A valve plate element for a valve, frame valve comprising the valve plate

Abstract

A valve component (1) for a valve, such as a frame valve, is described. The valve component (1) comprises a first slit (10) arranged to form a first portion (3) configured to be movable relative to a second portion (4) of the valve component (1), said second portion (4) surrounding the first portion (3). The first portion (3) has a longitudinal axis (A) and extends longitudinally between a fixed end (6) and a free end (8), wherein the fixed end (6) is connected to the second portion (4). Moreover, the first portion (3) comprises, as seen along its longitudinal extension, a bending region (3a) and a sealing end region (3b). The first slit (10) has a variable width along its extension with at least a first widened section (11) at the sealing end region (3a) of the first portion (3). The disclosure also relates to a compressor including a frame valve comprising the valve component (1).

Description

[0001] A VALVE PLATE ELEMENT FOR A VALVE, FRAME VALVE COMPRISING THE VALVE PLATE ELEMENT, AND COMPRESSOR COMPRISING THE FRAME VALVE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates in general to a valve component for a valve, such as a frame valve. The present disclosure also relates in general to a frame valve comprising such a valve component, and to a compressor comprisingthe frame valve.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A frame valve is a valve used to regulate gas or liquid flow in compressors, such as compressors for refrigeration applications. Frame valves are commonly found in high-performance, industrial grade compressors where reliability and efficiency are particularly important factors.

[0006] A frame valve comprises several different constituent components, including for example a seat plate component and a valve component. The valve component is configured to be fixedly mounted to a housing or frame of the frame valve and comprises at a portion which is movable relative to the portion of the valve component which is fixedly mounted. The movable portion is configured to open and close against a valve seat of the seat plate component to thereby regulate flow of the fluid. The movable portion may thus function in substantially the same way as a reed of a reed valve. However, in contrast to a reed, which is mounted at one end, the movable portion of a valve component for a frame valve is an integral part of the valve component (which also comprises a stationary part). Described differently, the valve component comprises a slit which separates the movable portion from the stationary portion, and the movable portion comprises a fixed end connected to the stationary portion.

[0007] Valve components of the type described above are typically manufactured by stamping or cutting (e.g. using laser cutting) a steel sheet to a desired geometric configuration, followed by tumbling for the purpose of rounding off edges and introduce compressive residual stresses in the surface of steel.

[0008] The compressor industry is constantly seeking to improve energy efficiency and performance of compressors, which in turn puts higher demands on performance and reliability of the valves used therein. This may for example involve developing new geometric designs of valve components, e.g., for reducing the dead volume. For example, it has been suggested that reducing the width of the slit that separates the movable portion from the stationary portion of the valve component may be one way of reducing the dead volume and thereby improve energy efficiency of the compressor.

[0009] Another major challenge when seeking to increase compressor efficiency and performance is the properties of the steel material from which valve component is made. This is because an increased efficiency and performance of the compressor inherently puts higher demands on performance and reliability of the steel material used. Material manufacturers have therefore made great efforts to enhance the properties of existing materials, for example by various process modifications and / or surface treatments, and to develop new materials to keep pace with the needs of the compressor industry.

[0010] Alterations of geometric design of the valve component and improvement of material properties may sometimes conflict with each other, and therefore not lead to the expected or desired improvement of the valve. More specifically, a new geometric design of the valve component may be an obstacle to improving material properties or may even require that an alternative material with lower mechanical properties be used. Moreover, an improvement of material properties may be an obstacle against desired alterations in the geometric design of the valve component or may not even be possible for a given geometric design of the valve component e.g., due to increased risk of failure of the valve component. Thus, improvement of energy efficiency and performance of compressors, through modification of a valve and its valve component, is not an easy task.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] The object of the present invention is to enable improved performance and reliability of a valve component and thereby also a valve, such as a frame valve, comprising the valve component.

[0013] The object is achieved by the herein described valve component for a valve.

[0014] The valve component comprises a first slit arranged to form a first portion configured to be movable relative to a second portion of the valve component, said second portion surrounding the first portion. The first portion has a longitudinal axis and extends longitudinally between a fixed end and a free end, wherein the fixed end is connected to the second portion. The first portion comprises, as seen along its longitudinal extension, a bending region and a sealing end region. The first slit has a variable width along its extension with at least a first widened section at the sealing end region of the first portion.

[0015] The herein described valve component allows for reducing the dead volume, and thereby improve energy efficiency of a device (such as a compressor) comprising a valve comprising the valve component, while also improving reliability and performance of the valve component. This is in turn achieved through the first widened section of the slit which is arranged at the sealing end region of the first portion. The sealing end region often comprises critical areas susceptible to fatigue failure, but due to the presence of the widened section at such a critical area, the risk for fatigue failure is significantly reduced, which in turn improves reliability. More specifically, the first widened section ensures that tumbling during manufacturing of the valve component achieves satisfactory results in terms of quality and material properties. Firstly, by means of the above mentioned first widened section of the slit, it may be ensured that sufficient rounding off of the edges, formed during stamping or cutting of a steel strip or a steel sheet during manufacturing of the valve component, may be achieved during tumbling. This reduces the risk for crack initiation points where the first portion is subjected to relatively high impact forces during operation of the valve. Moreover, the presence of the first widened section at the sealing end region allows for introducing high compressive residual stresses into the first portion during tumbling, as it allows for easier access of the tumbling media to the relevant surfaces.

[0016] Increased compressive residual stresses at critical areas contributes to improved impact fatigue properties, and thereby also a reduced risk for fatigue failure. A reduced risk of fatigue failure in turn allows for operating the valve component under higher loads, and thereby improves the performance of the valve in which the valve component is arranged.

[0017] The first widened section of the first slit may result from a broadening of the first slit into the second portion of the valve component. Thereby, it may be avoided that the variable width of the slit, in particular the widened section, alters the geometrical shape of the first portion, which is typically tailored to a desired function and performance thereof.

[0018] The first widened section of the first slit may for example have a width of at least 0.3 mm and up to 3.0 mm but is not limited thereto. The first slit may further comprise a second widened section at the sealing end region of the first portion. In such a case, the first widened section and the second widened section may be arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the first portion. Having two different widened sections at the sealing end region may allow for further reducing the dead volume and thereby improve energy efficiency of a device comprising a valve comprising the valve component, compared to utilizing a single widened section. This is because the two widened sections may be arranged where the impact forces are likely the highest and the risk for failure in case of insufficient tumbling is the greatest, as opposed to using a single widened section bridgingthe corresponding locations.

[0019] In case the slit comprises a first widened section and a second widened section at the first sealing end region, the first and second widened sections may each be connected to a respective end of a narrowed section of the first slit. Thereby, the dead volume may be further reduced. Said narrowed section of the first slit may suitably have a continuous width, e.g., for ease of production of the valve component and ensuring reduced dead volume.

[0020] The first portion may, at its free end, comprise a curved top edge having a constant radius of curvature. In such a case, each of the first and second widened sections mentioned above may be arranged so as to bridge a respective connection of said curved top edge to an adjacent edge of the first portion. For some geometric designs of the first portion, the position around the connection between a curved top edge, having a constant radius of curvature, to an adjacent edge represents a position at which the highest impact forces may occur. Therefore, it may be advantageous if the first and second widened sections are arranged to bridge these positions. The adjacent edge mentioned above may for example be a side edge of the first portion and / or an edge having a radius of curvature different from the curved top edge of the first portion.

[0021] The slit may further comprise a third widened section and a fourth widened section, said third and fourth widened sections being arranged at the bending region of the first portion and on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the first portion. Thereby, it may be ensured that sufficient rounding off of the edges and high compressive residual stresses may be introduced into the surface of the material of the first portion also where the highest bending forces may occur in the first portion. This may contribute to improved bending fatigue properties, and thereby also improved reliability and performance. The valve component may further comprise a second slit arranged inwardly, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first portion, of the first slit. Said second slit may be arranged to form a third portion of the valve component, wherein the first portion is configured to be movable also relative to the third portion. Such a third portion may be configured to be movable relative to the second portion. The presence of the second slit, and thus also the third portion, may be needed, or allow, for alternative configurations of a valve in which the valve component is arranged.

[0022] The valve component may be made from a steel strip, or a steel composite strip.

[0023] The steel strip or steel composite strip may for example comprise a martensitic stainless steel, or a carbon steel, having a tensile strength, as determined according to ISO 6982-1 , of at least 1700 MPa, and a hardness, as determined according to ISO 6507-1 , of at least 500 Hv. Thereby, a high reliability and performance of the valve component may be achieved.

[0024] According to one aspect, the martensitic stainless steel or carbon steel has a tensile strength, as determined accordingto ISO 6982-1 , of at least 1850 MPa, and / or a hardness, as determined according to ISO 6507-1 , of at least 530 Hv. Higher tensile strength and / or hardness may as such further improve reliability and performance of the valve component. However, more importantly, the ability to introduce high compressive residual forces is generally improved when the tensile strength and / or hardness increases. High compressive residual forces are beneficial both for bending fatigue strength and impact fatigue strength.

[0025] Moreover, the valve component may comprise a surface coating on at least a part of one surface thereof. Such a surface coating may for example be applied for the purpose of increasing hardness of the surface.

[0026] The present disclosure also relates to a frame valve comprising the valve component described above, wherein the second portion of the valve component is fixedly mounted to a housing or frame of the frame valve. Such a frame valve component may typically further comprise a seat plate component comprising a valve seat. Said seat plate component may also be fixedly mounted to the housing or frame of the frame valve and may be arranged relative to the valve component such that the first portion, at the free end thereof, is configured to seal against the valve seat of the seat plate component.

[0027] The above described frame valve is particularly suited for use in a compressor. Thus, the present disclosure also relates to a compressor comprising said frame valve. The compressor may for example be a compressor configured for refrigeration applications but is not limited thereto.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a top view of an example of a conventional valve component and a seat plate component to be assembled into a valve,

[0030] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of a first exemplifying embodiment of the herein described valve component,

[0031] Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of a second exemplifying embodiment of the herein described valve component,

[0032] Fig. 4 illustrates a top view of a third exemplifying embodiment of the herein described valve component,

[0033] Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of a fourth exemplifying embodiment of the herein described valve component,

[0034] Fig. 6 illustrates a top view of a fifth exemplifying embodiment of the herein described valve component, and

[0035] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a cross sectional view of a frame valve comprising the valve component according to the present disclosure.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to exemplifying embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The invention is however not limited to the exemplifying embodiments discussed and / or shown in the drawings but may be varied within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the drawings shall not be considered drawn to scale as some features may be exaggerated in order to more clearly illustrate the invention or features thereof.

[0038] The present disclosure provides a valve component for a valve, for example a frame valve. The valve component comprises a first slit arranged to form a first portion configured to be movable relative to a second portion of the valve component, said second portion surrounding the first portion. The first slit is naturally a through-slit to thereby allow the first portion to be movable relative to the second portion. The second portion may typically be configured to be fixedly mounting the valve component in a housing or frame of the valve. When the valve component is mounted in the valve, the first portion is configured to open and close against a valve seat to thereby regulate flow of fluid (such as gas and / or liquid) through the valve. The valve component has a plate-like configuration when being in a rested state, such as prior to being mounted in the valve or when the valve is in a closed state.

[0039] The first portion of the valve component has a longitudinal axis and extends longitudinally between a fixed end and a free end. The fixed end of the first portion is directly connected to the second portion. The first portion comprises, as seen along its longitudinal extension, at least a bending region and a sealing end region. It should here be noted that, although the bending region may be arranged at different positions along the longitudinal axis depending on the geometric design of the first portion, the bending region is arranged somewhere between the fixed end and the sealing end region of the first portion as seen along the longitudinal axis of the first portion. The sealing end region may typically be arranged at the free end of the first portion. In the present disclosure, a bending region of the first portion is considered to mean a region of the first portion that is subjected to the highest bending forces when the first portion moves (lifts) between a closed position and an open position of the valve. Moreover, a sealing end region of the first portion is considered to mean the region of the first portion which, when arranged in the valve, is configured to meet against a valve seat as the first portion is moved to a closed position during operation of the valve. In other words, the sealing end region is a region of the first portion which is subjected to the highest impact forces. It should here be noted that, depending on the particular design of the first portion, the bending region and the sealing end region of the first portion may be adjacent to each other as seen along the longitudinal axis of the first portion, but may often be separated from each other by a region at which the bending and / or impact forces are relatively low. Each of the bending region and the sealing end region are in the present disclosure considered to extend over the entire width first portion, the width of the first portion here being considered to refer to a distance in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0040] The first portion may be symmetrical, or non-symmetrical, about its longitudinal axis depending on the configuration of the valve in which the valve component is intended to be used. Furthermore, the first portion may be substantially centered of the valve component, or be off centered, without departing from the present disclosure. Moreover, depending on the configuration of and the function of the valve in which the valve component is to be arranged, the valve component may in addition to the slit comprise various through-holes or through- openings. In general, the valve component at least comprises through-holes adapted for mounting of the valve component in the valve, such as to a housing or a frame of the valve, through use of fastening means.

[0041] As previously mentioned, the valve component comprises a first slit, which is arranged so as to form the first portion. More specifically, the first slit forms an outer edge of the first portion as seen in relation to the longitudinal axis of the first portion. In other words, the first slit separates the first portion from the second portion of the valve component. The first slit of the herein described valve component has a variable width along its extension with at least a first widened section at the sealing end region of the first portion. The width of the first slit is herein considered to correspond to a width as seen in a plane parallel to a plane of a surface of the second portion of the valve component. The first slit naturally also has a length as seen along its extension.

[0042] It is generally desired to reduce the dead volume of a valve to thereby enhance energy efficiency of, e.g. a compressor comprising the valve. This may be achieved, for example, by reducing the width of a slit separating the movable portion of the valve component from the portion configured to be stationary during operation of the valve. However, it has been found that a reduced width of the slit may sometimes lead to premature failure of the valve component and thereby inferior reliability. The present inventors have realized that failure of the valve component often occurs somewhere along the edge of the first portion at its sealing end region, which is a region subjected to relatively high impact forces during operation of the valve. The present inventors have also found that the reason for the increased risk for failure of the valve component is likely related to the tumbling of the valve component. There is a problem when employing steels, especially steels with higher strength and hardness, as the narrow width of the slit will make efficient tumbling of the edge difficult or even impossible. Thus, the edge rounding achieved will be insufficient and may not meet necessary quality standards. This means that a reduction of the width of the slit conflicts with the desire to use materials of higher tensile strength and hardness, as these require higher tumbling forces to round off edges and to introduce a suitable amount of compressive residual forces for the purpose of achieving an appropriate impact fatigue strength.

[0043] In view of these understandings, the present inventors have found that narrowing of the slit for the purpose of decreasing dead volume may still be allowed if the slit is also widened where the risk for failure due to impact forces is highest. In other words, narrowed sections of the slit contributes to decreasing the dead volume of a valve in which the valve component is arranged. However, a widened section arranged at the sealing end region ensures that sufficient rounding off of the edges, formed by the slit, may be achieved during tumbling, thereby reducing the number of possible fraction initiation points. Moreover, such a widened section ensures that high compressive residual stresses may be sufficiently introduced into the surface of the first portion at the sealing end region. Thereby, the impact fatigue properties may at the sealing end region may be significantly improved. The fact that tumbling may reach the area at which the highest impact fatigue resistance is required also allows for selecting materials with higher tensile strength and hardness, which also contributes to improved reliability and performance.

[0044] The first widened section may for example have a width of at least 0.3 mm, or at least 0.5 mm. Moreover, the width of the first widened section typically need not be larger than 3.0 mm, although greater widths are also possible.

[0045] The first slit may comprise more than one widened section at the sealing end region of the first portion. When the slit comprises a first widened section and a second widened section at the sealing end region, the first and second widened sections may be symmetrically arranged and on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis of the first portion. It is however also possible that the first and second widened sections are not symmetrically arranged, and they need not necessarily be arranged on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis. When a plurality of widened sections is present at the sealing end region of the first portion, they should suitably be distributed at such positions where the highest impact forces may result. Thereby, it may be ensured that the tumbling efficiently rounds of the edges, and thereby reduces the risk for possible initiation points for cracks, and also results in high compressive residual stressed into the first portion at the most critical areas in terms of fatigue failure. The slit may further comprise one or more widened sections at the bending region of the first portion. Similarly to the first widened section, arranged at the sealing end region, a widened section at the bending region may result from a broadening of the slit into the second portion. Alternatively, or additionally, a widened section at the bending region may result from a broadening of the slit into the first portion, if desired. It should here be noted that problems associated with reduction of the width of the slit at the bending region of the first portion are usually not as common as at the sealing end region and may often be overcome by alteration of geometric design of the first portion. Still, it may in some cases, especially when the valve component is made of a material with higher tensile strength and hardness, utilize one or more widened sections at the bending region as well.

[0046] The valve component may be made of a steel strip. Alternatively, the valve component may be made of a steel composite strip, such as a plated steel strip. Such a steel strip or composite steel strip may, before stamping or cutting out the geometric design of the valve plate component, be cut to a sheet. Moreover, steel strip / sheet or steel composite strip / sheet may optionally be provided with a surface coating on at least a part of one surface thereof. Such a surface coating may for example be applied for the purpose of increasing hardness of the surface. The surface coating, if present, may be applied before or after stamping or cutting the steel strip / sheet.

[0047] The steel strip, or steel composite strip, may comprise a martensitic stainless steel, such as a AISI 420 type of martensitic stainless steels, or a carbon steel, such as a AIS1 1095 type of carbon steels. The martensitic stainless steel, or carbon steel, should have a tensile strength of at least 1700 MPa and a hardness, after hardening and tempering, of at least 500 Hv. The tensile strength is herein considered as determined in accordance with ISO 6982-1 . The hardness is herein considered as determined in accordance with ISO 6507-1 . Higher tensile strength and hardness improves the fatigue properties as long as sufficient ductility may be maintained. The above mentioned AISI 420 type martensitic stainless steels and AIS1 1095 type carbon steels often fulfil said requirements. Moreover, higher tensile strength and hardness often leads to the ability to introduce high compressive residual forces into the surface of the steel, which further contributes to improved fatigue properties. Thus, the martensitic stainless steel or carbon steel may suitably have a tensile strength of at least 1850 MPa and / or a hardness of at least 530 Hv.

[0048] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a top view of an example of a previously known valve component 110 and a seat plate component 120. The valve component 110 and seat plate component 120 are in the figure shown side by side. However, when mounted in a valve, the valve component 110 is arranged on top of the seat plate component 120, or vice versa, so that valve component 110 and seat plate component are stacked substantially in parallel. Moreover, when arranged in the valve, the valve component 110 and the seat plate component are each mounted to a housing or frame (not shown) of the valve, typically by fastening means. Each of the valve component 110 and the seat plate component 120 typically comprises a plurality of through-holes 115, 125 adapted to allow mounting thereof to the housing or frame by fastening means. When mounted in the valve, the through-holes 115 of the valve component are aligned with the through-holes of the seat plate component 120.

[0049] The valve component 110 comprises a slit 112, which according to the example shown has a substantially U-shaped configuration. The slit 112 is a through-slit and thus divides the plate valve component 110 into a first portion 113 and a second portion 114. The first portion 113 and second portion 114 are thus integrally formed in the same plate-like material without any mounting means, welding, or the like. Moreover, the first portion 113 has a fixed end connected to the second portion 114, as shown in the figure. The first portion 113 may often have a tonguelike shape, as shown in the figure, but is not limited thereto.

[0050] The second portion 114 of the valve component 110 is configured for mounting the valve component 110 to a housing or frame as described above. Thus, the second portion 114 is configured to be stationary during operation of a valve in which the valve component 110 is arranged. In contrast, the first portion 113 is configured to be movable for the purpose of opening and closing of the valve. More specifically, the first portion 113 is configured to be lifted at its free end (which is arranged opposite to the fixed end as seen in the longitudinal direction of the first portion 113) for the purpose of opening of the valve. During closing of the valve, the first portion 113 is moved back to its original position where it is substantially flush with the second portion 114. This also means that the first portion 113 is movable relative to the second portion 114 of the valve component 110. To facilitate such a movement, the valve component 110 may often comprise small through-openings 111 arranged at each respective end of the slit 112. Such through-openings 111 may additionally, or alternatively, sometimes be present also for production reasons.

[0051] The movement of the first portion 113 during operation of the valve leads to bending forces being generated in the first portion 113. Moreover, as the first portion 113 closes the valve, impact forces will be generated in the first portion, at least in a region of its fee end. The seat plate component 120 comprises a through-hole 122 through which the fluid, who’s flow is to be controlled by the valve in which the seat plate component 120 and valve component 110 are arranged, may flow. The through-hole 122 is circumscribed by a valve seat 124 against which the first portion 113 is configured to seal when the valve is closed. It should here be noted that the free end of the first portion 113 is typically somewhat larger than the valve seat so that, when it seals against the valve seat 124, there will be an overhang.

[0052] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of a first exemplifying embodiment of the herein described valve component 1 . The valve component 1 may for example be formed through stamping or cutting of a steel strip 2 but is not limited thereto. After forming of the geometric design of the valve component, it may suitably be subjected to tumbling to round off edges formed during stamping or cutting step and to introduce compressive residual stress into the surfaces of the steel and.

[0053] Like the valve component 110 shown in figure 1 , the valve component 1 shown in figure 2 comprises a slit 10 arranged to form a first portion 3 configured to be movable relative to a second portion 4 of the valve component 1 . The second portion 4 surrounds the first portion 3. In other words, the slit 10 separates the first portion 3 from the second portion 4 (except at a fixed end 6 of the first portion 3), and the first portion 3 is arranged inwardly of the second portion 4. The slit 10 inherently forms an outer edge of the first portion 3, as well as an inner edge of the second portion 4. Moreover, the valve component 1 comprises a plurality of through- holes 5 adapted for mounting of the valve component 1 to a housing or frame of a valve. It should here be noted that the valve component 1 may comprise further through-holes or openings than shown in the figure, the presence of such additional through-holes or openings being dependent on the configuration and functionality of the valve in which the valve component 1 is to be mounted.

[0054] The first portion 3 has a longitudinal axis A. In the figure, the first portion 3 is illustrated to be substantially centered in the valve component 1 . In other words, the first portion 3 is shown to be arranged so that the longitudinal axis A thereof (when the first portion 3 is flush with the second portion 4, i.e. in a non-lifted position) coincides with a central axis of the second portion 4, said central axis being arranged in a plane parallel to a top and / or bottom surface of the second portion 4. It should however be noted that this need not be the case, and the first portion 3 may thus be off centered from said central axis of the second portion without departing from the present disclosure. The first portion 3 extends longitudinally between a fixed end 6, which in the figure is schematically illustrated by the dotted line, and a free end 8. The fixed end 6 of the first portion 3 is directly connected to the second portion 4. The free end 8 may typically have a curved configuration, when the valve component is seen in a top view (as shown in figure 2). In other words, the free end 8 may be arc-shaped as seen in a plane coinciding with the longitudinal axis A.

[0055] Moreover, the first portion 3 comprises, as seen along its longitudinal extension along the longitudinal axis A, a bending region 3a and a sealing end region 3b, each schematically illustrated in the figure by dashed lines. The bending region 3a corresponds to a region where the highest bending forces in the material of the first portion 3 will be achieved when the first portion 3 is moved during operation of a valve in which the valve component is arranged. The sealing end region 3b is here arranged at the free end 8 of the first portion 3 and is a region at which the highest impact forces will occur during operation of the valve (due to the impact of the first portion 3 against a valve seat).

[0056] In contrast to the valve component 110 shown in figure 1 , the slit 10 of the valve component 1 shown in figure 2 has a variable width along its extension. More specifically, the slit 10 comprises a widened section 11 at the sealing end region 3a of the first portion 3. In the exemplified embodiment shown in figure 2, the widened section 11 extends along the whole free end 8 of the first portion 3. It should however be noted that the widened section 11 may alternatively extend along only a portion of the free end 8 of the first portion 3.

[0057] The widened section 11 may suitably result from a broadening of the slit 10 into the second portion 4 of the valve component 1 , as shown in the figure. Described differently, the widened section 11 of the slit may result from an offset applied to an edge of the second portion 4.

[0058] Thereby, the alteration of the width of the slit so as to form the widened section 11 will not alter the geometric shape or outer edge of the first portion 3, which, in general, are selected in dependence of the desired function of the valve component 1 for the purpose of regulating flow through the valve in which the valve component 1 will be arranged.

[0059] The slit further 10 comprises two narrowed sections 14a, 14b, which each may have a smaller width than the width of e.g., the slit 112 of the previously known valve component 110 shown in figure 1 . In any case, the narrowed sections 14a, 14b naturally have a smallerwidth than the width of the widened section 11 . The narrowed sections 14a, 14b, of the slit 10 are here illustrated as arranged along the lateral sides of the first portion 3 and on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis A. The narrowed sections 14a, 14b may have a substantially constant width as seen along the extension of the slit 10. In contrast, the widened section 11 may have a somewhat varying width as seen along the extension of the slit 10. As can be seen in the figure, the slit 10 may extend between two (smaller) through-openings 20. However, in some cases, the through-openings 20 may be omitted.

[0060] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of a second exemplifying embodiment of the herein described valve component 1 . Like the first exemplifying embodiment shown in figure 2, the valve component shown in figure 3 comprises a slit 10 arranged to form a first portion 3 configured to be movable relative to a second portion 4 of the valve component 1 , and wherein said slit 10 has a variable width along its extension. Moreover, the valve component 1 comprises a plurality of through-holes 5 adapted for mounting of the valve component 1 to a housing or frame of a valve. In contrast to the valve component shown in figure 2, where the first portion has a substantially U-shaped configuration, the first portion 3 of valve component 1 shown in figure 3 has a waist (i.e. a narrowed width) at or close to the bending region 3a. Such a waist of the movable portion of valve components are common in the art, and the first portion of the valve component shown in figure 2 may also comprise such a waist, if desired. Similarly, the first portion 3 of the valve component 1 shown in figure 3 need not necessarily comprise a waist.

[0061] More specifically, the slit 10 of the valve component 1 shown in figure 3 comprises a first widened section 11 and a second widened section 13, each arranged at the sealing end region 3b of the first portion 3. The first widened section 11 and the second widened section 13 are here shown to be arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis A of the first portion (as considered when the first portion 3 is in a position at which it is flush with the second portion 4). Moreover, the first widened section 11 and the second widened section 13 are separated by a narrowed section 12 of the slit 10, as seen along the extension of the slit 10, said narrowed section 12 being arranged at the free end 8 of the first portion 3. More specifically, the first and second widened sections 11 , 13 are connected to a respective end of the narrowed section 12 of the slit 10. The narrowed section 12 naturally has a smaller width than the width of each of the first and second widened sections 11 , 13. The narrowed section 12 may suitably have a substantially continuous (i.e. substantially constant) width, whereas the widths of the first and second widened sections 11 , 13 may vary somewhat as seen along the extension of the slit 10. The present disclosure is however not limited thereto. Moreover, similar to the in the valve component shown in figure 2, the slit 10 of the valve component 1 shown in figure 3 further comprises two narrowed sections 14a, 14b arranged along the lateral sides of the first portion 3 and on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis A . The slit 10 further comprises a third widened section 16 and a fourth widened section 18 arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis A. In contrast to the first and second widened sections 11 , 13, the third and fourth widened sections 16, 18 are not arranged at the sealing end region 3b of the first portion 3. Instead, each of the third widened section 16 and the fourth widened section 18 is arranged at the bending region 3a of the first portion 3.

[0062] As can be seen from figure 3, each of the first widened section 11 , the second widened section 13, the third widened section 16, and the fourth widened section 18 result from a broadening of the slit 10 into the second portion 4 of the valve component 1 .

[0063] In the exemplifying embodiment shown in figure 3, the first portion 3 comprises a curved top edge, having a constant radius of curvature r, at its free end 8. In such a case, each of the first widened section 11 and the second widened section 13 may be arranged so as to bridge a connection of said curved top edge (having a constant radius of curvature r) to an adjacent edge of the first portion. Such an adjacent edge of the first portion 3 may for example be a lateral side edge of the first portion 3. Alternatively, as shown in figure 3, the adjacent edge of the first portion 3 may be an edge having a radius of curvature different from the curved top edge having the constant radius of curvature r. It should here be noted that each of the here discussed curved top edge, lateral side edge, and / or adjacent edge with a different curvature of radius than the curved top edge are parts of the outer edge of the first portion 3 as a whole.

[0064] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of a third exemplifying embodiment of a valve component 1 in accordance with the present disclosure. The third exemplifying embodiment corresponds to the exemplifying embodiment shown in figure 3, except that the slit 10 does not comprise any widened sections at the bending region 3a of the first portion 3. Furthermore, the first portion 3 comprises an elongated through-hole 30. Said through-hole 30 may for example be configured to cooperate with an orifice, e.g. a discharge orifice, of a seat plate component when the valve component and seat plate component are arranged in a valve. It should however be noted that the elongated though-hole 30 arranged in the first portion 3 may be omitted, and the potential presence of any through-holes or openings in the first portion 3 depends on the configuration and function of the valve in which the valve component 1 is to be arranged. Figure 5 illustrates a top view of a fourth exemplifying embodiment of a valve component 1 according to the present disclosure. Like the previously described exemplifying embodiments, shown in figures 2-4, the valve component 1 shown in figure 5 comprises a first slit 10 arranged to form a first portion 3 configured to be movable relative to a second portion 4 of the valve component 1 , the second portion 4 surrounding the first portion 3. Moreover, like the previously described exemplifying embodiments, the first slit 10 has a variable width along its extension with a first widened section 11 at the sealing end region 3b of the first portion.

[0065] In addition to the first widened section 11 , the slit 10 also comprises a second widened section 12 and a fifth widened section 19. Each of the second widened section 12 and the fifth widened section 19 is arranged at the sealing end region of the first portion 3. Moreover, the slit comprises a sixth widened section 26 and a seventh widened section 27, each arranged to extend from a respective end of the slit 10. The first and second widened sections 11 , 13 are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis A. The fifth widened section 19 may however be centered about the longitudinal axis A, as shown in the figure.

[0066] In contrast to the previously described exemplifying embodiments, the valve component 1 shown in figure 5 further comprises a second slit 22. The second slit 22 is arranged inwardly of the first slit 10 with respect to the longitudinal axis, as seen when the first portion 3 is in a position at which it is flush with the second portion 4. The second slit 22 is arranged so as to form a third portion 23 of the valve component 1 . The first portion 3 is not only movable relative to the second portion 4, but also movable relative to the third portion 23. Furthermore, the third portion 23 may be movable relative to the second portion 4 of the valve component 1 . Similarly to the first portion 3, the third portion 23 comprises a fixed end 24 (represented by the dashed line) where it is directly connected to the second portion 4. The presence of the third portion 23, as shown in the figure, leads to the fixed end 6 of the first portion 3 being formed of a first fixed end part 6a and a second fixed end part 6b

[0067] It should be noted that although figure 5 illustrates an exemplifying embodiment that comprises both a second slit 22 and thereby a third portion 23, as well as a first slit 10 comprising three widened sections at the sealing end (i.e. widened sections 11 , 13 and 19) as well as two widened sections at the respective ends of the slit 10 (widened sections 26 and 27), the presence of the second slit 22, and thus also the third portion 23, are not dependent on the number of widened sections or their position along the extension of the slit. In other words, the herein described valve component may comprise the second slit 22 irrespectively of whether the first slit 10 has a configuration as shown e.g., in any one of figures 2 to 4. Similarly, valve component 1 may comprise a first slit 10 having the configuration shown in figure 5 irrespectively of whether the second slit 22 is present or not.

[0068] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of a fifth exemplifying embodiment of a valve component 1 according to the present disclosure. The fifth exemplifying embodiment corresponds to the fourth exemplifying embodiment shown in figure 5, except that (not only the first slit 10 but also) the second slit 22 has a variable width along its extension. More specifically, the second slit 22 comprises two widened sections 41 , 42 in the vicinity of the free end 40 of the third portion 23. The widened sections 41 , 42 are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis A, and are connected via an intermediate narrowed section 43 of the second slit 22. Furthermore, the second slit 22 comprises two widened section 44, 45 at the bending region of the first portion 3.

[0069] Furthermore, the valve component 1 shown in figure 6 does not comprise the fifth widened section 19 of the first slit 10, as shown in figure 5. It is however also possible that the valve component 1 shown in figure 9 may have a first slit 10 comprising such a fifth widened section.

[0070] It should be noted that although, in each of the exemplified embodiments of the valve component 1 shown in figures 2-6, the first portion 3 as well as the (first) slit 10 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A (as seen when the first portion 3 is in a position at which it is flush with the second portion 4), neither the first portion 3 nor the (first) slit 10 need to be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A. Moreover, even in case the first portion 3 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis, the slit 10 may be non-symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A (as seen when the first portion 3 is in a position at which it is flush with the second portion 4).

[0071] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a cross sectional view of a frame valve 60 comprising a valve component 1as described herein. In addition to the valve component 1 , the frame valve 60 also comprises a seat plate component 30 comprising a through-hole 32 through which the fluid who’s flow is to be regulated may flow. In the figure, such a flow is represented by the dashed arrows. For sake of clarity, a housing / frame of the frame valve 60 has been omitted in the figure. The seat plate component 30 further comprises a valve seat 34 against which the first portion of the valve component 1 is to seal. The valve seat 34 circumscribes the through-hole 32. In the figure, the first portion 3 of the valve component is shown when in a lifted position. Thus, the bending region 3a of the first portion 3 is subjected to relatively high bending forces.

[0072] Therefore, the valve component 1 needs to have good bending fatigue properties. When the first portion 3 moves back to its original position, at which it is flush with the second portion 4, the sealing end region 3b will be subjected to impact forces when impacting against the valve seat 34. These impact forces may lead to fatigue. Thus, the first portion 3, or at least the sealing end region 3b and the free end 8 should have good impact fatigue properties.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A valve component (1 ) for a valve, the valve component (1 ) comprising: a first slit (10) arranged to form a first portion (3) configured to be movable relative to a second portion (4) of the valve component (1 ), said second portion (4) surrounding the first portion (3), the first portion (3) having a longitudinal axis (A) and extending longitudinally between a fixed end (6) and a free end (8), wherein the fixed end (6) is connected to the second portion (4), wherein the first portion (3) comprises, as seen along its longitudinal extension, a bending region (3a) and a sealing end region (3b), and wherein the first slit (10) has a variable width along its extension with at least a first widened section (11) at the sealing end region (3b) of the first portion (3).

2. The valve component (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the first widened section (11 ) of the first slit (10) results from a broadening of the first slit (10) into the second portion (4) of the valve component (1 ).

3. The valve component (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first widened section (11 ) has a width of from 0.3 mm to 3.0 mm.

4. The valve component (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first slit (10) further comprises a second widened section (13) at the sealing end region (3b) of the first portion (3), and wherein the first widened section (11 ) and the second widened section (13) are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis (A) of the first portion (3).

5. The valve component (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the first and second widened sections (11 , 13) each are connected to a respective end of a narrowed section (12) of the first slit.

6. The valve component (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein said narrowed section (12) of the first slit (10) has a continuous width.

7. The valve component (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the first portion (3), at its free end (8), comprises a curved top edge having a constant radius of curvature (r), and wherein each of the first and second widened sections (11 , 13) is arranged so as to bridge a connection of said curved top edge to an adjacent edge of the first portion (3).

8. The valve component (1) according to claim 7, wherein said adjacent edge is a side edge of the first portion (3), and / or an edge having a radius of curvature different from the curved top edge of the first portion (3).

9. The valve component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first slit (10) further comprises a third widened section (16) and a fourth widened section (18), said third and fourth widened sections (16, 18) being arranged at the bending region (3a) of the first portion (3) and on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis (A) of the first portion (3).

10. The valve component (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second slit (22) arranged inwardly, with respect to the longitudinal axis (A) of the first portion (3), of the first slit (10) and forming a third portion (23) of the valve component (1), and wherein the first portion (3) is configured to be movable relative to the third portion (23).11 . The valve component (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve component (1) is made from a steel strip (2) or a steel composite strip.

12. The valve component (1 ) according to claim 11 , wherein said steel strip (2) or steel composite strip comprises a martensitic stainless steel, or a carbon steel, having a tensile strength, as determined according to ISO 6982-1 , of at least 1700 MPa, and a hardness, as determined according to ISO 6507-1 , of at least 500 Hv.

13. The valve component (1 ) according to claim 12, where said martensitic stainless steel or carbon steel has a tensile strength, as determined according to ISO 6982-1 , of at least 1850 MPa, and / or a hardness, as determined according to ISO 6507-1 , of at least 530 Hv.

14. The valve component (1 ) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising a surface coating on at least a part of one surface thereof.

15. A frame valve (60) comprising a valve component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion (4) of the valve component (1) is fixedly mounted to a housing or frame of the frame valve (60).

16. A compressor comprising a frame valve (60) according to claim 15.

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