초록 ▼

A valve apparatus used in heating and cooling systems in which a valve housing, a valve element, a drive mechanism, and a torque limiting mechanism operate to open and close the valve element between different ports to allow fluid flow through the flow passage within the valve. A torque limiting mec

A valve apparatus used in heating and cooling systems in which a valve housing, a valve element, a drive mechanism, and a torque limiting mechanism operate to open and close the valve element between different ports to allow fluid flow through the flow passage within the valve. A torque limiting mechanism comprising a spring limits the amount of torque required by the motor by using energy stored in the spring to assist in maintaining the valve element in a closed position, or to maintain the valve element in an intermediate position for the regulation of flow through the valve flow passage in both mixing and diverting applications. The valve mechanism includes a motor driven mechanism with a de-energizing circuit to stop the rotation of the motor upon the motor driven mechanism applying a predetermined amount of compression to the spring. The compressed spring exerting a substantially equal force to the valve element for closing the different ports.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [16.] A valve apparatus, comprising:a valve housing having first and second valve seats, and first and second flow passages therethrough;a valve element moveable within the housing between an open position, in which fluid flow may occur through the first flow passage, and a fi

[ What is claimed is:] [16.] A valve apparatus, comprising:a valve housing having first and second valve seats, and first and second flow passages therethrough;a valve element moveable within the housing between an open position, in which fluid flow may occur through the first flow passage, and a first closed position seated against the first valve seat, in which fluid flow is blocked through the first flow passage, and the valve element is movable within the housing between the open position and a second closed position seated against the second valve seat, in which fluid flow is blocked through the second flow passage;a drive mechanism operatively connected to the valve element for moving the valve element between the open position and the first and the second closed positions, the drive mechanism including a motor for driving the mechanism; anda torque limiting mechanism operatively coupled to the drive mechanism and the valve element, the torque limiting mechanism applies a closing force to the valve element when the valve element is seated against first valve seat.