WO2009016452A2 - Thermostatic mixer - Google Patents
Thermostatic mixer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2009016452A2 WO2009016452A2 PCT/IB2008/001921 IB2008001921W WO2009016452A2 WO 2009016452 A2 WO2009016452 A2 WO 2009016452A2 IB 2008001921 W IB2008001921 W IB 2008001921W WO 2009016452 A2 WO2009016452 A2 WO 2009016452A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- water
- thermostatic mixer
- thermostatic
- hot
- mixer
- Prior art date
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 157
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004826 seaming Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010292 electrical insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035755 proliferation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001285 shape-memory alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000007669 thermal treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H9/00—Details
- F24H9/20—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F24H9/2007—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters
- F24H9/2014—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters using electrical energy supply
- F24H9/2021—Storage heaters
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H9/00—Details
- F24H9/12—Arrangements for connecting heaters to circulation pipes
- F24H9/13—Arrangements for connecting heaters to circulation pipes for water heaters
- F24H9/133—Storage heaters
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D23/00—Control of temperature
- G05D23/01—Control of temperature without auxiliary power
- G05D23/13—Control of temperature without auxiliary power by varying the mixing ratio of two fluids having different temperatures
- G05D23/1306—Control of temperature without auxiliary power by varying the mixing ratio of two fluids having different temperatures for liquids
- G05D23/132—Control of temperature without auxiliary power by varying the mixing ratio of two fluids having different temperatures for liquids with temperature sensing element
- G05D23/134—Control of temperature without auxiliary power by varying the mixing ratio of two fluids having different temperatures for liquids with temperature sensing element measuring the temperature of mixed fluid
Definitions
- the object of the present invention is a thermostatic mixer for electrical storage water heaters.
- thermostatic mixers As is known, the application of thermostatic mixers to the devices for producing hot sanitary water implies a series of considerable advantages. In fact, thermostatic mixers keep the temperature of the mixed water sent to the users constant, at the value set, as the temperature and the feeding pressure of the incoming hot and cold water changes.
- thermostatic mixers allow storing water in the water heater even at temperatures above 60°C, thus preventing the proliferation of bacteria and above all, allowing a considerable energy saving avoiding the dispensing of water at temperatures above what required in the distribution network, and thus reducing passive dispersions through said network.
- thermostatic mixer comprises a mixer body having a first and a second inlet respectively for a flow of cold water and one of hot water, a longitudinal mixing chamber, and means for adjusting said flows axially sliding into said mixing chamber, and an outlet section of mixed water at the desired temperature "set" by the user through manual calibration means.
- the adjustment means is actively connected to a thermostatic actuator so as to allow the adjustment of the incoming hot and/or cold water flows according to the temperature of the mixed water which invades the thermo-sensitive element, for example a wax bulb, of the actuator itself.
- said adjustment means operates by directly varying the inlet section to the mixer of the mains cold water which is mixed with the hot one coming from the water heater.
- thermostatic mixer also well known, is instead provided with a shape memory alloy means as thermo-sensitive element of the actuator.
- thermo-sensitive element the material whereof during the make is plastically deformed during suitable thermal treatments; the result is a shape memory thermo-sensitive element, that is, capable of taking up two different lengths according to whether it is kept below or above predetermined temperatures, retaining such feature over time.
- thermostatic mixers are mounted outside and right downstream of the water heater, in particular on the hot water outlet duct.
- thermostatic mixers therefore have as a main drawback that of requiring additional and/or by-pass fittings so that the cold water, withdrawn from the inlet duct of the water heater, may be mixed with the hot one.
- the thermostatic mixers mounted outside the water heater imply further drawbacks, such as the risk of accidental tampering by the user.
- a first object of the present invention is to provide a thermostatic mixer for water heater with a simplified and improved construction.
- a second object of the present invention is to provide a thermostatic mixer suitable for engaging on a single pipe of the water heater.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a thermostatic mixer for water heater capable of ensuring a considerable energy saving. Said objects and further advantages are achieved with a thermostatic mixer as described below, in some preferred versions thereof, with the aid of the accompanying figures and in the annexed claims, which are an integral part of the description itself.
- Figure 1 shows a section of an electrical storage water heater provided with the thermostatic mixer object of the invention.
- Figure 2 shows a section of the thermostatic mixer object of the invention.
- Figure 3 shows a section of the thermostatic mixer identical to that of figure 2 but showing the path of the water through said thermostatic mixer.
- FIG 4 shows the thermostatic mixer object of the invention mounted on the water heater outlet pipe.
- an electrical storage water heater 2 comprising a tank 201 and a flange 202 which in turn comprises one or more electrical resistances 203 for water heating and a sheath 204 of the thermostat, containing one or more temperature sensors, not shown in the figure.
- the cold water is introduced, through an inlet pipe 205, in the proximity of the bottom cap 207 of tank 201, whereas the hot water, at the maximum temperature, is withdrawn through an outlet pipe 206, in the proximity of the dome 208 of tank 201.
- the thermostatic mixer 1 object of the invention is arranged on the hot water outlet pipe 206, as described hereinafter in greater detail.
- reference numeral 2O6.a indicates the portion of the hot water outlet pipe 206 substantially comprised between the thermostatic mixer 1 and the bottom cap 207; reference numeral 2O6.b, on the other hand, indicates the portion of said hot water outlet pipe 206 comprised between the thermostatic mixer 1 and said dome 208.
- said thermostatic mixer 1 is mounted inside tank 201 of water heater 2, substantially in the proximity of the bottom cap 207, so as to be externally lapped by the cold water fed by said inlet pipe 205.
- said thermostatic mixer 1 is shown according to a preferred embodiment.
- Said thermostatic mixer 1 substantially comprises a mixer body 3, with longitudinal axis A-A, a first inlet 4 for feeding hot water, coaxial to said mixer body 3, a second inlet 5 for feeding cold water, a thermostatic actuator 6 and a box 7 for adjusting the flow rates of cold and hot water to be mixed.
- Reference numeral 8 indicates the outlet of the mixed water to the users.
- reference numeral 401 indicates the passage section of hot water from said inlet 4 to a chamber 301 of the mixer body 3, and hereinafter therefore referred to as hot chamber.
- Reference numeral 501 indicates the passage section of cold water from said inlet 5 to a mixing chamber 302 of the mixer body 3.
- the hot water is thus mixed with cold one in said mixing chamber 302.
- the passage section 501 of inlet 5 of the cold water is obtained through circumferential slots 501.
- Said circumferential slots 501 are obtained on the side surface of the mixer body 3, at the mixing chamber 302.
- reference numeral 601 indicates a thermo-sensitive element, preferably a wax expansion bulb, of the well known type normally used in thermostatic mixers.
- thermo-sensitive element 601 from being any other heat expansible fluid or said thermostatic actuator 6 from being of a type based on shape memory elements.
- thermo-sensitive element 601 is arranged at the mixing chamber 302 so as to be lapped by the mixed water.
- thermo-sensitive element 601 is then stiffly connected to a stop 602.
- Said stop 602 is further constrained to a dilatation element like a bellows 603 which, in known manner and as will be explained hereinafter, undergoes axial movements according to the temperature the thermo-sensitive element 601 is subject to, that is, the temperature of the mixed water sent to outlet 8.
- thermo-sensitive element 601 is centred between ends 804 of ribs 803 at the edges whereof there are defined channels 801 that allow the passage of the mixed water.
- Stop 602 on the other hand rests on the top edge 805 of said ribs 803. End 604 of the bellows 603, opposite the thermo-sensitive element 601, as per prior art, pushes on a box 7 for the adjustment of hot and cold water flow rates opposed by an abutment spring 9. Said box 7 therefore is capable of shifting relative to the hot chamber 301 under the action of said thermo-sensitive element 601.
- said box 7 comprises a first shutter 701, hereinafter referred to as hot shutter, and a second shutter 702, hereinafter referred to as cold shutter, constrained to one another by a central core 704 and ribs 705 that extend radially, and lapping them the hot water can move from the hot chamber 301 to the mixing one 302.
- said hot 701 and cold 702 shutters are such as to vary, according to the axial thrust of said bellows 603, respectively the passage section 401 of the hot water towards the hot chamber 301 and the passage section 501 of the cold water towards the mixing chamber 302.
- Reference numeral 9 further indicates the contrast spring for the same adjustment box 7.
- a filter 10 may be inserted on said circumferential slots 501.
- Said filter 10 prevents scale deposits from obstructing said slots 501 preventing the crossing thereof by cold water. It is now possible to proceed with a more detailed description of the thermostatic mixer 1 according to the invention.
- the hot water coming from portion 206. b of the outlet pipe 206 of the water heater 2 axially enters through the passage section 401 into the mixing chamber 301 and hence it goes into the mixing chamber 302, where it is mixed with the incoming cold water through the circumferential slots 501.
- the mixed water then moves through channels 801, from the mixing chamber 302 to outlet 8 of the thermostatic mixer 1 to be delivered to the user at the desired temperature (in particular, see the arrows in figure 3).
- the temperature of the mixed water affects the expansion of the thermo-sensitive element 601 so as to change the passage sections 401 and 501, respectively for the inlet of hot and cold water into the thermostatic mixer 1.
- the wax of said thermo-sensitive element 601 will expand, with consequent expansion and movement of bellows 603 such as to cause an axial shifting of box 7.
- Said shifting of box 7 takes place in opposite direction to the outlet direction of the mixed water in opposition to the pressure exerted by the abutment spring 9.
- the passage section 401 of the hot water is decreased through the shifting of the hot shutter 701
- the passage section 501 of the cold water is increased by the shifting of said cold shutter 702.
- a temperature of the mixed water below the desired value will correspond to a shrinkage of the wax of the thermo-sensitive element 601 with consequent shifting of box 7 suitable for decreasing the passage section 501 of the cold water and increasing that 401 of the hot water.
- a balance condition is automatically restored, wherein the temperature of the mixed water directed to the users actually is that desired.
- thermo-sensitive element 601 in particular of the expansion coefficient of the wax contained therein, besides the geometry of box 7 (and relative hot and cold shutters 701 and 702).
- thermo-sensitive element 601 and of the geometry of said box 7 thus allows having models of thermostatic mixers 1 made for different temperature ranges (of the mixed water) according to the requirements of the various markets, having multiple different models of sensitive elements 601 and/or suitably changing the geometry of shutters 701 and 702 (in order to change the passage sections 401 and 501 respectively of the hot and cold water).
- the thermostatic mixer 1 as described so far has an operating principle according to the prior art, it exhibits the certain advantage of avoiding additional fittings and/or by-pass pipes for feeding the cold water to be mixed, since the thermostatic mixer 1 itself is immersed in the cold water (into tank 201 of water heater 2) it receives through said circumferential slots 501 of inlet 5.
- thermostatic mixers mounted outside the water heater, the adjustment of temperature of the mixed water takes place by operating a knob that substantially acts, through a screw-nut screw coupling, on the shutter allowing the modification of one or both passage sections of the hot and/or cold water.
- a knob that substantially acts, through a screw-nut screw coupling, on the shutter allowing the modification of one or both passage sections of the hot and/or cold water.
- the thermostatic mixer 1 inside the water heater 2, as described, does not require an initial calibration either as the desired temperature of the mixed water is obtainable by construction, as said above (selection of the sensitive element 601 and/or of the geometry of shutters 701 and 702).
- thermostatic mixer 1 an initial fine calibration may be provided in said thermostatic mixer 1.
- a first solution may consist in making the inlet 4 for feeding hot water free to shift relative to the mixer body 3 through a screw-nut screw coupling, not shown. In this way, rotating inlet 4 relative to said mixer body 3, a corresponding variation of the hot water passage section 401 takes place, other conditions being equal.
- thermostatic mixer 1 is mounted inside the water heater 2 on the hot water outlet pipe
- Reference numerals 11 and 12 indicate the means for fixing the thermostatic mixer 1 to said hot water outlet pipe 206. More precisely, reference numeral 11 indicates the means for fixing portion 206. b of the outlet pipe 206 to orifice 402 of the hot water inlet 4.
- Reference numeral 12 indicates the means for fixing portion
- said fixing means 11 and/or 12 may consist in a quick snap- wise coupling of any known shape.
- the thermostatic mixer 1 is inserted into tank 201 of water heater 2 from the bottom through the threaded sleeve 209 welded to tank 201 itself.
- the hot water outlet pipe 206 is thus fixed and locked relative to tank 201 of the water heater by the insulating sleeve 210 of plastic material, which couples by interference with said threaded sleeve 209 (in particular, see fig. 3).
- said insulating sleeve 210 of plastic material also ensures seal and electrical insulation.
- This type of coupling between the metal sleeve 209 welded to tank 201 and the insulating sleeve 210 is already commonly and widely used. However, nothing prevents from proceeding with the insertion of the thermostatic mixer 1 into tank 201 of water heater 2 according to alternative methods. For example it is possible to:
- thermostatic mixer 1 manually insert the thermostatic mixer 1 into tank 201 through the hole of water heater 2, then closed by flange 202,
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)
- Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)
- Domestic Hot-Water Supply Systems And Details Of Heating Systems (AREA)
- Mechanical Treatment Of Semiconductor (AREA)
- Cookers (AREA)
- Led Devices (AREA)
- Crystals, And After-Treatments Of Crystals (AREA)
Abstract
A thermostatic mixer (1) for storage water heater (2) suitable for mixing the mains cold water and the hot water at the maximum temperature of said water heater (2), arranged into the tank (201) of said water heater (2), said thermostatic mixer (1) having at least the orifice (802) of said outlet (8) of mixed water connected to the outlet pipe (206; 2O6.a, 2O6.b) of the hot water of said water heater (2).
Description
THERMOSTATIC MIXER
DE SC RIPTION
The object of the present invention is a thermostatic mixer for electrical storage water heaters.
As is known, the application of thermostatic mixers to the devices for producing hot sanitary water implies a series of considerable advantages. In fact, thermostatic mixers keep the temperature of the mixed water sent to the users constant, at the value set, as the temperature and the feeding pressure of the incoming hot and cold water changes.
Moreover, thermostatic mixers allow storing water in the water heater even at temperatures above 60°C, thus preventing the proliferation of bacteria and above all, allowing a considerable energy saving avoiding the dispensing of water at temperatures above what required in the distribution network, and thus reducing passive dispersions through said network.
The construction and the operation of a thermostatic mixer are well known, thus a brief description in some versions thereof are sufficient herein. For example, a type of thermostatic mixer is described in patent EP 0 767 332. The thermostatic mixer comprises a mixer body having a first and a second inlet respectively for a flow of cold water and one of hot water, a longitudinal mixing chamber, and means for adjusting said flows axially sliding into said mixing chamber, and an outlet section of mixed water at the desired temperature "set" by the user through manual calibration means. The adjustment means is actively connected
to a thermostatic actuator so as to allow the adjustment of the incoming hot and/or cold water flows according to the temperature of the mixed water which invades the thermo-sensitive element, for example a wax bulb, of the actuator itself.
In particular, said adjustment means operates by directly varying the inlet section to the mixer of the mains cold water which is mixed with the hot one coming from the water heater.
A version of thermostatic mixer, also well known, is instead provided with a shape memory alloy means as thermo-sensitive element of the actuator.
This mixer is therefore characterised by a thermo-sensitive element, the material whereof during the make is plastically deformed during suitable thermal treatments; the result is a shape memory thermo-sensitive element, that is, capable of taking up two different lengths according to whether it is kept below or above predetermined temperatures, retaining such feature over time.
Said thermostatic mixers, according to the two versions briefly described, are mounted outside and right downstream of the water heater, in particular on the hot water outlet duct.
These thermostatic mixers therefore have as a main drawback that of requiring additional and/or by-pass fittings so that the cold water, withdrawn from the inlet duct of the water heater, may be mixed with the hot one. The thermostatic mixers mounted outside the water heater imply further drawbacks, such as the risk of accidental tampering by the user.
Moreover, while such solution is the most used one, it does not appear to be aesthetically satisfactory.
A first object of the present invention is to provide a thermostatic mixer for water heater with a simplified and improved construction.
A second object of the present invention is to provide a thermostatic mixer suitable for engaging on a single pipe of the water heater.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a thermostatic mixer for water heater capable of ensuring a considerable energy saving. Said objects and further advantages are achieved with a thermostatic mixer as
described below, in some preferred versions thereof, with the aid of the accompanying figures and in the annexed claims, which are an integral part of the description itself.
In particular, the present invention will be described in a non-limiting manner, according to several preferred embodiments relative to an electrical storage water heater.
Figure 1 shows a section of an electrical storage water heater provided with the thermostatic mixer object of the invention.
Figure 2 shows a section of the thermostatic mixer object of the invention. Figure 3 shows a section of the thermostatic mixer identical to that of figure 2 but showing the path of the water through said thermostatic mixer.
Figure 4 shows the thermostatic mixer object of the invention mounted on the water heater outlet pipe.
With reference to figures 1 and 4, an electrical storage water heater 2 is shown, comprising a tank 201 and a flange 202 which in turn comprises one or more electrical resistances 203 for water heating and a sheath 204 of the thermostat, containing one or more temperature sensors, not shown in the figure.
The cold water is introduced, through an inlet pipe 205, in the proximity of the bottom cap 207 of tank 201, whereas the hot water, at the maximum temperature, is withdrawn through an outlet pipe 206, in the proximity of the dome 208 of tank 201.
The thermostatic mixer 1 object of the invention is arranged on the hot water outlet pipe 206, as described hereinafter in greater detail.
For simplicity of description, reference numeral 2O6.a indicates the portion of the hot water outlet pipe 206 substantially comprised between the thermostatic mixer 1 and the bottom cap 207; reference numeral 2O6.b, on the other hand, indicates the portion of said hot water outlet pipe 206 comprised between the thermostatic mixer 1 and said dome 208.
As is clear from figure 1, said thermostatic mixer 1 is mounted inside tank 201 of water heater 2, substantially in the proximity of the bottom cap 207, so as to be externally lapped by the cold water fed by said inlet pipe 205.
With reference to figure 2, 3 and 4, said thermostatic mixer 1 is shown according to a preferred embodiment.
Said thermostatic mixer 1 substantially comprises a mixer body 3, with longitudinal axis A-A, a first inlet 4 for feeding hot water, coaxial to said mixer body 3, a second inlet 5 for feeding cold water, a thermostatic actuator 6 and a box 7 for adjusting the flow rates of cold and hot water to be mixed.
Reference numeral 8 indicates the outlet of the mixed water to the users.
More in particular, reference numeral 401 indicates the passage section of hot water from said inlet 4 to a chamber 301 of the mixer body 3, and hereinafter therefore referred to as hot chamber.
Reference numeral 501, on the other hand, indicates the passage section of cold water from said inlet 5 to a mixing chamber 302 of the mixer body 3.
The hot water is thus mixed with cold one in said mixing chamber 302.
The passage section 501 of inlet 5 of the cold water is obtained through circumferential slots 501.
Said circumferential slots 501 are obtained on the side surface of the mixer body 3, at the mixing chamber 302.
The cold water thus enters into said mixing chamber 302 according to directions substantially orthogonal to axis A-A of the mixer body 3. With reference to the thermostatic actuator 6, reference numeral 601 indicates a thermo-sensitive element, preferably a wax expansion bulb, of the well known type normally used in thermostatic mixers.
However as an alternative, nothing prevents said thermo-sensitive element 601 from being any other heat expansible fluid or said thermostatic actuator 6 from being of a type based on shape memory elements.
The thermo-sensitive element 601 is arranged at the mixing chamber 302 so as to be lapped by the mixed water.
Said thermo-sensitive element 601 is then stiffly connected to a stop 602.
Said stop 602 is further constrained to a dilatation element like a bellows 603 which, in known manner and as will be explained hereinafter, undergoes axial movements
according to the temperature the thermo-sensitive element 601 is subject to, that is, the temperature of the mixed water sent to outlet 8.
Said thermo-sensitive element 601 is centred between ends 804 of ribs 803 at the edges whereof there are defined channels 801 that allow the passage of the mixed water.
Stop 602 on the other hand rests on the top edge 805 of said ribs 803. End 604 of the bellows 603, opposite the thermo-sensitive element 601, as per prior art, pushes on a box 7 for the adjustment of hot and cold water flow rates opposed by an abutment spring 9. Said box 7 therefore is capable of shifting relative to the hot chamber 301 under the action of said thermo-sensitive element 601.
In particular, said box 7 comprises a first shutter 701, hereinafter referred to as hot shutter, and a second shutter 702, hereinafter referred to as cold shutter, constrained to one another by a central core 704 and ribs 705 that extend radially, and lapping them the hot water can move from the hot chamber 301 to the mixing one 302.
As will be described in more detail hereinafter, said hot 701 and cold 702 shutters are such as to vary, according to the axial thrust of said bellows 603, respectively the passage section 401 of the hot water towards the hot chamber 301 and the passage section 501 of the cold water towards the mixing chamber 302. Reference numeral 9 further indicates the contrast spring for the same adjustment box 7.
A filter 10 may be inserted on said circumferential slots 501.
Said filter 10 prevents scale deposits from obstructing said slots 501 preventing the crossing thereof by cold water. It is now possible to proceed with a more detailed description of the thermostatic mixer 1 according to the invention.
As already partly mentioned, the hot water coming from portion 206. b of the outlet pipe 206 of the water heater 2 axially enters through the passage section 401 into the mixing chamber 301 and hence it goes into the mixing chamber 302, where it is mixed with the incoming cold water through the circumferential slots 501.
The mixed water then moves through channels 801, from the mixing chamber 302 to outlet 8 of the thermostatic mixer 1 to be delivered to the user at the desired temperature (in particular, see the arrows in figure 3).
The temperature of the mixed water thus obtained affects the expansion of the thermo-sensitive element 601 so as to change the passage sections 401 and 501, respectively for the inlet of hot and cold water into the thermostatic mixer 1. By way of an example only, in fact, if the temperature of the mixed water that externally laps said thermo-sensitive element 601 of the thermostatic actuator 6, is higher than the value required by the user, the wax of said thermo-sensitive element 601 will expand, with consequent expansion and movement of bellows 603 such as to cause an axial shifting of box 7.
Said shifting of box 7 takes place in opposite direction to the outlet direction of the mixed water in opposition to the pressure exerted by the abutment spring 9. In this way, the passage section 401 of the hot water is decreased through the shifting of the hot shutter 701, whereas the passage section 501 of the cold water is increased by the shifting of said cold shutter 702.
On the contrary, a temperature of the mixed water below the desired value will correspond to a shrinkage of the wax of the thermo-sensitive element 601 with consequent shifting of box 7 suitable for decreasing the passage section 501 of the cold water and increasing that 401 of the hot water.
In any case, a balance condition is automatically restored, wherein the temperature of the mixed water directed to the users actually is that desired.
It is therefore clear that the constancy, at the desired value, of the temperature of the mixed water, is expressly a function of the chemical-physical properties of the thermo-sensitive element 601, in particular of the expansion coefficient of the wax contained therein, besides the geometry of box 7 (and relative hot and cold shutters 701 and 702).
In the design and/or construction phase, the choice of the thermo-sensitive element 601 and of the geometry of said box 7 thus allows having models of thermostatic mixers 1 made for different temperature ranges (of the mixed water) according to the
requirements of the various markets, having multiple different models of sensitive elements 601 and/or suitably changing the geometry of shutters 701 and 702 (in order to change the passage sections 401 and 501 respectively of the hot and cold water). While the thermostatic mixer 1 as described so far has an operating principle according to the prior art, it exhibits the certain advantage of avoiding additional fittings and/or by-pass pipes for feeding the cold water to be mixed, since the thermostatic mixer 1 itself is immersed in the cold water (into tank 201 of water heater 2) it receives through said circumferential slots 501 of inlet 5. Normally in known thermostatic mixers, mounted outside the water heater, the adjustment of temperature of the mixed water takes place by operating a knob that substantially acts, through a screw-nut screw coupling, on the shutter allowing the modification of one or both passage sections of the hot and/or cold water. As a consequence, in general, no initial calibration procedure and/or device is required during the construction or inspection steps of the thermostatic mixer itself at the factory.
For the purposes of this patent, the thermostatic mixer 1 inside the water heater 2, as described, does not require an initial calibration either as the desired temperature of the mixed water is obtainable by construction, as said above (selection of the sensitive element 601 and/or of the geometry of shutters 701 and 702).
However, while it is not shown, an initial fine calibration may be provided in said thermostatic mixer 1.
A first solution may consist in making the inlet 4 for feeding hot water free to shift relative to the mixer body 3 through a screw-nut screw coupling, not shown. In this way, rotating inlet 4 relative to said mixer body 3, a corresponding variation of the hot water passage section 401 takes place, other conditions being equal. As an alternative it is possible to provide for bellows 603 of the thermostatic actuator 6, rather than acting on end 703 of the hot shutter 701, to press directly on an adjustment screw, not shown, in turn screwed to core 704 of said hot shutter 701 and coaxial thereto.
In this way, a shifting of box 7 is obtained by screwing said screw which moves it away from the tip of bellows 603, with the consequent reduction of the passage section 401 of the hot water and increase of the passage section 501 of the cold water
(and/or vice versa). As already said before and with particular reference to figures 1 and 4, the thermostatic mixer 1 is mounted inside the water heater 2 on the hot water outlet pipe
206.
Reference numerals 11 and 12 indicate the means for fixing the thermostatic mixer 1 to said hot water outlet pipe 206. More precisely, reference numeral 11 indicates the means for fixing portion 206. b of the outlet pipe 206 to orifice 402 of the hot water inlet 4.
Reference numeral 12, on the other hand, indicates the means for fixing portion
2O6.a of the outlet pipe 206 to orifice 802 of the mixed water outlet 8.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, since said portions of pipe 2O6.a and 2O6.b are not subject to any mechanical strain except for that due to their weight, said fixing means 11 and/or 12 may consist in a quick snap- wise coupling of any known shape.
However, nothing prevents the possibility of using known and equivalent means for coupling said orifices 402 and 802 to the hot water outlet pipe 206, such as for example threads, unions, bayonet couplings, fixed seaming, or internal caulking.
Once fixed as described at portions 206. a and 2O6.b of said hot water outlet pipe 206, the thermostatic mixer 1 is inserted into tank 201 of water heater 2 from the bottom through the threaded sleeve 209 welded to tank 201 itself.
In fact, it is clear that it may be constructed with an inside diameter at least so reduced as to be made to pass into a %" diameter pipe.
The hot water outlet pipe 206 is thus fixed and locked relative to tank 201 of the water heater by the insulating sleeve 210 of plastic material, which couples by interference with said threaded sleeve 209 (in particular, see fig. 3).
At the same time, said insulating sleeve 210 of plastic material also ensures seal and electrical insulation.
This type of coupling between the metal sleeve 209 welded to tank 201 and the insulating sleeve 210, in any case, is already commonly and widely used. However, nothing prevents from proceeding with the insertion of the thermostatic mixer 1 into tank 201 of water heater 2 according to alternative methods. For example it is possible to:
- insert a first portion 2O6.a of the hot water outlet pipe 206 from the outside into tank 201 of water heater 2 through the threaded sleeve 209 welded thereto, said first portion 2O6.a being then fixed by interference through the insulating sleeve 210 of plastic material, - fix a second portion 2O6.b of the outlet pipe 206 to orifice 402 of the hot water inlet 4 of the thermostatic mixer 1,
- manually insert the thermostatic mixer 1 into tank 201 through the hole of water heater 2, then closed by flange 202,
- proceed with fixing orifice 802 of outlet 8 of the mixed water of the thermostatic mixer 1 to said first portion 2O6.a of the outlet pipe 206.
Claims
Claim 1 A thermostatic mixer (1) for storage water heater (2), said water heater (2) comprising at least:
- a storage tank (201 ), - an inlet pipe (205) of cold water from the mains,
- an outlet pipe (206; 2O6.a, 2O6.b) of the hot water to the users ending with a threaded sleeve (209), said thermostatic mixer (1) being suitable for mixing the mains cold water and the hot water at the maximum temperature of said water heater (2) and comprising at least:
- a first inlet (4) for feeding hot water,
- a second inlet (5) for feeding cold water,
- a mixer body (3) having at least one hot chamber (301) suitable for receiving the hot water from said first inlet (4), a mixing chamber (302) suitable for receiving the cold water from said second inlet (5) and for mixing it with the hot one, and a thermostatic actuator (6) that acts on a box (7) for adjusting the flow rates of hot and cold water to be mixed, said thermostatic actuator (6) comprising:
- a thermo-sensitive element (601) arranged in said mixing chamber (302), a stop (602), a bellows (603),
- an outlet (8) of the mixed water to the users, characterised in that it is arranged inside the tank (201) of said water heater (2), said thermostatic mixer (1) having at least the orifice (802) of said outlet (8) of the mixed water connected to the hot water outlet pipe
(206; 2O6.a, 2O6.b) of said water heater (2). Claim 2 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to the previous claim characterised in that said thermostatic mixer (1) is substantially arranged in the proximity of
the bottom cap (207) of said water heater (2).
Claim 3 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to the previous claim characterised in that the orifice (402) of the hot water inlet (4) of said thermostatic mixer (1) is fixed on the portion (2O6.b) of the outlet pipe (206; 2O6.a, 2O6.b), whereas the orifice (802) of the outlet (8) of the mixed water of said thermostatic mixer (1) is fixed on the portion (2O6.a) of said outlet pipe
(206; 2O6.a, 2O6.b).
Claim 4 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to any previous claim characterised in that the inlet (5) for feeding cold water is provided with a passage section
(501) for the inlet of cold water wherein said thermostatic mixer (1) is immersed.
Claim 5 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to the previous claim characterised in that the passage section (501) of said inlet (5) for feeding cold water consists in circumferential slots (501) obtained on the side surface of the mixer body (3), at the mixing chamber (302).
Claim 6 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to the previous claim characterised in that a filter (10) is arranged on said circumferential slots (501) suitable for preventing scale deposits from obstructing the water passage towards the mixing chamber (302).
Claim 7 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to any previous claim characterised in that the cold water enters into said mixing chamber (302) according to directions substantially orthogonal to axis A-A of said mixer body (3), said cold water mixing with the hot water coming from the hot chamber
(301). Claim 8 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to any previous claim
characterised in that
- the thermo-sensitive element (601) of the thermostatic actuator (6) is centred between the ends (804) of ribs (803) at the edges whereof there are defined channels (801) that allow the passage of the mixed water, - the stop (602) of the thermostatic actuator (6) rests on the top edge
(805) of said ribs (803). Claim 9 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to any previous claim characterised in that the thermo-sensitive element (601) of the thermostatic actuator (6) is a wax expansion bulb.
Claim 10 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to any previous claim characterised in that the thermo-sensitive element (601) is externally lapped by the mixed water contained in said mixing chamber (302) and transmits axial movements to a stop (602) and to a bellows (603), constrained thereto, according to the temperature of said mixed water. Claim 11 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to the previous claim characterised in that the end (604) of said bellows (603) acts on the box (7) for adjusting the flow rates of hot and cold water, said adjustment box (7) thus being capable of axially shifting relative to the hot chamber (301) wherein it is seated. Claim 12 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to the previous claim characterised in that said adjustment box (7) comprises a hot shutter (701) and a cold shutter
(702), said hot and cold shutters (701, 702) being capable of respectively changing the passage section (401) of the inlet (4) for feeding hot water and the passage section (501) of the inlet (5) for feeding cold water. Claim 13 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to any previous claim characterised in that
the desired temperature for the mixed water directed to the user is obtainable according to the type of sensitive element (601) and/or to the geometry of the adjustment box (7).
Claim 14 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to any previous claim characterised in that it may be provided with initial fine calibration means. Claim 15 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to the previous claim characterised in that said initial fine calibration means consist in a screw-nut screw coupling that makes the hot water feeding inlet (4) free to shift relative to the mixer body (3), said screw-nut screw coupling allowing the variation of the passage section (401) of said inlet (4). Claim 16 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to claim 14 characterised in that said initial fine calibration means consist in an adjustment screw screwed to the core (704) of the hot shutter (701), coaxial thereto, on the tip whereof the end (604) of the bellows (603) of the thermostatic actuator
(6) pushes, said adjustment screw allowing, through screwing, the shifting of the adjustment box (7) relative to said bellows (603) with the consequent variation of the passage sections (401, 501) respectively of the hot and cold water. Claim 17 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to any previous claims from 3 on characterised in that fixing means (1 1, 12) constrain said thermostatic mixer (1) to said outlet pipe (206; 206. a, 2O6.b) of the hot water respectively at the orifice (402) of the inlet (4) for feeding hot water and the orifice (802) of the outlet (8) of the mixed water. Claim 18 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to the previous claim characterised in that said fixing means (11, 12) at the orifice (402) of the inlet (4) for feeding
hot water may consist in a quick snap-wise coupling or in equivalent means, such as a thread, unions, bayonet couplings, fixed seaming, internal caulking.
Claim 19 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to claim 17 characterised in that said fixing means (11, 12) at the orifice (802) of the outlet (8) of the mixed water may consist in a quick snap-wise coupling or in equivalent means, such as a thread, unions, bayonet couplings, fixed seaming, internal caulking. Claim 20 Thermostatic mixer (1) according to any previous claims from 1 to 7 characterised in that said thermo-sensitive element (601) is a shape memory element. Claim 21 Method for mounting the thermostatic mixer (1), according to any previous claim, into the tank (201) of said water heater (2) characterised in that said thermostatic mixer (1), fixed to said hot water outlet pipe (206), is inserted into the tank (201) of the water heater (2) from the bottom through the threaded sleeve (209) welded to the tank
(201) itself.
Claim 22 Method for mounting the thermostatic mixer (1), according to any previous claim and excluding claim 21, into the tank (201) of said water heater (2), characterised by the following steps:
- inserting a first portion (2O6.a) of the hot water outlet pipe (206) from the outside into the tank (201) of the water heater (2) through the threaded sleeve (209) welded thereto, said first portion (206. a) being fixed by interference through the insulating sleeve (210) of plastic material,
- fixing a second portion (2O6.b) of the outlet pipe (206) to the orifice (402) of the hot water inlet (4) of the thermostatic mixer (1),
- manually inserting the thermostatic mixer (1) into the tank (201) through the hole of the water heater (2), then closed by the flange (202),
- proceeding with fixing the orifice (802) of the outlet (8) of the mixed water to said first portion (2O6.a) of the hot water outlet pipe (206). Claim 23 Storage water heater (2) provided with a thermostatic mixer (1) as described in the previous claims.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PL08776386T PL2181377T3 (en) | 2007-08-01 | 2008-07-21 | Storage water heater |
AT08776386T ATE521027T1 (en) | 2007-08-01 | 2008-07-21 | HOT WATER HEATER |
EP08776386A EP2181377B1 (en) | 2007-08-01 | 2008-07-21 | Storage water heater |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ITAN2007A000041 | 2007-08-01 | ||
IT000041A ITAN20070041A1 (en) | 2007-08-01 | 2007-08-01 | THERMOSTATIC MIXER |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2009016452A2 true WO2009016452A2 (en) | 2009-02-05 |
WO2009016452A3 WO2009016452A3 (en) | 2009-05-22 |
Family
ID=40158653
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/IB2008/001921 WO2009016452A2 (en) | 2007-08-01 | 2008-07-21 | Thermostatic mixer |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2181377B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE521027T1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2371797T3 (en) |
IT (1) | ITAN20070041A1 (en) |
PL (1) | PL2181377T3 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2464620C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009016452A2 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2011023527A3 (en) * | 2009-08-31 | 2011-12-29 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Hot water tank comprising a mixing device |
CN103604217A (en) * | 2013-11-29 | 2014-02-26 | 艾欧史密斯(中国)热水器有限公司 | Water outlet device of electric water heater |
CN104534683A (en) * | 2014-12-26 | 2015-04-22 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Electricity-proof wall structure and electric water heater |
CN105496794A (en) * | 2016-01-25 | 2016-04-20 | 李彪 | Physically thermostatic feeding bottle device |
WO2016116063A1 (en) * | 2015-01-23 | 2016-07-28 | 艾欧史密斯(中国)热水器有限公司 | Water outlet pipe component |
CN109425100A (en) * | 2017-08-25 | 2019-03-05 | 艾欧史密斯(中国)热水器有限公司 | Water heating mechanism |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RU2089793C1 (en) * | 1994-07-25 | 1997-09-10 | Радченко Сергей Анатольевич | Combined water and gas heater |
IT1279194B1 (en) * | 1995-05-10 | 1997-12-04 | Gevipi Ag | THERMOSTATIC MIXER DEVICE |
US6042015A (en) * | 1998-03-17 | 2000-03-28 | Eveleigh; Robert | Fail-safe proportional mixing valve |
US7346274B2 (en) * | 1999-07-27 | 2008-03-18 | Bradenbaugh Kenneth A | Water heater and method of controlling the same |
IT1316723B1 (en) * | 2000-03-03 | 2003-05-12 | Merloni Termosanitari Spa | HOT WATER ACCUMULATOR WITH RAPID HEATING OF NEW CONCEPTION |
DE10114357A1 (en) * | 2001-03-22 | 2002-09-26 | Hansgrohe Ag | Thermostatically controlled mixer valve for use in sanitary tapware/appliances, has expansion element affected by mixing water temperature and valve body moved by this element for controlling hot/cold water inlets |
FR2824627A1 (en) * | 2001-05-09 | 2002-11-15 | Sdecc | Domestic faucet water gas/electric heating system uses a mini-tank, for tap water, connected into the main gas central heating circuit via heat exchangers, the mini-tank includes a backup electric heater |
ES2317040T3 (en) * | 2003-09-25 | 2009-04-16 | Greens Industries Limited | APPLICABLE DEVICE ON A SINGLE VALVE TO LIMIT THE TEMPERATURE IN THE MIXTURE OF HOT AND COLD LIQUIDS. |
-
2007
- 2007-08-01 IT IT000041A patent/ITAN20070041A1/en unknown
-
2008
- 2008-07-21 AT AT08776386T patent/ATE521027T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2008-07-21 PL PL08776386T patent/PL2181377T3/en unknown
- 2008-07-21 ES ES08776386T patent/ES2371797T3/en active Active
- 2008-07-21 RU RU2010101963/28A patent/RU2464620C2/en active
- 2008-07-21 EP EP08776386A patent/EP2181377B1/en active Active
- 2008-07-21 WO PCT/IB2008/001921 patent/WO2009016452A2/en active Application Filing
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2011023527A3 (en) * | 2009-08-31 | 2011-12-29 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Hot water tank comprising a mixing device |
CN103604217A (en) * | 2013-11-29 | 2014-02-26 | 艾欧史密斯(中国)热水器有限公司 | Water outlet device of electric water heater |
CN104534683A (en) * | 2014-12-26 | 2015-04-22 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Electricity-proof wall structure and electric water heater |
WO2016116063A1 (en) * | 2015-01-23 | 2016-07-28 | 艾欧史密斯(中国)热水器有限公司 | Water outlet pipe component |
US20180017287A1 (en) * | 2015-01-23 | 2018-01-18 | A.O. Smith (China) Water Heater Co., Ltd. | Water outlet pipe component |
CN105496794A (en) * | 2016-01-25 | 2016-04-20 | 李彪 | Physically thermostatic feeding bottle device |
CN109425100A (en) * | 2017-08-25 | 2019-03-05 | 艾欧史密斯(中国)热水器有限公司 | Water heating mechanism |
CN109425100B (en) * | 2017-08-25 | 2024-01-09 | 艾欧史密斯(中国)热水器有限公司 | Water heating mechanism |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
RU2464620C2 (en) | 2012-10-20 |
RU2010101963A (en) | 2011-09-10 |
ITAN20070041A1 (en) | 2009-02-02 |
EP2181377B1 (en) | 2011-08-17 |
ATE521027T1 (en) | 2011-09-15 |
EP2181377A2 (en) | 2010-05-05 |
WO2009016452A3 (en) | 2009-05-22 |
PL2181377T3 (en) | 2012-01-31 |
ES2371797T3 (en) | 2012-01-10 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2181377B1 (en) | Storage water heater | |
US4767052A (en) | Thermostatically self-regulating mixing valve | |
EP3258186B1 (en) | Instantaneous heating apparatus | |
US8640969B2 (en) | Thermostatic mixing valve for a domestic heating system | |
JP2008023343A (en) | Coffee machine having dispenser with independent heating | |
GB2217816A (en) | Temperature-responsive valves | |
CN101932984A (en) | Flow control | |
US9638439B2 (en) | Water heater appliance | |
GB2549601A (en) | Water heater | |
CN208296337U (en) | A kind of constant temp gas heating wall-hanging furnace of induction water temperature control gas flow | |
CN209484847U (en) | A kind of electric heater with mechanical thermostat regulation | |
WO2017110213A1 (en) | Fluid control valve device for hot water combination faucet | |
US20110284646A1 (en) | Thermostatic energy/water/time/carbon saving device for instant water heating devices | |
RU2455674C2 (en) | Thermostatic valve actuator | |
JP2007247785A (en) | Hot water flow preventing valve | |
EA036897B1 (en) | Device and method for regulating heating systems | |
CN208295274U (en) | A kind of constant temp gas water heater of induction water temperature control gas flow | |
EP0314661A2 (en) | Fixture apparatus with combined shut-off valve and check valve for a hot water heater of the compressor type | |
EP0957419A1 (en) | Improvements in or relating to a water heating arrangement | |
US3540650A (en) | Thermostatic regulating device with a synthetic thermoplastic expansion element | |
GB2505396A (en) | Apparatus to control a flow of heated water from a boiler to a water outlet | |
US20230184459A1 (en) | Water heater and a method of heating water utilizing microwave energy | |
JPH11247260A (en) | Toilet hot water hand washer | |
US3539101A (en) | Control arrangement for valves | |
GB2404000A (en) | Instantaneous water heater inlet control |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 08776386 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A2 |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2008776386 Country of ref document: EP |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2010101963 Country of ref document: RU |