Thermostatic expansion valve and air conditioning system for low refrigerant charge
US6615599B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2400/16
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A thermostatic expansion valve controls a flow of refrigerant. The valve includes a body defining a fluid chamber. A refrigerant inlet is defined within the body. The inlet communicates with the chamber such that the refrigerant can flow through the inlet and into the chamber. First and second outlets are defined within the body. The first outlet communicates with the chamber such that the refrigerant can flow from the chamber to an evaporator during normal and low refrigerant charge. The second outlet communicates with the chamber such that the refrigerant can flow from the chamber to a compressor during low charge. A moveable needle controls the flow of the refrigerant into and out of the body. A notch is defined within the needle such that, during low charge, the refrigerant that flows into the chamber can flow to the second outlet and to the compressor without flowing through the evaporator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.