TWI431214B - Apparatus and method for mixing and regulating the output temperature of hot liquid and cold liquid - Google Patents

Description

Apparatus and method for mixing and regulating the output temperature of hot liquid and cold liquid

The present invention relates to a device that can be applied to a single rod mixing valve such as a cock or faucet. It may be of the cassette type for the valve or it may be combined as an integral part of the valve.

Can be applied to the definition and scope of the patent application

The words "upper" and "lower" or related spatial variations are used solely to assist in understanding the invention, when used as, for example, a water control valve for a single-rod cock or faucet that is attached to a wash basin. The lever of the operating valve is at the top, and the words reflect the general orientation of the device or the components of the device. This word should not be used to limit the invention when the drawings are in some other orientation.

"Snap" is used to represent a combination of parts that can be integrally embedded in a body of a single rod mixing valve or that can be integrally removed. Accordingly, the cassette typically has a plurality of mechanical components and a plurality of apertures for the aperture of the mating valve and perhaps the opening of the latch in the other cartridge or valve. For example, ceramic disc valves often have discs that are received within a replaceable cylindrical cassette.

The “full heat” or other pole position, in the scope of the description and patent application, represents the position of the rod, if the valve is a conventional three-port valve.

The "distribution member" represents a basic component that directs the flow path and the outlet volume of any liquid or majority of the liquid fed into the member, if any, and allows for complete sealing of all effluent streams. Typically, it can be a ceramic disc.

The requirement for "connected" according to the context is to have a passage for liquid supply or a capacity for a passage for liquid.

"Too hot" means that the temperature of the hot liquid fed to the device exceeds the maximum outflow temperature at which the device should be delivered.

Introduction and questions

In many cases, the mixing of hot and cold liquids is carried out via a single rod mixing valve or mixer. Some may contain cassettes while others do not. Some may have a movable dispensing member that can be loosely defined as a "spherical", although only one portion has a spherical surface. Other movable dispensing members can be loosely defined as "cylindrical" or "planar." The "planar" movable dispensing member is typically ceramic, uses a disc shape, and operates in conjunction with a fixed dispensing member that is also ceramic and planar and can be relatively joined together. Regardless of the form of the dispensing member of the mixer of this configuration, it allows dangerous hot liquid to be fed therefrom. In a typical case, the liquid system is at the water supplied by the household, and any stored hot water fed from the mixer has the lowest required temperature. In large quantities of water, the storage temperature should exceed 61 ° C to avoid contamination of Legionnaires' disease. The problem is that even at 61 ° C water, the human body can not be exposed to too high temperatures for a long time. In the case where the water is not stored and the reaction is extracted and reheated, there is no problem if the input heat is limited, so that the inflowing water is supplied at a satisfactory low temperature until the heating control fails. Similarly, it is known to have a blending valve on a large supply of hot water so that the hot water fed from it is diluted with cold water so that the mixed liquid stream has a temperature lower than the storage temperature, and the same, only the regulating valve does not malfunction. And it is satisfactory when the heat input control is not faulty. A typical problem is the loss of cold water pressure.

How does the three-port single-lever mixing valve work? - Figure 1

In order to assist in understanding how the device of the present invention differs from the prior art single-lever mixing valve or the combination of the movable dispensing member and the fixed dispensing member, a typical conventional ceramic disc shape will be discussed below with reference to the sketch of FIG. Construction.

A prior art single rod mixing valve has a fixed lower dispensing member 1 having a flat upper sealing portion 2 and a movable upper dispensing member 3 having a flat lower sealing portion (not shown). The function of the dispensing member is gradually opened and closed to the two-input feed from a combined output stream, and when there is no output stream, the input feeds are kept closed to each other.

Both the movable and fixed dispensing members are suitably supported in the body 4, which may be the body of a cassette body or an integral valve. From a suitable supply source, both hot and cold liquid are fed separately through the body to separate the hot and cold inlet ports of the lower dispensing member 1 such as reference numbers 5, 6.

The upper dispensing member 3 can be rotated about an axis such as A, or parallel to the axis, to an angle (typically about 35 to 100 in the prior art) that is substantially perpendicular to the flatness of the lower dispensing member 1 The plane of the sealing portion 2 is controlled to control the ratio of heat to cold liquid passing through the port; and it is also possible to slide laterally across the lower dispensing member 1 to control the flow rate; the flat sealing portion, or a component thereof, is maintained in sealing contact. In a position of the upper dispensing member, or sometimes in several positions, it completely closes the possible flow of liquid out of the valve or cassette. The sealing contact is provided by the precision and flatness of the interfitting sealing portions that are held together by the pressure of the liquid feed, attempting to displace the fixed dispensing member axially toward the movable dispensing member that is axially displaced. "O" ring seals such as 7 and 9 allow the fixed dispensing member to be moved relative to the micro-axial movement of the body 4 while still maintaining a relatively sealed seal. The ports 5 and 6 are fixed to the mixing space 10 by means of a fixed dispensing member, which is generally a cavity that is entirely contained in the movable dispensing member, where a mixture of hot and cold liquid is produced, and then the mixed liquid flow is passed through It flows out of the valve through the port 8 of the fixed dispensing member. The axis A is generally upright on the configuration of the valve, and the movably dispensing member is attached over the fixed dispensing member.

In the general configuration, regardless of the rising position of the rod, the mixing space and the outlet are connected to each other to some extent in all the time. However, when the rod is completely depressed, the mixing space is closed from the inlet ports 5, 6.

The foregoing description may include a number of known three-port single-lever mixing valves that are commonly used in home heating and cold water conditioning for baths, wash basins, and sinks.

The disadvantages of the aforementioned forms of valve and the required solutions

When used with a hot liquid supply, the hot liquid supply also terminates the flow of hot liquid at the end of the cold liquid flow, and because a reliable blending valve or the like is used on a large supply, the temperature never exceeds the safe upper limit. The aforementioned valve can be quite applied. Typically, if the supply of cold main line pressure water is stopped, the main line pressure of the hot water supply cylinder will stop feeding hot water.

However, the valve of the foregoing form does not have a mechanism for limiting the maximum temperature of the liquid emanating therefrom, and it is a problem that the present invention attempts to solve. Conventional valves must not be considered fail-safe, but this is what they need.

The solution attempted by the present invention provides a mechanism for the mixer to internally apply an upper limit to the temperature of any liquid exiting therefrom. The mechanism shaft can change the upper limit by exchanging or selecting a component, so that even if there are different upper limit requirements at different positions, the mixer can be used in any position of a configuration while having the same temperature. Hot liquid input. Preferably, a cassette form that can be exchanged with an existing cassette is used to convert the "unsafe" mixer to a "safe" mixer.

Temperature sensing device

The exchangeable or selectable component of the device of the present invention is a temperature sensing device. The temperature sensing device must be externally capable of sensing movement, such as extending in the length direction when subjected to increased temperatures. It must be moved back on cooling. The temperature sensing device outer cover or body can be of any suitable shape, but is generally extensible and generally mostly cylindrical. The temperature sensing device can function quite similarly to a hydraulic ram having a piston (usually sealably movable) that can be moved into and out of the housing. However, the motive force in this case is not a hydraulic fluid, but when the substance is heated or cooled, it may occur at least partially by the volume change of a suitable flowable substance contained within the outer casing. Another mechanism that provides the motive force is to use a bimetallic disc in the housing that is capped when heated. The force thus generated is used to move the piston via direct pressure on the piston within the housing, or via an elastic mechanism such as a compression spring within the housing, and may be an external spring acting on the piston outside the housing. . Thus, the thermal elongation can be the result of direct pressure from the end of the piston of the expandable flow material (usually a wax and a conductive medium such as copper particles) inside the outer casing on the inside of the very conductive outer casing (eg, a grooved copper outer cover). , which causes the piston to exit. The expansion force can be partially counteracted by an elastic force, such as a compression spring inside or outside the outer casing that acts to assist in withdrawing the piston into the outer casing as the material is cooled. A more recent development is the use of "shape memory" alloys containing nickel and titanium.

Another form of temperature sensing device is a suitable flowable material contained in a flexible bag that is received by a support grid that may be an upright cylinder to allow for an upper or lower surface, or two The reaction temperature changes and moves axially. Thus no piston or housing has the temperature sensing device.

It is within the scope of the invention for all forms of temperature sensing devices having any motive force to provide a sensible or detectable movement. The precise mechanism that causes the temperature sensing device to operate in the desired manner is not critical. Those skilled in the art can select a variety of variations and performance characteristics depending on the functions required by the device. Some of the features that are usually important are the motive force that can be developed in response to a change in temperature, the flow resistance of the liquid as it flows through the device rather than the surrounding device, and the reproducibility of an elongate member at the same temperature, including Does it have any hysteresis? The location of the temperature sensing location of the temperature sensing device will be another criterion that is related to the overall size.

A mechanism known to avoid the disadvantages of a three-port mixer

The closest known technique is U.S. Patent No. 6,257,493 and other patents in its patent group.

The guidance of US Patent No. 6,257,493 does not provide a useful solution. In its guidance, the outlet of a single rod mixer and the cold liquid inlet port are connected via a piston type temperature sensing device. There is only a mechanical seal that relies on maintaining the spring bias to the unbalanced liquid pressure to stop the cold liquid from leaking into the outlet. This structure must not be reliable in practical applications.

The apparatus of the present invention uses a temperature sensing device that can theoretically be placed in any of the three components of the device, i.e., in the body (normal position), in the movable dispensing member (difficult) Or in a fixed delivery component. Depending on the location of the temperature sensing device, the number of basic ports that are provided through at least a portion of the fixed dispensing member will vary.

Apparatus having a temperature sensing device located in the body - Fig. 2 will now explain the five basic ports provided by the fixed dispensing member in this example with reference to the schematic diagram of Fig. 2, and Fig. 2 shows the temperature sensing device being located The configuration of the dispensing member of any suitable shape may be in the body of the device.

In Fig. 2, the dashed outline 11 represents a dispensing member, the fixed dispensing member is attached to the lowermost portion, and the overall contour represents the body 12 of the device, which may be the body of a valve or a cassette for a valve. The cold liquid can enter the fixed dispensing member via the port indicated by the head of arrow 16, but the configuration of the mouth of the movable dispensing member is such that the cold liquid must never be mixed with the hot liquid in the dispensing member. The hot liquid can enter the fixed dispensing member via the port indicated by the head of arrow 15. The hydrothermal system is separately guided via a passageway represented by arrow 21 to a constricted space 20 within the body 12. The tail of the arrow corresponds to a bit in the fixed dispensing member. There is an outlet 18 from the constricted space 20.

The cold liquid system is separately guided to the constricted space 20 via the passage represented by arrow 22. The tail of the arrow corresponds to a bit in the fixed dispensing member. A flow regulating mechanism 23 is located in the constricted space 20, which can regulate the flow of hot and cold liquid into the constricted space by gradually opening the inflow of hot liquid while gradually closing the inflow or reverse of the cold liquid, which can also be performed. The hot liquid inflow is completely turned off. At a temperature range designed to flow into the hot liquid, the temperature sensing device 24 takes an adjustment role in the operation of controlling the flow regulating mechanism 23, which typically allows the introduction of cold liquid to be mixed if cooling is required, thus Cool the hot liquid to the desired level. The temperature sensing device 24 can be placed partially in the constricted space (which can be mixed if liquid flow adjustment mechanism 23 permits), but at least one of the temperature sensing locations 25 is located in the outlet 18. The outlet can be continuous in the constricted space where the hot and cold liquids have been mixed. Although at least a portion of the exit is typically a path, it does not have to be a path. The target is located at a location that senses the temperature of the mixed liquid, the unmixed liquid, and it is located at a location surrounded by a good flow for accurate sensing.

The second supply of cold liquid exits the outlet 18 and is indicated by arrow 26. The tail of the arrow will correspond to a bit in the fixed dispensing member. Preferably, a second cold liquid inlet port such as 27 is in communication with the outlet 18 which is substantially downstream of the temperature sensing site 25. This second mechanism, which may enter the flow of liquid in the outlet 18, allows the cooling to automatically mix the liquid at a predetermined maximum temperature. It can be referred to as a manual control entry. It can further cool the liquid "safely" when the application requires it.

Thus, when the device is "fully hot", the effluent liquid will never heat up to a predetermined safe temperature except for a brief reaction time. If the cold liquid via the supply port 22 is insufficient, the flow regulating mechanism 23 completely shuts off the supply of hot liquid until a sufficient amount of cold liquid is again obtained. Otherwise, the device acts to allow a mixed liquid that is cooler than the preset temperature to be supplied at a rate controlled by the rod position. Importantly, one of the lever positions allows the movable dispensing member to assume a position associated with the fixed dispensing member, in which the hot liquid entering the supply port 15 and the cold liquid supply port 16 are not in communication with each other, and are also blocked by the arrow 21, 22 is connected to any export supply represented by 26. Thus, the temperature sensing device does not form any component of the mechanism, where it is completely closed via liquid communication of the device (which typically requires the rod to be in the depressed position).

Device with temperature sensing device located in a fixed dispensing member - Figure 3

In this example, the two basic ports provided through the fixed dispensing member (into or away from the fixed dispensing member but not through the outlet of the member) will be explained with reference to the sketch of FIG. 3, and FIG. 3 shows that the temperature sensing device is fixed. When dispensing the component, it can be a configuration of any suitable shape of the dispensing member. The same numbers used in Figure 2 are also used in Figure 3 to indicate corresponding items.

In Figure 3, the dashed outline 28 represents a fixed dispensing member and the dashed outline 29 represents a movable dispensing member. The overall outline represents the body 12 of the device, which may be the body of a valve or a cassette for a valve. The cold liquid can enter the fixed dispensing member via the port indicated by the head of arrow 16, and again, the configuration of the mouth of the movable dispensing member 29 is such that the cold liquid must never be mixed with the hot liquid in the dispensing member. The hot liquid can enter the fixed dispensing member via the port indicated by the head of arrow 15. The hydrothermal system is separately guided via the passage represented by arrow 21 to the constricted space 20 within the fixed dispensing member 28. There is an outlet 18 from the constricted space 20.

The cold liquid system is separately guided to the constricted space 20 via the passage represented by arrow 22. A flow adjustment mechanism 23 is located within the constricted space 20 and also provides a temperature sensing device having a temperature sensing portion and functions as previously described.

The second supply of cold liquid exits the outlet 18 and is indicated by arrow 26. The tail of the arrow will correspond to an access port to the movable dispensing member that has an access port to the cold liquid feed.

Importantly, one of the lever positions may cause the movable dispensing member 29 to assume a position associated with the fixed dispensing member 28 at which the hot liquid passage 21 and the cold liquid passage 22 are not in communication with each other, in the movable dispensing member and the fixed dispensing member Where the seals interact, the passage is blocked once or perhaps twice. The communication at the junction is also blocked to close the path represented by arrow 26. Thus, the temperature sensing device does not form any part of the mechanism, where it is completely closed via the liquid communication of the device.

Device with temperature sensing device located in a movable dispensing member - Figure 4

In this example, the three basic ports provided through the fixed dispensing member will be explained with reference to the sketch of FIG. 4, and FIG. 4 shows the dispensing member of any suitable shape when the temperature sensing device is located in the movable dispensing member. Configuration. The same numbers used in Figure 3 are also used in Figure 4 to show the corresponding items.

In Figure 4, the dashed outline 28 represents a fixed dispensing member and the dashed outline 29 represents a movable dispensing member. The overall outline represents the body 12 of the device, which may be the body of a valve or a cassette for a valve. The cold liquid can enter the fixed dispensing member via the port indicated by the head of arrow 16, and again, the configuration of the mouth of the movable dispensing member 29 is such that all of the liquid must never be mixed with the hot liquid in the dispensing member. The hot liquid can enter the fixed dispensing member via the port indicated by the head of arrow 15. The hydrothermal system is separately guided via the passage represented by arrow 21 to the constricted space 20 within the movable dispensing member 28. There is an outlet 18 from the constricted space 20.

The cold liquid system is separately guided to the constricted space 20 via the passage represented by arrow 22. A flow adjustment mechanism 23 is located within the constricted space 20 and also provides a temperature sensing device having a temperature sensing portion and functions as previously described.

The second supply of cold liquid exits the outlet 18 and is indicated by arrow 26. The tail of the arrow will correspond to an access port to a fixed dispensing member that has an inlet to the cold liquid feed.

Importantly, one of the lever positions may cause the movable dispensing member 29 to assume a position associated with the fixed dispensing member 28 at which the hot liquid passage 21 and the cold liquid passage 22 are not in communication with each other, in the movable dispensing member and the fixed dispensing member Where the seals interact, the passage is blocked at the joint. The communication at the junction is also blocked to close the path represented by arrow 26. Thus, the temperature sensing device does not form any part of the mechanism, where it is completely closed via the liquid communication of the device.

The best mode for carrying out the invention: a ceramic disc cartridge with a temperature sensing device in the body - Figures 5 to 9

From the foregoing description, it must be noted that this configuration requires five passes through the fixed dispensing member. In the drawings: Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a cassette in accordance with the present invention. In Fig. 5, both the upper (movable) and lower (fixed) dispensing members are roughly represented by two discs 31 and 32 of the end display detail; the arrows represent the outflow of liquid.

Figure 6 is a first of the four patterns of the sequence, all of which schematically show the outer cover of the upper dispensing member on the lower dispensing member, the upper sealing surface being shaded for better display of the features to be described. . The orifices shown in the upper dispensing member penetrate the overall thickness to provide cold and hot liquid transfer cavities, but in practical applications, they typically do not penetrate completely, which is only the lower sealing surface of the upper dispensing member. The recess in the middle. Similarly, the aperture shown in the lower dispensing member does not completely penetrate the drawn shape, but can penetrate (perhaps circularly) with the recess in the upper sealing surface, the effective area of communication, this combination Form a "mouth." Line C-C represents the central position of the general operating handle swing for the valve (not shown), while the arrow indicates the handle position of the upper movable dispensing member relative to the configuration of the fixed lower dispensing member. Figure 6 shows the fully open "full heat" position, where the maximum temperature of the mixed liquid exiting the cassette is automatically controlled to be within about the preset temperature when using the present invention.

Figure 7 shows the fully open position where manual expansion is just above the preset maximum to allow for a cooler outflow; Figure 8 shows the fully open intermediate rod position, where the manual expansion is large and if The valve is used with water, this position may be a suitable location for the low temperatures required for, for example, a shower, and Figure 9 shows the closed position at the intermediate rod position. Regardless of the angular position of the handle, the upper dispensing member can be often closed, but in other angular positions of the handle, the upper dispensing member can be oriented at different angles relative to the lower dispensing member.

Figures 10 and 11 show schematic views of a device having a cylindrical dispensing member.

In the drawings, the allowable combination and the detachment of the partition between the components are not shown.

The cold liquid entering the lower dispensing member 32 via the port 33 must never be uncontrolled to mix the hot liquid upstream of the temperature sensing device 34, where the cold liquid is equal to the hot liquid pressure system and the conditions required for this system . There is an inlet port for the two cooling liquids to enter the hot liquid stream.

When the valve is opened, the hot liquid is fed into the lower dispensing member inlet port 35 and then through the hot liquid recess 36 in the upper dispensing member 37 to the hot liquid outlet 38. The temperature sensing device 34 takes the regulatory role of controlling a flow regulating mechanism which, if required for cooling, typically allows the introduction of certain cold liquid via a first or "automatic" feed to cool the hot liquid to the desired extent. . The temperature sensing device 34 is partially disposed in the constricted space 40 in the form of a cylindrical chamber in the cassette body 41 that receives a flow of liquid from the hot liquid outlet 38 in the lower dispensing member via a chamber inlet port 42 The perimeter can be sealingly joined to the perimeter of the outlet, such as via a seal 43. The temperature sensing device in the regulated state is only passed by the passing hot liquid flow, which is directed toward the self-sliding body. The temperature sensing portion 44 of the temperature sensing device is located further away from the chamber inlet port 42 and represents that it can be considered "below" the chamber inlet port, where the chamber is erected in the cassette (usually causing the cassette to be jammed) The space occupied is minimized).

The piston 47 that contacts the inner side of the outer cover 48 interacts sealingly but slidably with the temperature sensing device 34. The surface of the interaction is cylindrical. Preferably, an aperture 48 is located on the upper surface of the outer cover such that the hot liquid pressure is constantly maintained at equal pressure on both sides of the outer cover. The outer cover has an outer periphery 50 that sealingly and slidably interacts with the wall 50 of the constricted space 40. The seal between the perimeter 50 and the wall 51 is preferably carried out by an "O-ring" 52. The axis of the slide is parallel to the axis of the outer cover 48 and will be referred to as "erect" for ease of description.

An elastic mechanism, such as a helical compression spring 53 (shown generally), holding the outer cover lower member or side edge 54 sealingly couples the abutment 55 provided at the bottom of the chamber. This seat is generally circular and has a narrower diameter than the chamber wall. For ease of display, Figure 5 shows the lower member 54 rising from the support 55.

As described above, the temperature sensing portion 44 of the temperature sensing device is lower than the holder 55. Passing one or more apertures 56 inwardly from the perimeter 50 through the outer cover 48 allows hot liquid to flow through the chamber 40 for free passage and thus mix and sweep with any cold liquid that has entered the port 33 and the port 41. The temperature sensing portion 44 is over. The temperature sensing device is selected to have a preset temperature suitable for supply. The range of temperature sensing devices can be adapted to any particular cassette to allow for a preset range.

When the temperature of the entering hot liquid is sensed as "too hot", the piston 47 is partially ejected from the temperature sensing device 34, which is held at a fixed position associated with the body 41 at this stage, rising its periphery. The outer cover 48 in the chamber 40 is slid upwardly to, for example, the position shown in FIG. This usually occurs when the valve train is first opened and in the "full hot" position, the hot liquid supply temperature is higher than the maximum outflow temperature required for the cassette.

However, the cold liquid has been transferred from the cold liquid inlet cavity 33 from the cold liquid inlet 33 through the lower dispensing member "first" cold liquid outlet 60, through the path 61 towards the chamber, and is preferably filled above the support 55 but Below the space 62 of the "O" ring 52. There is no need to enter any hot liquid flow through the valve body at an acceptable temperature, but when a "too hot" condition is reached, such as a brief moment after the valve is opened in the "full hot" position, the portion 54 of the outer cover becomes the abutment This cold liquid mixes the "too hot" liquid that has flowed through the orifice 56 and cools it, and also cools the temperature sensing site 44. Arrived in an equilibrium position, the liquid flowing through the support 55 is now at a preset temperature, or within a predetermined small range, where there is pressure and/or temperature in the incoming liquid supply. Change. Thus, automatic temperature adjustment is achieved, even under the pressure and temperature changes of the supplied hot and cold liquids, an attempt can be made to hold the desired preset maximum exit temperature. However, the pressure should be substantially equal.

When the outer cover 48 is pushed toward the port by the exit piston 47 and slides up on the outer cover of the temperature sensing device, the top of the outer cover 48 partially closes the chamber access port 42 to assist in temperature control. As such, the "too hot" liquid flow is reduced to improve temperature sensitivity, but the overall liquid flow out of the valve can be designed to be fairly constant.

In addition, the present invention provides fail-safe mode operation when there is no or insufficient available cold liquid to address the "too hot" condition. In this case, the temperature sensing device 34 continues to expand until the outer cover 48 completely closes the chamber inlet port 42. The pressure equalization orifice 49 in the outer cover assists in closing by reducing the force necessary to supply the temperature sensing device. In this way, it is also possible to explain why the room entrance is provided. It may be difficult to close the hot liquid outlet 38, which may be non-circular, in the frangible lower dispensing member 32.

The second supply of cold liquid allows manual control at zone 64 to enter outlet 63, which is substantially downstream of temperature sensing location 44. The target system ensures that the temperature of the temperature sensing site is not affected to the greatest extent possible. The cold liquid system is directed to feed the cold liquid fed from the cold liquid inlet port 33 via the cold liquid transfer cavity 67 to the lower distribution member "second" cold liquid outlet 66 via path 65. From path 65, cold liquid is fed into the periphery of the cassette body 41 in the surrounding space 72 between the cassette and the overlapping valve body (one of the inwardly facing surfaces is shown at the dashed outline at reference numeral 70). An "O" ring 71 provides one of the seals of the valve body. From space 72, there is a plurality of radial paths (shown in dashed outline) such as reference number 73 that feed cold liquid to an area such as reference number 64. Paths 73 are all placed so as not to interfere with other paths through the cassette or valve.

A portion of the dispensing member 37 that can cover the upper portion of the cold liquid outlet 66 is provided with a cold liquid recess 67 such that when the upper dispensing member 37 is placed at approximately 75% heat (as shown in Figure 7) or less (Figure 8 At any position between), the cold liquid from the cold liquid inlet port 33 is also fed to the cold liquid outlet 66 via the recess 67. Thereby, it is directed to region 64 to cool the effluent liquid to below a preset temperature. When having a manual expansion function via sizing of a proper mouth, the overall liquid flow from the device can be designed to be fairly constant.

So far, the temperature sensing device has been described as being held in a fixed position in the cassette body 41. However, when the force of the piston 47 has caused the outer cover 48 to be carried toward the chamber inlet port 42, the temperature sensing device outer cover can be arranged to resist a suitable elastic force and move downwardly within the body for protection temperature sensing. Other components of the device and the cassette. Alternatively, with a piston type temperature sensing device, a compressive elasticity suitable for strength may be left idle between the piston 47 and the outer cover 48, or in a telescopic piston, or the piston interacts with the motive force inside the outer cover.

The illustrated mechanism for protecting the temperature sensing device (Fig. 5) provides a collar 74 on its body, or other suitable mechanism for applying a downward force on a support member 75.

The support member 75 can be normally pushed up into the seat 76 in the body 41 via an elastic mechanism such as a helical compression spring 77 (shown schematically) that is greater than the strength of the spring 53 used to control the movement of the outer cover. It thus biases the temperature sensing device housing into a maximum upper position. By the one or more ports 78 of the support member 75, it is represented that it does not provide any perceptible barrier to the flow of liquid. The support member 75 can be a washer having a hole through the annulus.

When the cold liquid is supplied at a suitable temperature and pressure, the cold liquid may reach the temperature sensing location 44 via a radial path such as reference number 73 and/or via path 61 if the valve stem is in a manually controlled operational position. The temperature sensing device can be contracted for the support member to return to the seat and regained for normal function.

In an alternative configuration, temperature sensing device 34 can be biased upwardly via a compression spring that is always grounded on its base.

When the outer cover has closed the chamber inlet, the downward movement of the temperature sensing device is a way to protect the temperature sensing device from being broken or damaging the cassette. Another way may be to arrange the outer cover of the temperature sensing device to be expandable when the internal force is sufficiently high. Alternatively, the outer cover can accommodate a compressible gas filling ball. In some configurations of sufficient strength, protection may not be required.

When the valve stem (not shown) is in a position suitable for manual control access, the cold liquid introduced at reference numeral 64 can be manually expanded by mixing the hot and cold liquid through the support member orifice 78 as usual. temperature control. Thus, automatic temperature regulation can adjust the liquid to a safe temperature range, and the liquid in this range can be further cooled for user convenience. With the embodiment shown in Figures 6 through 9, the rod movement range can be about 95°.

Device having a cylindrical dispensing member

Two examples are shown diagrammatically in Figures 10 and 11. In Fig. 10, the cylindrical movable dispensing member 80 is rotated for mixing adjustment and ascending or descending flow and opening/closing control. The hot inlet system 81 and the cold inlet system 82. The cold exit paths are all shown to have an upright separation for ease of display, but they can also be angularly separated/or replaced upright. The temperature sensing device is located in a fixed dispensing member.

In FIG. 11, the temperature sensing device is cylindrical and located in the movable dispensing member 90. The heat enters the mouthpiece 91 and has two cold inlet ports 92,93.

advantage

An advantage of the present invention is to provide a single rod mixing valve that safely resists a "too hot" condition that can result in burns. It controls the maximum temperature of the liquid emerging from the valve. Most of the liquids that will be used are water, and the equipment that is used is mostly in the home, medical, or entertainment industries. The replacement of a single component is a temperature sensing device that should be fully maintained if it is confirmed to be defective. It does not require a harmonic valve to control the maximum flow temperature from a large volume of hot liquid reservoir such as a hot water cylinder. It provides individual temperature control at each outlet, the characteristics of which can be determined by individual temperature sensing devices. Thus, temperature sensing devices of different characteristics may allow shower water to be supplied, for example, at a lower maximum temperature than is supplied to the kitchen sink.

The cold liquid outlets 66 and 60 and the hot liquid inlet port 35 in the lower dispensing member are completely enclosed when the operating handle is "closed" or blocked in the depressed position. This means that the temperature sensing device is not under any pressure when the valve is not open, which also means that the sealing member can be maintained by separately sealing the dispensing member through the successful three-port valve and cartridge manufacturing method that has been proven to be satisfactory for many years. Good seal.

The device according to the invention can often be supplied as a cassette for use in a single rod valve, and when mated in the same space, it may be necessary to replace a valve cartridge of a different configuration. In some cases, the invention can be incorporated directly into a valve without such a cassette.

Statement of the invention

The present invention resides in several aspects defined in the scope of the following claims.

1. . . Fixed delivery component

2. . . Sealing part

3. . . Movable delivery component

4. . . Ontology

5. . . Hot liquid inlet

6. . . Cold liquid inlet

7. . . O-ring

8. . . Export

9. . . O-ring

10. . . Shrinking cavity

11. . . Distribution component

12. . . Ontology

15. . . Hot liquid inlet

16. . . Cold liquid inlet

18. . . Export

20. . . Shrinking space

twenty one. . . Hot liquid flow

twenty two. . . First cold liquid flow

twenty three. . . Flow regulating mechanism

twenty four. . . Temperature sensing device

25. . . Temperature sensing site

26. . . Second cold liquid flow

27. . . Second cold inlet position

28. . . Fixed delivery component

29. . . Movable delivery component

32. . . Lower delivery component

33. . . Cold liquid inlet

34. . . Temperature sensing device

35. . . Hot liquid inlet

36. . . Hot liquid recess

37. . . Upper delivery component

38. . . Hot liquid outlet

39. . . Flow regulating mechanism

40. . . Shrinking space

41. . . Ontology

42. . . Room entrance

43. . . Seals

44. . . Temperature sensing location

47. . . piston

48. . . s

49. . . Small hole

50. . . External perimeter of the outer cover

51. . . Shrinking wall

52. . . O-ring

53. . . spring

54. . . Side edge of the cover

55. . . Support

56. . . Orifice

59. . . Cold liquid transfer cavity

60. . . Cold liquid outlet

61. . . Cold liquid inlet

62. . . Surrounding space

63. . . Export

64. . . Cold liquid inflow area

65. . . Cold liquid entry path

66. . . Second cold liquid outlet

67. . . Cold liquid transfer cavity

70. . . Body of valve

71. . . O-ring

72. . . Surrounding space

73. . . Second cold liquid entry path

74. . . Collar

75. . . Support member

76. . . Support

77. . . spring

78. . . Orifice

80. . . Movable delivery component

81. . . Hot inlet

82. . . Cold inlet

90. . . Movable delivery component

91. . . Hot inlet

92. . . Cold inlet

93. . . Cold inlet

To facilitate an understanding of the present invention, reference will be made to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic view of a typical single-rod mixing valve of a conventional ceramic disc configuration.

2 is a schematic illustration of a device having a temperature sensing device located in a body in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a device having a temperature sensing device located in a fixed dispensing member in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a device having a temperature sensing device in a movable dispensing member in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a cassette in accordance with the present invention. In Fig. 5, both the upper (movable) and lower (fixed) dispensing members are schematically represented by two discs 31 and 32 which are not shown in detail; the arrows represent the outflow of liquid.

Figure 6 is a first of the four patterns of the sequence, all of which schematically show the outer cover of the upper dispensing member on the lower dispensing member, the upper sealing surface being shaded for better display of the features to be described. . The orifices shown in the upper dispensing member penetrate the overall thickness to provide cold and hot liquid transfer cavities, but in practical applications, they typically do not penetrate completely, which is only the lower sealing surface of the upper dispensing member. The recess in the middle. Similarly, the aperture shown in the lower dispensing member does not completely penetrate the drawn shape, but can penetrate (perhaps circularly) with the recess in the upper sealing surface, the effective area of communication, this combination Form a "mouth." Line C-C represents the central position of the general operating handle swing for the valve (not shown), while the arrow indicates the handle position of the upper movable dispensing member relative to the configuration of the fixed lower dispensing member. Figure 6 shows the fully open "full heat" position, where the maximum temperature of the mixed liquid exiting the cassette is automatically controlled to be within about the preset temperature when using the present invention.

Figure 7 shows the fully open position where manual expansion is just above the preset maximum to allow for a cooler outflow.

Figure 8 shows the fully open intermediate rod position where the manual expansion is large and if the valve is used with water, this position may be a suitable location for low temperatures such as showers.

Figure 9 shows the closed position at the intermediate rod position. Regardless of the angular position of the handle, the upper dispensing member can be often closed, but in other angular positions of the handle, the upper dispensing member can be oriented at different angles relative to the lower dispensing member.

Figures 10 and 11 show schematic views of a device having a cylindrical dispensing member.

In the drawings, the allowable combination and the detachment of the partition between the components are not shown.

11. . . Distribution component

12. . . Ontology

15. . . Hot liquid inlet

16. . . Cold liquid inlet

18. . . Export

20. . . Shrinking space

twenty one. . . Hot liquid flow

twenty two. . . First cold liquid flow

twenty three. . . Flow regulating mechanism

twenty four. . . Temperature sensing device

25. . . Temperature sensing site

26. . . Second cold liquid flow

27. . . Second cold inlet position

Claims (30)

A device for mixing and adjusting the output temperature of a hot liquid and a cold liquid, the device comprising: a mixing chamber, a hot liquid inlet port entering the mixing chamber, and a first cold liquid inlet port entering the mixing chamber, An outlet from the mixing chamber, an outlet path communicating with the mixing chamber outlet, a movable dispensing member and a fixed dispensing member, the movable dispensing member being operable by a single lever for contact to a ratio of the hot liquid inlet port to the hot and cold liquid of the first cold liquid inlet port, a flow control mechanism within the mixing chamber for changing the allowable output flow rate through the hot liquid inlet port and the first a ratio of hot and cold liquid entering the cold liquid inlet port into the mixing chamber, and a temperature sensing device adapted to sense an output temperature of the mixed liquid from the mixing chamber and to control the flow control mechanism to be from the mixing chamber The output temperature of all the output flow rates does not exceed the selected maximum value, and a second cold liquid inlet port, the second cold liquid inlet port and the position in the device The outlet path at the downstream is in communication, the temperature of the output stream from the mixing chamber is sensed from the downstream, and the movable dispensing member further controls the cold leading to the second cold liquid inlet by the movement of the single rod The ratio of liquid. The device of claim 1, wherein the fixed dispensing member has a port for supplying the hot liquid and the cold liquid to the movable dispensing member, and Wherein the movable dispensing member adjusts the ratio of the hot and cold liquid supplied to the hot liquid inlet port to the cold liquid inlet port and the flow rate thereof, and can completely shut down all of the liquid flow to the port. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a body supporting the movable and fixed dispensing member, the sealing mechanism for sealing between the components of the movable and fixed dispensing member, wherein the fixed dispensing member comprises a hot liquid inlet port, a cold liquid inlet port, a hot liquid outlet, a first cold liquid outlet, and a second cold liquid outlet, wherein the movable dispensing member comprises: a hot liquid transfer cavity, and a a cold liquid transfer cavity, and wherein the mixing chamber is formed in a shrinking space in the body, the hot liquid inlet port is formed in the body, and is in communication with the hot liquid outlet and the shrinking space, the cold liquid An inlet port is formed in the body and is in communication with the first cold liquid outlet and the constricted space, and the flow control mechanism can be adjusted by opening the hot liquid inlet port while simultaneously closing the first cold liquid inlet port, and adjusting the entry The heat in the shrinkage space Flowing with the cold liquid, and vice versa, and completely closing the hot liquid inlet port, the temperature sensing portion of the temperature sensing device being located in the outlet, the second inlet port for the cold liquid and the second The cold liquid outlet is in communication, and the movable dispensing member therein is movable to each of the following positions: a first position at which the hot liquid inlet port communicates with the hot liquid to transfer the liquid to the hot liquid outlet, and at the same time, is cold The liquid inlet port communicates with the cold liquid transfer hole communicating with the first cold liquid outlet; or a second position at which the hot liquid inlet port communicates with the hot liquid transfer hole communicating with the hot liquid outlet, and at the same time, the cold liquid The inlet port communicates a cold liquid transfer hole communicating with the first cold liquid outlet, and the cold liquid transfer hole also communicates with the second cold liquid outlet; or a third position at which the hot liquid inlet port and the cold liquid enter The mouth is not connected to any exit. The device of claim 3, wherein the movable dispensing member is moveable between the positions in an infinitely variable manner. The device of claim 4, wherein the movable dispensing member is also configured such that, in use, the heat and cold liquid have substantially the same supply pressure when moved between the first position and the second position At the time, the flow rate from the outlet is maintained. The device of claim 5, wherein the movable dispensing member is also configured to, in use, move from the first or second position to In this third position, the flow rate from the outlet is reduced. The device of claim 1, wherein the movable dispensing member is also configured to, in use, be moved into a position that causes the first cold liquid inlet to be fully closed. The device of claim 3, wherein the constricted space has an axis, a cylindrical wall is coaxial with the axis, and the flow control mechanism comprises a cylindrical chamber movable by the cylindrical wall Removable components. The device of claim 8 wherein the movable member comprises a partition across the cylindrical wall, the partition being sealingly slidable back and forth in the axial direction and having a penetrating partition An orifice that provides communication between the hot and cold liquid entry paths. The device of claim 9, wherein the first cold liquid inlet port communicates with the constricted space via the cylindrical wall, and the baffle includes a surface that can be placed over the cold liquid inlet path. Another cylindrical wall. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the other cylindrical wall of the partition is shaped to form a side edge that can be placed over the cold liquid entry path until the path is completely The closed position, therefore, no cold liquid enters the constricted space during use. A device according to claim 9, wherein a hot liquid inlet path communicates with the constricted space at or near an end of the cylindrical liquid chamber via the hot liquid inlet port. For example, in the device of claim 12, one of the mixing chambers The inlet is circular and coaxial with the cylindrical wall axis. The device of claim 13 wherein the second cold liquid inlet port comprises a recess surrounding the cylindrical wall, the recess being substantially between the planes perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical wall. The device of claim 9, wherein the cylindrical wall axis is parallel to an axis about which the movable dispensing member can be rotated. The device of claim 9, wherein the temperature sensing device is arranged in the body, expands in an axial direction when the sensed liquid temperature increases, and is in the axis when the sensed liquid temperature decreases Shrink in the direction. The device of claim 16, wherein the temperature sensing device comprises a housing and a piston axially movable back and forth about the cylindrical axis coaxially with respect to the housing. The device of claim 17, wherein the piston is in direct contact with the separator. The device of claim 18, wherein there is a resilient biasing member that biases the diaphragm and the piston to a most retracted position of the temperature sensing device. The device of claim 19, wherein the elastic biasing member is a compression spring disposed between the inlet of the mixing chamber and the partition. The device of claim 20, wherein the spacer is recessed and the spring partially surrounds the piston. The device of claim 16 further includes a protection mechanism for the temperature sensing device to prevent development in the outer casing. The pressure of the maximum pressure is predetermined. The device of claim 22, wherein the temperature sensing device is located within the body such that it is movable along the axis and the body is provided with a seat, and wherein the protection mechanism includes a second elastic bias a pressing member, the second elastic biasing member is offset from the piston to shift the movement of the temperature sensing device relative to the body, and the second elastic biasing member acts to face the temperature sensing device The seat is disposed such that when the pressure in the mixing chamber exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure, the temperature sensing device moves against the action of the second resilient biasing member, thereby being removed from the holder. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the movable dispensing member and the fixed dispensing member comprise ceramic discs. The device of claim 3, wherein the movable dispensing member has a convex spherical surface and the fixed dispensing member has a concave spherical surface. The device of claim 3, wherein the movable dispensing member has a convex cylindrical surface and the fixed dispensing member has a concave cylindrical surface. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is in the form of a cassette for a valve. A device of claim 1, wherein the device is a valve and the valve further comprises a single operating lever. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a body supporting the movable and fixed dispensing member, and a sealing mechanism for sealing between the components of the movable and fixed dispensing member, Wherein the fixed dispensing member comprises: a hot liquid inlet port and a cold liquid inlet port, wherein the movable dispensing member comprises: a hot liquid transfer hole, and a cold liquid transfer hole, wherein the device comprises the following configuration All being wholly or partially housed in the body, or all of them being wholly or partially housed in the movable dispensing member, or all of them being wholly or partially housed in a fixed dispensing member, the mixing chamber being contracted Space, the hot liquid inlet port communicates with the hot liquid and communicates with the constricted space, the cold liquid inlet port and the cold liquid transfer holes and communicate with the constricted space, and wherein the flow control mechanism is located in the contraction In the space, the hot and cold liquid flow entering the constricted space can be adjusted by opening the hot liquid inlet port while closing the first cold liquid inlet port, and vice versa, and the hot liquid inlet port can be completely closed. a temperature sensing portion of the temperature sensing device is located in the outlet, the second inlet port for the cold liquid is in communication with the second cold liquid outlet, and The movable dispensing member is movable to each of the following positions: a first position at which the hot liquid inlet port communicates with the hot liquid transfer cavity in communication with the hot liquid outlet, and at the same time, the cold liquid inlet port communicates with the first The cold liquid outlet communicates with the cold liquid to transfer the cavity; or a second position at which the hot liquid inlet port communicates with the hot liquid to communicate with the hot liquid outlet to transfer the cavity, and at the same time, the cold liquid inlet port communicates with the first cold The cold liquid connected to the liquid outlet transfers the cavity, and the cold liquid transfer hole also communicates with the second cold liquid outlet; or a third position at which the hot liquid inlet port and the cold liquid inlet port are not connected to any outlet And blocking both the hot liquid inlet port and the cold liquid inlet port from communicating with any outlet. A method of mixing hot and cold liquids and adjusting the temperature of the mixed liquid, the method comprising: feeding a hot liquid into a mixing chamber via a hot liquid inlet, and supplying the cold liquid through the cold liquid inlet port In the mixing chamber, an outlet is provided from the mixing chamber, and an outlet path communicating with the outlet of the mixing chamber is provided to a flow control mechanism located in the mixing chamber, the change allowing access to the flow rate at any combination via the a ratio of hot and cold liquid entering the chamber, sensing a temperature of the output of the mixed liquid from the mixing chamber by a temperature sensing device, and controlling the flow control mechanism to cause all output streams from the mixing chamber The output temperature of the rate does not exceed the selected maximum value, and a cold liquid is introduced into the mixing chamber via a second cold liquid inlet port. An outlet path, the second cold liquid inlet port being controlled by a downstream portion of the flow control mechanism, the temperature of the output stream from the mixing chamber being sensed from the downstream.