Dual function valve assembly

Details Dual function valve assembly Dual function valve assembly

2000-02-15

2001-05-01

Chambers, A. Michael (Department: 3753)

Fluid handling

Systems

Plural noncommunicating flow paths

C137S597000, C251S129110, C251S267000, C165S042000, C165S043000, C062S528000, C062S527000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06223772

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a valve assembly for an HVAC system, and more specifically, the invention relates to valve assembly that is capable of simultaneously controlling the flow of refrigerant and coolant to a rear module of an HVAC system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated in an effort to provide improved climate control in a vehicle cabin. At the same time, there are efforts to reduce the number of components and cost. Furthermore, there are efforts to minimize power consumption for vehicles, which are becoming increasingly electronically controlled and power dependent. One HVAC improvement over the years has utilized a rear module that provides separate controls for climate control of the rear of the vehicle's cabin. The rear modules cooperate with a valve assembly that typically utilizes separately controlled valves to regulate the flow of refrigerant and coolant to the rear module. Typically, the coolant valve has a butterfly valve that is actuated using a vacuum actuator. The refrigerant valve usually uses a solenoid that requires continuous power to maintain the valve in either a normally open or closed position. The refrigerant and coolant valves require separate controls having many components and use a significant amount of power. What is needed is an improved valve assembly that reduces the number of components, cost, and power consumption.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a valve assembly for controlling the flow of refrigerant and coolant through an HVAC system. The valve assembly includes a refrigerant housing defining a refrigerant conduit with a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet. A refrigerant valve is disposed within the refrigerant conduit for controlling the flow of refrigerant between the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet. The assembly also includes a coolant housing defining a coolant conduit with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. A coolant valve is disposed within the coolant conduit for controlling the flow of coolant between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet. An actuator assembly is coupled to the refrigerant and the coolant valves for simultaneously actuating the valves.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved valve assembly that reduce the number of components, cost, and power consumption.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4949779 (1990-08-01), Kenny et al.
patent: 5035262 (1991-07-01), Schweikert
patent: 5127576 (1992-07-01), Weatherhead et al.
patent: 5582236 (1996-12-01), Eike et al.

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