CN110657584A - Thermosensitive element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a thermosensitive element, which consists of an integrated push rod, a guide body, a shell and a temperature sensing material sealed in the shell, wherein the integrated push rod penetrates through the inner surface of the guide body, a diaphragm at the tail end of the integrated push rod is clamped between the shell and the guide body, and the guide body and the shell are tightly connected to seal the temperature sensing material in the shell.

Description

a thermal element

technical field

The invention relates to the technical field of temperature control, in particular to a thermal element.

Background technique

In the traditional temperature control equipment in the field of plumbing equipment and sanitary ware, the commonly used thermal elements are usually composed of a shell, a temperature sensing material, a diaphragm, a guide body, a plunger, a gasket and a push rod, and the diaphragm, The plunger, spacer and push rod are each separate parts. When the thermal element is heated, the thermal expansion of the thermal material in the housing pushes the diaphragm, leading the kinetic energy to the plunger, thereby causing the mechanical movement and displacement of the push rod. When the temperature drops, the temperature sensing material shrinks and the push rod returns.

In the mechanical movement of the plunger, the washer and the push rod, the force between the plunger, the push rod and the washer acts directly on one end face of the plunger, causing the end face of the plunger to wear; the stress on the other end face The fatigue resistance of the plunger is weakened, resulting in the fragmentation or rupture of the plunger, and the step surface that matches the plunger in the guide body also exerts a lateral force on the plunger, resulting in the fragmentation or rupture of the plunger, resulting in the displacement of the push rod. move or function failure. At the same time, there is also repeated force between the plunger and the diaphragm, which leads to the weakening of the fatigue resistance of the diaphragm, resulting in the rupture of the diaphragm and the leakage of wax, which leads to displacement deviation or functional failure of the push rod.

The above reasons will reduce the service life of the thermal element, and at the same time reduce the temperature sensitivity of the thermal element (ie, the ability of the displacement of the push rod of the thermal element to respond to changes in temperature).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the above problems, the main purpose of the present invention is to provide a thermal element with long service life, high temperature sensitivity and good stability.

In order to achieve the main purpose of the present invention, the present invention provides a heat-sensitive element, which is composed of an integrated push rod, a guide body, a casing and a temperature-sensitive material sealed in the casing, and the integrated push rod passes through the inner surface of the guide body , the diaphragm at the end of the integrated push rod is sandwiched between the casing and the guide body, and the guide body and the casing are tightly connected to seal the temperature sensing material in the casing.

A further solution is that the integrated push rod is composed of a push rod and a diaphragm, and the push rod and the diaphragm are structurally integrated.

A further solution is that there are multiple concave-convex surfaces with different heights on the push rod, so that the diaphragm can be more reliably combined with the push rod to form a whole.

A further preferred solution is that the inner surface of the guide body that cooperates with the integrated push rod is a straight through surface.

As can be seen from the above, the thermal element of the present invention adopts an integrated push rod, which not only improves the service life of the thermal element, but also improves the temperature sensitivity and stability of the thermal element.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional thermal element.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional thermosensitive element guide body.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal element of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first structure of the integrated push rod of the thermal element embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a first cross-sectional view of a push rod of an embodiment of the thermal element of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a guide body of an embodiment of the thermal element of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second structure of the integrated push rod of the thermal element embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the third structure of the integrated push rod of the thermal element embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth structure of the integrated push rod of the thermal element embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a cross-sectional view of the second structure of the push rod according to the embodiment of the thermal element of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal element of the present invention applied to a shower faucet.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 11 .

Figure 13 is a partial view of a cross-sectional view of the shower faucet of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of one test cycle of the test device.

Figure 15 is a graph showing the relationship between time, temperature, pressure and flow during the test of the temperature stability of the faucet.

16 is a cross-sectional view of the thermosensitive element of the present invention applied to a thermostatic valve core.

Figure 17 is a graph showing the relationship between time, temperature, pressure and flow during the test of the temperature stability of the thermostatic valve core.

The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

Detailed ways

As shown in FIG. 1 , the thermal element 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a thermal element commonly used for more than 100 years. 15. The gasket 16 and the push rod 17 are composed, and the diaphragm 13, the plunger 15, the gasket 16 and the push rod 17 are independent parts. When the thermal element 1 is heated, due to the thermal expansion of the thermal material 12 in the housing 11 , the diaphragm 13 is pushed to guide the kinetic energy to the plunger 15 , thereby causing the mechanical movement and displacement of the push rod 17 . When the temperature drops, the temperature sensitive material 12 shrinks, and the push rod 17 returns. Since the force between the plunger 15, the push rod 17 and the washer 16 directly acts on one end face of the plunger 15, a large stress is generated on the end face of the plunger 15, resulting in wear and tear of the end face of the plunger 15. Fragmentation or rupture, causing displacement of the push rod 17 or failure of its function.

At the same time, there is a repeated force between the plunger 15 and the diaphragm 13, resulting in the weakening of the fatigue resistance of the diaphragm 13, resulting in the rupture of the diaphragm 13 and the leakage of wax. As a result, the displacement of the push rod 17 is offset or the function fails.

In addition, FIG. 2 is an example of the guide body 14 of the common thermal element 1. The inner stepped surface 141 of the guide body 14 that cooperates with the plunger 15 will generate a lateral force on the plunger 15, causing the plunger 15 to be broken. or rupture, resulting in displacement deviation or functional failure of the push rod 17 .

The above factors all limit the service life of the common thermal element 1 .

Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a specific example of the thermal element 2 of the present invention. The thermal element 2 includes a housing 21, a temperature sensing material 22, a guide body 23 and an integrated push rod 24, wherein the housing 21 has an accommodating In the cavity 211 , the temperature sensing material 22 is arranged in the accommodating cavity 211 . The integrated push rod 24 passes through the inner surface of the guide body 23, and the diaphragm 241 at the end of the integrated push rod 24 is clamped between the housing 21 and the guide body 23, and the guide body 23 and the housing 21 are tightly connected , preferably, the guide body 23 and the housing 21 are tightly riveted, so that the temperature sensing material 22 is sealed in the accommodating cavity 211 of the housing 21 .

4 is a specific example of the integrated push rod 24. The integrated push rod 24 includes a diaphragm 241 and a push rod 242. The diaphragm 241 and the push rod 242 are structurally integrated. The secondary injection molding process forms the diaphragm 241 and the push rod 242 into an integrated push rod 24, so that the diaphragm 241 and the push rod 242 are tightly combined.

With reference to FIG. 5 , FIG. 5 is a specific example of the push rod 242 . The push rod 242 penetrates through the inner surface 231 of the guide body 23 , the lower end of the push rod 242 is provided with a plurality of uneven surfaces 242 a and 242 b with different heights, and the diaphragm 241 is provided with a plurality of different heights at the connection with the push rod 242 . The concave-convex surfaces 242a and 242b and the concave-convex surface of the diaphragm 241 are matched in combination, so that the diaphragm 241 can be more reliably combined with the push rod 242 to become an integrated push rod 24 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , FIG. 6 is a specific example of the guide body 23 . The inner surface 231 of the guide body 23 that is matched with the integrated push rod 24 is a straight through surface without steps.

As shown in FIG. 3 , when the thermal element 2 with the integrated push rod 24 is heated, the temperature sensitive material 22 in the housing 21 expands and pushes the diaphragm 241 , thereby causing mechanical movement and displacement of the integrated push rod 24 . When the temperature drops, the temperature sensitive material 22 shrinks, and the integrated push rod 24 returns to its original position.

There is a repetitive force between the push rod 242 and the diaphragm 241. Since the push rod 242 and the diaphragm 241 have uneven surfaces with different heights, the bonding area between the push rod 242 and the diaphragm 241 is increased, so that the push rod 242 and the diaphragm 241 are combined. The force between 242 and the diaphragm 241 is dispersed on a larger joint surface, which reduces the stress on the joint surface, improves the fatigue strength of the diaphragm 241, and prolongs the service life of the diaphragm 241. The area makes the combination between the diaphragm 241 and the push rod 242 more reliable.

Due to the use of the integrated push rod 24 , the structure of the thermal element 2 is simplified, the parts are tightly combined, the loss of kinetic energy transmission is reduced, and the temperature sensitivity and temperature control accuracy of the thermal element 2 are improved.

In addition, the inner surface 231 of the guide body 23 that cooperates with the integrated push rod 24 is a straight surface, which eliminates the lateral force of the inner surface 231 of the guide body 23 on the diaphragm 241 and prolongs the service life of the diaphragm 241 .

To sum up, the thermal element 2 with the integrated push rod 24 has a longer service life, better temperature sensitivity and temperature control accuracy.

For bathroom equipment with thermal element 2 with higher temperature control accuracy, if the pressure (or temperature) of the supplied cold and hot water changes during use, the outlet water temperature of the equipment changes, and the thermal element 2 responds quickly. The device can restore the outlet water temperature to the set temperature in a shorter time.

Bathroom equipment with a higher temperature sensitivity thermal element 2, if the supply of cold water (or hot water) suddenly stops supplying during use, under the rapid response of the thermal element 2, the equipment will supply the hot water in a short time. (or cold water) is also turned off to avoid scalding (or frostbite) to people due to the interruption of cold water supply (or hot water supply).

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and simple replacements without creative work based on the above-mentioned embodiments should fall within the scope of the disclosure of the present invention. Several integrated push rod 242 structures as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 also fall within the scope of the present invention.

The following is an application example of the thermal element 2 of the present invention in a thermostatic shower faucet. The structure of the shower faucet is shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 , FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the shower faucet, FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 11 , and FIG. 13 is a partial view of the temperature control device of the shower faucet.

The shower faucet 3 has a cold water inlet 31 , a hot water inlet 32 , a regulator 33 , a cold water inlet 34 , a hot water inlet 35 , a mixed water outlet 36 , a return spring 37 and a thermal element 2 . The cold water inlet 31 is used for connecting with the cold water pipe, the hot water inlet 32 is used for connecting with the hot water pipe, the cold water in the cold water pipe flows into the shower faucet 3 through the cold water inlet channel 34, and the hot water in the hot water pipe flows into the shower through the hot water inlet channel 35. Inside the faucet 3, and the cold water and hot water are mixed at the thermal element 2.

The working principle of constant temperature is briefly described as follows:

The regulator 33 is fixed on the thermal element 2 by means of threads. When the temperature (or flow rate) of the hot inlet water increases, the temperature of the mixed water increases, the temperature sensing material 22 in the thermal element 2 expands, the integrated push rod 24 extends outward, and drives the regulator 33 to the hot water inlet end 351 moves, resulting in the reduction of the gap at the hot water inlet end 351, reducing the supply of hot water; at the same time, the gap at the cold water inlet end 341 is increased, increasing the supply of cold water; the outlet temperature of the mixed water is restored to the original set temperature . vice versa.

Here is a life test of this instance:

1. The test conditions are set as follows:

A) The stroke of the test device is set within (80-90)% of the temperature control stroke of the faucet, and it runs at an angular velocity of (60±6)°/sec.

B) The temperature of the hot inlet water of the test device is (65+2/-5)℃, and the temperature of the cold inlet water is not higher than 30℃.

2. Test method:

A) Connect the faucet to the test fixture.

B) Close the water outlet of the faucet and adjust the water inlet pressure on the water supply loop to (0.4±0.05)MPa.

C) Turn on the water outlet of the faucet, and adjust the flow rate of the water outlet to 4 liters/min to 6 liters/min when the outlet water temperature is 38°C.

D) A cycle is: starting from the lowest temperature position of the water outlet, to the highest temperature position of the water outlet, and back to the lowest temperature position of the water outlet. In each cycle, the two end positions of the lowest temperature and highest temperature of the stroke each stay for 5 seconds. The test cycle is at least 50,000 times.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of one test cycle of the test device.

The following are the test results of thermal element 2 after more than 50,000 cycles:

1. The outlet water temperature should be kept within the range of ±2°C of the initial set temperature;

2. When the pressure of cold inlet water (or hot inlet water) is reduced from 0.3MPa to 0.2MPa, the outlet water temperature does not exceed the requirement of ±2°C of the initial set temperature;

3. After the cold water supply is lost, the water output does not exceed 200ml in the first 5 seconds, and the water output in the next 30 seconds does not exceed 300ml. And after the supply of cold water is restored, the outlet water temperature is within the range of ±2°C from the initial set temperature.

Table 1 to Table 3 are the test data of the temperature stability of the faucet after the life test:

1. Pressure changes

Table 1 Outlet temperature stability test - pressure change

2. Temperature change

Table 2 Outlet water temperature stability test - changes in hot water temperature

3. Loss of cold water supply

Table 3 Cold water loss test

4. Curve graph

As shown in Fig. 15, Fig. 15 is a graph showing the relationship between time, temperature, pressure and flow rate during the test of the temperature stability of the faucet. Among them, each curve is expressed as follows:

Curve A1, hot water pressure;

Curve A2, cold water pressure;

Curve A3, mixed water flow;

Curve A4, hot water temperature;

Curve A5, cold water temperature;

Curve A6, mixed water temperature.

The following is an application example of the thermal element 2 of the present invention in a thermostatic valve core. The structure of the thermostatic valve core is shown in FIG. 16 , which is a cross-sectional view of the thermostatic valve core.

The thermostatic valve core 4 has a cold water inlet channel 41 , a hot water inlet channel 42 , a regulator 43 , a return spring 44 and a thermal element 2 , wherein the cold water flowing into the thermostatic valve core 4 from the cold water inlet channel 41 and the cold water flowing into the thermostatic valve core 4 from the hot water inlet channel 42 The hot water in the thermostatic valve core 4 is mixed at the thermal element 2 . The working principle of the thermostatic valve core is as follows:

The regulator 43 is fixed on the thermal element 2 by threads. When the hot water increases, the water temperature of the mixed water increases, the temperature sensitive material 22 in the thermal element 2 expands, and the integrated push rod 24 extends, causing the thermal element 2 to expand. The regulator 43 is driven to move downward together, and the downward movement of the regulator 43 increases the water inlet gap of the cold water inlet end 411 at the upper end of the regulator 43, and at the same time reduces the water inlet gap of the hot water inlet end 421 at the lower end of the regulator 43. small, causing the water temperature of the mixed water to return to the original set temperature. vice versa.

The thermostatic valve core 4 is tested according to the above-mentioned life test method. After more than 50,000 cycles, the test results are:

1. The outlet water temperature should be kept within the range of ±2°C of the initial set temperature;

2. When the pressure of cold inlet water (or hot inlet water) is reduced from 0.3mpa to 0.2mpa, the outlet water temperature does not exceed the requirement of ±2°C of the initial set temperature;

3. After the cold water supply is lost, the water output does not exceed 200ml in the first 5 seconds, and the water output in the next 30 seconds does not exceed 300ml. And after the supply of cold water is restored, the outlet water temperature is within the range of ±2°C from the initial set temperature.

Table 4 to Table 6 are the test data of the temperature stability of the faucet after the life test:

1. Pressure changes

Table 4 Outlet temperature stability test - pressure change

2. Temperature change

Table 5 Water temperature stability test - hot water temperature change

3. Loss of cold water supply

Table 6 Cold water loss test

4. Curve graph

As shown in FIG. 17 , FIG. 17 is a graph showing the relationship between time, temperature, pressure and flow rate during the test of the temperature stability of the thermostatic valve core. Among them, each curve is represented as follows:

Curve A7, hot water pressure;

Curve A8, cold water pressure;

Curve A9, mixed water flow;

Curve A10, hot water temperature;

Curve A11, cold water temperature;

Curve A12, mixed water temperature.

Finally, it should be emphasized that the above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various changes and modifications. Within the scope of the present invention, any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims (4)

1. A heat-sensitive element characterized by: the temperature sensing device comprises an integrated push rod, a guide body, a shell and a temperature sensing material sealed in the shell, wherein the integrated push rod penetrates through the inner surface of the guide body, a diaphragm at the tail end of the integrated push rod is clamped between the shell and the guide body, and the guide body and the shell are tightly connected to seal the temperature sensing material in the shell.

2. A thermosensitive member according to claim 1, wherein:

the integrated push rod is composed of a push rod and a diaphragm, and the push rod and the diaphragm are structurally integrated.

3. A thermosensitive member according to claim 2, wherein:

the push rod is provided with a plurality of concave-convex surfaces with different heights, so that the diaphragm can be more reliably combined with the push rod to form a whole.

4. A thermosensitive member according to claim 1, wherein:

the inner surface of the guide body matched with the integrated push rod is a straight surface.

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