NL2010153B1

NL2010153B1 - A valve controller.

Info

Publication number: NL2010153B1
Application number: NL2010153A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Shelley Michael
Original assignee: Honeywell Technologies Sarl
Priority date: 2012-01-20
Filing date: 2013-01-21
Publication date: 2018-04-16
Also published as: GB2498573B; GB2498573A; GB201201004D0; DE102013100089A1; NL2010153A

Abstract

A valve controller (1), such as a TRV, for controlling a valve on a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) apparatus, the valve controller (1) comprising a means, such as a plurality of resilient fingers (19), for attaching the valve controller to the HVAC apparatus, and a locking member (27) for locking the valve controller (1) to the HV AC apparatus. The locking member (27) is manually rotatable between a releasing configuration, and a locking configuration. The valve controller (1) may comprise an adaptor element (11) for fitting to the HV AC apparatus. The plurality of resilient fingers (19) may engage the adaptor element (11) in a snap fit.

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to valve controllers for heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) apparatus, and especially, but not exclusively, to Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs).

Background of the Invention

Valve controllers for heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) apparatus are well known. Valve controllers typically control operation of an associated valve in dependence on an external input. A Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV) controls hot water flow through a radiator valve in dependence on the local temperature, and is an example of such a valve controller.

Valve controllers are often supplied as separate items from the HVAC apparatus, either for fitting during installation of the HVAC apparatus, or for retro-fitting to existing HVAC apparatus. Some known valve controllers may be difficult and/or time consuming to fit. It is desirable to provide a valve controller that mitigates or removes this disadvantage.

Some known valve controllers use a valve adaptor assembly to enable the valve controller to be fitted to HVAC apparatus. However, these adaptor assemblies tend to be relatively bulky. This is undesirable, especially in today’s market where consumers tend to prefer smaller, more discrete valve controllers.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a valve controller for controlling a valve on a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) apparatus, the valve controller comprising:

a means for attaching the valve controller to the HVAC apparatus, and a locking member for locking the valve controller to the HVAC apparatus, wherein the locking member is rotatable, preferably manually rotatable, between a releasing configuration, and a locking configuration. Such an arrangement may enable the valve controller to be securely fitted to the apparatus relatively easily and/or quickly. The valve controller is arranged such that the locking member requires only a rotation to move between the locking configuration and the releasing configuration.

The valve controller is preferably arranged such that the locking member does not require a translation, such as axial movement, between the locking configuration and the releasing configuration. Such an arrangement is simple to use because it only requires a single (rotational) movement to lock in place.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a valve controller for controlling a valve on a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) apparatus, the valve controller comprising:

an adaptor element for fitting to the HVAC apparatus, a plurality of resilient fingers for engaging the adaptor element in a snap fit to thereby couple the valve controller to the valve on the HVAC apparatus, and a locking assembly for locking the valve controller to the HVAC apparatus, the locking assembly being operable between a releasing configuration, and a locking configuration. Such an arrangement has been found to facilitate construction of a relatively small valve controller that can be easily and securely attached to the HVAC apparatus.

In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the resilient fingers are arranged to engage the adaptor element in a snap fit. The fingers may, for example, snap fit over the adaptor and engage one side of that adaptor. More preferably, the adaptor element comprises a groove for receiving at least one of the fingers in the snap fit. Thus, the adaptor may provide a surface into which the fingers engage irrespective on the structure surrounding the adaptor. The valve controller is preferably arranged to prevent relative translational movement between the adaptor and the fingers when the fingers are engaged with the adaptor. For example the fingers may engage a groove in the adaptor in a snug-fit.

The adaptor element may be ring-shaped (i.e. have a substantially circular crosssection). In embodiments in which the adaptor also comprises a groove, the groove may extend circumferentially around the adaptor. That groove may be arranged to receive the plurality of fingers in the snap fit.

The adaptor element may be screw-threaded for cooperation with a corresponding screw thread on the HVAC apparatus. Such an arrangement facilitates a secure attachment between the apparatus and the adaptor. The screw-thread is preferably on an interior surface of the adaptor which is arranged to engage an external screw-thread on an external surface of part of the HVAC apparatus.

Some features of the second aspect of the invention may be present in the first aspect of the invention. In particular, the means for attaching the valve controller of the first aspect to the HVAC apparatus, may comprise a plurality of resilient fingers for attaching the valve controller to the apparatus by way of a snap fit. The plurality of resilient fingers may be arranged in accordance with those of the second aspect of the invention. The valve controller preferably comprises a housing and the resilient fingers may be integrally formed in the housing. The locking member is preferably substantially fixed in the axial direction (i.e. along the primary axis of the valve controller) relative to the resilient fingers. The locking member may be only rotatable, relative to the resilient fingers, and not otherwise moveable.

The locking assembly in the valve controller of the second aspect of the invention may comprise a locking member for locking the valve controller to the HVAC apparatus, wherein the locking member is operable between a releasing configuration, and a locking configuration. The locking member may be rotatable, and more preferably manually rotatable. The locking member may be arranged in accordance with the locking member of the first aspect of the invention.

In embodiments of the present invention in which the controller comprises a locking member and a plurality of resilient fingers, the locking member may, in the locking configuration, be arranged to prevent movement of the fingers out of the snap fit. In the releasing configuration the resilient fingers may be moveable into/out of the snap fit. During operation of the valve controller, the valve controller may be subjected to a force that urges the controller off the HVAC apparatus. For example, if the valve controller is actuating the valve of the HVAC apparatus downwardly, it may be subjected to a reaction force that urges the controller upwardly off the apparatus (and thus urges the fingers out of the snap fit). The locking member is preferably arranged to block movement of the fingers out of the snap fit. The locking member is preferably arranged to block any movement of the fingers out of the snap fit. The locking member may be arranged such that when the fingers are urged out of the snap fit, at least some of the urging force is reacted into the locking member. This limits the stress on the resilient fingers. The locking member may be arranged to transfer at least some of the urging force into a third structure, such as a housing of the valve controller. The locking member may comprise a shielding element, and in the locking configuration the shielding element may be located adjacent the fingers to prevent the movement out of the snap fit. In the releasing configuration the shielding element may be located remotely from the fingers, such that the fingers are allowed into/out of the snap fit. The locking member may comprise a plurality of apertures, and in the releasing configuration the apertures may be located adjacent the fingers to allow movement of the fingers into/out of the snap fit. In embodiments in which the locking member comprises both a shielding element and a plurality of apertures, the apertures may be disposed between adjacent parts of the shielding element. The locking member is preferably ring-shaped. The shielding element and apertures may extend circumferentially around the locking member. The apertures may be in the form of recesses in the locking element, but more preferably the apertures extend all the way through the locking element.

The locking element preferably comprises a means for receiving manual actuation. For example, the locking element may comprise a protruding tab arranged such that a user can actuate the locking member between the releasing and locking configurations by moving (for example pushing) the tab in a particular direction. The locking member may be rotatably mounted on the housing of the valve controller.

The valve controller of the present invention may be for use on any HVAC apparatus. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the valve controller is a Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV). The disadvantages solved or mitigated by the present invention are especially applicable to TRVs.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of fitting a valve controller to a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) apparatus, comprising the steps of attaching the valve controller to the HVAC apparatus, and rotating a locking member in the valve controller from a releasing configuration to a locking configuration.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of fitting a valve controller to a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) apparatus, comprising the steps of:

fitting an adaptor element to the HVAC apparatus, engaging a plurality of resilient fingers with the adaptor element in a snap fit, such that the valve controller is coupled to the valve on the HVAC apparatus, and operating a locking member from a releasing configuration to a locking configuration to lock the valve controller to the HVAC apparatus.

It will be appreciated that any features described with reference to one aspect of the invention are equally applicable to any other aspect of the invention, and vice versa. For example any features described with reference to the first aspect may be equally applicable to the second aspect. Any features described with reference to the first aspect may also be equally applicable to the third or fourth aspects.

Description of the Drawings

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

Figures la to lc are perspective views of a TRV in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure Id is a perspective view of the TRV in Fig lc with the housing removed;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the TRV of the first embodiment showing the housing and an adaptor;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the TRV of the first embodiment showing the housing and a locking member;

Figures 4a and 4b are perspective views of the housing with the locking member installed, Fig 4a showing the housing in phantom; and

Figure 5 is a section view of the housing, locking member and adaptor of the first embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Figures la to Id are perspective views of a Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV) 1 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The TRV 1 comprises a housing 3 on which a temperature control dial 5 is mounted. The TRV is arranged to control the temperature of a radiator to which it is connected (not shown) in dependence on the local temperature and on the desired temperature set by the control dial 5. The TRV 1 comprises an LCD display 7 on which data (not shown) such as the local and target temperatures, and the heating timing periods may be displayed. Three program buttons 9 are located adjacent the display 7 and enable a user to program TRV

1. The internal mechanism for actuating the valve on the radiator is visible in Figure Id which is a perspective view of the TRV from below, with the housing 3 removed. TRV actuating mechanisms per se are, of course, well known and are therefore not discussed in more detail in the present application.

The TRV 1 comprises an adaptor element 11 for fitting the TRV 1 to a radiator. The adaptor 11 and its relationship to other parts of the TRV 1 will now be described with reference to Figures 2 and 5.

Referring first to Figure 2, the adaptor element 11 is ring-shaped with a tapering edge 13. A portion of the internal surface of the adaptor 11 has a screw-threaded portion 17 for mating with a corresponding external screw thread on a radiator. The adaptor 11 can therefore be securely fixed to the radiator on which the TRV is to be used.

The widest portion of the adaptor 11 has a serrated edge 15a which mates with a correspondingly serrated internal surface 15b on the TRV housing 3 such that relative rotation between the housing 3 and adaptor 11 is prevented (although the serrated surfaces do not, of course, prevent longitudinal movement of the adaptor 11 into/out of the housing 3).

During installation of the TRV, the adaptor 11 (together with some associated other parts not shown in Figure 2) is typically screw-fitted to the radiator (around the radiator valve). The remainder of the TRV is then placed over the adaptor 11 such that the complementary serrated portions cooperate as described above.

The first embodiment of the invention provides a compact means for quickly and easily fastening the adaptor 11 to the remainder of the TRV. Specifically, the housing 3 includes three resilient fingers 19 integrally formed on the internal surface thereof.

All the fingers are spaced 120 degrees apart and only one finger 19 is visible in the perspective view of figure 2. The finger extends from a base 21 and by virtue of the resiliency of the housing material, the upper portion of each finger can be pushed outwardly a small amount under sufficient force. The upper portion of each finger comprises a protruding ridge 23 with a sloped outer face. This enables the fingers to engage the adaptor in a snap fit when the adaptor and housing are brought together. More particularly, the fingers are pushed outwardly and then snap fit into the circumferential groove 25 in the adaptor. The end of each finger 19 forms a snug-fit in the groove, and thus relative translational movement between the housing 3 and adaptor 11 is prevented (when the fingers are in the groove). The snap fit is also visible in Figure 5 which is a cross-section view showing one of the fingers 19 engaging the groove 25 on the adaptor 9.

This arrangement facilitates construction of a relatively small valve controller. It also facilitates the quick and easy installation of the TRV onto the radiator.

Referring now to Figures 3, 4a and 4b, the TRV of the first embodiment of the invention also comprises a locking member 27 for locking the TRV 1 to the radiator. The locking member 27 is in the form of a locking ring comprising a shielding element 29, three apertures 31 and a manually operable tab 33 which protrudes from the housing 3. In use, the locking member 27 is located in an annular space formed between two portions of the housing 3, and is rotatably moveable therein. The locking member 27 may be so rotated by a user pushing on slider 32 (see Figures lc and Id) which in turn pushes the protruding tab 33 (see Figs 4a and 4b) to which the slider 32 is connected.

The locking member 27 is operable to a locking configuration as is shown in Figure 4a. In the locking configuration, the shielding element 29 is located adjacent, and outwardly of, the fingers 19. In such a configuration, the fingers 19 and shielding element 29 are such that the shielding element physically blocks all outward movement of the fingers 19.

The locking member 27 is also operable to a releasing configuration (not shown). In the releasing configuration the locking member 27 is rotated a small amount such that the apertures 31 are located adjacent, and outwardly of, the fingers 19. In such a configuration, the fingers 19 and apertures 27 are such that the locking member no longer blocks outward movement of the fingers 19 and thus allows the fingers 19 to snap fit into, and out of, engagement with the adaptor 11.

During fitting of the TRV 1, the locking member 27 is placed in the releasing configuration to enable the fingers 19 to engage the adaptor 11. The locking member is then rotated (using the slider 32/tab 33) to the locking configuration such that the TRV is securely fixed to the radiator. Such an arrangement enables the TRV to be securely fitted to the apparatus relatively easily and quickly.

During operation of the TRV, when the TRV actuates the valve of the radiator 5 downwardly, it is subjected to a reaction force that urges the TRV upwardly off the radiator. It thus urges the fingers 19 out of the snap fit with the adaptor 11. The shielding elements 29 of the locking member 27 block outward movement of the fingers 19 and thus the urging force is reacted into the locking member 27. This limits the stress on the fingers 19 ensuring they are less susceptible to breakage. The locking member in turn is also arranged to transfer at least some of the urging force into the housing 3 of the TRV 1.

Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to a particular embodiment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims.

Claims

Conclusions

A valve controller for controlling a valve on a heating, ventilating, or air handling (HVAC) device, the valve controller comprising:

a plurality of resilient fingers for attaching the valve controller to the HVAC device by means of a snap connection, and a locking member for locking the valve controller relative to the HVAC device, the locking member being manually rotatable between a releasing configuration in which the resilient fingers are movable in / out of the snap connection, and a locking configuration in which the locking member is arranged to prevent the fingers from moving out of the snap connection.

Valve controller according to claim 1, wherein the locking member is substantially attached in the axial direction with respect to the resilient fingers.

3. Valve controller for controlling a valve on a heating, ventilating, or air handling (HVAC) device, wherein the valve controller comprises:

an adapter element adapted to be installed on the HVAC device, a plurality of resilient fingers adapted to engage the adapter element in a snap connection to thereby couple the valve controller to the valve on the HVAC device, and a locking member for the locking the valve controller relative to the HVAC device, the locking member being operable between a releasing configuration and a locking configuration.

Valve controller according to claim 3, wherein the adapter element comprises a groove for receiving at least one of the fingers in the snap connection.

Valve controller according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the adapter element is threaded, adapted to cooperate with a corresponding thread on the HVAC device.

Valve controller according to any of claims 3-5, wherein in the locking configuration the locking member is arranged to prevent the fingers from moving out of the snap connection.

Valve controller according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the locking member is arranged such that, in the locking configuration, when the fingers are forced out of the snap connection, at least a portion of the urging force is applied reactive to the locking member.

Valve controller according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the locking member comprises a shielding element, and in the locking configuration, the shielding element is located adjacent to the fingers to prevent movement from the snap connection.

The valve controller of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the locking member comprises a plurality of openings, and in the releasing configuration, the openings are located near the fingers to allow movement of the fingers in / out of the snap connection.

The valve controller of claim 9 when dependent on claim 8, wherein the openings are located between adjacent portions of the shielding element.

Valve according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the HVAC device is a radiator and the valve controller is a thermal radiator valve (TRV).

A method for installing a valve controller on a heating, ventilating, or air handling (HVAC) device, comprising the steps of:

attaching the valve controller to the HVAC device using a plurality of resilient fingers engaging a snap connection, rotating a locking member in the valve controller from a release configuration in which the resilient fingers are movable in / out of the snap connection, to a locking configuration in which the locking member is arranged to prevent the fingers from moving out of the snap connection.

installing an adapter element on the HVAC device, and engaging a plurality of resilient fingers on the adapter element in a snap connection, such that the valve controller is coupled to the valve on the HVAC device, and operating a locking member from a releasing configuration to a locking configuration to lock the valve controller relative to the HVAC device.

14. Valve controller as described herein with reference to the figures.

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