JPH0828267A - Thermostat device and thermostat inspecting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify inspection of whether a thermostat is normal by forming a mark by means of which it is discriminated based on the specified portion of a housing or a portion where the thermostat is not displaced whether a displacement amount of a valve is suitable for a temperature change. CONSTITUTION:The tip of a mark member 25 is formed in a mark 25a by means of which it is discriminated based on the tip of the caulked part 12a of a spindle 12 whether a thermostat 10 is normally worked. The mark member 25 is formed in a position which reaches the opening surface of a second flow port 5 when a first valve 16 is in a closed state. When the first valve 16 is fully opened and a second valve 17 is closed, length is set in such a manner that the mark member is retracted through the tip of the caulked part 12a of the spindle 12 toward a pellet 13. It is confirmed whether at a room temperature, the mark 25a is situated in a position of the opening surface of the second flow port 5 and when it is situated in the position of the opening surface, the first valve 16 is in a state to make contact with a valve seat 18. Namely, the first valve 16 is normally energized through the force of a first spring 19 and no abnormality also occurs to the pellet 13.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thermostat device for interrupting the flow of a liquid according to its temperature and a method for checking the thermostat.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A thermostat device used for a water-cooled engine of an automobile comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet for cooling water and a thermostat housed in the housing. The housing is composed of a thermostat case having an inlet (or outlet) of cooling water and a thermostat cover having an outlet (or inlet) of cooling water, and flanges of the thermostat case and the thermostat cover are gaskets. Via bolts (see Mazda Co., Ltd., May 1987, Capella Maintenance Manual, page 3-9, the same company, January 1990, MPV Maintenance Manual, page E-7). Further, the thermostat case and the thermostat cover are generally manufactured by die casting of an aluminum alloy.

Therefore, when inspecting the thermostat, the bolt is removed to remove the thermostat cover, and the gasket is removed to take out the thermostat. Then, at room temperature, it is visually inspected whether the valve is open, and if the seal is poor, the thermostat is replaced. If not, put the thermostat in the water of the heating container, gradually raise the water temperature while stirring, check the temperature at the beginning of valve opening and the fully open temperature, and check the valve lift amount at the fully open temperature. Measure with a ruler and if there is a problem, the thermostat will be replaced.

[0004]

As described above, the weight of the thermostat device is reduced by making the housing of an aluminum alloy. As a means for further reducing the weight, the thermostat without the flange is used. A method of integrating the case and the cover by welding, and a method of welding these as a plastic product are conceivable. By doing so, the weight can be reduced and the gasket can be made unnecessary.

However, when the above-mentioned integrated means is taken, the entire thermostat device can be removed from the engine or the like for inspection of the thermostat, but the internal thermostat cannot be taken out from the housing. The conventional inspection method cannot be adopted.

[0006]

As a result of repeated experiments and studies on the above problems, the present inventor must accurately measure the lift amount of the valve in order to inspect the thermostat. If the thermostat device itself is provided with a means for assisting such measurement in advance, it becomes possible to easily perform the measurement even if the thermostat cannot be taken out from the housing. It has been found that the means is relatively simple, no significant design change of the thermostat device is required, and the required weight reduction is achieved, and the extra effect that the gasket is unnecessary is obtained. The invention has been completed. Less than,
The invention according to each claim for solving the above problems will be specifically described.

<Invention of Claim 1> This invention is the first
A thermostat device comprising a housing having a flow port and a second flow port, in which a thermostat having a valve for interrupting the flow of the liquid between the first flow port and the second flow port is accommodated. Whether the amount of displacement of the valve when the temperature is actually changed at the portion of the movable portion that is displaced together with the valve toward the first flow port or the second flow port corresponds to the temperature change. Is provided with a mark for distinguishing the specific part of the housing or the specific part where the thermostat is not displaced as a reference.

-Operation- In the case of the present invention, since the above-mentioned mark is provided at a portion of the movable part of the thermostat facing the first circulation port or the second circulation port, the mark does not have to be disassembled and the mark is a housing. Can be seen from the outside through the first circulation port or the second circulation port. And this mark is
This is for distinguishing whether or not the amount of displacement of the valve corresponds to the temperature change based on a specific part of the housing or a specific part where the thermostat is not displaced, and opens the entire thermostat device by a predetermined valve opening. In the state of being heated to the temperature, the mark is observed from the first flow port or the second flow port with reference to the specific part of the housing or the specific part of the thermostat, and whether the mark has moved to a predetermined position or not. It is possible to confirm whether the thermostat is normal or not by checking.

<Invention of Claim 2> According to the present invention, in the thermostat device according to claim 1, the thermostat includes a machine frame provided with a valve seat on which the valve abuts, and a machine frame. A fixed spindle; and a pellet fitted in the spindle and axially moving with respect to the spindle by thermal expansion and contraction of wax enclosed therein, the pellet supporting the valve, The pellet is provided with a member serving as the mark.

-Operation- In the case of the present invention, since the above-mentioned mark member is provided on the pellet, there is no need to add special work to the valve itself, which is a functional member, and there is no possibility of impairing the function of the thermostat. At the same time, it is easy to attach a mark.

<Invention of Claim 3> In the thermostat device according to claim 2, one end of the spindle is fixed to the machine frame, and a sliding tube is slidable on the spindle. And the pellet is supported by the sliding tube and arranged at the other end of the spindle, and the housing has one of the first flow port and the second flow port in front of the one end of the spindle. A mark member is provided so as to project from the sliding pipe toward the flow port, one end of the spindle is set to a specific portion serving as the reference, and a tip of the mark member is provided in the valve. It is characterized in that a mark for distinguishing whether or not the amount of displacement corresponds to the temperature change is determined based on one end of the spindle.

-Operation- In the present invention, since the specific portion serving as a reference for confirming the valve displacement amount is one end of the spindle facing the first flow port, it is easy to visually recognize it from the outside of the housing. In addition, since the mark is used to distinguish the position by the positional relationship with the one end of the spindle, the visual recognition becomes easier.

<Invention of Claim 4> In the thermostat device according to claim 1, the invention serves as the reference of the movable part when the valve of the thermostat makes the corresponding displacement. The movable portion is provided with a colored portion as the mark so that the color of the portion corresponding to the specific portion changes.

-Operation- In the case of the present invention, since the mark is formed by coloring the movable portion, the mark can be formed easily, and the displacement of the valve corresponds to the temperature change. It's easy to tell whether something is good or bad.

<Invention of Claim 5> According to the present invention, in the thermostat device according to claim 4, the housing has a third flow port in addition to the first flow port and the second flow port. The thermostat comprises a machine frame having a valve seat, a spindle fixed to the machine frame, and expansion and contraction due to heat of wax enclosed in the spindle and enclosed therein by the spindle. With respect to the axial direction, and a pellet supported by the pellet and abutting against the valve seat, when the temperature of the liquid exceeds a first set temperature, from the first flow port to the second flow port. A normally closed first valve that opens so as to allow the flow of liquid, and when the temperature of the liquid supported by the pellets via a rod exceeds a second set temperature that is higher than the first set temperature. First distribution Third and a normally open second valve abutting against the valve seat formed in said housing to block the flow of liquid into the flow port from the machine frame, the second
A retainer for a spring for urging the first valve in the closing direction is provided around the outer periphery of the support rod of the valve,
The support rod is provided with the colored portion, and the retainer is defined at a specific portion serving as the reference.

-Operation- The present invention is an embodiment of the invention according to claim 4, wherein the retainer having a specific portion serving as the reference is
It is provided on the outer periphery of the support rod having the colored portion as a mark, and the mark and the reference specific portion are arranged in close proximity to each other. Fewer false positives when deciding whether or not they are appropriate.

<Invention of Claim 6> According to the present invention, in the thermostat device according to claim 1, the movable portion is in a regular positional relationship with respect to a specific portion serving as the reference at different temperatures. The present invention is characterized by having a plurality of marks for distinguishing whether or not there is one.-Operation-In the case of the present invention, since a plurality of marks functioning at different temperatures are provided, the operating state of the thermostat can be ensured. It will be advantageous to grasp.

<Invention of Claim 7> According to the present invention, in the thermostat device according to claim 6, the plurality of marks have the movable portion at the temperature at which the valve should be in a closed state. A first mark for distinguishing whether or not there is a regular positional relationship with respect to a reference specific portion, and a movable portion with respect to the reference specific portion at a temperature at which the valve should be in an open state. It is characterized in that it is a second mark for distinguishing whether or not there is a regular positional relationship.

-Operation-In the case of the present invention, whether the valve is in the closed state at the temperature at which the valve should be in the closed state or not at the temperature at which the valve should be in the open state is determined by the first mark and the second mark. It is possible to confirm whether or not the valve is open, and the thermostat can be surely inspected.

<Invention of Claim 8> According to the present invention, the flow of liquid between the first flow port and the second flow port is provided in a housing having the first flow port and the second flow port. In a thermostat device in which a thermostat having an intermittent valve is accommodated, a thermostat device is provided at a portion of the housing facing the first circulation port or the second circulation port, or toward the first circulation port or the second circulation port of the thermostat. Whether the amount of displacement of the valve when the temperature of the thermostat is actually changed corresponds to the temperature change is determined by the position of the movable part that is displaced together with the valve of the thermostat. It is characterized in that a mark for distinguishing it is provided.

-Operation- In the case of the present invention, the mark does not displace at a portion facing the first circulation port or the second circulation port of the housing or at the thermostat toward the first circulation port or the second circulation port. Therefore, the mark can be visually recognized from the outside of the housing through the first circulation port or the second circulation port without disassembling the housing, similarly to the invention according to claim 1. Then, with the entire thermostat device heated to a predetermined valve opening temperature,
Observe the mark from the first distribution port or the second distribution port,
Whether or not the thermostat is normal can be confirmed by whether or not a predetermined part of the movable part of the thermostat has moved to the position of the mark.

<Invention of Claim 9> According to the present invention, in the thermostat device according to claim 8, the mark is the first flow path located on the inner wall surface of the housing and next to the movable portion of the thermostat. It is characterized in that it is formed by a protrusion protruding at a position facing the mouth or the second circulation port.

-Operation-In the case of the present invention, since the protrusion as a mark is provided at the side of the movable part of the thermostat at a position facing the first circulation port or the second circulation port, the mark and the movable part are connected to each other. It becomes easy to grasp the positional relationship by observing from the first circulation port or the second circulation port.

<Invention of Claim 10> According to the present invention, in the thermostat device according to claim 9, the housing has a third flow port in addition to the first flow port and the second flow port. The thermostat comprises a machine frame having a valve seat, a spindle fixed to the machine frame, and expansion and contraction due to heat of wax enclosed in the spindle and enclosed therein by the spindle. With respect to the axial direction, and a pellet supported by the pellet and abutting against the valve seat, when the temperature of the liquid exceeds a first set temperature, from the first flow port to the second flow port. A normally closed first valve that opens so as to allow the flow of liquid, and a temperature of the liquid supported by the pellet that is the first
A normally open second abutting valve seat formed on the housing to block the flow of liquid from the first flow port to the third flow port when a second set temperature higher than the set temperature is exceeded.
A valve, wherein the second valve constitutes a movable part of the thermostat, and the first valve beside the second valve.
It is characterized in that a projection as the mark is provided so as to project from the inner wall surface of the housing at a position facing the flow port.

-Operation- The present invention embodies the invention according to the above-mentioned claim 9, and since the displacement amount of the second valve can be directly measured by the mark, a reliable inspection of the thermostat is scheduled. can do.

<Invention of Claim 11> In the thermostat device according to claim 8 of the present invention, it is for distinguishing whether or not a specific portion of the movable portion is in a regular position at different temperatures. It is characterized by having a plurality of marks.

-Operation- In the case of the present invention, since a plurality of marks functioning at different temperatures are provided, it is advantageous for surely grasping the operating state of the thermostat.

<Invention of Claim 12> In the thermostat device according to claim 11 of the present invention, the plurality of marks identify the movable portion at a temperature at which the valve should be in a closed state. A first mark for distinguishing whether or not the part is in the regular position, and a first mark for distinguishing whether or not the specific part of the movable part is in the regular position at the temperature at which the valve should be in the open state. It is characterized by being a second mark.

-Operation-In the case of the present invention, whether the valve is in the closed state at the temperature at which the valve should be in the closed state or not at the temperature at which the valve should be in the open state is determined by the first mark and the second mark. It is possible to confirm whether or not the valve is open, and the thermostat can be surely inspected.

<Invention of Claim 13> The present invention provides a housing having a first flow port and a second flow port, wherein
In a thermostat device containing a thermostat having a valve that connects and disconnects the flow of liquid between a circulation port and a second circulation port, a transparent or translucent material whose housing allows the inside of the thermostat to be seen through from the outside. Is formed on the wall surface of the housing,
A mark for distinguishing whether or not the displacement amount of the valve when the temperature of the thermostat is actually changed corresponds to the temperature change based on the position of the movable part that is displaced by the temperature change of the thermostat. It is characterized by being provided.

In the case of the present invention, since the housing is transparent or semi-transparent and the internal thermostat can be seen through from the outside, the positional relationship between the mark of the housing and the movable part of the thermostat can be visually recognized from the outside. It is possible to confirm whether or not the thermostat is normal by checking whether or not the positional relationship is expected.

<Invention of Claim 14> In the thermostat device according to claim 13, the mark is based on the position of the peripheral edge of the valve displaced along the inner wall surface of the housing. In order to make the above distinction, the peripheral edge of the valve is provided at the side of the position where it should exist at a specific temperature.

In the case of the present invention, the distinction is made based on the position of the peripheral edge of the valve that is displaced along the inner wall surface of the housing, and since the mark and the peripheral edge of the valve are in a close positional relationship, the housing Even if is semi-transparent, the positional relationship between the two can be clearly seen, and whether the positional relationship is expected or not can be accurately seen.

<Invention of Claim 15> The present invention is the thermostat device according to claim 13, wherein the valve is provided with a projection protruding forward or rearward in the moving direction thereof. However, in order to perform the discrimination based on the position of the tip of the protrusion, the tip of the protrusion is provided on the side of the position where it should exist at a specific temperature.

In the case of the present invention, since the valve is provided with the protrusion for the discrimination, the mark can be provided at a position suitable for the discrimination, which is advantageous for confirming whether or not the thermostat is normal. .

<Invention of Claim 16> According to the present invention, in the thermostat device according to claim 13, the housing has a third flow port in addition to the first flow port and the second flow port. The thermostat comprises a machine frame having a valve seat, a spindle fixed to the machine frame, and expansion and contraction due to heat of wax enclosed in the spindle and enclosed therein by the spindle. With respect to the axial direction, and a pellet supported by the pellet and abutting against the valve seat, when the temperature of the liquid exceeds a first set temperature, from the first flow port to the second flow port. A normally closed first valve that opens so as to allow the flow of liquid, and a temperature of the liquid supported by the pellet that is the first
A normally open second abutting valve seat formed on the housing to block the flow of liquid from the first flow port to the third flow port when a second set temperature higher than the set temperature is exceeded.
A valve is provided, and the mark is provided on the side of the position where the peripheral edge of the second valve should exist at a specific temperature in order to perform the discrimination based on the position of the second valve. It is characterized by

In the case of the present invention, since the position of the second valve is directly observed, it is advantageous to confirm whether or not the thermostat is normal.

<Invention of Claim 17> The present invention provides the thermostat device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the mark is a protrusion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing. It is characterized by being formed by a strip.

In the present invention, since the ridge is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, no design change such as the arrangement of the internal thermostat is necessary, and the inside can be seen through the ridge. Therefore, it is advantageous to grasp the positional relationship between the ridge and the movable part of the thermostat.

<Invention of Claim 18> The present invention provides a housing having a first circulation port and a second circulation port,
In a thermostat device in which a thermostat having a valve for connecting and disconnecting a flow of a liquid between a circulation port and a second circulation port is accommodated, an inner wall surface of the housing or a fixing portion that does not displace the thermostat is provided with the housing. For measuring the distance between a movable part that is inserted from the outside and is displaced together with the valve of the thermostat and a specific part of the housing that is present on the front side in the insertion direction with respect to the movable part or a specific part that does not displace the thermostat. A guide is formed to guide the ruler so that the tip of the ruler contacts the movable portion.

-Operation- In the case of the present invention, it is confirmed whether or not the displacement of the valve corresponds to the temperature change by directly measuring the displacement of the movable part of the thermostat according to the temperature change with a ruler. However, the guide surely brings the ruler into contact with the movable part, and the guide keeps the ruler in a constant direction, which prevents a measurement error.

<Invention of Claim 19> According to the present invention, in the thermostat device according to claim 18, the guide includes a valve of the thermostat and a first flow port or a second flow port of the housing. It is characterized in that it guides the ruler into contact with the valve of the thermostat in order to measure the distance to the edge.

-Operation- In the case of the present invention, since the ruler comes into contact with the valve, the amount of displacement of the valve can be directly measured, which is advantageous in ensuring the inspection of the thermostat.
The reference point for achieving the displacement amount is the first flow port or the second flow port.
Since it is the edge of the flow port and is a part that is easily visible from the outside of the housing, it is more effective in ensuring the above inspection.

<Invention of Claim 20> In the thermostat device according to claim 19, the guide is formed on the inner wall of the first flow port or the second flow port of the housing. It is characterized in that it is a ridge extending in the moving direction of the valve.

-Operation- In the case of the present invention, since the guide is formed on the inner wall of the first circulation port or the second circulation port of the housing, it is suitable for inserting the ruler into the housing. .
Further, since the guide is a ridge extending in the moving direction of the valve, the ruler becomes parallel to the moving direction of the valve,
Therefore, the valve displacement amount can be accurately known by measuring and comparing the valve position at room temperature and the valve position at heating with the ruler with the opening edge as a reference.

<Invention of Claim 21> The present invention provides the thermostat device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the housing has an opening for inserting the thermostat therein. First above
A thermostat case having a flow port, and a thermostat cover having the second flow port and having the thermostat placed in the thermostat case and then covered by the opening and welded to the peripheral portion of the opening of the thermostat case. It is characterized by

-Operation- The present invention clarifies the structure of the housing, and in the case where the thermostat case and the thermostat cover are integrated by welding as in the present invention, the above-mentioned claims 1 to 3 The effects of each of the eleventh inventions are effectively exhibited. That is, in the case of the present invention, since the thermostat case and the thermostat cover are integrated by welding, flanges are not required for these members and the weight can be reduced, but the case and cover are integrated in this way. However, the thermostat can be inspected as described above.

<Invention of Claim 22> In the thermostat device according to claim 21, the first circulation port is a cooling water outlet of an automobile engine, and the second circulation port is a radiator. It is connected to.

-Operation- The present invention limits the object to which the thermostat device is applied to a cooling system of an automobile engine,
In such a vehicle, by applying the invention according to the twelfth aspect, the effect of weight reduction can be linked to the reduction of the fuel consumption rate of the vehicle or the reduction of the manufacturing cost of the vehicle.

<Invention of Claim 23> The present invention provides a housing having a first circulation port and a second circulation port,
A thermostat inspection method for a thermostat device comprising a thermostat having a valve for connecting and disconnecting the flow of liquid between a flow port and a second flow port, wherein the movable part of the movable part that is displaced together with the valve of the thermostat is used. A mark is provided on a portion facing the first circulation port or the second circulation port, and the thermostat device is warmed to a predetermined temperature, and the mark is predetermined for a specific portion of the housing or a specific portion where the thermostat is not displaced. From the outside of the housing, the first
It is characterized in that whether or not the amount of displacement of the valve corresponds to the temperature change is checked by inspecting with the mark through the circulation port or the second circulation port.

-Operation- The present invention is a thermostat inspection method corresponding to the invention according to claim 1, wherein the thermostat operates normally by observing from outside without disassembling the thermostat device. You can easily check whether it is a thing or not.

<Invention of Claim 24> According to the present invention, a housing having a first flow port and a second flow port is provided with the first flow port.
A thermostat inspection method for a thermostat device comprising a thermostat having a valve for interrupting the flow of a liquid between a flow port and a second flow port, wherein the movable part that is displaced together with the valve of the thermostat has: With respect to a specific portion of the housing or a specific portion of the thermostat that is not displaced, a first mark that has a predetermined positional relationship when the valve is in the closed state and a predetermined mark when the valve is in the opened state. A second mark having a positional relationship is provided, the thermostat device is set to a temperature at which the valve should be in a closed state, and whether the first mark has a predetermined positional relationship with the specific portion is determined. , The outside of the housing is inspected by the first mark through the first circulation port or the second circulation port, and then the thermostat device is attached to the valve. The temperature at which the valve should be opened is set, and whether the second mark has a predetermined positional relationship with the specific portion is determined from the outside of the housing through the first flow port or the second flow port. Characterized by inspecting with a mark.

-Operation- The present invention is a thermostat inspection method corresponding to the invention according to claim 7, wherein whether or not the valve is actually closed by the first mark at the temperature at which the valve should be closed. After checking whether or not the valve is in the open state at the temperature at which the valve should be in the open state, it is confirmed whether or not the valve is actually in the open state. Therefore, make sure that the thermostat is operating normally. Can be grasped.

<Invention of Claim 25> The present invention relates to a housing having a first flow port and a second flow port,
A thermostat inspection method for a thermostat device, in which a thermostat having a valve for connecting and disconnecting a flow of liquid between a circulation port and a second circulation port is accommodated, the first circulation port or the second circulation port of the housing. A mark is provided on a portion facing the first or the second circulation port of the fixed portion that does not displace the thermostat, and the thermostat device is heated to a predetermined temperature, and the mark is The valve is inspected from the outside of the housing through the first circulation port or the second circulation port to check whether or not a predetermined positional relationship is present with respect to a movable portion of the thermostat that is displaced together with the valve. It is characterized in that whether or not the amount of displacement of is corresponding to the temperature change is examined.

-Operation- The present invention is a thermostat inspection method corresponding to the invention according to claim 8, wherein the thermostat operates normally by observing from outside without disassembling the thermostat device. You can easily check whether it is a thing or not.

<Invention of Claim 26> The present invention provides a housing having a first circulation port and a second circulation port,
A thermostat inspection method for a thermostat device, in which a thermostat having a valve for connecting and disconnecting a flow of liquid between a circulation port and a second circulation port is accommodated, the first circulation port or the second circulation port of the housing. To the portion facing to the first circulation port or to the second circulation port of the fixed portion that does not displace the thermostat,
A first mark for positioning a movable portion of the thermostat that is displaced together with the valve when the valve is in a closed state, and a first mark where the movable portion is in a predetermined position when the valve is in the opened state. And a second mark which is positioned in relation to each other are provided, the thermostat device is placed in a temperature state in which the valve should be in a closed state, and whether the movable portion is in a predetermined positional relation with respect to the first mark. From the outside of the housing through the first circulation port or the second circulation port with the first mark, and then the thermostat device is placed in a temperature state in which the valve should be in the open state, and the movable part is moved. Is checked from the outside of the housing through the first circulation port or the second circulation port by the second mark to determine whether or not the predetermined positional relationship with respect to the second mark. It is characterized in.

-Operation- The present invention is a thermostat inspection method corresponding to the invention according to claim 12, and like the invention according to claim 24, as in the invention according to claim 24, at the temperature at which the valve should be in the closed state, the first mark is used. After confirming whether or not the valve is actually in the closed state, it is confirmed whether or not the valve is actually in the opened state by the second mark at the temperature at which the valve should be in the opened state. It can be surely grasped whether or not it operates normally.

<Invention of Claim 27> According to the present invention, a housing having a first flow port and a second flow port is provided with the first flow port.
A method for inspecting a thermostat of a thermostat device, which comprises a thermostat having a valve for connecting and disconnecting a flow of a liquid between a flow port and a second flow port, the movable part being displaced together with the valve of the thermostat, From the outside of the housing to the fixed portion that does not displace the thermostat or between the first flow port and the second flow port that are present in the front or rear of the moving direction of the movable part, from the outside of the housing. Alternatively, there is provided a guide for guiding the insertion of the ruler for inserting the ruler through the second circulation port and bringing the ruler into contact with the movable part, and the thermostat device is warmed to a predetermined temperature to remove the ruler from the outside of the housing. Guide the guide into the housing and insert it into the housing so that the tip of the ruler contacts the moving part of the thermostat. By measuring the distance between the movable part and a specific part of the housing located on the front side in the insertion direction with respect to the movable part or a specific part in which the thermostat is not displaced, the movable part changes in temperature. The feature is to check whether or not the corresponding displacement is made.

-Operation- The present invention is a thermostat inspection method corresponding to the invention according to claim 18, in which the direction of the ruler is made constant by a guide and the tip of the ruler is reliably contacted with the movable part of the thermostat. The amount of displacement of the movable part of the thermostat due to the temperature change can be directly measured by using a ruler, and it can be accurately grasped whether or not the amount of valve displacement corresponds to the temperature change.

<Invention of Claim 28> According to the invention of claim 27, in the method for inspecting a thermostat of a thermostat device, the guide is guided from the outside of the housing to the inside of the housing. Of the fixed part of the housing or the fixed part of the thermostat, which is located in front of or behind the movable part and the moving direction of the movable part. The operation of measuring the distance to the specific portion is performed both in the state in which the thermostat device is maintained at the first temperature and in the state in which the thermostat device is maintained at the second temperature higher than the first temperature. On the basis of the measurement result at the second temperature and the measurement result at the second temperature, the movable portion adjusts to the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature. Characterized by checking whether the displacements.

-Operation- In the present invention, since the position of the movable part of the thermostat is measured with a ruler at two different temperatures, whether or not the movable part makes a displacement corresponding to the temperature change, and therefore the valve is It can be surely grasped whether or not it operates normally.

[0062]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, whether or not the displacement amount of the valve when the temperature is actually changed in the portion of the movable part of the thermostat which is visible from the outside of the housing corresponds to the temperature change. Since a mark is provided to distinguish whether or not it is based on a specific part that does not displace, it is possible to easily check whether the thermostat operates normally without disassembling the housing and using a special tool. Will be able to.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in the thermostat device according to the first aspect, since the pellet having wax sealed therein is provided with the member serving as the mark, the valve itself is provided. Will allow you to easily check the thermostat without any special work.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in the thermostat device according to the second aspect, the tip end of the mark member is set as a mark for performing the discrimination based on one end of the spindle. Therefore, the mark and the reference can be easily visually recognized from the outside of the housing, and it becomes easy to check whether or not the thermostat normally operates.

According to the invention of claim 4, in the thermostat device according to claim 1, since the mark is formed by coloring the movable portion, the formation is easy and the mark is easy. It becomes easy to see.

According to the invention of claim 5, in the thermostat device according to claim 4, the second
Since a colored portion that serves as a mark is provided on the support rod of the valve, and the retainer around the outer periphery of the support rod is set at a specific reference portion, it is determined whether the displacement amount of the valve corresponds to the temperature change. Less misidentification when distinguishing.

According to the invention of claim 6, the thermostat device according to claim 1 is provided with a plurality of marks that function at different temperatures, so that the operating state of the thermostat can be grasped with certainty. It will be advantageous in above.

According to the invention of claim 7, in the thermostat device according to claim 6, the first mark for determining the operating state of the valve at the temperature at which the valve should be in the closed state; Since the valve is provided with the second mark for determining the operating state of the valve at the temperature at which the valve should be opened, the thermostat can be reliably inspected.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the displacement amount of the valve when the temperature is actually changed in the portion of the housing which does not displace toward the first flow port or the second flow port is the temperature change. Whether or not the thermostat operates normally without disassembling the housing and without using special tools, because a mark is provided to distinguish whether the thermostat is suitable or not based on the position of the movable part of the thermostat. You can easily check whether or not.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the thermostat device according to the eighth aspect, the mark is formed by a protrusion projecting from an inner wall of the housing at a predetermined position beside the movable portion of the thermostat. Therefore, the positional relationship between the mark and the movable portion can be easily grasped by observing from the first circulation port or the second circulation port, and the thermostat can be easily inspected.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, in the thermostat device according to the ninth aspect, the position where the mark faces the first flow port next to the second valve from the inner wall of the housing. Since it is formed by a protrusion that is provided so as to serve as a reference for measuring the amount of displacement of the second valve, it is possible to ensure the inspection of the thermostat.

According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, in the thermostat device according to the eighth aspect, a plurality of portions for distinguishing whether or not the specific portion of the movable portion is in the regular position at different temperatures are used. Since it is provided with the mark, it is advantageous for surely grasping the operating state of the thermostat.

According to the invention of claim 12, in the thermostat device according to claim 11,
A first mark for determining the operating state of the valve at the temperature at which the valve should be closed, and a second mark for determining the operating state of the valve at the temperature at which the valve should be open. Therefore, the thermostat can be reliably inspected.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since the housing is made of a transparent or translucent material and the wall surface of the housing is provided with a mark, the positional relationship between the mark and the movable part of the thermostat is provided. Can be easily visually recognized from the outside, and it becomes easy to confirm whether or not the thermostat is normal depending on whether or not the positional relationship is expected.

According to the invention of claim 14, in the thermostat device according to claim 13,
Since the mark makes the distinction based on the position of the peripheral edge of the valve displaced along the inner wall surface of the housing, the positional relationship between the mark and the peripheral edge of the valve can be clearly and accurately visually recognized. This makes it easy to check whether the thermostat is normal.

According to the invention of claim 15, in the thermostat device according to claim 13,
Since the protrusion is provided on the hull to check the positional relationship between the protrusion and the mark, the mark is provided at an appropriate position for the distinction, which is advantageous for confirming whether the thermostat is normal.

According to the invention of claim 16, in the thermostat device according to claim 13,
Since the mark makes the above-mentioned distinction based on the position of the second valve, it is possible to simultaneously inspect the first valve while confirming the position of the second valve.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the thermostat device according to any one of the thirteenth to sixteenth aspects, the mark is formed by a protrusion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing. Since it is formed, it is advantageous for grasping the positional relationship between the ridge and the movable part of the thermostat.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, since the guide for guiding the insertion of the ruler is provided on the fixed portion of the housing or the thermostat, the displacement amount of the movable portion of the thermostat due to the temperature change is directly measured. There is no doubt that the thermostat is working properly.

According to the invention of claim 19, in the thermostat device according to claim 18,
Since the guide guides the ruler so as to abut the valve of the thermostat, the displacement amount of the valve is directly measured based on the edge of the first flow port or the second flow port which is easily visible from the outside of the housing. It is possible to measure, and it is possible to easily and surely check whether or not the thermostat operates normally.

According to the invention of claim 20, in the thermostat device according to claim 19,
Since the guide is a ridge formed on the inner wall of the first or second flow port of the housing and extending in the valve moving direction, the ruler is surely brought into contact with the valve to accurately measure the displacement amount of the valve. You can know

According to the twenty-first aspect of the invention, in the thermostat device according to any one of the first to twentieth aspects, the housing includes a thermostat case and a thermostat cover welded to the thermostat case. Since these components do not need flanges, they can be made lighter, and because they can be made of plastic, it is even more advantageous in terms of weight reduction. And even if the cover is integrated, the thermostat can be inspected without disassembling them.

According to the invention of claim 22, in the thermostat device according to claim 21,
The first circulation port of the thermostat case is at the cooling water outlet of the automobile engine, and the second flow port of the thermostat cover is at the second
Since the circulation port is connected to the radiator, it is possible to inspect the thermostat in the automobile engine cooling system without disassembling the thermostat device.

According to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, a mark is provided in a portion of the movable part of the thermostat facing the first circulation port or the second circulation port, and the thermostat device is warmed to a predetermined temperature, and the mark is changed. The valve is inspected from the outside of the housing through the first circulation port or the second circulation port to determine whether or not the thermostat device has a predetermined positional relationship with respect to a specific portion that does not displace. Since the amount of displacement of the thermostat is checked to see if it corresponds to the temperature change, the thermostat can be inspected by observing from outside without disassembling the thermostat device.

According to the twenty-fourth aspect of the invention, the movable portion of the thermostat is provided with the first mark and the second mark,
After confirming by external observation whether the valve is actually in the closed state by the first mark at the temperature at which the valve should be in the closed state, it is actually confirmed by the second mark at the temperature at which the valve should be in the open state. Since it is confirmed by external observation whether or not the valve is open, it is possible to reliably grasp whether or not the thermostat is normally operated.

According to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, a mark is provided on a specific portion of the thermostat device that does not displace toward the first circulation port or the second circulation port, and the thermostat device is heated to a predetermined temperature. By checking by external observation whether or not the mark has a predetermined positional relationship with the movable part of the thermostat, it is possible to check whether or not the amount of displacement of the valve corresponds to the temperature change. Therefore, the thermostat can be inspected without disassembling the thermostat device as in the invention according to claim 23.

According to the twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the first mark and the second mark are provided in a specific portion of the thermostat device where the thermostat device is not displaced, and the first mark is actually used at the temperature at which the valve should be in the closed state. After confirming by external observation whether or not the valve is in the closed state, it is confirmed by external observation whether or not the valve is actually in the open state by the second mark at the temperature at which the valve should be in the open state. By doing so, similarly to the invention according to claim 24, it is possible to surely grasp whether or not the thermostat normally operates.

According to the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, a guide is provided in the fixed portion that does not displace between the movable portion of the thermostat and the first circulation port or the second circulation port of the housing, and the thermostat device is fixed. To the inside of the housing by guiding the ruler from the outside of the housing to the guide by the guide from the outside of the housing, and the tip of the ruler is brought into contact with the movable part of the thermostat. By measuring the distance to a specific part that does not displace in the front or rear of the moving direction of the movable part,
Since it was inspected whether or not the movable part is displaced corresponding to the temperature change, the temperature of the movable part should be surely abutted against the movable part of the thermostat with the ruler in a fixed direction. The amount of displacement accompanying a change can be directly measured with a ruler, and the thermostat can be easily inspected without disassembling the thermostat device.

According to the invention of claim 28, in the method for inspecting a thermostat of a thermostat device according to claim 27, a state in which the thermostat device is maintained at a first temperature and a temperature higher than the first temperature Whether the movable part is displaced according to the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature based on the measurement result obtained by performing the measurement with the ruler both in the state of being held at the second temperature. Since it is inspected whether or not the thermostat can be inspected reliably.

[0090]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

-Basic Structure of Housing of Thermostat Device-The thermostat device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in a cooling water passage of a water-cooled engine of an automobile.
In this thermostat device 1, 2 is a thermostat case having a first flow port 3 connected to the cooling water outlet of the engine, and 4 is a thermostat cover having a second flow port 5 connected to a radiator. The thermostat case 2 and the thermostat cover 4 are made of plastic, and the both form a thermostat housing.

In this example, an opening is formed at the upper end of the thermostat case 2, and the thermostat cover 4 is put on the thermostat case 2 so as to cover the opening after the thermostat is incorporated into the thermostat case 2 through the opening. , Peripheral portions 2a, 4 of the openings of each other
a is welded.

Further, the thermostat case 2 is provided with a third flow port 7 which bypasses the radiator and returns it to the engine without flowing a part of the cooling water from the engine to the radiator. The first flow port 3 and the second flow port 5 are orthogonal to each other, and the second flow port 5 and the third flow port 7 are opposite to each other. Further, the thermostat case 2 is the first
A joint flange 2a for fixing the thermostat device 1 to the engine is provided at the opening edge of the circulation port 3. The second flow port 5 and the third flow port 7 are connected to a radiator and an engine by a cooling water hose.

-Basic Structure of Thermostat- The structure of the thermostat 10 is shown in FIGS. In the figure, 11 is a machine frame for supporting each element of the thermostat 10, 12 is a spindle extending in a direction connecting the second flow port 5 and the third flow port 7, 13 is a spindle 12 and a sliding pipe 14 Pellets slidably supported and containing wax, 16 is a first valve for connecting and disconnecting the flow of cooling water from the first flow port 3 to the second flow port 5, and 17 is from the first flow port 3. Third distribution port (bypass port)
7 is a second valve for connecting and disconnecting the flow of the cooling water to 7.

The machine casing 11 is provided at the center with an annular portion 11a forming a valve seat 18 for the first valve 16. An inverted V-shaped spindle support frame 11b projects from the annular portion 11a toward the second circulation port 5 of the thermostat cover 4, while the retainer support frame 11c extends toward the third circulation port 7 of the thermostat case 2. And an annular spring retainer 11d surrounding the pellet 13 is supported by the retainer support frame 11c. The spindle 12 is joined by caulking to the spindle support frame 11b. In addition, the annular portion 11c
A seal member 23 that seals between the thermostat case 2 and the thermostat cover 4 is provided on the peripheral edge of the.

The first valve 16 is connected to the sliding pipe 14 and abuts against the valve seat 18 by a first spring 19 provided between the first valve 16 and the spring retainer 11d. Are urged to do so. Further, a support rod 20 is provided so as to project from the pellet 13 toward the third circulation port 7. The second valve 17 is fitted to the support rod 20 and slidably provided between the stopper 21 at the tip of the support rod 20 and the pellet 13, and the second valve 17 and the pellet 13 are slidably provided. Is urged toward the third circulation port 7 by a second spring 22 provided between

The first valve 16 is a normally closed valve which is in contact with the valve seat 18 when the engine is cold, and the second valve 17 is a normally open valve in which the third flow port 7 is opened. When the temperature of the cooling water rises, the wax of the pellets 13 expands, and the pellets 13 are accordingly expanded by the first valve 1.
7 and the second valve 18 are moved toward the third flow port 7. In the case of the thermostat 10, when the cooling water temperature reaches the first set temperature, the first valve 16 is opened, and the second valve 17 causes the cooling water temperature to be higher than the first set temperature. 2 When the temperature reaches the preset temperature, the valve seat formed on the inner surface of the thermostat race 2 is contacted to close the third flow port 7.

Therefore, since the first valve 16 is in the closed state until the first set temperature is reached, the entire amount of engine cooling water passes from the first flow port 3 to the third flow port 7. Is returned to the engine. When the temperature of the cooling water is between the first set temperature and the second set temperature, a part of the cooling water flows from the first flow port 3 to the second flow port 5 to the radiator, and the remainder is the first. 3 Returned to the engine through the circulation port 7. When the temperature of the cooling water exceeds the second set temperature, the second valve 17 is closed, so that the entire amount of the cooling water is sent to the radiator.

The second spring 22 for the second valve 17 prevents the pellet 13 from moving toward the third flow port 7 even when the cooling water temperature exceeds the second set temperature. Tolerate and prevent damage to the thermostat device 1.

-Inspection of Thermostat-As described above, in the thermostat device 1, the thermostat case 2 and the thermostat cover 4 are welded to each other, and the thermostat 10 cannot be taken out from the housing for inspection. In the following, embodiments of the means for inspecting the thermostat 10 without disassembling the housing, which is the main feature of the present invention, will be described.

<Embodiment 1> This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, in which a movable portion of the thermostat 10 is provided with a mark for inspecting the thermostat 10.

In the case of this example, the slide tube 14 as the movable portion is provided with the mark member 25 projecting from the tip portion thereof toward the second circulation port 5. That is, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, a vertical through hole 26 is formed at the top of the spindle support frame 11b, and the mark member 25 penetrates through the through hole 26 and the thermostat case 2
To the opening of the second flow port 5. The tip of the mark member 25 is based on the tip of the caulking portion 12a provided at one end of the spindle 12, and the thermostat 1
It is formed on a mark 25a for distinguishing whether 0 operates normally.

In the mark member 25 in this case, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the first valve 16 is in the closed state (when the engine is cold), the mark 25a corresponds to the second flow port 5. When the first valve 16 is in the fully opened state and the second valve 17 is in the closed state (second set temperature or higher), the pellet is located at a position reaching the opening surface rather than the tip of the caulking portion 12a of the spindle 12. The length is set so as to retract toward 13.

Therefore, in order to inspect the thermostat 10, the thermostat device 1 is removed from the engine, and first, at room temperature, the mark 25a is observed from the body 2 flow port 5, and the mark 25a is the second flow port 5.
Check if it is on the opening surface of. If the mark 25a is at the position of the opening surface, the first valve 16 is in contact with the valve seat 18, that is, the first spring 19 is in contact with the first valve 1.
Pellets 1 that normally energize 6 and encapsulate wax.
It means that there is no abnormality in 3. In this sense, it can be said that the opening edge of the second circulation port 5 serves as a reference for inspecting the state of the thermostat 10 when the engine is cold by the mark 25a.

Next, the thermostat device 1 is placed in the water of a pallet that stores water kept at the second set temperature.
And then raise the temperature to the second set temperature, and then take it out from the pallet and observe the positional relationship between the mark 25a and the tip of the caulking portion 12a of the spindle 12 through the second flow port 5. At this time, as shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 3, if the mark 25a is lower than the caulking portion 12a, the wax enclosed in the first spring 19 and the pellet 13 operates normally, The second valves 16 and 17 are displaced according to the temperature change, that is, the thermostat 10 has no abnormality.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the mark member 25 has substantially the same height as the tip of the caulking portion 12a of the spindle 12 when the first valve 16 is opened at the first set temperature. If the second mark 25b is attached by marking or the like, whether or not the first valve 16 is opened at the first set temperature can be inspected by the same method as the above case.

<Embodiment 2> This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, in which the movable portion of the thermostat 10 is provided with a colored mark.

That is, the support rod 20 serving as the movable portion is provided with a first mark 27a by coloring for checking whether or not the first valve 16 is in a predetermined open state at the first set temperature. A second mark 27b colored differently from the first mark 27a for checking whether or not the second valve 17 is closed at the second set temperature is provided. The part that serves as a reference for distinguishing by the marks 27a and 27b is the lower edge of the spring retainer 11d of the first valve 16. The support rod 20
The spring retainer 11d faces the first circulation port 7.

As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the first mark 27a is used when the first valve 16 is in the closed state (when the engine is cold) and is observed from the first flow port 3. Part of the spring retainer 11d is exposed from the lower edge of the spring retainer 11d, and when the first valve 16 is opened (at the first set temperature), the whole of the spring retainer 11d is exposed from the spring retainer 11d. It is colored with a certain width. The second mark 27b is the first mark 27b as shown in FIG.
The first valve 1 is provided following the mark 27a.
When 6 is fully opened and the second valve is closed (at the second set temperature), the entire spring retainer 1
The support rod 20 is colored with a constant width so as to be exposed from 1d. Coloring of each of the marks 27a and 27b may be such that it can be visually distinguished from the background color (color of the support rod 20) and can also be distinguished from each other.

Therefore, when inspecting the thermostat 10, the thermostat device 1 is removed from the engine, and first, at room temperature, the portion of the spring retainer 11d from the first flow port 3 is observed to see a part of the first mark 27a. Check if is exposed. If a part of the first mark 27a is exposed, the first valve 16 is in contact with the valve seat 18, that is, the first spring 19 normally biases the first valve 16 and the wax of the pellet 13 is in contact. It means that there is no abnormality.

Next, the thermostat device 1 is submerged in water kept at the first set temperature of the pallet to raise the temperature to the first set temperature, after which it is taken out of the pallet and taken out from the first flow port 3 through the first flow port 3. The positional relationship between the first mark 27a and the spring retainer 11d is observed. At this time, if the entire first mark 27a is exposed from the spring retainer 11d, as shown in FIG.
The wax of the spring 19 and the pellet 13 operates normally, and the first and second valves 16 and 17 are displaced corresponding to the temperature change, that is, the thermostat 1
It means that 0 is normal.

Next, the thermostat device 1 is submerged in water kept at the second preset temperature to raise the temperature to the second preset temperature, after which it is taken out from the first circulation port 3 and the second mark 27b. The positional relationship between the spring retainer 11d and the spring retainer 11d is observed. At this time, as shown in FIG.
If the whole of the second mark 27b is exposed from the spring retainer 11d, the wax enclosed in the first spring 19 and the pellet 13 operates normally, and the first and second valves 16 and 17 have the same temperature. It means that there is a displacement corresponding to the change, that is, there is no abnormality in the thermostat 10.

<Example 3> This example is shown in FIG.
A feature is that a mark member 31 is provided on the housing side of the thermostat 10.

That is, the mark member 31 is provided on the inner wall surface of the thermostat case 2 so that the second valve 17 can be observed from the outside through the first flow port 3.
Protruding next to. And, in this mark member 31,
When the first valve 16 is in the closed state (when the engine is cold), the tip of the second valve 17 faces the peripheral edge of the first valve 16.
The mark 31a and the second mark 3 facing the peripheral edge of the second valve 17 when the first valve 16 is fully opened and the second valve 17 is closed (at the second set temperature).
1b are provided. As is clear from the above description, in the case of this example, the peripheral edge of the second valve 17 serves as a reference when the thermostat 10 is inspected by the marks 31a and 31b.

The second mark 31b is the first mark when the thermostat device 1 is directly viewed from the side of the first flow port 3.
Although it is hidden at the edge of the opening of the circulation port 3, it appears when viewed obliquely, and there is no problem in visually recognizing it from the first circulation port 3.

Therefore, when inspecting the thermostat 10, the thermostat device 1 is removed from the engine, and the first flow port 3 through the first mark 31 is removed at room temperature.
The positional relationship between a and the peripheral edge of the second valve 17 is observed. When the first mark 31a and the peripheral edge of the second valve 17 face each other, the first valve 16 is in contact with the valve seat 18, that is, the first spring 19 normally operates the first valve 16. It means that the wax of the pellet 13 has no abnormality.

Next, the thermostat device 1 is submerged in water kept at the second set temperature to raise the temperature to the second set temperature, after which it is taken out from the first flow port 3 and the second mark 31b. The positional relationship between the above and the peripheral edge of the second valve 17 is observed. If the second mark 31b and the peripheral edge of the second valve 17 face each other, the first mark
The wax of the spring 19 and the pellet 13 operates normally, and the first and second valves 16 and 17 are displaced corresponding to the temperature change, that is, the thermostat 1
It means that 0 is normal.

<Embodiment 4> This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and is an example of inspecting the thermostat 10 using a ruler (vernier caliper) 35.

That is, the inner wall surface of the thermostat cover 4 of the thermostat device 1 is provided with two ribs 36, 36 extending in the axial direction of the spindle 12 from the opening edge of the second circulation port 5 toward the thermostat case 2 side. ing. The ribs 36, 36 are provided with a space corresponding to the thickness of the ruler 35, and guide the insertion of the ruler 35 into the housing so that the tip of the ruler 35 contacts the first valve 16. 37.

Therefore, when inspecting the thermostat 10, the thermostat device 1 is removed from the engine, and the ruler 35 is inserted into the second flow port 5 at room temperature.
Is inserted into the housing by using the guide 37 as a guide, and the tip end thereof is brought into contact with the first valve 16. And
With this ruler 35, the distance between the first valve 16 and the opening edge of the second flow port 16 is measured. When this measured value is equal to that when the first valve 16 is in the closed state, the first valve 16 is in contact with the valve seat 18, that is, the first spring 19 normally attaches the first valve 16. It means that there is no abnormality in the pellet 13 that is energized and contains wax.

Next, the thermostat device 1 is submerged in water kept at the first set temperature to raise the temperature to the first set temperature, and then the thermostat device 1 is taken out, and the ruler 35 is inserted and the same as in the previous case. The tip is brought into contact with the first valve 16. Then, the distance between the first valve 16 and the opening edge of the second circulation port 16 is measured by the ruler 35. When the measured value is equal to that when the first valve 16 is in the open state at the first set temperature, the wax enclosed in the first spring 19 and the pellet 13 operates normally, and the first and second It means that the valves 16 and 17 are displaced in accordance with the temperature change, that is, the thermostat 10 has no abnormality.

Next, the thermostat device 1 is submerged in water kept at the second preset temperature to raise the temperature to the second preset temperature, and then the thermostat device 1 is taken out, and the ruler 35 is inserted and the same as in the previous case. The tip is brought into contact with the first valve 16. Then, the distance between the first valve 16 and the opening edge of the second circulation port 16 is measured by the ruler 35. When this measured value is equal to that when the first valve 16 is in the fully open state, the wax enclosed in the first spring 19 and the pellet 13 operates normally, and the first and second valves 16 and 17 are It means that there is a displacement corresponding to the temperature change, that is, there is no abnormality in the thermostat 10.

<Embodiment 5> This embodiment is shown in FIG. 11, and the housing of the thermostat device 41, that is, the first
This is an example in which the thermostat case 42 having the circulation port 43 and the third circulation port 47 and the thermostat cover 44 having the second circulation port 45 are made of a transparent material.

In the case of this example, the thermostat case 42
By installing two ridges in parallel on the outer wall surface of the
A mark 48a and a second mark 48b are formed. First
The mark 48a is provided at a position facing the regular position of the peripheral edge of the first valve 16 at the first set temperature, and the second mark 48b faces the regular position of the peripheral edge of the first valve 16 at the second set temperature. It is provided in the position. The thermostat itself is substantially the same as that of the previous embodiment.

Therefore, when inspecting the thermostat 10, the thermostat device 41 is removed from the engine, and the positional relationship between the first mark 48a and the peripheral edge of the first valve 16 is observed at the first set temperature. If the two have a positional relationship facing each other, it means that the first valve 16 is normally opened. Next, at the second set temperature, the positional relationship between the second mark 48b and the peripheral edge of the first valve 16 is observed. If the two are in a positional relationship of facing each other, it means that the first valve 16 is displaced corresponding to the temperature change, that is, the thermostat 10 has no abnormality.

<Embodiment 6> This embodiment is a modification of Embodiment 5 and is shown in FIG. That is, the housing is transparent as in the previous case, but the first valve 16 is provided with the protrusion 49 protruding toward the second flow port 45. A first mark 50a and a second mark 50b are formed by two ridges parallel to the outer wall surface of the thermostat cover 44. The first mark 50a is provided at a position facing a regular position on the peripheral edge of the first valve 16 at room temperature, and the second mark 50b is a position facing a regular position on the peripheral edge of the first valve 16 at the second set temperature. It is provided in.

Therefore, when inspecting the thermostat 10, the thermostat device 41 is removed from the engine and the positional relationship between the first mark 50a and the projection 49 of the first valve 16 is observed at room temperature. If the two are in a positional relationship of facing each other, the first valve 16 is in a normally closed state. Next, at the second set temperature, the positional relationship between the second mark 50b and the protrusion 49 of the first valve 16 is observed. If the two are in a positional relationship of facing each other, the first valve 16 is displaced corresponding to the temperature change, that is, the thermostat 10 is normal.
It turns out that.

<Embodiment 7> This embodiment is also a modification of Embodiment 5 and is shown in FIG. The housing is transparent as in the previous case, but the first mark 51a is formed on the outer wall surface of the thermostat case 42 by the two parallel ridges for making the distinction based on the position of the peripheral edge of the second valve 17.
And a second mark 51b are formed. First landmark 51a
Is provided at a position facing the regular position of the peripheral edge of the second valve 17 at room temperature, and the second mark 51b is provided at a position facing the regular position of the peripheral edge of the second valve 17 at the second set temperature. There is.

Therefore, when inspecting the thermostat 10, the thermostat device 41 is removed from the engine and the positional relationship between the first mark 51a and the peripheral edge of the second valve 17 is observed at room temperature. If the two are in a positional relationship of facing each other, the first valve 16 is in a normally closed state. Next, at the second set temperature, the positional relationship between the second mark 51b and the peripheral edge of the second valve 17 is observed. If the two are in a positional relationship of facing each other, it means that the first valve 16 and the second valve 17 are displaced corresponding to the temperature change, that is, the thermostat 10 has no abnormality.

Although the representative embodiments of the invention according to each claim have been described above, it goes without saying that the scope of each invention is not limited to these, and the above embodiments can be combined. Also becomes an effective means for solving the problems of the present invention.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermostat device.

FIG. 2 is a front view in which the housing of the thermostat device according to the first embodiment is drawn with a chain line and is a partial cross-section showing the housing.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the thermostat of the same example.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the thermostat of the same example.

FIG. 5 is a partially omitted front view showing a state of a thermostat device according to a second embodiment at room temperature (when the engine is cold).

FIG. 6 is a partially omitted front view showing a state in which the thermostat device of the same example is heated to a first set temperature.

FIG. 7 is a partially omitted front view showing a state in which the thermostat device of the same example is heated to a second set temperature.

FIG. 8 is a partially omitted front view showing a state of a thermostat device according to a third embodiment at room temperature.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a thermostat device and a ruler according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the thermostat device of the same example with a part thereof omitted.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing a partially broken state of the thermostat device of Example 5 at room temperature.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing a partially broken state of the thermostat device of Example 6 at room temperature.

FIG. 13 is a front view showing a partially broken state of the thermostat device of Example 7 at room temperature.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,41 Thermostat device 2,42 Thermostat case 3,43 1st flow port 4,44 Thermostat cover 5,45 2nd flow port 7,47 3rd flow port 10 Thermostat 11 Machine frame 11a Annular part 11b Spindle support frame 11c Retainer Support frame 11d Spring retainer 12 Spindle 12a Caulking portion 13 Pellet 14 Sliding pipe 16 First valve 17 Second valve 18 Valve seat 19 First spring 20 Support rod 21 Stopper 22 Second spring 25 Mark member 25a Mark 25b Second mark 26 through hole 27a first mark 27b second mark 31 mark member 31a first mark 31b second mark 35 ruler 36 rib 37 guide 48a first mark 48b second mark 49 protrusion 50a first mark 50b second mark 51a first mark 5 1b Second mark

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Toru Yamaguchi 3-1, Shinchi Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Mazda Motor Corporation

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. A thermostat having a valve for interrupting the flow of liquid between the first flow port and the second flow port is housed in a housing having a first flow port and a second flow port. In the thermostat device, the amount of displacement of the valve when the temperature is actually changed at a portion of the movable portion of the thermostat that is displaced together with the valve is directed toward the first circulation port or the second circulation port. A thermostat device is provided, which is provided with a mark for distinguishing whether or not it corresponds to the above, based on a specific portion of the housing or a specific portion where the thermostat is not displaced as a reference. 2. The thermostat device according to claim 1, wherein the thermostat includes a machine frame having a valve seat with which the valve abuts, a spindle fixed to the machine frame, and a spindle fitted to the spindle. A pellet that moves in the axial direction with respect to the spindle by expansion and contraction of the wax enclosed inside by heat, the pellet is supported by the valve, and the pellet is provided with a member serving as the mark. The thermostat device is characterized in that 3. The thermostat device according to claim 2, wherein one end of the spindle is fixed to the machine frame, a sliding tube is slidably fitted to the spindle, and the pellet is the sliding tube. And the housing is provided at the other end of the spindle, and the housing is provided with a flow port of either the first flow port or the second flow port at the end of the one end of the spindle. Further, a mark member is provided so as to project toward the flow port, one end of the spindle is set to a reference specific portion, and the tip of the mark member is such that the displacement amount of the valve corresponds to the temperature change. A thermostat device, wherein a mark for distinguishing whether or not the one end of the spindle is used as a reference is provided. 4. The thermostat device according to claim 1, wherein when the valve of the thermostat makes the corresponding displacement, the color of the portion of the movable portion corresponding to the reference specific portion changes. A thermostat device, wherein the movable portion is provided with a colored portion as the mark. 5. The thermostat device according to claim 4, wherein the housing is a trigonal shape having a third flow port in addition to the first flow port and the second flow port, and the thermostat is A machine frame provided with a valve seat, a spindle fixed to the machine frame, and a pellet that moves in the axial direction with respect to the spindle due to expansion and contraction by heat of a wax fitted in the spindle and enclosed in the inside, When the temperature of the liquid, which is supported by the pellet and abuts on the valve seat, exceeds a first set temperature, the second flow port is used
A normally closed first valve that opens so as to allow the flow of liquid to the flow port, and a second set temperature at which the temperature of the liquid supported by the pellets via a rod is higher than the first set temperature. A normally open second valve that abuts a valve seat formed in the housing so as to block the flow of liquid from the first flow port to the third flow port when the pressure exceeds the flow rate; A retainer for a spring that biases the first valve in the closing direction is provided around the outer periphery of the support rod of the second valve, the support rod is provided with the colored portion, and the retainer serves as the reference. A thermostat device characterized by being defined in a part. 6. The thermostat device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of marks for distinguishing whether or not the movable portion has a regular positional relationship with respect to a specific portion serving as the reference at different temperatures. A thermostat device characterized by being equipped with. 7. The thermostat device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of marks are at regular positions with respect to a specific portion where the movable portion serves as the reference at a temperature at which the valve should be in a closed state. A first mark for distinguishing whether or not there is a relationship, and distinguishing whether or not the movable portion is in a regular positional relationship with respect to the reference specific portion at a temperature at which the valve should be in an open state. Thermostat device, which is a second mark for 8. A thermostat having a valve for interrupting the flow of liquid between the first and second circulation ports is housed in a housing having a first circulation port and a second circulation port. In the thermostat device, the part of the housing facing the first flow port or the second flow port, or the part of the thermostat that does not move toward the first flow port or the second flow port,
A mark for distinguishing whether or not the displacement amount of the valve when the temperature of the thermostat is actually changed corresponds to the temperature change, based on the position of the movable part that is displaced together with the valve of the thermostat. A thermostat device that is provided. 9. The thermostat device according to claim 8, wherein the mark projects from an inner wall surface of the housing to a position facing the first flow port or the second flow port next to a movable part of the thermostat. A thermostat device characterized in that it is formed by a protrusion provided. 10. The thermostat device according to claim 9, wherein the housing is a trigonal shape having a third circulation port in addition to the first circulation port and the second circulation port, and the thermostat comprises: A machine frame provided with a valve seat, a spindle fixed to the machine frame, and a pellet that moves in the axial direction with respect to the spindle due to expansion and contraction by heat of a wax fitted in the spindle and enclosed in the inside, When the temperature of the liquid, which is supported by the pellets and abuts on the valve seat, exceeds a first set temperature, the second flow path is changed from the first flow port to the second flow port.
A normally closed first valve that opens so as to allow the flow of liquid to the flow port, and when the temperature of the liquid supported by the pellets exceeds a second set temperature that is higher than the first set temperature. A normally open second valve that abuts a valve seat formed in the housing to block the flow of liquid from the first flow port to the third flow port, and the second valve is a thermostat. A thermostat device, comprising a movable portion, wherein a protrusion as the above-mentioned mark is provided to project from the inner wall surface of the housing at a position facing the first flow port next to the second valve. 11. The thermostat device according to claim 8, further comprising a plurality of marks for distinguishing whether or not a specific portion of the movable portion is in a normal position at different temperatures. And a thermostat device. 12. The thermostat device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of marks indicate whether or not a specific portion of the movable portion is in a regular position at a temperature at which the valve should be in a closed state. Thermostat device characterized by being a first mark for distinguishing and a second mark for distinguishing whether or not a specific portion of the movable portion is in a regular position at a temperature at which the valve should be in an open state . 13. A thermostat having a valve for interrupting the flow of liquid between the first flow port and the second flow port is housed in a housing having a first flow port and a second flow port. In the thermostat device, the housing is formed of a transparent or translucent material that allows the inside thermostat to be seen through from the outside, and the valve when the temperature of the thermostat is actually changed on the wall surface of the housing. The thermostat device is provided with a mark for distinguishing whether or not the amount of displacement of the thermostat corresponds to the temperature change based on the position of the movable part displaced by the temperature change of the thermostat. 14. The thermostat device according to claim 13, wherein the mark is provided on the valve in order to perform the discrimination based on the position of the peripheral edge of the valve displaced along the inner wall surface of the housing. A thermostat device, wherein a peripheral edge is provided at a side of a position where it should exist at a specific temperature. 15. The thermostat device according to claim 13, wherein the valve is provided with a protrusion protruding forward or rearward in a moving direction thereof, and the mark is based on a tip position of the protrusion. A thermostat device characterized in that the tip of the protrusion is provided at a side of a position where it should exist at a specific temperature for distinguishing. 16. The thermostat device according to claim 13, wherein the housing is a trigonal shape having a third circulation port in addition to the first circulation port and the second circulation port, and the thermostat comprises: A machine frame provided with a valve seat, a spindle fixed to the machine frame, and a pellet that moves in the axial direction with respect to the spindle due to expansion and contraction by heat of a wax fitted in the spindle and enclosed in the inside, When the temperature of the liquid, which is supported by the pellets and abuts on the valve seat, exceeds a first set temperature, the second flow path is changed from the first flow port to the second flow port.
A normally closed first valve that opens so as to allow the flow of liquid to the flow port, and when the temperature of the liquid supported by the pellets exceeds a second set temperature that is higher than the first set temperature. A normally open second valve that abuts a valve seat formed in the housing to block the flow of liquid from the first flow port to the third flow port, and the mark is the second valve. The thermostat device is characterized in that the peripheral edge of the second valve is provided at a side of a position where the second valve should exist at a specific temperature in order to perform the discrimination based on the position. 17. The thermostat device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the mark is formed by a ridge provided on an outer peripheral surface of the housing. Thermostat device. 18. A thermostat having a valve for interrupting the flow of liquid between the first and second circulation ports is housed in a housing having a first circulation port and a second circulation port. In the thermostat device, a movable part that is inserted from the outside of the housing into a fixed part that does not displace the inner wall surface of the housing or the thermostat and that is displaced together with the valve of the thermostat, and a front side in the insertion direction of the movable part. A ruler for measuring the distance to a specific part of the housing or a specific part that does not displace the thermostat,
A thermostat device, wherein a guide for guiding the tip of the ruler so as to contact the movable part is formed. 19. The thermostat device according to claim 18, wherein the guide measures a distance between a valve of the thermostat and an edge of the first flow port or the second flow port of the housing. A thermostat device for guiding the ruler so as to abut against a valve of the thermostat. 20. The thermostat device according to claim 19, wherein the guide is a ridge formed on an inner wall of the first flow port or the second flow port of the housing and extending in the moving direction of the valve. Thermostat device. 21. The thermostat device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes an opening for inserting the thermostat therein and the first circulation port. And a thermostat cover which is provided with the second circulation port and which is put on the opening after the thermostat is put in the thermostat case and is welded to a peripheral portion of the opening of the thermostat case. 22. The thermostat device according to claim 21, wherein the first circulation port is connected to a cooling water outlet of an automobile engine, and the second circulation port is connected to a radiator. . 23. A housing provided with a first flow port and a second flow port accommodates a thermostat having a valve for connecting and disconnecting the flow of liquid between the first flow port and the second flow port. A method for inspecting a thermostat of a thermostat device, wherein a mark is provided on a portion of the movable part of the thermostat that is displaced together with the valve, facing the first circulation port or the second circulation port, and the thermostat device is kept at a predetermined temperature. Whether the mark has a predetermined positional relationship with a specific portion of the housing or a specific portion of the thermostat that is not displaced, from the outside of the housing to the first circulation port or the second circulation port. The thermostat is characterized by checking whether the amount of displacement of the valve corresponds to the temperature change by inspecting through the mark through. How to check the thermostat of the charging device. 24. A thermostat having a valve for interrupting the flow of liquid between the first flow port and the second flow port is housed in a housing having a first flow port and a second flow port. A method for inspecting a thermostat of a thermostat device, wherein the valve is in a closed state with respect to a movable portion of the thermostat that is displaced together with the valve, with respect to a specific portion of the housing or a specific portion that does not displace the thermostat. A first mark that has a predetermined positional relationship with a second mark that has a predetermined positional relationship when the valve is opened.
A mark is provided, the thermostat device is set to a temperature at which the valve should be in a closed state, and whether or not the first mark has a predetermined positional relationship with the specific portion is determined from the outside of the housing. Inspection is performed by the first mark through the first circulation port or the second circulation port, then the thermostat device is set to a temperature at which the valve should be in the open state, and the second mark is set to a predetermined value for the specific portion. It is determined whether or not there is a positional relationship from the outside of the housing through the first circulation port or the second circulation port and the second circulation port.
A thermostat inspection method for a thermostat device, which is characterized by inspecting with a mark. 25. A thermostat having a valve for interrupting the flow of liquid between the first flow port and the second flow port is housed in a housing having a first flow port and a second flow port. A method for inspecting a thermostat of a thermostat device, comprising: a part of the housing facing the first flow port or the second flow port, or the first flow port or the second flow port of the fixed part that does not displace the thermostat. A mark is provided on the facing portion, the thermostat device is heated to a predetermined temperature, and it is determined whether the mark has a predetermined positional relationship with respect to a movable part that is displaced together with the valve of the thermostat. From the outside of the first distribution port or the second
By inspecting with the above mark through the distribution port,
A method for inspecting a thermostat of a thermostat device, comprising checking whether or not the amount of displacement of the valve corresponds to the temperature change. 26. A thermostat having a valve for interrupting the flow of liquid between the first and second circulation ports is housed in a housing having a first circulation port and a second circulation port. A method for inspecting a thermostat of a thermostat device, comprising: a part of the housing facing the first flow port or the second flow port, or the first flow port or the second flow port of the fixed part that does not displace the thermostat. At the facing portion, a first mark for positioning a movable portion of the thermostat, which is displaced together with the valve when the valve is in the closed state, in a predetermined positional relationship, and the movable mark when the valve is in the open state. A second mark for positioning the part in a predetermined positional relationship, and setting the thermostat device at a temperature at which the valve should be in a closed state, It is checked from the outside of the housing through the first circulation port or the second circulation port by the first mark whether the predetermined positional relationship with the first mark is present, and then the thermostat device is connected to the valve. Is the temperature at which the valve should be opened, and whether the movable portion is in a predetermined positional relationship with the second mark is determined from the outside of the housing through the first circulation port or the second circulation port. A thermostat inspection method for a thermostat device, which is characterized by inspecting with two marks. 27. A thermostat having a valve for connecting and disconnecting a liquid flow between the first circulation port and the second circulation port is housed in a housing having a first circulation port and a second circulation port. A thermostat inspecting method for a thermostat device, comprising: a movable part that is displaced together with the valve of the thermostat; and the first flow port or the second flow port that exists in front of or behind the moving direction of the movable part, A ruler is inserted into the housing or a fixed part of the thermostat that does not displace from the outside of the housing through the first circulation port or the second circulation port to guide insertion of the ruler to abut the movable part. A guide is provided, the thermostat device is heated to a predetermined temperature, and the ruler is guided from the outside of the housing to the guide. The inside of the ruler is brought into contact with the movable part of the thermostat so that the tip of the ruler does not displace the movable part and a specific part of the housing located on the front side of the movable part in the insertion direction or the thermostat. A thermostat inspection method for a thermostat device, which comprises inspecting whether or not the movable portion is displaced according to the temperature change by measuring a distance from a specific portion. 28. The thermostat inspection method for a thermostat device according to claim 27, wherein a guide is guided from the outside of the housing into the inside of the housing by guiding the ruler from the outside of the housing, and the tip of the ruler is connected to the thermostat of the thermostat. The work of contacting a movable part that is displaced together with the valve and measuring the distance between the movable part and a specific part of the housing or a specific part of the fixed part of the thermostat that is present in the front or rear of the moving direction of the movable part. The measurement result at the first temperature and the measurement result at the second temperature are performed both in the state in which the thermostat device is held at the first temperature and in the state in which the thermostat device is held at the second temperature higher than the first temperature. And whether the movable part is displaced according to the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature. Thermostat inspection method of the thermostat device according to claim and.