Thermostat with locking arms for coolant filling

US9194279B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• Kay Hohenboeken · Cologne, DE
• Bert Pingen · Rheinbach, DE
• Michael Tobergte · Cologne, DE
• Stefan Quiring · Leverkusen, DE
• Richard Fritsche · Wermelskirchen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 24, 2011
• Grant date: Nov 24, 2015
• Expiry date: Jan 26, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/0318
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a control valve for a medium circuit of an internal combustion engine, in particular to a thermostat of a coolant circuit of the internal combustion engine. The control valve includes a valve housing, an expansible material element arranged in a valve body, an energy accumulator having an abutment element, a valve seat, and at least one locking element arranged on the abutment element, each locking element having a counter-latching face. The control valve has a first position wherein the counter-latching face of each locking element is in a non-positive connection with a corresponding latching face of the valve housing in order to force the control valve into a mechanically blocked, forced-open position, the latching face being formed by means of an opening edge in the valve housing. This position may enable a quick and reliable initial filling or refilling of the coolant circuit.