Valve apparatus for regulating a heat exchange liquid
US8066198B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF01P2060/045
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A valve apparatus can be used to select between a cold or a hot coolant for heat exchange, this selection depending on whether an attached heat exchanger is to operate as a cooler or a heater. The apparatus includes a valve housing with first and second chambers formed therein, first inlet and outlet ports for flow of a primary liquid into and out of the first chamber and further ports for flow of coolant at different temperatures through the second chamber. A linear actuator in the housing has a body containing wax and a plastic piston that is movable to an extended position by expansion of the wax. The actuator body is located in the first chamber so the temperature of the wax is dependent on the liquid's temperature in the first chamber. An end portion of the actuator adjacent to the second chamber is made of plastic. A valve mechanism for controlling coolant flow is operably connected to the piston and located in the second chamber. This mechanism includes a spool movable by the actuator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.