Thermostatic mixing valve with arrangement to increase mixing effect

Abstract

A thermostatic mixing valve includes a body (1), inlets (2) and (3) for intake of hot water and cold water and a discharge outlet (4) for delivery of mixed water. A mixing chamber (7) is within the body (1) and is defined by a perimeter wall member (8) that houses a slide valve (9) which slidably moves in the mixing chamber so as to control the opening and closing of the inlets to the mixing chamber (7). A thermostatic element (18) is mounted to control motion of the slide valve (9). A partition (10) is mounted in the mixing chamber (7) between the inlets. A cross passage (11) allows water from one inlet to pass the partition toward the discharge outlet (4). The mixing chamber has an inclined surface (14) to direct water from the other inlet toward the cross passage to promote mixing of the hot and cold water.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a thermostatic mixing valve, and more particularly to a structure within a thermostatic valve capable of improving the mixing effect of cold water and hot water supplied into a mixing chamber. Background of the invention [0002] The hot and cold water supplied to the thermostatic mixing valve must be mixed efficiently so that the thermostatic mixing valve can perform its thermostatic function in an optimal manner. The water must be thoroughly mixed before it comes into contact with the thermostatic components used to control the operation of the thermostatic valve. Thermostatic components typically consist of a wax-filled housing and a piston that moves under the thermal expansion of the contained wax. Therefore, many of the better quality thermostatic mixing valves incorporate structures that promote early and thorough mixing of the cold and hot water supplied to the mixing device before the mixed water comes into co...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In addition, in order to achieve effective mixing, the gap must be narrow, which will reduce the maximum flow rate provided by the mixing device, which is not desirable.

Finally, the pressure drop due to the cold water flowing through the narrow gap creates a force that exerts a dynamic drag on the disc

This dynamic resistance acts on the bias spring in the thermostat system and affects its operation, possibly causing instability in certain situations

Images