radiator thermostat

Abstract

Radiator thermostat (11) for valves in heating or cooling systems for regulating room air temperature, - with a valve connection part (12) and with a fastening means (14) arranged thereon for a valve connection, - with an intermediate housing (19) which is connected to the valve connection part (12) via a thread (17), - with a temperature displacement sensor (28) arranged between the intermediate housing (19) and the valve connection part (12), which has a pot-shaped housing (32) with a closed bottom (35) and a metal bellows (36) at least partially enclosed by the housing (32), the metal bellows opening (37) of which is opposite the bottom (35) of the housing (32), wherein the housing (32) and the metal bellows (36) form a closed control volume filled with a medium, and a metal bellows bottom (38) of the metal bellows (36), which is opposite the metal bellows opening (37), performs an actuating movement depending on the temperature of the medium, - with a control plunger (26) for the valve to be actuated, which can be controlled by the temperature displacement sensor (28), characterized in that - the temperature displacement sensor (28) is aligned with its closed base (35) pointing towards the control plunger (26) and / or - that a thermal shielding device (51) is provided between the control plunger (26) and the temperature displacement sensor (28).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a radiator thermostat for valves in heating or cooling systems for regulating room air temperature.

[0002] From DE 20 2005 008 741 U1, DE 600 03 291 T2 and DE 200 04 519 U1, a radiator thermostat for valves in heating or cooling systems for regulating room air temperature is known. The radiator thermostat has a valve connection part with a fastening means for a valve connection on a radiator or cooling element. An operating element is rotatably connected to the valve connection part via a threaded connection. An overload protection device is integrated into the valve connection part, this overload protection device having a control plunger pointing towards the operating element and, opposite it, an actuating plunger pointing towards the valve. A temperature sensor is provided for regulating the room temperature; this sensor is arranged between the operating element and the overload protection device.This temperature displacement sensor comprises a pot-shaped housing with a closed bottom and a metal bellows surrounded by the housing, forming a closed control volume filled with medium. The metal bellows includes a metal bellows base near the bottom of the housing and a metal bellows opening opposite it. A control plunger of the overload protection device engages in this opening. A change in the ambient air temperature causes a change in the volume of the medium within the temperature displacement sensor, resulting in a movement of the metal bellows base. This movement is transmitted to the overload protection device, where an actuating plunger of the overload protection device applies a movement to a pin of the valve on the heating or cooling element.

[0003] Such radiator thermostats have the disadvantage that heat radiation or conduction from a heating or cooling element affects the temperature sensor. For example, heat radiation or conduction triggers a premature closing movement of the control plunger. This results in the valve setting set by the radiator thermostat for an acceptable and comfortable room temperature not corresponding to the actual room air temperature. The temperature setting is distorted.

[0004] From DE 200 13 130 U1, a return temperature limiter with a thermal expansion element is known. This return temperature limiter transfers the temperature from the valve on the radiator to the thermal expansion element in order to limit the return temperature from the radiator outlet.

[0005] A thermostatic valve is disclosed in GB 2 545 881 A. This valve features a temperature sensor with a closed base and, opposite this base, a metal bellows with a metal bellows opening, in which a control volume filled with medium is provided. The metal bellows opening accommodates an actuating element, with the metal bellows opening and the actuating element oriented directly towards the valve connection.

[0006] An analogous arrangement is known from DE 199 17 781 A1.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of proposing a radiator thermostat in which temperature radiation on a temperature displacement sensor in the radiator thermostat, in particular heat radiation due to the high flow temperature in the heating system, is reduced.

[0008] According to one alternative design of the radiator thermostat, this problem is solved by aligning the temperature sensor with its closed base facing the control plunger. This prevents heat input through the control plunger, which previously occurred via the plunger engaging the metal bellows through the bellows opening and extending to the base of the bellows. This significantly reduces or even eliminates such heat input into the temperature sensor via the control plunger, allowing the temperature sensor to operate with greater variability depending on the room air temperature or the ambient temperature. An alternative design of the radiator thermostat incorporates a thermal shield between the control plunger and the temperature sensor.Such a thermal shielding device ensures that the heat or cold radiation emanating from the heating or cooling element is shielded from the temperature sensor, thus reducing the influence, particularly of heat radiation and heat conduction, on the temperature sensor from the heating or cooling element.

[0009] According to a further alternative design of the radiator thermostat, the two aforementioned embodiments can also be combined with each other.

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the base of the housing of the temperature displacement sensor has a cranked base shape, with its inner base surface projecting outwards relative to the edge region of the base, particularly towards the valve connection part or any overload protection device that may be present. This provides, on the one hand, a contact surface for the control plunger on the base of the housing, and on the other hand, the adjacent edge region, with its resulting annular surface, as well as the rest of the housing volume, are set back from the inner base surface by the amount of the crank. This further distances the control volume of the temperature displacement sensor from the heating or cooling element. However, such a seemingly small degree of cranking of the base results in a significant reduction of the radiation effect, particularly heat radiation, on the temperature displacement sensor.

[0011] Furthermore, a displacement transmission element is arranged on the temperature displacement sensor, comprising a pin that extends into the metal bellows opening and an actuating disc located at the protruding end of the pin. This actuating disc is preferably provided on an end section of the control element opposite the overload protection device. This actuating disc can also be provided on an end section of an intermediate housing located within the control element, opposite the overload protection device. Such an intermediate housing preferably accommodates the control element and is threaded to the valve connection part, since the displacement transmission element is positioned fixedly relative to the control element or intermediate housing, thus ensuring actuation of the control plunger of the overload protection device.

[0012] This position transfer element can be provided as a separate component and engage an end section of the intermediate housing or control element, in particular by means of a snap-fit ​​or clip connection. Alternatively, this position transfer element can also be integrally integrated with the control element or the intermediate housing.

[0013] Another preferred embodiment provides that the temperature displacement sensor is slidably guided in the control element or the intermediate housing, particularly in the direction of the valve connection part or any overload protection device that may be present. Because the metal bellows base is held virtually stationary via the displacement transmission element, which is connected to the intermediate housing or the control element, a positioning movement results in a displacement movement of the base of the housing, and in particular of the entire housing, in the direction of the overload protection device to change the valve position on the heating or cooling element.

[0014] Another preferred embodiment of the thermal shielding device provides that it is designed as an insulating base, which is adapted to the base of the temperature sensor as a disc or in its contour. This insulating base preferably extends completely along the base of the temperature sensor. This allows for shielding of the radiation acting on the temperature sensor from the direction of the mounting element or the valve connection part.

[0015] Preferably, a space is formed between the thermal shielding device and the bottom of the housing. This allows an insulating air layer to form between the bottom of the housing of the temperature displacement sensor and the thermal shielding device, thus providing additional thermal shielding.

[0016] Another alternative design for the thermal shielding device is that it is designed as an insulating cap which at least partially surrounds the temperature displacement sensor at the base and on an outer wall. Such an insulating cap allows for simple installation, for example, by placing it on the housing of the temperature displacement sensor. Furthermore, such an insulating cap can simultaneously guide the temperature displacement sensor within the control element or intermediate housing.

[0017] Another advantageous embodiment of the thermal shielding device provides that it has lateral ribs or guide sections located between an outer circumferential wall of the temperature sensor housing and the intermediate housing or the operating element. This allows for guidance of the temperature sensor and facilitates positioning.

[0018] Furthermore, the ribs or guide sections and / or the outer wall of the housing of the temperature displacement sensor may have a sliding coating, in particular a Teflon coating.

[0019] Advantageously, the thermal shielding device is made of a material with poor thermal conductivity, in particular plastic, or of a material with a coating that reflects heat towards the control plunger.

[0020] Furthermore, the thermal device can be designed as a coating, in particular paint, applied at least to the bottom of the housing of the temperature displacement sensor, or as a flocking or as a reflective coating.

[0021] Furthermore, the contact surface of the control plunger, which engages the base of the temperature sensor housing or the thermal shielding device, can be designed as a point. This further reduces heat input into the temperature sensor.

[0022] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that an overload protection device is provided between the temperature sensor and the valve connection part, which has an actuating plunger pointing towards the valve to be actuated and the control plunger opposite it. This protects the valve to be actuated in the event of excessive external heat exposure to the temperature sensor, as the overload protection device can compensate for an excessive stroke.

[0023] An alternative embodiment of the radiator thermostat incorporates an overload protection device in the displacement transmission element. This overload protection device comprises a sliding sleeve arranged on a shortened pin of the displacement transmission element. A force storage element is provided within the sleeve, such that a movement of the sleeve towards the shortened pin pressurizes the force storage element. This, in turn, decouples the displacement transmission element from the control plunger, as the metal bellows shortens with increasing temperature volume following a displacement movement of the temperature sensor.

[0024] Alternatively, the temperature sensor can act directly on a control plunger, which has an actuating plunger opposite it, with the control plunger and actuating plunger forming a single component. This embodiment can be provided in a simple embodiment of the radiator thermostat, so that the temperature sensor directly actuates the control plunger and thus the valve to be actuated. Furthermore, such an embodiment can be provided in an overload protection device integrated into the displacement transmission element, as described above.

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control plunger and load plunger are guided in a shielding body located between the temperature sensor and an end face of the valve connection part. This arrangement has the advantage of ensuring secure positioning of both the control plunger and the actuating plunger within the valve connection. In addition, the shielding body can provide further thermal shielding, preferably filling the internal volume formed by the valve connection part. This allows for additional shielding against radiation from the heating or cooling element to the temperature sensor.

[0026] The invention, as well as further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features that can be derived from the description and the drawing can be applied individually or in any combination according to the invention. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic sectional view of a radiator thermostat and Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the radiator thermostat according to Fig. 1.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a radiator thermostat 11 for a valve in a heating or cooling system for regulating the room air temperature, shown in full section. This radiator thermostat 11 comprises a valve connection part 12, to which a fastening element 14 is provided for detachable connection to a valve (not shown) of a heating or cooling element. The valve connection part 12 has a receiving chamber 16 to which an intermediate housing 19 with a thread 17 is connected. This intermediate housing 19 is at least partially enclosed by an operating element 21 and connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner. Alternatively, the intermediate housing 19 and the operating element 21 can also be designed as a single component.

[0028] An overload protection device 23 is provided in the receiving chamber 16 of the valve connection part 12. This device has an actuating plunger 25 that extends through an end face 27 of the receiving chamber 16 and has a control plunger 26 opposite it. A temperature displacement sensor 28 is arranged between the intermediate housing 19 or the operating element 21 and the overload protection device 23. The temperature displacement sensor 28 rests against the control plunger 26. The intermediate housing 19 receives the temperature displacement sensor 28 on the opposite side. In particular, a displacement transmission element 30 is provided on the temperature displacement sensor 28, which is supported by or engages the intermediate housing 19.

[0029] The temperature displacement sensor 28 consists of a housing 32, in particular a cup-shaped housing 32, with a cover 33 that is soldered or welded to a housing wall 34. A corrugated tube or metal bellows 36 is arranged inside the cup-shaped housing 32, having a metal bellows opening 37 and, opposite this opening, a metal bellows base 38. The metal bellows 36 is rigidly connected to the cover 33 of the housing 32 by means of the metal bellows opening 37. This forms a completely closed control volume in which a medium is introduced. Liquids, expansion materials, and liquids or expansion materials with phase changes can be used as the medium for the temperature displacement sensor 28. When the medium's temperature changes, an expansion of the medium can exert a positioning movement on the metal bellows base 38. The metal bellows base 38 is then moved by the medium towards the metal bellows opening 37.

[0030] The displacement transmission element 30 comprises a pin 41 that extends completely through the metal bellows opening 37 to the metal bellows base 38. An adjusting disk 42 is arranged at one end of the pin 41 located outside the metal bellows 36. This adjusting disk 42 can be integrally mounted on an upper end section 44 of the intermediate housing 19. Alternatively, this adjusting disk 42 can be, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown, held in a position relative to the end section 44 by an undercut.

[0031] The temperature displacement sensor 28 is slidably guided in the intermediate housing 19, meaning that it can be moved towards the overload protection device 23. For this purpose, the intermediate housing 19 may be provided with guide elements or guide ribs, sliding surfaces or sliding coatings (not shown in detail).

[0032] Such a positioning movement of the housing 32 of the temperature displacement sensor 28 results from the fact that the metal bellows base 38 is held in a fixed position within the radiator thermostat 11 by the displacement transmission element 30, which engages the intermediate housing 19 or the operating element 21. This allows the base 35 of the housing 32 to be lifted relative to the metal bellows base 38 when the medium in the control volume expands. The length of the metal bellows 36 can thereby be reduced. This allows the housing 32 with the cover 33 to be axially displaceable towards the overload protection device 23, thus performing a positioning movement. The actuating plunger 25 of the overload protection device 23 can then act on the valve and initiate a closing movement of the valve.

[0033] A positioning movement of the housing of the temperature displacement sensor 28 can also be achieved by reducing the volume of the medium. In this case, i.e., during cooling, the base 35 of the housing 32 is lowered relative to the metal bellows base 38. The length of the metal bellows 36 increases. This allows the housing 32 with the cover 33 to be moved in the opposite direction to the overload protection device 23. This enables the valve on the heating or cooling element to open.

[0034] The housing 32 of the temperature displacement sensor 28 points with its base 35 towards the control plunger 26. Thus, the temperature displacement sensor 28 is aligned with the base 35 of the housing 32 towards the overload protection device 23 and is located in the intermediate housing 19 or the operating element 21. The base 35 is offset, forming an inner base surface 46 projecting towards the overload protection device 23 and a recessed edge region 47 relative to this base surface 46. This offset positions the relevant part of the control volume further away from the valve connection part 12 or from the valve (not shown) of a heating or cooling element, thereby reducing the influence of heat or cold radiation.

[0035] A thermal shielding device 51 can be arranged between the temperature displacement sensor 28 and the overload protection device 23 to reduce radiation acting on the temperature displacement sensor 28, which acts in particular from a connection side of the radiator thermostat 11 towards the temperature displacement sensor 28. This thermal shielding device 51 can be arranged in addition to the orientation of the temperature displacement sensor 28 according to the [reference to be added]. Fig. as shown in the embodiment 1. Furthermore, such a thermal shielding device 51 can provide thermal separation between the overload protection device 23 and another thermal actuator for controlling the valve on the heating or cooling element.

[0036] The thermal shielding device 51 is designed as an insulating cap, as is the case in Fig. Figure 1 is shown. This is preferably adapted approximately to the contour of the cranked base 35. Advantageously, gaps are provided between the housing wall 34 and the inner base surface 46, which space the thermal shielding device 51 away from the base 35 in order to prevent heat input, for example through contact. Rather, the gaps form thermal insulators.

[0037] The thermal shielding device 51 can, for example, be made of a poorly conductive material, such as plastic. This poorly conductive material can additionally be provided with an insulating or reflective coating to enable further thermal shielding.

[0038] Alternatively, the thermal shielding device 51 can be designed as a coating or flocking on the base 35.

[0039] The thermal shielding device 51 can also have a guiding function in addition to its shielding function, by providing guide elements, sections, or the like between the housing wall 34 and the opposing intermediate housing 19. Such guide sections can have a sliding coating, in particular a Teflon coating.

[0040] At the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the thermal shielding device 51 is in direct contact with the outer bottom surface 46 of the housing 32. This allows for direct force transmission from the housing 32 to the control plunger 26 via the overload protection device 23. Preferably, the contact area between the thermal shielding device 51 and the temperature displacement sensor 28, in particular the outer bottom surface 46 of the housing 32, is kept small. For example, a point-like contact surface can be provided on one of the two contact surfaces of the contact point. Furthermore, or alternatively, the end face of the control plunger 26 and the opposite contact surface of the thermal shielding device 51 can also be designed with reduced surface contact. The same applies if the control plunger 26 acts directly on the temperature displacement sensor 28, for example, if no thermal shielding device 51 is provided.

[0041] The preferred orientation of the temperature displacement sensor 28, in which the metal bellows opening 37 is oriented away from the overload protection device 23 and / or from the thermal shielding device 51, which is arranged between the temperature displacement sensor 28 and the overload protection device 23, reduces the heat or cold radiation affecting the control volume of the temperature displacement sensor 28. This increases the control accuracy of the radiator thermostat 11.

[0042] In Fig. 2 is an alternative embodiment of the radiator thermostat 11 to Fig. Figure 1 is shown. Only the deviations are described below. Regarding the remaining similarities, reference is made to the... Fig. 1 referenced.

[0043] In this embodiment, the overload protection device 23 is integrated into the displacement transmission element 30. This displacement transmission element 30 has a shortened pin 41 on which a slidably mounted sleeve 56 is arranged, completing the pin 41 by its shortened portion. As a result, the sleeve 56 extends to the metal bellows base 38. A force storage element 57, in particular a compression spring, is provided within the sleeve 56. This compression spring is guided by a guide section 58 on the shortened pin. The sleeve 56 surrounds the force storage element 57 and is slidably held on the pin 41 both in and against the longitudinal axis of the pin 41.This makes it possible that, after a complete delivery movement of the control plunger 26 towards the valve to be actuated, the metal bellows base 38 is moved towards the metal bellows opening 37 as the medium in the temperature displacement sensor 28 expands further, thus compensating for the increasing control volume in the event of an overload of the temperature displacement sensor 28.

[0044] At this in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, it is further preferably provided that the control plunger 26 and the actuating plunger 25 are formed from a single component, which are advantageously guided in a shielding body 54. Alternatively, two separate components can also be provided, which are guided in the shielding body 54, in which case their end faces bear against each other to transmit an actuating movement.

[0045] The shielding body 54 is preferably designed as a thermally insulating material or a thermally radiating material, so that the radiation acting from the connection side towards the temperature displacement sensor 28 can be absorbed or reflected. Such a shielding body 54, which preferably completely fills the internal volume of the valve connection part 12, can in turn provide thermal shielding from the temperature displacement sensor 28.

[0046] In another embodiment of the radiator thermostat 11, which is not shown in detail, a structure can be provided in which the temperature displacement sensor 28 and a displacement transmission element 30 are arranged according to Fig. 1 are arranged in the intermediate housing 19 and a control plunger 26 and an actuating plunger 25, in particular with a shielding body 54, are provided between the temperature displacement sensor 28 and, if applicable, the thermal shielding device 51, as is the case for Fig.2 is described.

Claims

[1] Radiator thermostat (11) for valves in heating or cooling systems for regulating room air temperature, - with a valve connection part (12) and with a fastening means (14) arranged thereon for a valve connection, - with an intermediate housing (19) which is connected to the valve connection part (12) via a thread (17), - with a temperature displacement sensor (28) arranged between the intermediate housing (19) and the valve connection part (12), which has a pot-shaped housing (32) with a closed bottom (35) and a metal bellows (36) at least partially enclosed by the housing (32), the metal bellows opening (37) of which is opposite the bottom (35) of the housing (32), wherein the housing (32) and the metal bellows (36) form a closed control volume filled with a medium, and a metal bellows bottom (38) of the metal bellows (36), which is opposite the metal bellows opening (37), performs an actuating movement depending on the temperature of the medium, - with a control plunger (26) for the valve to be actuated, which can be controlled by the temperature sensor (28), characterized by , that - the temperature displacement sensor (28) is aligned with its closed base (35) pointing towards the control plunger (26) and / or - that a thermal shielding device (51) is provided between the control plunger (26) and the temperature displacement sensor (28). [2] Radiator thermostat (11) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the closed bottom (35) of the housing (32) has a cranked bottom shape, the inner bottom surface (46) of which protrudes beyond the edge area (47) of the bottom (35). [3] Radiator thermostat (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a displacement transmission element (30) is arranged on the temperature displacement sensor (28), which comprises a pin (41) plunging into the metal bellows opening (37) and an actuating disc (42) arranged at a protruding end of the pin (41), which is arranged on an end section (44) of an operating element (21) or of the intermediate housing (19) opposite an overload protection device (23). [4] Radiator thermostat (11) according to claim 3, characterized by, that the path transmission element (30) engages the end section (44) of the intermediate housing (19) or the control element (21) or is arranged integrally thereon. [5] Radiator thermostat (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the temperature displacement sensor (28) is guided in the intermediate housing (19) or control element (21) in a displaceable manner, in particular in the direction of the valve connection part (12). [6] Radiator thermostat (11) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the thermal shielding device (51) is designed as an insulating base which is adapted as a disk or in contour to the base (35) of the temperature displacement sensor (28). [7] Radiator thermostat (11) according to claim 1 or 6, characterized by , that the thermal shielding device (51) and the base (35) of the housing (32) are arranged at least partially without contact with each other and form a free space between them. [8] Radiator thermostat (11) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the thermal shielding device (51) is designed as an insulating cap which surrounds the temperature displacement sensor (28) on the bottom (35) and on the housing wall (34) of the housing (32) on the outside. [9] Radiator thermostat (11) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the thermal shielding device (51) has lateral ribs or guide sections which are provided between the temperature displacement sensor (28), in particular the housing wall (34) of the housing (32), and the intermediate housing (19) or the operating element (21). [10] Radiator thermostat (11) according to one of claims 1, 6, 7, 8 or 9, characterized by , that the thermal shielding device (51) is made of a poorly conductive material, in particular plastic, and / or of a material with a coating that reflects in the direction of the valve connection part (12). [11] Radiator thermostat (11) according to claim 8, characterized by that the lateral ribs or guide sections have a sliding coating, in particular Teflon, and / or are made of a sliding material. [12] Radiator thermostat (11) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the thermal shielding device (51) is designed as a coating, in particular paint, applied to the housing (32) of the temperature sensor (28), or as a flocking or as a reflective coating. [13] Radiator thermostat (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the attack surface of the control plunger (26), which attacks the bottom (35) of the housing (32) on the temperature displacement sensor (28) or on the thermal shielding device (51), is designed as a point. [14] Radiator thermostat (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that between the valve connection part (12) and the temperature displacement sensor (28) the overload protection device (23) is provided, which has an actuating plunger (25) pointing towards the valve to be actuated and the control plunger (26) opposite it, between which a force storage element is arranged. [15] Radiator thermostat (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by , that the overload protection device (23) is arranged on the path transmission element (30). [16] Radiator thermostat (11) according to claim 15, characterized by , that the overload protection device (23) is arranged on the shortened pin (41) of the path transmission element (30), which is preferably designed as a sleeve (56) slidably arranged on the pin (41), in particular as a spring-loaded sleeve. [17] Radiator thermostat (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by, that the control plunger (26) has an actuating plunger (25) for the valve to be actuated at its end opposite the temperature displacement sensor (28) and the control plunger (26) and the actuating plunger (25) are preferably designed as one part. [18] Radiator thermostat (11) according to claim 17, characterized by , that the control plunger (26) and the actuating plunger (25) are guided in a shielding body (54) which is provided between the temperature displacement sensor (28) and the valve connection part (12).

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