초록 ▼

A bi-directional metering valve assembly is provided to selectively direct hydraulic fluid under high pressure to a load. The assembly includes a valve block defining a first port that receives hydraulic fluid from a source, and a second port that directs hydraulic fluid toward a load. A rotatable v

A bi-directional metering valve assembly is provided to selectively direct hydraulic fluid under high pressure to a load. The assembly includes a valve block defining a first port that receives hydraulic fluid from a source, and a second port that directs hydraulic fluid toward a load. A rotatable valve member defines first and second apertures in an axial face that may be placed in selective communication with the first and second ports, respectively, to direct hydraulic fluid from the source to the load. At least one metering sealing assembly provides an interface between the valve block and the valve member. The metering sealing assembly includes a gasket that surrounds one of the first and second ports and defines a flange that is sized to completely overlap and seal the corresponding aperture. The valve member is operable to control the direction of fluid flow, and make fine adjustments to the hydraulic fluid flow rate.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. A metering valve assembly of the type that selectively directs hydraulic fluid under high pressure to a load, the valve assembly comprising: a valve block defining a first port that receives hydraulic fluid from a source, and a second port that directs hydraulic fluid to the load; a ro

We claim: 1. A metering valve assembly of the type that selectively directs hydraulic fluid under high pressure to a load, the valve assembly comprising: a valve block defining a first port that receives hydraulic fluid from a source, and a second port that directs hydraulic fluid to the load; a rotatable valve member having an axially facing surface in which first and second apertures are formed that are in fluid communication with each other, and that can be placed in selective communication with the first and second ports, respectively, to direct hydraulic fluid from the source the load; at least one metering sealing assembly that provides an interface between the valve block and the axially facing surface of the valve member, wherein the metering sealing assembly includes a gasket defining a flow path therethrough, wherein the gasket surrounds one of the first and second ports and defines a flange that abuts the axially facing surface of the valve member and that is sized to completely overlap and seal the corresponding aperture in at least one position of the valve member, and to provide continuously increasing communication between the flow path through the gasket and the corresponding aperture as the valve member is rotated toward a position in which maximum communication is provided between the flow path and the aperture; a second metering sealing assembly that provides an interface between the valve block and the axially facing surface of the valve member, wherein the second metering sealing assembly includes a tubular gasket that surrounds the other of the first and second ports and defines a flange that is sized to completely overlap and seal the corresponding aperture in at least one position of the valve member and to provide continuously increasing communication between the flow path through the gasket and the corresponding aperture as the valve member is rotated toward a position in which maximum communication is provided between the flow path and the aperture; and a drain extending through the valve block connected to a fluid reservoir, wherein the drain can be selectively aligned with one of the apertures. 2. A metering valve assembly of the type that selectively directs hydraulic fluid under high pressure to a load, the valve assembly comprising: a valve block defining a first port that receives hydraulic fluid from a source, and a second port that directs hydraulic fluid to the load; a rotatable valve member having an axially facing surface in which first and second apertures are formed that are in fluid communication with each other, and that can be placed in selective communication with the first and second ports, respectively, to direct hydraulic fluid from the source to the load; at least one metering sealing assembly that provides an interface between the valve block and the axially facing surface of the valve member, wherein the metering sealing assembly includes a gasket defining a flow path therethrough, wherein the gasket surrounds one of the first and second ports and defines a flange that abuts the axially facing surface of the valve member and that is sized to completely overlap and seal the corresponding aperture in at least one position of the valve member, and to provide continuously increasing communication between the flow path through the gasket and the corresponding aperture as the valve member is rotated toward a position in which maximum communication is provided between the flow path and the aperture; and a non-metering sealing assembly including a tubular gasket that surrounds the other of the first and second ports and defines a flange having a thickness less than the corresponding aperture. 3. A metering valve assembly of the type that selectively directs hydraulic fluid under high pressure to a load, the valve assembly comprising: a valve block defining a first port that receives hydraulic fluid from a source, and a second port that directs hydraulic fluid to the load; a rotatable valve member having an axially facing surface in which first and second apertures are formed that are in fluid communication with each other, and that can be placed in selective communication with the first and second ports, respectively, to direct hydraulic fluid from the source to the load; at least one metering sealing assembly that provides an interface between the valve block and the axially facing surface of the valve member, wherein the metering sealing assembly includes a gasket defining a flow path therethrough, wherein the gasket surrounds one of the first and second ports and defines a flange that abuts the axially facing surface of the valve member and that is sized to completely overlap and seal the corresponding aperture in at least one position of the valve member, and to provide continuously increasing communication between the flow path through the gasket and the corresponding aperture as the valve member is rotated toward a position in which maximum communication is provided between the flow path and the aperture; wherein one of the apertures is brought into communication with a corresponding port prior to the other aperture being brought into communication with the other port. 4. The metering valve assembly as recited in claim 3, further comprising a second metering sealing assembly that provides an interface between the valve block and the axially facing surface of the valve member, wherein the second metering sealing assembly includes a tubular gasket that surrounds the other of the first and second ports and defines a flange that is sized to completely overlap and seal the corresponding aperture in at least one position of the valve member and to provide continuously increasing communication between the flow path through the gasket and the corresponding aperture as the valve member is rotated toward a position in which maximum communication is provided between the flow path and the aperture. 5. The metering valve assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein the port that communicates with an aperture prior to the other port communicating with an aperture is the port in communication with the load. 6. A method of controlling high pressure hydraulic fluid flow between a source of high pressure hydraulic fluid and a load, the steps comprising: (A) providing a stationary valve block having a first port coupled to the source and a second port coupled to the load; (B) providing a rotatable valve member defining a first and second aperture in an axially facing face of the valve member and that are in fluid communication with each other; (C) interfacing at least one of the ports with a metering assembly including a gasket defining a flow path there through and a flange at one end of the flow path that abuts in sliding contact the axially facing face of the valve member; (D) rotating the valve member to a location whereby the flange completely covers at least one of the apertures to prevent fluid flow therethrough; and (E) further rotating the valve member until the flow path is in continuously variable partial alignment with the aperture to enable a metered hydraulic fluid flow therethrough; wherein step (A) further comprises providing a third port to facilitate a return of fluid from the load to a reservoir, wherein the third port is sealed with a non-metering sealing assembly.