DE3929414C2 - Method of manufacturing a thermostatic actuator, and an actuator manufactured by this method - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a thermostatic actuator otherwise in the upper part handle of claim 1 defined type, and on a thermosta table actuator according to the features in the preamble of Claim 12.

A thermostatic actuator, the z. B. as thermostatic actuated valve is formed, for example in the DE 23 08 453 C3 or DE 87 01 593 U1. The tempe according to DE 87 01 593 U1 in the direction of insertion in the receptacle of the actuator housing held with a ring seat and in the opposite direction to the direction of insertion secured with a clip holder. This z. B. on Actuator housing in the end area of the receptacle single, relative slightly radially protruding projections on the one set the actuator are clickable, under off use of a resilient material behavior of the actuator link housing, and hereafter one or more assigned Holding surfaces on the actuating element positively across can grab. This is the actuation used element in the opposite direction to the direction of insertion held conclusively and secured. This described  Connection between the actuator on the one hand and the Betä On the other hand, the element of satisfaction satisfies in many Cases not. The said clip connection only allows a small radial overlap because with a larger radial The projections no longer protrude elastically is possible. The only small overlap requires the one keeping close tolerances, which is complex and expensive. To this immediately results in the danger of a possible self actively loosening the connection and / or leaking in the connection area between the actuator housing and the actuator; because e.g. B. by material aging, Influence of temperature or the like of the clip projections load-bearing material of the actuator housing can un desired deformations that lead to a loosening of the Make snap connection. Even if the snap connection should not have been solved by this, at least one is Leak in the area of connection to fear.

In connection with the manufacture of an electromagnetic Injector it is known (DE 37 36 539 A1), individual to insert coaxial metallic components into each other and to connect with each other in such a positive manner that material the components are plastically deformed to such an extent that they radia ler direction in the corresponding ring grooves of the counterpart is deformed and in this way two metallic construction parts are interconnected.

The invention has for its object a method to produce a thermostatic actuator in the Generic preamble of claim 1 to create a genus that is simple, can be done quickly and inexpensively and a reliable firm, positive connection between enables the actuator housing and the actuator, and a thermostatic produced by the process Provide actuator.  

The task is in a procedure in the preamble of Claim 1 defined genus according to the invention by the Features solved in the characterizing part of claim 1. There at least the wall areas from which you can see the projections wants to win from under the influence of heat and mechani forms deformable material, is the Prerequisite for forming after inserting the actuator tion element created, so that as the next invention step after attaching the actuator to the Housing these wall areas in a simple manner at least Area of the projections to be formed at the forming temperature warmed and in this phase by mechanical forces can be reshaped until the projections Reach across the holding surfaces. According to the invention with the projections when plugging the actuator together housing and the temperature-dependent actuator not yet available. They don't stand up to assembling annoying in the way. Because the ledges only after the together put, e.g. B. in the pasty state of the wall material, formed by reshaping, one can be relatively large Form protrusions so that relatively large areas are formed can be used to fix the assembled parts lie together. These areas can be both in scope direction as well as across it, e.g. B. in the radial direction, thereby be dimensioned relatively large. So it's one Large-scale security system accessible. The invention appropriate procedure thus enables a permanently firm, reproducible and tight connection between the position link housing on the one hand and the actuating element on the other on the part of It is understood that within the scope of the invention the formation of the projections on the actuator housing and / or equally also on the housing of the actuating element lies. Furthermore, both the Plug-in connection of the actuating element in a sleeve the actuator housing and a push-on connection of the Actuator with a sleeve formed thereon an actuator housing.  

Advantageous embodiments of the Ver driving result from claims 2-11. The education from radially inwardly projecting wall areas by Er heating and forming according to claims 4 and 5 enables z. B. approximately hump-shaped or annular front jumps. With appropriate design of the tool radially protruding humps or ring projections bar.

The inventive method is by means of a z. B. on Forming temperature of the material of heatable stamp, pressure ringes or the like. Performed on the on this procedure projections in terms of shape and Size is adjusted.

In the embodiment of Ver included in claim 6 driving, at the front of the sleeve wall areas, the are heated to the forming temperature by axial pressing be acted on so that these end faces Areas corresponding material approximately radially inwards shifted and forms the projections, is the connection between the actuator housing and the actuator can be produced in a particularly simple manner. This method can be carried out quickly. As a tool here, for. B. an appropriately dimensioned, slotted sleeve or one several on a great circle in section from each other arranged rods, fingers or the like come to use, this tool at the forming temperature heatable and in the direction coaxial to the actuator the front end of the sleeve can be pressed.

The invention further relates to a thermostatic Actuator, especially one that, according to the procedure ren is made according to claim 1, otherwise with the Features in the preamble of claim 12. In this regard  the invention is based on the object defined at the outset de, which by the characteristics in the labeling part of the An is solved 12.

Advantageous further developments of this thermostatic actuator members result from claims 13 to 27.

Further details and advantages of the invention emerge from the description below.

The invention is based on one in the drawing shown embodiment explained in more detail. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a partial axial longitudinal sectional side view of part of a thermostatic actuator,

Fig. 2 is a schematic view in the direction of arrow II in FIG. 1.

In the drawings, a thermostatic actuator 10 is shown which, for. B. as a thermostatic valve and is designed, for example, as is known from DE 87 01 593 U1 or DE-OS 23 49 532 or DE 23 08 453 C3 or DE 25 19 879 B2, GB-PS 10 91 553, US PS 35 15 368 or DE-OS 19 55 332, to name a few, results. Instead, the thermostatic actuator 10 can also z. B. designed as a switching device, for. B. analogous to DE-OS 19 55 332, DE 23 48 099 B2 or the like.

Since the details of the design as a valve or switching device are not important, special details are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Shown is only this valve, this switching device or the like. Part of a housing 11 of this actuator 10 and also a temperature-dependent thermostatic actuating element 12 , which can be designed as z. B. results from the cited documents. It can be advantageous if this actuator 12 z. B. is designed according to DE 23 08 453 C3 or DE 87 01 593 U1. Such an actuating element 12 contains an expansion material which is enclosed in a housing 13 and expands when heated, and which cannot be seen further in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this regard, reference is made to the aforementioned writings. This expansion material is able to move a piston contained in the housing 13 ben against the action of a return spring, the z. B. on the housing 11 of the actuator 10 , in particular the valve is supported. A section 14 of this piston is led out of the housing 13 . This attacks in a known manner on the invisible Ventilver closing member of the actuator 10 to its translational movement between the open position and the closed position, as shown and described in detail in the latter documents. Such an expansion element as the actuating element 12 is with an approximately cylin drical part 15 of its housing 13 at least in wesent union full and accurate and tight in an adapted, approximately cylindrical receptacle 16 of the housing 11 of the actuator 10 added. To seal in an annular groove 17 of the cylindrical part 15 is a sealing ring 18, eg. B. an O-ring inserted. That part 19 of the housing 13 of the actuating element 12 which contains the expansion material is at an axial distance and outside of the receptacle 16 and is placed in such a way that it can be in good contact with a medium whose temperature is to be recorded. This part 19 is located outside the receptacle 16 . The actuation element 12 is coaxially attached to the housing 11 and attached to it with a positive connection. The housing 11 of the actuator 10 is provided for receiving the actuating element 12 at the end visible in FIG. 1 with an approximately cylindrical sleeve 20 in which the receptacle 16 is contained. In the insertion direction of the actuating element 12 , which is identical to the arrow II, a radially inwardly projecting annular shoulder 21 is provided to limit the insertion depth of the actuating element 12 on the foot side of the sleeve 20 , on which the inserted actuating element 12 strikes with an associated annular surface 22 in a form-fitting manner. The inserted actuating element 12 is thus positively fixed in the insertion direction within the sleeve 20 by seating the annular surface 22 on the annular shoulder 21 . In the opposite direction, the attachment is done by one or more projections 23 of the sleeve 20 of the housing 11, the embodiment shown at home in FIGS. 1 and 2 are directed radially inward and cross-over one or more associated holding surfaces 24 on the actuating element 12 . In the embodiment shown, a continuous holding surface 24 is provided at the lower end in FIG. 1 of the approximately cylindrical part 15 of the actuating element 12 , which is an annular end face which is overlapped by the projections 23 . The projections 23 are formed from individual segment regions 25 of the sleeve 20 , which follow one another in the circumferential direction at intervals, as shown in FIG. 2. Each segment region 25 extends in the circumferential direction over a substantial circumferential angle which, for. B. can be about 60 °. This is already a relatively large ge coverage of the holding surface 24 is achieved by corresponding, lying on surface areas of the individual Segmentbe rich 25 . In addition, the projections 23 are formed from such large wall areas of the sleeve 20 , viewed in the radial direction, that the projections 23 also overlap the holding surface 24 with a substantial area in the radial direction and rest securely thereon. As a result, a large-scale security system is achieved that can withstand even extremely large release forces directed in the opposite direction to arrow II. It should be taken into account here that in the thermostatic actuator 10 between the actuating element 12 and the valve actuated thereby or the switching device or the like. B. can prevail up to 100 N. These are easily mastered by the described positive connection between the housing 11 on the one hand and the actuating element 12 on the other hand.

An essential special feature of the actuator 10 is that at least the wall regions of the sleeve 20 which form the projections 23 are formed from a material which can be deformed under the action of heat and mechanical forces. The projections 23 are formed from the warmed to the forming temperature and formed by mechanical forces wall areas of the sleeve 20 , these wall areas being reshaped until the protrusions 23 which cross across the holding surface 24 result. Before the actuation element 12 with the approximately cylindrical part 15 is inserted into the receptacle 15 of the sleeve 20 , the projections 23 have not yet been formed. Instead, the receptacle 16 in the end region of the sleeve 20 is axially continuous in Fig. 1 downwards and so open that the actuating element 12 with the cylindrical part 15 in the direction of arrow II can be inserted unhindered. It is only after this insertion that the projections 23 , which cross the holding surface 24, are formed from the wall material of the sleeve 20 of the housing 11 by heating and reshaping.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the projections 23 are formed from the end wall material of a wall section 26 of the sleeve 20 projecting axially beyond the holding surface 24 and, as a starting point, are formed as tabs which are radially inwardly displaced and which cross over the holding surface 24 of the actuating element 12 transversely. The formation of these projections 23 takes place by heating at least on the wall section 26 at least the wall areas forming the projections 23 and these at least in the area of the projections 23 to be formed there to a forming temperature corresponding to the material of the sleeve 20 and by mechanical forces Wall areas are deformed by axial pressing in such a way that these wall areas shift approximately radially inward from the end area of the wall section 26 and the material is deformed until the projections 23 cross over the holding surface 24 . Since one has to form individual segment regions 25 in the circumferential direction, the individual segment regions 25 of the sleeve 20 are warmed and shaped into projections 23 in the manner described above. Here one forms in the circumferential direction and also in the radial direction such large wall areas of the sleeve 20 to form the projections 23 that result in projections with a substantial area which comes to rest against the holding surface 24 , as already explained.

At least the wall areas forming the projections 23 at the end of the sleeve 20 can consist of such metal, which can be deformed under the action of heat and mechanical forces. In addition to this or instead, these wall areas can also be made of metal substitute material, e.g. B. plastic. It can be advantageous if at least the sleeve 20 , or even the entire housing 11 , consists of a thermoplastic material. If necessary, the last res can also be fiber-reinforced, in particular glass-fiber-reinforced or carbon-fiber-reinforced.

Even if in the shown and described game Ausführungsbei the projections 23 are formed in that wall areas at the front end of the sleeve 20 heated to the forming temperature and then mechanically deformed radially inward until the radially inward, approximately lobe-like projections 23 result , it goes without saying that within the scope of the invention, protrusions made according to the same principle lie in a different direction and at a different location. There is also a reversal in the area of the invention, in which - instead of the housing 11 described - the thermostatic actuating element 12 is provided with an approximately cylindrical sleeve, analogous to the sleeve 20 , with which the actuating element 12 has an approximately cylindrical part of the Casing 11 overlaps outside and is axially fixed thereon in the insertion direction, in which case the projections are formed from the wall material of the sleeve of the actuating element in the same way. This is the alternative as it results from the aforementioned DE 25 19 879 B2 or US-PS 35 15 368 or GB-PS 10 91 553.

In another embodiment, not shown, the projections 23 are not formed on the front end of the sleeve 20 . Instead, the projections protrude radially inward from the wall areas, e.g. B. hump-like or ring-like elements, the sleeve 20 is formed, the wells in associated Ver at a corresponding axial location, such as. B. grooves, recesses, depressions, dents or the like., Actuate supply element 12 or - in the reverse alternative - the housing 11 engage and the surfaces thus formed overlap. In this case, the actuating element 12 is also inserted with its approximately cylindrical part 15 into the cylindrical receptacle 16 of the sleeve 20 which is open at the bottom in FIG. 1. Then a protrusion is formed by heating peripheral regions of the wall material of the sleeve 20 and radially pressing this wall material to form radially inwardly projecting wall regions at the individual locations. One works here after the so-called warm infiltration. The in this way ra dial inwardly projecting wall areas engage in associated recesses, such as grooves, recesses, recesses, dents or the like. At an assigned position of the actuating element 12 , in particular its approximately cylindrical part 15 , and overlap the holdings thus formed areas across.

In another, also not shown embodiment example, the same method can be used, but with the projections by heating the wall material of an axially over the holding surface 24 over standing end portion, approximately analogous to the wall portion 26 , the sleeve 20 and by radial pressing Individual wall areas forms, which are stored approximately radially inward from this projecting wall section 26 and cross over the holding surface 24 transversely. With this method after the so-called warm infiltration, approximately hump-shaped or ring-segment-shaped projections can be achieved.

In the illustrated and described embodiment, compared to the alternatives, there is the particular advantage that projections 23 are obtained in the form of the segment regions 25 , which offer a substantial overlap area both in the circumferential direction and in the radial direction, so that overall a large-area system of Projections 23 on the holding surface 24 is reached.

The method according to the invention and thermostatic actuator 10 produced by this method is simple and inexpensive, the fixed connection produced in this way between the housing 11 and the actuating element 12 being permanently fixed even when the housing material 11 changes. There is no risk that e.g. B. in the aging of a plastic material from which the housing 11 is made, or when the housing 11 is subjected to unfavorable thermal stress, this housing material deforms in such a way that the fixing of the actuating element 12 within the receptacle 16 loosens approximately and a leakage would result in this area . Even if the housing 11 in the area of the receptacle 16 experiences changes with regard to its material, the firm axial connection with the actuating element 12 and the tight seal are nevertheless retained.

In another, not shown embodiment, the actuator, which is included in the housing 11 , not shown, forms ge from an electrical switching device which is arranged within the housing 11 and whose switching element is actuated by the thermostatic actuating element 12 , and z. B. whose section 14 of the piston and z. B. as can be seen from DE 23 48 099 B2. Instead of an actuation via the section 14, there is also an actuation via a membrane of the actuating element 12 or via a plunger displaced by this membrane, the membrane being advanced by the expansion material enclosed in the housing of the actuating element 12 when it is heated and expanded and when it cools down of the expansion material z. B. is reset via a return spring.

In another, also not shown embodiment example, the actuator is formed from a ent in the housing 11 , a gaseous or liquid medium controlling fluid switching device, the switching device causing element by the temperature-dependent actuating element 12 is actuated.

Claims (27)

1. A method for producing a thermostatic actuator ( 10 ), in particular a thermostatically actuated valve of a switching device, in which a temperature-dependent operation of the actuating element ( 12 ) is applied to the housing ( 11 ) of the actuator ( 10 ) and attached to it with positive locking and such is attached that one or more projections on the housing ( 11 ) of the actuator ( 10 ) and / or on the temperature-dependent actuating element ( 12 ) one or more associated holding surfaces ( 24 ) on the temperature-dependent actuating element ( 12 ) and / or on the housing ( 11 ) of the Actuating element ( 10 ) crosswise, characterized in that at least the wall ( 26 ) forming the projections ( 23 ) are formed from a material which can be deformed under the action of heat and mechanical forces, and that after the temperature-dependent actuating element ( 12 ) has been attached to the housing ( 11 ) at least these wall areas ( 26 ) in the region of the projections ( 23 ) to be formed are heated to the forming temperature and then deformed by mechanical forces until the projections ( 23 ) cross over the one or more holding surfaces ( 24 ). 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature-dependent operating actuator ( 12 ) with an approximately cylindrical part ( 15 ) in an associated, approximately cylindrical receptacle ( 16 ) within a sleeve ( 20 ) of the housing ( 11 ) inserted and axially fixed in the direction of the insertion movement and then from the wall material ( 26 ) of the sleeve ( 20 ) of the housing ( 11 ) by heating and shaping which the one or more holding surfaces ( 24 ) are formed across overlapping projections ( 23 ). 3. The method according to claim 1, characterized records that the temperature-dependent work Ending actuator with an approximately cylindrical Sleeve over an approximately cylindrical part of the Ge housing of the actuator pushed and axially in slide tion is fixed and then from the wall material of the Sleeve of the actuator by heating and reshaping which cross across the one or more holding surfaces the protrusions are formed. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the projections ( 23 ) are formed by heating peripheral regions of the wall material of the sleeve ( 20 ) and by radially pressing in to form radially inwardly projecting wall regions (so-called. Warming) , which engage in associated recesses, such as grooves, recesses, depressions or dents of the actuating element ( 12 ) or the housing of the actuator and thereby cross-over these formed holding surfaces ( 24 ). 6. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the projections ( 23 ) by heating the wall material ( 26 ) of an axially over the holding surface ( 24 ) of the temperature-dependent operating element ( 12 ) or the housing ( 11 ) projecting end portion the sleeve ( 20 ) and are formed by radially pressing in such wall areas of the sleeve ( 20 ), the section from the projecting wall ( 26 ) is shifted approximately radially inwards and the one or more holding surfaces ( 24 ), for. B. a ring surface, the actuating element ( 12 ) or the housing ( 11 ) cross overlap. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the projections ( 23 ) by heating the wall material ( 26 ) of an axially over the holding surface ( 24 ) projecting wall section approximately in the end region of the sleeve ( 20 ) and by axial pressing such as frontal wall areas are formed, the area of the projecting wall portion Be relocated approximately radially inward and the one or more holding surfaces ( 24 ), z. B. an annular surface, the actuating element ( 12 ) or the housing ( 11 ) cross overlap. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that individual segment areas ( 25 ) of the sleeve ( 20 ), which follow one another in the circumferential direction at intervals, are heated and formed into projections ( 23 ). 8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that at least the projections ( 23 ) forming wall regions ( 26 ) are formed from a metal under the action of heat and mechanical forces. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that at least the projections ( 23 ) forming wall regions ( 26 ) from a metal and replaceable material under the action of heat and mechanical forces, for. B. plastic, are formed. 10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that at least the sleeve ( 20 ), in particular as part of the housing ( 11 ), consists of a thermoplastic material. 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized records that the plastic material fiber strengthens, especially glass fiber reinforced or carbon fiber reinforced, is. 12. Thermostatic actuator, in particular according to the United drive according to one of claims 1-11 manufactured, in particular thermostatically actuated valve of a switching device in which a temperature-dependent operating element ( 12 ) coaxially attached to the housing ( 11 ) of the actuator ( 10 ) and attached to it with positive locking and in such a way that one or more projections on the housing ( 11 ) of the actuator ( 10 ) and / or on the temperature-dependent actuating element ( 12 ) one or more associated holding surfaces ( 24 ) on the temperature-dependent actuating element ( 12 ) and / or on Casing ( 11 ) of the actuator ( 10 ) cross over, characterized in that at least the wall regions ( 26 ) forming the projections ( 23 ) are formed from a material which can be deformed under the action of heat and mechanical forces, and in that the projections ( 23 ) heated to the forming temperature and formed by means of mechanical forces areas ( 26 ) are formed, which are reshaped until the projections ( 23 ) which cross across the holding surfaces ( 24 ) result. 13. Thermostatic actuator according to claim 12, characterized in that the temperature-dependent actuating element ( 12 ) with an approximately cylindrical part ( 15 ) in an associated, approximately cylin drical receptacle ( 16 ) within a sleeve ( 20 ) of the Ge housing ( 11th ) is inserted and axially fixed therein in the insertion direction and that the projections ( 23 ) are formed from the wall material ( 26 ) of the sleeve ( 20 ) of the housing ( 11 ) by heating and shaping. 14. Thermostatic actuator according to claim 12, there characterized in that the tempe rature-dependent actuator with an approximately zylin Drical sleeve is provided, with which there is a cylindrical part of the housing of the actuator engages and is axially fixed to it in the direction of insertion, and that the projections made of the wall material of the Sleeve of the actuator by heating and Umfor mung are formed. 15. Thermostatic actuator according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the projections are formed from radially inwardly projecting wall regions of the sleeve ( 20 ) which in associated recesses such as grooves, recesses, depressions or dents of the actuating element ( 12 ) or the housing ( 11 ) engage and crosswise over the holding surfaces thus formed. 16. Thermostatic actuator according to one of claims 12-15, characterized in that the projections from radially inwardly projecting wall regions of the sleeve ( 20 ) on an axially over the holding surface ( 24 ) of the actuating element or the Ge housing ( 11 ) projecting end portion of the Sleeve ( 20 ) are formed, the holding surface ( 24 ), for. B. a ring surface, the actuating element ( 12 ) or the housing ( 11 ) cross overlap. 17. Thermostatic actuator according to one of claims 12-16, characterized in that the projections ( 23 ) from the end wall material of an axially via the holding surface ( 24 ) over standing wall portion ( 26 ) of the sleeve ( 20 ) and as starting from it radially inwardly shifted tabs are formed, the holding surface ( 24 ), for. B. cross over an annular surface, the actuating element ( 12 ) or the housing ( 11 ). 18. Thermostatic actuator according to one of claims 12-17, characterized in that the projections ( 23 ) from individual segment areas ( 25 ) of the sleeve ( 20 ) are formed, which follow one another in the circumferential direction at intervals. 19. Thermostatic actuator according to one of claims 12-18, characterized in that at least the projections ( 23 ) forming wall areas ( 26 ) consist of a metal deformable under the action of heat and mechanical forces. 20. Thermostatic actuator according to one of claims 12-18, characterized in that at least the projections ( 23 ) forming wall areas ( 26 ) from a deformable under the action of heat and mechanical forces metal substitute material, for. B. plastic. 21. Thermostatic actuator according to claim 20, characterized in that the sleeve ( 20 ), in particular as part of the housing ( 11 ) consists of a thermoplastic material. 22. Thermostatic actuator according to claim 21, there characterized by that the art fiber-reinforced material, especially fiberglass strengthens or is reinforced with carbon fiber. 23. Thermostatic actuator according to one of claims 12-22, characterized in that the actuator ( 10 ) is designed as a valve for controlling a medium flow and has a housing ( 11 ) with a sleeve ( 20 ) into which the temperature-dependent actuating element ( 12 ) is fitted precisely and tightly and on which this is axially fixed in the opposite direction to the insertion direction by means of the projections ( 23 ). 24. Thermostatic actuator according to any one of claims 12-23, characterized in that the temperature-dependent actuating element ( 12 ) contains an expanding material enclosed in a housing ( 13 ) which expands when heated, which has a membrane or a piston ( 14 ) against the Effect of a preference on the housing ( 11 ) of the valve supported return spring moves, which or which acts on the valve closure member of the valve to its movement between the opening position and the closed position. 25. Thermostatic actuator according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the expansion part ( 19 ) of the housing ( 13 ) of the temperature-dependent actuating element ( 12 ) at an axial distance and outside of the receptacle ( 16 ) in the sleeve ( 20 ) , in which the approximately cylindrical part ( 15 ) of the actuating element ( 12 ) is received and fixed. 26. Thermostatic actuator according to one of claims 12-22, characterized in that the actuator is formed from an electrical switching device contained in the housing ( 11 ), the switching effect element of the temperature-dependent actuating element ( 12 ) can be actuated. 27. Thermostatic actuator according to one of claims 12-22, characterized in that the actuator is formed from a contained in the housing ( 11 ), a gaseous or liquid medium controlling Strö mmittelschaltvorrichtung whose switching element can be actuated by the temperature-dependent actuator ( 12 ) is.