Temperature adjusting device

Abstract

The invention provides a temperature adjusting device which allows dimensional tolerance of components easily, is easy to assemble, assemble and replace, and enables a temperature adjuster and a differential pressure valve to be integrated. A temperature control device (1) is provided with: a thermostat (10) for opening and closing a main passage; a differential pressure valve (20) for opening and closing the bypass passage; and a connection unit 26 that connects the thermostat 10 and the differential pressure valve 20, the connection unit 26 being provided with: a holder 27 that fixes the second valve seat member 21 of the differential pressure valve 20 to the inner circumference; a flange (27b) that protrudes outward from the holder (27); an engagement section (19a) which is provided on the frame (19) of the thermostat (10) and which engages with the flange (27b); and a holder biasing member (18) that biases the holder (27) in a direction in which the flange (27b) is held in engagement with the engagement section (19a).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a temperature regulating device, and particularly to a temperature regulating device in which a temperature regulator and a pressure difference valve are connected. BACKGROUND

[0002] The engine coolant circuit disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a main passage that circulates coolant of an engine via a radiator, a bypass passage that bypasses the radiator and is connected in parallel with the main passage, a temperature regulator that is fitted to a branch point of the two passages, and a vehicle heater passage that bypasses the radiator and is connected in parallel with the main passage. The temperature regulator has a main passage opening and closing valve and a bypass passage opening and closing valve that selectively open the main passage and the bypass passage by detecting the temperature of the coolant.

[0003] A flow control valve is also integrally connected to the temperature regulator. When the bypass passage opening and closing valve is in a position that opens the bypass passage, the valve opening degree of the flow control valve is defined by the balance between the force of a spring applied in a direction in which a valve port facing the inlet of the bypass passage is closed from the bypass passage side and the coolant pressure.

[0004] In order to integrate the flow control valve and the temperature regulator, a rod is fixed to the bottom wall of the wax-enclosed pellet main body of the temperature regulator by welding or adhesion or the like, and the rod is fitted to the central hole of the flow control valve. Moreover, the flow control valve is guided by the rod to be able to move up and down inside the housing that is fixed to the lower portion of the cylindrical housing of the temperature regulator by welding or the like. However, this configuration has a problem in that it is difficult to allow dimensional tolerances of the components.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT DOCUMENT

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. JP 62-15470 SUMMARY

[0008] An object of the present application is to provide a temperature regulating device in which a temperature regulator and a pressure difference valve are integrated, which easily allows dimensional tolerances of components, is easy to assemble, and is easy to fit and replace with respect to a main passage and a bypass passage.

[0009] One aspect of the present application relates to a temperature regulating device for a branch point of a main passage and a bypass passage, characterized by comprising: a temperature regulator for opening and closing the main passage; a pressure differential valve for opening and closing the bypass passage; and a linking unit linking the temperature regulator and the pressure differential valve, wherein the temperature regulator comprises: a first valve seat member formed with a first opening portion for communicating with the main passage; a first valve core opening and closing the first opening portion by being separated from or seated on the first valve seat member; a thermocouple having a valve shaft portion to which the first valve core is fixed, a temperature sensing portion fixed to a base end of the valve shaft portion and containing a material that expands or shrinks in response to temperature, and a piston protruding from a tip end of the valve shaft portion and advancing and retreating in response to expansion or shrinkage of the material; a first force applying member applying force to the first valve core in a closing direction; and a frame fixed to the first valve seat member and supporting the first force applying member, the pressure differential valve comprises: a second valve seat member formed with a second opening portion for communicating with the bypass passage; a second valve core opening and closing the second opening portion by being separated from or seated on the second valve seat member; a second force applying member applying force to the second valve core in a closing direction; and a support member fixed to the second valve seat member and supporting the second force applying member, and the linking unit comprises: a holder having a communication hole on a side surface and fixing the second valve seat member to an inner periphery; a flange protruding outward from the holder; an engagement portion provided to the frame and engaged with the flange; and a holder force applying member applying force to the holder in a direction to maintain engagement of the flange with the engagement portion.

[0010] In the temperature regulating device, the holder force applying member can be the first force applying member that applies force to the flange protruding from the holder in a direction to maintain engagement with the engagement portion by pressing the flange.

[0011] In the temperature regulating device, the holder force applying member can be a third force applying member different from the first and second force applying members and compressed between the frame and the holder.

[0012] The temperature regulating device can further comprise an auxiliary passage that always communicates from the main passage to the bypass passage when assembled.

[0013] The auxiliary passage can be a gap between an inlet of the bypass passage and the holder inserted into the inlet.

[0014] The auxiliary passage can be a gap of the second opening portion that is not closed by the second valve core when the second valve core is seated on the second valve seat member.

[0015] The present application is not limited to the purposes or the modes. A more complete explanation of the present application and further effects achieved by the present application are more easily understood by referring to the following detailed description and considering the associated drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a sectional view of a temperature regulating device of a first embodiment of the present application which is assembled at a branch point of a main passage and a bypass passage.

[0017] Figure 2 is a sectional view at the time of opening of a pressure difference valve of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 (a) of is a view showing an assembling method of the pressure difference valve of the first embodiment. Figure 3 (b) of is a view showing an assembling method of the temperature regulating device of the first embodiment. Figure 3 (c) of is a perspective view of the temperature regulating device of the first embodiment after assembly.

[0019] Figure 4 is a sectional view of a temperature regulating device of a second embodiment of the present application which is assembled at a branch point of a main passage and a bypass passage.

[0020] Figure 5 is a sectional view at the time of opening of a pressure difference valve of the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 (a) of is a view showing an assembling method of the pressure difference valve of the second embodiment. Figure 6 (b) of is a view showing an assembling method of the temperature regulator of the second embodiment. Figure 6 (c) of is a view showing an assembling method of the temperature regulating device of the second embodiment. Figure 6 (d) of is a perspective view of the temperature regulating device of the second embodiment after assembly

[0022] Figure 7 (a) of is a perspective view of a temperature regulating device of another embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 (b) of is Figure 7 is a sectional view of the temperature regulating device of (a) taken along line 7B-7B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] [First Embodiment]

[0024] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 A temperature regulating device 1 of a first embodiment of the present application will be described. "Up", "down", "left", "right" used in the description of each embodiment of the present application are respectively used for convenience with reference to "up", "down", "left", "right" in the drawings referred to in the description. The temperature regulating device 1 is used, for example, assembled at a passage through which a coolant flows for cooling an engine of an automobile or the like. In the following description, the temperature regulating device 1 is described as a temperature regulating device for a coolant.Figure 1 In this case, the temperature adjustment device 1 is fitted to a branch point of the engine on the outlet side of the main passage 2, 2a, which circulates coolant between the engine and a radiator, and the bypass passage 3, which bypasses the radiator and is connected in parallel to the main passage 2a. Figure 1 The white hollow arrow in indicates the direction in which the coolant flows from the branch point toward the radiator in the passage 2, the main passage 2a, and the bypass passage 3.

[0025] The temperature adjustment device 1 is provided with a temperature adjuster 10 for opening and closing the main passage 2, 2a, a differential pressure valve 20 for opening and closing the bypass passage 3, and a linking unit 26 linking the temperature adjuster 10 and the differential pressure valve 20.

[0026] The temperature adjuster 10 is described. The temperature adjuster 10 is provided with a first valve seat member 11 formed with a first opening portion 11a for communicating with the main passage 2, 2a, a first valve element 12 opening and closing the first opening portion 11a by departing from or seating on the first valve seat member 11, a thermocouple 16 having a valve shaft portion 13 to which the first valve element 12 is fixed, a temperature sensing portion 14 fixed to the base end of the valve shaft portion 13 and in which a material that expands or shrinks in correspondence with temperature is enclosed, and a piston 15 protruding from the tip end of the valve shaft portion 13 and advancing and retreating in correspondence with the expansion or shrinkage of the material, a first urging member 18 urging the first valve element 12 in the closing direction, and a frame 19 fixed to the first valve seat member 11 and supporting the first urging member 18.

[0027] The first valve seat member 11 is provided with a cylindrical portion 11b having the first opening portion 11a on the inner periphery and a ring-shaped portion 11c protruding outward from the cylindrical portion 11b. When the first valve element 12 seats on the ring-shaped portion 11c of the first valve seat member 11, the first opening portion 11a is closed, and the coolant does not flow from the main passage 2 to the partial passage 2a. When the first valve element 12 departs from the ring-shaped portion 11c, the first opening portion 11a is opened, and the coolant flows from the main passage 2 to the partial passage 2a of the main passage 2 through the first opening portion 11a.

[0028] The first valve spool 12 is penetrated by the valve shaft portion 13 and is fixed to the valve shaft portion 13. The material enclosed in the inside of the temperature sensing portion 14 is constituted by wax or the like which senses the temperature of the cooling water around the temperature sensing portion 14 and expands if the temperature rises and shrinks if the temperature falls. The piston 15 is penetrated in the axial direction inside the valve shaft portion 13. The piston 15 advances and retreats in correspondence with expansion or shrinkage of the material, thereby causing the length of the portion of the piston 15 protruding from the end of the valve shaft portion 13 to expand and contract.

[0029] The piston support 17 is supported on the central axis of the piston 15 by a pair of arms 11d which extend from positions opposite each other of the cylindrical portion 11b of the first valve seat member 11 toward the piston support 17. The piston support 17 is pressed against the end portion of the piston 15. If the portion of the piston 15 protruding from the end of the valve shaft portion 13 lengthens, the first valve spool 12, the valve shaft portion 13 and the temperature sensing portion 14 move as a unit in a direction away from the first valve seat member 11. On the other hand, if the portion of the piston 15 protruding shortens, the first valve spool 12, the valve shaft portion 13 and the temperature sensing portion 14 move as a unit in a direction approaching the first valve seat member 11.

[0030] The first force applying member 18 is, for example, a coil spring. One end of the first force applying member 18 presses the first valve spool 12 from the branch point side toward a direction in which the first opening portion 11a is closed. The temperature sensing portion 14 of the thermocouple 16 is inserted in the first force applying member 18.

[0031] The frame 19 has a bottom portion 19a which supports the other end of the first force applying member 18, a bottom portion opening portion 19b which is opened on the inside of the bottom portion 19a, and a pair of column portions 19c which extend upward from positions opposite each other of the bottom portion 19a and are fixed to the annular portion 11c of the first valve seat member 11. The inside and outside of the frame 19 are communicated by an opening formed between the pair of column portions 19c and the bottom portion opening portion 19b.

[0032] The pressure difference valve 20 is described. The pressure difference valve 20 has a second valve seat member 21 which is formed with a second opening portion 21a for communicating with the bypass passage 3, a second valve spool 22 which opens and closes the second opening portion 21a by moving away from or seating against the second valve seat member 21, a second force applying member 23 which applies force to the second valve spool 22 in a closing direction, and a support member 24 which is fixed to the second valve seat member 21 and supports the second force applying member 23.

[0033] The second valve seat component 21 has a connecting hole 21b at its center, and a second opening 21a is formed around the connecting hole 21b. The second valve core 22 is a lift valve, having a central hole 22a and recessed from the outer periphery toward the central hole 21a. The second force-applying component 23 is a helical spring, one end of which abuts against the second valve core 22, pressing the second valve core 22 from the bypass passage 3 toward the closing direction.

[0034] When the second valve core 22 is seated on the second valve seat 21, it closes the second opening 21a, and the coolant flows into the bypass passage 3 without passing through the second opening 21a. When the second valve core 22 leaves the second valve seat 21, it opens the second opening 21a, and the coolant flows into the bypass passage 3 through the second opening 21a.

[0035] The support member 24 has a connecting protrusion 24a, a second valve core guide 24b, a second force-applying member guide 24c, and a second force-applying member support 24d, which are stacked in order of increasing outer diameter. The connecting protrusion 24a passes through the connecting hole 21b, the second valve core guide 24b is inserted into the central hole 22a of the valve core 22, the second force-applying member guide 24c is inserted into the second force-applying member 23, and the second force-applying member support 24d supports the other end of the second force-applying member 23. The press-in nut 25 has a press-in hole 25a in its center. The second valve seat member 21 and the support member 24 are fixed by pressing the connecting protrusion 24a into the press-in hole 25a.

[0036] The connecting unit 26 will be described below. The connecting unit 26 includes: a retainer 27, which fixes the second valve seat component 21 to the inner periphery of the cylindrical side wall 27a; a flange 27b, which protrudes outward from the retainer 27; a bottom 19a of the frame 19, which is disposed on the frame 19 and forms an engaging portion for the flange 27b to be engaged; and a first force-applying member 18, which forms a retainer force-applying member member that applies force to the retainer 27 in a direction that maintains the engagement of the flange 27b with respect to the bottom 19a, which forms the engaging portion.

[0037] The cylindrical sidewall 27a of the retainer 27 has a plurality of connecting holes 27c that allow communication between the inside and outside of the retainer 27. The second valve seat component 21 is integrally fixed to the inner circumference near the lower end of the sidewall 27a of the retainer 27. The upper end of the retainer 27 is open, allowing the temperature sensing part 14 to be freely inserted into the retainer 27. When the temperature sensing part 14 is inserted into the retainer 27, a gap exists between them to provide a passage for the coolant to flow.

[0038] The outer diameter of the sidewall 27a of the retainer 27 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the bottom opening 19b of the frame 19. The outer diameter of the annular flange 27b, which protrudes outward near the upper end of the retainer 27, is larger than the inner diameter of the bottom opening 19b of the frame 19. The retainer 27, inserted into the bottom opening 19b, is supported on the frame 19 by engaging the flange 27b with the bottom 19a of the frame 19, i.e., the engagement portion.

[0039] The first force-applying component 18, constituting the force-applying component of the retainer, presses the flange 27b protruding from the retainer 27 and applies force in a direction that maintains the flange 27b relative to the bottom 19a constituting the engagement portion. The first force-applying component 18 is compressed and held between the flange 27b supported on the bottom 19a of the frame 19 and the first valve core 12.

[0040] Next, refer to Figure 3 The assembly method of the temperature control device 1 is described below. Figure 3 As shown in (a), after the support member 24 is inserted into the center hole 22a of the second force-applying member 23, the second valve core 22, and the engagement hole 21b of the first valve seat member 21, the engagement protrusion 24a is pressed into the press-in hole 25a of the press-in nut 25. Thus, the differential pressure valve 20 is formed as a single unit.

[0041] like Figure 3 (b) and Figure 3 As shown in (c), the retainer 27 of the differential pressure valve 20 is inserted into the bottom opening 19b of the frame 19, such that the flange 27b is engaged with the bottom 19a of the frame 19. While clamping and pressing the first force-applying member 18 between the flange 27b and the first valve core 12, the protrusion 19d at the end of the column portion 19c of the frame 19 is inserted into the hole 11e provided in the annular portion 11c of the first valve seat member 11 for fastening. Furthermore, the gasket 28, made of an elastic material such as rubber, is fitted and assembled around the outer periphery of the annular portion 11c of the first valve seat member 11. This assembly integrates the thermostat 10 and the differential pressure valve 20 into a temperature control device 1.

[0042] Next, the operation of the temperature control device 1 will be explained. Figure 1 In this configuration, the temperature regulating device 1 is mounted at the branch point of the main passage 2 and the bypass passage 3, which allow coolant to flow from the engine's coolant outlet toward the radiator. The thermostat 10 is located near the inlet of a local passage 2a in the main passage 2 that flows from the branch point toward the radiator. The gasket 28 seals the local passage 2a and the thermostat 10.

[0043] The coolant in the main passage 2 flows into the frame 19 through the opening formed between the pair of pillars 19c, or flows into the retainer 27 through the connecting hole 27c and then flows through the gap between the retainer 27 and the temperature sensing part 14. Therefore, the temperature sensing part 14 of the thermocouple 16 can sense the temperature of the coolant as a whole.

[0044] When the differential pressure valve 20 is configured such that the retainer 27 is inserted into the inlet of the bypass passage 3, a gap exists between the inlet of the bypass passage 3 and the retainer 27. This gap constitutes an auxiliary passage 29 that always connects the main passage 2 and the bypass passage 3.

[0045] Because of the auxiliary passage 29, even when the second valve core closes the second opening, the coolant can still flow from the main passage 2 to the bypass passage 3 through the auxiliary passage 29. The temperature sensing part 14 of the thermocouple 16 can always sense the temperature of the coolant.

[0046] Furthermore, given that the gap is created between the inlet of the bypass passage 3 and the retainer 27, the retainer 27 can easily accommodate dimensional tolerances in its outer diameter, thus facilitating design and assembly.

[0047] If the temperature of the coolant sensed by the temperature sensing unit 14 is below the specified temperature, the wax inside the temperature sensing unit 14 contracts, and the length of the portion of the piston 15 protruding from the valve shaft portion 13 is minimized. In this case, the first force-applying member 18 presses down, causing the first valve core 12 to sit on the first valve seat member 11, thereby closing the first opening 11a, so that the coolant does not flow from the main passage 2 to the partial passage 2a toward the radiator.

[0048] In this situation, when the coolant pressure is extremely low, the second valve core 22 of the differential pressure valve 20 is seated on the second valve seat component 21 by the second force-applying component 23, thereby closing the second opening 21a. However, the coolant in the main passage 2 flows to the bypass passage 3 through the gap between the inlet of the bypass passage 3 and the retainer 27, i.e., the auxiliary passage 29.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, if the coolant pressure increases, it overcomes the pressing force of the second force-applying component 23 and presses the second valve core 22 downward, thereby opening the second opening 21a. The opening degree of the differential pressure valve 20 is controlled at the position where the coolant pressure and the pressing force of the second force-applying component 23 are balanced. The coolant flows through the second opening 21a and the auxiliary passage 29 into the bypass passage 3, thus increasing the flow rate of the coolant flowing into the bypass passage 3.

[0050] If the coolant reaches a specified temperature or higher, the wax in the temperature sensing part 14 expands, increasing the length of the portion of the piston 15 protruding from the valve shaft 13. However, the end of the piston 15 is pressed down by the piston support 17, causing the first valve core 12, the valve shaft 13, and the temperature sensing part 14 to descend as a single unit. Thus, the first valve core 12 descends against the pressing force of the first force-applying member 18, opening the first opening 11a. The coolant flowing into the frame 19 then flows from the first opening 11a through the opening between the pair of arms 11d to the partial passage 2a of the radiator leading to the main passage 2. If the opening of the first valve core 12 increases, most of the coolant flows into the partial passage 2a, reducing the coolant pressure towards the differential pressure valve 20. Consequently, the second valve core 22 sits on the second valve seat member 21, closing the second opening 21a. A portion of the coolant in the main passage 2 flows to the bypass passage 3 through the auxiliary passage 29.

[0051] According to the temperature control device 1, the flange 27b, which protrudes outward from the retaining member 27 that fixes the second valve seat component 21 of the differential pressure valve 10 to the inner circumference, is engaged with the bottom 19a, i.e., the engagement portion, of the frame 19 of the thermostat 10. Furthermore, the first force-applying member 18, i.e., the retaining member force-applying member, presses the flange 27b and applies force in a direction maintaining the engagement relative to the bottom 19a, which is the engagement portion. Thus, the temperature control device 1, which integrates the thermostat 10 and the differential pressure valve 20, is obtained in a way that allows for easy dimensional tolerances of components, easy assembly, and easy assembly and replacement relative to the main passage and bypass passage.

[0052] In addition, the existing thermostat can be changed to a frame with the shape and structure of the frame 19, and further adopt the differential pressure valve 20 and the connecting unit 26, so that it can be easily changed into a temperature control device that integrates the differential pressure valve.

[0053] The retaining force-applying component of the temperature regulating device 1 is also used by the first force-applying component 18, which applies force to the flange 27b protruding from the retaining member 27 in the direction of maintaining the engagement relative to the bottom 19a of the frame 19, i.e. the engaging portion. Therefore, miniaturization can be easily achieved.

[0054] [Second Embodiment]

[0055] Next, refer to Figures 4 to 6 The temperature control device 4 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 4In this second embodiment, the temperature control device 4 is mounted at the branch point on the engine outlet side of the main passage 5, 5a that circulates coolant between the engine and the radiator, and the bypass passage 6 that bypasses the radiator and is connected in parallel with the main passage 5. Figure 4 The white hollow arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of coolant flow in the main passage 5, the local passage 5a in the main passage 5 from the branch point toward the radiator, and the bypass passage 6.

[0056] The temperature control device 4 includes: a thermostat 30 for opening and closing the main passages 5 and 5a; a differential pressure valve 40 for opening and closing the bypass passage 6; and a connecting unit 45 for connecting the thermostat 30 and the differential pressure valve 40.

[0057] The thermostat 30 is described below. The thermostat 30 includes: a first valve seat member 31 having a first opening 31a for communication with the main passages 5, 5a; a first valve core 32 that opens and closes the first opening 31a by moving away from or sitting on the first valve seat member 31; a thermocouple 36 having a valve shaft portion 33, a temperature sensing portion 34, and a piston 35, wherein the first valve core 32 is fixed to the valve shaft portion 33, the temperature sensing portion 34 is fixed to the base end of the valve shaft portion 33 and is sealed with a material that expands or contracts in response to temperature, and the piston 35 protrudes from the end of the valve shaft portion 33 and moves forward and backward in response to the expansion or contraction of the material; a first force-applying member 38 that applies force to the first valve core 32 in a closing direction; and a frame 39 fixed to the first valve seat member 31 and supporting the first force-applying member 38.

[0058] The first valve seat component 31 includes: a cylindrical portion 31b having the first opening 31a on its inner periphery; and an annular portion 31c protruding outward from the cylindrical portion 31b. When the first valve core 32 is seated on the annular portion 31c of the first valve seat component 31, it closes the first opening 31a, preventing coolant from flowing from the main passage 5 to the partial passage 5a. When the first valve core 32 leaves the annular portion 31c, it opens the first opening 31a, allowing coolant to flow from the main passage 5 through the first opening 31a to the partial passage 5a of the main passage 5.

[0059] The first valve core 32 is passed through and fixed to the valve shaft portion 33. The material sealed inside the temperature sensing part 34 is a wax or similar substance that senses the temperature of the cooling water surrounding the temperature sensing part 34 and expands when the temperature rises and contracts when the temperature falls. The piston 35 passes through the valve shaft portion 33 axially. The piston 35 moves forward and backward in response to the expansion or contraction of the material, thereby extending or retracting the length of the portion of the piston 35 protruding from the end of the valve shaft portion 33.

[0060] The piston support 37 is located on the central axis of the piston 35 and is supported by a pair of arms 31d extending toward the piston support 37 from opposite positions of the cylindrical portion 31b of the first valve seat member 31. The piston support 37 is pressed against the end portion of the piston 35. If the portion of the piston 35 protruding from the end of the valve shaft portion 33 is extended, the first valve core 32, the valve shaft portion 33, and the temperature sensing portion 34 move as a unit in a direction away from the first valve seat member 31. On the other hand, if the portion of the piston 35 protruding is shortened, the first valve core 32, the valve shaft portion 33, and the temperature sensing portion 34 move as a unit in a direction closer to the first valve seat member 31.

[0061] The first force-applying component 38 is, for example, a helical spring. One end of the first force-applying component 38 presses the first valve core 32 from the branch point in the direction that closes the first opening 31a. The temperature sensing part 34 of the thermocouple 36 is inserted into the first force-applying component 38.

[0062] The frame 39 includes: an annular bottom 39a supporting the other end of the first force-applying member 38; a bottom opening 39b opening inside the bottom 39a; and a pair of pillars 39c extending upward from opposite positions on the bottom 39a and fixed to the annular portion 31c of the first valve seat member 31. The opening formed between the pair of pillars 39c and the bottom opening 39b allow communication between the inside and outside of the frame 39.

[0063] The differential pressure valve 40 will be described below. The differential pressure valve 40 includes: a second valve seat member 41 having a second opening 41a for communicating with the bypass passage 6; a second valve core 42 that opens and closes the second opening 41a by moving away from or sitting on the second valve seat member 41; a second force-applying member 43 that applies force to the second valve core 42 in a closing direction; and a support member 44 that is fixed to the second valve seat member 41 and supports the second force-applying member 43.

[0064] The second valve seat component 41 has a connecting hole 41b at its center, and a second opening 41a is formed around the connecting hole 41b. The second valve core 42 is a lift valve, having a central hole 42a and recessed from the outer periphery toward the central hole 41a. The second force-applying component 43 is a helical spring, one end of which abuts against the second valve core 42, pressing the second valve core 42 from the bypass passage 3 toward the closing direction.

[0065] When the second valve core 42 is seated on the second valve seat 41, a gap 41c, not closed by the second valve core, exists in the second opening 41a. Therefore, the coolant flows through this gap 41c into the bypass passage 3. This gap 41c constitutes an auxiliary passage that always connects the main passage 5 to the bypass passage 6. Figure 5 As shown, when the second valve core 42 leaves the second valve seat 41, the second opening 41a is fully open. At this time, the coolant flows through the second opening 41a and into the bypass passage 3.

[0066] Even when the second valve core 42 is seated on the second valve seat 41, the gap 41c that constitutes the auxiliary passage exists. Therefore, the coolant is always connected from the main passage 5 to the bypass passage 6. Thus, the temperature sensing unit 34 is always able to sense the temperature of the coolant.

[0067] The support member 44 has a connecting protrusion 44a, a second valve core guide 44b, a second force-applying member guide 44c, and a second force-applying member support 44d that are overlapped in order of increasing outer diameter. The connecting protrusion 44a passes through the connecting hole 41b, the second valve core guide 44b is inserted into the central hole 42a of the valve core 42, the second force-applying member guide 44c is inserted into the second force-applying member 43, and the second force-applying member support 44d supports the other end of the second force-applying member 43.

[0068] The connecting unit 45 will be described below. The connecting unit 45 includes: a third force-applying member 46; a retainer 47, to which the second valve seat member 41, serving as a bottom, is integrally fixed on the inner circumference of a cylindrical sidewall 47a; a flange 47b protruding outward from a pair of pillars 47c extending upward from opposite positions on the sidewall 47a of the retainer 47; and an engaging portion 39d, configured to protrude outward from opposite sides of the bottom 39a of the frame 39, and having a hole for inserting the flange 47b for engagement. A connecting hole 47d opens between the pair of pillars 47c of the retainer 47. Each pillar 47c also has a connecting hole 47e.

[0069] The upper end of the retainer 47 is open, and the lower part of the third force-applying member 46 is housed within the retainer 47. The third force-applying member 46 is clamped between the bottom 39a of the frame 39 and the bottom of the retainer 47 and is compressed and held in place. The third force-applying member 46 constitutes a retainer force-applying member, which applies force to the retainer 47 in a direction that maintains the engagement of the flange 47b of the retainer 47 relative to the engagement portion 39d of the frame 39.

[0070] Next, refer to Figure 6The assembly method of the temperature control device 4 is described below. Figure 6 As shown in (a), the support member 44 is inserted through the second force-applying member 43, the central hole 42a of the second valve core 42, and the mating hole 41b of the second valve seat member 41, which is integrally fixed as the bottom of the retainer 47. The second valve seat member 41, which is integrated with the retainer 47, is fixed to the support member 44 by roll riveting in a manner that flattens and expands the mating protrusion 44a. The differential pressure valve 40, which is integrated with the retainer 47, is thus assembled.

[0071] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown in (b), the first force-applying component 38 is supported on the bottom 19a of the frame 19, and the temperature sensing part 34 of the thermocouple 36 is inserted into the bottom opening 39b of the frame 39. The first force-applying component 38 is clamped and pressed between the first valve core 32, which is fixed to the valve shaft part 33, and the bottom 19a. The protrusion 39e at the end of the column part 39c of the frame 39 is inserted into the hole 31e provided in the annular part 31c of the first valve seat component 31 and riveted. The thermostat 30 is thus assembled.

[0072] Next, as Figure 6 As shown in (c), the third force-applying member 46 is clamped and compressed between the retainer 47, which is integrated with the differential pressure valve 40, and the frame 39 of the thermostat 30. After elastically deforming one pair of post portions 47c of the retainer 47 and inserting the flange 47b into the hole of each engaging portion 39d of the frame 39, the elastic deformation is released, causing the hook 47b to engage with the engaging portion 39d. The third force-applying member 46, as a force-applying member of the retainer, applies force in the direction that maintains the engagement of the hook 47b with respect to the engaging portion 39d. A gasket 48, formed of an elastic material such as rubber, is fitted and assembled to the outer periphery of the annular portion 31c. Thus, as Figure 6 As shown in (d), the temperature control device 4 is assembled so that the thermostat 30 and the differential pressure valve 40 are integrated.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, when the temperature control device 4 is assembled, the temperature controller 30 is fixed to the local passage 5a of the main passage 5, and the gasket 48 is used to seal the temperature controller 30 and the local passage 5a.

[0074] The differential pressure valve 40 of the temperature control device 4 is inserted into the inlet of the bypass passage 6. The retainer 47, which is integrated with the differential pressure valve 40, is pressed by the third force-applying member 46 while contacting the main passage 5 around the inlet of the bypass passage 6. At this time, the flange 47b is designed to be inserted into the hole of the engaging portion 39d while not in contact with the engaging portion 39d, that is, to be in a state of floating from the engaging portion 39d. Therefore, even if the position of the flange 47b or the engaging portion 39d is offset due to dimensional tolerances, offset is allowed. Furthermore, as long as the differential pressure valve 40 is inserted into the inlet of the bypass passage 6, and the retainer 47 is pressed by the third force-applying member 46 while contacting the main passage 5 around the inlet, the aforementioned dimensional tolerances can be tolerated even if there are dimensional tolerances in the inner diameter of the inlet of the bypass passage 6 and the seating position of the retainer 47, and in the case of dimensional tolerances in the outer diameter of the differential pressure valve 40 and the outer diameter and height of the retainer 47.

[0075] Next, the operation of the temperature control device 4 will be explained. Figure 4 In this configuration, the coolant in the main passage 5 flows into the frame 39 through the opening formed between the pair of pillars 39c, or flows into the retainer 47 through the connecting holes 47d and 47e. Therefore, the temperature sensing part 34 of the thermocouple 36 can sense the temperature of the coolant as a whole.

[0076] If the temperature of the coolant sensed by the temperature sensing unit 34 is below the specified temperature, the wax inside the temperature sensing unit 34 contracts, and the length of the portion of the piston 35 protruding from the valve shaft portion 33 is minimized. In this case, the first valve core 32 is pressed by the first force-applying member 38, causing it to sit on the first valve seat member 31, closing the first opening 31a, and the coolant does not flow from the main passage 5 to the partial passage 5a toward the radiator.

[0077] In this situation, when the coolant pressure is extremely low, the second valve core 42 of the differential pressure valve 40 is seated on the second valve seat component 41 by the second force-applying component 43, but there is a gap 41c in the second opening 41a that is not closed by the second valve core 42. The coolant in the main passage 5 flows to the bypass passage 3 through the auxiliary passage 49 formed by the gap 41c.

[0078] like Figure 5 As shown, if the coolant pressure increases, the second valve core 42 is pressed downwards against the pressing force of the second force-applying component 43, thus opening the second opening 41a. The opening degree of the differential pressure valve 40 is controlled at the position where the coolant pressure and the pressing force of the second force-applying component 43 are balanced. The flow rate of the coolant flowing into the bypass passage 6 through the second opening 41a increases.

[0079] If the coolant reaches a specified temperature or higher, the wax in the temperature sensing part 34 expands, increasing the length of the portion of the piston 35 protruding from the valve shaft 33. However, the end of the piston 35 is pressed down by the piston support 37, causing the first valve core 32, the valve shaft 33, and the temperature sensing part 34 to descend as a single unit. Therefore, the first valve core 32 overcomes the pressing force of the first force-applying member 38 and descends, opening the first opening 31a. As a result, the coolant flowing into the frame 39 flows from the first opening 31a through the opening between the pair of arms 31d into the partial passage 5a of the radiator leading to the main passage 5. If the opening of the first valve core 32 increases, most of the cooling water flows into the partial passage 5a, thus reducing the cooling water pressure towards the differential pressure valve 40. Consequently, the second valve core 42 sits on the second valve seat member 41. There is a gap 41c in the second opening 41a that is not closed by the second valve core 42. Therefore, a portion of the coolant in the main passage 5 flows to the bypass passage 3 through the auxiliary passage 49 formed by the gap 41c.

[0080] According to the temperature control device 4, the flange 47b, which protrudes outward from the retaining member 47 that fixes the second valve seat component 41, is engaged with the engaging portion 39d provided on the frame 39. Furthermore, the third force-applying member 38, i.e., the retaining member force-applying member, is compressed while being sandwiched between the frame 39 and the retaining member 47, applying force in the direction that maintains the engagement of the flange 47b relative to the engaging portion 39b. Thus, the temperature control device 4, which integrates the thermostat 30 and the differential pressure valve 40, allows for easy assembly, easy assembly and replacement relative to the main passage and bypass passage, and easily allows for dimensional tolerances of components to be accommodated.

[0081] In addition, regarding the existing thermostat, it can be changed to a frame with the shape and structure of the frame 39 and further adopt the differential pressure valve 40 and the connecting unit 45, thereby making it easy to change into a temperature control device that integrates the differential pressure valve.

[0082] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but also includes various modifications and equivalents included in the technical concept of the present invention and its structural elements.

[0083] For example, such as Figure 7As shown, in another embodiment of the present invention, the temperature control device 7 connects the thermostat 50 and the differential pressure valve 20 into one unit using a connecting unit 60. The thermostat 50 has a housing 51 that integrates the first valve seat component, the piston support component, and the frame. The differential pressure valve 20 integrates the retainer 27 of the first embodiment of the present invention. The connecting unit 60 includes: the retainer 27; a flange 27b that protrudes outward from the retainer 27; a bottom frame 59a that can be fixed to the housing 51 and forms a locking portion for the flange 27b to engage when the retainer 27 is inserted into the opening 59b; and a first force-applying member 18 that forms a retainer force-applying member that applies force to the flange 27b of the retainer 27 in the direction of maintaining the engagement of the flange 27b relative to the bottom frame 59a, i.e., the locking portion.

[0084] Industrial utilization potential

[0085] This invention can be used in temperature control devices and the like, which are installed in the engine coolant circuit of automobiles.

[0086] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0087] 1, 4, 7…Temperature control device; 2, 2a, 5, 5a…Main passage; 3, 6…Bypass passage; 10, 30, 50…Thermostat; 11, 31…First valve seat assembly; 11a, 31a…First opening; 12, 32…First valve core; 13, 33…Valve shaft assembly; 14, 34…Temperature sensing part; 15, 35…Piston; 16, 36…Thermocouple; 18…First force-applying component (holding force-applying component); 19, 39…Frame; 19a, 39d, 59a …Engaging part; 20, 40…Differential pressure valve; 21, 41…Second valve seat assembly; 21a, 41a…Second opening; 22, 42…Second valve core; 23, 43…Second force-applying component; 24, 44…Support component; 25…Push-in nut; 26, 45, 60…Connecting unit; 27, 47…Retaining member; 27a, 47d, 47e…Connecting hole; 27b, 47b…Flange; 38…First force-applying component; 46…Third force-applying component (retaining member force-applying component).

Claims

1. A temperature regulating device for mounting at a branch point of a main passage and a bypass passage, characterized in that, The temperature control device includes: Thermostat, which is used to open and close the main circuit; Differential pressure valve, used to open and close the bypass passage; and The connecting unit connects the thermostat and the differential pressure valve. This thermostat features: The first valve seat component has a first opening for communicating with the main passage; The first valve core opens and closes the first opening by moving away from or sitting on the first valve seat component. A thermocouple having a valve shaft, a temperature sensing part, and a piston, wherein a first valve core is fixed to the valve shaft, the temperature sensing part is fixed to the base end of the valve shaft and is sealed with a material that expands or contracts in accordance with temperature, and the piston protrudes from the end of the valve shaft and moves forward and backward in accordance with the expansion or contraction of the material. A first force-applying component applies force to the first valve core in a closing direction; and A frame, which is fixed to the first valve seat component and supports the first force-applying component. This differential pressure valve has the following features: The second valve seat component has a second opening for communicating with the bypass passage; The second valve core opens and closes the second opening by moving away from or sitting on the second valve seat component. The second force-applying component applies force to the second valve core in the closing direction; and A support component, which is fixed to the second valve seat component and supports the second force-applying component. This connection unit has: A retainer having a connecting hole on its side and securing the second valve seat component to its inner circumference; A flange that protrudes outward from the retainer; A locking portion, which is disposed on the frame and for the flange to be engaged; and The retaining force-applying component applies force to the retainer in the direction that maintains the engagement of the flange relative to the engaging portion.

2. The temperature regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining force-applying component is a first force-applying component that applies force in the direction of maintaining the engagement relative to the engaging portion by pressing the flange protruding from the retaining component.

3. The temperature regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retainer force-applying component is a third force-applying component that is different from the first force-applying component and the second force-applying component and is clamped between the frame and the retainer and compressed.

4. The temperature regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control device also has an auxiliary passage, which is always connected from the main passage to the bypass passage during assembly.

5. The temperature regulating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The auxiliary passage is the gap between the inlet of the bypass passage and the retainer inserted into the inlet.

6. The temperature regulating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The auxiliary passage is the gap in the second opening that is not closed by the second valve core when the second valve core is seated on the second valve seat component.

Images