Valve seat for enhanced precise control in pneumatic valves

Abstract

Exemplary valve seats for enhancing pressure control in pneumatic valves are disclosed. An exemplary valve seat (1202) for use with a pneumatic valve includes a central axis (132) and a sealing surface (1230). The sealing surface includes a plurality of notches extending in an axial direction defined by the central axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to pneumatic valves, and more particularly to valve seats for enhancing precise control in pneumatic valves. Background Art

[0002] Pneumatic valves are commonly used to control the pressure, rate, and volume of air moving through a pneumatic system. In some known pneumatic valve embodiments, the flow of pressurized air from an inlet port of a cartridge of the pneumatic valve to an outlet port of the cartridge of the pneumatic valve is determined based on the position of a plunger of the cartridge relative to a valve seat of the cartridge, wherein the position of the plunger is controlled via a proportional solenoid of the cartridge. It is desirable to achieve and maintain precise control of the operation of the pneumatic valve (e.g., high-precision pressure control). Summary of the Invention

[0003] Disclosed herein are valve seats for enhancing precise control in pneumatic valves. In some examples, a valve seat for use with a pneumatic valve is disclosed. In some disclosed examples, the valve seat includes a central axis and a sealing surface. In some disclosed examples, the sealing surface includes a plurality of indentations extending in an axial direction defined by the central axis.

[0004] In some examples, a pneumatic valve cartridge is disclosed. In some disclosed examples, the pneumatic valve cartridge includes a valve seat that includes a central axis and a sealing surface. In some disclosed examples, the sealing surface includes a plurality of indentations extending in an axial direction defined by the central axis. In some disclosed examples, the pneumatic valve cartridge further includes a plunger that is movable relative to the valve seat along the central axis between a fully closed position and a fully open position. In some disclosed examples, the pneumatic valve cartridge further includes a sealing member coupled to the plunger. In some disclosed examples, the sealing member is configured to form an airtight seal with the sealing surface when the plunger is in the fully closed position. In some disclosed examples, the pneumatic valve cartridge further includes a proportional solenoid configured to move the plunger relative to the valve seat. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a known pneumatic valve cartridge.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the plunger of FIG. 1 in a fully closed position relative to the valve seat of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the plunger of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a fully open position relative to the valve seat of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the valve seat of FIGS. 1-3.

[0009] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the valve seat of Figures 1-4.

[0010] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the valve seat of Figures 1-5 taken along the A-A section of Figure 5.

[0011] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 6.

[0012] Figure 8 is a rotated view of the part of Figure 6 shown in Figure 7.

[0013] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the plunger of Figures 1-3 in a partially open position relative to the valve seat of Figures 1-8.

[0014] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 9.

[0015] Figure 11 is a graph including pressure data associated with the operation of the pneumatic valve box of Figure 1 when implementing the valve seat of Figures 1-10.

[0016] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary valve seat constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure and configured to be used with the pneumatic valve box of Figure 1.

[0017] Figure 13 is Figure 12 the bottom view of the valve seat.

[0018] Figure 14 is taken along Figure 13 the B-B section of Figure 12 and Figure 13 the cross-sectional view of the valve seat.

[0019] Figure 15 is Figure 14 the enlarged view of a part of

[0020] Figure 16 is Figure 15 shown in Figure 14 the rotated view of the part of

[0021] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the plunger of Figures 1-3, 9, and 10 in a partially open position relative to the valve seat of Figures 12 - 16 the valve seat.

[0022] Figure 18 is Figure 17 the enlarged view of a part of

[0023] Figure 19 is a graph including pressure data associated with the operation of the pneumatic valve box of Figure 1 when implementing the valve seat of Figures 12 - 18 instead of the valve seat of Figures 1-10.

[0024] Certain examples are shown in the above figures and described in detail below. When describing these examples, like or identical reference numerals are used to identify the same or similar elements. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in order to be clear and / or concise, certain features of the figures and certain views may be enlarged or shown schematically.

[0025] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, descriptors such as "first", "second", "third", etc. are used herein without inferring or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or sorting in any way, but are only used as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements, so as to facilitate the understanding of the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor "first" may be used to refer to an element in a specific embodiment, while the same element may be referred to by a different descriptor (such as "second" or "third") in the claims. In such cases, it should be understood that such descriptors are only used to clearly identify those elements that may otherwise share the same name. Detailed Description

[0026] It is desired to achieve and maintain precise control of the operation of a pneumatic valve (e.g., high-precision pressure control). It is known that the high-precision geometry of the sealing surface of the valve seat of a pneumatic valve (e.g., perfect circle, perfect ring, etc.) can cause oscillations in the controlled pressure of such a pneumatic valve to persist after a sudden increase in the set-point pressure associated with such a pneumatic valve. With respect to the process of controlling the pressure of a pneumatic valve, the continued presence of such oscillations exhibits an undesirable instability, thereby reducing the ability to achieve high-precision control (e.g., granularity and / or fine control) of the airflow characteristics (e.g., pressure, rate, and / or volume) of the pneumatic valve. Examples of such known pneumatic valves and their control operations are described below in connection with FIGS. 1-11.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a known pneumatic valve cartridge 100. The pneumatic valve cartridge 100 of FIG. 1 includes a valve seat 102, a plunger 104, a seal member 106, a spring 108, a spring seat 110, a spring retainer 112, a proportional solenoid 114, an inlet port 116, and an outlet port 118.

[0028] The valve seat 102 of FIG. 1 is a deep-drawn metal (e.g., stainless steel) component of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100. The valve seat 102 includes a first end 120 (e.g., lower end) and a second end 122 (e.g., upper end) that is positioned opposite the first end 120 of the valve seat 102. The valve seat 102 is configured to circumscribe the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100. In this regard, the valve seat 102 includes an annular sidewall 124 having an outer portion 126 that extends from the first end 120 of the valve seat 102 to the second end 122 of the valve seat 102, and an inner portion 128 that is positioned radially inwardly from the outer portion 126 and extends downwardly from the second end 122 (e.g., upper end) of the valve seat 102 toward the first end 120 of the valve seat 102. The inner portion 128 of the annular sidewall 124 of the valve seat 102 includes an annular edge that forms a sealing surface 130 that is located between the first end 120 and the second end 122 of the valve seat 102. The sealing surface 130 of the valve seat 102 is configured to contact and / or mate with the sealing member 106 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 when the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 is in a closed position relative to the valve seat 102, as further described below.

[0029] The plunger 104 of FIG. 1 is movable (e.g., slidable) relative to the valve seat 102 along the central axis 132 of the valve seat 102 (more generally, the central axis 132 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100) between a closed position (e.g., fully closed position) and an open position (e.g., fully open position). For example, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the plunger 104 of FIG. 1 that is in a fully closed position 200 relative to the valve seat 102 of FIG. 1. In contrast, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the plunger 104 of FIGS. 1 and 2 that is in a fully open position 300 relative to the valve seat 102 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The plunger 104 includes a notch 134 that is configured to receive a portion of the sealing member 106 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 such that the sealing member 106 is coupled to the plunger 104 and / or moves with the plunger 104. The plunger 104 also includes a flange 136 that is configured to contact the spring retainer 112 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 such that the spring retainer 112 and the plunger 104 move together.

[0030] The seal member 106 of FIG. 1 is an elastomeric structure (e.g., an O-ring) configured to provide and / or maintain a seal (e.g., an airtight seal) between the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 and the valve seat 102 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 when the plunger 104 is in the fully closed position 200 relative to the valve seat 102. As shown in FIG. 1, a portion of the seal member 106 is received and / or located within the notch 134 of the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100. In this regard, the seal member 106 has an annular shape, wherein the seal member 106 is configured to surround the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 adjacent to the notch 134 formed in the plunger 104. In other examples, the seal member 106 may alternatively have a different form and / or composition (e.g., vulcanized rubber), and / or may be coupled to the plunger 104 in a different manner.

[0031] The spring 108 of FIG. 1 includes a first end 138 (e.g., a lower end) positioned against the spring seat 110 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100, and a second end 140 (e.g., an upper end) positioned opposite the first end 138 of the spring 108 and against the spring retainer 112 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100. The spring retainer 112 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 is accordingly located between the second end 140 of the spring 108 and the flange 136 of the plunger 104. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the spring 108 is configured to surround the plunger 104. The spring 108 is also configured to bias the spring retainer 112 along the central axis 132 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 in a direction away from the spring seat 110 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 and / or toward the proportional solenoid 114 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100, thereby biasing the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 relative to the valve seat 102 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 to the fully closed position 200.

[0032] The proportional solenoid 114 of FIG. 1 is operatively coupled to (e.g., in electrical communication with) the control system of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100, wherein the control system is configured to selectively supply current to the proportional solenoid 114 to regulate and / or control the force provided by the proportional solenoid 114 against the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100. The force provided by the proportional solenoid 114 counteracts the above-described biasing force provided by the spring 108 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100. Regulating and / or controlling the force provided by the proportional solenoid 114 against the plunger 104 directly regulates and / or directly controls the position of the plunger 104 relative to the valve seat 102, which in turn directly regulates and / or directly controls the pressure, flow rate, and volume of air exiting the outlet port 118 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100.

[0033] Figures 4-8 show the valve seat 102 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 in more detail. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the valve seat 102 of Figures 1-3. Figure 5 is a bottom view of the valve seat 102 of Figures 1-4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the valve seat 102 of Figures 1-5 taken along the A-A section of Figure 5. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a rotated view of the portion of Figure 6 shown in Figure 7.

[0034] As discussed above in connection with Figure 1, the inner portion 128 of the annular sidewall 124 of the valve seat 102 includes an annular edge that forms the sealing surface 130 of the valve seat 102. The sealing surface 130 includes an inner surface 402 and an outer surface 502 that is positioned opposite the inner surface 402. The sealing surface 130 also includes an interface surface 504 that extends between the inner surface 402 and the outer surface 502, where the interface surface 504 is configured to contact and / or engage the seal member 106 when the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 is in the fully closed position 200 relative to the valve seat 102 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100. The valve seat 102 is a high-precision component manufactured according to dimensional specifications with a very low tolerance range. Accordingly, the valve seat 102 and more specifically the interface surface 504 of the sealing surface 130 of the valve seat 102 have minimal unintended defects and / or unintended deformations. In this regard, the interface surface 504 of the sealing surface 130 is perfectly circular and / or perfectly annular, except for any unintended defects and / or unintended deformations that may be present due to the selected manufacturing process. The foregoing high-precision geometry of the sealing surface 130 of the valve seat 102 facilitates the formation of a reliable airtight seal between the interface surface 504 of the sealing surface 130 of the valve seat 102 and the seal member 106 coupled to the plunger 104 when the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 is in the fully closed position 200 relative to the valve seat 102 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the plunger 104 of FIGS. 1-3 in a partially open position 900 relative to the valve seat 102 of FIGS. 1-8. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 9. When the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 moves from the fully closed position 200 shown in FIG. 2 to the partially open position 900 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the high-precision geometry of the interface surface 504 of the sealing surface 130 of the valve seat 102 causes a relatively large, fully annular airflow region 1002 between the interface surface 504 of the sealing surface 130 of the valve seat 102 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 and the sealing member 106 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 to suddenly open. Due to the sudden opening of the airflow region 1002, the pressure, rate, and / or volume of the air flowing to and / or away from the outlet port 118 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 increase in a corresponding sudden and / or rapid manner, making it difficult to achieve and / or maintain high-precision control (e.g., granularity and / or fine control) of the airflow characteristics (e.g., pressure, rate, and / or volume) of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100.

[0036] For example, FIG. 11 is a graph 1100 including pressure data associated with the operation of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 of FIG. 1 when implementing the valve seat 102 of FIGS. 1-10. The pressure data shown in FIG. 11 includes setpoint pressure data 1102 associated with a control system operably coupled to (e.g., electrically connected to) the proportional solenoid 114 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100, and also includes controlled pressure data 1104 (e.g., actually measured pressure data) associated with the outlet port 118 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100. As shown in FIG. 11, after a rapid increase to the setpoint pressure data 1102, oscillations 1106 persist in the controlled pressure data 1104. This persistent manifestation of the oscillations 1106 represents an undesirable instability with respect to the process of controlling the pressure of the airflow leaving the outlet port 118 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100. Accordingly, there is a need to develop a high-precision valve seat for use with a pneumatic valve and / or pneumatic valve cartridge that reduces and / or minimizes the oscillations 1106 shown in FIG. 11, thereby enhancing the ability to achieve high-precision control (e.g., granularity and / or fine control) of the airflow characteristics (e.g., pressure, rate, and / or volume) of the pneumatic valve and / or pneumatic valve cartridge.

[0037] Unlike the known valve seat 102 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-10, the exemplary valve seats disclosed herein include a modified sealing surface that has a plurality of notches intentionally formed (e.g., machined) therein in an axial direction defined by the central axis 132 of the valve seat 102. Compared to the interface surface 504 of the sealing surface 130 of the known valve seat 102, the interface surface (which includes the above-mentioned notches) of the modified sealing surface of the disclosed valve seat is not perfectly circular and / or perfectly annular in shape. The presence of the above-mentioned notches advantageously reduces the suddenness and / or rapidity of the opening of the air flow region 1002 located between the interface surface 504 of the sealing surface 130 of the known valve seat 102 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 and the sealing member 106 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100. In this regard, due to the presence of the above-mentioned notches included in the sealing surface of the disclosed valve seat, the rate of opening of the above-mentioned air flow region 1002 decreases as a function of the position of the plunger 104 relative to the valve seat 102.

[0038] Since the air flow region 1002 opens more gradually (e.g., at a reduced rate) via the notches formed in the modified sealing surface of the valve seat, the pressure, rate, and / or volume of the air flowing to and / or away from the outlet port 118 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 changes in a correspondingly more gradual manner (e.g., increases), thereby making it easier to achieve and / or maintain high-precision control (e.g., granularity and / or fine control) of the air flow characteristics (e.g., pressure, rate, and / or volume) of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100. The above-mentioned features and other advantageous features of the exemplary valve seat for enhancing precise control in a pneumatic valve as disclosed herein are further described below in connection with the drawings of the present application.

[0039] As used herein, the term "notch" refers to a recess and / or gap intentionally formed (e.g., intentionally machined) in a surrounding surface (e.g., such that the recess and / or gap extends inwardly from and / or relative to the surrounding surface). The term "notch" does not cover defects and / or deformations inadvertently formed (e.g., inadvertently machined) in a surface due to manufacturing tolerances associated with the production of the surface and / or due to wear on the surface from using the device including the surface.

[0040] As used herein in a mechanical context, the term "configured to" means dimensioned, shaped, arranged, constructed, oriented, positioned, and / or located to. For example, in the context where a first object is configured to fit within a second object, the first object is dimensioned, shaped, arranged, constructed, oriented, positioned, and / or located to fit within the second object. As used herein in an electrical and / or computing context, the term "configured to" means arranged, constructed, and / or programmed to. For example, in the context where a controller is configured to perform a specified operation, the controller is arranged, constructed, and / or programmed (e.g., based on machine-readable instructions) to perform the specified operation.

[0041] As used herein, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) can include intermediate members between the elements referenced by the connection reference and / or relative movement between these elements, unless otherwise stated. Thus, a connection reference does not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and / or in a fixed relationship with each other. As used herein, stating that any part "contacts" another part is defined to mean that there is no intermediate part between the two parts.

[0042] As used herein, the phrase "in electrical communication with" (including its variants) encompasses direct communication and / or indirect communication through one or more intermediate components, and does not require direct physical (e.g., wired) communication and / or continuous communication, but additionally includes selective communication at periodic intervals, scheduled intervals, aperiodic intervals, and / or one-time events.

[0043] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary valve seat 1202 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Figure 13 is Figure 12 a bottom view of the valve seat 1202 of Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the valve seat 1202 taken along the Figure 13 B-B section of Figure 12 and Figure 13 of Figure 15 is Figure 14 an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 16 is Figure 15 shown in Figure 14 a rotated view of a portion of Figures 12 - 16 The valve seat 1202 of

[0044] Figures 12 - 16 is configured to be used with the pneumatic valve box 100 of FIG. 1 to replace the valve seat 102 of FIGS. 1-10 described above. Figure 12The valve seat 1202 is a deep-drawn metal (e.g., stainless steel) component to be included in the pneumatic valve cartridge 100. The valve seat 1202 includes a first end 1220 (e.g., lower end) and a second end 1222 (e.g., upper end) oppositely positioned to the first end 1220 of the valve seat 1202. The valve seat 1202 is configured to surround the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100. In this regard, the valve seat 1202 includes an annular sidewall 1224 having an outer portion 1226 extending from the first end 1220 to the second end 1222 of the valve seat 1202, and an inner portion 1228 radially inwardly positioned from the outer portion 1226 and extending downwardly from the second end 1222 (e.g., upper end) of the valve seat 1202 toward the first end 1220 of the valve seat 1202. The inner portion 1228 of the annular sidewall 1224 of the valve seat 102 includes an annular edge that forms a sealing surface 1230 located between the first end 1220 and the second end 1222 of the valve seat 1202. The sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202 is configured to contact and / or mate with the sealing member 106 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 when the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 is in the fully closed position 200 relative to the valve seat 1202.

[0045] Very similar to the sealing surface 130 of the valve seat 102 of FIGS. 1-10, Figures 12 - 16 the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202 includes an inner surface 1232 and an outer surface 1302 oppositely positioned to the inner surface 1232. The sealing surface 1230 further includes an interface surface 1304 extending between the inner surface 1232 and the outer surface 1302, wherein the interface surface 1304 is configured to contact and / or engage the sealing member 106 when the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 is in the fully closed position 200 relative to the valve seat 102 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100. Additionally, very similar to the valve seat 102 of FIGS. 1-10, Figures 12 - 16 the valve seat 1202 is a high-precision component manufactured according to dimensional specifications with a very low tolerance range. Thus, the valve seat 1202 and more specifically the interface surface 1304 of the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202 have minimal unintended defects and / or unintended deformations.

[0046] Different from the sealing surface 130 of the valve seat 102 of FIGS. 1-10, Figures 12 - 16 the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202 includes a plurality of exemplary notches 1306 (e.g., recesses or gaps) formed in (e.g., extending into) the sealing surface 1230 in an axial direction defined by the central axis 132 of the valve seat 1202. In Figures 12 - 16In the example shown, each notch 1306 is formed axially (e.g., axially extends into) in the interface surface 1304 of the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202. Due to the notch 1306 formed in the interface surface 1304 of the sealing surface 1230, the interface surface 1304 of the sealing surface 1230 is not a perfect circle and / or a perfect ring. Different from the traditional defects and / or irregularities that are inadvertently and usually randomly generated during the typical manufacturing and / or fabrication process of the valve seat, the notch 1306 described herein is intentionally formed in the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202 and can be achieved in a repeatable manner from the manufacturing of one instance of the valve seat 1202 to the next instance.

[0047] In Figures 12 - 16 In the example shown, the plurality of notches 1306 includes three notches 1306 (e.g., a first notch 1308, a second notch 1310, and a third notch 1312). In other examples, the plurality of notches 1306 may alternatively include a different number (e.g., 2, 4, 5, 6, etc.) of notches 1306. In Figures 12 - 16 In the example shown, the respective notches among the three notches 1306 are circumferentially spaced apart from each other around the interface surface 1304 of the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202, wherein the spacing between the respective notches among the three notches 1306 is substantially equal. In this regard, the first notch 1308, the second notch 1310, and the third notch 1312 of the sealing surface 1230 are respectively located at corresponding positions in the first circumferential position 1314, the second circumferential position 1316, and the third circumferential position 1318 along the interface surface 1304 of the sealing surface 1230, wherein the corresponding positions in the first circumferential position 1314, the second circumferential position 1316, and the third circumferential position 1318 are spaced apart by approximately one hundred and twenty degrees (120°). In other examples, the circumferential spacing of the respective notches among the notches 1306 around the interface surface 1304 of the sealing surface 1230 may be different from Figure 13 that shown and described above.

[0048] In Figures 12 - 16 In the example shown, each notch 1306 has a circular concave shape similar to a circular portion of a quarter sphere. In other examples, one or more of the notches may alternatively have different shapes (e.g., triangular or pyramidal, rectangular or box-shaped, etc.). In Figures 12 - 16 In the example shown, each notch 1306 occupies a sector that occupies approximately twelve percent (12%) of the circumference defined by the interface surface 1304 of the sealing surface 1230. In other examples, one or more of the notches 1306 may alternatively occupy a sector that occupies a different percentage (e.g., as low as two percent (2%) or as high as twenty-five percent (25%)) of the circumference defined by the interface surface 1304 of the sealing surface 1230.

[0049] When the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 is in the fully closed position 200 relative to the valve seat 1202 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100, the high-precision geometry of the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202 helps to form a reliable airtight seal between the interface surface 1304 of the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202 and the sealing member 106 coupled to the plunger 104. It is noted that when the plunger 104 is in the fully closed position 200 relative to the valve seat 1202, the notch 1306 formed in the interface surface 1304 of the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202 does not cause air leakage, and when the plunger 104 is in the fully closed position 200 relative to the valve seat 1202, it does not prevent or reduce the reliability of the airtight seal formed between the interface surface 1304 of the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202 and the sealing member 106 coupled to the plunger 104.

[0050] Figure 17 is a view showing Figures 12 - 16 a cross-sectional view of the plunger 104 of FIGS. 1-3, 9 and 10 in a partially open position 1700 relative to the valve seat 1202 of Figure 18 is Figure 17 an enlarged view of a portion of. When the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 moves from the fully closed position 200 shown in FIG. 2 to Figure 17 and Figure 18 the partially open position 1700 shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18 the notch 1306 formed in the interface surface 1304 of the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202 provides an additional flow passage through which air can flow between the valve seat 1202 and the sealing member 106 coupled to the plunger 104. The additional flow passage provided by the notch 1306 in the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202 is configured to reduce the oscillations associated with the controlled pressure at the outlet port 118 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 when the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 transitions from the fully closed position 200 shown in FIG. 2 to

[0051] As discussed above in connection with FIGS. 9 and 10, when the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 moves from the fully closed position 200 shown in FIG. 2 to the partially open position 900 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the perfect circular and / or perfect annular shape of the interface surface 504 of the sealing surface 130 of the valve seat 102 of FIGS. 1-10 causes a relatively large, perfect annular air flow region 1002 located between the interface surface 504 of the sealing surface 130 of the valve seat 102 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 and the sealing member 106 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 to open suddenly and / or rapidly. In contrast, when the plunger 104 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 moves from the fully closed position 200 shown in FIG. 2 to Figure 17 and Figure 18 the partially open position 1700 shown, a notch 1306 formed axially in the interface surface 1304 of the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202 formed in Figures 12 - 18 causes a substantially less sudden and / or less rapid opening of the air flow region 1802, which, although having a generally annular shape, is not a perfect circle and / or perfect annulus. The reduced suddenness of the opening of the air flow region 1802 due to the notch 1306 formed axially in the interface surface 1304 of the sealing surface 1230 enables, improves, and / or otherwise enhances the ability to precisely control (e.g., granulate and / or finely control) the air flow characteristics (e.g., pressure, rate, and / or volume) associated with the air flowing to and / or away from the outlet port 118 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100.

[0052] For example, Figure 19 FIG. 1900 is a graph including pressure data associated with the operation of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 of FIG. 1 when the valve seat 1202 of Figures 12 - 18 is implemented instead of the valve seat 102 of FIGS. 1-10. Figure 19 The pressure data shown includes set point pressure data 1902 associated with a control system operatively coupled to (e.g., electrically in communication with) the proportional solenoid 114 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100, and also includes controlled pressure data 1904 (e.g., actually measured pressure data) associated with the outlet port 118 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100. As Figure 19 shown, the oscillations 1906 present in the controlled pressure data 1904 after a rapid increase to the set point pressure data 1902 are reduced in both amplitude and duration relative to the oscillations 1106 that persist in the controlled pressure data 1104 described above in connection with FIGS. 11 and 1-10 of the valve seat 102. The shown reduction in the amplitude and duration of the oscillations 1906 associated with the valve seat 1202 of Figures 12 - 18 relative to the amplitude and duration of the oscillations 1106 associated with the valve seat 102 of FIGS. 1-10 is entirely attributable to the Figures 12 - 18The presence of the above-mentioned recess 1306 formed in the interface surface 1304 of the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202. Figures 12 - 18 The reduction in the amplitude and duration of the oscillations 1906 associated with the valve seat 1202 of FIGS. 1-10 relative to the amplitude and duration of the oscillations 1106 associated with the valve seat 102 of FIGS. 1-10 indicates that when the Figures 12 - 18 When the valve seat 1202 of FIG. 1-10 is replaced with the valve seat 102 of FIG. 1-10 , a significant improvement in stability associated with the process of controlling the pressure of the gas flow exiting the outlet port 118 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100 is achieved. This improvement in stability enables, improves, and / or otherwise enhances the ability to achieve high precision control (e.g., granularity and / or fine control) of the gas flow characteristics (e.g., pressure, rate, and / or volume) associated with the air flowing to and / or exiting the outlet port 118 of the pneumatic valve cartridge 100.

[0053] Although the above is primarily described in the context of being a component of the pneumatic valve box 100, Figures 12 - 18 1202, it should be understood that the valve seat 1202 may alternatively be configured for use with any pneumatic valve cartridge and / or any pneumatic valve of any size and / or any shape. In this regard, the term "pneumatic valve" as used throughout the specification and claims of the present application is intended to broadly encompass not only a pneumatic valve cartridge, but also a pneumatic valve having a valve body configured to receive, accommodate and / or carry components, such as the valve seat 1202, plunger 102, sealing member 106, spring 108, spring seat 110, spring retainer 112 and / or proportional solenoid 114 described above.

[0054] although Figures 12 - 18 The valve seat 1202 is described above as a deep drawn valve seat, but it should be understood that the valve seat 1202 may alternatively be manufactured, constructed, and / or otherwise configured via different manufacturing and / or forming processes to obtain a valve seat of any size and / or any shape. Figures 12 - 18 The valve seat 1202 is described above as a metal valve seat, but it should be understood that the valve seat 1202 may alternatively be made of a non-metallic material.

[0055] Although the above-mentioned enhanced precision pressure control benefits are attributed to the formation of Figures 12 - 18notches 1306 in the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202, but such benefits can alternatively or additionally be achieved by forming similar notches in the sealing surface of a sealing member (e.g., sealing member 106) that interfaces with the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202. For example, notches that are similar in size and / or shape to the notches 1306 formed in the sealing surface 1230 of the valve seat 1202 can alternatively be formed in the sealing surface of a vulcanized rubber sealing member (e.g., sealing member 106) of the plunger 104 coupled to the valve cartridge 100 described above.

[0056] In view of the foregoing, it should be understood that a valve seat for enhancing precise control in a pneumatic valve is disclosed herein. An exemplary disclosed valve seat includes a sealing surface having a plurality of notches intentionally formed (e.g., machined) therein in an axial direction defined by a central axis of the valve seat. Due to such notches, the shape of the sealing surface of the disclosed valve seat is not a perfect circle and / or perfect annulus. The presence of the notches advantageously reduces the abruptness and / or rapidity of the opening of the airflow region between the interface surface of the sealing surface of the valve seat of the pneumatic valve cartridge and the sealing member of the pneumatic valve cartridge. In this regard, due to the presence of the notches included in the sealing surface of the disclosed valve seat, the rate of opening of such airflow region decreases as a function of the position of the plunger of the pneumatic valve cartridge relative to the valve seat of the pneumatic valve cartridge. Since the airflow region opens more gradually (e.g., at a reduced rate) via the notches formed in the sealing surface of the disclosed valve seat, the pressure, rate, and / or volume of the air flowing to and / or away from the outlet port of the pneumatic valve cartridge change (e.g., increase) in a correspondingly more gradual manner, thereby making it easier to achieve and / or maintain high-precision control (e.g., granularity and / or fine control) of the airflow characteristics (e.g., pressure, rate, and / or volume) of the pneumatic valve cartridge.

[0057] The following paragraphs provide various examples of the examples disclosed herein.

[0058] Example 1 includes a valve seat for use with a pneumatic valve. The valve seat of Example 1 includes a central axis and a sealing surface. In Example 1, the sealing surface includes a plurality of notches extending in an axial direction defined by the central axis.

[0059] Example 2 includes the valve seat of Example 1, wherein the sealing surface includes an inner surface, an outer surface positioned opposite the inner surface, and an interface surface extending between the inner surface and the outer surface. In Example 2, corresponding notches are formed in the interface surface.

[0060] Example 3 includes the valve seat of Example 1, wherein the notch is configured to enhance precise control of a pneumatic valve by providing an additional flow passage through which air can flow through the valve seat when the plunger of the pneumatic valve transitions from a fully closed position relative to the valve seat to a partially open position relative to the valve seat.

[0061] Example 4 includes the valve seat of Example 3, wherein the additional flow passage is configured to reduce oscillations associated with the controlled pressure at the outlet port of the pneumatic valve when the plunger transitions from the fully closed position to the partially open position.

[0062] Example 5 includes the valve seat of Example 1, wherein the plurality of notches includes three notches.

[0063] Example 6 includes the valve seat of Example 5, wherein the respective notches of the three notches are circumferentially spaced apart from each other around the sealing surface.

[0064] Example 7 includes the valve seat of Example 1, wherein the valve seat further includes a first end, a second end, and an annular sidewall. In Example 7, the second end is positioned opposite the first end. In Example 7, the annular sidewall includes an outer portion and an inner portion. In Example 7, the outer portion extends from the first end to the second end, and the inner portion extends from the second end toward the first end. In Example 7, the inner portion is positioned radially inward relative to the outer portion. In Example 7, the inner portion includes a sealing surface.

[0065] Example 8 includes the valve seat of Example 7, wherein the sealing surface is located between the first end and the second end.

[0066] Example 9 includes the valve seat of Example 7, wherein the valve seat is metallic.

[0067] Example 10 includes the valve seat of Example 7, wherein the valve seat is a deep-drawn valve seat.

[0068] Example 11 includes a pneumatic valve cartridge. The pneumatic valve cartridge of Example 11 includes a valve seat. In Example 11, the valve seat includes a central axis and a sealing surface. In Example 11, the sealing surface includes a plurality of notches extending in an axial direction defined by the central axis. The pneumatic valve cartridge of Example 11 further includes a plunger that is movable relative to the valve seat along the central axis between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The pneumatic valve cartridge of Example 11 further includes a sealing member coupled to the plunger. In Example 11, the sealing member is configured to form an airtight seal with the sealing surface when the plunger is in the fully closed position. The pneumatic valve cartridge of Example 11 further includes a proportional solenoid configured to move the plunger relative to the valve seat.

[0069] Example 12 includes the pneumatic valve cartridge of Example 11, wherein the sealing surface includes an inner surface, an outer surface positioned opposite the inner surface, and an interface surface extending between the inner surface and the outer surface. In Example 12, corresponding recesses in the recess are formed in the interface surface.

[0070] Example 13 includes the pneumatic valve cartridge of Example 11, wherein the recess is configured to enhance precise control of the pneumatic valve cartridge by providing an additional flow passage through which air can flow past the valve seat when the plunger transitions from a fully closed position to a partially open position relative to the valve seat.

[0071] Example 14 includes the pneumatic valve cartridge of Example 13, wherein the additional flow passage is configured to reduce oscillations associated with the controlled pressure at the outlet port of the pneumatic valve cartridge when the plunger transitions from a fully closed position to a partially open position.

[0072] Example 15 includes the pneumatic valve cartridge of Example 11, wherein the plurality of recesses includes three recesses.

[0073] Example 16 includes the pneumatic valve cartridge of Example 15, wherein the corresponding recesses among the three recesses are circumferentially spaced apart from each other around the sealing surface.

[0074] Example 17 includes the pneumatic valve cartridge of Example 11, wherein the valve seat further includes a first end, a second end, and an annular sidewall. In Example 17, the second end is positioned opposite the first end. In Example 17, the annular sidewall includes an outer portion and an inner portion. In Example 17, the outer portion extends from the first end to the second end, and the inner portion extends from the second end toward the first end. In Example 17, the inner portion is positioned radially inward relative to the outer portion. In Example 17, the inner portion includes the sealing surface.

[0075] Example 18 includes the pneumatic valve cartridge of Example 17, wherein the sealing surface is located between the first end and the second end.

[0076] Example 19 includes the pneumatic valve cartridge of Example 17, wherein the valve seat is metallic.

[0077] Example 20 includes the pneumatic valve cartridge of Example 17, wherein the valve seat is a deep-drawn valve seat.

[0078] Although certain exemplary methods, devices, and articles have been disclosed herein, the scope of this patent is not limited thereto. Instead, this patent covers all methods, devices, and articles that fall entirely within the scope of the claims of this patent.

[0079] The appended claims are hereby incorporated by reference into this detailed description, where each claim stands on its own as a separate embodiment of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A valve seat for use with a pneumatic valve, the valve seat comprising: Central axis; And A sealing surface, the sealing surface including a plurality of notches extending in an axial direction defined by the central axis.

2. The valve seat according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing surface includes an inner surface, an outer surface positioned opposite the inner surface, and an interface surface extending between the inner surface and the outer surface, wherein corresponding ones of the notches are formed in the interface surface.

3. The valve seat according to claim 1, wherein, The notches are configured to enhance precise control of the pneumatic valve by providing additional flow channels through which air can flow through the valve seat when the plunger of the pneumatic valve transitions from a fully closed position relative to the valve seat to a partially open position relative to the valve seat.

4. The valve seat according to claim 3, wherein, The additional flow channels are configured to reduce oscillations associated with the controlled pressure at the outlet of the pneumatic valve when the plunger transitions from the fully closed position to the partially open position.

5. The valve seat according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of notches includes three notches.

6. The valve seat according to claim 5, wherein, Corresponding ones of the three notches are circumferentially spaced apart from each other around the sealing surface.

7. The valve seat according to claim 1, further comprising: First end; A second end positioned opposite the first end; And An annular sidewall, the annular sidewall including an outer portion and an inner portion, the outer portion extending from the first end to the second end, the inner portion extending from the second end toward the first end, the inner portion being radially inwardly positioned relative to the outer portion, the inner portion including the sealing surface.

8. The valve seat according to claim 7, wherein, The sealing surface is located between the first end and the second end.

9. The valve seat according to claim 7, wherein, The valve seat is metallic.

10. The valve seat according to claim 7, wherein, The valve seat is a deep-drawn valve seat.

11. A pneumatic valve box, comprising: A valve seat, the valve seat including: A central axis; and A sealing surface, the sealing surface including a plurality of notches extending in an axial direction defined by the central axis; A plunger that is movable relative to the valve seat along the central axis between a fully closed position and a fully open position; A sealing member coupled to the plunger, the sealing member being configured to form an airtight seal with the sealing surface when the plunger is in the fully closed position; and A proportional solenoid configured to move the plunger relative to the valve seat.

12. The pneumatic valve box according to claim 11, wherein, The sealing surface includes an inner surface, an outer surface positioned opposite the inner surface, and an interface surface extending between the inner surface and the outer surface, wherein corresponding ones of the notches are formed in the interface surface.

13. The pneumatic valve box according to claim 11, wherein, The notches are configured to enhance precise control of the pneumatic valve cartridge by providing additional flow channels through which air can flow through the valve seat when the plunger transitions from the fully closed position to a partially open position relative to the valve seat.

14. The pneumatic valve box according to claim 13, wherein, The additional flow channels are configured to reduce oscillations associated with the controlled pressure at the outlet of the pneumatic valve cartridge when the plunger transitions from the fully closed position to the partially open position.

15. The pneumatic valve box according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of notches includes three notches.

16. The pneumatic valve box according to claim 15, wherein, Corresponding ones of the three notches are circumferentially spaced apart from each other around the sealing surface.

17. The pneumatic valve box according to claim 11, wherein, The valve seat further includes: First end; A second end positioned opposite the first end; and An annular sidewall, the annular sidewall including an outer portion and an inner portion, the outer portion extending from the first end to the second end, the inner portion extending from the second end towards the first end, the inner portion being radially inwardly positioned relative to the outer portion, the inner portion including the sealing surface.

18. The pneumatic valve box according to claim 17, wherein, The sealing surface is located between the first end and the second end.

19. The pneumatic valve box according to claim 17, wherein, The valve seat is metallic.

20. The pneumatic valve box according to claim 17, wherein, The valve seat is a deep-drawn valve seat.

Images