GB2410526A

GB2410526A - Thermostatic valve top part housing

Info

Publication number: GB2410526A
Application number: GB0501753A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kuno Nielsen; Jens Christian Jensen
Original assignee: Danfoss AS
Current assignee: Danfoss AS
Priority date: 2004-01-29
Filing date: 2005-01-27
Publication date: 2005-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2025-01-27
Also published as: DE102004004636B4; CN100376832C; DE102004004636A1; GB2410526B; GB0501753D0; CN1654870A

Abstract

A thermostatic valve top part housing 1 has an outer part 2 and an inner part 3, which overlap each other in the axial direction and are nonrotatably connected. To simplify the assembly the outer part has inner projections 4 with a bearing surface 5 and a first rotation stop 6. The inner part has outer projections 7 movable axially through a circumferential gap 20 between inner projections and by rotation between the inner part outer parts, behind the inner projection as far as the first rotation stop. In the outer part there is arranged a securing element 8 non-rotatably held 9, 21 in the outer part but axially displaceable against a restoring device 13. An element rotation stop 14 is biased by a spring 13 to drop behind the outer projection when engaged with the inner and together with the first rotation stop circumferentially locks the outer projection.

Description

24 1 0526 Thermostatic valve_top part housing This invention relates to a

thermostatic valve top part housing with an outer part and an inner part, which overlap each other at least partly in the axial direction and are non-rotatably connected with each other.

A thermostatic valve top part housing is usually made up of several parts, which must be fixedly connected with lO each other when assembly is complete, that is, they must be inseparably connected during normal use. In particular, a thermostatic element must be capable of being received in such a housing. Usually, provision is also made for the housing to have a base, in relation to which a rotatable control can be turned to set a desired value.

Usually, for assembly of the thermostatic valve top part, the individual parts for insertion In the housing are pre-assembled, and then the outer part and the inner part are pressed onto each other in the axial direction, so as to lock with one another. This presupposes, however, that either the outer part or the inner part, or even both parts, have elements that are resiliently deformable. This limits the choice of materials. In addition, a certain space is required to permit deflection movements of engaging elements during engagement.

The invention is based on the problem of simplifying the assembly of such a housing.

The present invention provides a thermostatic valve top part housing comprising: an outer part, and an Inner part, the inner and outer parts overlapping each other at least partly in the axial direction and -147 11 02 21/03/05 being, in use, non-rotatably connected with each other, wherein: in the outer part, there is arranged at least one inner projection with a bearing surface, which inner projection has, in the circumferential direction, at least one gap, and there is at least one first rotation stop projecting Towards, In the inner part, at least one outer projection is located, which outer projection is movable axially through the gap and is movable, by a rotation between the inner part and the outer part, behind the inner projection in the circumferential direction as far as the first rotation stop, and in the outer part, there is arranged a securing element which is axially displaceable against the force of a restoring device, the securing element having a second rotation stop, which, together with the first rotation stop, retains the outer projection in the circumferential direction, the securing element being non-rotatably held in the outer part, at least when the second rotation stop acts upon the outer projection in the circumferential direction.

With a housing as mentioned in the introduction, the above-mentioned problem is solved in that the outer part has the at least one inner projection with the bearing surface, which has in the circumferential direction the at least one gap, and the at least one first rotation stop, projecting inwards, at least one outer projection is located in the inner part, which outer projection is movable axially through the interruption and by a rotation between the inner part and the outer part behind the ironer projection in the circumferential direction as far as the first rotation stop, and, in the outer part, there is 747 i1:46 27/01/05 arranged the securing element axially displaceable against the force of a restoring device, the securing element having the second rotation stop that together with the first rotation stop retains the outer projection ire Lie circumferential direction, the securing element being nonrotatably held In the outer part, at least when the second rotation stop acts upon the outer projection in the circumferential direction.

In such a construction, the inner part and the outer part are connected with each other by means of a modified bayonet joint. In principle, the connection is effected simply by inserting the inner part in the outer part, moving axially over a predetermined distance and then rotating the outer part and the inner part relative to each other. Thus, the outer projection engages behind the inner projection in the axial direction, so that separation of the outer part and the inner part is no longer possible by pulling in the axial direction. A rotational movement between the outer part and the inner part is likewise no longer possible. The first rotation stop prevents movement of the outer projection in the one direction. The second rotation stop prevents movement of the outer projection in the circumferential direction in the opposite direction. The outer part and the inner part are thus held non-rotatably with respect to each other.

In this context, "non-rota/ably" means that a rotational movement of the outer part will move the inner part together with it. This movement does not have to be effected right from the beginning. Some play, caused by tolerances during manufacturing, or even a somewhat larger, free movement, are allowable without problems, without departing from the basic concept of the invention.

During assembly, the securing element is initially 747 11:02 2//01/05 i 4 - displaced by the outer projection, so that the outer projection can be moved past the inner projection. When the outer projection has reached its final position, the securing element is automatically moved by the restoring device into a position in which the outer projection can no longer be moved in the circumferential direction.

Preferably, the at least one first rotation stop is in the region of the bearing surface.

In an advantageous embodiment, provision is made for the inner part to have a locking mechanism that can be brought into engage with the outer part by rotation and prevents an axial movement between the inner part and the outer part in the direction of a separation of the inner projection and the outer projection. The rotation between IS the inner part and the outer part now causes a positive connection between the inner part and the outer part, so that the inner part and the outer part can no longer be displaced in relation to each other in the axial direction.

It is preferred here that the locking mechanism is connected with the outer projection. This simplifies manufacture. For example, the inner part can be made by injection moulding and the locking mechanism can be injected onto the outer projection. This increases the stability of the locking mechanism.

Preferably, the locking mechanism has a projection arrangement engaging the inner projection axially from two sides. In other words, outer projections on the inner part may be provided on both axial sides of the inner projection. As soon as the inner projection has engaged Between the outer projections, which can be effected by the rotation mentioned above, the inner part and the outer part are supported Immovably in the axial direction, lo 747 31.02 27/01/5 relation to each other. Here too, of course, some play lS allowable.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, provision is made for the locking mechanism to engage in a recess on the outer part. Here too, axial movement between the inner part and the outer part Is then no longer possible.

Preferably, the locking mechanism engages the recess with a portion that is thinner than the outer projection in the axial and/or the radial direction. In this case, lO the thicker part of the outer projection serves as rotation angle limitation.

As an alternative or in addition to the described locking mechanism, provision may be made for the locking mechanism to have an extension projecting beyond the securing element in the circumferential direction, said extension co-operating with an axial stop on the outer part. Also in this case, axial displacement between the inner part and the outer part is blocked.

Preferably, the securing element is in the form of a ring, having on its circumferential face at least one projection that fits between two ribs on the inside of the outer part. The ring is therefore movable or displaceable in the axial direction, the projection being guided between the two ribs. Accordingly, axial movement of the ring lS possible, but at the latest when the inner part has been inserted in the outer part, rotation is no longer possible.

Preferably, the projection is L-shaped and projects with one limb beyond the axial extent of the ring, the limb forming the second rotation stop. This simplifies the construction of the ring. The rotation prevention of the securing element is combined with the second rotation stop. In this way, the risk that deformations of the ring 747 11:0? 27/01/05 - 6 will result in larger rotary movements between the outer part and the inner part is kept small.

Preferably, the ring has a cylinder-shaped extension.

This creates a chamber with a smooth limiting wall inside the extension. The function elements of the thermostatic valve top part can then be located in this chamber with no risk that they will collide with parts serving to connect the inner part and the outer part.

Preferably, the restoring device is in the form of a spring, which surrounds the extension. The extension therefore also secures the spring. The spring is located in the chamber between the extension and the outer part.

It can therefore be compressed, but is otherwise, however, virtually unreformable. It is therefore possible to use even a relatively weak spring.

Thermostatic valve top part housings constructed in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 (made up of Figs la to Id) is a schematic view showing the connection between an outer part and an inner part of a thermostatic valve top part housing; Fig. 2 shows a modified embodiment; Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment) Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of a thermostatic valve top part housing according to the principle shown in Fig. 3; and Fig. 5 shows a fourth embodiment.

747 11: S 2 //01/05 Referring to the accompanying drawings, a thermostatic valve top part housing l (Fig. 4) has an outer part 2 and an inner part 3. In the assembled state, the inner part 3 is to be inserted, at least partly, into the outer part 2. The outer part 2 and the inner part 3 are to be connected with each other in a non-rotatable and "inseparable" manner in the axial direction.

The connection will now be explained in detail on the l0 basis of the schematic view in Fig. 1. In the Figs. l to 3, the axial direction extends from the bottom to the top and vice versa, and the circumferential direction from the left to the right and vice versa. The view in Figs. l to 3 is in the radial direction.

The outer part 2 has an inner projection 4, which projects inwards from the outer part 2 in the radial direction. The inner projection 4 is, for example, injection-moulded in one piece with the outer part 2. The inner projection 4 has a bearing surface 5, which is directed at right angles to the axial direction.

Furthermore, the outer part 2 has a first rotation stop 6, which can likewise be injection-moulded in one piece with the outer part 2, and is located in the area of the bearing surface 5. In the embodiment according to Fig. l, the first rotation stop 6 is illustrated immediately adjacent to the bearing surface 5. Such an arrangement is, however, is not obligatory, however.

On the inner part 3, there is located a radially outwardly projecting projection 7, which, as is apparent from Figs. ]c and id, be moved past the inner projection 4 lo the axial direction, a subsequent rotation in the circumferential direction causing the progectior- 7 to 74/ 11 0.'2-//t;1/05 - 8 cngage behind the inner projection 4 and come to rest on the bearing surface 5.

Furthermore, a securing element 8 is provided, which, ire the assembled state, serves to prevent rotation of the inner part 3 in relation to the outer part 2 in the direction away from the first rotation stop 6.

for this purpose, the outer part 2 has a rib 9, which is spaced from the first rotation stop 6 by a distance which corresponds to the length of the securing element 8 In the circumferential direction. Between the rib 9 and the inner projection 4 is provided a window lO, through which the securing element 8 can be moved into a space 11 formed between the rib 9 and the first rotation stop 6.

This is shown by an arrow 12. As soon as the securing element 8 is in the space 11 (Fig. Ib), a spring 13 presses it against the bearing surface 5 on the inner projection 4.

For the further assembly, the inner part 3 with its outer projection 7 is now moved in the axial direction into the outer part 2. The outer projection 7 presses the securing element 8 against the force of the spring 13 into the space 11 (Fig. lo). As soon as the outer projection 7 has moved past the inner projection 4, a rotation between the outer part 2 and the inner part 3 can position the outer projection 7 behind the inner projection 4. In the axial direction, it will then engage the bearing surface 5 and in the circumferential direction will engage the first rotation stop 6. The force of the spring 13 will again press the securing element 8 in the direction of the bearing surface 5. At the same time, a second rotation stop 14, Welch is located on the securing element 8, will come to rest on the other side of the outer pro]ectior-r 7 (in the circumferential direction). The rib 9 prevents 74/ li:'j? 7/01/0', - 9 movement of the securing element 8 in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the outer projection 7 Is fixed In the circumferential direction.

An axial movement in the direction In w}mch the outer part 2 and the inner part 3 are pulled apart IS not possible. The Co-OlOeratlOn of the outer projection 7 and the inner projection 4 prevents such a movement.

In principle, a movement during which the ironer part 3 is pushed further into the outer part 2 is possible.

However, such a movement will not result in separation of the outer part 2 and the inner part 3. A rotation between these two parts is also prevented, as the securing element 8 is fixed between the rib 9 and the first rotation stop 6 and accordingly a rotation between the outer projection 7 and the inner projection 4 is prevented. A subsequent pulling movement of the inner part 3 in relation to the outer part 2 does not result in separation of the two parts 2, 3 either.

It is expedient to have several projection pairings comprising an inner projection 4 and an outer projection 7 arranged In the circumferential direction of the housing.

In this case, gaps are provided between the individual inner projections 4, each gap accommodating a respective outer projection 7.

To prevent an axial movement between the outer part 2 and the inner part 3 in both directions, the bayonet joint illustrated in Eig. 1 can be somewhat modified and a locking mechanism 15 can be provided. In the embodiment according to Fig. 2, the locking mechanism 15 has on the outer projection 7 a finger 16 pointing in the circumferential direction, said finger 16 engaging in a recess 17 on the first rotation stop 6, when the outer part 2 and the inner part 3 have been rotated towards one 7471 02 27/oi/os - 10 - another into their cad position. The co-operation of the finger 16 and the recess 17 prevents an axial movement in both directions. Otherwise, the embodiment according to Fig. 2 works exactly like the embodiment accordr.g to Flg.

1. The recess 17 has at the same time an access face for the projection 16 which access face in at least one dimension (axial and/or radial, in relation to the outer part 2) is smaller than the outer projection 7, so that the outer projection 7 can still rest on the rotation stop 6. Above all, the recess 17 is designed so that the securing element 8 cannot enter, but can also be moved only up to the rotation stop 6.

In order to separate the outer part 2 and the Inner part 3, it is always necessary to act separately upon the securing element 8 from the outside and to push It back against the force of the spring 13 before the inner part 3 can be turned in relation to the outer part 2.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment modified in relation to Fig. 2 with a securing element 15, a second outer projection 18 being provided parallel to the first outer projection 7. The axial distance between the two outer projections 7, 18 is chosen so that in the axial direction the inner projection 4 fits exactly between them. Also from Fig. 3 it can easily be seen that in the assembled position shown, the outer projection 7 and the inner projection 4 can no longer be separated from each other, neither in the circumferential direction (from left to right), nor in the axial direction (from top to bottom).

Fig. 4 shows a housing 1 according to the embodiment, shown schematically in Fig. 3. The same elements have the same reference numbers.

On Its circumferential face, in the axial direction, the inner part 3 has the two outer projections 7, 18 74/ ]1 02 21/01/, arranged one after the other at a mutual distance 19. In the clrcurnferentlal direction, a total of four such groups is provided.

In a similar manner, the outer part 2 has four loner projections 4 (only one of which can be seen). Between the inner projections 4 gaps 20 are provided, through which the upper outer projection 7 can be guided. The axial extent of the inner projection 4 corresponds to the distance 19.

The first rotation stop 6 is continued as a rib 21.

The space 11 is provided between the two ribs 9, 21.

The securing element 8 comprises a ring 22 which has four projections 23 distributed in the circumferential direction on its outer circumferential face. The length of the projections 23 in the circumferential direction is exactly the same as the length of the space 11 in the circumferential direction, that is, the distance between the two ribs 9, 21.

The projection 23 is L-shaped. The downwardly extending limb of the L forms the second rotation stop 14.

The securing element 8 has a cylinder-shaped extension 24, which extends axially on the side opposite the second rotation stops 14. The extension 24 surrounds an inner chamber 25, in which function elements, not shown, of the thermostatic valve top part can be accommodated. Furthermore, the extension 24 serves as guide for the spring 13.

Assembly of the housing 1 is now effected in the following manner: First of- all, the spring 13 is inserted in the outer part 2. The outer circumference of the spring 13 approximately corresponds to the inside width of the space available inside the outer part 2, that is, the diameter 147 11 02 27/01/05 of the spring 13, which forms a restoring device, corresponds to the diametrical distance between oppositely arranged ribs 9 or 21 or oppositely arranged inr-er projections 4.

Then, the securing element 8 is inserted. At the same time, the extension 24 Is introduced into the Inside of the spring 13. A combined axial and radial movement brings the projection 23 through the window 10 into the space 11 between the two ribs 9, 21. The securing element 8 is therefore, for the moment, fixed in the outer part 2.

The next step is to insert the inner part 3 in the outer part 2. This will move the securing element 8 further into the inside of the outer part 2 against the force of the spring 13. As soon as the outer projection 7 has been led past the inner projection 4 in the axial direction, the inner part 3 can be turned in relation to the outer part 2. The assembler is able to recognize this depth, for example, in that the outer projection 7 butts against the rib 9 and a further movement of the inner part 3 into the outer part 2 is no longer possible.

Thus, as soon as the outer projection 7 has been moved past the inner projection 4 in the axial direction, the inner part 3 is turned in relation to the outer part 2. At the same time, the outer projection 18 reaches the other side of the inner projection 4, so that the outer part 2 and the inner part 3 can no longer be turned in relation to each other in the axial direction.

As soon as the outer projection 7 comes to rest at the first rotation stop 6 in the circumferential direction, the force of the spring 13 again presses the securing element 8 towards the inner part 3. At the same time, the second rotation stop 14 reaches the other side of the outer projection 7, seen in the circumferential 74/ 11:02 27/01/05 - 13 dlrection, so that the outer projection 7 is blocked in both directions of rotation.

The outer part 2 and the inner part 3 are thus non- rotatably and, In the axial direction inseparably (unless special measures are taken), connected with each other.

In order to separate the outer part 2 and the inner part 3, the securing element 8 must be displaced against the force of the spring 13. This is only possible with the assistance of external tools, not, however, during lO "normal" operation, in which the housing l is fixed on a radiator and turned for setting a desired value.

The embodiment has the advantage that the outer part 2 and the inner part 3 can be separated from each other without having to damage the components. This is a substantial advantage from the point of view of the disposal of waste.

Fig. 5 shows schematically a further possibility of how a "bayonet joint" for connecting the outer part 2 and the inner part 3 can be configured.

To start with, the embodiment corresponds in principle to that of Fig. 1. However, in the circumferential direction, on the side facing away from the rotation stop 6, the outer projection 7 has an extension 26 extending beyond the securing element 8, said extension 26 coming to rest on a stop 27, when the inner part 3 is connected with the outer part 2. The stop 27 can for example be formed by the lower end face of the rib 9. The axial distance between the rib 9 and the inner projection 4 corresponds to the axial thickness of the outer projection 7. Thus, the outer projection 7 Is moved behind the inner projection 4 in the axial direction, until it comes to rest on the stop 27. Then the inner part 3 is turned in relation to the outer part 2, until 797 11:02 27/01/05 - 14 - the downwardly projecting limb 29 of the securing element 8 catches lo a recess 28, which is formed on the outer projection 7.

With the connections shown, it is still possible to perform an axial movement between the inner part 3 and the outer part 2, for example for the purpose of preventing excessive temperatures.

/4 1 11:02 ? 7/01/05

Claims

C L A I M S: 1. A thermostatic valve top part housing comprising: an outer

part, and an inner part, the inner and outer parts overlapping each other at least partly in the axial direction and being, in use, non-rotatably connected with each other, wherein: in the outer part there is arranged at least one inner projection with a bearing surface, which inner projection has, in the circumferential direction, at least one gap, and there is at least one first rotation stop projecting inwards, in the inner part, at least one outer projection is located, which outer projection is movable axially through the gap and is movable, by a rotation between the inner part and the outer part, behind the inner projection in the circumferential direction as far as the first rotation stop, and in the outer part, there is arranged a securing element which is axially displaceable against the force of a restoring device, the securing element having a second rotation stop, which, together with the first rotation stop, retains the outer projection in the circumferential direction, the securing element being non-rotatably held In the outer part, at least when the second rotation stop acts upon the outer projection in the circumferential direction.

2. A housing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first rotation stop is in the region of the bearing surface.

747 11 46 27/01/05 3. A housing according to claim 1 or claim ?, wherein the inner part has a locking mechanism arranced to be brought into engagement with the outer part by the rotational movement, and prevents axial movement between the inr-er part and the outer part in the direction of separating the inner projection and the outer projection.

4. A housing according to claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism is connected with the outer projection.

5. A housing according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the locking mechanism has a projection arrangement engaging the inner projection axially from two sides.

6. A housing according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the locking mechanism engages in a recess on the outer part.

7. A housing according to claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism engages the recess with a portion which is thinner than the outer projection in the axial and/or the radial direction.

8. A housing according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the locking mechanism has an extension projecting beyond the securing element in the circumferential direction, said extension co-operating with an axial stop on the outer part.

9. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the securing element is in the form of a ring, having on its circumference at least one projection, which 747 11:02 27/01/05 fits between the rotation stop and a rlb on the inside of the outer part.

lO. A housing according to claim 9, wherein the projection is L-shaped and projects with one limb beyond the axial extent of the ring, the said limb forming the second rotation stop.

11. A housing according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the ring has a cylindershaped extension.

12. A housing according to claim 11, wherein the restoring device is in the form of a spring which surrounds the extension.

13. A thermostatic valve top part housing substantially as herein described with reference to, and as illustrated by, Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

14. A thermostatic valve top part housing substantially as herein described with reference to, and as illustrated by, Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

15. A thermostatic valve top part housing substantially as herein described with reference to, and as illustrated by, Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.

16. A thermostatic valve top part housing substantially as herein described with reference to, and as illustrated by, Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.

197 11:02 27/01/05 - 18 17. A thermostatic valve top part housing substantially as herein described with reference to, and as Illustrated by, Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.

518. A thermostatic valve top part having a housr-g as claimed in any preceding claim.

747 11:02 27/01/05