Thermostat

Abstract

A temperature-regulating device includes a valve seat unit and a valve component unit. The valve seat unit includes a first valve seat and a second valve seat that cooperate to define an internal space. The first valve seat defines a first communication port communicating with the internal space and includes a plurality of first connecting portions extending into the second valve seat. The second valve seat defines a second communication port communicating with the internal space and includes a plurality of second connecting portions detachably connected to the first connecting portions. The first and second connecting portions cooperate to define a plurality of third communication ports communicating with the internal space. The valve component unit is disposed in the internal space and can openably close the first communication port. The invention has the feature that the first and second valve seats can be disassembled for maintenance of the valve component unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mechanism for cooling an engine, and more particularly to a temperature-regulating device commonly known as a water turtle. Prior Technology

[0002] Automobiles typically include a cooling system for cooling an engine. The cooling system includes a water tank, a thermostat, an internal circulation line connecting the engine and the thermostat, and an external circulation line connecting the water tank and the thermostat.

[0003] The temperature-regulating device includes a valve seat unit and a valve component unit installed in the valve seat unit. The valve seat unit includes a first connection port that is fluidly connected to the water tank through the external circulation pipe, and a second connection port and several third connection ports that are fluidly connected to the engine through the internal circulation pipe. The valve component unit can movably and openably close the first connection port.

[0004] When the car is first started, the coolant in the internal circulation line circulates through the engine and the thermostat. As the engine runs, the temperature of the coolant in the internal circulation line rises. Under the influence of the warmer coolant, the valve unit moves to open the first connection port, allowing the internal circulation line to connect with the external circulation line and enabling the coolant to circulate among the radiator, the thermostat, and the engine. When the car stops, as the coolant temperature drops, the valve unit returns to its original position, closing the first connection port and deactivating the internal circulation line from the external circulation line.

[0005] The current drawback of this thermostat is that the valve unit is encapsulated in the valve seat unit, and the valve seat unit cannot be disassembled without being damaged. Therefore, if the valve unit malfunctions, the entire thermostat must be replaced, which requires further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to improve at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] The present invention discloses a temperature-regulating device comprising a valve seat unit and a valve component unit. The valve seat unit includes a first valve seat and a second valve seat that cooperate to define an internal space. The first valve seat surrounds and defines a first communication port communicating with the internal space, and includes a plurality of first connecting portions extending into the second valve seat. The second valve seat surrounds and defines a second communication port communicating with the internal space, and includes a plurality of second connecting portions detachably connected to the first connecting portions. The first connecting portions and the second connecting portions cooperate to define a plurality of third communication ports communicating with the internal space. The valve component unit is disposed within the internal space and can block the first communication port from communicating with the internal space, or allow the first communication port to communicate with the internal space.

[0008] The advantage of this invention is that, since the first valve seat and the second valve seat are detachably connected together through the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, when the valve unit malfunctions, the valve unit can be repaired by disassembling the first valve seat and the second valve seat, thus solving the disadvantage that existing products cannot be repaired. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0009] Other features and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of the temperature-regulating device of the present invention; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the first embodiment; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating that a drive motor of the first embodiment is in a first state and a movable valve is in a first position; Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a metal sheet in this first embodiment; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 3, but the drive motor is in a second state and the movable valve is in a second position; Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the temperature-regulating device of the present invention; Figure 7 is a composite sectional view illustrating the second embodiment; Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a third embodiment of the temperature-regulating device of the present invention; Figure 9 is a composite sectional view illustrating the third embodiment; Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating the metal sheet of a fourth embodiment of the temperature-regulating device of the present invention; Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating a fifth embodiment of the temperature-regulating device of the present invention; Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating the fifth embodiment from another angle; and Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the fifth embodiment. Implementation

[0010] In the following description, similar or identical components will be represented by the same number.

[0011] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, a first embodiment of the temperature-regulating device of the present invention includes a valve seat unit 1 defining an internal space S, and a valve unit 2 disposed in the internal space S.

[0012] The valve seat unit 1 includes a first valve seat 11 and a second valve seat 12 that cooperate with each other to define the internal space S, a third valve seat 13 that is engaged in the second valve seat 12, and a metal plate 14 embedded in the first valve seat 11.

[0013] The first valve seat 11 is made of plastic, specifically polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). The first valve seat 11 includes a first annular portion 111, several first connecting portions 112 extending from the outer edge of the first annular portion 111 to the second valve seat 12, and a bridging portion 113 opposite to the second connecting portions 122.

[0014] The first ring portion 111 surrounds and defines a first through-hole O1 extending in the axial direction. The first through-hole O1 connects to the internal space S. Each of the first connecting portions 112 includes a hook head 114. Each hook head 114 includes an axially extending extension 115 and a radially extending abutment section 116 connecting the extension section 115. The bridging portion 113 spans the two radially opposite ends of the first ring portion 111.

[0015] The second valve seat 12 is made of plastic, specifically of the aforementioned polyphenylene sulfide material. The second valve seat 12 includes a second ring portion 121 in the shape of a ring, several second connecting portions 122 protruding from the outer edge of the second ring portion 121 toward the first valve seat 11, and a protruding ring portion 123 protruding upward from the inner edge of the second ring portion 121.

[0016] The second ring portion 121 defines an axially extending second communication port O2. The second communication port O2 communicates with the internal space S. The second connecting portions 122 are detachably engaged with the first connecting portions 112. Each second connecting portion 122 includes a retaining ring 124. Each retaining ring 124 is engaged with a respective hook head 114 and defines a radially extending retaining hole 125. The second connecting portions 122, in conjunction with the first connecting portions 112, define a plurality of radially extending third communication ports O3. The third communication ports O3 communicate with the internal space S.

[0017] The third valve seat 13 is made of plastic, specifically polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). The third valve seat 13 is inserted into the second communication port O2 and includes an annular seat portion 131, several retaining arms 132 protruding from the annular seat portion 131 toward the second valve seat 12, and several protruding blocks 133 protruding radially inward from the annular seat portion 131. The retaining arms 132 engage with and abut against the top edge of the protruding annular portion 123 of the second valve seat 12. Each protruding block 133 is semi-circular.

[0018] In other embodiments of the present invention, the first valve seat 11, the second valve seat 12, and the third valve seat 13 may also be made of other plastic materials, such as polystyrene or ABS resin.

[0019] Referring to Figures 2, 3, and 4, the metal sheet 14 is partially embedded in the first ring portion 111 of the first valve seat 11. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the metal sheet 14 may also be completely embedded in the first ring portion 111, thereby preventing the metal sheet 14 from directly colliding with other hard objects.

[0020] The metal sheet 14 includes a first annular sheet portion 141, a second annular sheet portion 142 located radially spaced inside the first annular sheet portion 141, and a plurality of extension sheet portions 143 connected between the first annular sheet portion 141 and the second annular sheet portion 142.

[0021] Both the first annular portion 141 and the second annular portion 142 are annular. The first annular portion 141 protrudes radially from the first annular portion 111 of the first valve seat 11. The second annular portion 142 is located on the inner edge of the first annular portion 111 and is exposed in the first communication port O1. The extended portions 143 are arranged at arc intervals. Each extended portion 143 is embedded in the first annular portion 111 and extends radially inward from the first annular portion 141 toward the second annular portion 142, and is integrally connected between the first annular portion 141 and the second annular portion 142.

[0022] The valve unit 2 includes a drive motor 21 located in the internal space S, a movable valve 22 that is ring-shaped and sleeved on the drive motor 21, an elastic member 23 that abuts against the movable valve 22 and the second valve seat 12, and an elastic member 24 disposed in the third valve seat 13.

[0023] The drive motor 21 is a wax motor and includes a motor body 211 and a motor shaft 212 inserted into the motor body 211.

[0024] The motor body 211 includes a head 211a that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, and a cylindrical body 211b that is inserted into the locking arm portion 132 of the third valve seat 13.

[0025] The motor shaft 212 includes a cylindrical cylindrical portion 212a and a conical portion 212b. The cylindrical portion 212a is fixedly inserted into the bridging portion 113 of the first valve seat 11. The conical portion 212b is inserted into the motor body 211.

[0026] The movable valve member 22 is made of metal and is annular in shape. The movable valve member 22 includes an inner ring portion 221 and an outer ring portion 222 spaced apart. The inner ring portion 221 narrows and extends from the outer ring portion 222 toward the second valve seat 12, abutting against the head 211a of the motor body 211. The outer ring portion 222 abuts against the second ring portion 142 of the metal plate 14 of the valve seat unit 1. The outer ring portion 222 and the inner ring portion 221 can cooperate with the drive motor 21 to close the first communication port O1, thus preventing the first communication port O1 from communicating with the internal space S.

[0027] The elastic element 23 is an axially extending spring that abuts against the outer ring portion 222 of the movable valve member 22 and the second ring portion 121 of the second valve seat 12. The elastic element 23 is fitted over the inner ring portion 221 of the movable valve member 22, the drive motor 21, and the protruding ring portion 123 of the second valve seat 12, and provides an axial pushing force.

[0028] The elastic element 24 is an axially extending spring that rests between the bottom end of the body 211b of the drive motor 21 and the protrusions 133 of the third valve seat 13. The elastic element 24 can also provide an axial pushing force and can cooperate with the elastic element 23 to provide a force for the motor body 211 to move toward the first valve seat 11.

[0029] Referring to Figures 2, 3, and 5, the drive motor 21 can switch between a first state as shown in Figure 3 and a second state as shown in Figure 5 under the action of the coolant, and the movable valve 22 can switch between a first position as shown in Figure 3 and a second position as shown in Figure 5.

[0030] When the drive motor 21 is in the first state and the movable valve 22 is in the first position, the movable valve 22 abuts against the second ring portion 142 of the metal plate 14 of the valve seat unit 1, and cooperates with the drive motor 21 to close the first communication port O1.

[0031] When the car engine runs for a period of time, causing the coolant temperature to rise, that is, when the coolant needs to switch from an internal circulation mode to an external circulation mode, the wax in the wax motor will expand due to heat and push against the conical portion 212b of the motor shaft 212. However, because the cylindrical portion 212a of the motor shaft 212 is inserted into the bridging portion 113 of the first valve seat 11 and cannot move, the motor body 211 will move relative to the motor shaft 212. Specifically, the expansion of the wax in the drive motor 21 will cause the motor body 211 to move along the first valve seat 11 towards the second valve seat 12, and switch the drive motor 21 to the second state.

[0032] Furthermore, since the inner ring portion 221 of the movable valve member 22 and the head 211a of the motor body 211 both narrowly extend along the direction from the first valve seat 11 to the second valve seat 12, when the drive motor 21 changes from the first state to the second state, the movable valve member 22 will move together towards the second valve seat 12 and change to the second position because the inner ring portion 221 is pushed by the head 211a of the motor body 211.

[0033] In this second position, the outer ring portion 222 of the movable valve 22 is vertically spaced from the second ring portion 121 of the metal plate 14, allowing coolant to flow through the gap between the movable valve 22 and the metal plate 14 through the first communication port O1.

[0034] In other words, the drive motor 21 can move the movable valve 22 relative to the first valve seat 11, so that the drive motor 21 and the movable valve 22 cooperate to block the first connection port O1 from the internal space S, or allow the first connection port O1 to connect to the internal space S, thereby enabling the coolant in this first embodiment to switch between the internal circulation mode and the external circulation mode. The first connection port O1 is used to fluidly connect to the water tank, and the second connection port O2 and the third connection ports O3 are used to fluidly connect to the engine.

[0035] The characteristic of this first embodiment is that the first valve seat 11 and the second valve seat 12 can be detachably engaged together through the hooks 114 of the first connecting portions 112 and the buckles 124 of the second connecting portions 122. Therefore, when a component of the valve unit 2 is damaged, the valve unit 2 can be replaced simply by opening the first valve seat 11 and the second valve seat 12.

[0036] Another feature of this first embodiment is that the metal sheet 14 is covered by the first valve seat 11 made of plastic. Since the thermal conductivity of plastic is not as good as that of metal, the metal sheet 14 will not be severely deformed due to excessive thermal expansion under the heat insulation buffer of the first valve seat 11, which can reduce the stability of this first embodiment during operation.

[0037] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a second embodiment of the temperature-regulating device of the present invention is similar to the first embodiment, except that each of the second connecting portions 122 forms a radially outward-facing slot 126. Each hook 114 is inserted into the respective slot 126 and abuts against the respective second connecting portion 122.

[0038] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, a third embodiment of the temperature-regulating device of the present invention is similar to the first embodiment, except that each of the second connecting portions 122 protrudes radially outward from the second ring portion 121, and the buckle hole 125 of the buckle 124 of each of the second connecting portions 122 is axially through, while the hook head 114 of each of the first connecting portions 112 is inserted into the respective buckle hole 125 and engages with the respective buckle 124.

[0039] In addition, the valve seat unit 1 also includes several retaining blocks 15 respectively inserted into the retaining holes 125. Each retaining block 15 engages with a respective retaining ring 124 and is radially positioned between the respective hook head 114 and the respective retaining ring 124. Each retaining block 15 includes an arc-extending base portion 151 and two arc-spaced retaining block portions 152. Each retaining block 15, through the base portion 151 and the retaining block portions 152, abuts against two opposite sides of the respective retaining ring 124 in the axial direction. The retaining blocks 15 can improve the engagement stability of the first valve seat 11 and the second valve seat 12.

[0040] Referring to Figure 10, a fourth embodiment of the temperature-regulating device of the present invention is similar to the first embodiment, except that the metal sheet 14 omits the second ring portion 142 (see Figure 4) and only includes the first ring portion 141 and the extended portions 143.

[0041] Referring to Figures 11, 12, and 13, a fifth embodiment of the temperature-regulating device of the present invention is similar to the third embodiment, except that:

[0042] The valve seat unit 1 omits the third valve seat 13 (see Figure 8) and the metal plate 14 (see Figure 9).

[0043] The first valve seat 11 of the valve seat unit 1 omits the bridging portion 113 (see Figure 8). The first ring portion 111 of the first valve seat 11 is integrally connected to the flow pipe 3, but still defines the first communication port O1.

[0044] The second valve seat 12 omits the protruding ring portion 123 (see Figure 9), but the second ring portion 121 still defines the second communication port O2, and each of the second connecting portions 122 still includes a retaining ring 124 and a retaining hole 125. The first connecting portions 112 and the second connecting portions 122 similarly cooperate to define a plurality of third communication ports O3.

[0045] The column portion 212a of the motor shaft 212 of the drive motor 21 of the valve unit 2 is inserted into a support column 31 of the flow tube 3. The movable valve 22 of the valve unit 2 can also be driven by the drive motor 21 to block the first communication port O1 from the internal space S, or allow the first communication port O1 to communicate with the internal space S.

[0046] In this fifth embodiment, since the first valve seat 11 and the second valve seat 12 are still detachably connected to each other through the first connecting portion 112 and the second connecting portion 122, when the valve unit 2 is damaged, the valve unit 2 can be repaired by simply disassembling the second valve seat 12 relative to the first valve seat 11.

[0047] In summary, the advantages of the temperature-regulating device of the present invention are as follows: since the first valve seat 11 and the second valve seat 12 are detachably connected together through the first connecting part 112 and the second connecting part 122, when the valve unit 2 is not operating properly, the first valve seat 11 and the second valve seat 12 can be disassembled for maintenance, thus solving the disadvantage that the existing products cannot be maintained.

[0048] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application of the present invention. Furthermore, any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of the patent application and the patent specification of the present invention should also be covered by the scope of the patent application of the present invention.

[0049] 1: Valve seat unit 11: First valve seat 111: First Ring Section 112: First connecting part 113: Bridging section 114: Hook 115: Extension 116: Card Detachment 12: Second valve seat 121: Second Ring Section 122: Second connecting part 123: Protruding ring 124: Buckle 125: Buckle hole 126: Card slot 13: Third valve seat 131: Ring base 132: Arm section 133: Protrusion 14: Metal sheet 141: First Ring Section 142: Second Ring Section 143: Extended Film Section 15: Card pad block 151: Base Block 152: Card Block Section 2: Valve Unit 21: Drive motor 211: Motor body 211a: Head 211b: Body 212: Motor Shaft 212a: Columnar section 212b: Conical part 22: Movable valve 221: Inner Ring Road 222: Outer Ring Road 23: Elastic component 24: Elastic component 3: Flow tube 31: Support column O1: First connection port O2: Second connecting port O3: Third connecting port S: Interior space

Claims

1. A temperature-regulating device, comprising: a valve seat unit including a first valve seat and a second valve seat that cooperate to define an internal space, the first valve seat defining a first communication port communicating with the internal space and including a plurality of first connecting portions extending toward the second valve seat, the second valve seat defining a second communication port communicating with the internal space and including a plurality of second connecting portions detachably connected to the first connecting portions respectively, the first connecting portions and the second connecting portions cooperating to define a plurality of third communication ports communicating with the internal space; and a valve element unit disposed in the internal space, capable of blocking the first communication port from communicating with the internal space, or allowing the first communication port to communicate with the internal space; wherein, The first valve seat includes a first ring portion defining the first communication port, first connecting portions extending from the first ring portion to the second valve seat, and a bridging portion opposite to the second connecting portions; wherein the valve seat unit further includes a metal sheet embedded or encased in the first ring portion, the metal sheet including a first ring portion and a plurality of extension portions extending radially inward from the first ring portion, the extension portions being located in the first ring portion.

2. The temperature-regulating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the first connecting parts and each of the other second connecting parts can be separably snapped together.

3. The temperature-regulating device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, Each of the first connecting portions and one of the respective second connecting portions includes a hook, each hook including an axially extending extension and a radially extending locking section connecting the extension.

4. The temperature-regulating device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, Each of the first connecting portions and the other of the respective second connecting portions includes a snap ring, each snap ring being engaged with the respective hook head and defining a radially through-hole.

5. The temperature-regulating device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, Each of the first connecting portions and the other of the respective second connecting portions includes a retaining ring, each retaining ring being engaged with the respective hook head and defining an axially through retaining hole.

6. The temperature-regulating device as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The valve seat unit also includes several retaining blocks that are respectively inserted into the buckle holes, each retaining block abutting against the respective buckle and being placed between the respective hook and the respective buckle.

7. The temperature-regulating device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, Each of the first connecting parts and the other of the other second connecting parts form a slot with an opening facing outwards, and each hook is inserted into the other slot to engage with the other second connecting part.

8. The temperature-regulating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The valve unit includes a drive motor located in the internal space and a movable valve that is annularly fitted on the drive motor. The drive motor can drive the movable valve to move along the first valve seat toward the second valve seat so that the first communication port connects to the internal space.

9. The temperature-regulating device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The valve unit also includes an elastic member that rests between the movable valve and the second valve seat, the elastic member providing a spring force to push the movable valve towards the first valve seat.

10. The temperature-regulating device as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein, The second valve seat includes a second ring portion defining the second communication port, and second connecting portions connecting the second ring portion. The valve seat unit also includes a third valve seat inserted into the second communication port. The valve component unit also includes a spring member disposed in the third valve seat, the spring member extending axially and abutting between the drive motor and the third valve seat.

11. The temperature-regulating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The metal sheet also includes a second annular portion located radially spaced inside the first annular portion, the second annular portion being located in the first communication opening, and each of the extended portions extending radially is connected between the first annular portion and the second annular portion.

12. The temperature-regulating device as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein, The first ring protrudes from the first ring portion.

13. The temperature-regulating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first valve seat is integrally connected to the flow tube.

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