Autonomous assisted opening mechanism and heating system for opening closed radiator valve

Abstract

An auxiliary opening mechanism for opening a closed radiator valve (8, 108, 208, 308) is disclosed, the radiator valve (8, 108, 208, 308) having an inlet port (11) and an outlet port (12). In order to provide a reliable and cost-effective solution to ensure improper conditions in a heating system (1) having a heat pump (2) and a radiator (7) occasionally when only very small heating power is required, when the radiator valve (8, 108, 208, 308) is closed, when a pressure drop from the inlet port (11) to the outlet port (12) exceeds a pressure drop threshold, the radiator valve (8, 108, 208, 308) is closed, the radiator valve (8, 108, 208, 308) is closed, and when the pressure drop exceeds the pressure drop threshold, the radiator valve (8, 108, 208, 308) is closed, the radiator valve (8, 108, 208, 308) is closed. The pressure drop mechanically opens a fluid flow path from the inlet port (11) to the outlet port (12). The invention also relates to a heating system (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention discloses an auxiliary opening mechanism for opening a closed radiator valve, which radiator valve has an inlet port and an outlet port. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a heating system. Background Art

[0002] Known heating systems for buildings include a heat pump and a number of radiators for heating rooms inside the building. The heat pump extracts heat from the environment outside the building, for example from the outside air or from the ground, and provides heat to the primary side of a heat exchanger through a primary fluid circuit having a primary fluid (typically, a refrigerant). A secondary fluid circuit having a secondary fluid (such as including water) is connected to the secondary side of the heat exchanger. In the heat exchanger, the primary fluid releases heat to the secondary fluid. The secondary fluid circuit includes a circulation pump and a number of radiators, each radiator being equipped with a corresponding radiator valve for regulating the flow of the secondary fluid through the respective radiator. With the aid of the circulation pump and the circulated secondary fluid, heat can be provided to the radiators. The radiators are installed in the rooms of the building and allow the rooms to be heated by dissipating heat from the secondary fluid.

[0003] Each radiator valve independently controls and restricts the flow of the secondary fluid through the respective radiator. Typically, each radiator valve is actuated by a corresponding thermostat actuator. The thermostat actuator controls the opening and closing of the radiator valve.

[0004] It is desirable to maintain a certain temperature drop of the primary fluid across the heat exchanger (i.e., from the inlet for the primary fluid at the heat exchanger to the outlet for the primary fluid at the heat exchanger). This ensures high efficiency of the heat pump. The desired temperature drop can be in the range from 5K to 15K. The heat pump includes a compressor.

[0005] When the outdoor temperature rises, the secondary fluid circuit requires less heating power to reach the desired room temperature. The secondary fluid extracts less heat in the heat exchanger. The controller for controlling the heat pump reduces the power of the heat pump, for example by reducing the frequency of the compressor, in order to maintain the desired temperature drop of the primary fluid across the heat exchanger.

[0006] The frequency of the compressor should not be reduced below a minimum frequency. Otherwise, operating the compressor will be inefficient. To avoid the temperature drop of the primary fluid across the heat exchanger dropping below the desired temperature drop when the heat extraction of the secondary fluid circuit is further reduced, the controller additionally reduces the power of the heat pump by temporarily shutting down the compressor. The operation of the compressor is cyclic so as to provide less heat to the heat exchanger over time. The compressor operates at the minimum frequency during the duty cycle and does not operate during the non-duty cycle.

[0007] For each working cycle of the compressor, there is also a desired minimum time to avoid damage to the heat pump, especially since liquid primary fluid can be drawn into the compressor. Thus, unless the heat pump is not operated at all, the total heat output supplied by the heat pump in one working cycle cannot be reduced below a certain minimum heat output (depending on the minimum frequency during the working cycle and the minimum time for each working cycle). If the building requires at least some heating power and at least some of the radiator valves are opened from time to time, the latter option is not applicable.

[0008] When all the radiator valves are closed simultaneously, the secondary fluid cannot circulate. For example, when the outdoor temperature is high for a long time and / or if sunlight heats up the room, the room temperature inside the building will also rise. Eventually, all the room temperatures are high, at least temporarily for some periods, and all the radiator valves will be closed by the corresponding thermostat actuators. As a result, during this period, no secondary fluid flows through the heat exchanger. Since the volume and heat capacity of the secondary fluid trapped in the heat exchanger during this period are limited, the temperature of this volume rises. Heat transfer from the primary fluid to the secondary fluid in the heat exchanger becomes increasingly difficult. Although the heat pump can be operated to provide only the minimum heat output, in this case, the heat provided to the heat exchanger by the primary fluid cannot be fully transferred to the secondary fluid. The temperature drop of the primary fluid across the heat exchanger decreases. This temperature drop may even eventually become zero. In addition, the total temperature of the primary fluid in the primary fluid circuit may rise. As a result, the internal pressure of the heat pump increases. When the internal pressure exceeds a certain threshold (i.e., when there is overpressure in the heat pump), the heat pump will enter an error state and / or give an overpressure alarm. Once the heat pump has entered an error state, the heat pump needs to be manually reset. This is annoying for the user. In addition, overpressure may damage the internal components of the heat pump.

[0009] To avoid such overpressure, one or two of the radiator valves can be purely manually controlled valves. These valves must be kept open to a certain extent at all times to allow a minimum circulation of the secondary fluid, thus distributing the heat provided from the primary fluid through the heat exchanger. However, selectively heating the rooms with manually controlled radiator valves to a degree higher than required will result in too high room temperatures specific to these rooms. There is a serious risk that the manually controlled valves will be closed by the user, causing the above problems to occur again.

[0010] The heating / cooling system described in US 9,404,664 B2 provides an alternative solution. The system includes a main supply pipe for supplying liquid to a manifold. The manifold distributes the liquid into respective heating loops. The heating loops return the fluid to a return manifold. At least one manifold has an actuator for regulating the flow through the heating loops. A central control unit controls the actuator. At least one loop is designated as a bypass loop. The control unit ensures that the actuator of the bypass loop is open whenever all other actuators are closed. This solution does not work when the actuator for the bypass loop fails or the bypass loop itself is blocked.

[0011] The solutions described above for preventing overpressure in a heat pump can be deceived by the user accordingly, or these solutions require a manifold with complex actuator control and corresponding central control and power supply for all actuators of various heating loops. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a reliable and cost-effective solution to ensure improper states in a heating system with a heat pump and a radiator when only a very small heating power is occasionally required.

[0013] This object is solved by an auxiliary opening mechanism for opening a closed radiator valve, the radiator valve having an inlet port and an outlet port, wherein when the pressure drop from the inlet port to the outlet port exceeds a pressure drop threshold and the radiator valve is closed, the pressure drop mechanically opens the fluid flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port.

[0014] The pressure drop from the inlet port to the outlet port can be abbreviated as "forward pressure drop". The expected flow direction of the fluid through the radiator valve can be from the inlet port to the outlet port.

[0015] The forward pressure drop can be defined as the difference between the pressure of the fluid in the inlet port (inlet side pressure) and the pressure of the fluid in the outlet port (outlet side pressure), where the term "drop" means that the inlet side pressure is higher than the outlet side pressure.

[0016] Conversely, "rearward pressure drop" can represent the pressure drop from the outlet port to the inlet port, i.e., the outlet side pressure is higher than the inlet side pressure. Without other specifications, the term "pressure drop" can only refer to the forward pressure drop.

[0017] The auxiliary opening mechanism is sensitive to the pressure drop across the radiator valve. If the pressure drop exceeds a pressure drop threshold, the mechanism (without using the actuator of the radiator valve) automatically opens the flow path. Only the pressure drop can actuate the auxiliary opening mechanism. This is simple and cost-effective.

[0018] The auxiliary opening mechanism is autonomous. No external controller is required. No power is needed to provide the auxiliary opening function. No user action is required. The auxiliary opening mechanism is autonomous / independent (e.g., independent of an external controller and / or user operation). Thus, the auxiliary opening mechanism is particularly reliable and not easily deceived and / or overridden by the user.

[0019] As described above, the heating system can include a primary fluid circuit having a heat pump, a secondary fluid circuit having a circulation pump and at least one radiator, and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the primary fluid (e.g., refrigerant) of the primary fluid circuit to the secondary fluid (e.g., including water) of the secondary fluid circuit. Using the disclosed auxiliary opening mechanism for opening the radiator valve, which is functionally coupled to at least one radiator (e.g., directly mounted on at least one radiator), the circulation pump can circulate the secondary fluid in the secondary fluid circuit (due to the flow path opened by the auxiliary opening mechanism), even:

[0020] - If the auxiliary opening mechanism is absent, the flow valve of the radiator valve will remain closed, e.g., because the corresponding room temperature is higher than the target temperature of the actuator mounted on the radiator valve; and

[0021] - Even though there are no other open circulation paths present in parallel in the secondary fluid circuit with the radiator valve.

[0022] Since the circulation pump circulates the secondary fluid, the primary fluid can still release heat to the secondary fluid. Thus, the risk of "overheating" and / or "overpressure" of the primary fluid in the primary fluid circuit is reduced. Thus, the risk of errors and / or malfunctions in the heating system (especially due to overpressure in the heat pump) is reduced.

[0023] The present invention allows:

[0024] - The user to have full temperature control in all rooms (at least in normal operation, if at least one radiator valve is open); and

[0025] - In the case where all radiator valves are closed and at the same time the pressure drop exceeds the pressure drop threshold, those radiator valves to which the auxiliary opening mechanism has been implemented are opened in parallel.

[0026] As each radiator valve to which an auxiliary opening mechanism is implemented opens its own corresponding flow path, heat dissipation is distributed over all the corresponding radiators. In other words, the "unwanted" heat is dissipated into several radiators and rooms. This avoids an excessive room temperature in a single room (as would be the case with only using a designated bypass loop).

[0027] In other words, an autonomous auxiliary opening mechanism for opening a closed radiator valve is provided, which is mechanically driven by a local pressure drop (along the intended flow direction) across the radiator valve.

[0028] Furthermore, the present invention is advantageous when the heat pump attempts to defrost the evaporator while the radiator valve is closed. In this case, the heat pump attempts to transfer energy from the heating device to the evaporator (in the outdoor unit) to heat / defrost the evaporator. Even when the radiator valve is closed, the present invention allows "capturing" energy from the radiator. This reduces the defrost time. During defrosting, the heat pump sets the circulation pump to maximum speed. This results in a pressure drop higher than the pressure drop threshold. The present invention allows the secondary fluid to circulate through those radiators for which the corresponding radiator valves are closed even in this case.

[0029] Once the pressure drop is sufficient, the auxiliary opening mechanism "overrides" the situation where the intended radiator valve is to be closed, for example due to the mechanical actuation provided by an actuator coupled to (e.g., mounted to) the radiator valve.

[0030] The pressure drop (from the inlet port to the outlet port) can mechanically open the fluid flow path extending along the radiator valve, especially within the radiator valve.

[0031] In one embodiment, the auxiliary opening mechanism includes an elastic counteractor that counteracts the opening force (for opening the flow path by means of the auxiliary opening mechanism), which opening force is (at least) caused by the pressure drop when the radiator valve is closed (in the closed state). When the pressure drop is below the pressure drop threshold while the radiator valve is closed (in the closed state), the elastic counteractor can prevent the pressure drop from mechanically opening the fluid flow path of the auxiliary opening mechanism.

[0032] The elastic counteractor ensures that only when the pressure drop exceeds the pressure drop threshold (and not when the pressure drop is below the pressure drop threshold), the auxiliary opening mechanism overrides the "intended" closed state of the radiator valve (and thus, overrides, for example, the temperature target set by the user).

[0033] The elastic counteractor provides an elastic biasing force that must be overcome by the pressure drop in order to open the flow path when the radiator valve is closed.

[0034] In one embodiment, as described above, when the pressure drop (from the inlet port to the outlet port) mechanically opens the fluid flow path of the auxiliary opening mechanism, a specific valve member lifts away from a specific valve seat, and this specific valve member thereby opens the fluid path. Thus, (secondary) fluid can pass between the specific valve seat and the specific valve member (although the radiator valve will remain fully closed and thus block any fluid flow through the radiator valve if there is no auxiliary opening mechanism). At least when the radiator valve is closed and at the same time the pressure drop is below the pressure drop threshold (or even negative, i.e., backward), the specific valve member can abut and seal the specific valve seat. Thereby, the flow path remains closed at least in these cases. Examples of the specific valve seat and the specific valve member are described in more detail below.

[0035] The elastic counter-holder can include a spring elastic element, such as a spring. The spring can be of one, several, or all of the following types: axial spring, compression spring, coil spring, and metal spring.

[0036] The elastic counter-holder can be mechanically coupled or at least mechanically capable of being coupled to a specific valve element. The elastic counter-holder can bias the specific valve element to abut against the specific valve element. The pressure drop can force the specific valve element to lift away from the specific valve seat.

[0037] According to one aspect, the pressure drop threshold can be adjustable. This allows the auxiliary opening mechanism to be adapted to different heating systems and / or operating conditions.

[0038] For example, the auxiliary opening mechanism can be configured such that the preload provided by the elastic counter-holder is adjustable, and / or the elastic counter-holder is variable. Different counter-holders that provide different preloads can be provided. The different counter-holders can differ in one, several, or all of the following aspects: material, shape, length (e.g., in the non-compressed state), spring constant, etc.

[0039] In one embodiment, the preload provided by the elastic counter-holder can be adjusted by a spacer and / or a threaded adjustment device. Both of these alternatives of the spacer and the threaded adjustment device allow for easy adjustment of the spring preload and thus easy adjustment of the pressure drop threshold.

[0040] For example, depending on the effective thickness of the spacer, the spacer can reduce the available space for the elastic counter-holder. This increases the preload of the elastic counter-holder. This ultimately increases the pressure drop threshold. With a single removable spacer, two different pressure drop thresholds can be set. Several spacers with different effective thicknesses can be provided, thereby allowing multiple different pressure drop thresholds to be set.

[0041] The threaded adjustment device may include two elements that are threadedly connected to each other, wherein the preload can be adjusted by screwing a first one of the two elements relative to a second one of the two elements. Screwing the first element relative to the second element in a first screwing direction can increase the elastic biasing force, for example by further compressing an elastic canceller (e.g., a spring). Screwing the first element relative to the second element in a second screwing direction can decrease the elastic biasing force.

[0042] The threaded connection may include a pre-defined thread pitch. For example, the pitch may be 1 mm per revolution, such that for each revolution of the first element relative to the second element in the first screwing direction, the elastic canceller is further compressed by 1 mm. The increased compression of the elastic canceller increases the elastic biasing force and thus increases the pressure drop threshold. Further loosening of the elastic canceller reduces the preload and thus reduces the pressure drop threshold.

[0043] When the radiator valve is closed and at the same time the pressure drop is zero (no pressure drop), the preload provided by the elastic canceller can be determined. According to another aspect, when the radiator valve is closed and at the same time the opening force caused by the pressure drop is equal to the elastic biasing force for cancellation, the preload provided by the elastic canceller can be determined.

[0044] According to one aspect, the pressure drop threshold is at least 0.2 bar, and may be at least 0.3 bar or at least 0.5 bar. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure drop threshold is at most 0.8 bar. For example, the pressure drop threshold is in the range of 0.3 bar to 0.8 bar. In one embodiment, the pressure drop threshold can be adjusted to at least two different pressure drop thresholds, each pressure drop threshold according to one, several, or all of the above limitations. In particular, the pressure drop threshold can be adjusted to at least two (possibly at least three) different pressure drop thresholds, each pressure drop threshold in the range from 0.2 bar to 0.8 bar, such as from 0.3 bar to 0.8 bar, especially from 0.5 bar to 0.8 bar.

[0045] In one embodiment, the auxiliary opening mechanism is configured such that the user cannot completely prevent the opening of the flow path by the auxiliary opening mechanism. According to another aspect, the auxiliary opening mechanism can only be deactivated by a specific tool. This reduces the risk of the user cheating the auxiliary opening mechanism, but allows a professional to deactivate the auxiliary opening mechanism under favorable circumstances. This makes the auxiliary opening mechanism more reliable. This is not contradictory to the fact that the auxiliary opening mechanism can allow the user to adjust the pressure drop threshold within a limited range.

[0046] The auxiliary opening mechanism may include a radiator valve. The auxiliary opening mechanism may be fully formed within the radiator valve (itself). In one embodiment, the radiator valve fully includes the auxiliary opening mechanism.

[0047] The radiator valve may include a balancing device for hydraulic balancing of the radiator valve. The balancing device is arranged downstream of the valve seat. The balancing device may be variable and / or adjustable.

[0048] The radiator valve may include a flow valve located between the inlet port and the outlet port (functionally arranged at least between the inlet port and the outlet port), wherein the flow valve includes a valve seat and a valve element movable relative to the valve seat.

[0049] By moving the valve element to sealingly abut against the valve seat, the flow valve can be closed (and thus the radiator valve can be closed).

[0050] By lifting the valve element away from abutment with the valve seat, the flow valve can be opened. When the flow valve is open, fluid can flow through the flow valve, for example through between the valve seat and the valve element. This can be referred to as the "main flow path" within the radiator valve.

[0051] The flow valve may be configured to be actuated by an actuator (e.g., a thermostat actuator). The flow valve may include a valve pin for receiving a mechanical actuation action.

[0052] According to one aspect, the valve element may be (at least substantially) arranged on the downstream side of the valve seat (of the flow valve). "Downstream" can be understood with respect to the expected flow direction. Additionally or alternatively, when the flow valve is closed, the valve element may abut and seal against the downstream side of the valve seat.

[0053] According to one aspect, the flow valve can be optimized for fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port when the flow valve is open. In other words, the radiator valve can be optimized for fluid flow through the flow valve along the expected flow direction.

[0054] In one embodiment, the radiator valve includes a bypass valve located between the inlet port and the outlet port, wherein the bypass valve is configured to open a flow path (through the bypass valve) when the pressure drop from the inlet port to the outlet port exceeds a pressure drop threshold.

[0055] According to one aspect, the above problem is solved by a radiator valve having an inlet port and an outlet port, wherein the radiator valve further includes an auxiliary opening mechanism, wherein when the radiator valve is closed (e.g., by an actuator, e.g., a thermostat actuator coupled to the radiator valve), when the pressure drop from the inlet port to the outlet port exceeds a pressure drop threshold, the pressure drop mechanically opens a fluid flow path (within the radiator valve) from the inlet port to the outlet port.

[0056] The explanations, modifications, and advantages regarding the auxiliary opening mechanism thus generally apply to the radiator valve, and vice versa.

[0057] The bypass valve allows bypassing the flow valve of the radiator valve for enabling flow from the inlet port to the outlet port whenever the pressure drop exceeds a pressure drop threshold.

[0058] In these embodiments, the flow path of the auxiliary opening mechanism is opened by an additional bypass valve. The flow path extends through the bypass valve. The flow path of the auxiliary opening mechanism functionally bypasses the flow valve. The flow path of the auxiliary opening mechanism can at least bypass the valve seat (of the flow valve).

[0059] The bypass valve can be configured to operate autonomously or independently of the flow valve. In other words, when the flow valve is stuck, the bypass valve can still operate. When the pressure drop exceeds the pressure drop threshold, the bypass valve opens regardless of the state of the flow valve (i.e., regardless of whether the flow valve is open or closed).

[0060] Furthermore, in embodiments with an additional bypass valve, the auxiliary opening mechanism can be separate / independent from the mechanical coupling between the valve element (of the flow valve) and the actuator. The interaction between the flow valve and the actuator is not affected.

[0061] The bypass valve can be functionally arranged in parallel with the flow valve. The first fluid path and the second fluid path can be at least partially spatially separated.

[0062] The radiator valve can be configured to open and close a main flow path that is completely controlled by an actuator, which is mounted to the radiator valve and mechanically coupled to the flow valve.

[0063] The radiator valve can include a body. The body can at least include an inlet port, an outlet port, and the valve seat (of the flow valve). The body can be integrally formed as one piece.

[0064] The radiator valve can include a valve housing. The body can form part of the valve housing.

[0065] In one embodiment, the bypass valve is a check valve. This prevents accidental "backward" flow (i.e., opposite to the intended flow direction) through the radiator valve via the bypass valve. The check valve is inexpensive and cost-effective.

[0066] According to one aspect, the bypass valve includes a second valve seat (bypass valve seat) and a second valve element (bypass valve element). The second valve element can be biased towards the second valve seat. For example, an elastic counterweight can bias the second valve element towards the second valve seat. In this case, the second valve element is a specific valve element, and the specific valve seat is the second valve seat. In other words, the valve seat (of the flow valve) is the first valve seat, and the valve element (of the flow valve) is the first valve element, where the bypass valve includes a second valve seat and a second valve element.

[0067] The second valve element can be moved relative to the second valve seat. The second valve element can be biased against the expected fluid flow direction through the bypass valve.

[0068] The second valve seat can be formed in the body. This ensures cost-effective production and small size of the radiator valve.

[0069] The radiator valve can be configured such that the second valve element is variable. Several types of second valve elements can be provided, for example, different in size, thickness, material, and / or weight. Additionally or alternatively, the second valve seat can be variable. Several types of second valve seats can be provided, for example, different in size, inner diameter, and the presence / size of additional flow constraints. These aspects allow the bypass valve to be adapted to different requirements in a simple manner, such as for regulating the pressure drop threshold.

[0070] The elastic canceller can bias the bypass valve to the closed state. The elastic canceller provides an elastic biasing force that must be overcome by the pressure drop in order to open the bypass valve. The elastic biasing force acts against the opening force caused by the pressure drop for opening the bypass valve.

[0071] As described above, the elastic canceller can include a spring (including the case where the elastic canceller is a spring).

[0072] According to one aspect, the spring diameter of the spring can be equal to or less than 50% of the diameter of the second valve seat. The (second valve seat's) diameter refers to the inner diameter of the second valve seat. This helps reduce the risk of valve flutter and / or chatter. The second valve element can include a guide for a part of the spring, for example, a recess for inserting at least a part of the spring. This reduces the risk of the spring bending under load.

[0073] Additionally or alternatively, the spring is a compression spring that engages the second valve element (or engages a spacer inserted between the spring and the second valve element) at a engagement section ("contact point"), where the engagement section is located above the second valve seat along the closing direction of the second valve member. The engagement section can be the position where the compression spring axially engages (e.g., abuts against) the second valve element or the inserted spacer. The closing direction can be oriented against the opening direction of the second valve element (e.g., the direction in which the second valve member lifts away from the second valve seat to open the bypass valve). The closing direction can be oriented against the (expected) flow direction of the secondary fluid through the bypass valve (when the bypass valve is open). Thus, the second valve element can pivot limitedly about the engagement section. This helps prevent valve flutter and / or chatter. Thus, the radiator valve is quiet.

[0074] The first end of the spring can abut against the second valve element (or abut against a spacer inserted between the spring and the second valve element).

[0075] The second end of the spring can abut against the valve housing or against an insert fixed to the valve housing (e.g., fixed to the body). A spacer (or another spacer) can be inserted between the second end and the valve housing / insert.

[0076] Regarding the threaded adjustment device, in one example, the insert is the first element of the threaded adjustment device and the housing is the second element of the threaded adjustment device.

[0077] The actuator can be configured to provide a mechanical actuation for actuating the radiator valve, especially for closing the radiator valve, more specifically a flow valve. For example, the mechanical actuation can include a displacement adapted to press the valve element onto the valve seat. The mechanical actuation can include a force sufficient to overcome the elastic force of the valve opening spring of the flow valve. Forwardly transmitting the mechanical actuation can include pushing a movable valve pin of the radiator valve, e.g., pushing towards the valve seat. In the radiator valve, the valve pin can be functionally (e.g., mechanically) coupled to the valve element such that pushing the pin (e.g., pushing to a certain closing command position) causes the valve element to abut against the valve seat, thereby closing the flow valve.

[0078] The actuator can be a fully manual actuator without a thermostat.

[0079] The actuator can be a thermostat actuator. The target temperature of the thermostat actuator can be adjustable, e.g., by the user. The thermostat actuator can provide a mechanical actuation based on the target temperature of the thermostat actuator and the temperature at which the thermostat actuator is located. The thermostat actuator is highly available, inexpensive, and easy to install.

[0080] The thermostat actuator can be a mechanical thermostat actuator.

[0081] The thermostat actuator can be an electronic thermostat actuator.

[0082] In one embodiment, the thermostat actuator is directly thermally driven, e.g., by the thermal expansion and contraction of a thermal expansion element. For example, the thermostat actuator can include a thermally driven actuation generator for generating a mechanical actuation, e.g., a wax motor. Generally, this does not exclude that the thermostat actuator can include electronic devices and / or motor devices for adjusting the target temperature. However, according to one aspect, the electronic devices and / or motor devices can only change the target temperature without generating the mechanical actuation itself.

[0083] According to one aspect, the actuator can have no electronics and / or no electrical power input device and / or power source (such as a battery, accumulator, capacitor, solar cell, inductive charging device, power connector, etc.). Such actuators are cost-effective, reliable, and require low maintenance and installation effort.

[0084] According to one aspect, the radiator valve comprises at least one of the following:

[0085] - an actuator mount (for mounting an actuator); and

[0086] - an actuator.

[0087] As described above, the actuator can provide a mechanical actuation for closing the radiator valve.

[0088] The actuator can be permanently or removably fixed to the radiator valve.

[0089] Generally, the auxiliary opening mechanism can include one, several, or all of the following:

[0090] - the radiator valve;

[0091] - an actuator for actuating the radiator valve; and

[0092] - an adapter for mounting between the radiator valve and the actuator.

[0093] The adapter is configured to mechanically and positively transmit the mechanical actuation provided by the actuator to the radiator valve (when the adapter is mounted between the radiator valve and the actuator).

[0094] According to one aspect, the auxiliary opening mechanism includes an actuation neutralizer that at least partially and elastically absorbs the mechanical actuation (provided by the actuator) when the pressure drop exceeds the pressure drop threshold and the radiator valve is closed. This allows the pressure drop to at least partially resist the mechanical actuation to open the radiator valve, for example, lifting the valve element away from its abutment against the valve seat. In other words, in this case, the actuation neutralizer at least partially and elastically neutralizes the mechanical actuation provided by the actuator such that the mechanical actuation can no longer keep the flow valve closed. Once the pressure drop decreases below the pressure drop threshold while the actuator still provides mechanical actuation, the actuation neutralizer will automatically close the flow valve again (since the mechanical actuation is no longer sufficiently absorbed / neutralized by the actuation neutralizer).

[0095] According to a third sub - aspect, the auxiliary opening mechanism (at least) includes the radiator valve, and the radiator valve includes an actuation neutralizer.

[0096] According to a first sub - aspect, the auxiliary opening mechanism (at least) includes the actuator, and the actuator includes an actuation neutralizer.

[0097] According to a second sub - aspect, the auxiliary opening mechanism (at least) includes an adapter (for) mounting between the radiator valve and the actuator, and the adapter includes an actuation neutralizer.

[0098] According to one aspect, the above problem is solved by a radiator valve having:

[0099] - an inlet port and an outlet port;

[0100] - at least one of an actuator mount (for mounting an actuator) and an actuator; and

[0101] - a flow valve located between the inlet port and the outlet port, wherein the flow valve includes a valve seat and a valve element movable relative to the valve seat, and wherein the flow valve can be closed by a mechanical actuation provided by an actuator,

[0102] wherein the radiator valve includes an actuation neutralizer that at least partially elastically absorbs (the mechanical actuation provided by the actuator) when the pressure drop from the inlet port to the outlet port exceeds a pressure drop threshold while the radiator valve is closed, thereby allowing the pressure drop (against the mechanical actuation) to lift the valve element away from abutment against the valve seat.

[0103] By this embodiment, an auxiliary opening mechanism can be integrated into the radiator valve without the need for an additional bypass valve. In this case, the specific valve element is the valve element (of the flow valve), and the specific valve seat is the valve seat (of the flow valve).

[0104] Explanations, modifications, and advantages regarding the auxiliary opening mechanism and other radiator valve types generally apply to this radiator valve type, and vice versa accordingly.

[0105] According to one aspect, when the pressure drop is less than the pressure drop threshold, the actuation neutralizer forwards the mechanical actuation. In this case, the actuation neutralizer can not impair the mechanical actuation (i.e., does not absorb / neutralize the mechanical actuation, at least not substantially).

[0106] The actuation neutralizer can include an actuator-side portion for receiving the mechanical actuation. For example, if the actuation neutralizer is arranged in an adapter or in the radiator valve, the actuator-side portion can be configured to be engaged by the actuator. If the actuation neutralizer is arranged in the actuator, the actuator-side portion can be configured to be engaged by an actuation generator.

[0107] The actuation neutralizer can include a valve-element-side portion. For example, if the actuation neutralizer is arranged in an adapter or in the radiator valve, the valve-element-side portion is mechanically coupled to the valve element such that the valve-element-side portion follows the movement of the valve element away from the valve seat. If the actuation neutralizer is arranged in the actuator or in the adapter, the valve-element-side portion can be coupled to a pin adapter for engaging a valve pin.

[0108] In one embodiment, the actuation neutralizer allows for restricted movement of the valve element side portion relative to the actuator side portion. This allows the effective overall length of the actuation neutralizer to be reduced, for example in a telescoping manner. The effective overall length can be defined along the force path for transmitting the mechanical actuation force in the forward direction. In operation, under the conditions explained, the pressure drop causes an elastic reduction in the effective overall length. The valve element side portion and the actuator side portion can be pushed together in an elastic manner.

[0109] The elastic canceller can push the valve element side portion and the actuator side portion apart, thereby providing an elastic yield resistance (e.g., by cancelling the force pushing the two portions together).

[0110] The actuation neutralizer can include an elastic canceller.

[0111] According to one aspect, the actuation neutralizer can include a spacer and / or a threaded adjustment device.

[0112] The maximum overall length of the actuation neutralizer can be pre-determined. This allows for highly accurate actuation of the radiator valve during normal operation.

[0113] The elastic canceller ensures that the actuation neutralizer maintains its maximum effective overall length during normal operation. However, when closing the radiator valve by applying a mechanical actuation force at the actuator side portion and simultaneously when the pressure drop exceeds the pressure drop threshold, the opening force caused by the pressure drop becomes sufficient (e.g., by being higher than the cancelling elastic biasing force provided by the preload of the elastic canceller), thereby compressing the elastic canceller. The actuation neutralizer elastically yields by the movement of the valve element side portion relative to the actuator side portion, such that the effective overall length of the actuation neutralizer is temporarily reduced, and this yielding provides space for the valve element to be pushed away from the valve seat, thereby opening the fluid path.

[0114] In one example, the valve stem assembly for mechanically transmitting the mechanical actuation force for closing the flow valve to the valve element of the radiator valve includes an actuation neutralizer. The valve element side portion can include a valve element. The valve element portion and the valve element can be integrally formed. The actuator side portion can include a pin that protrudes from the radiator valve (e.g., from the mounting) at least when the flow valve is not closed.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary opening mechanism includes a radiator valve having a bypass valve and at least one actuation neutralizer. This allows for redundancy. In addition, two different pressure thresholds can thus be implemented, for example:

[0116] - A lower first pressure drop threshold for opening the bypass valve with a small flow path; and

[0117] - A higher second pressure drop threshold for actuating the neutralizer, which additionally overrides the closing flow valve when the bypass valve fails or is too small such that, despite the bypass valve being open, the pressure drop still further increases.

[0118] The above problem is also solved by a heating system including an auxiliary opening mechanism according to any one of the embodiments described above.

[0119] The heating system may include a heat pump, a heat exchanger, a circulation pump, at least one radiator, and at least one radiator valve for the at least one radiator, wherein the heating system includes an auxiliary opening mechanism (according to any one of the embodiments described above) for opening at least one closed radiator valve.

[0120] The heat pump provides heat to the primary side of the heat exchanger via a primary fluid. The circulation pump circulates a secondary fluid through the heat exchanger such that the heat provided at the primary side of the heat exchanger is transferred to the secondary side of the heat exchanger, in particular to the secondary fluid. The secondary fluid conveys the heat to at least one radiator. The radiator valve regulates the flow of the secondary fluid through its corresponding radiator.

[0121] The heating system may include a controller for the heat pump and the circulation pump. Additionally, the heating system may include sensing means for detecting the temperature drop of the primary fluid across the heat exchanger.

[0122] The heating system may include a plurality of radiators, each radiator being equipped with a corresponding radiator valve. The auxiliary opening mechanism according to any one of the embodiments described above may be applied to one, several, or all of these radiator valves respectively. For at least some of the radiator valves, the embodiments may be all the same or different.

[0123] There may be no fluid passage (and if any, also in parallel with other radiators) in parallel with at least one radiator.

[0124] In one embodiment, at least one radiator valve (preferably, all radiator valves) is not controlled and / or supervised by the controller. The controller does not know whether each radiator valve is closed (or open).

[0125] The controller controls the circulation pump. In normal operation, for example when the flow valve of at least one radiator valve is open, the circulation pump provides a standard pressure drop (e.g., in the range of 0.1 bar to 0.2 bar). When the secondary fluid does not flow (or at least does not flow significantly) through the secondary side of the heat exchanger, the temperature drop of the primary fluid across the heat exchanger decreases. Since the controller cannot operate the heat pump below the minimum heat output, the controller increases the pump head of the circulation pump, for example by increasing the pump power of the circulation pump. The increase in pump head causes an increase in the pressure drop at the (at least one) radiator valve. Especially when all radiator valves are closed, the pressure drop exceeds the pressure drop threshold. The circulation pump causes the pressure drop to exceed the pressure drop threshold. The auxiliary opening mechanism ensures that the second fluid can circulate.

[0126] Additional features, advantages and possible applications of the present invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments and the drawings. All features illustrated and / or described herein graphically, either alone or in any desired combination, form the subject matter of the present invention, regardless of how these features are combined in the claims or in their reference to previous claims. Description of the Drawings

[0127] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0128] Figure 1 A heat pump system is schematically shown;

[0129] Figure 2 A side view of a first embodiment of a radiator valve including a bypass valve is shown;

[0130] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 of the front view of the radiator valve;

[0131] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 and Figure 3 the sectional view A-A of the radiator valve depicted;

[0132] Figure 5 A perspective sectional view of a second embodiment of a radiator valve including a bypass valve is shown;

[0133] Figure 6 An embodiment of a radiator valve including an actuation neutralizer is schematically shown;

[0134] Figure 7 An embodiment of a thermostat actuator including an actuation neutralizer is schematically shown, wherein the thermostat actuator can be detachably mounted to the actuator mounting of a conventional radiator valve;

[0135] Figure 8An embodiment of an adapter including an actuation neutralizer is schematically shown, wherein the adapter is removably mountable between a conventional radiator valve and a conventional thermostat actuator;

[0136] Figure 9 An embodiment of an actuation neutralizer that can be used for Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 the embodiment shown is schematically shown. Detailed Description

[0137] The heat pump system 1 includes a heat pump 2, a heat exchanger 3 having a primary side 4 and a secondary side 5, a circulation pump 6, and a plurality of radiators 7 equipped with radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308.

[0138] The primary fluid circuit connects the heat pump 6 to the primary side 4 of the heat exchanger 3. The primary fluid circuit contains a primary fluid, such as a refrigerant.

[0139] The secondary fluid circuit connects the secondary side 5 of the heat exchanger 3 to the circulation pump 6 and the radiators 7 equipped with radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308. Each of the radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308 can be directly mounted at its corresponding radiator 7. The secondary fluid circuit contains a secondary fluid. The secondary fluid may include water.

[0140] In this example, all radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308 (and the corresponding radiators 7) are connected in parallel to the circulation pump 6.

[0141] The controller 26 controls the operation of the heat pump 2 and the circulation pump 6. The controller 26 can be included in the heat pump 2, as Figure 1 shown.

[0142] A first temperature sensor 9 is arranged at the inlet of the heat exchanger 3 for the primary fluid, and a second temperature sensor 10 is arranged at the outlet of the heat exchanger 3 for the primary fluid. For example, the heat exchanger 3 may include the first temperature sensor 9 and / or the second temperature sensor 10. The first temperature sensor 9 and the second temperature sensor 10 are operatively coupled to the controller 26.

[0143] In operation, the controller 26 attempts to maintain a certain temperature drop of the primary fluid across the heat exchanger 3 (i.e., from the inlet of the heat exchanger 3 for the primary fluid to the outlet of the heat exchanger 3 for the primary fluid). This ensures high efficiency of the heat pump 2. The desired temperature drop may be, for example, 8K.

[0144] As an alternative or supplement to the temperature sensors 9, 10, other sensors that allow calculation of the temperature drop may be employed.

[0145] Any one, several, or all of the following can be integrated in the heat pump 3: the controller 26, the first temperature sensor 9, the second temperature sensor 10, the heat exchanger 3, and the circulation pump 6.

[0146] The inlet ports of the radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308 (see Figures 2 to 8 the reference numeral 11 in the figures) are fluidly connected in parallel to the outlet of the secondary side 5 of the heat exchanger 3. For each of the radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308, the outlet port (see Figures 2 to 8 the reference numeral 12 in the figures) is connected to the inlet of the corresponding radiator 7. The outlets of the radiators 7 are fluidly connected in parallel to the inlet of the circulation pump 6.

[0147] In one variant, alternatively, one or more of the radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308 can be arranged after the corresponding radiator 7 in the flow direction.

[0148] The circulation pump 6 includes an outlet fluidly connected to the inlet of the secondary side 5 of the heat exchanger 3. The arrows indicate the flow direction in operation.

[0149] Generally, the heating system 1 can include at least one radiator 7 having corresponding radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308.

[0150] Figures 2 to 4 A first embodiment of the radiator valve 8 is depicted from different views.

[0151] Figure 2 The radiator valve 8 is depicted from a side view. The radiator valve 8 includes a valve housing 28, an inlet port 11 (for the secondary fluid), and an outlet port 12 (for the secondary fluid). A flow valve 13 is arranged between the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12. The flow valve 13 includes a valve seat 14 and a valve element 15 (see Figure 4 ).

[0152] The radiator valve 8 (in particular the flow valve 13) is configured for mounting an actuator (such as Figure 8 the conventional thermostat actuator 480 as shown) for actuating the flow valve 13. The radiator valve 8 (in particular the flow valve 13) includes an actuator mount 29 for releasably mounting the actuator.

[0153] The radiator valve 8 can include an actuator, such as Figure 8 the conventional thermostat actuator 480 as shown. The combination of the radiator valve 8 and the actuator for actuating the flow valve 13 can be referred to as a "radiator valve assembly".

[0154] The radiator valve 8 includes a valve stem assembly 40. In this embodiment, the valve stem assembly 40 includes a valve stem 41 and a valve pin 30 for actuating the radiator valve 8, in particular the flow valve 13. The valve element 15 is at least axially fixed to the valve stem 41. A valve opening spring 42 biases the flow valve 13 towards a fully open state (not shown). In the fully open state, the displacement of the valve element 15 away from the sealing abutment against the valve seat 14 is maximized. In addition, the protruding length of the valve pin 30 is at a maximum. In Figure 4 , the radiator valve 8 is closed. The valve element 15 abuts the valve seat 14 in a sealed manner. This is caused by a mechanical actuation action AA that pushes the valve pin 30 into the radiator valve 8. The valve stem assembly 40 (more specifically, via the valve pin 30 and the valve stem 41) mechanically forwards the mechanical actuation action AA to the valve element 15 in a mechanical manner. The mechanical actuation action AA presses the valve element 15 against the valve seat against the elastic force of the valve opening spring 42.

[0155] The actuator can engage the valve pin 30 of the flow valve 13 (see Figure 4 ) to control the flow valve 13. The actuator can apply a mechanical actuation action AA to the valve pin 30 to close the flow valve 13 by forcing the valve element 15 against the valve seat 14. If the actuator stops applying the mechanical actuation action AA, the valve opening spring 42 retracts the valve element 15 away from the abutment against the valve seat 14.

[0156] In particular, the actuator can be a thermostat actuator, such as Figure 8 the conventional thermostat actuator 480 shown. The thermostat actuator 480 is purely thermally driven, for example by thermally induced expansion and contraction. For example, the thermostat actuator 480 can include an actuation action generator for generating the mechanical actuation action AA based on the target temperature of the thermostat actuator 480 and the temperature at which the thermostat actuator 480 is located. The actuation action generator 83 can be a bellows or a wax motor containing a fluid (such as a gas and / or a liquid) that exhibits thermal expansion.

[0157] The thermostat actuator 480 includes target temperature adjustment means 82, 85 for allowing the target temperature to be raised and lowered. The thermostat actuator 480 can include a handle or knob 85 that can be operated by the user to adjust the target temperature. By rotating the knob 85 relative to the mounting portion 81 (for engaging the actuator mount 29), the target temperature can be adjusted.

[0158] The actuator (such as the thermostat actuator 480) operates independently, in particular independently of the controller 26.

[0159] Generally, the actuator can be a manual actuator and / or an electronic actuator.

[0160] Figure 3 The radiator valve 8 is depicted in a rear side view. In Figure 3 it, the components of the outlet port 12 and the flow valve 13 can be seen, including the actuator mount 29 and a part of the adjustable balancing device 31 for the hydraulic presetting of the radiator valve 8.

[0161] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view A-A of the radiator valve 8 is depicted. A restricted movement of the valve element 15 relative to the valve seat 14 is possible. The flow valve 13 can be closed by moving the valve element 15 to seal against the valve seat 14. The flow valve 13 is opened by lifting the valve element 15 away from the valve seat 14.

[0162] The radiator valve 8 further includes a bypass valve 16. The bypass valve 16 includes a second valve seat 17 and a second valve element 18.

[0163] The valve housing 28 includes a body 28a. The inlet port 11, the outlet port 12, the valve seat 14 and the second valve seat 17 are integrally formed with the body 28a. The radiator valve 8 has a valve insert, for example including the valve element 15, the valve stem assembly 40, the valve opening spring 42, other housing components 28b, 28c of the valve housing 28, and the actuator mount 29.

[0164] The second valve element 18 is biased against the second valve seat 17 by means of a resilient counteractor. In this case, the resilient counteractor is a compressible coil spring 19. At the first (axial) end of the spring 19, the spring 19 axially abuts against the second valve element 18 via an optional spacer 20. The spacer 20 is inserted between the spring 19 and the second valve element 18. The "contact point" between the second valve element 18 and the spring 19 (or the spacer 20, if inserted) is referred to as the engagement section 21. At the second (axial) end of the spring 19, the spring 19 is supported by an insert 22. The insert 22 is connected to the valve housing 28, more specifically to the body 28a, by means of a threaded connection 23. Thus, the insert 22 includes an interaction means that can be rotated by a user and / or a tool (such as a hexagonal geometry, etc.). The radiator valve 8 includes a bypass channel 24 that fluidly connects the bypass valve 16 to the outlet port 12.

[0165] The second valve element 18 can be splined to the valve housing 28, for example splined to the body 28a. In this embodiment, the second valve element 18 includes ribs 25 that guide the second valve element 18 relative to the second valve seat 17.

[0166] The radiator valve 8 may include an insert sealing device, such as at least one O-ring 32, that provides a seal between the valve housing 28 (in particular the body 28a) and the insert 22. Additionally or alternatively, the radiator valve 8 may include a sealing device, such as an O-ring 33, for sealing between the second valve seat 17 and the second valve element 18.

[0167] The Figure 2 and Figure 4 The intended flow direction (forward flow direction) through the radiator valve 8 is depicted by an arrow 27 in and. The balancing device 31 is arranged downstream of the valve seat 14. The flow valve 13 and the bypass valve 16 are connected in parallel to the inlet port 11, where the inlet port 11 is arranged upstream of the flow valve 13 and the bypass valve 16. Additionally, the flow valve 13 and the bypass valve 16 are fluidly connected in parallel to the outlet port 12, where the outlet port 12 is arranged downstream of the flow valve 13 and the bypass valve 16 (with reference to the intended flow direction in operation). In this exemplary embodiment, the inlet port 1 has an internal thread. The outlet port 12 has an external thread.

[0168] The bypass valve 16 is pressure-operated and sensitive to the pressure drop from the inlet port 11 to the outlet port 12. If the pressure drop exceeds a specific pressure drop threshold, the bypass valve 16 will open and provide a flow path from the inlet port 11 through the bypass channel 24 to the outlet port 12. The bypass valve 16 is a one-way valve. The bypass valve 16 does not allow backward flow (opposite to the intended flow direction), i.e., from the outlet port 12 to the inlet port 11.

[0169] When the pressure drop exceeds the pressure drop threshold (e.g., 0.55 bar), the pressure drop resists the preload of the spring 19 and presses the second valve element 18 away from the second valve seat 17. In other words, the pressure drop is sufficient to overcome the preload of the spring 19.

[0170] In this exemplary embodiment, the preload of the spring 19 can be adjusted by adapting the pre-compression of the spring 19. The pre-compression can be adjusted by replacing the spacer 20 with a thicker or thinner spacer. Additionally, the pre-compression (and thus the preload) can be adjusted by the insert 22 and the threaded connection 23 of the insert 22 to the valve housing 28 (so-called threaded adjustment means). The threaded connection 23 has a predefined pitch, e.g., 1 mm. One full turn of the insert 22 compresses or releases the spring 19 by 1 mm. Other pitches are possible. The insert 22 includes interaction means for tightening or loosening the insert 22, such as a hexagon socket or other screw driver. Thus, by screwing the insert 22 relative to the valve housing 28, the preload of the spring 19 can be adjusted. If there are more radiators 7 in the heating system 1 (as Figure 1 shown), the preload of the spring 19 of the radiator valve 8 can be different.

[0171] The spring 19 (more precisely, the first axial end of the spring 19) abuts against the second valve element 18 (with the inserted spacer 20) at the engagement section 21. The engagement section 21 is located above the second valve seat 17 in the closing direction of the bypass valve 16 (more specifically, in the closing direction of the second valve element 18 relative to the second valve seat 17). In Figure 4 the closing direction is vertically upward. The second valve element 18 is thus formed, and the second valve element 18 provides guidance for the spring 19. The spacer 20 and the first axial end of the spring 19 are received in a deep groove.

[0172] This guidance allows for easy installation of the spacer 20 and the spring 19. When the insert 22 is fixed to the body 28a, the spacer 20 and the spring 19 are securely fixed in the deep groove of the second valve element 18.

[0173] The spring 19 has a spring diameter that is equal to or less than 50% of the diameter of the second valve seat 17. The diameter of the second valve seat 17 refers to the inner diameter of the second valve seat. This allows for limited pivoting of the second valve element 18 about the engagement section 21.

[0174] The arrangement of the engagement section 21 relative to the second valve seat 17, and the spring diameter being significantly smaller than the diameter of the second valve seat 17, result in a reduced risk of jitter and / or wobbling of the second valve element 18.

[0175] In Figure 5 another embodiment of the radiator valve 108 including the bypass valve 16 is shown. Generally, the construction and advantages of the radiator valve 108 are similar to those of the radiator valve 8. Corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the relevant differences will be explained below.

[0176] In the radiator valve 108, the valve seat 14 is not integrally formed with the body 28a, but is included in the valve insert. The second valve seat 18 is also mounted to the valve insert. This can facilitate final assembly.

[0177] Figure 6 Another embodiment of the radiator valve 208 is schematically shown. Generally, the construction and advantages of the radiator valve 208 are similar to those of the radiator valves 8 and 108. Corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the relevant differences will be explained below.

[0178] The radiator valves 8 and 108 implement an auxiliary opening mechanism for opening a closed radiator valve 8, 108 by means of the bypass valve 16.

[0179] Figure 6 The shown radiator valve 208 includes an actuation action neutralizer 70 for implementing this auxiliary opening mechanism. In Figure 9An example of a suitable embodiment of the actuation neutralizer 70 is shown.

[0180] In Figure 6 , the radiator valve 208 is closed. A mechanical actuation AA is applied to the valve pin 30, for example from a thermostat actuator 480 that can be mounted on the actuator mount 29 to the valve pin 30.

[0181] The valve stem assembly 40 including the valve pin 30 and the valve stem 41 transmits the mechanical actuation AA positively to the valve element 15. This forces the valve stem 41 against the elastic force of the valve opening spring 42 to the valve seat 14. As a result, the valve element 15 abuts and seals the valve seat 14, and the flow valve 13 is closed.

[0182] In this embodiment, the valve stem assembly 40 includes the actuation neutralizer 70.

[0183] In normal operation, the effective total length L of the actuation neutralizer 70 corresponds to a predetermined maximum effective total length. In Figure 6 , the pressure drop from the inlet port 11 to the outlet port 12 is less than the pressure drop threshold. The actuation neutralizer 70 has (at least substantially has) this maximum effective total length. In any case, the effective total length L is long enough to keep the valve element 15 sealed against the valve seat 14 when the mechanical actuation AA is applied. In this case, the actuation neutralizer 70 transmits the mechanical actuation AA from the valve pin 30 positively to the valve stem 41 sufficiently.

[0184] Now, when the pressure drop rises above the pressure drop threshold, the actuation neutralizer 70 elastically yields. In this case, the high pressure drop can overcome the elastic yield resistance of the actuation neutralizer 70. As a result, the high pressure drop compresses the actuation neutralizer 70, causing the effective total length L to decrease. Although the mechanical actuation AA is still applied to the valve pin 30, this allows the high pressure drop to push the valve element 15 away from abutting the valve seat 14. This opens the flow path from the inlet port 11 to the outlet port 12. In this case, the mechanical actuation AA is (at least) partially absorbed elastically by the actuation neutralizer 70. The high pressure drop (above the pressure drop threshold) "overrules" (suspends) the mechanical actuation AA for keeping the radiator valve 208 closed. When the pressure drop decreases below the pressure drop threshold while the mechanical actuation AA is still applied, the actuation neutralizer 70 expands again towards its maximum effective total length and thereby elastically forces the valve element 15 to seal against the valve seat 14 again.

[0185] Figure 9 An exemplary embodiment of the actuation neutralizer 70 is shown. The actuation neutralizer 70 includes a valve element side portion 71 and an actuator side portion 72.

[0186] In Figure 6 the illustrated embodiment, the valve element side portion 71 of the actuation neutralizer 70 is fixed at least axially relative to the valve stem 41. The valve element side portion 71 may be directly fixed to the valve stem 41 or even integrally formed with the valve stem 41. The actuator side portion 72 is fixed at least axially relative to the valve pin 30. The actuator side portion 72 may be directly fixed to the valve pin 30 or even integrally formed with the valve pin 30. In Figure 7 the actuation neutralizer 70 is inserted between the valve stem 41 and the valve pin 30. In a variant (not shown), the valve pin 30 or the valve stem 41 may include the entire actuation neutralizer 70. Figure 6 In

[0187] The actuation neutralizer 70 allows restricted movement of the valve element side portion 71 relative to the actuator side portion 72. More specifically, the two portions 71, 72 may be pushed together to reduce the effective overall length L. In this embodiment, the two portions 71, 72 may telescopically engage partially together.

[0188] The effective overall length L of the actuation neutralizer 70 (see Figures 6 to 8 ) is limited to a predetermined maximum effective overall length. When the first engagement portion 76 abuts against the expansion end stop 77 (see Figure 7 ), the effective overall length L corresponds to the predetermined maximum effective overall length.

[0189] The actuation neutralizer 70 includes an elastic canceller which, in this example, is in the form of a compression coil spring 19. The elastic canceller elastically biases the actuation neutralizer 70 such that it has its maximum effective overall length. The maximum effective overall length is independent of the pre-compression and pre-load of the elastic canceller.

[0190] If the opening force OPF provided by the pressure drop exceeds the elastic biasing force of the elastic canceller, the first engagement portion 76 and the valve element side portion 71 move towards the actuator side portion 72.

[0191] The spring 19 is arranged between the first engagement portion 76 and the second engagement portion 78. In this example, the threaded adjustment device 43 includes a first thread 45 on the actuator side portion 72 and a nut 75 with a second thread that engages with the first thread 45. Rotating the nut 75 changes the axial position of the nut 75 relative to the actuator side portion 72 and also relative to the expansion end stop 77 (the expansion end stop 77 is axially fixed relative to the actuator side portion 72). The second engagement portion 78 includes a pin 79 that engages with the nut 75. The spring 19 (via the pin 79) axially abuts the second engagement portion 78 relative to the nut 75. Thus, the second engagement portion 78 follows any axial movement of the nut 75 relative to the actuator side portion 72. If the nut 75 is screwed relative to the actuator side portion 71 in a first screwing direction, the nut 75 moves axially towards the first engagement portion 76. The pre-compression of the spring 19 and thus the pre-load increases, and thus the pressure drop threshold increases. If the nut 75 is screwed relative to the actuator side portion 71 in a second screwing direction (opposite to the first screwing direction), the nut 75 moves axially away from the first engagement portion 76. The pre-compression of the spring 19 and thus the pre-load decreases, and thus the pressure drop threshold decreases.

[0192] Figure 7 A thermostat actuator 80 is specifically shown. Similar to a conventional thermostat actuator 80, the thermostat actuator 80 includes a mounting portion 81 (for engaging the actuator mount 29); target temperature adjustment devices 82, 85; a pin adapter 84 (for engaging the valve pin 30) and an actuation effect generator. The actuation effect generator can be a thermally driven actuation effect generator, for example in the form of the actuation effect generator 83. In one variant (not shown), the actuation effect generator is electrically driven.

[0193] Different from a conventional thermostat actuator 480, Figure 7 the shown thermostat actuator 80 includes an actuation effect neutralizer 70. The actuation effect neutralizer 70 is arranged between the actuation effect generator and the pin adapter 84. In this case, the actuator side portion 72 is at least axially coupled to the actuation effect generator, and the valve element side portion 72 is at least axially fixed relative to the pin adapter 84.

[0194] In Figure 7 the thermostat actuator 80 can be detachably mounted to the actuator mount 29 of a conventional radiator valve 308. The pin adapter 84 engages with the valve pin 30. Since the valve stem assembly 40 of the radiator valve 308 transmits the opening force OPF caused by the pressure drop to the thermostat actuator 80, the actuation effect neutralizer 70 can be integrated into the thermostat actuator 80.

[0195] Figure 8Adapter 90 is specifically shown, and this adapter 90 is configured to be removably mounted between a conventional thermostat actuator 480 and a conventional radiator valve 308. In Figure 8 FIG. Figure 8 , the adapter 90 is actually mounted to the actuator mounting 29 of the radiator valve 308. The housing 91 of the adapter 90 includes corresponding mounting means (not shown). In addition, the housing 91 includes an actuator mounting 92. The actuator mounting 92 can be of the same type as the actuator mounting 29 of the radiator valve 308. The adapter 90 includes an adapter pin 93 engaged by the thermostat actuator 480, for example similar to the valve pin 30. The adapter 90 further includes a pin adapter 94.

[0196] The adapter 90 includes an actuation neutralizer 70. This actuation neutralizer 70 is arranged between the adapter pin 93 and the pin adapter 94.

[0197] The adapter 90 is configured to receive a mechanical actuation AA from the thermostat actuator 480. The adapter 90 also receives an opening offset force OPF from the radiator valve 308 through the pin adapter 94, and this opening offset force OPF results from a pressure drop. Under normal circumstances, the adapter 90 positively transmits the mechanical actuation AA to the valve pin 30 of the radiator valve 308 in an unaffected manner. However, when the opening force OPF exceeds the elastic yield resistance of the actuation neutralizer 70, this actuation neutralizer 70 at least partially absorbs and neutralizes the mechanical actuation AA.

[0198] The function of the heating system 1 is as follows: The heat pump 2 provides heat to one side of the primary side 4 of the heat exchanger 3 through the primary fluid. Inside the heat exchanger 3, the heat is transferred to the secondary fluid supplied to the secondary side 5 of the heat exchanger 3. The circulation pump 6 circulates the secondary fluid through the radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308 and the radiator 7. Heat is dissipated into the room where the radiator 7 is installed.

[0199] The following situation can occur. The secondary fluid circuit requires some time-averaged heat absorption that is greater than zero but less than the minimum heat output of the heat pump 2. Since the radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308 are autonomous relative to the controller 26, the controller 26 does not have information about the states of the radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308. The duty cycle or on - off cycle of the operation of the heat pump 2 can temporarily overlap with the time period during which all the radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308 are closed. Therefore, the heat provided by the heat pump 2 cannot be completely transferred to the secondary fluid. The temperature drop of the primary fluid, which is the primary fluid on the heat exchanger 3, decreases, and this is detected by the controller 26 through the temperature sensors 9, 10.

[0200] The controller 26 operates the circulation pump 6 to increase its pump head. If at least one of the radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308 is opened simultaneously, since heating by the corresponding radiator 7 is required simultaneously, the flow through the radiator 7 will increase due to the increase in the pump head.

[0201] However, if all the radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308 remain closed, the increased pump head will cause the pressure drop across the radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308 to exceed the pressure drop threshold. Applying an auxiliary opening mechanism to at least one of the radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308 ensures that at least one of the radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308 opens for the circulation path of the secondary fluid. In this case, the corresponding radiator 7 is used as a buffer for unwanted heat and for dissipating the unwanted heat into the corresponding room.

[0202] Preferably, embodiments of the auxiliary opening system are implemented for several (at least two) or even all of the plurality of radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308. This ensures that all the radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308 (for which the corresponding embodiments of the auxiliary opening system are implemented) and their corresponding radiators 7 contribute to the circulation of the secondary fluid and the dissipation of unwanted heat. If the unwanted heat is distributed to several radiators 7, the temperature of each room will not rise excessively.

[0203] The actuators for all the radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308 of the heating system 1 can be operated independently, for example, independently of each other and / or independently of the controller 26. All the actuators can be thermostat actuators, and their temperature settings can be set individually by the user. The auxiliary opening mechanism works autonomously for the relevant radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308, depending only on the local positive pressure drop. This function is implemented "decentralized" in a distributed manner. This ultimately avoids overpressure in the heat pump 2 in a particularly reliable way.

[0204] The secondary fluid circuit does not have any additional fluid circulation paths in parallel with the parallel circulation paths of the radiator valves 8, 108, 208, 308 and the radiators 7. The secondary fluid circuit does not require an additional bypass fluid line with a buffer tank to buffer the unwanted heat.

Claims

1. An auxiliary opening mechanism for opening a closed radiator valve (8, 108, 208, 308), the radiator valve (8, 108, 208, 308) having an inlet port (11) and an outlet port (12), When the pressure drop from the inlet port (11) to the outlet port (12) exceeds a pressure drop threshold and the radiator valve (8, 108, 208, 308) is closed, the pressure drop mechanically opens a fluid flow path from the inlet port (11) to the outlet port (12). 2 . The assisted opening mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the pressure drop threshold is adjustable.

3. An assisted opening mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure drop threshold is in the range from 0.3 bar to 0.8 bar.

4. An auxiliary opening mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary opening mechanism comprises an elastic counteractor (19) for counteracting an opening force (OPF), the opening force (OPF) being caused by the pressure drop when the radiator valve (8, 108, 208, 308) is closed, wherein when the pressure drop is lower than the pressure drop threshold and the radiator valve (8, 108, 208, 308) is closed, the elastic counteractor (19) prevents the pressure drop from mechanically opening the fluid flow path of the auxiliary opening mechanism.

5. The auxiliary opening mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the preload of the elastic offset (19) can be adjusted by a spacer (20) and / or a threaded adjustment device (22, 23, 73, 74, 75).

6. The auxiliary opening mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary opening mechanism comprises the radiator valve (8, 108, 208, 308), wherein the radiator valve (8, 108, 208, 308) comprises a flow valve (13) located between the inlet port (11) and the outlet port (12), wherein the flow valve (13) comprises a valve seat (14) and a valve element (15) movable relative to the valve seat (14).

7. The auxiliary opening mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the radiator valve (8, 108) further includes a bypass valve (16) located between the inlet port (11) and the outlet port (12), wherein the bypass valve (16) is configured to open the flow path when the pressure drop from the inlet port (11) to the outlet port (12) exceeds the pressure drop threshold.

8. The auxiliary opening mechanism according to any one of claims 4 and 5 and according to claim 7, wherein the bypass valve (16) comprises a second valve seat (17) and a second valve element (18), wherein the elastic canceller (19) biases the second valve element (18) toward the second valve seat (17).

9. The auxiliary opening mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the elastic offset comprises a spring (19), wherein: - the spring diameter of the spring (19) is equal to or less than 50% of the diameter of the second valve seat (17); and / or - wherein the spring (19) is a compression spring (19) and the spring (19) engages the second valve element (18) at an engagement section (21), wherein the engagement section (21) is located above the second valve seat (17) in the closing direction of the second valve element (18).

10. The auxiliary opening mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radiator valve (208, 308) comprises at least one of the following: - an actuator mounting (29) for the actuator (80, 480), and - an actuator (80, 480) providing a mechanical actuation (AA) for closing the radiator valve (208, 308), The auxiliary opening mechanism comprises an actuation action neutralizer (70), which at least partially absorbs the mechanical actuation action (AA) in an elastic manner when the pressure drop exceeds the pressure drop threshold and the radiator valve (208, 308) is closed, thereby allowing the pressure drop to at least partially resist the mechanical actuation action (AA) to open the retainer valve (208, 308).

11. An auxiliary opening mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the actuation action neutralizer (70) includes a valve element side portion (71) and an actuator side portion (72) for receiving the mechanical actuation action (AA), wherein the actuation action neutralizer (70) allows limited movement of the valve element side portion (71) relative to the actuator side portion (72), so that the effective total length (L) of the actuation action neutralizer (70) can be reduced.

12. The auxiliary opening mechanism according to any one of claims 4 and 5 and claim 11, wherein the actuation action neutralizer (70) includes the canceller (19), and wherein the canceller (19) pushes the valve element side portion (71) and the actuator side portion (72) apart.

13. The auxiliary opening mechanism according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the auxiliary opening mechanism comprises at least the radiator valve (208), and wherein the radiator valve (208) comprises the actuation neutralizer (70).

14. The auxiliary opening mechanism according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the auxiliary opening mechanism comprises at least the actuator (80), and wherein the actuator (80) comprises the actuation action neutralizer (70).

15. The auxiliary opening mechanism according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the auxiliary opening mechanism comprises at least an adapter (90) for installation between the radiator valve (308) and the actuator (480), wherein the adapter (90) is configured to mechanically transmit the mechanical actuation action (AA) provided by the actuator (480) to the retainer valve (308), and wherein the adapter (90) comprises the actuation action neutralizer (70).

16. A heating system (1), comprising a heat pump (2), a heat exchanger (3), a circulation pump (6), at least one radiator (7) and at least one radiator valve (8, 108, 208, 308) for the at least one radiator (7), The heating system (1) comprises the auxiliary opening mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims for opening at least one closed radiator valve (8, 108, 208, 308).

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