CN221547774U - Valve and spool assembly for valve - Google Patents

Abstract

A valve and a valve cartridge assembly for a valve are described herein. Example valves disclosed herein include a valve body defining a fluid passageway between an inlet and an outlet and a valve cartridge assembly coupled to the valve body. The valve cartridge assembly includes a cage having a central passage. The valve cartridge assembly also includes a seat in the fluid passageway. The seat defines an aperture. The seat is coupled to the cage such that removal of the cage from the valve body also removes the seat from the valve body. In addition, the valve cartridge assembly includes a flow control member located in the central passage of the cage. The flow control member is movable relative to the valve seat between an open position and a closed position.

Description

Valve and spool assembly for valve

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to process control devices and, more particularly, to valves and valve cartridge assemblies for valves.

Background

Valves are commonly used in process control systems to control the flow of a fluid (e.g., liquid, gas, etc.) between two locations. Some types of valves are configured as pressure regulators that may be used to regulate the pressure of a fluid to a substantially constant value. For example, pressure regulators typically have an inlet that receives a supply of fluid at a relatively high pressure and reduces the pressure at an outlet to a lower and/or substantially constant pressure.

Disclosure of utility model

The utility model aims to solve the technical problems that a valve core component in the prior art is not easy to install and/or remove and has poor tightness. Example valves disclosed herein include a valve body defining a fluid passageway between an inlet and an outlet and a valve cartridge assembly coupled to the valve body. The valve cartridge assembly includes a cage having a central passage. The valve cartridge assembly also includes a valve seat in the fluid passageway. The valve seat defines an orifice. The valve seat is coupled to the cage such that removal of the cage from the valve body also removes the valve seat from the valve body. In addition, the valve cartridge assembly includes a flow control member located in the central passage of the cage. The flow control member is movable relative to the valve seat between an open position and a closed position.

Another example valve disclosed herein includes a valve body defining a fluid passageway between an inlet and an outlet, and a spool assembly coupled to the valve body. The spool assembly includes a plug and a spool body coupled to the plug. The spool body defines a central passage. The valve body has a first portion defining a valve seat, a second portion defining a cage, and one or more ribs extending between the first portion and the second portion. The spool body also includes a flow control member in the central passage of the spool body. The flow control member is movable between an open position allowing fluid flow through the valve seat and a closed position preventing fluid flow through the valve seat.

An example valve cartridge assembly for a valve disclosed herein includes a plug defining a bore. The plug will be coupled to the valve body of the valve. The spool assembly also includes a spool body defining a central passage. The spool body has a first portion and a second portion coupled by one or more ribs. The first portion defines a valve seat and the second portion defines a cage. The second portion is coupled to the plug. The valve cartridge assembly also includes a flow control member disposed in the bore of the plug and the central passage of the valve cartridge body. The flow control member is movable relative to the valve seat between an open position and a closed position.

The scheme of the utility model can obtain the following technical effects: example valves and spool assemblies for valves that are easier to install and/or remove than known spool components have been disclosed; the present utility model also achieves better alignment between the flow control member and the valve seat and thus improved sealing as compared to known spool components; the example spool assemblies of the present utility model also have fewer parts or components than known valves, thereby reducing cost and weight.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example valve having an example spool assembly.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve cartridge assembly of FIG. 1.

Fig. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the example valve cartridge assembly of fig. 1, showing the example flow control member in an open position and a closed position, respectively.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an example spool body of the example spool assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the example spool assembly of FIG. 1.

Fig. 6A and 6B illustrate an example process of installing an example valve cartridge assembly in an example valve body of the example valve of fig. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an example valve cartridge assembly having an alternatively shaped flow control member.

In general, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. On the contrary, the thickness of the layer or region may be exaggerated in the drawings. Although the figures show layers and regions with sharp lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and/or boundaries may be idealized. In practice, boundaries and/or lines may be unobservable, mixed, and/or irregular.

Detailed Description

Valves typically include a valve body defining a fluid passageway and one or more spool components to control or regulate fluid flow through the fluid passageway. The spool component typically includes a valve seat, a cage, and a flow control member. A valve seat is mounted in the fluid passageway and defines an opening or orifice through which fluid flows. The cage is coupled to the valve body and aligned with the seat. The flow control member is slidably disposed within the cage. The flow control member is movable (e.g., via an actuator) between an open position in which the flow control member is spaced apart from the valve seat to allow fluid flow past the valve seat and a closed position in which the flow control member engages the valve seat and prevents fluid flow past the valve seat.

The spool component is typically mounted in the valve body through an opening or port in the valve body. The opening is covered or sealed by a plug, cap or other body member. The valve seat is typically mounted in the center of the valve body or deeper within the valve body. As such, if a valve seat needs to be replaced, many spool components (e.g., flow control members, cages, etc.) need to be removed before the valve seat is removed. This process may take a considerable amount of time. In addition, the opening for accessing the spool component may be relatively small (e.g., 1 inch or less), which is too small to be accessed by hand. Thus, specialized tools are often required to remove and/or install the valve seat.

Additionally, in known valves, the valve seat and cage are typically separated by a relatively large gap or space. This results in a longer guide path for the flow control member. Thus, geometric tolerances of the parts during manufacture and assembly have a large impact on the alignment of the flow control member with the valve seat. This sometimes results in uneven forces on the sealing surface, resulting in poor sealing.

Disclosed herein are valves having a valve core assembly in which a valve seat and a cage are integrated together and/or otherwise coupled to each other. For example, the valve seat and cage may be constructed as a single unitary part or component (e.g., a unitary structure). In some examples, the valve seat and cage are coupled by one or more ribs. This greatly simplifies the process of installing and/or removing the valve seat from the valve body. For example, when the cage is removed from the valve body, the seat is also removed from the valve body with the cage.

In some examples, the spool assembly includes a plug. The cage is coupled to the plug by threads. The plug is threaded into the opening of the valve body to install the valve cartridge assembly in the fluid passageway. Thus, the valve cartridge assembly including the seat, cage, flow control member and plug may be easily removed and/or installed as a single unit. For example, when a technician or operator removes the plug, all of the spool assembly parts within the valve body are withdrawn from the valve body together. This makes it easier to remove and/or install components including the valve seat in the valve body. Furthermore, this eliminates the need for special tools for removing/installing the valve seat.

In addition, by integrating the valve seat and cage together, the valve seat and cage may be positioned relatively close to each other, which results in better alignment between the two parts. Furthermore, such integration greatly reduces the impact of geometric tolerances between the sealing surface of the valve seat and the flow control member. In this way, the sealing surface can be uniformly stressed, thereby improving the sealing.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example valve 100 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. In this example, valve 100 is configured as a pressure regulator that may be used to regulate and/or otherwise control the flow and/or pressure of a process fluid. However, it should be understood that the examples disclosed herein may be similarly implemented with other types of valves.

As mentioned above, the valve 100 of fig. 1 may be used to regulate or control the pressure of a process fluid. The process fluid may be any type of fluid such as natural gas, oil, water, etc. For example, FIG. 1 shows an example valve 100 installed between an upstream conduit 102 and a downstream conduit 104. The upstream piping 102 supplies the process fluid from an upstream source (e.g., a distribution facility) and the downstream piping 104 directs the process fluid to a downstream location (e.g., a customer). The valve 100 may be used to regulate and/or control the pressure of fluid between the upstream and downstream conduits 102, 104. For example, the valve 100 may be used to reduce a first pressure P1 from the upstream conduit 102 to a second pressure P2 in the downstream conduit 104. The downstream pressure P2 may be based on downstream location capacity and/or demand. This can prevent overpressure at the downstream location.

In the illustrated example of fig. 1, the valve 100 includes a device body 106 (e.g., a housing, a shell, etc.). In this example, the device body 106 includes a valve body 108 (sometimes referred to as a regulator body or housing) and an actuator housing 110 that are coupled together (e.g., via one or more bolts). However, in other examples, the device body 106 may include more or fewer bodies or housings. In the illustrated example, the valve body 108 defines a fluid passageway 112 between an inlet 114 at a first end 116 of the valve body 108 and an outlet 118 at a second end 120 of the valve body 108. The upstream conduit 102 is coupled to a first end 116 of the valve body 108 at an inlet 114 and the downstream conduit 104 is coupled to a second end 120 of the valve body 108 at an outlet 118.

To control the flow of fluid through the fluid passageway 112, the valve 100 includes a spool assembly 122. The spool assembly 122 is coupled to the valve body 108 and extends at least partially into the fluid passage 112. For example, the spool assembly 122 includes a seat 124 disposed in the fluid passage 112. The seat 124 defines an orifice 126 (which may also be referred to as an opening) through which fluid flows. The seat 124 divides the fluid passageway 112 into an upstream portion 128 (upstream of the seat 124) and a downstream portion 130 (downstream of the seat 124). The spool assembly 122 also includes a flow control member 132 (which in this example is implemented as a disk assembly). The flow control member 132 is movable relative to the seat 124 to control the flow of fluid through the orifice 126 of the seat 124 and, thus, between the inlet 114 and the outlet 118. Specifically, the flow control member 132 is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, as shown in fig. 1, the flow control member 132 is spaced from the seat 124, which allows fluid to flow through the seat 124 from the inlet 114 to the outlet 118. In the closed position, the flow control member 132 moves upwardly and sealingly engages the seat 124, thereby blocking or preventing fluid flow through the seat 124 and, thus, fluid flow between the inlet 114 and the outlet 118.

As disclosed above, the valve 100 of fig. 1 is configured as a pressure regulator. As such, the valve 100 includes actuator components to open and close the valve 100 to regulate the pressure of the fluid. In the illustrated example, the valve 100 includes a disc or plate 134 coupled to the valve body 108. The valve 100 has a stem 136. A stem 136 extends through the plate 134 and engages the flow control member 132. The lever 136 is movable (e.g., slidable) up and down relative to the plate 134. In the illustrated example, the valve 100 includes a diaphragm 138 coupled between the valve body 108 and the actuator housing 110. A pressure sensing chamber 140 is defined between the plate 134 and the diaphragm 138. The plate 134 has an opening 142 that enables fluid from the downstream portion 130 to fill the pressure sensing chamber 140. Thus, the pressure sensing chamber 140 is at the same or substantially the same pressure as the downstream portion 130.

In the illustrated example, the valve 100 includes a control spring 144. The control spring 144 is used to control or set the pressure at which the valve 100 opens and closes. The control spring 144 is disposed in a control chamber 146 in the actuator housing 110. In some examples, the control chamber 146 is open to the atmosphere via an exhaust port 148. In other examples, a fluid line may be coupled to the vent 148 to place the control chamber 146 at a different (e.g., higher) pressure than atmospheric. The diaphragm 138 separates the pressure sensing chamber 140 from the control chamber 146.

The valve 100 includes a diaphragm plate 150 coupled to the diaphragm 138. The control spring 144 engages the diaphragm plate 150. The control spring 144 biases the diaphragm plate 150 and the diaphragm 138 toward the pressure sensing chamber 140 (downward in fig. 1). The spring force provided by the control spring 144 may be adjusted by an adjustment knob 152.

In operation, the valve 100 receives fluid at a first pressure Pl at the inlet 114. The valve 100 is configured to stop or reduce the flow of fluid to the outlet 118 based on the pressure of the fluid at the downstream point (referred to as the second pressure P2). If the pressure P2 reaches or exceeds a particular pressure (referred to herein as a set pressure or trigger pressure), the valve 100 closes the fluid passage 112, thereby regulating the pressure of the fluid at a downstream point.

When the pressure at P2 is below the set pressure, the force from the control spring 144 acting downward on the diaphragm 138 is greater than the force from the pressure in the pressure sensing chamber 140 acting upward on the diaphragm 138. Thus, the diaphragm 138 is maintained in a downward position, as shown in FIG. 1. In this downward position, the diaphragm 138 engages the lever 136 and holds the lever 136 in the downward position. In this position, the flow control member 132 is spaced from the seat 124. Thus, the flow control member 132 is in an open position and allows fluid to flow through the seat 124. However, if the pressure P2 exceeds the set pressure, the force from the pressure in the pressure sensing chamber 140 overcomes the force from the control spring 144. As such, the diaphragm 138 moves upward and away from the stem 136. The spool assembly 122 includes a spring (shown in more detail) that biases the fluid control component 132 seat 124 toward (upward in fig. 1) the seat 124. As the diaphragm 138 is moved away from the stem 136, the flow control member 132 and stem 136 move upward (via the bias from the spring in the spool assembly 122). As such, the flow control member 132 moves into engagement with the seat 124. This prevents flow through the seat 124, thereby preventing fluid flow to the downstream conduit 104 and thus reducing pressure. When the pressure P2 falls back below the set pressure, the force acting on the top of the diaphragm 138 overcomes the force acting on the bottom of the diaphragm 138, and the diaphragm 138 moves back down to open the valve 100 and the cycle repeats.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the spool assembly 122 in the valve body 108. In the illustrated example, the spool assembly 122 includes a seat 124, a flow control member 132, a cage 200, and a plug 202. In this example, the seat 124 and cage 200 are coupled and/or otherwise integrated into a single piece, as disclosed in further detail herein. As such, when the cage 200 is removed from the valve body 108, the seat 124 is also removed from the valve body 108.

As shown in fig. 2, the plug 202 is coupled to the valve body 108. Specifically, in this example, the plug 202 is threadably coupled to the valve body 108. As shown in fig. 2, the plug 202 has a stepped profile defining a first portion 204, a second portion 206, and a third portion 208 (e.g., a head). The second portion 206 has a larger diameter than the first portion 204 and the third portion 208 has a larger diameter than the second portion 206. In this example, the valve body 108 has an opening 210 (which may be referred to as an access opening), the opening 210 having internal threads 212. The second portion 206 of the plug 202 has external threads 214 that mate with the internal threads 212 of the opening 210. Accordingly, the plug 202 (along with the remainder of the spool assembly 122) may be coupled to the valve body 108 by threading the plug 202 into the opening 210. Similarly, the plug 202 (along with the remainder of the valve cartridge assembly 122) may be removed from the valve body 108 by unscrewing the plug 202 from the valve body 108. As shown in fig. 2, the third portion 208 of the plug 202 remains outside of the valve body 108. In some examples, third portion 208 is shaped to be received by a tool (e.g., a socket wrench) for screwing in or unscrewing plug 202. For example, the third portion 208 may have a hexagonal head shape. In the illustrated example, the spool assembly 122 includes a seal 216 (e.g., an O-ring) disposed about the second portion 206. The seal 216 is sandwiched between the plug 202 and the valve body 108 and forms a sealing interface to prevent or limit fluid leakage through the opening 210.

In the illustrated example, the cage 200 is coupled to a plug 202. In this example, cage 200 and plug 202 are coupled by threads. For example, the first portion 204 of the plug 202 has external threads 218. The cage 200 has a first end 220, a second end 222 opposite the first end 220, and a central passage 224 extending through the cage 200 between the first end 220 and the second end 222. A portion of the inner surface 226 of the cage 200 has internal threads 228, the internal threads 228 threadably coupled to the external threads 218 of the plug 202. Accordingly, cage 200 may be screwed onto plug 202 to couple with cage 200 and plug 202, and/or unscrewed from plug 202 to detach cage 200 and plug 202.

The flow control member 132 is disposed in the central passage 224 of the cage 200. In the illustrated example, the flow control member 132 includes a plurality of parts or components. For example, in the example of fig. 2, the flow control member 132 includes a disk 230, a disk cover 232, and a seal 234. The tray 230 has a central passage 236. The tray cover 232 is partially inserted into the central channel 236 and coupled to the tray body 230. In some examples, disc cover 232 is press fit into channel 236. Alternatively, disc cover 232 may be threadably coupled into channel 236. The seal 234 is sandwiched between the tray cover 232 and the tray body 230. When the flow control member 132 is in the closed position, the seal 234 engages the seat 124, which forms a sealing interface to prevent fluid flow through the seat 124.

The flow control member 132 is movable (e.g., slidable) up and down in the central passage 224 of the cage 200 between an open position and a closed position. As shown in fig. 2, the spool assembly 122 includes a first sleeve 237 defining a central passage 224 between the flow control member 132 and an inner surface 226 of the cage 200. Specifically, in this example, the first sleeve 237 is disposed in a groove or gland in the disk 230. The first sleeve 237 slides along the inner surface 226 as the flow control member 132 moves up and down the cage 200. The first sleeve 237 creates a low friction interface to enable the flow control member 132 to slide smoothly in the central passage 224. In addition, the use of the first sleeve 237 limits or prevents direct metal-to-metal contact between the flow control member 132 and the cage 200, which reduces or prevents seizing. As such, the use of the first sleeve 237 increases reliability and increases the life of the part. In some examples, the first sleeve 237 is constructed from Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). However, in other examples, the first sleeve 237 may be constructed of another material.

In the illustrated example, the plug 202 defines a bore 238. The disk 230 of the flow control member 132 extends into the aperture 238. The spool assembly 122 includes a spring 240 to bias the flow control member 132 toward the seat 124 (e.g., in an upward direction in fig. 2). In the illustrated example, the spring 240 is disposed about the disk 230 of the flow control member 132 (e.g., coaxial with the disk 230). The tray 230 has a shoulder or flange 242. The spring 240 is disposed (axially constrained) between a flange 242 of the disk 230 and a shoulder 244 in the bore 238 of the plug 202. However, in other examples, the spring 240 may be disposed at other locations. In the illustrated example, the flange 242 is spaced from the inner surface 249 of the bore 238 such that fluid may fill the region of the bore 238 between the flange 242 and the shoulder 244. As shown in fig. 2, the cage 200 has radial openings 246a, 246b. Cage 200 may include any number of radial openings. Radial openings 246a, 246b enable fluid from upstream portion 128 of the fluid passageway to fill bore 238. This reduces (e.g., minimizes) the pressure differential acting on the flow control member 132, reducing the amount of force required to move the flow control member 132 between the open and closed positions.

In the illustrated example, the spool assembly 122 includes a seal 248 between the flow control member 132 and an inner surface 249 of the plug 202. In the illustrated example, the seal 248 is disposed in a groove or gland in the disk 230 of the flow control member 132. Seal 248 prevents or limits fluid leakage. The spool assembly 122 also includes a second sleeve 250 that defines the bore 238 between the flow control member 132 and an inner surface 249 of the plug 202. In the illustrated example, along with the seal 248, a second sleeve 250 is also disposed in a groove or gland in the disk 230 of the flow control member 132. Similar to the first sleeve 237, the second sleeve 250 limits or prevents metal-to-metal contact and provides a low friction interface for the flow control member 132 to slide smoothly in the bore 238. In the example, the second sleeve 250 is constructed of PTFE, but in other examples may be constructed of other materials. Thus, the flow control member 132 is supported and/or aligned in the spool assembly 122 by two sliding interfaces: one sliding interface with cage 200 and one sliding interface with plug 202. The coefficient of friction provided by the first sleeve 237 and the second sleeve 250 is relatively small. As such, the first sleeve 237 prevents or limits the flow control member 132 and the cage 200 from becoming blocked and the second sleeve 250 prevents or limits jamming between the flow control member 132 and the plug 202 when the part is installed and/or removed.

The seat 124 defines an orifice 126, with fluid flowing through the orifice 126 when the flow control member 132 is in the open position. In the illustrated example, the seat 124 engages a first shoulder 252 in the valve body 108. The spool assembly 122 includes a seal 254 between the seat 124 and a second shoulder 253 of the valve body 108 that creates a sealing interface to prevent or limit fluid leakage between the seat 124 and the valve body 108. As disclosed above, the flow control member 132 is movable relative to the seat 124 between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the flow control member 132 is spaced from the seat 124 to enable fluid flow through the orifice 126, and in the closed position, the flow control member 132 engages the seat 124 and prevents fluid flow through the orifice 126.

Fig. 3A shows the spool assembly 122 with the flow control member 132 in an open position, and fig. 3B shows the spool assembly 122 with the flow control member 132 in a closed position. As shown in fig. 3A, the seal 234 of the flow control member 132 is spaced from the seat 124. This enables fluid to flow through the space between the cage 200 and the seat 124 and through the apertures 126 of the seat 124, as indicated by the arrows.

When the flow control member 132 is moved to the closed position, as shown in fig. 3B, the seal 234 of the flow control member 132 engages the seat 124. Specifically, the seal 234 engages a sealing surface 300 (e.g., an annular rim) on the seat 124, thereby forming a fluid-tight seal. This prevents fluid from flowing through the orifice 126 of the seat 124.

As shown in fig. 3B, the disc cover 232 has a channel 301, the channel 301 fluidly connecting the aperture 126 to the central channel 236 of the disc body 230. This enables the pressurized fluid in the orifice 126 (i.e., the fluid in the downstream portion 130 (fig. 1)) to fill the bottom of the aperture 238 below the disk 230. This reduces (e.g., minimizes) the pressure differential across the flow control member 132 that might otherwise cause the flow control member 132 to become stuck in the closed position or require higher force to move the flow control member 132.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of cage 200 and seat 124. As disclosed above, the cage 200 and the seat 124 are coupled and/or otherwise connected as one piece or component. For example, the components shown in FIG. 4 are referred to herein as a spool body 400. The cartridge body 400 has a first portion 402 and a second portion 404, the first portion 402 corresponding to or defining the seat 124 and the second portion 404 corresponding to or defining the cage 200. The spool body 400 has a central passage 405 that corresponds to or defines the aperture 126 of the seat 124 and the central passage 224 of the cage 200. In the illustrated example, the spool body 400 has one or more radial openings 406a, 406b. Radial openings 406a, 406b extend between the outer surface of the spool body 400 and the central passage 405. The radial openings 406a, 406b define a space between the seat 124 and the cage 200 for fluid flow.

In some examples, the first portion 402 and the second portion 404 are coupled by one or more ribs or supports. For example, as shown in fig. 4, the first portion 402 and the second portion 404 are coupled by a rib 408. In other words, the rib 408 extends between the first portion 402 and the second portion 404. As such, the seat 124 and cage 200 are coupled by the ribs 408. Although only one rib is shown, the spool body 400 may include a plurality of ribs coupling the first portion 402 (seat 124) and the second portion 404 (cage 200). The ribs 408 may be equally spaced around the circumference of the central channel 405. Radial openings 406a, 406b are defined between the first portion 402 (the seat 124), the second portion 404 (the cage 200), and one or more ribs 408.

When the spool assembly 122 is assembled, the spool body 400 (which includes the seat 124 and the cage 200) is coupled to the plug 202 (fig. 2). Specifically, as discussed above, the cage 200 (second portion 404) is threadably coupled to the plug 202. As such, the seat 124 is coupled to the plug 202 via the rib 408 and the cage 200. Further, when the spool assembly 122 is assembled, the flow control member 132 is partially disposed in the central passage 405 of the spool body 400 (which corresponds to the central passage 224 of the cage 200) and partially disposed in the bore 238 of the plug 202. Thus, once cage 200 is connected to plug 202, all components of spool assembly 122 are connected as a single unit.

In some examples, the spool body 400 is constructed of a metal, such as stainless steel (e.g., ASTM a 47931600) or alloy steel (e.g., 40 CrNiMO). In other examples, the cartridge body 400 may be constructed from other types of materials. In some examples, the spool body 400 including the seat 124, cage 200, and rib 408 is constructed as a unitary structure. For example, the cartridge body 400 may be a machined part, such as made of steel bars. In another example, the cartridge body 400 may be cast or molded as a single piece. In other examples, the cartridge body 400 may be constructed via additive manufacturing (sometimes referred to as 3D printing). Additive manufacturing involves fusing or bonding successive layers of material to form a part. In other examples, the seat 124, cage 200, and ribs 408 may be configured as separate pieces or components that are coupled together (e.g., via welding, via fasteners, via adhesive, etc.).

As shown in fig. 4, the space defined between the seat 124 and the cage 200 by the radial openings 406a, 406b is relatively small. This reduces the amount of travel required for the flow control member 132 (fig. 2) to move between the open and closed positions. As such, there is less likelihood of misalignment between the flow control member 132 and the seat 124. Further, because the seat 124 and cage 200 are coupled and the flow control member 132 (fig. 1 and 2) is secured radially inside the cage 200, the impact of the geometric tolerances of the parts on the alignment between the flow control member 132 and the seat 124 is significantly reduced. As a result, the sealing surface 300 (fig. 3B) is subjected to more uniform stress, and the sealing performance is greatly improved.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the spool assembly 122 in an assembled state. The cartridge body 400, including the seat 124 and cage 200, is coupled (e.g., threadably coupled) to the plug 202. The flow control member 132 is disposed in the cartridge body 400 and the plug 202. The spool assembly 122 may be installed in the valve body 108 and removed from the valve body 108 as a single unit.

Fig. 6A and 6B illustrate an example process of installing the spool assembly 122 in the valve body 108. Fig. 6A shows the spool assembly 122 aligned with the opening 210 in the valve body 108. The spool assembly 122 may be inserted into the opening 210 in the orientation shown in fig. 6A. As indicated by the arrow. When the plug 202 reaches the opening, the plug 202 may be rotated to screw the plug 202 into the opening 210, which further moves the valve core assembly 122 into the valve body 108. Because the cage 200 and the seat 124 are coupled to the plug 202, the cage 200 and the seat 124 also rotate with the plug 202. When the spool assembly 122 is screwed into the valve body 108 a sufficient amount, the seal 254 engages the second shoulder 253. Fig. 6B shows the spool assembly 122 installed in the valve body 108. In some examples, even after the seal 254 engages the second shoulder 253, the spool assembly 122 may be twisted to ensure that sufficient pressure exists between the seal 254 and the second shoulder 253 to prevent or limit leakage. In some examples, the spool assembly 122 is fully threaded into the valve body 108 when the seat 124 engages the first shoulder 252 and/or the third portion 208 (e.g., head) of the plug 202 engages the valve body 108. As shown in fig. 6B, the disc cover 232 engages the stem 136 when the spool assembly 122 is fully inserted into the valve body 108. As disclosed above, the diaphragm 138 (fig. 1) biases the stem 136 and the flow control member 132 downward, while the spring 240 biases the flow control member 132 and the stem 136 upward.

To remove the valve core assembly 122, the plug 202 may be unscrewed from the opening 210 and pulled away from the valve body 108. Thus, the entire spool assembly 122 may be removed as a single unit. This greatly simplifies the process of removing the spool piece (including the seat 124). The spool assembly 122 may be cleaned and/or repaired and then reinstalled in the valve body 108. In other examples, the spool assembly 122 may be interchangeable with another spool assembly 122.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example spool assembly 122 having an alternative flow control member 700. This example may be implemented for larger diameter orifices. In this example, the flow control member 700 is implemented as a single component. In the illustrated example, the flow control member 700 has a tapered or conical sealing surface 702, the sealing surface 702 engaging the seat 124 when the flow control member 700 is in the closed position. Additionally, in fig. 7, a spring 704 is disposed between a bottom 706 of the flow control member 700 and a bottom 708 of the aperture 238 in the plug 202. In this example, the flow control member 700 does not include a central passage for balancing pressure. However, in other examples, the flow control member 700 may include a central passage similar to the flow control member 132 described in connection with fig. 3B.

"Including" and "comprising" (and all forms and tenses thereof) are used herein as open-ended terms. Accordingly, whenever the preamble of a claim or any form of "comprising" or "comprising" (e.g., including, containing, having, etc.) is employed in any type of claim recitation, it is to be understood that: additional elements, terms, etc. may be present without departing from the scope of the corresponding claims or recitation. As used herein, when the phrase "at least" is used as a transitional term in the preamble of a claim, for example, "at least" is open-ended in the same manner that the terms "comprising" and "including" are open-ended. The term "and/or" when used in a form such as A, B and/or C, for example, refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C, such as (1) a alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) a and B, (5) a and C, (6) B and C, or (7) a and B and C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and/or things, the phrase "at least one of a and B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of the following: (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and/or things, the phrase "at least one of a or B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of the following: (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of a process, instruction, action, activity, etc., the phrase "at least one of a and B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of the following: (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of a process, instruction, action, activity, etc., the phrase "at least one of a or B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of the following: (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

As used herein, singular references (e.g., "a," "an," "the first," "the second," etc.) do not exclude a plurality. As used herein, the terms "a" or "an" object refer to one or more of the object. The terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. Moreover, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or acts may be implemented by e.g. the same entity or object. In addition, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may be combined, and inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous.

As used in this patent, the expression that any portion (e.g., layer, film, section, region, or panel) is located on another portion (e.g., positioned on … …, on … …, disposed on … …, or formed on … …) in any manner indicates that the referenced portion is in contact with the other portion or that the referenced portion is located above the other portion and one or more intermediate portions are located therebetween.

As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) may include intermediate members between elements referenced by connection references and/or relative movement between elements. As such, a connection reference does not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and/or in fixed relation to each other. As used herein, the expression "in contact" of any portion with another portion is defined to mean that there is no intermediate portion between the two portions.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, descriptors such as "first," "second," "third," etc., are used herein without indicating or otherwise indicating priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and/or any meaning ordered in any way, but are used merely as labels and/or arbitrary names to distinguish elements to facilitate understanding of the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor "first" may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in the claims with a different descriptor (such as "second" or "third"). In this case, it should be understood that such descriptors are used only to clearly identify those elements in the context of the discussion (e.g., in the claims), where the elements may share the same names, for example, in other ways.

From the foregoing, it can be appreciated that example valves and spool assemblies for valves have been disclosed that are easier to install and/or remove than known spool components. The examples disclosed herein also achieve better alignment between the flow control member and the valve seat and thus improved sealing as compared to known spool components. The example spool assembly also has fewer parts or components than known valves, which reduces cost and weight.

Examples and combinations of examples disclosed herein include the following:

Example 1 is a valve comprising a valve body defining a fluid passageway between an inlet and an outlet, and a valve cartridge assembly coupled to the valve body. The valve cartridge assembly includes a cage having a central passage and a valve seat in the fluid passageway. The valve seat defines an orifice. The valve seat is coupled to the cage such that removal of the cage from the valve body also removes the valve seat from the valve body. The valve cartridge assembly also includes a flow control member positioned in the cage central passage. The flow control member is movable relative to the valve seat between an open position and a closed position.

Example 2 includes the valve of example 1, wherein the cage and the valve seat are coupled by one or more ribs.

Example 3 includes the valve of example 2, wherein the cage, the valve seat, and the one or more ribs are constructed as a unitary structure.

Example 4 includes the valve of example 2 or 3, wherein one or more radial openings are defined between the cage, the valve seat, and the one or more ribs.

Example 5 includes the valve of any of examples 1-4, wherein the valve core assembly includes a plug threadably coupled to the valve body and the cage is coupled to the plug.

Example 6 includes the valve of example 5, wherein the cage has internal threads and the plug has external threads. The cage is coupled to the plug by threads.

Example 7 includes the valve of example 5 or 6, wherein the plug has a hole. The flow control member extends into the bore.

Example 8 includes the valve of example 7, wherein the spool assembly comprises: a first sleeve defining a central passage between the flow control member and an inner surface of the cage; and a second sleeve defining a bore between the flow control member and an inner surface of the plug.

Example 9 includes the valve of example 7 or 8, wherein the spool assembly includes a spring to bias the flow control member toward the valve seat. The flow control member includes a disk. The spring is disposed around the disk.

Example 10 includes the valve of example 9, wherein the disc has a flange. The spring is disposed between the flange of the disc and a shoulder in the bore of the plug.

Example 11 is a valve comprising a valve body defining a fluid passageway between an inlet and an outlet, and a valve cartridge assembly coupled to the valve body. The spool assembly includes a plug and a spool body coupled to the plug. The spool body defines a central passage. The valve body has a first portion defining a valve seat, a second portion defining a cage, and one or more ribs extending between the first portion and the second portion. The spool body also includes a flow control member located in the central passage of the spool body. The flow control member is movable between an open position allowing fluid flow through the valve seat and a closed position preventing fluid flow through the valve seat.

Example 12 includes the valve of example 11, wherein the spool body has one or more radial openings extending between an outer surface of the spool body and the central passage. A radial opening is defined between the first portion, the second portion, and the one or more ribs.

Example 13 includes the valve of example 11 or 12, wherein the spool body is constructed as a unitary structure.

Example 14 includes the valve of any of examples 11-13, wherein the spool body is threadably coupled to the plug, and wherein the plug is threadably coupled to the valve body.

Example 15 includes the valve of any of examples 11-14, wherein the valve cartridge assembly includes a spring to bias the flow control member toward the valve seat. The spring is disposed about the flow control member.

Example 16 includes the valve of any one of examples 11-15, wherein the spool assembly includes: a first sleeve positioned between the flow control member and an inner surface of the cage; and a second sleeve located between the flow control member and an inner surface of the plug.

Example 17 is a spool assembly for a valve. The valve cartridge assembly includes a plug defining a bore. The plug will be coupled to the valve body of the valve. The spool assembly also includes a spool body defining a central passage. The spool body has a first portion and a second portion coupled by one or more ribs. The first portion defines a valve seat, the second portion defines a cage, and the second portion is coupled to the plug. The valve cartridge assembly also includes a flow control member disposed in the bore of the plug and the central passage of the valve cartridge body. The flow control member is movable relative to the valve seat between an open position and a closed position.

Example 18 includes the valve cartridge assembly of example 17, wherein a portion of the plug has external threads and the cage has internal threads. The cage is coupled to the plug by threads.

Example 19 includes the spool assemblies of examples 17 and 18, wherein the spool body is constructed as a unitary structure.

Example 20 includes the spool assembly of any of examples 17-19, wherein the spool body has one or more radial openings between an outer surface of the spool body and the central passage.

The claims are hereby incorporated into this detailed description by reference. Although certain example systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A valve, comprising:

A valve body defining a fluid passageway between an inlet and an outlet; and

A valve cartridge assembly coupled with the valve body, the valve cartridge assembly comprising:

A cage having a central passage;

a seat in the fluid passageway, the seat defining an aperture, the seat coupled to the cage such that removal of the cage from the valve body also removes the seat from the valve body; and

A flow control member located in the central passage of the cage, the flow control member being movable relative to the seat between an open position and a closed position.

2. The valve of claim 1, wherein the cage and the seat are coupled by one or more ribs.

3. The valve of claim 2, wherein the cage, the seat, and the one or more ribs are constructed as a unitary structure.

4. The valve of claim 2, wherein one or more radial openings are defined between the cage, the seat, and the one or more ribs.

5. The valve of claim 1, wherein the spool assembly comprises a plug threadably coupled to the valve body, the cage coupled to the plug.

6. The valve of claim 5, wherein the cage has internal threads and the plug has external threads, the cage being threadably coupled to the plug.

7. The valve of claim 5, wherein the plug has a bore into which the flow control member extends.

8. The valve of claim 7, wherein the spool assembly comprises:

A first sleeve positioned between the flow control member and an inner surface of the cage defining the central passage; and

A second sleeve is positioned between the flow control member and an inner surface of the plug, defining the bore.

9. The valve of claim 7, wherein the spool assembly includes a spring to bias the flow control member toward the seat, the flow control member including a disc, the spring being disposed about the disc.

10. The valve of claim 9, wherein the disc has a flange, the spring being disposed between the flange of the disc and a shoulder in the bore of the plug.

11. A valve, comprising:

A valve body defining a fluid passageway between an inlet and an outlet; and

A valve cartridge assembly coupled with the valve body, the valve cartridge assembly comprising:

A plug;

a spool body coupled to the plug, the spool body defining a central passage, the spool body having a first portion defining a seat, a second portion defining a cage, and one or more ribs extending between the first portion and the second portion; and

A flow control member located in the central passage of the spool body, the flow control member being movable between an open position that allows fluid flow through the seat and a closed position that prevents fluid flow through the seat.

12. The valve of claim 11, wherein the spool body has one or more radial openings extending between an outer surface of the spool body and the central passage, the radial openings being defined between the first portion, the second portion, and the one or more ribs.

13. The valve of claim 11, wherein the spool body is constructed as a unitary structure.

14. The valve of claim 11, wherein the spool body is threadably coupled to the plug, and wherein the plug is threadably coupled to the valve body.

15. The valve of claim 11, wherein the spool assembly includes a spring to bias the flow control member toward the seat, the spring being disposed about the flow control member.

16. The valve of claim 11, wherein the spool assembly comprises:

A first sleeve located between the flow control member and an inner surface of the cage; and

A second sleeve located between the flow control member and an inner surface of the plug.

17. A spool assembly for a valve, the spool assembly comprising:

a plug defining a bore, the plug being coupled to a valve body of the valve;

A spool body defining a central passage, the spool body having a first portion and a second portion coupled by one or more ribs, the first portion defining a seat, the second portion defining a cage, the second portion coupled to a plug; and

A flow control member disposed in the bore of the plug and the central passage of the spool body, the flow control member being movable relative to the seat between an open position and a closed position.

18. The valve cartridge assembly of claim 17, wherein a portion of the plug has external threads and the cage has internal threads, the cage being threadably coupled to the plug.

19. The valve cartridge assembly of claim 17, wherein the valve cartridge body is constructed as a unitary structure.

20. The valve cartridge assembly of claim 17, wherein the valve cartridge body has one or more radial openings between an outer surface of the valve cartridge body and the central passage.