Automatic temperature and humidity regulation – Mixing fluid of dissimilar temperature – Having oscillating or reciprocating valve
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-17
2001-06-26
Tapolcai, William (Department: 3744)
Automatic temperature and humidity regulation
Mixing fluid of dissimilar temperature
Having oscillating or reciprocating valve
Reexamination Certificate
active
06250559
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to thermostatic water mixing valves, and specifically to such valves internally configured to provide an improved mixing chamber from which water passes around a thermostatic expansion element to enhance output temperature stability.
Thermostatic valves which mix hot and cold water in varying proportions to supply water of a preset nominal temperature are well known. A common design for such valves incorporates two valve devices whose closure members are coordinately controlled by a thermostatic expansion element. The valve devices control admission of cold and hot water into a mixing chamber from which mixed cold and hot water flows past the thermostatic expansion element.
In known designs for valves of this type, the outlet water temperature is generally sensitive to the cold and hot water inlet pressures. Thus, the preset outlet temperature is accurately maintained only if the supply pressures of the cold and hot water are constant. Conversely, operation of an ideal mixing valve should be characterized by an outlet temperature that is independent of inlet pressures.
The foregoing problem is addressed in published German patent document DE 44 23 240 C1, which discloses a mixing valve having a baffle plate within its mixing zone. The present invention is directed to a design that further improves the outlet temperature response characteristics of a thermostatic mixing valve.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a thermostatic water mixing valve that provides improved independence of outlet temperature from inlet pressure variations by incorporating a specially configured inlet valve closure sleeve in combination with a baffle surface downstream from the inlet valve seats. The inlet valve closure sleeve is formed with a concentric inner body that, together with the closure sleeve, defines an annular gap through which water is directed onto the baffle surface, and then into a mixing chamber at least partially surrounding a thermostatic expansion element that positions the sleeve relative to the inlet valve seats. A portion of the expansion element is located in a tubular support tapered along at least a portion of its length, the upstream end of which may form the baffle surface. The valve closure sleeve and inner body may be formed of plastic to inhibit the formation of scale deposits.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2810523 (1957-10-01), Branson
patent: 3765604 (1973-10-01), Trubert et al.
patent: 3792812 (1974-02-01), Knapp
patent: 3955759 (1976-05-01), Knapp
patent: 4029256 (1977-06-01), Dauga
patent: 5148976 (1992-09-01), Reid
patent: 5203496 (1993-04-01), Kline
patent: 5379936 (1995-01-01), Kline
Honeywell AG
Tapolcai William
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