, the cross-sectional dimensions and shape of the first opening available for fluid flow are well defined. Thus, a very well-defined opening degree is obtained, resulting in very accurate and reliable flow characteristics of the valve. In addition, the lip allows the flow characteristics of the valve to be designed to meet certain requirements. For example, the flow characteristics may be linear, but alternative flow characteristics may also be obtained. Thus, the valve can be controlled in a very precise and reliable manner. In addition, the abutment between the valve element and the lip can reduce the risk of internal leakage in the region close to the movable valve element.

[0022] In the present context, the term "lip" should be interpreted as a relatively narrow feature arranged along the edge of the opening. For example, the lip may be formed as a protrusion on the part of the valve forming the opening and may be directly molded as part of the part during the manufacturing process. As an alternative, the lip may be a separate part mounted on the part of the valve forming the opening.

[0023] Thus, since the abutment between the valve element and the edge of the first opening is obtained by means of a lip arranged along the edge of the opening, during the movement of the valve element, due to the relatively small potential contact area, for example in the case of deposited impurities, the risk of friction between the valve element and the adjacent parts of the valve is minimized, thereby reducing adhesion or the like that may affect the valve control accuracy and enabling precise control of the valve.

[0024] The lip can follow a conical or curved path along the edge of the first opening. For example, the edge can follow a conical or curved path, and the lip can follow the path of the edge. This conical or curved path ensures that the opening and closing of the fluid connection between the first port and the second port are performed smoothly, thereby significantly reducing the risk of undesired flow effects (such as water hammer). In addition, the conical or curved path can be designed in such a way as to provide a substantially linear relationship between the position of the valve element and the fluid flow rate through the first opening, making it easier to precisely control the valve.

[0025] The first opening can have a shape that is narrower in the region near the second end position than in the region near the first end position. According to this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the first opening is such that when the valve element is in a position near the second end position, i.e., when it is approaching the fully closed position, a narrow opening or flow channel is defined. On the other hand, when the valve element approaches the first end position, i.e., when it is approaching the fully open position, a wider opening or flow channel is defined. This ensures that when the valve element is moved away from the second end position, thereby opening the channel through the first opening, this results in a gradual and smooth opening of the channel. Similarly, when the valve element is moved towards the second end position, thereby closing the channel through the first opening, this also occurs in a progressive and smooth manner.

[0026] For example, the first opening can have a substantially triangular shape, or a shape similar to a triangle, where one or more of the edges of the triangle are curved. Alternatively, the first opening can have a stepped shape.

[0027] The edge of the first opening can follow a smooth curve between the region near the first end position and the region near the second end position. According to this embodiment, it is ensured that when the valve element moves between the first end position and the second end position, the cross-sectional dimension of the flow channel through the first opening does not change suddenly. This provides well-defined flow characteristics, enables accurate and reliable control of the valve, and significantly reduces the risk of undesired flow effects (such as water hammer).

[0028] At least one first flow guide insert can be provided with a mounting interface configured to engage with a mating mounting interface formed in the flow path interconnecting the first port and the second port. According to this embodiment, by arranging the mounting interface of the flow guide insert to engage with the mating mounting interface of the flow path, at least one first flow guide insert is installed in the flow path interconnecting the first port and the second port. This ensures that at least one first flow guide insert is correctly and accurately installed in the flow path interconnecting the first port and the second port. In addition, this ensures that at least one first flow guide insert does not rotate relative to the valve housing.

[0029] The valve can be a three-way valve, and the valve housing can also have a third port, and the first end position can define a fully closed fluid connection between the first port and the third port, the second end position can define a fully open fluid connection between the first port and the third port, and an intermediate position of the valve element can define a partially open fluid connection between the first port and each of the second port and the third port.

[0030] According to this embodiment, the valve can establish a fluid connection between the first port and each of the second port and the third port. Thus, in the case where the first port forms the fluid inlet of the valve, each of the second port and the third port forms a liquid outlet of the valve. In this case, the fluid flow received in the valve through the first port can be selectively distributed to the second port and / or the third port. In the case where the first port forms the fluid outlet of the valve, each of the second port and the third port forms a liquid inlet of the valve. In this case, the fluids received in the valve via the second port and the third port respectively can be mixed before being supplied to the first port.

[0031] The valve element is also capable of moving along the second opening towards the third port. In this case, the valve element is capable of moving along the first opening towards the second port and along the second opening towards the third port. Thus, the position of the valve element basically determines the fluid flow in the fluid connection between the first port and the second port, and the liquid flow in the fluid connection between the first port and the third port in the above-described manner.

[0032] When the valve element is in the first end position, the fluid connection between the first port and the second port is fully open, while the fluid connection between the first port and the third port is fully closed. On the other hand, when the valve element is in the second end position, the fluid connection between the first port and the third port is fully open, while the fluid connection between the first port and the second port is fully closed. Thus, when the valve element moves from the first end position towards the second end position, the fluid connection between the first port and the second port gradually closes, while the fluid connection between the first port and the third port gradually opens. Similarly, when the valve element moves from the second end position towards the first end position, the fluid connection between the first port and the second port gradually opens, while the fluid connection between the first port and the third port gradually closes.

[0033] For example, a three-way valve can be used in a heat pump or other applications that may require mixing fluid flows.

[0034] The valve may further include at least one second flow guiding insert, which is installed in the valve housing and located in the flow path interconnecting the first port and the third port so as to guide the fluid flow in the flow path. For example, at least one second flow guiding insert may be installed near the second opening in the flow path interconnecting the second opening and the third port so as to guide the fluid flow towards or away from the second opening.

[0035] According to this embodiment, the flow path interconnecting the first port and the third port, for example, the flow path interconnecting the second opening and the third port, is provided with at least one flow guiding insert, that is, at least one second flow guiding insert, which is similar to the at least one first flow guiding insert installed in the flow part interconnecting the first port and the second port to guide the fluid flow in the flow path. Therefore, the above advantages can be obtained with respect to the fluid connection between the first port and the second port and the liquid connection between the first port and the third port. Therefore, the description of the at least one first flow guiding insert above also applies here.

[0036] The at least one first flow guiding insert and the at least one second flow guiding insert may be the same and are installed in the respective flow paths in different directions. For example, the at least one first flow guiding insert and the at least one second flow guiding insert may be installed in a mirror image of each other. According to this embodiment, flow guiding inserts with the least number of different parts can be provided in the two fluid connections, thus making the manufacture of the valve simpler and more cost-effective. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0038] Figure 1 and Figure 2 a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown,

[0039] Figure 3 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the valve,

[0040] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is Figure 3 a perspective cross-sectional view of the valve at two different angles,

[0041] Figures 6 - 9 shows Figures 3 - 5 an exploded view of the valve, and

[0042] Figures 10a - 10d is a perspective view of the flow guiding insert for the valve according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from four different angles. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0043] Figure 1 and Figure 2 shows a valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the valve 1, Figure 2 is a side view of the valve 1.

[0044] The valve 1 includes a valve housing 2 and an actuator housing 3 mounted on the valve housing 2. The valve housing 2 houses a movable valve element (not shown), and the actuator housing 3 houses an actuator (not shown) operably connected to the movable valve element. Thus, proper operation of the actuator will result in movement of the valve element, thereby controlling the fluid flow through the valve 1.

[0045] The valve housing 2 has three ports in the form of a first port 4, a second port 5, and a third port 6. A fluid connection can be selectively established between the first port 4 and each of the second port 5 and the third port 6. Thus, the valve 1 is a three-way valve.

[0046] The actuator housing 3 includes a power supply connection 7 that allows power to be supplied to the actuator within the actuator housing 3, for example, to an electric motor arranged inside the actuator housing 3, such as an electric stepper motor.

[0047] Figure 3 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the valve 1 in. However, for clarity, the actuator housing is omitted. The valve element 8 is housed in the valve housing 2 and is adapted to be operably connected to an actuator (not shown) housed in an actuator housing (not shown) via a cup-shaped connection element 10 and a valve stem 11. Thus, proper operation of the actuator causes the valve element 8 to move within the valve housing 2 towards or away from the actuator housing.

[0048] The valve element 8 is arranged within a guide insert 12 in which a first opening 13 facing the second port 5 and a second opening 14 facing the third port 6 are formed. Thus, the valve element 8 moves along the first opening 13 and along the second opening 14. Thus, the position of the valve element 8 determines the cross-sectional dimension of the first opening 13 and the cross-sectional dimension of the second opening 14 available for fluid to flow through the respective openings 13, 14, thereby determining whether the fluid connection between the first port 4 and the second port 5 and the fluid connection between the first port 4 and the third port 6 are open and the degree of opening.

[0049] In Figure 3 the valve element 8 is positioned in a second end position in which the fluid connection between the first port 4 and the second port 5 is completely closed and the fluid connection between the first port 4 and the third port 6 is completely open.

[0050] The valve 1 comprises a first flow guide insert 15 and a second flow guide insert 16. The first flow guide insert 15 is mounted in the flow path interconnecting the first opening 13 and the second port 5, in a position immediately adjacent to the first opening 13. The first flow guide insert 15 defines a tapered inner surface 17. The tapered inner surface 17 smoothly interconnects the large cross section of the flow path interconnecting the first opening 13 and the second port 5 to the smaller cross section of the first opening 13. Thus, the flow guide insert 15, and in particular the tapered inner surface 17 thereof, directs the fluid flow in the fluid connection between the first port 4 and the second port 5 towards or away from the first opening 13, depending on the direction of the fluid flow. Thus, a smooth fluid flow is obtained, and undesirable flow effects such as turbulence or hammering due to the liquid passing through the first opening 13 are avoided or at least significantly reduced.

[0051] Similarly, a second flow guide insert 16 is installed in the flow path interconnecting the second opening 14 and the third port 6, located adjacent to the second opening 4, and it defines a tapered inner surface 18, thereby guiding the fluid flow in the fluid connection between the first port 4 and the third port 6 in substantially the manner described above with reference to the first flow guide insert 15.

[0052] The first flow guide insert 15 and the second flow guide insert 16 are identical but are installed in the respective flow paths in a mirror-image manner to one another.

[0053] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Observed from two different angles Figure 3 1 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the valve 1 in FIG. 2 , showing the parts arranged in the valve housing 2 in more detail.

[0054] Figures 6 - 9 Shows Figures 3 - 5 1 , wherein the first flow guide insert 15 and the second flow guide insert 16 are not installed in the valve housing 2. Figures 3 - 6 Similarly, the actuator housing has been omitted. Figure 6 is a perspective view of valve 1, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of valve 1, Figure 8 and Figure 9 are perspective cross-sectional views of the valve 1 viewed from two different angles.

[0055] It can be seen that both the first flow guide insert 15 and the second flow guide insert 16 are provided with mounting interfaces in the form of two grooves 19. Matching mounting interfaces in the form of protruding faucets 20 are formed in the flow path interconnecting the first opening 13 and the second port 5 and in the flow path interconnecting the second opening 14 and the third port 6. Thus, when the flow guide inserts 15, 16 are installed in the valve housing 2, the grooves 19 are moved into engagement with the faucets 20. If the orientation of the flow guide inserts 15, 16 is different from the correct orientation, it is not possible to introduce the flow guide inserts 15, 16 into the valve housing 2 because the faucets 20 will prevent the movement of the flow guide inserts 15, 16 unless the grooves 19 are arranged in positions corresponding to the faucets 20. Thus, it is effectively ensured that the flow guide inserts 15, 16 are correctly installed in the valve housing 2, thereby ensuring the desired guidance of the fluid flow towards or away from the respective openings 13, 14.

[0056] Figures 10a - 10b are perspective views of the flow guide inserts 15, 16 for a valve according to an embodiment of the invention, viewed from four different angles. The tapered inner surfaces 17, 18 and the grooves 19 can be clearly seen.

Claims

1. A valve (1) comprising a valve housing (2) having a first port (4) and a second port (5), the valve housing (2) accommodating a valve element (8) movable between a first end position and a second end position, the first end position defining a fully open fluid connection between the first port (4) and the second port (5), and the second end position defining a fully closed fluid connection between the first port (4) and the second port (5), and wherein an intermediate position of the valve element (8) defines a partially open fluid connection between the first port (4) and the second port (5), The valve element (8) is positioned between the first port (4) and the second port (5), and the valve (1) further comprises at least one first flow guide insert (15), which is mounted in the valve housing (2) and located in a flow path interconnecting the first port (4) and the second port (5) so as to guide the flow of fluid in the flow path.

2. The valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the valve element (8) is movable along the first opening (13) towards the second port (5), and wherein the at least one first flow guide insert (15) is mounted in the valve housing (2) near the first opening (13) in a flow path interconnecting the first opening (13) with the second port (5) so as to direct the fluid flow towards or away from the first opening (13).

3. The valve (1) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one first flow guide insert (15) defines a tapered inner surface (17), and wherein a cross-sectional diameter of a flow path through the at least one first flow guide insert (15) increases in a direction away from the first opening (13).

4. The valve (1) of claim 3, wherein the tapered inner surface (17) provides a smooth transition between a cross-section defined by the first opening (13) and a cross-section defined by a flow path interconnecting the first port (13) and the second port (5).

5. The valve (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first opening (13) is provided with a lip along an edge of the first opening (13), the lip abutting against the valve element (8) at least in a region close to the first opening (3).

6. The valve (1) according to claim 5, wherein: wherein the lip follows a tapered or curved path along the edge of the first opening (13).

7. The valve (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the shape of the first opening (13) is narrower in a region close to the second end position than in a region close to the first end position.

8. The valve (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first flow guide insert (15) is made of a composite material.

9. A valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first flow guide insert (15) is provided with a mounting interface (19) configured to engage with a matching mounting interface (20) formed in a flow path interconnecting the first port (4) and the second port (5).

10. Valve (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (1) is a three-way valve and the valve housing (2) further has a third port (6), and wherein the first end position defines a completely closed fluid connection between the first port (4) and the third port (6), and the second end position defines a completely open fluid connection between the first port (4) and the third port (6), and wherein an intermediate position of the valve element (8) defines a partially open fluid connection between the first port (4) and each of the second port (5) and the third port (6).

11. The valve (1) according to claim 10, wherein the valve (1) further comprises at least one second flow guide insert (16), which is installed in the valve housing (2) and is located in the flow path interconnecting the first port (4) and the third port (6) so as to guide the fluid flow in the flow path.

12. The valve (1) according to claim 11, wherein the at least one first flow guide insert (15) and the at least one second flow guide insert (16) are identical and are installed in the respective flow paths in different orientations.

13. The valve (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the valve element (8) is also movable along the second opening (14) towards the third port (6), and wherein the at least one second flow guide insert (14) is mounted in a flow path interconnecting the second opening (14) and the third port (6) so as to guide the fluid flow towards or away from the second opening (14).

Images