Solenoid controlled valve assembly including a pressure balancing diaphragm

Abstract

A proportional solenoid-controlled fluid valve assembly having a fluid pressure balancing diaphragm. The valve assembly also includes a solenoid coil assembly having a cylindrical conduit and a magnetic orifice piece positioned within the conduit. A plunger is positioned within the conduit and is movable within the conduit between a de-actuated position and an actuated position. A pressure balancing diaphragm is provided having a top side, a bottom side, an outer annular flange portion, a U-shaped portion, and an inner annular flange terminating at a diaphragm opening, with the diaphragm being positioned within valve base with the outer annular flange portion abutting the ledge of the valve base and the U-shaped portion abutting the valve seat. A retainer is also provided having a top cylindrical upstanding portion extending through the diaphragm opening and an aperture formed in the plunger. A magnetic frame is also included for securing the valve assembly in an assembled configuration, wherein a magnetic path is formed by magnetic orifice piece, plunger and the magnetic frame and the solenoid coil is configured to be actuated such that the plunger moves towards the magnetic orifice piece, thus lifting the diaphragm and retainer and allowing pressurized media to pass from the inlet port to the outlet port.