In-line incremetally adjustable electronic expansion valve

Abstract

A variable flow rate expansion valve designed for in-line installation in a fluid conveying conduit such as between the high pressure condenser and lower pressure evaporator of a refrigeration system includes an integrally defined restrictor disc and a closure disc for controlling the flow of fluid through the valve. The restrictor disc has a first set of flow apertures and the closure disc a second set of flow apertures. The closure disc is rotatably coupled to the restrictor device in a plane parallel to the plane of the restrictor disc and perpendicular to refrigerant flow. A stepper motor is coupled to the closure disc through a linear actuator. Movement of the linear actuator causes the closure disc to rotate relative to the restrictor disc such that the flow apertures of the closure disc are selectively brought into and out of registry with the apertures of the restrictor disc.