valve

Abstract

A valve is provided, wherein the valve is configured to direct an incident gas flow. A position of the valve is adjusted by a single actuator. The valve is configured to be movable between a plurality of positions by the actuator such that in a first position range, the valve is configured to direct the incident gas to a first outlet; and in a second position range, the valve is configured to direct the incident gas to a second outlet. The valve is configured to control a flow rate of the gas flow.

Description

[0001] Valve

[0002] Field of the disclosure

[0003] The disclosure relates to the field of valves.

[0004] Background

[0005] It is known to use a valve to alter the direction of a gas flow, such that the gas is directed either along one route or along another route. It is also known to use a valve to control the flow rate of a gas flow. Conventionally, in order to achieve control of both the direction and the total flow rate of a gas, more than one valve is used in series. Each valve requires an actuator. The use of multiple actuators in a system adds complexity to the mechanical system and to the control of the system. Furthermore, each actuator represents a potential failure point of the system. As the valves each fulfil a different purpose, no redundancy is achieved by having more than one actuator.

[0006] Summary of the disclosure

[0007] Against this background there is provided a valve configured to direct an incident gas flow, wherein a position of the valve is adjusted by a single actuator and wherein the valve is configured to be movable between a plurality of positions by the actuator such that: in a first position range, the valve is configured to direct the incident gas to a first outlet; in a second position range, the valve is configured to direct the incident gas to a second outlet; and the valve is configured to control a flow rate of the gas flow.

[0008] In this way, a single valve may be used to direct a flow of gas to one or both of a first and second outlet and, separately, to control a total flow rate of the gas. Furthermore, the valve may be used to proportionally direct gas between a first outlet and a second outlet. Brief description of the drawings

[0009] A specific embodiment of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010] Figure 1 shows a valve arrangement known in the prior art, comprising separate valves for controlling direction of the gas flow and for controlling total flow rate.

[0011] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 shows schematic diagrams of a valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3A shows the valve having a first outlet open and a second outlet closed. Figure 3B shows the valve having the first outlet closed and the second outlet open. Figure 3C shows the valve having the first outlet partially open and the second outlet partially open.

[0013] Figure 4 shows schematic diagrams of a valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4A shows the valve having a first outlet closed and a second outlet closed. Figure 4B shows the valve having the first outlet closed and the second outlet open.

[0014] Figure 5A shows the valve of Figure 4 having the first outlet partially open and the second outlet partially open. Figure 5B shows the valve of Figure 4 having the first outlet open and the second outlet closed.

[0015] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, having a first outlet closed and a second outlet closed.

[0016] Figure 7A shows the valve of Figure 6 having the first outlet closed and the second outlet open. Figure 7B shows the valve of Figure 6 having the first outlet open and the second outlet closed. Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, having a first outlet closed and a second outlet closed.

[0017] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the valve of Figure 8, having a first outlet partially open and a second outlet partially open.

[0018] Figure 10A shows a schematic diagram of the valve of Figure 8, having a first outlet partially open and a second outlet closed. Figure 10B shows a schematic diagram of the valve of Figure 8, having a first outlet closed and a second outlet partially open.

[0019] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of a valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, having a first outlet open and a second outlet open.

[0020] Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the valve of Figure 9, having a first outlet closed and a second outlet closed.

[0021] Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of the valve of Figure 9, having a first outlet open and a second outlet closed.

[0022] Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of the valve of Figure 9, having a first outlet partially open and a second outlet closed.

[0023] Figure 15 shows a schematic diagram of the valve of Figure 9, having a first outlet partially open and a second outlet open.

[0024] Detailed description

[0025] A valve may be used to alter the direction of a gas flow, such that the gas is directed either along one route or along another route. A valve may, alternatively, be used to control the flow rate of a gas flow. Conventionally, in order to achieve control of both the direction and the total flow rate of a gas, more than one valve is used in series. With reference to Figure 1 , a valve arrangement 100 that is known in the prior art is illustrated. The valve arrangement 100 is configured to accept air via inlet 110. A directional valve 120 is configured to direct a flow of gas either along route 130 or along route 140. A flow rate valve 150 may be used to control the total flow rate of the gas passing through the flow rate valve 150. In the example shown, routes 130 and 140 merge upstream of flow rate valve 150, such that all of the gas flowing through the valve arrangement 100 flows through flow rate valve 150. Downstream of flow rate valve 150, gas is released from the valve arrangement 150 via outlet 160. Each of the directional valve 120 and the flow rate valve 150 requires a separate actuator.

[0026] A valve according to the present disclosure is configured to direct an incident gas flow. A position of the valve is adjusted by a single actuator. The valve is configured to be movable between a plurality of positions by the actuator such that in a first position range, the valve is configured to direct the incident gas to a first outlet, and in a second position range, the valve is configured to direct the incident gas to a second outlet. The valve is configured to control a flow rate of the gas flow.

[0027] In certain embodiments, at one or more positions within the first position range, flow of gas may be prevented via the second outlet. In certain embodiments, at one or more positions within the first position range, the valve may be configured to direct the incident gas to both the first outlet and the second outlet. In certain embodiments, at one or more positions within the second position range, flow of gas may be prevented via the first outlet. In certain embodiments, at one or more positions within the second position range, the valve may be configured to direct the incident gas to both the first outlet and the second outlet.

[0028] The valve may be movable between a plurality of positions within the first position range, such that a flow rate of gas via the first outlet may be controlled. In certain embodiments, the valve may be movable between a plurality of positions within the first position range, such that a flow rate of gas via the first outlet may be controlled while flow of gas via the second outlet is prevented. In certain embodiments, the valve may be movable between a plurality of positions within the first position range, such that a flow rate of gas via the first outlet may be controlled while flow of gas via the second outlet is enabled. In certain embodiments, the valve may be movable between a plurality of positions within the first position range, such that the incident gas is directed to both the first outlet and the second outlet and such that a flow rate of gas via the first outlet may be controlled and a flow rate of gas via the second outlet may be controlled. The valve may be movable between a plurality of positions within the second position range, such that a flow rate of gas via the second outlet may be controlled. In certain embodiments, the valve may be movable between a plurality of positions within the second position range, such that a flow rate of gas via the second outlet may be controlled while flow of gas via the first outlet is prevented. In certain embodiments, the valve may be movable between a plurality of positions within the second position range, such that a flow rate of gas via the second outlet may be controlled while flow of gas via the first outlet is enabled. In certain embodiments, the valve may be movable between a plurality of positions within the second position range, such that the incident gas is directed to both the first outlet and the second outlet and such that a flow rate of gas via the first outlet may be controlled and a flow rate of gas via the second outlet may be controlled.

[0029] In certain embodiments, in a third position range the valve may be configured to direct the incident gas to the first outlet and the second outlet. In this way, the gas may flow via both outlets. In certain embodiments, the valve may be movable between a plurality of positions within the third position range, such that a proportional flow of gas between the first outlet and the second outlet may be controlled.

[0030] With reference to Figure 2, a valve arrangement 200 is illustrated, comprising a valve 220 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The valve arrangement 200 may be configured to accept gas via inlet 210. The valve 220 is configured to control the direction of the flow of the gas and the flow rate of the gas. In a first position range, the valve 220 is configured to direct the incident gas to a first outlet, such that the gas flows along first path 230. In a second position range, the valve 220 is configured to direct the incident gas to a first outlet, such that the gas flows along second path 240. Gas is released from the valve arrangement 200 via outlet 25O.The geometry of the valve 220 is exemplary, and is not intended to be limiting. Similarly, the first and second outlet may direct gas to routes with a different configuration to those shown in Figure 2. The first and second routes 230, 240 may merge or remain separate.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the actuator comprises a linear actuator. In other embodiments, the actuator comprises a rotating actuator. The actuator may comprise a different actuator type. The valve may comprise a first stop and a second stop, wherein at the first stop the first outlet is open and the second outlet is closed and wherein at the second stop the first outlet is closed and the second outlet is open. In certain embodiments, at positions other than the first stop and the second stop, at least one of the first outlet and the second outlet is partially open.

[0032] The valve may comprise a first stop and a second stop, wherein at the first stop the first outlet is closed and the second outlet is closed. At the second stop the first outlet may be closed and the second outlet may be open, or the first outlet may be open and the second outlet may be closed.

[0033] The valve may be movable perpendicular to a plane intersecting the first outlet and the second outlet.

[0034] With reference to Figures 3 to 14, examples of valves according to embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0035] Figure 3 shows a valve arrangement 300, wherein the position of the valve 310 is adjusted by a single linear actuator as indicated by arrow 370. In this example, the valve 310 comprises a first plug 320 and a second plug 330. Air is accepted into the valve arrangement 300 via an inlet 340. In a first position range, the valve 310 is configured to direct the incident gas to a first outlet 350. In a second position range, the valve 310 is configured to direct the incident gas to a second outlet 360. The flow of air is indicated by arrows.

[0036] Figure 3A shows the valve 310 at a first stop, wherein the first outlet 350 is open and the second outlet 360 is closed. The flow of gas is directed to the first outlet 350 only. Figure 3B shows the valve 310 at a second stop, wherein the first outlet 350 is closed and the second outlet 360 is open. The flow of gas is directed to the second outlet 360 only. Figure 3C shows the valve 310 at a position wherein the first outlet 350 is partially open and the second outlet 360 is partially open. The flow of gas is directed to both the first outlet 350 and the second outlet 360. The respective flow rates of gas flowing via the first outlet 350 and the second outlet 360 may be controlled by adjusting the position of the valve 310 at intermediate positions between the first stop and the second stop. Figures 4 and 5 show a valve arrangement 400, wherein the position of the valve 410 is adjusted by a single linear actuator as indicated by arrow 480. In this example, the valve 410 comprises a first plug 420, a second plug 430 and a third plug 440. Air is accepted into the valve arrangement 400 via an inlet 450. In a first position range, the valve 410 is configured to direct the incident gas to a first outlet 460. In a second position range, the valve 410 is configured to direct the incident gas to a second outlet 470. The flow of air is indicated by arrows.

[0037] Figure 4A shows the valve 410 at a first stop, wherein the first outlet 460 is closed and the second outlet 470 is closed. Flow of gas through the valve arrangement 400 is prevented. Figure 4B shows the valve 410 at a position in the second position range, wherein the first outlet 460 is closed and the second outlet 470 is open. The flow of gas is directed to the second outlet 470 only. Figure 5A shows the valve 410 at a position wherein the first outlet 460 is partially open and the second outlet 470 is partially open. The flow of gas is directed to both the first outlet 460 and the second outlet 470. The respective flow rates of gas flowing via the first outlet 460 and the second outlet 470 may be controlled by adjusting the position of the valve 410 at intermediate positions between the first stop and the second stop. Figure 5B shows the valve 410 at a second stop, wherein the first outlet 460 is open and the second outlet 470 is closed.

[0038] Figures 6 and 7 show a valve arrangement 600, wherein the position of the valve 610 is adjusted by a single linear actuator as indicated by arrow 680. In this example, the valve 610 comprises a first plug 620, a second plug 630 and a third plug 640. Air is accepted into the valve arrangement 600 via an inlet 650. In a first position range, the valve 610 is configured to direct the incident gas to a first outlet 660. In a second position range, the valve 610 is configured to direct the incident gas to a second outlet 670. The flow of air is indicated by arrows.

[0039] Figure 6 shows the valve 610 at a first stop, wherein the first outlet 660 is closed and the second outlet 670 is closed. Flow of gas through the valve arrangement 600 is prevented. Figure 7A shows the valve 610 at a position in the second position range, wherein the first outlet 660 is closed and the second outlet 670 is open. The flow of gas is directed to the second outlet 670 only. The valve 610 may be movable to a plurality of positions wherein the first outlet 660 is closed and the second outlet 670 is open, such that the flow rate through the second outlet 670 is controlled. Figure 7B shows the valve near to a second stop, wherein the first outlet 660 is open and the second outlet 670 is closed. The valve 610 may be movable to a plurality of positions wherein the first outlet 660 is open and the second outlet 670 is closed, such that the flow rate through the first outlet 660 is controlled.

[0040] Figures 8 to 15 show examples of valves movable by rotating actuators, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In these embodiments, the first and second position ranges comprise rotational position ranges.

[0041] Figures 8 to 10 illustrate a valve arrangement 800 wherein valve 810 comprises a rotating plate 820 comprising a first aperture 830 and a second aperture 840. The rotating plate is aligned such that the first aperture 830 may be alignable with a first outlet 850, and the second aperture 840 may be alignable with a second outlet 860. The rotating plate 820 may be rotatable with respect to the first and second outlets 850, 860. The first and second apertures 830, 840 and the first and second outlets 850 and 860 may be different shapes from those indicated in Figures 8 to 10. In the first position range the first aperture 830 overlaps with the first outlet 850, and wherein in the second position range the second aperture 840 overlaps with the second outlet 860.

[0042] Figure 8 shows the valve 810 wherein the first outlet 850 and the second outlet 860 are both closed. The rotating plate 820 covers both the first outlet 850 and the second outlet 860.

[0043] Figure 9 shows the valve 810 wherein the first outlet 850 and the second outlet 860 are both partially open. The rotating plate 820 partially covers both the first outlet 850 and the second outlet 860. The first aperture 830 partially overlaps with the first outlet 850 (indicated by the cross-hatched area), such that the first outlet 850 is partially open. The second aperture 840 partially overlaps with the second outlet 860 (indicated by the cross- hatched area), such that the first outlet 860 is partially open. The flow rate through the partially open first and second outlets 850, 860 may be controlled by rotating the plate 820.

[0044] Figure 10 shows the valve 810 wherein one outlet is closed and the other outlet is partially open. Figure 10A shows the first outlet 850 partially open and the second outlet 860 closed. The first aperture 830 partially overlaps with the first outlet 850 (indicated by the cross-hatched area), such that the first outlet 850 is partially open. The rotating plate 820 covers the second outlet 860 such that the second outlet 860 is closed. The flow rate through the first outlet 850 may be controlled by rotating the plate 820, while keeping the second outlet 860 closed. The first outlet 850 may be fully or partially open while the second outlet 860 is closed. Figure 10B shows the first outlet 850 closed and the second outlet 860 partially open. The second aperture 840 partially overlaps with the second outlet 860 (indicated by the cross-hatched area), such that the second outlet 860 is partially open. The rotating plate 820 covers the first outlet 850 such that the first outlet 850 is closed. The flow rate through the second outlet 860 may be controlled by rotating the plate 820, while keeping the first outlet 850 closed. The second outlet 860 may be fully or partially open while the first outlet 850 is closed.

[0045] Figures 11 to 15 illustrate a valve arrangement 1100 wherein valve 1110 comprises a first cover 1120 and a second cover 1130, wherein the first and second cover 1120, 1130 rotate about point 1140. The first and second cover 1120, 1130 are at a fixed relative angle to each other. At certain positions, the first cover may be aligned with a first outlet 1150, and the second cover 1130 may be aligned with a second outlet 1160. The first and second covers 1120 and 1130 may be rotatable relative to the first and second outlets 1150, 1160. The first and second covers 1120, 1130 and the first and second outlets 1150 and 1160 may be different shapes from those indicated in Figures 11 to 15. In the first position range at least part of the first outlet 1150 is uncovered by the first cover 1120. In the second position range at least part of the second outlet 1160 is uncovered by the second cover 1130.

[0046] Figure 11 shows the valve 1110 wherein the first outlet 1150 and the second outlet 1160 are both open. The first cover 1120 does not overlap with the first outlet 1150. The second cover 1130 does not overlap with the second outlet 1160.

[0047] Figure 12 shows the valve 1110 wherein the first outlet 1150 and the second outlet 1160 are both closed. The first cover 1120 completely overlaps with the first outlet 1150 (indicated by cross-hatching). The second cover 1130 completely overlaps with the second outlet 1160 (indicated by cross-hatching).

[0048] Figure 13 shows the valve 1110 wherein the first outlet 1150 is open and the second outlet 1160 is closed. The first cover 1120 does not overlap with the first outlet 1150. The second cover 1130 completely overlaps with the second outlet 1160 (indicated by cross-hatching). Figure 14 shows the valve 1110 wherein the first outlet 1150 is partially open and the second outlet 1160 is closed. The first cover 1120 partially overlaps with the first outlet 1150. The second cover 1130 completely overlaps with the second outlet 1160 (indicated by cross-hatching). The flow rate through the first outlet 1150 may be controlled, while the second outlet 1160 is closed. The opposite configuration is also possible, wherein the second outlet 1160 is partially open and the first outlet 1150 is closed.

[0049] Figure 15 shows the valve 1110 wherein the first outlet 1150 is partially open and the second outlet 1160 is open. The first cover 1120 partially overlaps with the first outlet 1150 (indicated by cross-hatching). The second cover 1130 does not overlap with the second outlet 1160. The flow rate through the first outlet 1150 may be controlled, while the second outlet 1160 is open. The opposite configuration is also possible, wherein the second outlet 1160 is partially open and the first outlet 1150 is open.

[0050] Other valve configurations are possible, wherein the position of the valve is adjusted by a single actuator and wherein the valve is configured to direct gas to one or both of a first outlet and a second outlet and to control a flow rate of the gas. The above embodiments are provided as non-limiting examples.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the first outlet is configured to direct gas via a first route, wherein the first route comprises a cooling system. The second outlet may be configured to direct gas via a second route, wherein the second route bypasses the cooling system. The first route and the second route may merge downstream of the cooling system, or may remain separate. In this way, the valve may provide a cooling bypass, wherein it can be controlled whether gas passes through a cooling system or bypasses the cooling system. Furthermore, a proportion of gas passing through the cooling system may be controlled. Referring back to Figure 2, in an event that the first path 230 comprises a cooling system and the second path 240 bypasses the cooling system, a proportional split of gas flowing through the first route 230 and the second route 240 may be controlled by a valve of the present disclosure, such that the temperature of the gas at the outlet 250 may be controlled.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the valve is configured to receive the incident gas flow from an engine exhaust and wherein the first and second routes are configured to direct gas into the engine. For example, engine exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology may involve controlling the flow of a proportion of exhaust gas from an exhaust manifold back to an inlet manifold of the engine. This may be used as a means to control NOx emissions, for example. The EGR gas may be passed through a cooler (comprising a coolant) to reduce its temperature before mixing with gas entering the inlet manifold. In this way, an impact on engine charge density may be reduced. However, in an event that the coolant is below a certain temperature, passing the EGR gas through the cooler may result in condensation or damage to the EGR or intake systems of the engine. It is beneficial for reducing emissions to utilise EGR even during conditions where the coolant is cold. It is also beneficial to be able to control the total flow rate of the EGR gas. A valve of the present disclosure may be used to re-direct the EGR gas to bypass the cooler during colder operating conditions, or to direct a portion of the EGR gas via the cooler. A valve of the present disclosure may control the diversion of EGR gas via the bypass and, separately, control the total flow rate of the EGR gas.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A valve configured to direct an incident gas flow, wherein a position of the valve is adjusted by a single actuator and wherein the valve is configured to be movable between a plurality of positions by the actuator such that: in a first position range, the valve is configured to direct the incident gas to a first outlet; in a second position range, the valve is configured to direct the incident gas to a second outlet; and the valve is configured to control a flow rate of the gas flow.

2. The valve of claim 1 , wherein in a third position range, the valve is configured to direct the incident gas to the first outlet and the second outlet.

3. The valve of claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuator comprises a linear actuator.

4. The valve of any preceding claim having a first stop and a second stop, wherein at the first stop the first outlet is open and the second outlet is closed and wherein at the second stop the first outlet is closed and the second outlet is open.

5. The valve of claim 4, wherein at positions other than the first stop and the second stop, at least one of the first outlet and the second outlet is partially open.

6. The valve of any preceding claim having a first stop and a second stop, wherein at the first stop the first outlet is closed and the second outlet is closed and wherein at the second stop either: the first outlet is closed and the second outlet is open; or the first outlet is open and the second outlet is closed.

7. The valve of any preceding claim wherein the valve is movable perpendicular to a plane intersecting the first outlet and the second outlet.

8. The valve of any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the actuator comprises a rotating actuator.

9. The valve of claim 8, wherein the valve comprises a rotatable plate and wherein the rotatable plate comprises a first aperture and a second aperture.

10. The valve of claim 9 wherein in the first position range the first aperture overlaps with the first outlet, and wherein in the second position range the second aperture overlaps with the second outlet.11 . The valve of claim 8 wherein the valve comprises a first cover and a second cover, wherein the first cover and the second cover are rotatable such that: in the first position range at least part of the first outlet is uncovered by the first cover; and in the second position range at least part of the second outlet is uncovered by the second cover.

12. The valve of any preceding claim, wherein the first outlet is configured to direct gas via a first route, wherein the first route comprises a cooling system.

13. The valve of claim 12 wherein the second outlet is configured to direct gas via a second route, wherein the second route bypasses the cooling system.

14. The valve of claim 13 wherein the first route and the second route merge downstream of the cooling system.

15. The valve of claim 13 or 14, wherein valve is configured to receive the incident gas flow from an engine exhaust and wherein the first and second routes are configured to direct gas into the engine.

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