DE102012019209A1 - Radiator thermostat for placing on radiator valve that is utilized to regulate e.g. amount of heating fluid flowing through heating element, has electromotor for driving transfer element that is pre-tensioned by spring in valve direction - Google Patents

Abstract

The thermostat (1) has a transfer element (5) for transferring a pressing force to a radiator valve (4), and an electromotor for driving the transfer element. A controller controls the electromotor. The transfer element is pre-tensioned by a torsion spring in a valve direction. The transfer element co-acts with an outer ring of a rolling bearing or with an external periphery of a bearing bush of a slide bearing, where the inner ring of the rolling bearing or a bearing surface of the slide bearing is arranged at an external periphery of an eccentric disk (14).

Description

The invention relates to a radiator thermostat for mounting on a radiator valve, comprising a transmission element for transmitting a compressive force to the radiator valve, with an electric motor for driving the transmission element, with a control for the electric motor and with a power supply.

Radiator valves regulate the amount of heating fluid that flows through a radiator and thus the temperature in the room in which the radiator is located.

The radiator valve is for example fixedly arranged on the radiator or in a supply line. As a rule, it is arranged in a corner connector, which is placed between radiator pipe and radiator. The valve has a valve seat and a valve plate that fits into the valve seat so that the flow is closable. By a linear movement of the valve disk, the flow rate can be controlled. The valve disk is connected to a linearly movable guide unit, in which a spring presses this guide unit, and thus the valve disk, away from the valve seat. The valve is therefore open at rest.

A radiator valve control is placed on this radiator valve, wherein a screw or locking connection can be provided. The radiator valve control has an actuator, which is in operative connection with the guide unit and thus the valve disk and can move it. Since the valve disc is held open by the spring, the controller need only exert a compressive force on the valve pin when the valve is to be closed.

A known radiator valve control is the so-called radiator thermostat having a temperature sensor, a temperature selector, a controller and an actuator, wherein the controller moves the actuator so that the temperature measured at the temperature sensor substantially corresponds to the preselected temperature.

Such a radiator thermostat can be constructed purely mechanically. For this purpose, the thermostat, for example, an expansion element and a transmission pin. Via a rotary knob, the expansion element can be moved relative to the valve, whereby a temperature pre-selection is achieved. The expansion element changes its length as a function of the temperature and thus exerts a pressure force on the valve pin via the transmission element.

However, the radiator thermostat can also be operated electrically, for example. For this purpose, it has a temperature sensor which is connected to control electronics. Furthermore, an electric motor, which is controlled by the control electronics, available as a drive for a transmission pin. The transmission pin is designed to apply pressure force to the guide unit of the valve disk.

For temperature preselection, for example, a rotary control or a digital control can be provided with a display unit. Such an electrical thermostat is usually powered by a battery or a battery with energy.

To close the radiator valve, the transmission pin must be moved against the spring force of the radiator valve. Due to the necessary large force, the electric motor needs a lot of energy. In order to apply the high actuating forces, transmissions are used, which in turn, however, have high friction losses, which additionally increases energy consumption.

The electronics also consume energy, but this is marginal compared to the engine. Therefore, in current electrical radiator thermostats batteries are only a few weeks.

Thereafter, a battery change is required, which is time consuming and expensive, especially in many radiators.

The object of the invention is to provide an electric radiator control that requires much less energy.

This object is achieved in that the transmission element is biased in the valve direction.

The valve usually has a spring which acts on the guide unit of the valve disk with a force, so that the valve is open in the idle state. According to the transmission element is now biased with a counterforce, which is opposite to the valve force. To move the valve then only a small force is necessary, which corresponds to the differential force of the valve force and counterforce. The bias voltage can be selected so that the differential force in the respective operating point is almost zero and thus an almost force-free movement of the valve is possible. The electric motor therefore requires only a small torque and can be designed accordingly economical. To move the valve then a total of very little electrical energy is necessary, which is why the power supply is little burdened and holds accordingly long.

The bias of the transmission element can be done for example by a spring.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a first ball bearing is arranged on the transmission element, on the shaft of the electric motor, an eccentric is arranged and arranged the circumference of the eccentric in the inner ring of a second ball bearing. The outer ring of the second ball bearing rolls on the outer ring of the first ball bearing. The outer ring of the second ball bearing rolls against the first ball bearing on an abutment. The shaft of the motor, the axis of rotation of the ball bearing and the contact point on the abutment are essentially, apart from a sideways movement by the eccentricity of the eccentric, on the longitudinal axis of the transmission pin and the abutment is acted upon by two tension springs in the valve direction with a counter force.

In this arrangement, the rotational movement of the electric motor is converted by the ball bearings and the eccentric in a linear movement of the transfer pin, with very little friction energy is lost. This saves additional energy.

In another advantageous embodiment, an eccentric is arranged on the shaft of the electric motor, on the transmission element, a first ball bearing is arranged and on a movable abutment, a second ball bearing is arranged. The eccentric is arranged substantially between the two ball bearings, so that it rolls on the outer rings of the first and second ball bearings. The shaft of the motor and the axes of rotation of the ball bearings are substantially on the longitudinal axis of the transmission pin. The abutment is acted upon by at least one spring in the valve direction with a counter force.

Again, the implementation of the movement takes place with low friction by ball bearings.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transmission element cooperates with the outer ring of a roller bearing whose inner ring is arranged on the outer circumference of an eccentric disc. The outer ring of the rolling bearing is acted upon by at least one spring in the direction of the transmission element. The eccentric disc is preferably arranged on the shaft of the output gear of a reduction gear. However, it can also sit directly on the motor shaft of the drive motor. Alternatively, the transmission element can also interact with the bearing bush of a slide bearing. Then the eccentric disc acts as a shaft which is mounted in the sliding bearing surface.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the transmission element on a rack and on the shaft of the electric motor, a gear is arranged, which engages in the rack and the rack is biased by a compression spring in the valve direction.

In addition to the ball bearing implementations, the transmission element can be connected, for example by a connecting rod joint with the shaft of the electric motor and biased by a compression spring in the valve direction.

A radiator thermostat with electric motor drive requires a power supply. This is usually realized by a battery or a rechargeable battery.

A radiator thermostat according to the invention can also have as a power supply a thermoelectric energy converter for converting thermal into electrical energy and / or solar cells, and an energy store for storing the electrical energy. As energy storage, for example, one or more capacitors or batteries or a combination of the two types can be used.

Due to the low power consumption of the arrangement according to the invention, such an energy converter is sufficient to collect enough energy over a certain period of time to move the motor. This would not be possible with conventional drives in a compact device.

It shows:

1A a cross section through a radiator valve

1B a cross section through a radiator thermostat with an eccentric and two ball bearings for power transmission,

2 a longitudinal section through the radiator thermostat of 1b .

3 a cross section through a radiator thermostat with an alternative arrangement of the eccentric and the two ball bearings,

4 a longitudinal section through the radiator thermostat of 3 .

5 a cross section through a radiator thermostat with a rack on the Transmission element and a gear wheel on the motor shaft,

6 an oblique view of the radiator thermostat of 5 .

7 a cross section through a radiator thermostat with a connecting rod connecting the motor shaft with the transmission element,

8th an oblique view of the radiator thermostat of 5 .

9 a radiator thermostat according to 1b with a thermal energy converter as an energy source,

10 a sectional view of another embodiment of a radiator thermostat according to the invention with a thermal energy converter,

11 a top view of the radiator thermostat of 10 .

12 an exploded view of the radiator thermostat of 10 .

13 the tension spring of the Radiator Thermostat 10 .

14 the heat sink of the radiator thermostat 10 .

15 an exploded view of another embodiment of the invention with an alternative construction for biasing the transmission element,

16 a plan view of the embodiment of 15 and

17 a perspective view of the embodiment of 16 ,

The 1B and 2 show a first possible embodiment of a radiator thermostat according to the invention, as a whole with 1 is designated. The radiator thermostat 1 has a housing 2 with a flange 3 on, with the housing 2 on a radiator valve 4 is fastened. The radiator valve 4 in 1A has a valve seat 4 ' and a valve plate 4 '' on, so in the valve seat 4 ' fits that the flow is closable. By a linear movement of the valve disk 4 '' the flow rate can be regulated. The valve plate 4 '' is connected to a linearly movable guide unit, in which a spring this guide unit, and thus the valve disc 4 '' , away from the valve seat 4 ' suppressed. The valve is therefore open at rest. The housing 2 is formed in two parts in the example, the type of housing 2 is not essential for the function.

The radiator thermostat 1 has a transmission element 5 on, at one end a cylindrical transmission pin 6 having. The transmission pin 6 is in the case 2 mounted linearly displaceable and protrudes at the free end 7 in the flange 3 where he is on the valve pin 8th rests.

At the inside end 9 of the transmission element 5 is an axis 10 arranged on the inner ring of a first ball bearing 11 is firmly attached.

The radiator thermostat 1 also has an electric motor 12 on, on its shaft 13 an eccentric disc 14 is attached. At the periphery of the eccentric disc 14 sits the inner ring of a second ball bearing 15 , The two ball bearings are arranged to each other so that the two outer rings roll on each other and that the axes of rotation of the ball bearings and the motor, apart from a sideways movement by the eccentricity of the eccentric, in line with the longitudinal axis 16 of the transmission pin 6 lie.

On the first ball bearing 11 opposite side of the second ball bearing 15 is the outer ring of the second ball bearing 15 on an abutment 17 on, wherein the contact point approximately also on the longitudinal axis 16 of the transmission pin 6 lies. The abutment 17 has approximately the shape of a bar, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis 16 extends. At the two lateral ends of the beam 17 is in each case a tension spring 18 arranged on the housing 2 in the direction of the valve flange 3 is curious and the abutment 17 in this valve direction 19 acted upon with force.

Will the engine 12 turned on, the eccentric rotates 14 with the wave 13 of the motor 12 , By connecting to the first ball bearing 11 leads the transmission pin 6 thereby a linear movement in its longitudinal direction. One with the transfer pin 6 connected valve pin 8th is moved by it, so that the valve 4 opens or closes, depending on the rotational position of the eccentric disc 14 ,

On the transmission element 5 Two forces act at any one time. On the one hand the pressure force F1 of the radiator valve 4 with which the valve pin 8th is curious. This force F1 counteracts the spring force F2 with the abutment 17 is biased. Ideally, both forces are about the same size around the selected operating point. The opening of the valve 4 is due to the rotational position of the eccentric 14 certainly.

To the transfer pin 6 to move, the electric motor must 12 Now apply in each position only the differential force dF = F1 - F2 of the two external forces. This differential force dF increases as the valve closes. On the one hand, within the way the biasing force of the springs 18 smaller, on the other hand, an ever-increasing counterforce must be overcome by the spring in the radiator valve. Since this differential force dF is smaller than without the counterforce F2, the motor is needed 12 a lower force and therefore less electrical energy.

As well as the implementation of the rotational movement of the motor in the linear movement of the transmission pin on the eccentric disc 14 and the ball bearings 11 . 15 happens, here arises practically only rolling friction, which requires very little additional energy.

Due to the low required torque of the engine 12 An economical, small engine can be selected, which also does not need a strong reduction gear.

Overall, the electric drive is therefore very economical compared to the prior art, so that, for example, a battery available for power supply reaches a much longer life.

Instead of the ball bearings shown, for example, needle roller bearings, roller bearings or other rolling or plain bearing types can be used to implement the rotational movement.

In the 3 and 4 an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown, which is based essentially on the execution of 1 and 2 based. Here is the second ball bearing 15 on the abutment 17 arranged and the eccentric disc 14 is between the two ball bearings 11 and 15 arranged so that it rolls on the outer rings of the two ball bearings. The axes of rotation of the ball bearings and the motor are also on the longitudinal axis 16 of the transmission pin 6 , The movement of the transmission pin 6 works here on the same principle as in the execution of 1 and 2 ,

A fundamentally different embodiment is in the 5 and 6 shown. The transmission element 105 is here a little longer trained and at its inside end 9 with a compression spring 20 in the valve direction 19 applied. The compression spring 20 is formed in the example as a spiral spring, which in a recess 21 of the housing 2 is held.

The transmission element 105 has at least partially a rack 22 on that with a gear 23 on the motor shaft 13 interacts. In this version, the mechanism is a bit simpler, but overall there is a greater friction loss compared to the versions with eccentric 14 ,

The execution of 7 and 8th is similar to the execution of the 5 and 6 , To transfer the movement is here instead of the rack 22 a connecting rod joint 24 on the transmission element 205 and on the motor shaft 13 attached. The rotation of the motor shaft 13 This will result in a linear movement of the transfer pin 6 transfer.

An advantageous development of the invention is in 9 shown. This embodiment essentially corresponds to the execution of 1B and 2 , The housing 2 Here is something different shaped, but this has no effect on the function.

As a power supply, however, this development has a thermal energy converter 25 which converts thermal energy into electrical energy. This is the flange 3 for mounting on the radiator valve 4 preferably made of metal, which allows the best possible heat conduction of the heat from the radiator. The energy converter 25 is on the one hand directly with the flange 3 and on the other hand with a heat sink 26 connected. As the energy converter 25 requires a heat flow, the heat must be as unhindered by the energy converter 25 flow. In addition, the largest possible temperature difference is advantageous, which is why the heat sink 26 is designed as large as possible.

The electrical energy obtained in the energy converter is preferably stored in an energy store 27 , for example, a battery or capacitor stored.

Since heat is applied permanently to the radiator valve during heating, electrical energy can be constantly collected. Depending on the design of the energy converter 25 can be collected within a few minutes enough energy to allow the valve 4 for example, can be fully opened or closed. For shorter travel distances, therefore, a shorter time is necessary. For this purpose, a very small and cost-effective energy converter already enough, since only little energy is consumed by the inventive, economical drive.

Such a radiator thermostat requires no external energy source and can therefore be operated completely self-sufficient and maintenance-free. There are no annoying and expensive battery replacement more necessary.

It proves to be particularly advantageous, in particular an adjusting movement for Close the radiator valve only if sufficient energy remains in the reservoir to open the valve again. In the open position the thermal energy converter works again.

Decisive for the invention is that the transmission element is biased by a counterforce F2 against the force F1 of the radiator valve and therefore the electric motor has to apply only the differential force dF to actuate the valve.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is in the 10 which essentially shows how the execution of the 9 is constructed.

In this version is the eccentric disc 14 on a wave 28 arranged by the electric motor 12 is driven. On the outer circumference of the eccentric disc 14 is the inner ring 29 a rolling bearing 30 arranged. The rolling bearing 30 For example, it can be a ball or needle bearing. The outer ring 31 of the rolling bearing 30 acts directly on the transmission element 5 that in this embodiment only a transmission pin 6 having. The rolling bearing 30 is still by a spring in the direction of the transmission element 5 biased. This bias can be done for example by a compression or tension spring.

In the example, the bias is effected by a one-piece, substantially U-shaped tension spring 32 whose thighs 33 on the side of the transmission element 5 are attached while the base 34 around the outer ring 31 of the rolling bearing 30 is guided around and essentially directly opposite the transmission element 5 on the outer ring 31 attacks ( 11 ). The thigh 33 are folded several times, creating the spring effect. ( 12 and 13 ) Instead of this one-piece spring 32 For example, one or two differently shaped tension springs or compression springs can act on a solid beam, which on the outer ring 31 of the rolling bearing 30 is applied.

Preferably, the eccentric disc 14 not arranged directly on the motor shaft, but on a driven gear 35 a reduction gear 36 , This allows the engine 12 be operated at a higher speed and lower torque.

Instead of the rolling bearing 30 the transmission element can also interact with the bearing bush of a slide bearing. Then the eccentric disc acts as a shaft which is mounted in the sliding bearing surface.

For power supply, this embodiment also has a thermoelectric energy converter designed as a thermoelectric generator (TEG) 25 on. This TEG 25 sits between the flange 3 and a heat sink 26 ,

For the function of the TEG 25 It is important that as much heat through the TEG 25 flows. Therefore, the heat transfer resistance should be between the flange 3 , the TEG 25 and the heat sink 26 be as low as possible.

Therefore, the heat sink 26 in this embodiment by a further compression spring 37 acted upon, between the housing wall 38 and the heat sink 26 sits and the heat sink 26 against the TEG 25 suppressed.

In addition, each time between the TEG 25 , the flange 3 and the heat sink 26 a contact agent 40 arranged, which minimizes the heat transfer resistance. This contact agent 40 For example, it may be a thermal grease. In the example, the contact means 40 Indium.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the temperature difference between the flange 3 and heat sink 26 as big as possible. The to the heat sink 26 guided heat must therefore as well as possible from the housing 2 be dissipated. Therefore, all components are in the housing 2 arranged so that inside the housing 2 a path is open from the bottom up in which air can rise. In the case 2 are corresponding vents 39 available.

This chimney effect causes a continuous flow of air through the housing 2 and in particular on the heat sink 26 past. This will heat the heat sink 26 continuously upward from the housing 2 dissipated, reducing the efficiency of the TEG 25 is increased.

The heat sink 26 preferably has a plurality of cooling fins 41 , which are at least partially freestanding, so that the air flow 43 which arises through the chimney effect, through the slots 42 between the cooling fins 42 ( 14 ) flows through and thus a more effective heat dissipation is ensured. The heat sink 26 additionally preferably has a projection as a contact point 43 for the TEG 25 on, so the heat flow is concentrated through the TEG 25 flows. In addition, the projection acts as a spacer between the heat reservoir (heating circuit) and the cold reservoir (cooling element), so that they are thermally insulated from each other and therefore sets a maximum temperature gradient along the thermocouple. To enhance this effect, additional insulation material may also be present between the hot side and the heat sink 26 be attached.

Next to the TEG 25 can the radiator thermostat according to the invention 1 an interface for external charging of an energy storage device 27 have, for example, on a circuit board 44 can be arranged. In the example is as energy storage 27 a battery shown, but it can also be used one or more capacitors or a combination of the two types of energy storage. Furthermore, the radiator thermostat 1 be configured via this interface, for example by using USB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), Thunderbolt or similar interfaces is possible. In addition, the radiator thermostat 1 a radio interface (eg ZigBee, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WLAN, Z-Wave) that can send measurement data to a receiver and receive control commands of a control unit. This radio interface, such as ZigBee or Z-Wave, is preferably optimized for low power consumption. For example, it is only activated at intervals for a short period of time.

The radiator thermostat 1 monitors the ambient temperature, the flow temperature in the radiator and the valve position so that it can be used directly for consumption determination. A separate consumption determination on Verdunsterröhrchen or the like can be omitted. The consumption calculation via the radiator thermostat 1 is much more precise due to the exact sensor technology.

The 15 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, which substantially with the in 10 match shown execution. To bias here is a torsion spring 46 on an extension 52 a lower support member 54b arranged. The torsion spring 46 has two parallel, longer legs. The first leg 47 lies on the outer circumference 31 of the rolling bearing 30 on, while the second leg 48 in the example of 15 on an upper support member 54a is counter-stored. The eccentric disc 49 is designed here as a cam with two different outer radii, creating two end stops 53 are defined. These end stops work with a nose 51 a stop sheet 50 together, that at the upper carrier component 54a is attached. The two carrier components 54a . 54b For example, they can be screwed, clamped, glued or otherwise connected together. In particular, so can the torsion spring 46 be attached between the two support members. In addition, the eccentric disc has 49 a pin 55 on, for the storage of the rolling bearing 30 serves. The inner ring 29 of the rolling bearing 30 or the bearing surface of a plain bearing is thus on the outer circumference of the eccentric disc 49 arranged, namely on one piece with the eccentric disc 49 designed cones 55 , The pin 55 is eccentric on the eccentric disc 49 arranged while the eccentric disc 49 in the example of 15 centered on the on the shaft 28 mounted gear is fixed. This fixation can be achieved for example by screwing, riveting or gluing.

The mechanics shown can be used in a radiator thermostat. For power supply, the radiator thermostat, for example, a battery. Additionally or alternatively, a thermoelectric energy converter can be used for power supply. By way of illustration, that is in the 15 shown embodiment in the 16 as a top view and in the 17 shown as a perspective view.

In addition to the embodiments shown, there are numerous other ways to exert the bias on the transmission element, which is why the invention is in no way limited to these embodiments. In particular, by a different design of the mechanical parts and an associated other structure, a compression spring can be replaced by a tension spring and vice versa.

Various operating options can be provided for programming and controlling the radiator thermostat. On the one hand, the radiator thermostat may be equipped with a display for indicating the operating conditions and the temperature, for. B. a LC display. Within the control it can also be provided to specify different operating states in different time periods. The radiator thermostat includes a date / clock unit. The parameters are entered either via key functions implemented on the radiator thermostat or via a remote control. The remote control may alternatively or in addition to the radiator thermostat have a display.

All shown and not shown embodiments can also be equipped with at least one energy converter as the only or additional energy source, so that a self-sufficient operation is possible. The invention is not limited to thermal energy converters.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Heizkörperthermostat

2

casing

3

flange

4

radiator valve

4 '

valve seat

4 ''

valve disc

5

transmission element

6

transmission pin

7

free end transmission pin

8th

valve pin

9

inside end transmission element

10

Axle first ball bearing

11

first ball bearing

12

electric motor

13

wave

14

eccentric

15

second ball bearing

16

longitudinal axis

17

abutment

18

mainspring

19

valve direction

20

compression spring

21

recess

22

rack

23

gear

24

joint to

25

thermal energy converter

26

heatsink

27

energy storage

28

wave

29

Inner ring roller bearings

30

roller bearing

31

Outer ring rolling bearings

32

mainspring

33

leg

34

Base

35

output gear

36

Reduction gear

37

compression spring

38

Rear panel

39

vents

40

contact means

41

cooling fins

42

slots

43

contact point

44

circuit board

45

energy storage

46

torsion spring

47

first leg of the coil spring

48

second leg of the coil spring

49

eccentric

50

stop plate

51

nose

52

extension

53

end stops

54a, 54b

supporting members

55

spigot

105

transmission element

205

transmission element

F1

Force valve pin

F2

counterforce

df

differential force

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• IEEE 1394 [0080]

Claims (5)

Radiator thermostat for mounting on a radiator valve ( 4 ), with a transmission element ( 5 . 105 . 205 ) for transmitting a compressive force to the radiator valve ( 4 ), with an electric motor ( 12 ) for driving the transmission element ( 5 . 105 . 205 ), with a control for the electric motor ( 12 ) and with a power supply, characterized in that the transmission element ( 5 . 105 . 205 ) by a torsion spring ( 46 ) is biased in the valve direction. Radiator thermostat according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission element ( 5 . 105 . 205 ) with the outer ring ( 31 ) of a rolling bearing ( 30 ) or with the outer circumference of the bearing bush of a sliding bearing cooperates, that the inner ring ( 29 ) of the rolling bearing ( 30 ) or the bearing surface of the sliding bearing on the outer circumference of an eccentric disc ( 14 . 49 ) is arranged. Radiator thermostat according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer ring ( 31 ) of the rolling bearing ( 30 ) or the outer circumference of the bearing bush of the plain bearing by the torsion spring ( 46 ) a force in the direction of the transmission element ( 5 ) learns. Radiator thermostat according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the radiator thermostat ( 1 ) as a power supply a thermoelectric energy converter ( 25 ) for converting thermal into electrical energy and an energy store ( 27 ) for storing the electrical energy. Radiator thermostat according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in particular an adjusting movement for closing the radiator valve is only allowed if enough energy remains in the memory to open the valve later again.

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