ELECTROMECHANICAL PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

摘要

Presented are embodiments of pressure relief valves for use in water supply systems to prevent damage thereto caused by over pressure resulting from freezing of the water therein. In one embodiment the pressure relief valve is included in an electromechanical solenoid controlled water valve particularly useful in appliances such as washing machines, water heaters, refrigerators, etc. Prior to the main valving member, a spring loaded pressure relief valving member is included. Once the pressure within the valve exceeds the spring force, which is set below the failure pressure of the water supply system and the valve, the pressure relief valving member opens to allow a flow of water therethrough. Alternatively or additionally, a temperature active device such as a bi-metal disc is interposed between the spring and the pressure relief valving member to provide actuation thereof below a predetermined temperature.

主权项

1. A pressure relief valve, comprising:
a valve housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a main water flow channel defined therebetween, the housing further defining a relief port that is fluidly coupled to the main water flow channel; a valving member operably engaging the relief port; and a spring having a spring force selected to be lower than a failure pressure of the valve housing, the spring being operably coupled to the valving member to hold the valving member in sealing contact with the relief port when a pressure within the valve housing is below the spring force.