GB2187823A

GB2187823A - Thermostatic valve

Info

Publication number: GB2187823A
Application number: GB08711918A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Volker Spies; Knud Aage Hansen
Original assignee: Danfoss AS
Current assignee: Danfoss AS
Priority date: 1986-01-04
Filing date: 1987-05-20
Publication date: 1987-09-16
Anticipated expiration: 2007-05-20
Also published as: AT396815B; DK621086D0; FR2592700A1; DK621086A; CA1280727C; GB8711918D0; SE8605465D0; GB2187823B; FR2592700B1; GB2185091A; GB8700018D0; JPH0445713B2; IT8667992A0; SE463275B; DE3600130A1; NL8603244A; DK156096C; NL188114B; DE3600130C2; DK156096B

Abstract

A shank carrier 12 for a thermostatic valve has an end which in use is located within and secured to a union 4 of a valve housing, and means are provided on the carrier 12 for coupling a thermostat attachment thereto. The other end of the carrier is located adjacent to an end of a valve seating carrier 13. <IMAGE>

Description

GB 2 187 823A 1 SPECIFICATION rier axially, the shank carrier pressing the

sea ting carrier against an abutment face provided Valve assembly for a therrnostatic valve in the region of the seat.

In practice, a large number of very different This invention relates to a fitting or valve as 70 thermostatic valves is employed. For example, sembly for a thermostatic valve comprising a they differ from one another with regard to housing with a component-receiving union, as the length of the component receiving union an extension thereof a cylindrical bore leading (because the connections to the plate radia to a connector and, between these, a cham- tors have a different spacing from the end of ber connected to at least one further connec- 75 the radiators), with regard to the thermostat tor, and comprising a valve insert which is for attachment (the coupling devices are not stan securing to the component-receiving union, en- dardized) and so on. Consequently, a particular gages in the component-receiving union with valve insert is provided for each application an inner portion, carries at an outer portion a and a corresponding multiplicity of construc coupling device for securing a thermostat at- 80 tions must be made and held in stock.

tachment, and is subdivided into a shank car- The invention is based on the problem of rier and a seating carrier of which a tube ex- providing a fitting of the aforementioned kind tension is provided with a sealing head with a of which the components are very versatile to circumferential seal for engaging in the cylin- result in usage in large numbers and corre drical bore, particularly for plate-radiator 85 sponding manufacturing advantages.

valves. This problem is solved according to the in Such a fitting is known from DE-AS 25 27 vention in that the separating gap between the 132. This describes a thermostatic valve of shank carrier and seating carrier is disposed in which the housing is disposed between two the inner portion of the valve insert, that the plate radiators and of which the horizontally 90 outer portion carrying the coupling device is extending component-receiving union termi- formed by the shank carrier, that the shank nates within the limits of the radiators. The carrier is secured to the component-receiving shank carrier carrying the closing member is union, that the seating carrier has retaining screwed into the seating carrier. The seating means within the component- receiving union carrier is secured to the component-receiving 95 for securing its axial installation position, and union by a coupling nut, projects outwardly that the axial length of the cylindrical bore is _Jjeyond the end of the plate radiators and at considerably longer than that of the sealing this position has the coupling device for secur- head.

ing the thermostat attachment. The coupling In this construction, one and the same valve nut presses an abutment of the seating carrier 100 insert can be employed for component-receiv against the end face of the component-receiv- ing unions of different lengths because, for a ing union, a seal being interposed, whereby shorter length, the sealing head simply en the axial position of the seating carrier is gages more deeply in the cylindrical bore. The fixed. The axial length of the cylindrical bore precise length of bore depends on what only slightly exceeds that of the sealing head 105 length variations of the component-receiving of the tubular extension of the seating carrier. union occur in practice. In any case, a single This takes into account any tolerances occur- type of seating carrier can cope with all or a ring during the installation. The use of such a considerable range of these length variations.

valve insert consisting of a seating carrier and Since the coupling device is carried by the r, 45 shank carrier has the advantage that the housshank carrier, it is possible to replace or mod ing need only be coarsely machined (screwth- ify the shank carrier for adapting to different read, axial bore) whereas all the components thermostat attachments. This can likewise requiring precision machining are combined in cover a large range of variations in the cou the valve insert. Consequently, the valve houspling diameter because the external diameter ing can already be welded to the radiator dur- 115 of the shank carrier can be kept smaller in the ing manufacture whereas the valve insert is coupling zone than if the coupling device were built in only after the radiators have been in- formed on a component surrounding the shank stalled. carrier.

It is also already known to insert a shank If the seating carrier is provided with a fixed carrier directly in a component-receiving union 120 throttle for fixing the k, value, a series of sea of a housing and to apply a coupling device to ting carriers with different k, values can be the housing. However, in this case the valve provided without resulting in an excessively seat is in the housing so that fine machining large number of seating carriers to be kept in of the housing is indispensable. stock. This is because these seating carriers It is further known (DE-PS 22 53 462) to 125 are independent of the length of the compo- separate the seating carrier from the shank nent-receiving union and of the desired ther carrier for the purpose of setting the k. value, mostat attachment.

a ring carrying the coupling device engaging a In the simplest case, the shank carrier has component-receiving union by way of an ex- an external screw-thread engaging in an inter- ternal screwthread and loading the shank car- 130 nal screwthread of the component-receiving 2 GB2187823A 2 union. This permits the use of a comparatively cylindrical bore has a length substantially equal small diameter. to the height of the chamber in the housing.

Beyond this screwthread, the shank carrier The distance of displacement should be equal may have a section of larger diameter with a to at least half the height of the chamber in circumferential seal held in a groove. In addi- 70 the housing. The best utilisation of space is tion to the sealing function, this can provide a obtained if the cylindrical bore has a length step for axially fixing the shank carrier. substantially equal to the length of the tube It is particularly favourable for the shank carextension.

rier to be provided with a securing device for In a preferred embodiment, the outer portion holding the seating carrier at least temporarily. 75 of the shank carrier has a securing device for The shank carrier and seating carrier can applying an adaptor ring carrying the coupling therefore already be assembled before device. To adapt to a different thermostat at buildingin and then together inserted in the tachment, therefore, it is merely necessary to housing. This facilitates assembly. apply or replace the adaptor ring. In other re- The securing device of the shank carrier 80 spects, the shank carrier may remain un may be an internal screwthread into which an changed. This provides considerable rationali external screwthread of the seating carrier is zation advantages.

screwed. This provides a permanent attach- It is recommended for the adaptor ring se ment which can also be utilised for fixing the curing device to have an external screwthread seating carrier axially. 85 associated with an annular abutment. By tight The securing device of the shank carrier ening this adaptor ring against the abutment, may, however, also be a circumferential one obtains a defined position.

groove in which lugs provided on the seating The adaptor ring securing device may be carrier engage resiliently. To achieve this resili- provided axially beyond a coupling device that ent movability, the elasticity of the material 90 is permanently applied to the shank carrier.

will generally suffice but it may also be ob- The adaptor ring is therefore required for only tained by additional axial slots. some of the applications.

It is favourable for the securing device of In a preferred embodiment, a coupling de the shank carrier to be disposed on the inside vice permanently applied to the shank carrier of a ring extension which carries the external 95 is formed by a coupling ring which is mounted screwthread for securing to the building-in nip- for rotation but only slight axial displacement ple. This gives an axially short construction. on a cylindrical bearing surface of the shank The retaining device of the seating carrier carrier and is provided with a radial lug for can be particularly formed by a circumferential engaging in a radial groove at the end of the flange which co-operates with an end face of 100 component-receiving union. The rotatable cou the shank carrier. For example, with a pling ring may have a smaller radial thickness screwthreaded attachment of the seating car- than a ring screwed thereon. The radial lug rier to the shank carrier, the circumferential will then provide the necessary security flange may define the end position. against rotation.

In a different embodiment, the circumferen- 105 In this case it is favourable for the cylindri- tial flange can be pressed by the end face of cal bearing surface to have a flat circumferen the shank carrier against a step in the build- tial groove and for the coupling ring to be ing-in nipple. This securely holds the seating deformed into the circumferential groove at carrier axially. isolated points. Such deformation at isolated The seating carrier may, as is usual, be of 110 points for the purpose of axial fixing is sim metal. In a particularly preferred embodiment, plest to bring about at thinner portions of the however, the seating carrier is of plastics. ring such as those produced at the base of Such plastics components can be very eco- axial grooves.

nomically but nevertheless precisely manufac- Desirably, the cylindrical bearing surface has tured by injection moulding. There is no dan- 115 a larger diameter than the external screwth ger of over-stressing the plastics material dur- read of the adaptor ring securing device and ing operation because only the forces exerted the end of the coupling forms the annular on the seat by the closing member are abutment. this permits simple manufacture of transmitted as tensile forces. the shank carrier without having to form the In particular, the plastics material may be 120 annular abutment on it.

cold flowing and annular beads may project Further, a circumferential groove with a con- on the end faces of the circumferential flange. ical side wall can be provided between the This results in secure clamping of the circum- adaptor ring securing device and the coupling ferential flange when the shank carrier is device permanently applied to the shank carscrewed in. 125 rier so as to axially fix the thermostat attach The axial length of the cylindrical bore de- ment.

pends on the length variations of the building- With particular advantage, the component- in nipple. In practice, the length is at least 1.8 receiving union and the end part of the hous times but preferably more than twice the axial ing carrying the cylindrical bore are welded length of the sealing head. In particular, the 130 into a central portion of the housing bounding 3 GB2187823A 3 the chamber. The component-receiving union of the shank carrier. By means of this pin, the and the end part of the housing are therefore actuating shank of a thermostat attachment made separately. This is permissible without (not shown) can act axially on the valve shank any machining being required after welding be- 15. The shank carrier 12 has a cylindrical ex cause the sealing head balances out most tol- 70 tension 21 provided with an external screwth erances in the cylindrical bore. Beyond this, it read 22 for engaging an internal screwthread is merely necessary to use a component-re- of the union 4 and an internal screwthread 24 ceiving union of different length without alter- for cooperating with an external screwthread ing the other valve components for adapting 25 of the seating carrier 13. Still further outto a particular radiator. 75 wardly, there is a section 26 of larger dia The invention extends to a shank carrier and meter with a circumferential seal 27 held in a a seating carrier having the features necessary groove. This section 26 defines the axial posi for using with the previously described fitting. tion of the shank carrier 12 by abutment These components can be marketed sepa- against a step 28 of the union 4.

rately and adapted to a particular application. 80 The seating carrier 13, which is of metal, Nor do the features for adaptation prejudice for example brass, has a circumferential flange the use of the shank carrier without a seating 29 which co-operates with an end face 30 of carrier, that is in conjunction with a valve seat the shank carrier 12 and in this way defines fixed,in the housing. If one adds this use of the axial position of the seating carrier 33.

the shank carrier, one achieves still larger utili- 85 Beyond the seat 31, a tubular extension 32 sation numbers. extends into a cylindrical bore 33 in the end Valve assemblies constructed in accordance portion 3 of the housing. The tubular exten with the invention will now be described, by sion 32 is provided with a sealing head 34 way of example only, with reference to the having a circumferential seal 35.

accompanying drawings, in which: 90 As a coupling device 36 for securing a ther Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section through a mostat attachment, there is provided a cou first embodiment; pling ring 37 which has axial grooves 38 on Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section through a the outer periphery and which, before insertion similar embodiment but having a longer corn- into the union 4, is rotatable on a cylindrical ponent-receiving union; 95 bearing surface 39 of the shank carrier 12. It Fig. 3 is a section through the region of the is prevented from coming off in that the ma- seat and tube extension of a seating carrier; terial of the coupling ring 37 is deformed into Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section through the a shallow circumferential groove 41 by means outer part of a shank carrier with an adaptor of a spike or the like at several positions 40 ring placed over it; and 100 indicated by an arrow. The coupling ring is Fig. 5 is a plan view corresponding to Fig. thus retained yet has a slight axial play. The 4. coupling ring also has a radial lug 42 engaging The valve assembly illustrated in Fig. 1 for a in a radial notch 43 at the end of the union 4.

thermostatic valve comprises a housing 1 hav- In this way, the shank carrier 12 can be ing a central portion 2, an end portion 3 and 105 screwed into the housing but the rotary posi a component-receiving union 4 (that is, a con- tion of the coupling ring 37 is nevertheless necting piece into which a part is to be built fixed. The coupling ring 37 is preceded by a or inserted). The housing is extended for incircumferential groove 44 with an oblique side stallation between two adjacent flat radiators, wall 45. When a thermostat attachment is a connector 5 being welded on installation to 110 pushed on to the coupling device 36, a radi an aperture in the front wall of one of the ally positionable element of the thermostat at radiators and a connector 6 being welded to tachment is caused to engage in the circum an aperture in the rear wall of the other one ferential groove 44 and secure the thermostat of the radiators. A passage 7 in the housing attachment axially.

end portion 3 leads to a supply connector. 115 This circumferential groove 44 is preceded The union 4 is welded to the central portion 2 by an external screw- thread 46 having a along a junction 8 and the end portion 3 is slightly smaller diameter than the bearing sur welded to the central portion 2 along a junc- face 39. An adaptor ring can be screwed on tion 9. A chamber 10 is thus formed in the to this screw-thread as will hereinafter be de interior of the housing 1. 120 scribed in conjunction with Figs. 4 and 5.

Into the housing 1 there is inserted a valve The example of Fig. 2 consists of much the insert 11 consisting primarily of a valve shank same components as that of Fig. 1. Accord carrier 12 and a valve seating carrier 13. The ingly, corresponding parts are indicated by ref shank carrier 12 carries a closure member 14 erence numerals increased by 100. The fol by means of a shank 15. The shank 15 is 125 lowing are the essential differences. The union urged towards the open position by a return 104 is longer than in Fig. 1. Accordingly, the spring 16 acting against a step 17 on the sealing head 134 is no longer at the lower but shank and a seat 18 provided on the shank at the upper end of the cylindrical bore 133 in carrier 12. A sealing insert 19 through which the housing end portion 103. The possible a pin 20 passes is screwed into the free end 130 displacement is substantially equal to half the 4 GB2187823A 4 height of the chamber 10. All told, the cylin- should, at most, be three times the width of drical bore 133 may correspond to the height the circumferential groove.

of the chamber 10. The invention is not restricted to valve as The seating carrier 113 and thus also the semblies having welded housings but can also seat 131 are of plastics material. The seating 70 be applied to valve assemblies having cast carrier 113 is provided at its outer end with housings. It has particular advantages with flat axial slots 47 so that the sections 48 there- (or plate) radiators but may also be employed between can be flexed inwardly. The sections for other radiators and for other purposes.

48 carry projections 124 which can lock in a

Claims

corresponding circumferential groove 125 of 75 CLAIMS the shank carrier

112. This produces an at 0. A valve shank carrier for use in a valve least temporary attachment of the seating car- assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 28.

rier to the shank carrier, as is desirable for 1. A valve assembly for use in a thermosta installation. A circumferential flange 129 has tic valve, the valve assembly having a housing an annular bead 49 so that, when the shank 80 with a union, a bore extending from the union carrier 112 is screwed tight in the building-in to a connector, and a chamber, between the nipple 104, this annular bead 49 is pressed union and the connector, connected to at against a step 50 of the housing 101, the least one further connector, the valve as plastics being partially deformed by cold flow. sembly including a valve insert for securing to The Fig. 3 embodiment illustrates a seating 85 the union with a part of the valve insert being carrier 213 with seat 231 and closure mem- received within the union, the part of the ber 214, the difference from the seating carvalve insert outside of the union being pro rier of Figs. 1 and 2 only being that a throttle vided with coupling means for securing a ther bore 51 is provided concentric to the seat for mostat attachment to the valve assembly, determining the k, value of the valve. Accord- 90 wherein the valve insert comprises a valve ingly, by replacing the seating carrier, one can shank carrier and a valve seating carrier, adja select the maximum flow according to the cent ends of the valve shank carrier and the data of the radiator installation. In the embodi- valve seating carrier are within the union, the ment of Figs. 4 and 5, the shank carrier 12 of coupling means is provided on the valve Fig. 1 is merely supplemented by an adaptor 95 shank carrier, the valve shank carrier is se ring 52 screwed on to the external screwth- cured to the union, and retaining means, pro read 46. This adaptor ring is screwed on until vided on a part of the valve seating carrier it strikes the abutment surface 53 formed by within the union, define the axial position of the end face of the coupling ring 37. The the valve seating carrier of the bore is long in adaptor ring 52 has numerous axial grooves 100 relation to the axial extent of the sealing 54 at the periphery that are suited to a ther- means.

mostat attachment different from that suited 3. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 to those of the coupling ring 37. The adaptor or claim 2, wherein the valve shank carrier is ring may of course also have a different form, provided with an external screwthread mating for example be provided with an external 105 with an internal screw thread of the union.

screw-thread or a much larger diameter. 4. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 3, The coupling device 36 can for example be wherein the valve shank carrier is provided used in conjunction with a thermostat attach- with sealing means, of larger diameter than ment of the kind disclosed in DE-PS 32 36 the external screwthread and having a circum- 371. The coupling device with the adaptor 110 ferential seal positioned in a groove, to form a ring 52 can be used in conjunction with a seal with the union at a location axially further thermostat attachment of the kind disclosed in out than the mating screwthreads.

DE-PS 31 12 138. 5. A valve assembly as claimed in any pre With the aid of a valve assembly as de- ceding claim, wherein the valve shank carrier scribed, a valve housing 101 suitable for the 115 is provided with securing means for retaining, selected radiator can be chosen by the manuat least temporarily, the valve seating carrier.

facturer. Regardless of this, the mechanic in- 6. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 5, stalling the radiator can select a particular wherein the securing means comprises an in make of thermostat attachment as desired by ternal screwthread on the valve shank carrier, the customer whilst using much the same 120 and a mating external screwthread is provided components and he can select a particular k, on the valve seating carrier.

value according to the data of the installation. 7. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 5, Nevertheless, manipulation is simple because wherein the securing means comprises a cir the shank carrier and seating carrier can to- cumferential groove, and the valve seating car gether be installed and removed. 125 rier is provided with resiliently movable projec The tubular extension 32 may also have the tions to engage the groove of the securing same or substantially the same external dia- means.

meter throughout. In this case, the -sealing 8. A valve assembly as claimed in any one head- would merely be the sealing zone of claims 5 to 7, wherein the securing means around the circumferential seal 35 which 130is located on the inside of a tubular extension GB 2 187 823A 5 of the valve shank carrier means, and an ex- the valve shank carrier and is provided with a ternal screwthread is provided on the outside radially-projecting lug engaging in a notch on of the tubular extension for securing the valve the end of the union.

shank carrier to the union. 21. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 9. A valve assembly as claimed in any pre- 70 20, wherein the cylindrical bearing surface is ceding claim, wherein the retaining means of provided with a shallow circumferential groove the valve seating carrier comprise a circumfer- and the material of the coupling ring is de ential flange co-operating with an end face of formed at isolated points into the shallow cir the valve shank carrier. cumferential groove.

10. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 9, 75 22. A valve assembly as claimed in claim wherein the circumferential flange is arranged 20 when dependent on claim 17 or claim 21 to be pressed by the end face of the valve when dependent on claim 17, wherein the shank carrier against a step provided in the cylindrical bearing surface has a larger dia union. meter than the external screwthread of the 11. A valve assembly as claimed in any 80 securing means for an adaptor ring, and the preceding claim, wherein the the valve seating end of the coupling ring forms the associated carrier is made of plastics material. annular abutment.

12. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 23. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plastics material is a deforma- 18 or any of claims 19 to 22 when depen- ble plastics material and at least one annular 85 dent on claim 18, wherein a circumferential bead projects from the end face of the cir- groove with a part-conical side wall is pro cumferential flange. vided, between the securing means for an 13. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 2 adaptor ring and the thermostat attachment or any of claims 3 to 12 when dependent on coupling, for axially retaining a thermostat at claim 2, wherein the length of the cylindrical 90 tachment.

bore is substantially equal to the height of the 24. A valve assembly as claimed in any chamber in the housing. preceding claim, wherein the union and an end 14. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 2 portion of the housing with the bore are or claim 13 or any of claims 3 to 12 when welded into a central portion of the housing dependent on claim 2, wherein the distance 95 which bounds the chamber.

the circumferential sealing means of the tubu- 25. A valve assembly for use in a thermos lar extension of the valve seating carrier is tatic valve, the valve assembly being substan displaced in the cylindrical bore in use is at tially as herein described with reference to, least equal to half the height of the chamber and as illustrated by, Figure 1 of the accom in the housing. 100 panying drawings.

15. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 2 26. A valve assembly as claimed in claim or claim 13 or claim 14 or any of claims 3 to 25 but modified substantially as herein de 12 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the scribed with reference to, and as illustrated cylindrical bore has a length substantially equal by, Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

to the length of the tubular extension of the 105 27. A valve assembly as claimed in claim valve seating carrier. 25 but modified substantially as herein de 16. A valve assembly as claimed in any scribed with reference to, and as illustrated preceding claim, wherein the coupling means by, Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.

of the outer part of the valve shank carrier 28. A valve assembly as claimed in claim comprises a securing means for receiving an 110 25 but modified substantially as herein de adaptor ring for coupling a thermostat attach- scribed with reference to, and as illustrated ment. by, Figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying 17. A valve assembly as claimed in claim drawings.

16, wherein the securing means for an adap- 29. A valve shank carrier for use in a valve tor ring comprises an external screwthread 115 assembly as claimed in any preceding claim.

and an asociated annular abutment. 30. A valve seating carrier for use in a 18. A valve assembly as claimed in claim valve assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 16 or claim 17, wherein the coupling means to 29.

comprises both an adaptor ring securing 31. A thermostatic valve comprising a valve means and a thermostat attachment coupling, 120 assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 28 and the adaptor ring securing means is pro- in combination with a thermostat attachment.

vided axially further out than the thermostat attachment coupling. CLAIMS 19. A valve assembly as claimed in any Amendments to the claims have been filed, preceding claim, wherein the coupling means 125 and have the following effect:

comprises a rotatably mounted coupling ring Claims 1-31 above have been deleted or axially retained on the valve shank carrier. textually amended.

20. A valve assembly as claimed in claim New or textually amended claims have been 19, wherein the coupling ring is rotatably filed as follows:

mounted on a cylindrical bearing surface of 130 1. A valve shank carrier to form part of a 6 GB2187823A 6 valve assembly for use in a thermostatic comprises a securing means for receiving an valve, which assembly has: adaptor ring for coupling a thermostat attach a housing with a union, ment, a bore extending from the union to a con- 10. A valve shank carrier as claimed in nector, 70 claim 9, wherein the securing means for an a chamber, between the union and the con- adaptor ring comprises an external screwth nector, connected to at least one further con- read and an asociated annular abutment.

nector, 11. A valve shank carrier as claimed in a valve insert, comprising the valve shank claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the coupling carrier and a valve seating carrier, for securing 75 means comprises both an adaptor ring secur to the union with a part of the valve insert ing means and a thermostat attachment cou being received within the union, and pling, and the adaptor ring securing means is retaining means, provided on a part of the provided axially further out than the thermos valve seating carrier within the union, to de- tat attachment coupling.

fine the axial position of the valve seating car- 80 12. A valve shank carrier as claimed in any rier, preceding claim, wherein the coupling means wherein the valve shank carrier is: comprises a rotatably mounted coupling ring arranged to be secured to such a union, axially retained on the valve shank carrier.

arranged to provide the part of the valve 13. A valve shank carrier as claimed in insert outside of the union, 85 claim 12, wherein the coupling ring is rotata provided with coupling means for securing a bly mounted on a cylindrical bearing surface of thermostat attachment to the valve assembly, the valve shank carrier and is provided with a and radially-projecting lug for engaging in a notch has an end for location within the union ad- on the end of a union.

jacent to an end of the valve seating carrier. 90 14. A valve shank carrier as claimed in 2. A valve shank carrier as claimed in claim claim 13, wherein the cylindrical bearing sur- 1, wherein the valve shank carrier is provided face is provided with a shallow circumferential with an external screwthread for mating with groove and the material of the coupling ring is an internal screw thread of a union. deformed at isolated points into the shallow 3. A valve shank carrier as claimed in claim 95 circumferential groove.

2, wherein the valve shank carrier is provided 15. A valve shank carrier as claimed in with sealing means, of larger diameter than claim 13 when dependent on claim 10 or the external screwthread and having a circumclaim 14 when dependent on claim 10, ferential seal positioned in a groove, to form a wherein the cylindrical bearing surface has a seal with a union at a location axially further 100 larger diameter than the external screwthread out than the mating screwthreads. of the securing means for an adaptor ring, and 4. A valve shank carrier as claimed in any the end of the coupling ring forms the associ preceding claim, wherein the valve shank car- ated annular abutment.

rier is provided with securing means for re- 16. A valve shank carrier as claimed in taining, at least temporarily, a valve seating 105 claim 11 or any of claims 12 to 15 when carrier. dependent on claim 11, wherein a circumfer 5. A valve shank carrier as claimed in claim ential groove with a part- conical side wall is 4, wherein the securing means comprises an provided, between the securing means for an internal screwthread on the valve shank carrier adaptor ring and the thermostat attachment for engaging a mating external screwthread on 110 coupling, for axially retaining a thermostat at- a valve seating carrier. tachment.

6. A valve shank carrier as claimed in claim 17. A valve shank carrier for use in a ther- 4, wherein the securing means comprises a mostatic valve, the valve shank carrier being circumferential groove for engagement by resubstantially as herein described with refer- siliently movable projections on a valve sea- 115 ence to, and as illustrated by, Figure 1 of the ting carrier. accompanying drawings.

7. A valve shank carrier as claimed in any 18. A valve shank carrier for use in a ther one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the securing mostatic valve, the valve shank carrier being means is located on the inside of a tubular substantially as herein described with refer extension of the valve shank carrier means, 120 ence to, and as illustrated by, Figure 2 of the and an external screwthread is provided on accompanying drawings.

the outside of the tubular extension for secur- 19. A valve shank carrier for use in a ther ing the valve shank carrier to a union. mostatic valve, the valve shank carrier being 8. A valve shank carrier as claimed in any substantially as herein described with refer- preceding claim, wherein the valve shank car- 125 ence to, and as illustrated by, Figures 4 and 5 rier has an end face to co-operate with a cir- of the accompanying drawings.

cumferential flange of a valve seating carrier. Printed for Her Majesty's Stationery Office --- 9. A valve shank carrier as claimed in any by Burgess & Son (Abingdon) Ltd, Dd 8991685, 1987.

preceding claim, wherein the coupling means Published at The Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, of the outer part of the valve shank carrier London, WC2A 'I AY, from which copies may be obtained.