Valve closure element with an elastic deflection portion

Abstract

The present invention relates to a valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1C) for opening and closing a fluid passage between a fluid inlet (102, 202) and a fluid outlet (103, 203) of a valve. The valve closure element extends along a longitudinal axis (XA, XB, XC) and is configured to be axially moved along the axis between a first position and a second position. The valve closure element comprises at least two components, wherein a first component (5A, 5B, 5C) of the valve closure element is held relative to a second component (10A, 10B, 10C). The first component comprises an elastic first deflection portion (2A, 2B, 2C), wherein the elastic first deflection portion provides for a contact surface (3A, 3B, 3C) configured to abut with a valve seat (104, 204) in the axial second position. The first deflection portion is configured to elastically deflect at least partially towards and / or away from the longitudinal axis from an undeflected first state when being in the first position in a deflected second state when being moved from the first position in abutment with a valve seat in the second position. To provide for an improved valve closure element, when the valve closure element is viewed in the undeflected first state in longitudinal sectional view with respect to the longitudinal axis, the elastic first deflection portion has a web-shaped contour in the sectional view extending at least along the axis of the valve closure element.

Description

[0001]

[0002] Valve closure element with an elastic deflection portion

[0003] The present invention relates to a valve closure element for opening and closing of a fluid passage between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet of a valve, for example of a check valve of an ejector or an axial flow control valve. Further, the invention relates to a valve comprising a respective valve closure element.

[0004] Various different valve closure elements and valves are well-known in the art and are used for controlling fluid flows in fluid passages. As such valves are for example used in refrigerant systems to control the flow of fluid between different units, such as compressors, condensers and / or evaporators etc. However, the requirements for valve closure elements have increased enormously in refrigerant systems in recent years, partly due to higher pressures and temperatures that prevail in refrigerant systems, which can be attributed at least to some extent to the increased use of natural refrigerants, e.g. CO2.

[0005] While it was previously possible to work in refrigerant systems with comparatively low pressures and small temperature ranges, significantly higher pressures and temperature ranges are used today. In refrigerant systems, today, for example, ejectors experience temperature ranges between -60°C and +200°C with pressures of up to 200 bar. As a consequence, for example, a pressure difference across a check valve of an ejector can nowadays reach up to about 60 bar. Hence, the smallest imperfections in a valve closure typically at least concerning a valve seat and a corresponding valve closure element can be decisive and impair the efficiency of the refrigerant system as well as the functionality of the refrigerant system in general. It is therefore a challenge to provide for a leak tight valve closure element that closes reliably at both low and high pressures as well as at low and high temperatures. In other words, the challenge is to ensure that the valve closure element can also withstand high pressures and temperatures.

[0006] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0007]

[0008] In this regard, imperfections are understood as deviations from an ideal state and are often caused by different materials being used for the valve seat and the valve closure element for example leading to different thermal expansions when being in use. The different thermal expansions sometimes cause distortion or warpage, which in turn can have a negative impact on the sealing performance of the valve, i.e. the interaction between valve closure element and valve seat.

[0009] Further, imperfections may result from manufacturing of valve seats and valve closure elements or from assembling valve members providing for the valve seats in housing components such as ejectors. These imperfections resulting from manufacturing or assembling are becoming more noticeable due to the increased requirements which are nowadays present in refrigerant systems. Some of these imperfections could possibly be eliminated by optimizing manufacturing and / or assembling. However, eliminating these imperfections by optimizing manufacturing would lead to enormous costs and would therefore be uneconomical.

[0010] An example of an imperfection may concern the valve seat, in particular a contact surface of the valve seat against which the valve closure element abuts in a closed state. Other imperfections may concern height differences in surfaces that form the valve seat and may be caused by installation of a valve member forming a valve seat in multi-part products such as ejectors.

[0011] Further challenges for a valve are that it should reliably close a valve seat over a wide range of differential pressures, e.g. at low differential pressures of only 1 or 2 bar, and that it should also withstand considerable differential pressures of e.g.

[0012] 60 bar. In other words, tightness of the valve may be provided at low differential pressure in which a force that moves the valve closure against the valve seat is small, as well as at high pressure differentials in which a force that moves the valve closure against the valve seat is large.

[0013] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0014]

[0015] The standard way to solve sealing issues, for example caused by imperfections, and to provide for a reasonably tight valve closure over a large range of temperatures and pressures is to use material combinations for the valve closure element in order to provide for flexibility of the valve closure elements. In this regard, typically elastic materials are used. For example, elastomeric or polymeric materials such as chloroprene, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are used for the contact surface of the valve closure element in order to adapt to surface imperfections of the valve seat and to provide for sufficient tightness over large pressure differentials. In addition, metallic materials such as aluminum, brass or steel are used to ensure that the elastomeric or polymeric material is not carrying the full load at high pressures and temperatures.

[0016] However, this becomes a problem at high differential pressure because a structural stability in these elastic materials may no longer be present. Hence, with increased pressure and temperature ranges as nowadays used in refrigerant systems, the standard way no longer seems to be suitable. For example, using elastomers at temperatures of more than 150°C for a contact surface of a valve closure element significantly reduces the lifetime of the product. In addition, using polymers which are sufficiently soft at low temperatures are too soft at temperatures of more than 150°C and will creep, i.e. permanently deform, uncontrolled.

[0017] In addition, due to the use of higher pressures and temperatures in refrigerant systems, swelling effects are also becoming more frequent and more significant, with refrigerant permeating into the material, for example the material of the valve closure element and / or the valve seat, causing the materials to expand. Swelling effects are often all the greater when polymer materials are used, for example, for the valve closure element. Also, these swelling effects resulting in changes of dimensions of the corresponding components, have a negative and often unpredictable impact on the valve closure. In other words, although the presence of

[0018] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0019]

[0020] swelling is well-known, often the actual extent of the swelling depends on many unpredictable factors such as for example actual operation by the end-user of the refrigerant system, which is still unknown at the time of manufacture.

[0021] Due to the aforementioned circumstances, there is a need for a valve closure element that is configured to react and compensate for imperfections and swelling effects which deteriorate sealing between valve seats and valve closure elements, especially when being used in refrigerant systems. There is also a need for a corresponding valve, especially suitable for use in ejectors and / or axial flow control valves.

[0022] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide for an improved valve closure element that is particularly suitable for compensating imperfections and swelling effects, or at least suitable to minimize their negative impact on sealing. In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a corresponding valve.

[0023] The object of the present invention is solved by a valve closure element according to claim 1 as well as a valve according to claim 15.

[0024] The valve closure element is suitable for opening and closing a fluid passage between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet of a valve. In this regard, the valve closure element extends along a longitudinal axis and is configured to be axially moved along the longitudinal axis between an axial first position, in which a fluid passage is for example open, and an axial second position, in which a fluid passage is for example closed or blocked. In this regard, the longitudinal axis may be arranged centered with respect to the valve closure element. Moving along the longitudinal axis in order to open and close a fluid passage, for example a fluid passage inside an ejector, and thereby abut the valve closure element against a valve seat, may

[0025] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0026]

[0027] be understood as a movement in a longitudinal direction, wherein the longitudinal direction has the same orientation as the longitudinal axis.

[0028] In one aspect, the valve closure element may be coupled to a lifting element which may be axially moved along the longitudinal axis in order to axially move the valve closure element between the axial first position and the axial second position.

[0029] In one aspect, the valve closure element may be hinged to the lifting element by hinge elements, for example by slotted pins.

[0030] In one aspect, the valve closure element may be configured to be axially and / or laterally moved with respect to the lifting element, i.e. along the longitudinal axis and / or perpendicular thereto.

[0031] When the valve closure element is being axially moved along the longitudinal axis in order to be moved from the axial first position to the axial second position, the valve closure element can basically assume three relevant conditions. Two of these three relevant conditions correspond to the aforementioned axial first position and axial second position. In more detail, a first condition may refer to a condition in which the valve closure element may be completely unseated, i.e. in which the valve closure element may not be in contact with a valve seat. This condition may refer to the aforementioned axial first position. A second condition may refer to a condition in which the valve closure may be brought into contact with a valve seat and in which sealing may be initiated. A third condition may refer to a condition in which sealing of a fluid passage may be completed, i.e. in which the valve closure element may abut onto the valve seat in a fluid tight manner. This third condition may refer to the aforementioned axial second position. The three conditions will be discussed in more detail below and with respect to further aspects.

[0032] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0033]

[0034] The valve closure element comprises at least two components. In this regard, a first component of the valve closure element is held relative to a second component of the valve closure element.

[0035] In one aspect, when the first component is held relative to the second component the at least two components can move relative to each other. In this regard, the at least two components may for example experience a relative displacement depending on a pressure across the valve closure element. For example, at high pressures, the second component may be seated on the valve seat in the aforementioned third condition, wherein at low pressures the second component may not be seated on the valve seat in the aforementioned third condition. In more general terms, the valve closure element may allow for limited relative movement between the second component and the first component of the valve closure element.

[0036] In one aspect, the second component may not be configured to move relatively to the first component. However, although no relative limited movement between the second component and the first component may be allowed, the first component may for example still be deformed or deflected or the like relatively to the second component.

[0037] The at least two components of the valve closure element may preferably be held together by a detachable connection, for example, to enable selective replacement of the components in the event of wear and to simplify manufacturing of the valve closure element. For example, the at least two components may be held together by a further component, such as a screw. A positive fit, i.e. a form-fit, may also be used to hold the first component relative to the second component. However, in one aspect, also a non-detachable connection between the at least two components, i.e. the first component and the second component, may be provided.

[0038] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0039]

[0040] Further, the first component of the valve closure element comprises an elastic first deflection portion. The elastic first deflection portion may be integrally formed with the first component. In other words, the elastic first deflection portion and any remaining portion(s) of the first component not being assigned to the elastic first deflection portion may be provided in one-piece. The first component including the first deflection portion may thus be provided by a single component.

[0041] The elastic first deflection portion provides for a contact surface configured to abut with a valve seat of a valve in the axial second position. Returning to the aforementioned three relevant conditions that the valve closure element may assume, the contact surface may be in contact or abutment with the valve seat in the second condition as well as in the third condition. However, there may be no contact between the contact surface and the valve seat in the first condition.

[0042] In the third condition, i.e. in the second axial position, when a valve may be leak tight sealed by the valve closure element, the first deflection portion may be deflected. In this regard, the first deflection portion is configured to elastically deflect at least partially towards and / or away from the longitudinal axis of the valve closure element from an undeflected first state when being in the axial first position in a deflected second state when being moved from the axial first position in abutment with a valve seat in the axial second position. In this respect, deflection of the first deflection portion may occur when the valve closure element may be transformed from the aforementioned second condition in the aforementioned third condition. In other words, the first deflection portion may not be deflected in the first condition as well as in the second condition but may be deflected when being transformed from the second condition in the third condition as well as when being in the third condition.

[0043] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0044]

[0045] When the first deflection portion may deflect towards the longitudinal axis and / or away from the longitudinal axis a part or portion of the first deflection portion may move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, i.e. in a radial direction. Here, deflection may also be understood as a kind of bending towards and / or away from the longitudinal axis. If the longitudinal axis is centered in relation to the valve closure element, the first deflection portion may deflect or bend towards the center and / or away from said center.

[0046] Further, when the valve closure element is viewed in the undeflected first state in longitudinal sectional view with respect to the longitudinal axis, the elastic first deflection portion has a web-shaped contour in the longitudinal sectional view. In other words, the first deflection portion may have a web-shaped contour in the undeflected first state when being viewed in a sectional plane that runs along the longitudinal axis. The sectional plane may thus correspond to a longitudinal section or a longitudinal axis section.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the term "web-shaped contour" may be understood as a contour of a web or web shape. In other words, the web-shaped contour may correspond to the outer contour of a web element.

[0048] In the longitudinal sectional view with respect to the longitudinal axis, the webshaped contour extends at least along the longitudinal axis of the valve closure element. In this regard, for example, the web-shaped contour may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis. However, the web-shaped contour may also, for example, converge towards the longitudinal axis, wherein the web-shaped contour at the same time extends along the longitudinal axis.

[0049] Thus, when the valve closure element may be axially moved into abutment with a valve seat, the first deflection portion may deflect towards and / or away from the longitudinal axis. However, due to the elastic deflection of the first deflection

[0050] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0051]

[0052] portion, by deflecting the first deflection portion a tension may be formed inside the first deflection portion that urges to deform the deflected first deflection portion back into the undeflected first state. Hence, if the first deflection portion may for example be deflected towards the longitudinal axis, the first deflection portion may exhibit an outwardly directed preload, i.e. a preload directed away from the longitudinal axis in the radial direction.

[0053] The ability to deflect the first deflection portion of the first component providing for the contact surface with a valve seat may thus allow to compensate for imperfections. In this regard, the first component providing for the contact surface with a valve seat may be provided by a same material as the first deflection portion being part of said first component as deflection of the first deflection portion of the first component is not caused by the material per se, but by a corresponding geometry of the first deflection portion. In other words, it is for example not the softness or the flexibility of the material of the first deflection portion which is used for achieving the deflection, but an appropriate geometry is selected that enables deflection of the first deflection portion. Hence, when the valve closure element may be engineered, once a material, for example of the first component, has been defined, the geometry of the first component is chosen to achieve the intended flexibility, i.e. the flexibility of the first deflection portion and / or the second deflection portion. Care is taken to ensure that the geometry is selected in such a way that a permanent deformation can be avoided, when high pressure acts on the valve closure element and presses the valve closure element against the valve seat.

[0054] When using a single material body for the first deflection portion, the contact surface and the first component, effects of thermal expansion may be significantly reduced. In addition, a thermally stable material which may be hard and stiff at low temperatures may for example be used as its ability to deflect arises from the geometry of the first deflection portion. Further, the material of the first deflection portion may become softer and less stiff when the temperature is increased.

[0055] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0056]

[0057] Therefore, the geometry of the first component as well as the first deflection portion allows to reliably compensate for imperfections over large pressure and / or temperature ranges.

[0058] In one aspect, the web-shaped contour may for example be a slender geometry. In this regard, the term ‘slender geometry’ refers to a type of geometry in which a shape or structure is very thin or narrow, i.e. have little width or depth compared to their length or height. Thus, an extension of the web-shaped contour, i.e. the first deflection portion, along the longitudinal axis may be significantly larger than an extension of the first deflection portion in a direction perpendicular thereto, i.e. an extension in a radial direction.

[0059] According to a further aspect, a first length of the first deflection portion, i.e. the web-shaped contour, may at least be twice as large as the maximum first thickness of the first deflection portion, measured in the undeflected first state in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A corresponding first thickness may measure in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis only 0.5 mm. Further, the first length of the first deflection portion may correspond to an extension of the first deflection portion along the longitudinal axis. Further, the first length of the first deflection portion may refer to a maximum length of the first deflection portion. For example, if the first thickness of the first deflection portion may not be the same in all areas of the first deflection portion, in one aspect, the maximum first thickness should be used for the comparison of the first length and the first thickness. In addition, if the first length of the first deflection portion may not be the same, for example at different distances from the longitudinal axis, the maximum length should be used for the comparison of the first length and the first thickness. The use of a corresponding geometry therefore allows a deflection of the first deflection portion in order to compensate for corresponding imperfections, for example imperfections of surfaces of the valve seat that come into contact with

[0060] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0061]

[0062] the contact surface of the first deflection portion of the first component of the valve closure element.

[0063] According to a further additional or alternative aspect, the first component may comprise an elastic second deflection portion. The elastic second deflection portion may extend in the undeflected first state in longitudinal sectional view with respect to the longitudinal axis at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In one aspect, the second deflection portion may extend in the undeflected first state in longitudinal sectional view with respect to the longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The elastic second deflection portion may be configured to deflect at least partially along the longitudinal axis. The valve closure element may thus comprise a first deflection portion and a second deflection portion. The ability of the second deflection portion to deflect partially along the longitudinal axis may additionally allow to compensate for height differences and imperfections of the valve seat.

[0064] Further, a second length of the elastic second deflection portion of the first component may be at least twice as large as a maximum second thickness of the second deflection portion. The maximum second thickness may be measured in the undeflected first state along the longitudinal axis. The second length may be measured in the undeflected first state in the radial direction, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second length may be measured from an outer surface of a first component portion comprising a hinge through-hole and a point of the first component furthest away from the longitudinal axis, i.e. towards a radial outer part of the first component, or a point of the first component closest to the longitudinal axis, i.e. towards a radial inner part of the first component. A corresponding second thickness may measure in a direction along the longitudinal axis only 0.5 mm. The second length of the second deflection portion may correspond to an extension of the second deflection portion perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the undeflected first state. Further, the second length of the second

[0065] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0066]

[0067] deflection portion may refer to a maximum length of the second deflection portion. For example, if the second thickness of the second deflection portion may not be the same in all areas of the second deflection portion, in one aspect, the maximum second thickness should be used for the comparison of the second length and the second thickness. In addition, if the second length of the second deflection portion may not be the same, for example at different distances from the longitudinal axis, the maximum length should be used for the comparison of the second length and the second thickness. The use of a corresponding geometry therefore allows a deflection of the second deflection portion in order to compensate for corresponding imperfections. Upon deflection of the second deflection portion, the first deflection portion may deflect.

[0068] Additionally or alternatively, the first deflection portion may be arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis. In this regard, the first deflection portion may be arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis at least when being in the undeflected first state. In addition, the valve closure element may be arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis at least when the valve closure element is in the axial first position. Providing a symmetrical configuration of the valve closure element facilitates assembly of the valve closure element with for example a lifting element as a rotational position of the valve closure element with respect to the longitudinal axis may be irrelevant. Further, a circumferential or annular surface element of a valve seat may be contacted peripherally and regularly by the first component. In other words, imperfections can be compensated for around the entire circumference of the valve seat equally well.

[0069] In addition or alternatively, the valve closure element may be annularly arranged about the longitudinal axis. In this regard, the valve closure element may annularly surround the longitudinal axis. In other words, the valve closure element may extend along the longitudinal axis and may annularly surround this longitudinal axis.

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[0071]

[0072] In this regard, the valve closure element may have a hollow cylinder-like structure, wherein the longitudinal axis runs centered with respect to said structure.

[0073] An outer diameter of the valve closure element may for example be between 60 mm and 80 mm. Providing an annular valve closure element may for example allow to seal a valve seat provided by two annular surface elements having different diameters, i.e. by an inner annular surface element and an outer annular surface element providing for a valve seat and a corresponding fluid channel in between the annular surface elements of the valve seat. According to one aspect, several individual fluid channels may be arranged axially offset from the surface elements of the valve seat forming a common fluid channel. In other words, when the valve closure element is in the open position, the fluid may, for example, flow out of the individual fluid channels into the common fluid channel arranged between the annular surface elements. The fluid channels may be arranged in a valve member providing for the valve seat.

[0074] When being used in an ejector, the valve closure element may be arranged to annularly surround a cylindrical mixing channel of the ejector configured to mix fluid from a high pressure ejector inlet and a low pressure ejector inlet as described below. Here, the valve closure element may move along the cylindrical mixing channel between an axial first position and an axial second position. This allows a particularly space-saving arrangement of the ejector.

[0075] According to a further embodiment, the valve closure element may comprise a deflection limiting element. The deflection limiting element may be arranged in the radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve closure element between the first deflection portion and the longitudinal axis of the valve closure element. In other words, the deflection limiting element may be arranged closer to the longitudinal axis in the radial direction than the first deflection portion of the first component. Thus, the deflection limiting element may be configured to limit a

[0076] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0077]

[0078] deflection of the first deflection portion towards the longitudinal axis. This ensures in particular that the web-shaped structure, i.e. the first deflection portion, may not deflect excessively which could otherwise for example lead to plastic deformation or breakage of the first deflection portion. Thus, using a deflection limiting element may be especially helpful if a slender geometry is used for the first deflection portion as slender geometry structures are generally highly susceptible to instabilities such as buckling when exposed to certain loads. In the present case, these loads may be applied when the valve closure element may be moved to the axial second position in order to seal the valve seat.

[0079] In a further aspect, at least in the undeflected first state, a gap may be formed between the first component and the deflection limiting element. This gap may thus define a "degree of freedom" of the first deflection portion, i.e. a potential maximum deflection of the first deflection portion. In other words, a size of the gap may define a possible maximum deflection of the first deflection portion considering that the deflection limiting element is not deformed or deflected when being in contact with the first deflection portion. Further, the gap may extend at least along the longitudinal axis.

[0080] According to a different aspect, especially when the valve closure element may be annularly arranged about the longitudinal axis, the elastic first deflection portion of the first component may comprise a radial inner part with respect to the longitudinal axis which may deflect towards the longitudinal axis when being in the deflected second state. In addition, the elastic first deflection portion of the first component may comprise a radial outer part with respect to the longitudinal axis which may deflect away from the longitudinal axis when being in the deflected second state. The first thickness of each of the radial inner part and the radial outer part may for example be about 0.5 mm. Due to this particular oppositely directed movement of the radial inner part and the radial outer part, for example, the radial inner part may form a sealing surface with an inner annular surface

[0081] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0082]

[0083] element of a valve seat and the radial outer part may form a sealing surface with an outer annular surface element of the valve seat. In other words, the radial inner part may provide for contact with the inner annular surface element of the valve seat and the radial outer part may provide for contact with the outer annular surface element of the valve seat. Thus, if there is a height offset between the two annular surface elements of the valve seat, for example due to manufacturing and / or assembly, or due to different thermal expansions leading to distortion or warpage, the valve closure element and especially the radial inner part of the valve closure element and the radial outer part of the valve closure element each being separately deflectable may allow for a particularly well compensation of any imperfections so that sufficient good sealing is possible even at high pressures and / or temperatures.

[0084] In one aspect, the second component of the valve closure element may at least be partially received between the radial inner part and the radial outer part of the first component. In one aspect, the second component may be held in the first component by a form-fit, i.e. without requiring any additional component to secure the second component to the first component. The second component may be provided by a ring-shaped element which is received between the radial inner part and the radial outer part of the first component. The second component may comprise the same material as the first component. However, the second component may be stiffer than the radial inner part and the radial outer part of the first component due to its geometry. For example, the second component may have a larger thickness than the radial inner and outer parts. In one aspect, the thickness of the second component may for example be about 3 mm.

[0085] In one aspect, the second component may have a substantially conical shape when being viewed in cross-section. Further, the second component may have an additional material accumulation defining a tip arranged centered with respect

[0086] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0087]

[0088] to its ring shape. The tip may additionally contribute to the stiffness of the second component.

[0089] Further, the second component may for example experience a relative displacement with respect to the first component depending on a pressure across the valve closure element. In other words, the second component may be displaced between the radial inner part and the radial outer part, for example moved along the longitudinal axis, when a pressure across the valve closure element is sufficiently high.

[0090] Furthermore, through-holes may be arranged in the second component, for example on a circular path arranged centered with respect to a ring shape of the second component. In one aspect, the through-holes may be arranged at the tip of the second component. The through-holes may be configured to balance a pressure difference above and below the second component of the valve closure element. This may additionally improve sealing by the valve closure element.

[0091] In one aspect, the second component may be configured to be axially moved along the longitudinal axis relative to the first deflection portion upon deflection of the second deflection portion. In this regard, when the contact surface of the first component may come into contact with the valve seat, i.e. when the valve closure element is in the second condition, and the valve closure element may be further pressed against the valve seat, for example, due to high pressure acting on the valve closure element, the second deflection portion may deflect at least partially along the longitudinal axis. The valve closure element may then reach the third condition, for example, due to the pressure acting on the valve closure element as aforementioned. The transition between the second condition and the third condition is smooth and uninterrupted. When the second deflection portion deflects, the second component may be displaced and pushed against the valve seat.

[0092] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0093]

[0094] In one aspect, the second component may not be in contact with a valve seat when the second deflection portion is not deflected. In other words, and in one aspect, the second component may be spaced from the valve seat when the second deflection portion may not be deflected. Thus, the second component may be brought into contact with the valve seat upon deflection of the second deflection portion. For example, the second component may not be in contact with a valve seat when the pressure acting on the valve closure element may be low.

[0095] The contact between the second component and the valve seat may limit the deflection of the second deflection portion. In other words, a maximum deflection of the second deflection portion may be reached, when the second component comes into contact with the valve seat. Considering that the first deflection portion deflects towards and / or away from the longitudinal axis upon deflection of the second deflection portion when the valve closure element is moved in the axial second position, the second component may also limit the deflection of the first deflection portion. In this regard, the second component may be configured to bear or support the loads that the first component may be subjected to while the first component may be in abutment with the valve seat.

[0096] In one aspect, in the undeflected first state, the first deflection portion may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis. In other words, the first deflection portion may not be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis. In one aspect, the first deflection portion comprises a radial inner part and radial outer part, wherein the radial inner part may be inclined away from the longitudinal axis, i.e. the contact surface points away from the longitudinal axis, and the radial outer part may be inclined towards the longitudinal axis, i.e. the contact surface of the first deflection portion points towards the longitudinal axis. When the first deflection portion may deflect, a distance between the radial inner part and the radial outer part may therefore widen. The inclined configuration of the first deflection portion may

[0097] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0098]

[0099] allow to hold the second component, when the valve closure element is for example lifted of the valve seat.

[0100] In an additional or alternative aspect, the second component of the valve closure element may have a conical shape. As aforementioned, the second component may additionally comprise a tip and / or through holes. Thus, when the second deflection portion may for example deflect and thereby displace the second component, for example, towards a valve seat, the second component may push the radial inner part and the radial outer part of the first deflection portion apart.

[0101] In one aspect, the contact surface of the first deflection portion may have a conical shape. Thus, when the valve closure element may for example be moved towards a valve seat having a conical shape, i.e. , for example, a valve seat formed by a surface of a flow cross-section that tapers in a direction of flow, the contact surface of the first deflection portion of the first component may adapt to the conical shape of the valve seat effectively. At the same time, forces acting on the conically shaped contact surface of the first deflection portion may be channeled via the conically shaped contact surface so that the first deflection portion deflects.

[0102] According to a further aspect, at least one of the first component and the second component of the valve closure element may be made of a polymer material. In one aspect, the first component and the second component of the valve closure element may be made of polymer material. In one aspect, the first component and the second component may be made of the same polymer material. This means that the thermal expansion of the first and second components may become less important. In particular, since the deflection of the first deflection portion may be induced by its geometry, complex processes such as polymer coating of metallic base bodies or the like can be avoided. In addition, manufacturing costs of the first component and the second component can be reduced.

[0103] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0104]

[0105] In one embodiment, the first component and / or the second component may be made of a thermally stable polymer. In one aspect, the first component and / or the second component may be made of polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Hence, considering a valve closure element comprising a first component and a second component, both components may be made of PEEK for example. However, the first component and / or the second component could also be made of a metallic material. But in this case the adaptation to imperfections is usually worse. Other polymer materials that may be used for the first component and / or the second component may for example be polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and polyether ketone (PEAK). The polymers used for the first component and / or the second component may further be filled or unfilled. The choice of material ensures that the valve closure element is sufficiently stable especially at high temperatures of above 150°C.

[0106] In addition, or alternatively, a further component, which may be used to hold the first component and the second component together, may be made of a metal or polymer material.

[0107] In one aspect, the first component and the second component of the valve closure element may be relatively held by a detachable connection as aforementioned. As such, the first component and the second component may be held by a form fit. More preferably, the first component and the second component may be held by a snap fit. With respect to a snap fit engagement between the first component and the second component, the second component may snap into a receiving portion provided of the first component provided between the radial inner part and the radial outer part of the first deflection portion of the first component. During engagement the radial inner part and the radial outer part may thus deflect and when being engaged may perform a spring action. Hence, there is no need for attachment means and the assembly of the valve closure element may be simple,

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[0109]

[0110] for example by simply pressing the second component between the radial inner part and radial outer part of the first deflection portion of the first component.

[0111] In a further aspect, the second component of the valve closure element may have a greater stiffness than at least a segment of the first component of the valve closure element. In one aspect, the segment of the first component may be the first deflection portion. In one aspect, the segment of the first component may be the second deflection portion. In one aspect, the segment may be the first deflection portion and the second deflection portion. In one aspect, the second component of the valve closure element may have especially a greater flexural rigidity than the segment of the first component. In one aspect, the greater stiffness may arise from a geometric structure of the second component, because in principle both, the first component and the second component may according to one aspect be made of the same material. For example, the second component may have a greater thickness or, for example, a tip, to increase its stiffness as described above and to be stiffer than the first component. In other words, a material stiffness or material rigidity of the first component and the second component may be the same due to use of the same materials for the first component and the second component, wherein however a construction stiffness or a rigidity arising from construction of the first component and the second component may be different due to the different geometries of the first component and the second component. In yet other words, an elastic modulus of the first component and the second component may be identical. It is therefore intended that the first deflection portion of the first component is deflected, and that the first component thus undergoes a corresponding deformation, wherein the second component represents a loadbearing element that carries a force or load acting on the valve closure element, which does not lead to the deflection of the first deflection portion.

[0112] According to a further additional or alternative aspect, the deflection limiting element may have a greater stiffness than at least a segment of the first component.

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[0114]

[0115] In one aspect, the segment of the first component may be the first deflection portion of the first component. Consequently, an effective limitation of the deflection of the first deflection portion may be achieved by preventing the deflection limiting element from deforming or deflecting when the deflection limiting element comes into contact with the first deflection portion.

[0116] According to a further aspect, the object of the invention may be solved by a valve.

[0117] In one aspect, the valve may be a valve suitable for use in a refrigerant system or in a refrigerant circuit.

[0118] The valve may comprise at least a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a fluid passage that extends from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet and a valve closure element according to any of the aforementioned aspects.

[0119] In one aspect, the valve closure element may be configured to open the fluid passage when being axially moved to the axial first position. Further, the valve closure element may be configured to close the fluid passage when being axially moved in the axial second position. Thus, depending on the position of the valve closure element, fluid flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet may be controlled.

[0120] In one aspect, when the valve closure element may be axially moved in the axial second position, at least the first component may be in abutment with a valve seat of the valve so that the elastic first deflection portion may be elastically deflected towards and / or away from the longitudinal axis of the valve closure element. Thus, when the valve closure element may be moved to the axial first position, the first deflection portion may deflect back into its undeflected first state. The deflection of the first deflection portion may be caused by abutment between the valve seat and the contact surface of the first deflection portion. In this regard, however, the deflection of the first deflection portion may be either effected by actively actuating

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[0122]

[0123] the valve closure element, for example via an inducement by corresponding pilot valve or mechanical, electrical and / or electromechanical inducement, or passively, for example by a pressure prevailing in a system, for example a refrigerant system.

[0124] According to one aspect, the valve may be a check valve of an ejector. The valve may be configured to close the fluid passage dependent on a pressure differential acting on the valve closure element. In one aspect the check valve may be configured to operate with a pressure difference across the check valve of about 60 bar. In one aspect, when a pressure provided at the fluid inlet is smaller than a pressure at for example a mixing portion of the ejector, i.e. downstream of the valve closure element considering a fluid flow from the fluid inlet passed the valve closure element, the valve closure element may close in order to prevent a back flow out of the fluid inlet. Further, the valve seat may be formed by two radially spaced annular surface elements, i.e. for example by an inner annular surface element and by an outer annular surface element. In this regard, the check valve may close when the pressure at the fluid outlet may be higher than at the fluid inlet. The valve closure element may thus prevent fluid with high pressure to flow back out of the fluid inlet and into a corresponding fluid line. Considering the fluid inlet to be a low pressure ejector inlet and the fluid outlet to be an ejector outlet, the check valve may prevent fluid with high pressure to flow back into the low pressure ejector inlet. Hence, elements of a refrigeration system employing the ejector cannot be damaged by such a back flow.

[0125] In more detail, the ejector may comprise a high pressure ejector inlet, a low pressure ejector inlet and an ejector outlet. Further, the ejector may comprise a mixing portion that connects the high pressure ejector inlet and the low pressure ejector inlet with the ejector outlet. Furthermore, the ejector may comprise a valve according to the aforementioned aspects, wherein the fluid inlet of the valve may refer to the low pressure ejector inlet. The fluid outlet of the valve may refer to the

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[0127]

[0128] ejector outlet. And the fluid passage of the valve may refer to a fluid passageway fluidically connecting the low pressure ejector inlet via the mixing portion to the ejector outlet.

[0129] In normal operation, the ejector may be configured to suck in fluid via the low pressure ejector inlet when fluid from the high pressure ejector inlet may flow into the mixing portion. In this regard, high pressure fluid may flow into the high pressure ejector and into a chamber arrangement. When a needle configured to open and close a nozzle fluidically connecting the chamber arrangement with the mixing portion is opened, the fluid may be jetted out of said nozzle into a convergent mixing portion inlet. Here, the fluid sucked in from the low pressure ejector inlet may be mixed with the fluid coming from the high pressure ejector inlet.

[0130] In one aspect, when the ejector may be used in a refrigerant system or a refrigerant circuit, the high pressure ejector inlet may be connected to a gas cooler, wherein the low pressure ejector inlet may be connected to an evaporator.

[0131] As long as the ejector is in normal operation, the fluid from the low pressure ejector inlet may thus flow into the convergent mixing portion inlet of the mixing portion and may mix with the fluid from the high pressure ejector inlet while flowing via a cylindrical mixing channel.

[0132] In this regard, the valve closure element according to any one of the aforementioned aspects may be in the axial first position, i.e. the valve may be open, in order to allow the fluid to be sucked in via the low pressure ejector inlet into the convergent mixing portion inlet. However, the valve closure element may be configured to be pressed against the annular valve seat provided between the low pressure ejector inlet and the mixing portion in order to prevent a fluid back flow from the ejector outlet or the mixing portion out of the low pressure injector inlet

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[0134]

[0135] when a pressure for example at the mixing portion may be greater than a pressure provided at the low pressure ejector inlet.

[0136] The valve closure element may thus prevent fluid with increased pressure to flow back into and out of the low pressure ejector inlet and for example into a corresponding fluid line for example connected to an evaporator. Hence, elements of a refrigeration system employing the ejector cannot be damaged by such fluid back flow.

[0137] In one aspect, a spring, for example a coil spring, may be provided to support the valve closure element when being closed. In other words, the spring may safeguard that the valve closure element closes independent of its orientation with respect to the direction of gravity. Further, the spring may assist the valve closure element in closing, i.e. in moving axially to the axial second position, which is beneficial for damping.

[0138] According to a further aspect, the mixing portion may comprise a cylindrical mixing channel as aforementioned. The valve closure element may be arranged in the ejector in such a way that it surrounds the cylindrical mixing channel. Hence, when the valve closure element is axially moved along the longitudinal axis, the lifting element may move along the cylindrical mixing channel of the mixing portion. This configuration especially allows for a compact configuration of the ejector.

[0139] According to an alternative aspect, the valve may be an axial flow control valve. The axial flow control valve may be configured to open and close the fluid passage between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet upon inducement by a pilot valve. The axial flow control valve may form part of a refrigerant circuit comprising further units such as a compressor, a condenser and / or an evaporator.

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[0141]

[0142] Further, in one aspect, the valve closure element according to the aforementioned aspects may be configured to tightly close a valve both at a maximum possible differential pressure which may act on the valve closure element, for example when being used in an ejector, and at a pressure differential that is only 5% of the maximum differential pressure. In one aspect, the maximum differential pressure may be 60 bar.

[0143] In summary, due to possibility of partial deflection of the first deflection portion of the first component of the valve closure element, the valve closure element may allow to reliably seal a valve seat over a large range of pressures and / or temperatures. Thus, especially when being used in a refrigerant system, for example, the valve closure element may contribute to the prevention of damage to elements or units of a refrigerant system by providing a reliable sealing.

[0144] Additional features, advantages and possible applications of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments and the drawings. All the features described and / or illustrated graphically here form the subject matter of the invention, either alone or in any desired combination, regardless of how they are combined in the claims or in their references back to preceding claims.

[0145] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0146] Fig. 1 A shows an exemplary embodiment of an ejector having a check valve comprising a valve closure element being moveable between an open position and a closed position;

[0147] Fig. 1B shows a sectional view of the ejector along line A-A shown in Fig.

[0148] 1A, wherein the valve closure element is in an open, axial first position;

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[0150]

[0151] Fig. 1 C shows a detailed view of section B shown in Fig. 1 B;

[0152] Fig. 1 D shows a further perspective sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the ejector along line A-A as shown in Fig. 1 A, wherein the valve closure element is in abutment with a valve seat;

[0153] Fig. 1E shows a side view of the perspective sectional view of the ejector shown in Fig. 1 D;

[0154] Fig. 1 F shows a detailed view of section C shown in Fig. 1 E;

[0155] Fig. 1 G shows a detailed view of section D shown in Fig. 1 F;

[0156] Fig. 1H shows an exemplary valve closure element in a deflected second state;

[0157] Fig. 11 shows the valve closure element shown in Figs. 1B to 1G together with a lifting element;

[0158] Fig. 1 J shows a sectional view of the valve closure element along line E-E shown in Fig. 11;

[0159] Fig. 1 K shows a perspective view of the sectional view of the valve closure element of Fig. 1 J;

[0160] Fig. 2A shows a front view of an exemplary assembly having an axial flow control valve comprising a further embodiment of a valve closure element being moveable between an open position and a closed position;

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[0162]

[0163] Fig. 2B shows a sectional view of the assembly along line F-F shown in Fig.

[0164] 2A, wherein the valve closure element is in an open, axial first position;

[0165] Fig. 2C shows a detailed view of section G shown in Fig. 2B;

[0166] Fig. 2D shows a sectional view of the assembly along line F-F shown in Fig.

[0167] 2A, wherein the valve closure element is in a closed, axial second position;

[0168] Fig. 2E shows a detailed view of section H shown in Fig. 2D;

[0169] Fig. 2F shows a sectional view of the assembly along line F-F shown in Fig.

[0170] 2A, wherein the valve closure element is in a closed, axial second position and a first deflection portion is deflected;

[0171] Fig. 2G shows a detailed view of section I shown in Fig. 2F;

[0172] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a further exemplary embodiment of a valve closure element; and

[0173] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary ejector valve member including a section of a mixing portion.

[0174] In Figures referring to the same embodiment same elements, i.e. elements that perform similar function or serve a similar purpose, may have the same reference numbers. As such a valve closure element 1A depicted in Fig. 1B has the same reference sign as the valve closure element 1A in Fig. 1F.

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[0176]

[0177] Fig. 1A shows an exemplary ejector 100 in which a valve closure element 1A is arranged as part of a check valve for opening and closing of an ejector fluid passage 101, i.e. a fluid passage between a low pressure ejector inlet 102 as a fluid inlet and an ejector outlet 103 as a fluid outlet. Thus, the valve closure element 1A is configured to open and close a fluid passage between a fluid inlet, here a low pressure ejector inlet 102, and a fluid outlet, here an ejector outlet 103.

[0178] In this regard, the valve closure element 1A in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 1B to 1C is depicted in an axial first position in which a corresponding valve is open, i.e. in which the valve closure element 1A is lifted of an ejector valve seat 104 forming a valve seat of the ejector 100.

[0179] The valve closure element 1 A may best be seen in Figs. 11 to 1 K.

[0180] In the exemplary embodiment of the ejector 100 shown in Figs. 1 D to 1 G the valve closure element 1A is shown in abutment with the ejector valve seat 104. This position of the valve closure element 1 A may correspond to a second condition of the valve closure element 1A, i.e. a condition in which a first deflection portion 2A of the valve closure element 1A is not yet deflected in which however a contact surface 3A of the valve closure element 1 A is contact with the ejector valve seat 104. In other words, the first deflection portion 2A is in an undeflected first state but still no longer in the axial first position. The undeflected first state may be the result of a small pressure differential acting on the valve closure element 1 A.

[0181] Likewise, valve closure element 1 B, which is for example shown in Figs. 2B to 2D referring to an assembly 200, and valve closure element 1 C, which is for example shown in Fig. 3, are shown in an undeflected first state. Thus, also here only a small pressure differential may act on the valve closure elements 1B and 1C. However, also here, for example, valve closure element 1B is configured to open and close an assembly fluid passage 201 as a fluid passage between an assembly

[0182] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0183]

[0184] inlet 202 as a fluid inlet and an assembly outlet 203 as a fluid outlet of the assembly 200, wherein the valve closure element 1B is configured to abut an assembly valve seat 204 as for example shown Figs. 2D and 2E. However, although being in abutment with the assembly valve seat 204, a first deflection portion 2B of the valve closure element 1B is not yet deflected.

[0185] However, when the pressure differential increases and / or when a larger force is applied to press the valve closure elements 1 A, 1 B or 1 C against the ejector valve seat 104 or the assembly valve seat 204, the corresponding valve closure elements 1A, 1B or 1C may deflect. This deflected second state is exemplary shown in Figs. 1H, 2F and 2G. From Fig. 1H it may be noted that the first and second deflection portions 2A and 13A are deflected respectively. Further, as may be noted from Fig. 2G, the gap 17B at least partially disappeared and the first deflection portion 2B of the first component 5B abuts on a deflection limiting element 16B as explained below.

[0186] In addition to the low pressure ejector inlet 102 and the ejector outlet 103, the ejector 100 shown in Figs. 1A to 1G also comprises a high pressure ejector inlet 105 as a secondary fluid inlet. In normal operation, fluid is supplied at the high pressure ejector inlet 105 of the ejector 100 at a high pressure. The high pressure fluid may for example be introduced in the high pressure ejector inlet 105 from a gas cooler of a refrigerant system into the ejector 100. In this regard, the fluid may have a pressure of about 100 bar.

[0187] The high pressure fluid flows from the high pressure ejector inlet 105 of the ejector 100 into a chamber arrangement 106 and may cause a needle 107 to be moved from a depicted closed state into an open state. When the needle 107 is opened, the fluid may further flow via a nozzle 108 towards a mixing portion 109.

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[0189]

[0190] Further, in normal operation, fluid is supplied at the low pressure ejector inlet 102 at a low pressure. The low pressure is lower than the high pressure at the high pressure ejector inlet 105. In addition, the low pressure is typically lower than an outlet pressure at the ejector outlet 103. In this regard, the low pressure ejector inlet 102 may be fluidically connected to an evaporator of a refrigerant system and may receive fluid at a pressure of about 40 bar. Hence, there is a pressure drop between the high pressure ejector inlet 105 and the low pressure ejector inlet 102 which is used for jetting fluid from the high pressure ejector inlet 105 through the nozzle 108 into the mixing portion 109 when the needle 107 is opened.

[0191] The mixing portion 109 comprises a convergent mixing portion inlet 110 and a cylindrical mixing channel 111 extending towards the ejector outlet 103. Thus, when the needle 107 is opened, fluid from the high pressure ejector inlet 105 is jetted out the nozzle 108, whereby fluid provided at the low pressure ejector inlet 102 is sucked into the mixing portion 109, especially the convergent mixing portion inlet 110. The fluid from the high pressure ejector inlet 105, which is ejected by the nozzle 108, and the fluid sucked from the low pressure ejector inlet 102 mix in the convergent mixing portion inlet 110 and the cylindrical mixing channel 111. The mixed fluid is flowing towards the ejector outlet 103. The mixed fluid may for example be discharged via the ejector outlet 103 to a receiver of the refrigerant system.

[0192] An exemplary working principle of an ejector 100 is for example described in EP 4325 142 A1. The working principle may be used for understanding of the ejector 100.

[0193] The fluid, which may be provided at the low pressure ejector inlet 102 may be sucked via a low pressure inlet chamber 112 towards the mixing portion inlet 110 of the mixing portion 109. In this regard, the fluid coming from the low pressure

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[0195]

[0196] ejector inlet 102 may pass an ejector valve member 113 providing for individual fluid channels 114, a common fluid channel 115 and the ejector valve seat 104.

[0197] An exemplary ejector valve member 113 is shown in Fig. 4. The ejector valve member 113 comprises an inner annular surface element 116 and an outer annular surface element 117 providing for the ejector valve seat 104. The individual fluid channels 114 are arranged on a circular path about a longitudinal axis XA of the valve closure element 1A (not shown in Fig. 4).

[0198] In order to keep throttling resistance by said individual fluid channels 114 small, individual fluid channels 114 are preferably arranged on said circular path all around the longitudinal axis XA of the valve closure element 1 A. For example, the individual fluid channels 114 may be arranged symmetrically in the ejector valve member 113 about the longitudinal axis XA. According to one aspect, for example, the individual fluid channels 114 may be arranged on the circular path around the longitudinal axis XA, wherein only small wall sections are formed between the individual fluid channels 114.

[0199] By providing the ejector valve member 113 as aforementioned, the ejector valve seat 104 can be provided by a single component. In other words, the ejector valve member 113 can be provided as a unitary member, so that in particular the inner annular surface element 116 and the outer annular surface element 117 providing for the ejector valve seat 104 can be provided by a single component. This especially allows to provide the inner annular surface element 116 and the outer annular surface element 117 in a same plane.

[0200] The valve closure element 1A is hinged to an axially moveable lifting element 4A. In this regard, the valve closure element 1A comprises a first component 5A hinged to the lifting element 4A by hinge elements 6A. Here the hinge elements 6A are provided by slotted pins. The hinge elements 6A are inserted into apertures

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[0202]

[0203] 7A of the lifting element 4A and may pass through respective hinge through holes 8A of the valve closure element 1A. In order to assemble the lifting element 4A with the valve closure element 1A, the slotted pins may be slightly compressed and inserted into one of the apertures 7A and through a corresponding hinge through hole 8A. In this compressed state, the slotted pins may have a smaller diameter than the hinge through hole 8A of the valve closure element 1 A and may thus allow a corresponding axial movement of the valve closure element 1 A with respect to the lifting element 4A. At the same time, the valve closure element 1A may be configured to move laterally relative to the lifting element 4A and may as such for example slide on the slotted pins. Further, the valve closure element 1A may be tiltable with respect to the lifting element 4A.

[0204] In this regard, as can be noted for example from Figs. 1 C, 1F or 1G, there is play between the valve closure element 1A and a recess 9A of the lifting element 4A so that the valve closure element 1A can move laterally relative to the lifting element 4A in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the lifting element 4A.

[0205] Similarly, when the valve closure element 1 A swells, for example when refrigerant propagates into the material of the valve closure element 1A, the valve closure element 1A may move along the hinge element 6A, whereby the hinge element 6A provides a kind of guidance, so that the hinge element 6A is configured to guide a lateral expansion of the valve closure element 1 A. This lateral and / or axial movement, as well as the below described deflection, are configured to compensate for imperfections, especially for imperfections provided by the ejector valve member 113.

[0206] The lifting element 4A annularly surrounds the longitudinal axis XA of the valve closure element 1A and is moveable along the longitudinal axis XA between a second position (as for example shown in Fig. 1F), in which the valve closure

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[0208]

[0209] element 1A hinged to the lifting element 4A abuts on the ejector valve seat 104 provided by the ejector valve member 113, and a first position (as for example shown in Fig. 1 B), in which the common fluid channel 115 of the ejector valve member 113 is open and fluid may pass from the low pressure ejector inlet 102 towards the mixing portion inlet 110 of the ejector 100.

[0210] The aforementioned movability along the longitudinal axis XA may be understood as movement along a longitudinal direction AA which is defined by the orientation of the longitudinal axis XA and depicted by a double-headed arrow. For the below described longitudinal axes XB and XC, a longitudinal direction AB and AC is likewise depicted.

[0211] Due to the axial movement of the lifting element 4A between the first position and the second position, the lifting element 4A of the ejector 100 could also be regarded a piston.

[0212] In this regard, the lifting element 4A may have a hollow cylinder-like structure and may as such be arranged about the cylindrical mixing channel 111. Likewise, the valve closure element 1A is annularly arranged about the cylindrical mixing channel 111.

[0213] Further, a spring 118, for example a coil spring, is coupled to the lifting element 4A and primarily supports the valve closure element 1A when being closed, i.e. when the lifting element 4A is axially moved from the first position to the second position thereby moving the valve closure element 1A along the longitudinal axis XA from an axial first position into an axial second position.

[0214] In the embodiments shown in Figs. 1A to 1G, the valve closure element 1A is provided by two components, namely the first component 5A and a second

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[0216]

[0217] component 10A. In this regard, the ring-shaped second component 10A is at least partially received in the first component 5A.

[0218] The first component 5A comprises the first deflection portion 2A having a radial inner part 11A and a radial outer part 12A. In between the radial inner part 11A and the radial outer part 12A of the first component 5A, the second component 10A is received.

[0219] Further, the valve closure element 1A comprises a second deflection portion 13A. In the undeflected first state, the second deflection portion 13A is perpendicularly arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis XA. However, when the valve closure element 1A is pressed against the ejector valve seat 104, the second deflection portion 13A is deflected towards the ejector valve seat 104. For example, when a pressure forces the valve closure element 1 A to close, this pressure may act onto the second deflection portion 13A causing the second deflection portion 13A to deflect towards the ejector valve seat 104. This deflection pushes the second component 10A towards the ejector valve seat 104.

[0220] At the same time, the conically shaped second component 10A may push the radial inner part 11 A and the radial outer part 12A of the first deflection portion 2A apart. Thus, the radial inner part 11A may deflect towards the longitudinal axis XA, wherein the radial outer part 12A may deflect away from the longitudinal axis XA.

[0221] The second component 10A is held relative to the first component 5A by a formfit and as aforementioned is displaceable thereto. In this regard, the second component 10A may only abut the ejector valve seat 104 at high pressures acting on the valve closure element 1A. In this regard, a conical cross-sectional shape of the second component 10A and the corresponding shape of the first component 5A allows to secure the second component 10A to the first component 5A.

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[0223]

[0224] The conical shape of the second component 10A of the valve closure element 1 A may best be seen from Fig. 1G. The second component 10A may be angled at between about 10° and 15°.

[0225] Further, the radial inner part 11A and the radial outer part 12A of the first component 5A are inclined. In this regard, in the undeflected first state, the contact surface 3A of the radial inner part 11 A is pointing away from the longitudinal axis XA of the valve closure element 1 A, wherein the contact surface 3A of the radial outer part 12A is pointing towards the longitudinal axis XA of the valve closure element 1A.

[0226] Further, the second component 10A may be stiffer than at least a segment of the first component 5A, i.e. for example stiffer than the first deflection portion 2A and the second deflection portion 13A. The first component 5A and the second component 10A of the valve closure element 1A may preferably be provided by the same material. For example, the first component 5A and the second component 10A may both be provided by a thermally stable polymer, for example PEEK. However, especially due to its geometry, the second component 10A may be stiffer than the first component 5A. In this regard, especially a tip 14A and the corresponding shape of the second component 10A increases its stiffness.

[0227] For example, a thickness of the second component 10A, measured along the longitudinal axis XA, may be 3 mm, wherein a maximum first thickness WA1 of the radial inner part 11A or the radial outer part 12A of the first component 5A, i.e. the section receiving the second component 10A, measured in a radial direction RA perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XA may only be 0.5 mm. Further, a first length LA1 of the first deflection portion 2A is at least twice as large as the maximum first thickness WA1. In other words, the first deflection portion 2A comprises a slender geometry.

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[0229]

[0230] Fig. 1G also shows a second length LA2 and a maximum second thickness WA2. The depicted second length LA2 is measured from an outer surface of a first component portion comprising the hinge through hole 8A and a point of the first component 5A furthest away from the longitudinal axis XA, i.e. towards the radial outer part 12A of the first component 5A. This second length LA2 may be equal to a second length LA2 (not shown) measured towards the radial inner part 11 A of the first component 5A. Here, these two lengths are identical. The second length LA2 is twice as large as the depicted maximum second thickness WA2. This geometry allows for a certain flexibility of the second deflection portion 13A as for example depicted in a deflected second state shown in Fig. 1H.

[0231] Further, when the valve closure element 1A abuts onto the ejector valve seat 104 in order to prevent that high pressure fluid flows back from the ejector outlet 103 out of the low pressure ejector inlet 102 and for example into the refrigerant circuit, the second component 10A may support the first component 5A, wherein, however, a sealing may predominantly be provided by the first component 5A abutting on the ejector valve seat 104. In other words, the second component 10A may carry the load, wherein the first deflection portion 2A of the first component 5A deflects in order to provide for the sealing.

[0232] In this regard, the second component 10A may comprise at least one through-hole 18A, for example four through-holes 18A. In normal operation, the through-holes 18A may be configured to balance a pressure difference above and below the second component 10A of the valve closure element 1A. This may additionally improve sealing by the valve closure element 1A.

[0233] When being used in the ejector 100 as aforementioned, the valve closure element 1 A may be annularly arranged about the cylindrical mixing channel 111. An outer

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[0235]

[0236] diameter of the valve closure element 1A as shown in Fig. 1F may between 60 mm and 80 mm.

[0237] When the valve closure element 1A moves axially along the longitudinal axis XA, it slides along an outer surface 119 of the cylindrical mixing channel 111, with the outer surface 119 serving as a guide.

[0238] Furter, the low pressure ejector inlet 102 and the high pressure ejector inlet 105 are provided with caps 120 which close the respective inlets as the ejector 100 is not installed in a refrigerant system yet. However, as soon as the ejector 100 is installed in a refrigerant system, the caps 120 may be removed.

[0239] Furthermore, an assembly 200 comprising an axial flow control valve having a valve closure element 1B is shown in Figs. 2A to 2D. Also this valve closure element 1B comprises a first deflection portion 2B which comprises a web-shaped structure in the depicted longitudinal sectional view. The first deflection portion 2B forms part of the first component 5B and provided for a contact surface 3B with an assembly valve seat 204.

[0240] The first component 5B is held relative to a second component 10B of the valve closure element 1B by a screw 15B. The screw 15B also couples or connects a deflection limiting element 16B to the valve closure element 1B. In other words, in this embodiment a detachable connection between the first component 5B and the second component 10B is provided by screw 15B allowing to disassemble the valve closure element 1B.

[0241] Further, a gap 17B is provided between the deflection limiting element 16B and the first deflection portion 2B in the undeflected first state. The gap 17B extends along a longitudinal axis XB of the valve closure element 1 B. More precisely, the gap 17B extends parallel to the longitudinal axis XB.

[0242] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0243]

[0244] The deflection limiting element 16B is arranged in a radial direction RB perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XB between the first deflection portion 2B and the longitudinal axis XB of the valve closure element 1B. Further, the deflection limiting element 16B is configured to limit a deflection of the first deflection portion 2B towards the longitudinal axis XB.

[0245] In this regard, the valve closure element 1B extends along the longitudinal axis XB and is moved along the longitudinal axis XB between an axial first position and an axial second position in order to open and close an assembly fluid passage 201. In other words, the valve closure element 1B may move in a direction LB which is orientated parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis XB.

[0246] When the valve closure element 1B is brought into abutment with the assembly valve seat 204, the first deflection portion 2B deflects towards the longitudinal axis XB. In this regard, the conically shaped contact surface 3B comes into contact with the assembly valve seat 204 formed at the assembly outlet 203. In more detail, when the valve closure element 1 B is for example moved towards the assembly valve seat 204 having a conical shape, i.e. a surface of a flow cross-section that tapers in a direction of flow, the conically shaped contact surface 3B may adapt to the conical shape of the valve seat effectively. At the same time, the gap 17B between the deflection limiting element 16B and the first deflection portion 2B is decreased until the first deflection portion 2B partially abuts on the deflection limiting element 16B.

[0247] The deflection limiting element 16B may have a greater stiffness than for example the first deflection portion 2B of the first component 5B of the valve closure element 1 B. The deflection limiting element 16B may thus limit the movement of the first deflection portion 2B towards the longitudinal axis XB.

[0248] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0249]

[0250] In this regard, as for the valve closure element 1 A, also the valve closure element 1B and more precisely the first deflection portion 2B has a slender geometry, wherein a first length LB of the first deflection portion 2B is at least twice as large as a maximum first thickness WB of the first deflection portion 2B. The maximum first thickness WB is measured in the undeflected first state in the radial direction RB. The radial direction RB is perpendicularly orientated with respect to the longitudinal axis XB.

[0251] Further, the second component 10B, the first component 5B and as such the first deflection portion 2B are arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis XB.

[0252] In addition, the second component 10B of the valve closure element 1B has a conical shape. The conical shape of the second component 10B allows to guide a fluid flow around the valve closure element 1 B in the depicted axial first position in which the assembly fluid passage 201 is open. However, upon inducement by a pilot valve 205, the valve closure element 1B may abut on the assembly valve seat 204 and may close the assembly fluid passage 201.

[0253] A further embodiment of a valve closure element 1C is shown in Fig. 3. Here a first component 5C and a second component 10C are coupled by a screw 15C. In addition, a slender geometry is provided for a first deflection portion 2C providing for a contact surface 3C with a valve seat (not shown). In this regard, the first deflection portion 2C has a first length LC which is at least twice as large as a maximum first thickness WC of the first deflection portion 2C of the valve closure element 1 C. The maximum first thickness WC is measured in the undeflected first state in a radial direction RC perpendicular to a longitudinal axis XC.

[0254] Further, a deflection limiting element 16C is arranged in the radial direction RC perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XC between the first deflection portion 2C and the longitudinal axis XC of the valve closure element 1C. The deflection

[0255] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0256]

[0257] limiting element 16C is configured to limit a deflection of the first deflection portion 2C towards the longitudinal axis XC.

[0258] Here, a gap 17C is provided between the first deflection portion 2C and the deflection limiting element 16C similar to the embodiment disclosed in Figs. 2A to 2D. The first deflection portion 2C is deflected towards the longitudinal axis XC of the valve closure element 1C and abuts onto the deflection limiting element 16C, when the contact surface 3C is brought into abutment in order to close a fluid passage by said valve closure element 1C.

[0259] The valve closure elements 1 A, 1 B and 1 C are thus all comprising a first deflection portion 2A, 2B, 2C having a web-shaped structure in a longitudinal sectional view. The first deflection portions 2A, 2B, 2C may all deflect towards and / or away from the corresponding longitudinal axis XA, XB, XC when the valve closure element 1 A, 1 B, 1 C is pressed against a corresponding valve seat, for example the ejector valve seat 104 or the assembly valve seat 204. In particular due to the deflection of said first deflection portion 2A, 2B, 2C, the valve closure element 1 A, 1 B, 1 C is configured to compensate for imperfections, for example imperfections in assembly or manufacturing of the valve seat.

[0260] In addition, the structure the valve closure element 1A, 1B, 1C allows to provide for a valve closure element in which a load carrying second component 10A, 10B, 10C and an elastic first deflection portion 2A, 2B, 2C of a first component 5A, 5B, 5C can be provided by the same material. Effects of thermal expansions are thus less relevant and may even be eliminated. Still the ability of the first deflection portions 2A, 2B, 2C to deflect allows to use the valve closure elements 1A, 1B, 1 C over a large range of different temperatures and pressures, wherein especially due to the ability to deflect which is not a mere material property and more a result of a certain geometry the temperature and / or pressure ranges may be even larger.

[0261] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0262]

[0263] Therefore, the valve closure elements 1 A, 1 B, 1 C allow for a leak tight sealing at low pressures and / or temperatures as well as at high pressures and / or temperatures.

[0264] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0265]

[0266] List of reference signs

[0267] 1 A, 1 B, 1C valve closure element

[0268] 2A, 2B, 2C first deflection portion

[0269] 3A, 3B, 3C contact surface

[0270] 4A lifting element

[0271] 5A, 5B, 5C first component (of the valve closure element)

[0272] 6A hinge element

[0273] 7A aperture

[0274] 8A hinge through hole

[0275] 9A recess

[0276] 10A, 10B, 10C second component (of the valve closure element)

[0277] 11A radial inner part

[0278] 12A radial outer part

[0279] 13A second deflection portion

[0280] 14A tip

[0281] 15B, 15C screw

[0282] 16B, 16C deflection limiting element

[0283] 17B, 17C gap

[0284] 18A through-hole

[0285] 100 ejector

[0286] 101 ejector fluid passage (fluid passage)

[0287] 102 low pressure ejector inlet (fluid inlet)

[0288] 103 ejector outlet (fluid outlet)

[0289] 104 ejector valve seat (valve seat)

[0290] 105 high pressure ejector inlet

[0291] 106 chamber arrangement

[0292] 107 needle

[0293] 108 nozzle

[0294] D 200 P 2667 WO

[0295]

[0296] 109 mixing portion

[0297] 110 (convergent) mixing portion inlet

[0298] 111 (cylindrical) mixing channel

[0299] 112 low pressure inlet chamber

[0300] 113 ejector valve member

[0301] 114 individual fluid channel

[0302] 115 common fluid channel

[0303] 116 inner annular surface element

[0304] 117 outer annular surface element

[0305] 118 spring

[0306] 119 outer surface

[0307] 120 cap

[0308] 200 assembly

[0309] 201 assembly fluid passage (fluid passage)

[0310] 202 assembly inlet (fluid inlet)

[0311] 203 assembly outlet (fluid outlet)

[0312] 204 assembly valve seat (valve seat)

[0313] 205 pilot valve

[0314] AA, AB, AC longitudinal direction

[0315] LA1, LB, LC first length (of the first deflection portion)

[0316] LA2 second length (of the second deflection portion)

[0317] RA, RB, RC radial direction

[0318] WA1 , WB, WC first thickness (of the first deflection portion)

[0319] WA2 second thickness (of the second deflection portion)

[0320] XA, XB, XC longitudinal axis

[0321] D 200 P 2667 WO

Claims

1. Claims:

1. A valve closure element (1A, 1 B, 1C) for opening and closing a fluid passage between a fluid inlet (102, 202) and a fluid outlet (103, 203) of a valve,wherein the valve closure element (1A, 1 B, 1C) extends along a longitudinal axis (XA, XB, XC) and is configured to be axially moved along the longitudinal axis (XA, XB, XC) between an axial first position and an axial second position, wherein the valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1C) comprises at least two components, wherein a first component (5A, 5B, 5C) of the valve closure element (1 A, 1 B, 1 C) is held relative to a second component (10A, 10B, 10C) of the valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1 C),wherein the first component (5A, 5B, 5C) of the valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1C) comprises an elastic first deflection portion (2A, 2B, 2C), wherein the elastic first deflection portion (2A, 2B, 2C) provides for a contact surface (3A, 3B, 3C) configured to abut with a valve seat (104, 204) of a valve in the axial second position, and wherein the first deflection portion (2A, 2B, 2C) is configured to elastically deflect at least partially towards and / or away from the longitudinal axis (XA, XB, XC) of the valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1C) from an undeflected first state when being in the axial first position in a deflected second state when being moved from the axial first position in abutment with a valve seat (104, 204) in the axial second position,characterized in that, when the valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1C) is viewed in the undeflected first state in longitudinal sectional view with respect to the longitudinal axis (XA, XB, XC), the elastic first deflection portion (2A, 2B, 2C) has a web-shaped contour in the sectional view extending at least along the longitudinal axis (XA, XB, XC) of the valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1C).D 200 P 2667 WO2. The valve closure element (1A, 1 B, 1C) according to claim 1,• wherein a first length (LA1, LB, LC) of the first deflection portion (2B, 2C) is at least twice as large as a maximum first thickness (WA1 , WB, WC) of the first deflection portion (2A, 2B, 2C), measured in the undeflected first state in a radial direction (RA, RB, RC) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (XA, XB, XC), and / or• wherein the first component (10A) comprises an elastic second deflection portion (13A) extending in the undeflected first state in longitudinal sectional view with respect to the longitudinal axis (XA) at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (XA), and wherein the elastic second deflection portion (13A) is configured to deflect at least partially along the longitudinal axis (XA), and wherein a second length (LA2) of the elastic second deflection portion (13A) of the first component (5A) is at least twice as large as a maximum second thickness (WA2) of the second deflection portion (13A), measured in the undeflected first state along the longitudinal axis (XA).

3. The valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1C) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first deflection portion (2A, 2B, 2C) is arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis (XA, XB, XC), and / or wherein the valve closure element (1A) is annu-larly arranged about the longitudinal axis (XA).

4. The valve closure element (1 B, 1 C) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve closure element (1 B, 1 C) comprises a deflection limiting element (16B, 16C), wherein the deflection limiting element (16B, 16C) is arranged in the radial direction (RB, RC) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (XB, XC) between the first deflection portion (2B, 2C) and the longitudinal axis (XB, XC) of the valve closure element (1B, 1 C), and wherein the deflection limiting element (16B, 16C) is configured to limit a deflection of the first deflection portion (2B, 2C) towards the longitudinal axis (XB, XC).D 200 P 2667 WO5. The valve closure element (1 B, 1C) according to claim 4, wherein, at least in the undeflected first state, a gap (17B, 17C) is formed between the first component (5B, 5C) and the deflection limiting element, and wherein the gap (17B, 17C) extends at least along the longitudinal axis (XB, XC).

6. The valve closure element (1A) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elastic first deflection portion (2A) of the first component (5A) comprises a radial inner part (11 A) with respect to the longitudinal axis (XA) which deflects towards the longitudinal axis (XA) when being in the deflected second state, and wherein the elastic first deflection portion (2A) of the first component (5A) comprises a radial outer part (12A) with respect to the longitudinal axis (XA) which deflects away from the longitudinal axis (XA) when being in the deflected second state.

7. The valve closure element (1A) according to claim 6, wherein the second component (10A) is at least partially received between the radial inner part (11 A) and the radial outer part (12A) of the first component (5A).

8. The valve closure element (1A) according to any one of claims 2 to 3 and 6 or 7, wherein the second component (10A) is configured to be axially moved along the longitudinal axis (XA) relative to the first deflection portion (2A) upon deflection of the second deflection portion (13A).

9. The valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1C) according to any one of the preceding claims,• wherein the first deflection portion (2A) in the undeflected first state is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (XA),and / orD 200 P 2667 WOwherein the second component (10A, 10B, 10C) of the valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1C) has a conical shape.

10. The valve closure element (1B, 1C) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 9, wherein the contact surface (3B, 3C) of the first deflection portion (2B, 2C) has a conical shape.

11. The valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1C) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first component (5A, 5B, 5C) and the second component (10A, 10B, 10C) of the valve closure element (1 A, 1B, 1C) is made of a polymer material, for example PEEK.

12. The valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1C) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component (5A, 5B, 5C) and the second component (10A, 10B, 10C) of the valve closure element (1 A, 1B, 1C) are relatively held by a detachable connection, preferably by a form fit or a snap fit.

13. The valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1C) according to any one of the preceding claims,• wherein the second component (10A, 10B, 10C) of the valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1C) has a greater stiffness than at least a segment of the first component (5A, 5B, 5C) of the valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1 C), and / or• wherein the deflection limiting element (16B, 16C) has a greater stiffness than at least a segment of the first component (5B, 5C) of the valve closure element (1B, 1C).

14. A valve comprising at least a fluid inlet (102, 202), a fluid outlet (103, 203), a fluid passage (101, 201) that extends from the fluid inlet (102, 202) to the fluid outlet (103, 203) and a valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1C) according to any oneD 200 P 2667 WOof claims 1 to 13, wherein the valve closure element (1A, 1 B, 1C) is configured to open the fluid passage (101, 201) when axially moved to the axial first position, and wherein the valve closure element (1 A, 1 B, 1 C) is configured to close the fluid passage (101, 201) when axially moved in the axial second position.

15. The valve according to claim 14, wherein, when the valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1C) is axially moved in the axial second position, at least the first component (5A, 5B, 5C) is in abutment with a valve seat (104, 204) of the valve so that the elastic first deflection portion (2A, 2B, 2C) is elastically deflected towards and / or away from the longitudinal axis (XA, XB, XC) of the valve closure element (1A, 1B, 1C).

16. The valve according to claim 14 or 15,• wherein the valve is a check valve of an ejector (100) and is configured to close the fluid passage (101) dependent on a pressure differential acting on the valve closure element (1A), and wherein the valve seat (104) is formed by two radially spaced annular surface elements (116, 117), orwherein the valve is an axial flow control valve (200) and is configured to open and close the fluid passage (201) between the fluid inlet (202) and the fluid outlet (203) upon inducement by a pilot valve (205).D 200 P 2667 WO

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