WO1997002457A1

WO1997002457A1 - Distributor comprised by a one-pipe-system for a heating or cooling apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1997002457A1
Application number: PCT/SE1996/000828
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anders Engelbrektsson; Claes RYDÉN
Original assignee: Tour & Andersson Hydronics Ab
Priority date: 1995-06-30
Filing date: 1996-06-25
Publication date: 1997-01-23
Also published as: NO310255B1; SE9502388L; NO975898L; DE69614859D1; PL324024A1; NO975898D0; SE507600C2; ATE204979T1; SE9502388D0; AU6323496A; EP0839304B1; EP0839304A1; DE69614859T2; DK0839304T3

Abstract

A distributor (7) in a single-pipe system (1, 2) in a heating or cooling apparatus has a feed pipe (3), a return and bypass pipe (4), radiators or cooling elements (5), valves (6) for the latter, and a housing (8) with an axially through-going conduit (9), one end of which forms a return inlet (10), and to which are laterally connected a return outlet (11), a feed inlet (12) and a feed outlet (13). Through the other end of said conduit (9) is inserted a control spindle (17, 21) having a cone (18) for throttling or shutting off said return inlet (10) against a seat (19) in said housing (8). According to the invention, said spindle (17, 21) is provided with a throttling cone (22) acting on a surrounding seat (23) being a circular-cylindrical restriction of said housing (8), which restriction constitutes a bypass of said system jointly with said feed inlet, said return outlet and portions of said conduit interconnecting same.

Description

DISTRIBUTOR COMPRISED BY A ONE-PIPE-SYSTEM FOR A HE_ATI_NG OR COOLING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a distributor, which is in¬ cluded in a heating or cooling plant, according to the pre¬ amble of patent claim 1.

Already known distributors of this type are designed to pro¬ vide a specific flow, calculated as a percentage , through e.g. a radiator. Normally the amount of the flow through the radiator is about 50 % of the total flow through a closed loop and in special cases it may be about 35 %.

In a loop with e.g. 6 radiators , in which loop further the difference in size between the radiators may be large, the flows through the smaller radiators (see Fig. 1) are in prac¬ tice too large. Too large flows mean that the heat emission increases and this means that small radiators in a loop emit more energy than they are designed toi-do. This also means, that e.g. a larger radiator close to the end of the loop will function under conditions, which it is not designed for, i.e. with a too low average temperatur and a too small heat emis¬ sion. As to the climate in the house, a room with a smaller radiator will be too hot, whereas a room with a larger radia¬ tor will be too cold.

The drawbacks mentioned above can be remedied by changing the pressure, fall across the connected radiator valves. If the valve of a smaller radiator is choked, the flow through the radiator can be reduced , but then a much larger pressure fall (delta 2) across this portion of the loop results, since the flow through the bypass tube increases. A higher pressure fall (delta 2) results in the drawback, that the total flowthrough the loop decreases , the conditions for all parts of the loop thereby changing. The calculated values for capacities/energy change och consequently also the room climate. If the loop is connected to a larger system, other parts of the system will also change, as soon as one or several valves are adjusted, e.g. choked, anywhere in the system.

US-A-3 618 855 relates to a radiator valve, in which the spind¬ le is provided with a restriction cone. This cone is not cont¬ rolled in any other way than through the spindle suspension in one of its ends, and consequently maxin ±vg variations, flow variations, vibrations etc. may occur. SE-B-418 107 relates to a similar construction, known before the construction ac¬ cording to US-A-3 618 855 , a control of the free spindle end only being possible, if the flow passage is cut off at the • same time, which of course completely excludes some control possibilities.

The object of the present invention is to considerably counter¬ act and to eliminate , if possible completely, the above-men¬ tioned drawbacks. Another object is to accomplish this with simple yet reliable^' means. Additional objects of the invention is to further develop this technical field in various respects.

These objects are met according to the invention by designing a distributor of the type described in the introduction main¬ ly in such a way as is set forth in the characterizing clause of patent claim 1.

With the new construction the drawbacks, which are inherent in the already known solutions, are eliminated. A constant loop flow is obtained, irrespective of the percentage dist¬ ribution to the radiators within the respektive distribution areas. The size of every area depends on the physical design of the distributor and the k-value of the radiator valve.

Thus, due to the invention the flow up to a radiator can be varied without influencing the total loop flow and consequent¬ ly also not the conditions in_' the remaining radiators or other parts in a large flow system. One condition for this is that a radiator valve is used, which is connected in pa¬ rallel with the restriction of the distributor and the k-va¬ lue of which e.g. and preferably is less than 0.80. An essential feature: of the invention is that the restriction/ distribution function of the distributor is obtained by means of a control component, which comprises a polygonal, preferab¬ ly triangular restriction cone. The design of the restriction cone results in a centering function in a spindle, also a art of the control component as well as the choking. The varia¬ tion of the choking can be obtained by means of obliquely cut, suitably flat surfaces, which differ as to direction in rela¬ tion to the cylindrical bypass flow through of the distribu¬ tor housing.

Further, in connection with the change in the choking of the bypass a change in the choking of the radiator return simul¬ taneously takes place, since the front or return-controlling restriction cone then also is moved in the axial direction. These features are the basis of the great functional value of the invention, i.e. that the simultaneous change of the two restriction sites is such, that the total flow through the two restriction elements can be maintained constant within practical limits for the application. In order not to allow the two flows, i.e. from the bypass flow through and the ra¬ diator return respectively, to influence each other negative¬ ly, it is suggested, that the distributor <is provided with an interior, e.g. circular arc-shaped partion as well as the front restriction cone of the spindle with a flange portion with a larger diameter , designed to choke the medium flows.

Additional features and advantages of the invention are set forth in more detail in the following description, reference being made to the enclosed drawings, which i.a. show a few preferable but not limiting embodiments :

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a conventional single-tube hea¬ ting plant;

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a single-tube heating plant accor¬ ding to the invention ;

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the previously obtained characte¬ ristics and the new characteristics; according to the invention as to the k-value of the system as a function of the distri¬ bution; Fig. 4 is a mainly diametrical longitudinal cross-section of a distributor according to the invention;

Fig. 5a-d is a first embodiment of a control component ac¬ cording the invention, in a perspective aε well as a lateral and two end views ; and

Fig. 6a-d are the corresponding views of a second embodiment of a control component according to the invention.

In the drawings a new single-tube system 1 according to the pre¬ sent invention is shown in its entirety and a similar conventio¬ nal system 2 and also a forward feed tube 3, a return tube 4 and a bypass tube respectively as well as radiators 5 , radia¬ tor valves 6 och distributors 7.

Figs. 1, 2 and 3 are self-explanatory in combination with the introductory portion of the description.

The distributor according to the present invention , in its entirety designated 7, comprises according to Fig. 4 a hou¬ sing 8 having an axial through hole 9 , the one end of which is designed as a return inlet 10 and to which laterally a re¬ turn outlet 11, a feed inlet 12 and a feed outlet 13 are con¬ nected. The latter is an example provided with a sealing cone 14 and a pressure nut 15 in order to connect a feed tube sec¬ tion to a radiator and a radiator valve respectively.

In hole 9, suitably from end 16, which is turned away from return inlet 10, a spindle control component 17 is inserted, the entry end of which comprises a cone 18 for restriction and where appropriate cut-off of return inlet 10 against a seat 19 in housing 8, located between return inlet 10 and re¬ turn outlet 11. Feed inlet 12 and feed outlet 13 communicate freely with each other via a passage 20, which consists of conventional lateral walls as well as partially hole 9.

On spindle 21 of the control component a restriction cone 22 is mounted between the hole portion, which is connected tore- turn outlet 11 and the hole portion, which is connected to passage 20, which restriction cone acts against a surroun-.i ding seat 23, which is a portion of the housing and suitab¬ ly is a circular-cyindrical restriction, which jointly with feed inlet 12, return outlet 11 och the portions of hole 9, which connect the same to each other, comprise the bypass of the system.

Restriction cone 22 has a polygonal design with a circular- cylindrical shape, which preferably solely by slip fit, in ex¬ ceptional cases having a slightly larger clearance, fits into seal 23, which like^: the restriction cone has a substantial ex¬ tension length in the axial direction in such a way, that the latter always is guided by the seat irrespective of the re¬ striction and cut-off position respectively. The polygonal design is preferably triangular in such a way, that three main¬ ly flat surfaces 24 , having the same mutual angular distance along the circumference, intersect the cone starting from end surface 25 , which is turned to cone 18 and at a somewhat smal¬ ler distance from spindle 21, e.g. 0.1-10 mm, preferably 1-4 mm in order to be located at the other end surface 26 0.1-8 mm, preferably 0.5-2 mm from the spindle. Thus, the contemp¬ lated extensions of the surfaces intersect the spindle axis. Also, the surfaces can be divided into two parts 24' and 24", which enclose an angle of 150-179°, e.g. about 170°, said part 24"' running in parallel to the spindle. Restriction cone end 25, which is turned to cone 18, can be provided with a shorter or smaller bevel 27 on all sides and the other end 26 with a similar, preferably larger bevel 29. However, surfaces 24 arid bevels 27,29 leave behind guide ridges 30, which are portions of said originally completely existing cylinder, which means, that said ridges, arranged with e.g. a 120° angular distance along the circumference, allow a continual centering of the restriction cone regardless of the axial position of control component and hence an exceedingly evenly distributed flow in thei•circumferential direction through this portion of the by¬ pass past the constriction cone.

A partition 31 is mounted in the housing between restriction cone 22 and cone 18 and is inserted in hole 9 in a radial direction with e.g. a few millimeters. It is designed to pre¬ vent, that the bypass flow and the return flow do not wrongly influence each other.

The control component comprises at its rear/exterior end a screw plug 32 with an external thread 33, by means of which it is screwed into the exterior end of hole 9, which end within this area is partially provided with an interior thread 40. Also, the plug is sealed by means of an O-ring 35, inserted in a groove 34, a barrier ring 36, mounted outside the plug : in a groove 37, and" finally a screw cap 38 with a flat seal 28. Plug 32 is in its exterior free end provided with e.g. a hexagonal hole 39 for a tool (not shown) .

The present invention is not limited to the description above and the embodiments described in the enclosed drawings, but arbitrary features can be added and modifications carried out within the scope of the inventive idea and the follow¬ ing patent claims :

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A distributor (7) included in a single-tube system (1,2) of a heating or cooling plant having a forward feed tube (3) and a return and bypass tube respectively (4) and radiators and cooling elements respectively (5) and valves (6) designed for said tubes and elements, the distributor (7) comprising a hou¬ sing (8) having an axial, preferably continuous hole (9), the one end of which forms or is connected to a return inlet (10) and to which hole a return outlet (11) is laterally connec¬ ted, one feed inlet (12) and a feed outlet (13) , in the hole (9) , suitably from the end, which is turned away from the re¬ turn inlet (10),a spindle-shaped control component (17) being inserted, the insertion end of which comprises a cone (18) , de¬ signed to choke and where appropriate shut off the return in¬ let (10) against a seat (19) in the housing (8) , which seat is located between the return inlet (10) and the return outlet (11) , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the spindle (21) of the control component (17) between the opening por¬ tion, which is connected to the return outlet (11) and the opening portion , which is connected to the feed inlet (12) , the feed outlet (13) as well as a passage (20) , which con¬ nects the same, in a way known per se is provided with a re¬ striction: cone (22) , which acts against a surrounding seat (23) , preferably being a part of the housing (8) and prefer¬ ably designed as a circular-cylindrical restriction , which jointly with the feed inlet (12) , the return inlet (11) och portions of the hole (9) , which connect the same, constitutes the bypass of the system a n d i n t h a t the restric¬ tion cone (22) has a polygonal shape, preferably a circular- cylindrical cross-section, and solely through slip fit fits into the seat (23) , which like the restriction: cone has a substantial extension: length in the axial direction in such a way, that the restriction cone always is guided by the seat irrespective of the choking and shut off-position re¬ spectively.

2. A distributor according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d in that the polygonal cross-section is triangu¬ lar.

3. A distributor according to claim 2, c h a r a c t e - t e r i z e d in that the polygonal design includes three surfaces (24) , which are located with the same angular dis¬ tance along the circumference of the design.

4. A distributor according to claim 2 or 3, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the originally existing or imaginary circular-cylindrical shape remains in the form of axial guide ridges (30) , which are located along the circumference with the same angular distance.

5. A distributor according to any of claims 3 and 4, c h a ¬ r a c t e r i z e d in that said surfaces (24) intersect the cone (22) , starting from the end surface (25) , which is turned to the cone (18) and at a somewhat shorter distance from the spindle (21) , i.e. 0.1.-10 mm, preferably 1-4 mm, in order to, at the second end surface (26) of the cone, be lo¬ cated 0.1-8 mm, preferably 0.5-2 mm from the spindle, atleast some parts of the surfaces (24) with contemplated extensions intersecting the spindle axis.

6. A distributor according to any of claims 3-5, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the surfaces (24) are divided into at least two partial surfaces (24";24") , which include an angle of 150-179° , preferably about 170°, between each other, the one partial surface (24"")preferably running in parallel with the spindle (21) .

7. A distributor according to any of claims 3-6, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the restriction cone end (25) , which is turned to the cone , is provided with a shorter or smaller be¬ vel (27) and the other end (26) with a suitably longer or lar¬ ger bevel (29) .

8. A distributor according to any of claims 1-7, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that in the housing (8) between the rest¬ riction cone (22) and the cone (18) a partition (31) is moun¬ ted, which radially project into hole (9) with e.g. a few mil¬ limeters and is designed to separate the bypass flow through and the return flow in this area from each other.

9. A distributor according to any of claims 1-8, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the control component (17) at its rear/ exterior.^, end has a screw plug (32) with en exterior thread (33) , by means of which it is screwed into the exterior end of the hole -(9) , which, end is partially provided with an interior thread (40) , and in that in a groove (34) in the plug an O- ring (35) is inserted as a seal and suitably a carrier ring (36) is mounted outside the plug in a groove (37) in the hou¬ sing and a screw cap (38) with a flat seal (28) locks the cont¬ rol component , which in the exterior end surface of the plug suitable is provided with e.g. a hexagonal hole (39) for the insertion of a tool for the positional adjustment of the control component.