Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6575707
-
Patent Number
6,575,707
-
Date Filed
Monday, November 5, 200122 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, June 10, 200321 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Tyler; Cheryl J.
- Rodriguez; W
Agents
- Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 417 228
- 236 345
- 236 93 A
- 165 297
- 165 300
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A compressor system includes a fluid system having a cooler and a valve. The valve includes a housing and a spool disposed within the housing. The spool has a temperature sensitive wax cartridge, and is movable between an actuated position and a non-actuated position. When the spool is in the actuated position, inlet fluid flow enters the valve through an inlet port, exits the valve through the cooler port, flows through the cooler, reenters the valve through the cooler return, flows over the wax cartridge, and exits the valve through the outlet port. When the spool is in the non-actuated position, the inlet fluid flow bypasses the cooler, flows through the valve and over the wax cartridge, and exits the valve through the outlet port. The wax cartridge only senses the temperature of the inlet fluid flow when the spool is in the non-actuated position.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to compressor systems, and more particularly to air compressor systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Prior art air compressors typically include a compressor, a motor to drive the compressor and a coolant system to cool the air discharged by the compressor and the components of the compressor. The compressor generally compresses air to pressures above normal atmospheric pressures. The coolant system includes a cooler and a bypass valve. In some prior art arrangements, the bypass valve is a temperature sensitive thermal valve.
FIG. 5
illustrates a prior art thermal bypass valve
10
in a non-actuated position, in which coolant, normally oil, bypasses the cooler.
FIG. 6
illustrates the thermal bypass valve in the actuated position, in which coolant is directed to the cooler.
In
FIGS. 5 and 6
, the valve
10
has an inlet
14
from the coolant system, an outlet
18
to the coolant system, a cooler exit
22
, and a cooler return
26
. The cooler is a heat exchanger that cools the coolant. The valve
10
includes a spool
30
and a wax cartridge
34
interconnected to the spool
30
. The wax cartridge
34
is directly exposed to the coolant flow from the inlet in both the non-actuated position (
FIG. 5
) and the actuated position (FIG.
6
). The wax cartridge
34
senses the inlet fluid temperature of the coolant. In the non-actuated position illustrated in
FIG. 5
, the coolant flow enters the valve
10
through the inlet
14
, and exits through the outlet
18
. The valve
10
is generally in the non-actuated position when the inlet fluid temperature is below a predetermined level. As the inlet fluid temperature increases above a predetermined level, the wax cartridge
34
expands and actuates the valve
10
to the actuated position, illustrated in FIG.
6
. When the valve
10
is in the actuated position, the coolant flow enters the valve
10
through the inlet
14
, exits the valve
10
through the cooler exit
22
, flows through the cooler, reenters the valve
10
through the cooler return
26
, and exits the valve
10
through the outlet
18
. In both the actuated (
FIG. 6
) and non-actuated positions (FIG.
5
), the wax cartridge
34
is directly exposed to the coolant flow from the inlet
14
. The wax cartridge
34
senses the inlet fluid flow, and the temperature of the inlet coolant flow influences the wax cartridge
34
when the spool
30
is in both the actuated and non-actuated position.
The temperature of the inlet fluid flow is relatively unstable and fluctuates over a range of temperatures. As the inlet temperature fluctuates up and down, the wax cartridge senses the inlet fluid temperature and moves the spool
30
back and forth between the actuated position and the non-actuated position. This fluctuation of the inlet temperature and movement of the spool
30
is undesirable and creates additional wear and tear on the components of the valve
10
, and inconsistent fluid flow through the cooler. Additionally, the fluctuation of the inlet temperature creates an inconsistent outlet temperature.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a thermal valve for a compressor system wherein the wax cartridge senses the temperature of the inlet fluid flow only when the spool is in the non-actuated position. The wax cartridge does not sense the temperature of the inlet fluid flow when the spool is in the actuated position. The wax cartridge senses the temperature of the outlet fluid flow when the valve is in the actuated position. The temperature of the outlet fluid flow from the cooler is relatively stable, and does not fluctuate as much as the inlet fluid temperature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of a compressor system embodying the invention.
FIG. 2
is a schematic illustration of the compressor of FIG.
1
.
FIG. 3
is a cross-sectional view of a thermal valve of the compressor of FIG.
1
.
FIG. 4
is a cross-sectional view of the thermal valve of the compressor of FIG.
3
.
FIG. 5
a cross-sectional view of a prior art thermal valve.
FIG. 6
a cross-sectional view of the prior art thermal valve of FIG.
5
.
Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Although references are made below to directions, such as left, right, up, down, top, bottom, front, rear, back etc., in describing the drawings, they are made relative to the drawings (as normally viewed) for convenience. These directions are not intended to be taken literally or limit the present invention in any form.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1
illustrates a compressor system
50
disposed within an enclosure
54
. The compressor system
50
includes an airend
58
and a separator tank
62
. The airend
58
compresses air to pressures above normal atmospheric pressures, and the pressurized air flows from the airend
58
to the separator tank
62
. In the separator tank
62
, oil is separated from the pressurized air.
FIG. 2
illustrates a schematic diagram of the compressor system
50
.
FIG. 2
shows the flow path of air through an air system
66
, and the flow path of oil or other fluid through a fluid system
70
. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid system
70
is a coolant system for the compressor system
50
, and the fluid or coolant flowing through the fluid system
70
is oil.
Air enters the air system
66
through an air intake
74
and flows to the airend
58
, which compresses the air into pressurized air. In the illustrated embodiment, a motor
78
drives the airend
58
. Oil from the fluid system
70
is mixed with the pressurized air in the airend
58
. The pressurized air and oil mixture flows from the airend
58
to the separator tank
62
, and the oil is separated from the pressurized air in the separator tank
62
. From the separator tank
62
, the pressurized air flows to an aftercooler
82
that cools the pressurized air, and the pressurized air then proceeds to the desired application.
From the separator tank
62
, the separated fluid flows through the fluid system
70
to a thermal valve
86
that senses the fluid temperature and directs the fluid to a cooler
90
, or bypasses the cooler
90
and directs the fluid to the fluid system
70
. If the fluid temperature is above a predetermined level, the valve
86
will direct the fluid to the cooler
90
. The cooler
90
is a heat exchanger that lowers the temperature of the fluid. If the fluid temperature is below a predetermined level, the valve
86
will bypass the cooler
90
and direct the fluid flow to the fluid system
70
where the fluid proceeds through a filter
94
and back to the airend
58
.
FIG. 3
illustrates the thermal valve
86
in greater detail. Generally, thermal valves may be diverting valves or mixing valves. Diverting valves sense the relatively hot inlet temperature, and direct the fluid flow through the valve according to the hot side inlet temperature. Mixing valves sense the relatively cool outlet temperature, and direct the fluid flow through the valve according to the cool side outlet temperature. The valve
86
is generally a mixing valve. The valve
86
includes a valve housing
104
and a spool
108
disposed within the housing
104
. The spool
108
is movable within the housing
104
between a non-actuated position (
FIG. 3
) and an actuated position (FIG.
4
).
FIG. 3
illustrates the spool
108
in the non-actuated position, and
FIG. 4
illustrates the spool
108
in the actuated position.
The housing
104
is a cylindrical tube having a cylindrical side wall
112
, an inlet end
116
at one end of the housing
104
, and an outlet end
120
at the end of the housing
104
opposite the inlet end
116
. An inlet port
124
is an opening in the side wall
112
near the inlet end
116
, and an outlet port
128
is an opening in the side wall
112
near the outlet end
120
. Fluid flows from the fluid system
70
into the valve
86
through the inlet port
124
, and fluid exits the valve
86
and flows back to the fluid system
70
through the outlet port
128
.
The valve
86
is sensitive to the fluid temperature, and directs the fluid flow to the cooler
90
or the fluid system
70
depending on the temperature of the fluid. The housing
104
has a cooler port
136
leading from the valve
86
to the cooler
90
, and a cooler return
140
leading from the cooler
90
back to the valve
86
. The cooler return
140
is an opening in the side wall
112
near the outlet end
120
. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooler return
140
is disposed on the side of the housing
104
opposite the outlet port
128
. The cooler port
136
is a opening in the side wall
112
disposed between the inlet end
116
and outlet end
120
. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooler port
136
is on the same side of the housing
104
as the cooler return
140
.
The housing
104
is a cylindrical tube, and the interior of the housing
104
is an open cavity. The inner diameter of the side wall
112
varies along the length of the housing
104
to create multiple chambers or passages through the valve
86
. In
FIGS. 3 and 4
, the side wall
112
has an inner surface
144
having a substantially uniform inner diameter that extends from the inlet port
124
to the cooler port
136
. Near the cooler port
136
, the inner diameter of the side wall
112
increases and forms a first chamber
148
. The inner surface
144
extends from the inlet end
116
to the first chamber
148
. The inner diameter of the first chamber
148
is greater than the inner diameter of the inner surface
144
.
A middle ridge
152
extends radially inwardly from the side wall
112
between the cooler port
136
and the cooler return
140
. The inner diameter of the middle ridge
152
is less than the diameter of the first chamber
148
, and similar to the diameter of the inner surface
144
. The first chamber
148
extends from the inner surface
144
to the middle ridge
152
. The cooler port
136
is in fluid flow communication with the first chamber
148
.
A second chamber
156
extends from the middle ridge
152
to the outlet end
120
. The inner diameter of the second chamber
156
is greater than the inner diameter of the middle ridge
152
, and similar to the diameter of the first chamber
148
. The second chamber
156
is in fluid flow communication with the cooler return
140
and the outlet port
128
.
The valve
86
includes the spool
108
disposed within the housing
104
. The spool
108
has a generally cylindrical shape, and moves within the housing
104
in an axial direction between a non-actuated position, as shown in
FIG. 3
, and an actuated position, as shown in FIG.
4
. When moving from the non-actuated position (
FIG. 3
) to the actuated position (FIG.
4
), the spool
108
moves away from the outlet end
120
and toward the inlet end
116
. Conversely, the spool
108
moves away from the inlet end
116
and toward the outlet end
120
when moving from the actuated position (
FIG. 4
) to the non-actuated position (FIG.
3
). In the illustrated embodiment, a spring
160
contacts the inlet end
116
and the spool
108
, and biases the spool
108
toward the non-actuated position (FIG.
3
).
The spool
108
includes an inlet section
164
and an outlet section
168
. The inlet section
164
is disposed at the end of the spool
108
near the inlet end
116
, and the outlet section
168
is disposed at the end of the spool
108
near the outlet end
120
. The spool
108
has an intermediate wall
172
that separates the in let section
164
and outlet section
168
.
The inlet section
168
is substantially cylindrical and has a cylindrical outer wall
176
. The outer wall
176
intersect s the intermediate wall
172
, and extends from the perimeter of the intermediate wall
172
in a generally axial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate wall
172
is substantially circular, and the outer wall
176
and intermediate wall
172
have substantially the same outer diameter. The outer diameter of the outer wall
176
and intermediate wall
172
are substantially the same as the inner diameter of the inner surface
144
and the middle ridge
152
to create seals between the various components of the housing
104
and spool
108
. The inlet section
168
has an open end
180
at the end of the outer wall
176
opposite the intermediate wall
172
. The open end
180
is open and permits fluid flow to enter the inlet section
168
.
The inlet section
168
has at least one aperture
184
in the outer wall
176
near the intermediate wall
172
. In the illustrated embodiment, there are multiple apertures
184
spaced around the perimeter of the outer wall
176
near the intermediate wall
172
. The apertures
184
permit fluid flow to exit the inlet section
168
.
The outlet section
168
has an end wall
188
disposed at the end of the spool
108
near the outlet end
120
. At least one column
192
extends from the intermediate wall
172
to the end wall
188
to support the end wall
188
.
FIGS. 3 and 4
illustrate two columns
192
extending from the intermediate wall
172
to the end wall
188
.
The spool
108
includes a temperature sensitive body disposed in the outlet section
168
that senses fluid temperature. In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensitive body is a wax cartridge
196
. The wax cartridge
196
is interconnected to the end wall
188
, and includes a main body
200
and an actuating member
204
. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body
200
is cylindrical and extends through the end wall
188
. The main body
200
is at least partially disposed between the columns
192
. Fluid is able to flow between the columns
192
and contact the main body
200
, and the wax cartridge
196
senses fluid temperature. The actuating member
204
extends from the main body
200
and contacts the outlet end
120
. The actuating member
204
moves the spool
108
between the non-actuated position (FIG.
3
and the actuated position (FIG.
4
).
Since the wax cartridge
196
is disposed in the outlet section
168
, the wax cartridge
196
senses the outlet fluid temperature of fluid flowing through the outlet section
168
, and the outlet fluid temperature influences the wax cartridge
196
. If the outlet fluid temperature is below a predetermined level, the actuating member
204
contracts, and the spring
160
biases the spool
108
toward the non-actuated position (FIG.
3
). If the outlet fluid temperature is above a predetermined level, the heat of the fluid contacting the wax cartridge
196
causes the actuating member
204
to expand and force the spool
108
away from the outlet end
120
against the biasing force of the spring
160
, and toward the actuated position (FIG.
4
).
The wax cartridge
196
senses the fluid temperature, and determines if the fluid temperature is above or below the predetermined level. If the temperature is below the predetermined level, the valve
86
bypasses the cooler
90
and directs the fluid back to the fluid system
70
. If the temperature is above the predetermined level, the valve
86
directs the fluid to the cooler
90
. As shown in
FIG. 3
, the valve
86
bypasses the cooler
90
and directs fluid flow through the outlet port
128
when the spool
108
is in the non-actuated position. As shown in
FIG. 4
, the valve
86
directs fluid flow to the cooler
90
when the spool
108
is in the actuated position.
In
FIGS. 3 and 4
, the arrows (A-K) represent the path of fluid flow through the valve
86
.
FIG. 3
illustrates the spool
108
in the non-actuated position where the valve
86
bypasses the cooler
90
. The fluid flow A enters the valve
86
through the inlet port
124
from the fluid system
70
. The fluid flow A proceeds into the inlet section
164
through the open end
180
. In
FIG. 3
, the outer wall
176
extends between the middle ridge
152
and the inner surface
144
, and contacts both the middle ridge
152
and the inner surface
144
. The inner surface
144
, outer wall
176
, and middle ridge
152
seal off the first chamber
148
, and prevent the fluid flow B from entering the first chamber
148
and flowing into the cooler
90
.
Since the fluid flow B cannot enter the first chamber
148
, the fluid flow C exits the inlet section
164
through the apertures
184
. The apertures
184
are in fluid flow communication with the second chamber
156
. Fluid flow C passes through the apertures
184
, into the second chamber
156
, and around the intermediate wall
172
. Fluid flow D passes through the outlet section
168
and over the wax cartridge
196
, and the wax cartridge
196
senses the temperature of the fluid flow D. Fluid flow E exits the valve
86
through the outlet port
128
and returns to the fluid system
70
. The intermediate wall
172
shields the wax cartridge
196
from being directly influenced by the inlet fluid flow A, B, and the wax cartridge
196
senses the fluid temperature of the outlet fluid flow D, E.
As the fluid temperature increases, the wax cartridge
196
expands and moves the spool
108
toward the actuated position, as shown in FIG.
4
. Fluid flow F enters the valve
86
from the fluid system
70
through the inlet port
124
, and fluid flow G proceeds into the inlet section
164
through the open end
180
. When the spool
108
is in the actuated position, the outer wall
176
contacts the inner surface
144
, and the intermediate wall
172
contacts the middle ridge
152
. The intermediate wall
172
and the middle ridge
152
create a seal that prevents the inlet flow F, G from directly entering the second chamber
156
from the inlet section
164
.
In
FIG. 4
, the apertures
184
are in fluid flow communication with the first chamber
148
. Fluid flow H exits the inlet section
164
through the apertures
184
, flows through the first chamber
148
, and exits the valve
86
through the cooler port
136
. After the fluid exits the valve
86
, the fluid passes through the cooler
90
which lowers the temperature of the fluid before the fluid reenters the valve
86
. Fluid flow I reenters the valve
86
through the cooler return
140
and flows into the second chamber
156
.
Fluid flow J passes through the outlet section
168
and second chamber
156
, and contacts the wax cartridge
196
. The wax cartridge
196
senses the temperature of the fluid flow J, and fluid flow K exits the valve
86
through the outlet port
128
and returns to the fluid system
70
. Since the wax cartridge
196
is disposed in the outlet section
168
, the seal between the intermediate wall
172
and middle ridge
152
shields the wax cartridge
196
from being influenced by the inlet fluid flow F, G. The wax cartridge
196
senses the outlet fluid temperature and is influenced by the outlet fluid flow I, J, K entering the valve
86
from the cooler
90
. The wax cartridge
196
does not sense the inlet fluid temperature when the valve
86
is in the actuated position.
FIGS. 5 and 6
illustrate a prior art thermal valve
10
having a spool
30
and a wax cartridge
34
.
FIG. 5
illustrates the valve
10
in the non-actuated position, and
FIG. 6
illustrates the valve
10
in the actuated position. In
FIGS. 5 and 6
, the wax cartridge
34
is directly influenced by the inlet fluid temperature when the valve
10
is in both the non-actuated position (
FIG. 5
) and the actuated position (FIG.
6
). The prior art thermal valve
10
senses the inlet fluid temperature, and is generally a diverting valve.
Generally, the inlet fluid temperature is relatively unstable and fluctuates over a range of temperatures. In the prior art, as the inlet temperature fluctuates up and down, the wax cartridge
34
senses the inlet fluid temperature and moves the spool
30
back and forth between the actuated position and the non-actuated position. This fluctuation of the inlet temperature and movement of the spool
30
is undesirable because it creates additional wear and tear on the components of the valve
10
, and inconsistent fluid flow through the cooler. The inlet temperature fluctuation also causes thermal cycling on the valve which creates additional stresses on the valve. Additionally, the fluctuation of the inlet temperature creates an inconsistent outlet temperature. In the prior art, the wax cartridge
34
senses the inlet fluid temperature when the spool
30
is in both the non-actuated position (
FIG. 5
) and the actuated position (FIG.
6
).
As illustrated in
FIG. 3
, the intermediate wall
172
is disposed between the inlet port
124
and the wax cartridge
196
, and the outer wall
176
prevents fluid flow from entering the first chamber
148
. When the spool
108
is in the non-actuated position, the inlet fluid flow A, B, C flows around the intermediate wall
172
and into the second chamber
156
. The fluid flow D then flows through the outlet section
168
, and the wax cartridge
196
senses the outlet fluid temperature before the fluid flow E exits the valve
86
through the outlet port
128
. When the spool
108
is in the non-actuated position (FIG.
3
), inlet flow A, B, C enters the second chamber
156
. The wax cartridge
196
senses the temperature of the outlet fluid flow D, E, and is influenced by the outlet fluid flow. In
FIG. 3
, the temperature of the inlet fluid flow A, B, C is similar to the temperature of the outlet fluid flow D, E.
If the fluid temperature increases above a predetermined level, the wax cartridge
196
expands, and moves the spool
108
toward the actuated position, as shown in FIG.
4
. When the spool
108
is in the actuated position, the intermediate wall
172
creates a seal with the middle ridge
152
that prevents the inlet fluid flow F, G from entering the second chamber
156
and contacting the wax cartridge
196
. Fluid flow H flows through the first chamber
148
and cooler port
136
to the cooler
90
, and fluid flow I flows from the cooler
90
through the cooler return
140
and into the second chamber
156
. The outlet fluid flow J then flows through the outlet section
168
and contacts the wax cartridge
196
. The wax cartridge
196
senses the outlet fluid temperature before the outlet fluid flow K exits the valve
86
through the outlet port
128
.
When the spool
108
is in the actuated position (FIG.
4
), the inlet flow F, G, H does not contact the wax cartridge
196
, and is directed to the cooler
90
. The outlet fluid flow I, J, K flows through the outlet section
168
and contacts the wax cartridge
196
. The wax cartridge
196
senses the outlet fluid flow temperature and is influenced by the outlet fluid flow I, J, K. When the spool
108
is in the actuated position (FIG.
4
), the wax cartridge
196
does not sense inlet fluid flow temperature and is not influenced by the inlet fluid flow F, G, H. Only fluid flow that has passed through the cooler
90
influences the wax cartridge
196
when the spool
108
is in the actuated position (FIG.
4
).
As mentioned above, the temperature of the inlet fluid flow from the fluid system
70
is unstable, and fluctuates over a range of temperatures. The temperature of the outlet fluid flow I, J, K from the cooler
90
is relatively stable. Therefore, the outlet fluid temperature provides a more stable influence on the wax cartridge
196
than the inlet fluid temperature. The valve
86
configuration illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 4
allows for a more stable control of the valve
86
than prior art valves. The wax cartridge
196
only senses the stable outlet fluid temperature when the spool
108
is in the actuated position (FIG.
4
). Therefore, the wax cartridge
196
does not move the spool
108
between the actuated position and non-actuated position as frequently as the prior art valve
10
, illustrated in
FIGS. 5 and 6
, which senses the unstable inlet fluid temperature when the spool
30
is in the actuated position.
In
FIGS. 3 and 4
, and as mentioned above, the valve
86
is usually in the non-actuated position (
FIG. 3
) when the compressor system first starts up, and generally moves to the actuated position (
FIG. 4
) after the compressor has run for a period of time and the fluid temperature reaches a predetermined level. The inlet fluid temperature from the fluid system
70
is generally higher than the outlet fluid temperature from the cooler
90
. In
FIG. 4
, the wax cartridge
196
senses the relatively cool, stable outlet fluid temperature in the actuated position, but in
FIG. 6
the prior art wax cartridge
34
senses the hot, unstable inlet temperature in the actuated position. The prior art wax cartridge
34
of
FIG. 6
is generally exposed to higher fluid temperatures than the wax cartridge
196
of FIG.
4
. Therefore, the wax cartridge
196
of
FIG. 4
is set to actuate the spool
108
at a different temperature range than the prior art wax cartridge
196
of FIG.
6
. The predetermined level for the wax cartridge
196
of
FIG. 4
is calibrated to be lower than the predetermined level for the prior art wax cartridge
34
of FIG.
6
. Accordingly, the wax cartridge
196
of
FIG. 4
will move the spool
108
to the actuated position at a lower temperature than the prior art wax cartridge
34
of FIG.
6
.
Claims
- 1. A compressor system comprising:an airend for compressing air; a cooler connected to the airend and for receiving fluid from the airend and for selectively cooling that fluid; and a valve that controls fluid flow to the cooler, the valve including: a housing comprising an inlet end at a first end of the housing, and an outlet end at the end of the housing opposite the inlet end, wherein an inlet port is disposed near the inlet end, an outlet port is disposed near the outlet end, a cooler return is disposed near the outlet end, and a cooler port is disposed between the inlet end and the outlet end, and an inner diameter of the housing varies along the axial length of the housing between the inlet end and the outlet end, wherein an inlet fluid flow enters the valve through the inlet port; and a spool disposed within the housing, the spool including an inlet section disposed near the inlet end, an outlet section disposed near the outlet end, and an intermediate wall separating the inlet section from the outlet section, the spool being movable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position, wherein the valve directs fluid flow to the cooler when the spool is in the actuated position, and the valve bypasses fluid flow from the cooler when the spool is in the non-actuated position, the spool having a temperature sensitive body that senses the temperature of fluid passing over the temperature sensitive body, and moves the spool between the non-actuated position and the actuated position based on the fluid temperature, the outlet section including: an end wall disposed at the end of the outlet section opposite the intermediate wall and near the outlet end; at least one column extending from the intermediate wall to the end wall; and the temperature sensitive body interconnected to the end wall and disposed between the intermediate wall and the end wall.
- 2. The compressor system of claim 1, wherein the housing further includes:an inner surface defining the inner diameter of the housing near the inlet end, and extending from the inlet end to the cooler port; a middle ridge disposed between the cooler port and the cooler return, wherein the inner diameter of the middle ridge is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the inner surface; a first chamber extending between the inner surface and the middle ridge, wherein the inner diameter of the first chamber is greater than the inner diameter of the inner surface, and the cooler port is in fluid flow communication with the first chamber; a second chamber extending between the middle ridge and the outlet end, wherein the inner diameter of the second chamber is greater than the inner diameter of the inner surface, and the cooler return and outlet port are in fluid flow communication with the second chamber.
- 3. The compressor system of claim 2, wherein the spool creates a seal with the middle ridge when the spool is in the actuated position to prevent the inlet fluid flow from entering the second chamber and influencing the temperature sensitive body.
- 4. The compressor system of claim 2, wherein the inlet section is substantially cylindrical and further includes:a cylindrical tubular outer wall that intersects with the intermediate wall, wherein the outer diameter of the intermediate wall is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the outer wall; an open end disposed at the end of the outer wall opposite the intermediate wall and near the inlet end, wherein the open end permits the inlet fluid flow to enter the inlet section; and at least one aperture in the outer wall near the intermediate wall that permits the inlet fluid flow to exit the inlet section.
- 5. The compressor system of claim 4, wherein the at least one aperture is in fluid flow communication with the first chamber when the spool is in the actuated position.
- 6. The compressor system of claim 4, wherein the at least one aperture is in fluid flow communication with the second chamber when the spool is in the non-actuated position.
- 7. The compressor system of claim 4, wherein the intermediate wall is disposed between the at least one aperture and the temperature sensitive body.
- 8. The compressor system of claim 2, wherein the intermediate wall creates a seal with the middle ridge to prevent the inlet fluid flow from entering the second chamber and influencing the temperature sensitive body.
- 9. The compressor system of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensitive body is exposed to the inlet fluid flow only when the spool is in the non-actuated position.
- 10. The compressor system of claim 5, wherein the temperature sensitive body is a wax cartridge.
- 11. A compressor system comprising:a fluid system for circulating fluids through the compressor system, wherein the fluid system includes a cooler and a valve that controls fluid flow to the cooler, the valve comprising: a cylindrical tubular housing including: an inlet end at a first end of the housing, an outlet end at the end of the housing opposite the inlet end, an inlet port disposed near the inlet end, wherein an inlet fluid flow enters the valve through the inlet port, an outlet port disposed near the outlet end, a cooler return disposed near the outlet end, and directs fluid flow from the cooler to the valve, a cooler port disposed between the inlet end and the outlet end, and directs fluid flow from the valve to the cooler, an inner surface defining the inner diameter of the housing near the inlet end, and extending from the inlet end to the cooler port, a middle ridge disposed between the cooler port and the cooler return, wherein the inner diameter of the middle ridge is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the inner surface, a first chamber extending between the inner surface and the middle ridge, wherein the inner diameter of the first chamber is greater than the inner diameter of the inner surface, and the cooler port is in fluid flow communication with the first chamber, and a second chamber extending between the middle ridge and the outlet end, wherein the inner diameter of the second chamber is greater than the inner diameter of the inner surface, and the cooler return and outlet port are in fluid flow communication with the second chamber; a spool disposed within the housing, and movable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position, the spool including: a substantially cylindrical inlet section disposed near the inlet end and having, a cylindrical tubular outer wall, an open end disposed at the end of the outer wall near the inlet end, wherein the open end permits the inlet fluid flow to enter the inlet section, an intermediate wall disposed at the end of the outer wall opposite the open end, and at least one aperture in the outer wall near the intermediate wall that permits the inlet fluid flow to exit the inlet section, an outlet section disposed near the outlet end, wherein the intermediate wall separates the inlet section from the outlet section, the outlet section having an end wall disposed at the end of the outlet section opposite the intermediate wall and near the outlet end, at least one column extending from the intermediate wall to the end wall, and a temperature sensitive body interconnected to the end wall and substantially disposed between the intermediate wall and the end wall, and the intermediate wall is disposed between the at least one aperture and the temperature sensitive body, and the temperature sensitive body has an actuating member that extends from the temperature sensitive body and contacts the outlet end; and wherein the at least one aperture is in fluid flow communication with the first chamber when the spool is in the actuated position, and the at least one aperture is in fluid flow communication with the second chamber when the spool is in the non-actuated position.
- 12. The compressor system of claim 11, wherein the valve directs fluid flow to the cooler when the spool is in the actuated position, and the valve bypasses fluid flow from the cooler when the spool is in the non-actuated position.
- 13. The compressor system of claim 11, wherein the temperature sensitive body senses the temperature of fluid passing over the temperature sensitive body, and moves the spool between the non-actuated position and the actuated position based on the fluid temperature, wherein the wax cartridge senses the temperature of the inlet fluid flow only when the spool is in the non-actuated position.
- 14. The compressor system of claim 13, wherein the temperature sensitive body moves the spool toward the actuated position when the temperature sensitive body senses a fluid temperature above a predetermined level, and the temperature sensitive body moves the spool toward the non-actuated position when the temperature sensitive body senses a fluid temperature below a predetermined level.
- 15. The compressor system of claim 11, wherein the valve further includes a spring that contacts the spool and the inlet end and biases the spool toward the non-actuated position.
- 16. The compressor system of claim 11, wherein the outer wall contacts the inner surface and middle ridge to prevent the inlet fluid flow from entering the first chamber when the spool is in the non-actuated position.
- 17. The compressor system of claim 11, wherein the intermediate wall contacts the middle ridge to prevent the inlet fluid flow from entering the second chamber when the spool is in the actuated position.
- 18. The compressor system of claim 11, wherein the temperature sensitive body is disposed within the second chamber.
- 19. The compressor system of claim 11, wherein the temperature sensitive body is a wax cartridge.
- 20. The compressor system of claim 11, wherein when the spool is in the actuated position, the inlet fluid flow enters the valve through the inlet port, flows through the inlet section and first chamber, and exits the valve through the cooler port and flows to the cooler, and an outlet fluid flow enters the valve through the cooler return from the cooler, flows through the outlet section and second chamber, contacts the temperature sensitive body, and exits the valve through the outlet port.
- 21. The compressor system of claim 20, wherein the temperature sensitive body senses the temperature of the outlet fluid flow when the spool is in the actuated position.
- 22. The compressor system of claim 20, wherein the temperature sensitive body does not sense the temperature of the inlet fluid flow when the spool is in the actuated position.
- 23. A valve for use in a compressor, the valve comprising:a housing including an inlet end at a first end of the housing, and an outlet end at the end of the housing opposite the inlet end, wherein an inlet port is disposed near the inlet end, an outlet port is disposed near the outlet end, a cooler return is disposed near the outlet end, and a cooler port is disposed between the inlet end and the outlet end, and an inner diameter of the housing varies along the axial length of the housing between the inlet end and the outlet end, wherein an inlet fluid flow enters the valve through the inlet port; and a spool disposed within the housing, the spool including an inlet section disposed near the inlet end, an outlet section disposed near the outlet end, and an intermediate wall separating the inlet section from the outlet section, the spool being movable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position, the spool having a temperature sensitive body that senses the temperature of fluid passing over the temperature sensitive body, and moves the spool between the non-actuated position and the actuated position based on the fluid temperature, the outlet section including: an end wall disposed at the end of the outlet section opposite the intermediate wall and near the outlet end; at least one column extending from the intermediate wall to the end wall; and the temperature sensitive body interconnected to the end wall and disposed between the intermediate wall and the end wall.
- 24. The valve of claim 23, wherein the housing further includes:an inner surface defining the inner diameter of the housing near the inlet end, and extending from the inlet end to the cooler port; a middle ridge disposed between the cooler port and the cooler return, wherein the inner diameter of the middle ridge is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the inner surface; a first chamber extending between the inner surface and the middle ridge, wherein the inner diameter of the first chamber is greater than the inner diameter of the inner surface, and the cooler port is in fluid flow communication with the first chamber; a second chamber extending between the middle ridge and the outlet end, wherein the inner diameter of the second chamber is greater than the inner diameter of the inner surface, and the cooler return and outlet port are in fluid flow communication with the second chamber.
- 25. The valve of claim 24, wherein the spool creates a seal with the middle ridge when the spool is in the actuated position to prevent the inlet fluid flow from entering the second chamber and influencing the temperature sensitive body.
- 26. The valve of claim 24, wherein the intermediate wall creates a seal with the middle ridge to prevent the inlet fluid flow from entering the second chamber and influencing the temperature sensitive body.
- 27. The valve of claim 24, wherein the inlet section is substantially cylindrical and further includes:a cylindrical tubular outer wall that intersects with the intermediate wall, wherein the outer diameter of the intermediate wall is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the outer wall; an open end disposed at the end of the outer wall opposite the intermediate wall and near the inlet end, wherein the open end permits the inlet fluid flow to enter the inlet section; and at least one aperture in the outer wall near the intermediate wall that permits the inlet fluid flow to exit the inlet section.
- 28. The valve of claim 27, wherein the intermediate wall is disposed between the at least one aperture and the temperature sensitive body.
- 29. The valve of claim 27, wherein the at least one aperture is in fluid flow communication with the first chamber when the spool is in the actuated position.
- 30. The valve of claim 27, wherein the at least one aperture is in fluid flow communication with the second chamber when the spool is in the non-actuated position.
- 31. The valve of claim 23, wherein the temperature sensitive body temperature is exposed to the inlet fluid flow only when the spool is in the non-actuated position.
- 32. The valve of claim 23, wherein the temperature sensitive body is a wax cartridge.
US Referenced Citations (24)