Thermostatic valve for a fluid circuit and method of making such a valve

Abstract

This valve (1) comprises a housing (10) defining a fluid (F) flow path (12) through the housing and a venting pipe (14) which leads into a first part (121) of the flow path and which is connected to a second part (122) of the flow path by a narrower passage (15). The valve also comprises an open / close element for regulating the flow of fluid through the flow path, which cuts off the passage of fluid between the two parts (121, 122) of the flow path, a thermostatic element (30) for controlling the position of the open / close element in the flow path, and a rigid component (60) connected in a fixed manner to the housing and designed to support a return spring (50) for the thermostatic element. In order to produce a reliable venting function in a simple and inexpensive manner, one part (621) of the rigid component (60) extends across the end opening of the pipe (14) where it enters the first part (121) of the flow path (12), so as to retain in the pipe a valve ball (20) that is larger than the passage (15).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a thermostatic valve for a fluid flow circuit, and also to a method of manufacturing such a valve. Background technique [0002] The invention relates in particular to a thermostatic valve for use in the cooling circuit of an engine, in particular a motor vehicle engine. These valves are said to be thermostatic because they incorporate a thermostatic element, that is, an element containing a heat-sensitive material that expands or contracts when a change in temperature is imparted to it, actuating the closure that the thermostatic element bears pieces. [0003] In practice, two major families of thermostatic valves of this type are distinguished. So-called "thermostat" valves consist of an outer housing with a pre-assembled thermostatic element, commonly referred to as a thermostat, installed in said outer housing as a unit, the thermostat comprising a thermostatic element, a closure and A return spring for returning...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0006] It will be appreciated that the need to hold such a vent ball against falling out, while at the same time guaranteeing a certain amount of freedom of movement for the vent ball so that it can be entrained by the coolant during the time the circuit is filled, results in considerable manufacturing restrictions

In particular, in the above-mentioned US-A-6045051 and US-B-6679431, it is necessary to install and firmly fix a small non-tight blocking part at the upstream opening of the pipe, the discharge valve ball is movably accommodated In said pipelines, these involve complex and expensive machining operations, and also have risks associated with the stability of the thermostatic valve, since small parts may become detached at the end, thus leading to a complete failure of the thermostatic valve

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