WO2021037318A1

WO2021037318A1 - Thermostatic valve, a thermostatic cartridge and a method for making a thermostatic valve and use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2021037318A1
Application number: PCT/DK2019/050254
Authority: WO
Inventors: Morten Ulrich HANSEN; Ehud MAZOR; Mads Lindegaard LILDHOLDT; Søren Michael LARSEN; Grzegorz FRYDRYCHOWICZ; Per Holm BERTMAN
Original assignee: Broen A/S
Priority date: 2019-08-30
Filing date: 2019-08-30
Publication date: 2021-03-04

Abstract

A cartridge and thermostatic valve, for mixing of a warm liquid and a cold liquid and obtaining a mixed liquid flow having a third predefined temperature. The valve comprises a valve housing with a first inlet connection end for the cold liquid, a second inlet connection end for the warm liquid and an outlet connection end for the mixed liquid flow, wherein the thermostatic valve comprises a separate cartridge inserted in the valve housing's interior space. The cartridge comprises -a cartridge housing with a first valve port in fluid connection with the first liquid inlet and a second valve port in fluid connection with the second liquid inlet; -a cylindrical slide valve member axially movable within the cartridge housing so as to open/close the first and/or second valve ports respectively depending on the direction of movement of said valve member, -a mixing space within said cartridge arranged to receive said liquids from the valve ports and permit mixing thereof and to deliver the mixture to the outlet connection end via one or more outflow ports in the cartridge housing; -a temperature-responsive actuator, arranged with at least a sensing part of the actuator outside the cartridge housing and thus in the outflow connection end of the valve housing, said temperature-responsive actuator comprising an actuator piston arranged stationary in the cartridge and an actuator housing arranged moveably in the cartridge, said actuator housing being connected to the valve sleeve member and thus arranged to cause axial movement of the valve member so as to counteract temperature changes of said fluid mixture. Low leak rates as well as accurate temperature control is obtained among others.

Description

[Thermostatic valve, a thermostatic cartridge and a method for making a thermostatic valve and use thereof.]

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thermostatic valve and use thereof as well as a car tridge with a valve element and including a temperature responsive actuator.

The present invention also relates to a method for making the thermostatic valve. Background of the Invention

Thermostatic regulating valves are used in many applications, e.g. in cooling circuits for engines, compressors, gearboxes etc. Thermostatic regulating valves are also used in various water applications, e.g. for temperature regulation in central or district heat ing systems or in plumbing systems, either domestic or industrial. In cooling circuits the cooling medium is e.g. water, water/glycol mixtures or oils, e.g. natural vegetable or mineral oils, synthetic oils, hydraulic oil, transmission oils or gear box oils.

A thermostatic regulating valve is in principle used for mixing two fluid flows, in par ticular liquid flows (in the following only mentioned as liquids), where the two flows have two different temperatures, which in the following is referred to as a hot liquid flow and a cold liquid flow. The aim of mixing the two liquid flows is to provide a third liquid flow (out of the valve) as a mixture of the hot and cold liquids with a third temperature. Since the third liquid flow is a mixture of the hot liquid and the cold liq uid, the resulting temperature of the third liquid is somewhere between the tempera- ture of the hot liquid and the cold liquid. In most situations it is desired to be able to control the temperature of the mixture/third liquid relative to a set point, so as to pro vide the third flow with a predetermined temperature.

It is also well-known to use a thermostatic regulating in diverting fluid flows, e.g. to divert an inlet liquid to two outlet flows where the two outlet flows. In this case the cold water inlet port discussed in relation to mixing is then used an outlet flow for a part of the inflow, while the remaining part of the inflow is directed to the port used as outflow part in mixing applications. The ratio of the outlet flows through these two ports are controlled by the thermostatic cartridge. Diverting flow applications are e.g. used in engine cooling systems where hot cooling fluid (e.g. water, water/glycol mix tures or oil based coolants) is passed through the thermostatic valve and part of the hot liquid flow is diverted to a cooler. The cooled coolant flow exiting the cooler is then mixed with the hot outflow from the outlet port of the thermostatic valve. The aim of diverting the two liquid flows is to provide a cooling of only a part of the circulating liquid flow and then mixing with the remaining (uncooled) partial flow before return ing the coolant to the engine. The ratios between the two diverted flows of coolant is then used for controlling the temperature of the cooling liquid returning to the engine so as to provide a controlled temperature of cooling liquid entering the engine.

One type of thermostatic regulating valve typically comprises a valve housing with a built-in valve actuator. The built-in valve actuator is typically a temperature respon- sive element which is arranged to be in contact with the of outflow liquid from the valve, e.g. by arranging the temperature responsive element in an inner space, which is a temperature sensing chamber and mixing chamber, when the thermostatic valve is in mixing mode. Alternatively, the, temperature responsive element is arranged to sense the temperature in the outflow path from the mixing valve.

The valve actuator may be arranged in a cartridge that is installed in the valve hous ing. This cartridge may comprise valve elements for opening/closing off the flow of the hot and/or cold liquids. Thermostatic valves are well established and serve to pro vide a fluid/liquid supply at a desired temperature. For this purpose, thermostatic valves have a thermostatic device to control the relative proportions of hot and cold fluids passing in the valve to a mixing zone whence the mixed fluids are caused to impinge on a temperature responsive element of the thermostatic device. Control of the hot and cold flows is achieved by the thermostatic device being operatively cou pled to a valve member controlling fluid flows through hot and cold inlet ports of the valve. Consequently, when there is an undesirable rise in the temperature of the mixed fluid the thermostatic device expands to cause the valve member to reduce the hot flow via the hot inlet port and increase the cold flow via the cold inlet port to restore the fluid supply temperature condition to that desired, with a converse operation when there is a fall in the mixed fluid’s temperature. Typically, the temperature responsive element used as valve actuator contains a mate rial which expands and contracts within the interval in which the valve is to be actuat ed.

A widely known actuator type for thermostatic regulating or mixing valves is e.g. filled with a wax, which expands when the wax melts, (in the following the thermo static regulating element is therefore also called wax actuator). The built-in valve ac tuator senses the temperature of e.g. the outflowing liquid and adjusts temperature according to the desired setpoint. This is done by the by opening /closing the hot and/cold liquid flow, e.g. by a piston of the wax actuator. The piston actuates a valve element in the thermostatic regulating valve. Wax thermostatic actuators are made with different wax content which melts and thus expands at different temperatures. The temperature regulation ranges and/or setpoints are thus defined by the chosen wax actuator. Thus the wax actuator is selected accordingly. Such wax thermostatic actua tors are frequently used in thermostatic regulating valves cartridges described above.

In domestic use, the regulation of the temperature does not necessarily need to be pre cise, but in various technical applications the need for accurate temperature control is important.

The known thermostatic regulating valves are bulky and may be difficult or impossi ble to install in narrow spaces, e.g. in compressors or cooling systems in engines. Sim ilarly service or repair may be difficult or even impossible if a bulky valve is installed in a narrow space. In addition, the shape and construction of the cartridges in the known thermostatic regulation valves (see fig. 1) result in a complex adaption of the valve housing interior space to the cartridge shape and/or a complex construction for holding the thermosensitive regulator in position in the cartridge.

The known thermostatic valves also suffer from different drawbacks, such as high leak rates. The leak may be a result of the cartridge design where one or more valve seats are designed to seal in axial direction, i.e. in the direction of movement of the piston in the thermostatic valve actuator. Further, some thermostatic valves are not sufficiently accurate in the temperature con trol and operate with a relatively wide range surrounding the desired setpoint, i.e. be tween the minimum and maximum temperatures, when regulating the valve according to the temperature of the outflowing liquid. This range is usually at least 12°C (from minimum to maximum around the desired setpoint.)

Still further, the construction of the known cartridges using wax actuators is provided with a second spring that acts as overheat protection. This overheat protection spring member is necessary because the axially arranged valve seat at the second inlet port restricts the axial movement of the valve element. This construction is, however sensi tive to overheating with 10-15°C above the specified temperature range. Overheating beyond 10-15°C above the specified temperature may cause rupture of the thermostat ic actuator. This is because the wax or wax-like substance in the temperature sensitive actuator continues to expand with rising temperature and eventually causes rupture of the seal on the actuator body and leakage of molten wax into the valve.

Thus there is still a need for newly developed thermostatic regulating valves or alter natives to the existing thermostatic regulating valves.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide less bulky thermostatic regulating valves and/or cartridges therefor, with a less complex geometry, which are more easily installed at narrow spaces and/or fill up less volume in the installation in which it in stalled.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide thermostatic regulating valves with low leak rates.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide thermostatic regulating valves in which the valve element(s) open/close at a narrow temperature range.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for making such ther mostatic regulating valves. Description of the Invention

These objects are met with the thermostatic valve according to the present invention, for mixing of a warm liquid and a cold liquid and obtaining a mixed liquid flow hav- ing a third predefined temperature, and comprising a valve housing with a first inlet connection end for the cold liquid, a second inlet connection end for the warm liquid and an outlet connection end for the mixed liquid flow, wherein the thermostatic valve comprises a separate cartridge inserted in the valve housing’s interior space. Said car tridge comprises - a cartridge housing with a first valve port in fluid connection with the first liquid inlet and a second valve port in fluid connection with the second liquid inlet;

- a cylindrical slide valve member axially movable within the cartridge housing so as to open/close the first and/or second valve ports respectively depending on the direc tion of movement of said valve member, - a mixing space within said cartridge arranged to receive said liquids from the valve ports and permit mixing thereof and to deliver the mixture to the outlet connection end via one or more outflow ports in the cartridge housing;

- a temperature-responsive actuator, arranged with at least a sensing part of the actua tor outside the cartridge housing and thus in the outflow connection end of the valve housing, said temperature-responsive actuator comprising an actuator piston arranged stationary in the cartridge and an actuator housing arranged moveably in the cartridge, said actuator housing being connected to the valve sleeve member and thus arranged to cause axial movement of the valve member so as to counteract temperature changes of said fluid mixture.

Hereby is obtained a thermostatic valve in which the valve element(s) open/close at a narrowly defined temperature range. Besides, the thermostatic valve demonstrates very low leak rates. Furthermore, less bulky thermostatic regulating valves are ob tained, which are more easily installed at narrow spaces and/or fill up less volume in the installation in which it installed.

The thermostatic valve is applicable within the same or similar applications as men tioned in the prior art section above, and is equally applicable in mixing applications as well as in diverting applications. In the following the present invention will be dis- cussed for mixing applications only, although it is evident that the present invention is equally applicable in applications where diverting the flow is used.

In particular when thermostatic valves are used in cooling circuits in mixing mode or in diverting mode, e.g. for engines, compressors etc. as discussed elsewhere in the present application, a high leak rate at the second inlet port results in the need for the cooler to be large and oversized in order to ensure proper cooling when using the cooling circuit. When reducing the leak rate as provided with the present thermostatic valve and/or cartridge, the oversizing can be reduced to a minimum or even avoided. This reduces the overall costs for the cooling circuits. .

Thus, the present thermostatic valve of the present invention is also used for mixing two fluid/liquid flows of two different temperatures (warm/cold liquid flow) which are provided to the valve via two separate inlet flow connection ends, a first inlet flow connection end (Cold fluid) and a second inlet flow connection end (warm fluid). These two flows are mixed inside the valve’s interior space to provide a third liquid flow out of the valve’s outlet connection end with a third temperature. The first fluid flow (cold) is provided from the first connection end and into the valve body’s interior by an axial fluid inlet connection end. The second fluid flow (warm) is provided from the second connection end and into the valve body’s interior by a radially arranged second connection inlet end.

Below the valve is described here with flow of cold fluid through the first inlet and warm fluid flow through the second inlet. It is evident that inlets of the warm and cold fluids can be switched without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

The temperature of the output liquid flow is controlled relative to a predetermined desired output flow temperature. The thermostatic regulating valve according to the present invention also comprises a valve housing/valve body with a built-in valve actuator. The built-in valve actuator is a temperature responsive element which is arranged to be in contact with the of out flow liquid from the valve in the outflow path from the mixing valve. The valve actuator is arranged in a cartridge installed in the valve housing. The car tridge comprises a cartridge housing with a first valve port in fluid connection with the first liquid inlet. The outer cartridge wall is in principle cylindrical with an upper ex tended part that provides an inflow at the first inflow port of the cartridge.

Centrally in the upper part, i.e. the first inlet end, of the cartridge housing is arranged a rod-like element. One end of the rod-like element is attached to the cartridge housing by radial fins. The rod like element extends axially into the cartridge housing and the other end thereof provides a support for the actuator piston (see also further below).

The spaces between the fins define openings that allow the first (cold) fluid to pass from the first inflow port and into the cartridge.

A second valve port in the cartridge is in fluid connection with the second liquid inlet connection end. The second inlet port is provided as one or more openings in the car tridge outer wall. Thus the second valve port thus comprises one or more radially directed openings in the cartridge housing.

A fluid passage between the second inlet connection end and the second valve port may be provided by a reduced diameter of the cartridge housing whereby a fluid pas sage is provided between the outer side of the cartridge housing and the inner side of the valve housing.

A bottom part is inserted at the second end of the cartridge. The bottom part is a ring like member. The bottom part is preferably connected to the cartridge housing by a bayonet joint or similar well-known applicable connection such as a snap-locking means, a locking ring or a threaded connection. It is also possible to use a tamperproof connection so as to prevent unauthorized exchange of the temperature sensitive actua tor.

The bottom part comprises a central opening. The temperature sensitive valve actuator extends through the central opening, see also further below. The cartridge also comprises a valve element for opening/closing off the flow of the warm and/or cold liquids that enter the valve via the first and second inlet connection ends. The valve element comprises a sleeve valve element. The sleeve valve element has a radially directed outer surface which slides against the radially directed inner surface of the cartridge housing. One or more sealing rings may be arranged along the length of the sleeve valve element for obtaining liquid tightness between the slide sur faces.

The sleeve valve element comprises a valve element for the first inflow port as well as the second valve inflow port as described further below.

The inflow of liquid from the first and second valve ports are mixed in the cartridge inner volume, which thereby constitutes a mixing chamber inside the cartridge.

The thermostatic valve has a thermostatic device to control the relative proportions of hot and cold fluids passing in the valve to a mixing zone whence the mixed fluids are caused to impinge on a temperature responsive element of the thermostatic device.

Control of the warm and cold liquid flows through their respective inflow valve ports is achieved by the thermostatic device being operatively coupled to the cylindrical slide valve member. Consequently, when there is an undesirable rise in the tempera ture of the mixed fluid the thermostatic device expands to cause the valve member to reduce the hot flow via the hot inlet port and increase the cold flow via the cold inlet port to restore the fluid supply temperature condition to that desired, with a converse operation when there is a fall in the mixed fluid’s temperature.

The cylindrical slide valve element is moveable axially between a first axial valve seat at the first valve port and a second radial valve seat at the second valve port of the cartridge.

This construction allows the slide valve element to provide closure of the second in flow port by contact between the radially arranged valve seat in the cartridge and the valve element. This construction provides a very accurate temperature control. The temperature range of the thermostatic valve is narrowed significantly, as the thermostatic valve according to the present invention operates in a range of approximately 8°C wide range sur rounding the desired set point, i.e. between the minimum and maximum temperatures, when regulating the valve according to the temperature of the outflowing liquid.

Further, this construction allows the sleeve valve element to continue axial movement inside the cartridge after closing the second valve port. Thereby overheat protection is simply and elegantly provided by allowing the valve sleeve to continue movement after closure of the second valve port. This is done by allowing the valve actuator to extend further into the outlet connection end when expanded to largest allowed extent. This provides a very compact construction of the valve. This also provides a very ro bust valve because the valve construction, and in particular the construction of the cartridge, ensures a safety margin of approximately 30°C above the specified tempera- ture range for the temperature responsive actuator before there is any risk of rupture of the actuator. Thus the risk of damage to the temperature responsive actuator resulting in leakage of wax/ wax-like substance is significantly reduced or even eliminated.

In addition, a second spring, the safety spring, as commonly used in known thermo- static valves, is superfluous and is eliminated in the present valve and/or cartridge construction.

The upper end of the valve sleeve provides a first valve element, which opens/closes the first valve port by acting against a first valve seat. The first valve seat is directed axially inwardly/downwards into the cartridge. The first valve seat is provided at or near the circumference of a flange-like member arranged along the upper end of the centrally arranged rod, whereby the valve seat is provided at the axially inwardly /downwardly directed surface of the flange. The lower end of the valve sleeve provides a second valve element, which opens/closes the second valve port by acting against a second valve seat. The second valve seat is directed radially inwardly into the cartridge along the lower edge of the second valve port. The second valve seat is thereby provided along the radially in wardly directed or near the circumference of a flange-like member arranged along the upper end of the centrally arranged rod, whereby the valve seat is provided at the axi ally inwardly /downwardly directed surface of the flange.

A single spring member is arranged in the cartridge to push the cylindrical slide valve element towards the closure of the first valve port and the opening the second valve port.

Together with the above described construction of the valve sleeve and the valve seats, in particular the second radially directed valve seat, this also results in that the second overheat protecting spring element used in prior art thermostatic valves spring is no longer necessary in the valve according to the present invention.

The spring element is preferably a helical spring with one end thereof attached to the second end of the valve element sleeve and a second end thereof attached to the bot- tom part at the outlet end/bottom end of the cartridge.

The helical spring is arranged to surround the valve actuator and the connecting rods described further below. This construction assists in mixing of the warm and cold liq uid streams in the mixing chamber in the cartridge.

A shoulder is preferably provided on the temperature responsive actuator housing. The shoulder abuts against an end ring member. This end ring member is connected to the cylindrical slide valve element by a number of rods. This construction enables control of the slide valve element by the movement of the actuator housing.

Thus when an increase in temperature of the outflowing liquid is detected the expand ing/contracting material (wax or wax-like component) in the actuator moves the actua tor piston out of the actuator housing. Since the actuator piston is stationary, this caus es movement of the actuator housing.

The valve housing comprises a first body part and a second body part, which are con nected by a valve body connection, e.g. a threaded connection.

This allows insertion of the cartridge into the valve housing as well as exchange of the cartridge if needed. When using a threaded connection this minimizes the space necessary for installation of the valve. In order to maximize the moment required for separating the first and second body parts the threaded connection may additionally be glued together.

If there are no requirements to the available volume necessary for installation, the valve housing’s first and second body parts may be connected by a conventional flange connection. One or more sealing rings, e.g. O-rings are preferably arranged between a surface of the first body part and a surface of the second body part in the threaded connection in order to provide a liquid/fluid tight valve housing. Similarly one or more sealing rings may be arranged between the first and second body parts to seal a flange connection. The cartridge is preferably held in position in the valve housing interior between a first and a second shoulder at the inside of the valve housing’s wall. A first shoulder is preferably provided at the inner wall of the first valve body part and a second shoulder is preferably provided at the inner wall of the second body part. Thereby the cartridge is held firmly in position between these shoulders in the assembled valve housing.

The above described construction enables that cartridge is exchangeable. This pro vides the possibility of exchanging the cartridge, e.g. in the rare case the cartridge becomes excessively overheated and ruptures as outlined above. It is also possible to use the same valve housing for a variety of cartridges with built-in cartridges with different thermostatic actuators. Thus the same parts can be used with a variety of set- point temperatures according to the specifications of the actuator used, i.e. the possi ble temperature range and or predefined setpoint temperatures of the actuator used.

At least the cartridge housing is made of metal or metallic alloys, such as aluminium or aluminium alloy or steel, stainless steel, or a resin, in particular a fibre reinforced resin, such as polyphenylene sulphide resin (PPS), poly oxy methylene (POM), poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) or copolymers or mixtures thereof, optionally reinforced with up to 50 % (by weight), of fibres, such as carbon and/or glass fibres. Preferably all other parts of the cartridge (except from the actuator element), i.e. also the bottom part, the sleeve valve element as well as the connecting rods and the end ring member are made of the same material as the cartridge housing. By providing the cartridge body parts in metal it becomes durable ad long lasting. By providing the cartridge body parts in (fiber reinforced) resin it is possible to provide a very low cost produc- tion of the cartridge, which reduces overall costs. The addition of fibres to the resin increases strength of the cartridge body. Further, by providing the cartridge body parts in resin it is possible to cast the machine parts resulting in very low production costs.

The valve housing comprises a valve body which includes the first inlet connection end, and the outlet connection end. The valve housing interior space in the valve hous ing is where the cartridge is to be arranged. The second inlet connection end is welded onto the valve body, preferably the first body part thereof, at an angle, typically per pendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the valve housing. The angle between the second inlet connection and the valve body may be perpen dicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve housing but may also deviate from being perpendicular. The angle may e.g. be provided at an angle of 30-90° to the valve body’s axial direction. The second inlet end may be provided to extend radially out wards from the valve body. In some applications it may also be expedient to provide the second inlet end angled relative to radial direction e.g. at an angle of 0-90 relative to radial direction. For example it is possible to provide the second inlet end as a tan gential inlet. This may cause a rotating liquid flow inside the valve housing that im proves mixing of the first and second liquid flows provided through the first and sec ond inlet connection ends.

The first body part of the valve housing preferably comprises at least the first and sec ond inlet connection ends and at least a part of the interior space of the valve housing, and that the second body part of the valve housing comprises at least the outlet con nection end.

The valve housing is made of metal, in particular aluminium or aluminium alloys or steel such as stainless steel, in particular weldable types of stainless steel (at least for the firsts body part), or cupper or cupper containing alloys, e.g. bronze. The valve housing parts are typically machined from pipe members and optionally shaped, e.g. at the outer ends of the connection ends, by conventional methods. The threads in the first and second inlet ends, the outlet end and/or any threads at the valve body parts are cut by conventional thread cutting methods. The first and second body parts may be made from the same material, e.g. aluminium or (stainless) steel, but may also be provided in two different materials selected mentioned above.

The present invention also relates to a thermostatic regulator cartridge, for mixing of a warm liquid and a cold liquid and obtaining a mixed liquid flow having a third prede fined temperature, wherein said cartridge comprises - a cartridge housing with a first valve port in fluid connection with the first liquid inlet and a second valve port in fluid connection with the second liquid inlet;

The thermostatic regulator cartridge is used in the thermostatic valve as already dis cussed above. The thermostatic actuator cartridge is however also useable as such, i.e. without the valve housing, for building into other constructions where mixing of two liqiuids having two different temperatures to provide a third liquid mixture with a third temperature. Non-limiting examples of such uses of the thermostatic cartridge are cooling circuit using a liquid circulating cooling fluid, such as in a compressor, in an engine cooling circuit, cooling of a gas compressor, cooling of hydraulic oils, cool ing of lubricants, such as cooling gearbox lubricant, maintaining a brine at a constant temperature or for providing liquids, e.g. water at a predefined temperature, maintain- ing liquids at a predefined temperature in industrial or domestic heating systems, such as in district or central heating systems, or in circuits for cooling of gasses, e.g. in cooling of coolants, such as ammonia or C02, used in industrial refrigerators or freez ers and many other applications where thermostatic regulator inserts are used today.

The thermostatic regulator cartridge further comprises that the cylindrical slide valve element is moveable axially between a first axial valve seat at the first valve port and second radial valve seat at the second valve port of the cartridge as already discussed above about the cartridge when discussing the valve.

The thermostatic regulator cartridge comprises a single spring member, which is ar ranged in the cartridge to bias the cylindrical slide valve element towards the closure of the first valve port and the opening the second valve port as already discussed above about the cartridge when discussing the valve.

The temperature responsive actuator in the thermostatic regulator cartridge comprises a shoulder on the actuator housing, which abuts against an end ring member and said end ring member is connected to the cylindrical slide valve element by a number of rods as already discussed above about the cartridge when discussing the valve.

The thermostatic regulator cartridge comprises that the temperature responsive actua tor is exchangeable. This allows for adapting the thermostatic regulator cartridge by selecting a temperature responsive actuator with a setpoint and/or applicable in a tem perature range according to the relevant uses and set points for temperatures in the third liquid mixture. It is possible to exchange the temperature responsive actuator with another by removing a bottom part of the actuator body. As already discussed above the bottom part is a ring like member.

The bottom part is preferably connected to the cartridge housing by a bayonet joint or similar well-known applicable connection such as a snap-locking means, a locking ring or a threaded connection. Thus the removable bottom part allows for fast and effective insertion of another temperature responsive actuator. It is also possible to use a tamperproof connection so as to prevent unauthorized ex change of the temperature sensitive actuator, if necessary.

The objects above are also met by a method for making a thermostatic valve as dis- cussed above. The method comprises A: providing a first body part of a valve housing with a first threaded connection end; and B: welding a second inlet connection end onto the first body part body, at an angle, such as perpendicular or at another angle as discussed above , to the longitudinal axis of the valve housing. The method may further comprise arranging the cartridge in the first housing part of the valve body and connecting the second body part of the valve housing to the first housing part by the valve body connection, e.g. the threaded connection. This allows for easy insertion of the cartridge into the housing and to ensure that the connection between the first and second parts of the valve housing parts is liquid tight. The liquid tightness of this connection may be further enhanced or increased by one or more sealing rings, e.g. O-rings, which may be arranged between a surface of the first body part and a surface of the second body part in the threaded or flanged connection in order to provide a liquid/fluid tight valve housing. When using a threaded connection this minimizes the space necessary for installation of the valve. In order to maximize the moment required for separating the first and second body parts the threaded connection may additionally be glued together.

If there are no requirements to the available volume necessary for installation, the valve housing’s first and second body parts may be connected by a conventional flange connection.

The method further comprising welding the second inlet connection to the body by pulse welding or MAG welding using an Argon-C02 mixture as welding gas while maintaining the welding gun at an angle of 30-45 degrees to the surface of the first body part. This allows for cutting the threads in the connection ends prior to welding the second inlet connection end onto the first valve housing part. This particular weld ing method protects the threads in the first and/or second connection ends against deformation during welding on the second connection end inlet onto the first valve body part with the first connection end. In particular, a combination of using pulse welding and holding the welding tool at an angle of 30 degrees provides a strong and durable welding seam between the pipe shaped parts in the first body part and the sec ond connection end, especially when these parts have a diameter which is close to each other.

The thermostatic valve and/or thermostatic regulator cartridge is applicable in temper ature regulation in applications using direct or indirect heating or cooling applications. In direct heating/cooling applications, the circulating liquid is controlled by the valve/regulator. In indirect heating/cooling applications a circulating liquid is used for heating/cooling of another circulating liquid, e.g. an engine lubrication system. Non limiting examples are cooling circuits using a liquid (e.g. water, water/glycol mixtures or an oil) circulating cooling or heating fluid, such as in a compressor, in an engine cooling circuit, cooling of a gas compressor, cooling of hydraulic oils, cooling of lub ricants, such as cooling gearbox lubricant, maintaining a brine at a constant tempera ture or for providing liquids, e.g. water at a predefined temperature, maintaining liq uids at a predefined temperature in industrial or domestic heating systems, such as in district or central heating systems, or in circuits for cooling of gasses, e.g. in cooling of coolants, such as ammonia or C02, used in industrial refrigerators or freezers.

Description of the Drawing

The invention will in the following be described in details with reference to the draw ing, in which

Fig. 1 shows a cross sectional view of a known temperature regulating valve using a known temperature regulator cartridge

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a valve housing of the thermostatic valve ac cording to the present invention

Fig.3 shows the thermostatic valve according to the present invention in a side view

Figs. 4-6 shows a cross sectional view (through line I-I in fig 3) of the temperature regulating valve in three different valve positions, i.e. warm liquid closed, ½ open warm and ½ open cold liquids and cold liquid closed, and Fig. 7 shows the test circuit where the valves are tested for leak rates and operating temperature ranges (P-band). The same reference number is used in all drawings for the same feature. Thus, when describing a certain figure all elements that are visible on the specific figure are neo necessarily described in detail for each figure. Detailed Description of the Invention

Fig. 1 shows a well-known and widely used thermostatic valve 1 with a well-known and widely used thermostatic regulator insert or cartridge 6 arranged in the valve housing.

The thermostatic valve comprises valve housing 2 with a first inlet connection end 3 for the first liquid (e.g. cold liquid - C) and a second connection inlet end 4 for a sec ond liquid (e.g. a warm or hot liquid H). These liquids H-C are mixed in the valve and exit at a third temperature O through the outflow port 11 and the outlet connection end 5.

A cartridge 6 is installed in the valve housing 2. This cartridge 6 comprises a valve element 13 for opening/closing off the flow of the hot and/or cold liquids. The car tridge 6 comprises a temperature responsive valve actuator 12 to control the relative proportions of hot and cold fluids passing in the valve. The valve actuator 12 controls the position of the cylindrical slide valve element 13. In the known cartridge 6, the actuator piston 14 abuts against the upper closed end surface of the cartridge housing 7. The sleeve valve element 13 is attached to a ring member 13a which is connected to the sleeve 13 with not shown spokes. This ring 13a is arranged to surround the valve actuator piston 14. This attachment ring 13a is held between the first and second springs 19, 19’ and the upper end of the actuator housing 15 abuts the lower side of the attachment ring 13 a.

When the first inlet port 8 is closed the valve sleeve’s 13 upper end rests against the valve seat 8a at the top end of the cartridge housing 7. When the first valve port is fully closed, the second valve port 9 is fully open. Then the valve actuator 12 detects a temperature above the set point, the valve actuator pulls the slide valve element 13 and opens the first inlet port 8 by pulling the sleeve 13 downwards. The downward movement of the valve sleeve member 13 results in that the second inlet port 9 (warm water) gradually closes. The second inlet port 9 (warm liquid) is fully closed when the lower end of the sleeve element 13 acts against the inwardly extending shoulder 9a, which acts as valve seat 9a, i.e. the valve element 13 acts against the second valve seat 9a in axial direction.

The built-in actuator 12 is e.g. filled with a wax, which expands when the wax melts. The valve actuator 12 senses the temperature of the outflowing liquid O in the mixing chamber 10 and adjusts the position of the actuator piston 14 and thus by the sleeve element 13 which is attached to the actuator piston 14.

The cartridge comprises a first spring member 19 which pushes the valve sleeve 13 upwards inside the cartridge 6 towards the closure of the first inlet port 8. The first spring 19 acts against the attachment ring 13a which is connected to the sleeve 13 with not shown spokes. Further, a second spring 19’ is provided that acts as overheat protection by restricting the movement of the actuator piston 13 to a certain maximum defined by the second springl9’. This overheat protection spring member 19’ is nec essary because the axially arranged valve seat 9a at the second inlet port restricts the axial movement of the valve sleeve 13. This construction is, however, sensitive to overheating. Overheating beyond 10-15°C above the specified temperature may cause rupture of the thermostatic actuator 12. This is because the wax or wax-like substance in the temperature sensitive actuator continues to expand with rising temperature, re sulting in that the actuator piston 14 continues to move out of the actuator housing 15. At the same time the axially disposed second valve seat 9a restricts the movement of the valve sleeve 13 and causes a stop of the movement of the valve sleeve 13 and the ring 13a. The continued movement of the actuator piston 14 then eventually results in rupture of the seal (not shown) on the actuator housing 15, which causes leakage of molten wax into the valve. Figs. 2-6 show the valve 1, the valve housing 2 and the thermostatic cartridge 6 ac cording to the present invention. Figs. 4-6 show cross sections (in plane I-I shown in fig. 3) of the valve with a closed inflow (fig. 4) from the second connection end 4; fig.

5 shows the valve with the first and second valve ports 8,9 in ½ open position and fig.

6 shows the valve with a closed first valve port and thus closed cold liquid inflow. The thermostatic valve 1 is for mixing of a warm liquid flow H (see arrow in figs. 4-6) and a cold liquid flow C (see arrow in figs. 4-6) and obtaining a mixed liquid flow having a third predefined temperature O (see arrow in figs. 4-6).

The valve comprises a valve housing 2 with a first inlet connection end 3 for the cold liquid C, a second inlet connection end 4 for the warm liquid W and an outlet connec tion end 5 for the mixed liquid flow O. The second fluid flow (warm W) is provided from the second connection end and into the valve body’s interior 2b by a radially arranged second connection inlet end 4. Other angles are also possible as mentioned above.

The thermostatic valve 1 comprises a separate cartridge 6 inserted in the valve hous ing’s interior space 2b. The cartridge 6 is held in position in the valve housing interior 2b between a first 2e and a second 2f shoulder at the inside of the valve housing’s wall 2a. A first shoulder 2e is provided at the inner wall of the first valve body part 2c and the second shoulder 2f is provided at the inner wall of the second body part 2d. There by the cartridge is held firmly in position between these shoulders in the assembled valve housing. The first body part 2c and a second body part 2d are connected by a threaded connection. One or more sealing rings 2h, e.g. O-rings are preferably ar ranged between first body part and the second body part in the threaded connection in order to provide a liquid/fluid tight valve housing 1. This housing construction allows easy insertion of the cartridge into the valve housing 2 as well as exchange of the car tridge 6 if needed. A flange connection is also possible, see further above.

Said cartridge 6 comprises a cartridge housing 7 with a first valve port 8. The first valve port 8 is in fluid connection with the first liquid inlet connection end 3. The sec ond valve port 9 is in fluid connection with the second liquid inlet connection end 4. A cylindrical slide valve member 13 is axially movable within the cartridge housing 7 so as to open/close the first 8 and/or second 9 valve ports respectively depending on the direction of movement of said valve member 13. A mixing space 10 within said car tridge 6 receives said liquids from the valve ports 8, 9 and permit mixing thereof. The mixed liquid flow O is delivered to the outlet connection end 5 via one or more out flow ports 11 in the cartridge housing. A temperature responsive actuator 12 is arranged in the cartridge 6. The temperature responsive actuator/wax actuator 12 is arranged with at least a sensing part of the ac tuator outside the cartridge housing 7 and thus in the outflow connection end 5 of the valve housing 2. Thus the outlet connection end provides a sensor chamber in the valve. This results in that the cartridge 6 and thus also the valve 1 is very compact. Further, by providing the sensor space in the outlet connection end, the actuator 12 detects the actual temperature of the liquid that leaving the valve 1. This provides a very accurate temperature control. The temperature responsive actuator 12 comprises an actuator piston 14 arranged stationary in the cartridge 6 and an actuator housing 15 arranged to be axially moveable in the cartridge 6. The actuator housing 15 is con nected to the valve sleeve member 13 and thus arranged to cause the axial back and forth movement of the valve member 13 so as to counteract temperature changes in the outflow O of said fluid mixture. This provides the thermostatic valve to open/close at a narrowly defined temperature range. Besides, the thermostatic valve demonstrates very low leak rates.

These two liquid flows C, W are mixed inside the cartridge’s 6 interior mixing space 10 to provide the third liquid flow O out of the valve’s outlet connection end with a third temperature.

The temperature of the output liquid flow is controlled relative to a predetermined desired output flow temperature. This predetermined outflow temperature is defined by the temperature responsive actuator 12, which is built into the cartridge 6. The built-in valve actuator 12 is a temperature responsive element which is arranged to be in contact with the of outflow liquid from the valve in the outflow path 5 from the mixing valve.

The cartridge 6 comprises a cartridge housing 7 with a first valve port 8 in fluid con nection with the first liquid inlet connection end 3. The outer cartridge wall 7 is in principle cylindrical with an upper extended part 7a with increased radius that pro vides an inflow to the first valve port 8 of the cartridge 6. Centrally in the upper part, i.e. the first inlet end, of the cartridge housing 7 is ar ranged a rod-like element 7b. One end of the rod-like element 7b is attached to the cartridge housing 7 by radial fins (not shown). The rod like element 7b extends axially into the cartridge housing 7 and the other end thereof provides a support for the end of the actuator piston 14 (see also further below).

The spaces between the fins define openings that allow the first (cold) fluid to pass into the cartridge via the first valve port 8. A second valve port 9 in the cartridge is in fluid connection with the second liquid inlet connection end 4. The second valve port 9 is provided as one or more openings in the cartridge’s outer housing wall 7. Thus the second valve port 9 comprises one or more radially directed openings. A fluid passage between the second inlet connection end 4 and the second valve port 9 may be provided by a reduced diameter of the cartridge housing 7 whereby a fluid passage is provided between the outer side of the cartridge housing 7 and the inner side of the valve housing 2. A bottom part 20 is inserted at the second end (outlet end) of the cartridge 6. The bot tom part 20 is a ring like member. The bottom part 20 is preferably connected to the cartridge housing 7 by a bayonet joint or similar well-known applicable connection such as a snap-locking means, a locking ring, a threaded connection or a tamper- proof connection.

The bottom part comprises a central opening 20a. The temperature sensitive valve actuator 13 extends through the central opening 20a, whereby the temperature sensing part, i.e. the part containing the expanding material/wax 15a inside the actuator hous ing 15.

The cartridge 6 also comprises a valve element 13 for opening/closing off the flow of the warm and/or cold liquids that enter the valve 1 via the first 3 and second 4 inlet connection ends and the respective first 8 and second 9 valve ports. The valve element 13 comprises a sleeve valve body part. The sleeve valve element has a radially di- rected outer surface 13c which slides against the radially directed inner surface 9a of the cartridge housing 7. One or more sealing rings 9b may be arranged along the length of the sleeve valve element 13 for obtaining liquid tightness between the slide surfaces.

The inflow of liquid from the first and second valve ports 8,9 are mixed in the car tridge 6 inner volume, which thereby constitutes a mixing chamber 10 inside the car tridge. Control of the warm W and cold C liquid flows through their respective inflow valve ports 8, 9 is achieved by the actuator 12 which is coupled to the cylindrical slide valve member 13. When there is an undesirable rise in the temperature of the mixed fluid O the actuator 12 expands to cause the valve member 13 to move downwards and reduce the hot flow via the second inlet port 9 and increases the cold flow via the first inlet port 8 to restore the fluid supply. The converse operation moving the valve element 13 upwards occurs when there is a fall in the mixed fluid’s O temperature in the outlet connection end 5 which also serves the sensor chamber.

The cylindrical slide valve element 13 is moveable axially between a first axial valve seat 8a at the first valve port 8 and a second radial valve seat 9a at the second valve port 9 of the cartridge 6. This construction provides a very accurate temperature con trol and the temperature range of the thermostatic valve is narrowed significantly, to a range of approximately 8°C wide and surrounding the desired set point when regulat ing the valve according to the temperature of the outflowing liquid.

Further, this construction allows the sleeve valve element 13 to continue axial move ment inside the cartridge 6 even after closing the second valve port 9 providing over heat protection by allowing the valve sleeve member 13 to continue movement after closure of the second valve port 9. This is done by allowing the valve actuator 12 to extend further into the outlet connection end 5 when expanded to largest allowed ex tent. This provides a very compact construction of the valve. This also provides a very robust valve because the valve construction, and in particular the construction of the cartridge 6, ensures a safety margin of approximately 30 °C above the specified tem perature range for the temperature responsive actuator 12 before there is any risk of rupture of the actuator. Thus the risk of damage to the temperature responsive actuator 12 resulting in leakage of wax/wax-like substance is significantly reduced or even eliminated. This also results in that the second overheat protecting spring used in prior art thermostatic valves (see 19’ in fig.l) is no longer necessary in the valve according to the present invention.

The upper end surface of the valve sleeve provides a first valve element, which opens/closes the first valve port by acting against a first valve seat 8a. The first valve seat 8a is directed axially inwardly/downwards into the cartridge 6. The first valve seat is provided at or near the circumference of a flange-like member arranged along the upper end of the centrally arranged rod 7b, whereby the valve seat 8a is provided at the axially inwardly/downwardly directed surface of the flange 7d.

The lower end of the valve sleeve 13 provides a second valve element, which opens/closes the second valve port by acting against a second valve seat 9a. The sec ond valve seat 9a is directed radially inwardly into the cartridge 6 along the lower edge of the second valve port 9.

A single spring member 19 is arranged in the cartridge 6 to push the cylindrical slide valve element 13 towards (upwards) the closure of the first valve port 8 and the open ing the second valve port 9. The spring element is a helical spring 19 with one end thereof attached to the second end (lower end) of the valve element sleeve 13 and a second end of the spring is attached to the bottom part 20 of the cartridge housing 7. The helical spring 19 is arranged to surround the valve actuator and the connecting rods described further below. This construction assists in mixing of the warm and cold liquid streams in the mixing chamber in the cartridge.

A shoulder 16 is preferably provided on the temperature responsive actuator housing 15. The shoulder abuts against an end ring member 17. This end ring member 17 is connected to the cylindrical slide valve element 13 by a number of rods 18. This con struction enables control of the slide valve element by the movement of the actuator housing 15. Thus when an increase in temperature of the outflowing liquid is detected the expand ing/contracting material (wax or wax-like component) in the actuator moves the actua tor piston out of the actuator housing 15 through the central opening 20a in the bottom part 20. Since the actuator piston 14 is stationary, this causes movement of the actua tor housing.

Materials etc. for the cartridge’s 6 parts and the housing7 are discussed further above.

The valve housing 2 includes the first inlet connection end 3, the valve housing interi or space 2b in which the cartridge 6 is arranged and the outlet connection end 5. The second inlet connection end 4 is welded onto the valve housing 2, preferably the first body part 2c thereof, at an angle, such as perpendicular or at another angle as dis cussed above, to the longitudinal axis of the valve housing.

The first body part 2c of the valve housing preferably comprises at least the first and second inlet connection ends 3,4 and at least a part of the interior space 2c of the valve housing. The second body part 2d of the valve housing comprises at least the outlet connection end 5 and a part of the valve’s interior space 2c, which constitutes a tem perature sensor chamber.

Materials etc. for the valve housing 2 are discussed further above.

The method for making a thermostatic valve (as discussed above) comprises A: providing a first body part 2c of a valve housing 2 with a first threaded connection end 3; and B: welding a second inlet connection end 4 onto the first body part 2c, at an angle, such as perpendicular or at another angle as discussed above, to the longitudinal axis of the valve housing 2 after cutting of the threads in at least one of the first and/or second connection ends 3,4.

The method may further comprise arranging the cartridge 6 in the first housing part 2c of the valve body 2 and connecting the second body part 2d of the valve housing 2 to the first housing part 2c by the valve body connection, i.e. the threaded or flange connection as already discussed above. This allows for easy insertion of the cartridge into the housing and to ensure that the connection between the first and second parts of the valve housing parts is liquid tight. The liquid tightness of this connection may be further enhanced or increased by one or more sealing rings 2h, e.g. O-rings, which may be arranged between the inner surface of the first body part 2c and the outer sur face of the second body part 2d in the threaded connection in order to provide a liq uid/fluid tight valve housing.

The method further comprising welding the second inlet connection end 4 to the body 2c by pulse welding or MAG welding using an Argon-C02 mixture as welding gas while maintaining the welding gun 22 (illustrated in fig. 2) at an angle of a 30-45 de grees to the surface of the first body part 2c. This allows for cutting the threads 3a, 4a in the connection ends 3,4 prior to welding the second inlet connection end 4 onto the first valve housing part 2c. This particular welding method protects the threads 3a, 4a in the first and/or second connection ends 3,4 against deformation during welding on the second connection inlet end 4 onto the first valve body part 2c.

Examples

Leak rates and temperature response (temperature range) were tested in a laboratory test setup shown in fig. 7.

A valve with 1 ¼ inch threads in connections ends 3,4,5 for connection to circulation pipes according to the present invention and as described above is tested. A prior art reference valve (1 ¼” connection ends; AMOT™ C-type valve, CMCU14001-0AA 11/2" C Valve - 140°F produced by AMOT) is also tested for comparison.

Example 1 - Leak rate

A valve with 1 ¼ inch threads in connections ends 3,4,5 for connection to circulation pipes according to the present invention (named “Broen“ in examples) and as de scribed above is tested. A prior art reference valve (1 ¼” connection ends; AMOT™ C-type valve, CMCU14001-0AA 11/2" C Valve - 140°F produced by AMOT) is also tested for comparison.

The valve and the reference valve are provided with inserts with wax actuators with a setpoint selected at 60°C (output temperature). The valve outlet connection end 5 is connected to a pump 23 (Q= 1.65 m³/h) and a T-piece 24. In the leak rate test water is circulated from port 5 to port 4 on the valve, i.e. in the reverse direction to normal flow direction in the valve. Water flows through into the valve’s outlet connection end 5 out of valve’s second connection end 4 by the pump 23. Water is recirculated from the second inlet connection end 4 and a heater (Q= 0.8 m³/h, temperature set to 80 °C) to the pump. The Dr (pressure) in the circulating fluid is approx. 1 bar.

First the maximum flow, Kvs(max), was measured from connection end 5 to 4. Then the valve was prompted (by manually positioning the sleeve valve element corre sponding to changing the temperature of the circulating water to 68-70 °C) to close the valve port 9 and stop flow through valve connection end 4. The outflow detected by flow sensor 27 (temperature and pressure can also be detected here). The leak rate is determined in % by leak-% (of maximum flow) = 100 x (K _Vs(ieakB)/K _Vs(max) ) Results are shown in table 1.

Table 1. Leak rate of second valve port (9)

Example 2 - temperature response (P-band)

The valve and the reference valve are provided with inserts with wax actuators with a setpoint selected at 60°C (output temperature). The valve outlet connection end 5 is connected to a pump 23 (Q= 1.65 m³/h) and a T-piece 24. Water flows through the valve 1 and is recirculated to the valve’s first connection end 3 via a cooler 25 (Q= 0.8 m³/h, temperature set to 40 °C) with a separate storage tank 25a. Another part of the water is recirculated from the pump 23 via T-piece 24 to the second inlet connection end 4 and a heater (Q= 0.8 m³/h, temperature set to 80 °C). Temperature response (P-band) is determined for Broen valve and AMOT C reference valve to see how accurate the thermostat valves control the output temperature in rela tion to the set point temperature (60 °C). The P-band is represented by the temperature range from fully closed port 9 to fully closed port 8. Results are shown in table 2. The cold water temperature is increased to close to or slightly above the setpoint (60 °C). This causes the valve actuator to start closing the second valve port 9 to close off hot water flow (at 80 °C). Then the cold water temperature is reduced towards 40 °C. This causes the valve actuator to re-open the second valve port 9 (t-end) to allow flow of hot water (at 80 °C). The P-band represents the temperature difference between the time (t-start) where the valve starts to close valve port 9 (hot water flow) and the time (at t-end) when the valve have fully re-opened valve port 9 (hot water flow).

Table 2: P-band

Reference numbers

1. Thermostatic valve

2. valve housing; valve body a. valve housing wall b. valve housing interior space c. First body part d. Second body part e. First shoulder f. Second shoulder g. Thread h. Sealing ring

3. first inlet connection end( cold liquid) a. thread 4. Second inlet connection end (hot liquid) a. thread

5. outlet connection end a. thread

6. cartridge/insert

7. cartridge housing a. extended radius in upper end b. rod-actuator piston support c. fluid passage between cartridge housing and valve housing d. upper end flange

8. first valve port a. first valve seat

9. second valve port a. second valve seat

10. mixing space

11. outflow port

12. Temperature responsive actuator / wax actuator

13. valve member/cylindrical slide valve element a. attachment ring b. sealing ring c. outer surface

14. actuator piston

15. actuator housing a. expanding material; Wax

16. shoulder on actuator housing

17. end ring member

18. rods

19. Spring

20. cartridge bottom part/ring a. central opening

21. welding seam

22. welding tool

23. pump

24. T-piece

25. cooler a. separate tank

26. heater with built in tank

27. flow sensor

Claims

1. A thermostatic valve, for mixing of a warm liquid and a cold liquid and obtaining a mixed liquid flow having a third predefined temperature, and comprising a valve housing with a first inlet connection end for the cold liquid, a second inlet connection end for the warm liquid and an outlet connection end for the mixed liquid flow, wherein the thermostatic valve comprises a separate cartridge inserted in the valve housing’s interior space, and wherein said cartridge comprises

- a cartridge housing with a first valve port in fluid connection with the first liquid inlet and a second valve port in fluid connection with the second liquid inlet;

- a cylindrical slide valve member axially movable within the cartridge housing so as to open/close the first and/or second valve ports respectively depending on the direc tion of movement of said valve member,

- a mixing space within said cartridge arranged to receive said liquids from the valve ports and permit mixing thereof and to deliver the mixture to the outlet connection end via one or more outflow ports in the cartridge housing;

2. A thermostatic valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the cylindrical slide valve element moving axially between a first axial valve seat at the first valve port and second radial valve seat at the second valve port of the cartridge.

3. A thermostatic valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a single spring member is arranged in the cartridge to bias the cylindrical slide valve element towards the closure of the first valve port and the opening the second valve port.

4. A thermostatic valve according to any of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a shoulder on the actuator housing abuts against an end ring member and said end ring member is connected to the cylindrical slide valve element by a number of rods.

5. A thermostatic valve according to any of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the valve housing comprises a first body part and a second body part, which are con nected by a valve body connection, such as a threaded connection or a flange connec tion.

6. A thermostatic valve according to any of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cartridge is held in position in the valve housing interior between a first and a sec ond shoulder at the inside of the valve housing’s wall.

7. A thermostatic valve according to any of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cartridge is exchangeable.

8. A thermostatic valve according to any of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least the cartridge housing is made of metal or metallic alloys, such as aluminium or aluminium alloy or steel, stainless steel, or a resin, in particular a fibre reinforced res in, such as polyphenylene sulphide resin (PPS), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or copolymers thereof or mixtures thereof, optionally reinforced with up to 50 % (by weight), of fibres, such as carbon fibres and/or glass fibres.

9. A thermostatic valve according to any of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the valve housing comprises a valve body which includes the first inlet connection end, the valve housing interior space in which the cartridge is arranged, and the outlet connection end, and where the second inlet connection end comprises a welded onto the valve body at an angle, such as perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the valve housing.

10. A thermostatic valve according to any of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first body part of the valve housing comprises at least the first and second inlet connection ends and at least a part of the interior space of the valve housing, and that the second body part of the valve housing comprises at least the outlet connection end.

11. A thermostatic valve according to any of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the valve housing is made of metal, in particular aluminium or aluminium alloys or steel such as stainless steel, cupper or cupper alloys, such as bronze.

12. A thermostatic regulator cartridge, for mixing of a warm liquid and a cold liquid and obtaining a mixed liquid flow having a third predefined temperature, wherein said cartridge comprises

13. A thermostatic regulator cartridge according to claim 12, characterized in that the cylindrical slide valve element moving axially between a first axial valve seat at the first valve port and second radial valve seat at the second valve port of the cartridge.

14. A thermostatic regulator cartridge according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a single spring member is arranged in the cartridge to bias the cylindrical slide valve element towards the closure of the first valve port and the opening of the sec ond valve port.

15. A thermostatic regulator cartridge according to any of the claims 12 to 14, characterized in that a shoulder on the actuator housing abuts against an end ring member and said end ring member is connected to the cylindrical slide valve element by a number of rods.

16. A thermostatic regulator cartridge according to any of the claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the actuator is exchangeable.

17. A thermostatic regulator cartridge according to any of the claims 12 to 16, characterized in that at least the cartridge housing is made of metal or metallic alloys, such as aluminium or aluminium alloy or steel, stainless steel, or a resin, in particular a fibre reinforced resin, such as polyphenylene sulphide resin (PPS) polyoxymethylene (POM), polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or copolymers thereof or mixtures thereof, optionally reinforced with up to 50 % (by weight), of fibres, such as carbon fibres and/or glass fibres.

18. A method for making a thermostatic valve according to any of claims 1-8, com prising

A: providing a first body part 2c of a valve housing 2 with a first threaded connection end 3,3b;

B: welding a second connection end 4 onto the first body part 2c body, at an angle, such as perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the valve housing.

19. A method according to claim 18, further comprising arranging the cartridge in the first housing part of the valve body and connecting the second body part of the valve housing to the first housing part by the valve body connection, such as the threaded connection or the flange connection.

20. A method according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising welding the second inlet connection end to the body by pulse welding or MAG welding using an Argon-C02 mixture as welding gas while maintaining the welding gun at an angle of 30-45 de grees to the surface of the first body part.

21. Use of a thermostatic valve according to any of the claims 1-11 or a thermostatic actuator cartridge according to any of claims 12-17 in a cooling circuit using a liquid circulating cooling fluid, such as in a compressor, in an engine cooling circuit, cooling of a gas compressor, cooling of hydraulic oils, cooling of lubricants, such as cooling gearbox lubricant, maintaining a brine at a constant temperature or for providing liq uids, e.g. water at a predefined temperature, maintaining liquids at a predefined tem perature in industrial or domestic heating systems, such as in district or central heating systems, or in circuits for cooling of gasses, e.g. in cooling of coolants, such as am monia or C02, used in industrial refrigerators or freezers.