US 12,420,220 B2
Valves for filter driers and bi-flow filter driers including the same
Jeffrey N. Arensmeier, Fenton, MO (US); and Christopher J. Schroeder, St. Charles, MO (US)
Assigned to Copeland Comfort Control LP, St. Louis, MO (US)
Filed by Emerson Electric Co., St. Louis, MO (US)
Filed on Sep. 26, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/952,660.
Prior Publication US 2024/0100454 A1, Mar. 28, 2024
Int. Cl. B01D 35/15 (2006.01); B01D 35/157 (2006.01); F25B 13/00 (2006.01); F25B 41/20 (2021.01); F25B 43/00 (2006.01)
CPC B01D 35/15 (2013.01) [B01D 35/1573 (2013.01); F25B 13/00 (2013.01); F25B 41/20 (2021.01); F25B 43/003 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A valve for a bi-flow filter drier comprising a valve body and a movable valve member disposed within the valve body;
wherein the valve body includes:
a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, the first and second end portions respectively defining a first inlet/outlet and a second inlet/outlet;
a first middle portion between the first and second end portions;
first and second ports between the first end portion and the first middle portion, the second port spaced apart from the first port such that the second port is closer to the first middle portion than is the first port and such that the first port is closer to the first end portion than is the second port; and
third and fourth ports between the first middle portion and the second end portion, the third port spaced apart from the fourth port such that the third port is closer to the first middle portion than is the fourth port and such that the fourth port is closer to the second end portion than is the third port;
wherein the movable valve member includes:
a third end portion and a fourth end portion opposite the third end portion, the third and fourth end portions in fluid communication respectively with the first inlet/outlet and the second inlet/outlet of the valve body;
a second middle portion between the third and fourth end portions of the movable valve member;
a fifth port between the third end portion and the second middle portion, the fifth port alignable with the second port of the valve body;
a sixth port between the fourth end portion and the second middle portion, the sixth port alignable with the third port of the valve body;
wherein the movable valve member is movable relative to the valve body between:
a first position in which the movable valve member blocks and inhibits fluid flow through the second port and the fourth port and in which the sixth port of the movable valve member is aligned with the third port of the valve body, whereby fluid flow is permitted along a first or forward fluid flow path defined from the first inlet/outlet, out of the valve via the first port, into the valve via the aligned third and sixth ports, and out the second inlet/outlet; and
a second position in which the movable valve member blocks and inhibits fluid flow through the third and first ports and in which the fifth port of the movable valve member is aligned with the second port of the valve body, whereby fluid flow is permitted along a second or reverse fluid flow path defined from the second inlet/outlet, out of the valve via the fourth port, into the valve via the aligned fifth and second ports, and out the first inlet/outlet.