JPS5983877A - Thermoelectric operating valve with one or plurality of flow path - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In a washing machine, water introduced into a tank is passed through a solenoid valve actuated by an electromagnet, and this solenoid valve, when energized, opens one or more capillaries and causes the valve to open. It is well known to produce suitable pressure effects to release the . Some solenoid valves of this type have the following defects. That is, clogging of the capillary pores caused by calcareous deposits and other foreign contaminants.

Catch of the movable member in the closed part of the valve, or even worse in the open position.

Interruption of electromagnet winding.

Short circuit between windings and resulting heating of the windings.

This carries the risk of melting of plastic material parts.

Water hammer when the valve closes. This is difficult to control and carries the risk of rupture of the feed branch.

Difficulty guiding the necessary water rats to the tank when the pressure of the water pump system is inadequate.

i! There is noise in the solenoid valve operation, and this increases over time.〇 Especially for valve groups with high output, the size increases.

Risk of flooding if the valve is pulled in the operating position.

Also, in refrigerators with a single cooling compartment, i.e. in many cases a single cooling unit consisting essentially of a compressor, an external radiator, an indoor condenser, a set of tubular ducts, a filter and a thermostat. It is also well known that only systems are employed.

According to the current conditions, for cold storage of vegetables, wine and other food products, it is necessary to maintain a moderate temperature, i.e. 0℃.
It is required to be considerably higher than that.

This condition posed to manufacturers the question of how to realize this possibility at the lowest possible cost, ie without adding a second refrigerator or compression systems.

Therefore, at present, 2Il! Room II refrigerators tend to partially remove cold air in the rooms that require less cold air, ie the so-called cellar.

Although this solution can be used in small quantities in practice, it has the disadvantage that the temperature cannot be controlled. That is, although the cold air or cold room can be very well controlled, the so-called underground storage room cannot be controlled equally well.

The ideal solution that could be achieved would be to provide two independent refrigerator systems, but this would obviously be expensive.

Another solution that is often utilized is to provide a valve that shuts off the fluid/gas and routes it to one chamber or the other depending on the conditions. ,
Therefore, it can be controlled by a general thermostat. The whole is of course connected to a single compressor, which may be of rather large dimensions.

This solution yields significant savings in terms of the use of two compressors, even if the solenoid valves are somewhat expensive, and at the same time makes it possible to fully regulate the temperature of 2 yen.

The main aim of the invention is to eliminate all these drawbacks of the known T4L solenoid valve.

Another object of the invention is to provide a valve which is time-efficient, has a simple construction, is economically advantageous and is suitable for use in trench mulchers.

Another particular object of the invention is to provide a thermoelectrically controlled valve capable of receiving fluids at very high pressures and thus suitable for use in chillers.

In accordance with the above-mentioned object, the invention provides a thermoelectrically controlled valve, in particular for a washing machine and/or a refrigerator, which is pressed into the closed position by the pressure of calibrated elastic means. , characterized in that it includes a housing including a valve body that is controlled to open by pressure generated in the chamber by the volumetric expansion of a wax substance heated by a thermistor (PTC) and transmitted to the valve body. provided.

Further salient features of the valve of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, the valve is separated by a horizontal plane passing through axis X--X, with the upper half shown in the open position and the lower half shown in the closed position.

In terms of structure, the valve has a housing 1 with a connecting nipple 2 forming an inlet for receiving water in the direction indicated by the arrow y, 3 indicating a connector for connecting the valve to a washing machine. and 4 indicates a filter for incoming water. The valve body 5 includes an elastic gasket 6
It is attached to a valve stem 5a that slides in the longitudinal direction with respect to the valve seat 1a. Spring 7 maintains the valve in the closed position as shown at the bottom of FIG. valve stem 5
The end of a can be slid freely into the tubular sheet! It is in contact with a gasket 8 installed in a sealing relationship. However,
The tubular valve seat 1d communicates with a chamber 9 delimited by a cap 10. The chamber 9 is filled with a suitable wax or other suitable mixture of fillers having a specific coefficient of expansion at the predetermined temperature value. At this temperature, the wax substance undergoes a significant increase in volume, resulting in a rapid and significant increase in pressure u in said chamber 9 which acts on the gasket 8 and is directed at 88. position and thus cause the valve body 6 to open against the force of the spring 7, as shown in the upper part of FIG.

One or more thermistors 11 are immersed in the wax material contained in the chamber 9, and electrical terminals 1iaK1
It is continued. The electrical terminal 11a is passed through the cap 10 in a sealed manner, and the cap 10 is secured to the valve housing 1 in a suitable manner.

Terminal 11a is connected to the power supply circuit of the machine via the programming section of the machine.

The operation of the valve is as follows.

When power is supplied to terminal 11a, PTc(s) 11 heats up and stabilizes at its characteristic temperature.

Although this temperature is much higher than the wax melting temperature, the wax melts in a short time. Since the molten wax expands and increases its volume and therefore the pressure in the chamber 9, a thrust is generated which acts on the gasket 8 and pushes against the valve stem 5a. When the thrust overcomes the force of spring 7, the valve opens.

When the voltage across terminal 11a is removed, the PTcll and the wax material cool, the volume of the wax material decreases, and the valve 6 is therefore moved into abutting position against the valve seat 1a by the force of the spring 7, Close the control fluid inlet.

In the variant shown in FIG. 2, the chamber 9 accommodating the wax is inserted into the recessed hole 16 of the housing 1 of the plastic material.
It is formed by a metal sheath 12 fitted inside.

The plastic material is then thermally deformed after insertion of the metal sheath and closed as indicated at 17.

Thermistor 11 and electrical terminal 111 are made of insulating resin 1
It is held in place by a thin layer of No. 3. Terminal 11a passes through an electrically insulating gasket 18 and projects beyond the bottom of the sheath. The valve stem 5a is in contact with the elastic gasket 14 and is provided with a groove 1flJ around the circumference. This circumferential groove keeps water and other important seals out, even in small amounts.
It receives a ring-shaped elastic gasket 15 to prevent it from mixing with the wax contained therein.

FIG. 3 shows another variation of the invention in which one or more thermistors 11 are connected to a sheath 12.
It is arranged d outside the chamber 9 formed by a. 1
No. 9 refers to a cage that protects one or more thermistors, the cage being designed to improve ventilation and thermal dissipation of the thermistor when the power supply is interrupted.
It has a cylindrical portion with a hole designated by 19a.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate modifications of the valve used in the cooler.

The valve of FIG. 4 includes a gold shell housing 1, on the end of which is mounted a small heating head 22, which is held by a nut 23 which engages a bolt. Fourth
In the figure, the head 22υ is shown in the nir plane, and one or two thermistors 11 of suitable power are housed in the head, and a housing made of a suitable electrically insulating and heat-resistant material is used. Electrical terminal 1 in contact with 27
Vehicle power is supplied via 1a. The housing 27 has 1
It is in direct contact with a hollow extension filled with 7x9.

The valve containing the wax 9 has a single opening controlled by a gasket 8 slidably mounted in sealing relation within the seat of the valve body 5a of the valve 5.

Thus, the valve body 5 closes the flow path valve seat 1 located between the inlet connector 4 and the outlet 6 for fluid.

A space 25 is provided between the end of the valve stem 5a that engages with the valve body 5 and the seat that slidably receives the end. The spring 7 serves to maintain the valve body 5 in the closed position with respect to the valve seat 1a.

When power is supplied to terminal 11a, thermistor 11 is heated, resulting in melting of wax 9. Since the wax increases in volume and exerts a strong pressure on the gasket 8, the valve stem 5a causes an axial displacement of the valve body 5 after filling the space 25, and opens the valve seat 18. When the valve is opened, fluid flows into the load connector via the inlet connector 4 until the valve body 5 returns to close the valve seat 1a.

The return of the valve body 5 occurs when the power supply to the terminal 11a is stopped and the wax 9 cools down accordingly. The wax then contracts and the spring 7 brings the valve body 5 back into the presented position.

In the father version presented in FIG. 5, the operation remains unchanged, but the valve housing 1 has one inlet connector 4 and two
It has two outflow connectors 3.3b. Or vice versa. That is, there may be two inflow connectors and two or only one outflow connector.

In this variant, a spring 24 is included between the end of the valve body 5a and the seat formed on the valve body 5, which has a spring constant that is clearly greater than the spring constant of the spring 7. This measure eliminates water hammer in valve operation and absorbs hidden thrust on the valve stem 26 even when the valve is closed. In the variant of FIG. 5, the flow path valve seat I in the position shown is
When the thermistor 11rcm force is supplied to the valve body 5 which closes the valve seat C and opens the valve seat If, and the valve body 5a pushes it in the direction of the arrow, the valve seat f is in the closed state and the valve seat 1C is in the open state. becomes. As a result, the connector 4 may alternatively communicate with the connector 3 or 3b, or the temperature of the wax 9 may
If maintained at a level that creates a relatively moderate thrust on the valve stem 5a and does not completely compress the spring 7, it will communicate with both.

During the de-energizing phase of one or two thermistors 11, the spring 24 acts first, followed by the spring 7, which displaces the valve body 5 in the axial direction until the valve seat 1C is closed.

The axial distance @25 between the valve stem 5a and the valve body 5 is widened to ensure thermal drift. That is, if the valve is used in a relatively warm environment, the wax 9
increases its volume and applies a given thrust to the valve stem 5a, but does not open the valve until the end of the valve fills the available gap on the seat formed in the valve body.

As can be seen, the spring 24 may be provided (FIG. 5) or not (FIG. 4). If provided, its spring constant may be larger or smaller with respect to the spring constant of the spring 7, depending on the desired effect in the spring action.

The spring 7 of FIGS. 4 and 5 is intended to close the valve when the thrust on the valve stem 5a ceases, but it may have any shape and construction different from that shown here. It may also be attached to the operating seat in any number of different ways.

In the variant presented in FIG. 6, a thermistor 11 is placed outside a sheath 3o containing wax 9 or other thermally expandable material. The heat change generated by the thermistor 11 is transferred to the object ti 9 via the wall of the chamber 3o. However, it may be provided with a pressure screw 31, as illustrated in the detail indicated at A,
By adjusting its position, the heat-sensitive substance 9 can be contained.
The internal volume of the sheath can be varied. The electric terminal 11a of the thermistor 11 passes through the 1h portion of the housing 1 of the flame-insulating material, and preferably the compensation screw 28
It is better to have a threaded part for this purpose. The compensation screw 28 acts on a cup-shaped spring 29 mounted in contact with the thermistor 11, ensuring perfect contact between the thermistor 11 and the metal sheath 3o.

34 designates a rigid diaphragm pierced by a small piston 55, which piston, under the thrust of the substance 9 against the action of the spring 37, presses against the second elastic diaphragm 72.
32 can be pressed. Therefore, this diaphragm abuts against and separates from the flow path valve seat 4h of the connector 4. The variant illustrated in FIG. 7 does not have any changes in certain features, but in this variant, as already mentioned, the thermistor 11 has a cup shape and the outer surface of the sheath 30 containing the substance 9. surrounded.

In the modification illustrated in FIG. 8, the thermistor 11 has a cup-like shape. The screw 28 and cup spring 29 act on the sheath 30 rather than on the thermistor and compensate for the axial movement that may be generated by the hBj vibration between the elastic membrane 36 and the pJu diaphragm 39. A small piston 55 passing through the second rigid diaphragm 34 controls the arbitrarily shaped valve against the force of the spring 37.

In the modification illustrated in FIG. 9, the thermistor 1i
(p'rc) is immersed in a substance 9 contained within a cup-shaped sheath 3o in the same manner as described with respect to FIG. The heat and volume fluctuations of the substance 9 are transmitted to the elastic membrane 66,
This is transmitted to the second elastic corrugated membrane 32 which acts on and leaves the small piston 35. The valve is 6.4.
It can have two or three channels designated by 4C.

In the modification illustrated in FIG. 10, the small piston 35 is missing, and the second elastic membrane 32 directly controls the flow path valve seat 4h of the connector 4, as described for the modification in FIG. It has been shaped to do so.

In the valve variations illustrated in Figures 6-10, the objective was to sealingly separate the sheath containing the heat sensitive substance from the valve body. This structure has the purpose of preventing even the Hannoshosha control fluid from reaching the heat-sensitive substance 9 . If the control fluid is a well-known warm corrosive gas, for example "7 Leon 12" used in the cooling circuit, and it ultimately enters the chamber containing the heat sensitive material 9 and possibly the thermistor 11. , they destroy the above-mentioned parts and cause serious problems with the valve.

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention,
We firmly maintain the principle of using a thermistor on the control side in cooperation with a heat-sensitive substance, wax or other suitable substance with the addition of highly thermally conductive metal powders or oxides. However, the same valve of any shape and structure can be controlled directly (Figures 1-5) or indirectly using a tight chamber containing a heat-sensitive substance (Figures 1-5).
6 to 10) and with appropriately shaped and positioned external thermistors (Figs. 4 to 8) or internal thermistors (Figs. 9 and 10), the use of this valve The advantages derived will be clear from the above description.

In either case, the following advantages are obtained. This means that valve operation is guaranteed over long periods of time, relays and/or
Significant cost savings compared to the use of existing magnetic valves that require other expensive components; can be conveniently used primarily in washers and coolers; control of pressurized fluids is required. It can be widely used in various fields.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the valve of the invention; FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of an embodiment/variation of the invention; and FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of another modification of the embodiment of the invention. 4 and 5 are longitudinal cross-sectional views showing thermistor position and other structural variations regarding the valve body; FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing variations regarding the thermistor arrangement; and FIG. and FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing another modification of the specific example of the present invention, and FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams showing other modifications of the specific example of the present invention. 1: Valve housing 6: Elastic gasket 1a: Valve seat 7: Spring 1d: Seat 8 Gasket 2: Nipple 3: Connector 4: Filter 5: Valve body (still on the valve side) 9: Chamber 10: Cap 11: Thermistor 11a : Electrical terminal

Claims (1)

Claims: (1) A thermally operated valve, particularly for washing machines and cold: BJ machines, which includes a hollow housing and has a valve member in a closed or open position that provides a flow path for water or other fluids. and cooperating with an elastic member, in which the movable member comprises a defined volume of wax or other suitable thermal expansion material and one or more mechanically connected to a program or timer device. The control flow path is controlled to close or open by pressure built up in a chamber containing a thermistor (PTC) which, when powered, increases the temperature of the wax material. and when the wax substance melts, it increases its volume and creates a high pressure in the chamber, which creates a thrust through an elastic gasket or gland that is transmitted to the valve member and A thermoelectrically operated valve in which the member assumes an open or closed position and remains in an inoperative position by the force of a resilient means until the thermistor is energized. (2) In the valve described in Section 1, a valve member is provided in the hollow housing and includes a cylindrical valve stem that is attached to slide in the longitudinal direction within a corresponding seat. , at least one sealing gasket is provided in the corresponding sheet, the sheet communicating with a closed chamber filled with a substance expanded by heat generated by one or more thermistors immersed in wax; A thermoelectrically operated valve in which the electrical terminal of the thermistor extends outside the chamber. (3) Scope of Patent Claims The thermoelectrically operated valve according to item 1, wherein a thermistor is mounted outside the chamber containing a wax substance. (4) A thermoelectrically operated valve according to claim 1, wherein the elastic means cooperating with the valve member is formed by a thin plate or a helical spring. (5) A thermoelectrically operated valve according to claim 1, wherein the chamber containing the wax is formed by a metal sheath suitable for rapidly dissipating the heat generated by the thermistor. (6) In the valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the opening of the valve is controlled by means independent of the pressure of water or the controlled fluid, and the opening of the valve is controlled by means independent of the pressure of the water or the controlled fluid, so that even when the pressure of the supply system is low, the opening of the valve is controlled. Thermoelectrically operated valve adapted to allow inflow of fluid〇(7) In the valve according to claim 1, the valve stem connects one end of the valve stem to the valve member with a gap of a preset size. A thermoelectrically actuated valve coupled to the valve member by insertion therein and adapted to compensate for pressure in the wax chamber resulting from expansion of the wax material due to ambient temperature. (8) In the valve according to item 1 or 7, in which the special g'f li' is desired, a spring is included in the longitudinal gap disposed between the insertion seat formed in the valve member and the valve shaft, A thermoelectrically actuated valve in which the spring acts to avoid 1** by compression. (9) A valve according to claim 1, in which the hollow portion of the valve housing, which does not pass the fluid to be controlled, is hermetically separated from the chamber housing the thermal expansion means with an associated thermistor inside or outside the chamber. Thermoelectrically operated valve. (10) A thermoelectrically operated valve according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inside of the valve housing is divided into separate chambers by an elastically deformable membrane and a diaphragm. (11) Special #! A valve according to claim 1 or claim 10, in which the diaphragm separating the chamber containing the thermally expandable material and optionally the thermistor (PTC) from the rest of the valve comprises a heat-resistant, electrically insulating elastomer membrane. A thermoelectrically actuated valve formed by an elastically deformable thin plate cooperating with a thermoelectrically actuated valve. (12. Claim 1111 The valve according to claim 1 or 11, wherein the elastically deformable lamina forming the shading diaphragm of the chamber abuts a valve seat coupled to a downstream fluid connector. (13) In the valve according to claim 1, the thermoelectrically operated valve is shaped as shown in FIG.
1 a sexually deformable membrane cooperates with a valve member comprising a valve stem;
A thermoelectrically actuated valve that controls one or more flow path valve seats against the force of a calibrated elastic means. (14) A valve according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in which the chamber containing the thermally expandable material is thermoelectrically actuated, provided with suitable means for changing the volume of the chamber and changing the characteristics of the valve. valve. (15) A valve according to claim 7, in which the means for changing the volume of the valve protrude inside a tight sheath operable from the outside and containing a thermal W1 tonic material and optionally a thermistor. thermoelectrically actuated valve formed by one or more screws. (16) The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 15, in which the thermally expandable material is formed by a waxy material mixed with metal powder and/or a highly thermally conductive oxide. valve.