GB2027849A - Mixing valve - Google Patents

Abstract

The valve for regulating the amount and/or temperature of at least two differently temperatured fluids, has a housing with an outlet 18, first inlet and relevant mouth (2, 4), and a second inlet and relevant mouths (5, 6). The mouths (4, 6) can be throttled or shut off by a regulating member 9 which is influenced from the outside and/or from the inside automatically and/or manually. The regulating member 9 is moved by linearly-acting regulating means, for example a regulating bellows 24 which can be influenced mechanically and/or by way of an internal sensor and/or by way of an external sensor via a capillary tube, combined with non-linearly-acting regulating means, for example differently- sized and/or differently formed and/or differently arranged inlet mouths and/or recesses or edges of said mouths or outlet openings or dividing walls therebetween or of the regulating member itself. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Apparatus for control of two fluids The present invention concerns apparatus for control of two fluids, for example for mixing hot and cold water to give a desired warm output flow.

Previously known mixers, for example for central heaters having linear shunt control suffer from the substantial disadvantage, that the controlling, i.e. moving, part has to carry out extensive and power consuming movements to compensate e.g. in connection with motor shunts a constant hot water tapping within an often short period of time. Such mixers are often very expensive and complicated, e.g. with electrical connections and so on, which makes them expensive also in respect of service. In spite of this, the temperature of the outflowing water varies 5-1 5'C.

An objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which operates by means of short and less power consuming control movements, which keeps within very limited set margins of temperature, which is simple and cheap to produce, which is relatively insensitive to interferences, which has long lifetime, requires a minimum of service, and which accomplishes fast and effective mixture of different fluids.

The invention provides apparatus for regulating of at least two fluids, more especially hot and cold or return water of a central heating system, having a housing having an outlet, a first inlet and relevant mouth as well as a second inlet and relevant mouth, which mouths can be throttled or shut off by a regulating member which can be influenced from the outside and/or from the inside automatically and/or manually, and having regulating means acting in known manner at least partially in linear manner, in combination with non-linearly acting regulating means. Such an apparatus can be produced at a substantially lower price compared with conventional apparatus and requires no electrical connection. It is practically service-free and has in practical tests proved to be superior to other known and more intricate systems.In this connection, a great advantage arises from the inlet openings being different in size, and which by means of extremely small control movements and eventually by means of differently shaped control element parts can accomplish all desired mixtures and control of the temperature of the outgoing stream to within 1 C, which can be adapted to e.g. heat requirement according to indoor and outdoor sensors, which even can be interconnected and render an even smaller variation in output and a somewhat faster reaction. If sensors are connected to the outlet in close relation to the apparatus according to the invention, then it can keep a very exact temperature, which is desired e.g.

in connection with thermostat-controlled radiators. Every possible control scheme characteristics can be achieved by varying said openings in shape.

The control member or elements cooperating herewith can be connected to a clutch switch of a circulation pump so that e.g. cold water cannot pass through below a certain temperature.

If vortexing is desired and/or prevailing vortexing is insufficient, the channels can be directed in such a way that this occurs.

Openings of different size and short control movements used for a small compact unit and make it possible to achieve any desired control scheme in a simple way in spite of a linear or almost linear operation of said control member. Similar short control movements can, of course, be applied to a cylindrical unit with torsion movement of the control member.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a system containing an apparatus according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention in longitudinal section; Figure 3 is a section on line A-A in Fig. 2; Figure 4 and 5 show views comparable with Fig. 3 and revealing modified embodiments of the mouth of inlets and the shape of a control member respectively; Figure 6 shows a modified embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention in longitudinal section; Figure 7 is a section on line C-C in Fig. 6; Figure 8 is a section on line D-D in Fig. 6; Figure 9 shows a further modified embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention in longitudinal section; Figure 10 is a section on line I-I in Fig. 9;; Figure 11 shows a view comparable to Fig.

10 and revealing a different control position, and in which various control means are somewhat modified; Figure 12 is a view from the right in Fig. 9; Figure 13 shows a further modified embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention in longitudinal section; Figure 14 is a section on line G-G in Fig.

13; Figure 15 is a section on line I-I in Fig. 13; Figure 16 shows another modified embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention in longitudinal section; Figure 1 7 is a section on line J-J in Fig.

16; and Figure 18 is a side-view corresponding to the sectional view of Fig. 1 6.

Figure 19 shows a further embodiment, also in cross section; Figure 20 shows a section along line K-K in Fig. 19; Figure 21 is a sectional view along line L-L in Fig. 1 9 revealing from a different angle the position of a control member; Figure 22 is a side view of a control member; Figure 23 is a longitudinal section of the same control member; Figure 24 is a side view of a modified control member having curved and twisted edges bringing about especially an effective torsion of water streams and faster mixing; Figure 25 shows a further embodiment; Figure 26 shows a still further embodiment; Figure 27 is a section on the line M-M in Fig. 26; Figure 28 is a section on line N-N in Fig.

26; Figure 29 is a section on line 0-0 in Fig.

26; Figure 30 is a further view of a control member; Figure 31 is a view of a modified control member; Figure 32 shows a further modified embodiment; Figure 33 is a section on the line P-P of Fig. 32; Figure 34 shows an adapter for use with apparatus of the invention; Figure 35 is a partial sectional view on line P-P of Fig. 33 and on line Q-Q in Fig. 34; Figure 36 is a view of a further control member; Figure 37is a further view of the control member of Fig. 36; Figure 38 is e section on the line S-S of Fig. 36; Figure 39 is a sectional view showing mod ifications; Figure 40 is a top view on line T-T of Fig.

39; Figure 41 is a similar view of a modified embodiment; Figure 42 is a view on the line U-U of Fig.

41; Figure 43 shows a modified further embodiment; and Figure 44 is a section on the line V-V of Fig. 43.

A preferred apparatus of the invention (Figs.

2 and 3-5) operates as follows: Fig. 2 Hot water enters through a hot water inlet 2 and cold water through a cold water inlet 5 by means of e.g. circulation pump 45, as sucked or pressed up against the calibrated A-mouth 4 and calibrated B-mouth 6 respectively, where control member 9 with lower surface 10 seals towards control surface 7 by means of leaf spring 12, which is retained in position by means of a screw 1 3. Pretension of spring 1 2 as overcome by the tendency of the control member 9 to follow with the liquid stream. A minor part of leaf spring 1 2 abuts now upper surface 11. Mouths 4 and 6 are calibrated mouths (A-mouth and B-mouth) where mouth 4 is larger to permit maximum power consumption if and when so required.

Control member 9 is moved back and forth by means of adjusting bellows- 24 in. a governor unit 19, which via capillary 23 connects to e.g. an outdoor sensor 42 or an indoor sensor 43 or a combination of the two. Sensor 44 in the outlet is installed at a suitable place in the supply conduit, i.e. prolongation of outlet 1 8 and achieves a constant temperature, which is suitable e.g. for systems with thermostat-controlled radiators. Bellows 24 affects a steering, shaft 20 when moving back and forth, which movements are sensed by outdoor sensor 42, indoor sensor 43 and sensor 44. The steering shaft 20 is mounted in control number 9 through hole 36 and retained in position by means of collars 21. Control member 9 is guided laterally by means of chamber wall 8.

Stops 28 within governer 1 9 for at least one end position of said steering shaft 20 and may be- necessary for certain embodiments, which are not shown here.

Fig. 2 reveals a normal position, in which the control member 9 leaves free about equally large mouth parts of 4 and 6. This corresponds to a power consumption which is necessary at about 0 C outdoor temperature.

Control member 9 is able to cover A-mouth 4 entirely leaving B-mouth 6 entirely open.

This may be required when high outdoor temperature affects bellows 24 via sensor 42, 43 and capillary 23, so that bellows 24 is expanded maximally and only shunt or return water circulates in the system via B-mouth 6.

When sensor 42 and/or 43 senses a lower air temperature, the liquid in bellows 24 is decreased, and member 9 is moved towards the governor unit, so that water from B-mouth 6 can mix with hot water according to sensed demand. The volume of hot water quantity increases even beyond a position when Bmouth 6 is entirely cut off and leaves at maximum temperature, which heater and other control elements are set for.

Complete screening of B-mouth 6 and full opening of A-mouth 4 renders a substantial increase of capacity thanks to the larger area of 4, which then gives full effect.

When adjusting screw 25 is entirely extended, it relieves bellows 24, so that control member 9 can be in this position e.g. when operation is commenced in order to increase temperature rapidly or for other reasons requiring a manually operable-effect consumption. Locking means 26 enable return to previously set calibration affecting bellows 24 via adjusting pin 27.

Fig. 3 shows also mouths 4 and 6 and further details. Practical tests tendered an effect scheme well corresponding to the needs in Northern countries with normal temperatures for hot water leaving the heater.

Fig. 4 shows the upper side of control surface 7 with control member 9 omitted to give an example of the shape of A-mouth 4 affecting the power tap in the end phase beyond complete screening of B-mouth 6. All other characteristics can be brought about by altering even B-mouth 6 or both mouths 6 and 4.

Fig. 5 shows a sectional level between Figs.

3 and 4 with bottom part 10 of control member 9 abutting control surface 7. Recess 30 in control member 9 gives a desired characteristic performance. Also or only that part of control member 9 which covers mouth 4 can be given a shape similar to recess 30.

In other words, when lower surface 10 of control member 9 completely screens off mouth 4, the greatest depth of recess 30 is adjacent the edge of mouth 4 along partition 3. Within the material of the partition 3, recess 30 or part thereof can be moulded in varying size and shape, so that all necessary characteristics can be achieved by retarded opening-throttling of cold and hot water stream respectively. In the closed position of A-mouth 4, certain part of lower surface 10 of member 9 overlaps B-mouth 6 by the thickness of partition 3 towards B-mouth 6. Depth of recess 30 can even be less to screen either mouth 4 or 6 entirely. Such recesses 30 in member 9 are simple, easy and cheap to manufacture.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment which is different in construction. Here, a chamber 32 is divided by a control member 9, which is cylindrical and axially movable under the influence of the governor unit 1 9. An advantage of this embodiment is that only very little governing power is required, as control member 9 is completely relieved thanks to equal counter-pressure in both chamber parts affecting the major surfaces of control member 9.

Circumferential lips 31 may be integral with member 9, which in its turn is preferably of plastics material. This makes the total abutment against housing 1 very small and contributes also to reducing the required governing power. Distance between lips 31 is always less than width of the partition 3, which prevents all normal leakage. The absence of spring pressure reduces also required governing power. This embodiment is very easy to design and produce, is cheap, has guaranteed function and only one movable element. It can also be produced as an adaptor with only vital elements precision finished and can be placed in a body of very simple design. Also a square design is possible, where control member 9 has this shape. All these embodiments comprise control and mixing at the outlet of chamber 32.

Fig. 9 shows an embodiment having a control member 9 eccentrically pivoted and swingable across mouths 4 and 6, whereby governing movement is exchanged and a short stroke of the governor unit will suffice.

Washer 37 may also contain a coil spring ~contributing to adequate pressure between surfaces 7 and 1 0. The enlarged head of shaft 39 contains a rectangular opening 40 permitting peg 38 to travel with the swinging movement of the control member 9.

Fig. 10 shows the mouths 4 and 6 designed as suitable "curves" in connection with the shape of the control member 9.

Fig. 11 reveals a similar embodiment, but with the difference, that the control member 9 is provided with a calibrated recess 30 for a different suitable "curve". For increasing possibly desired whirling-fast mixing, the inlets 2 and 5 have been displaced laterally in relation to one another and they have been inclined in opposite directions so that mouths 4 and 6 have been distorted such that a total twisting and spiral movement of liquid streams entering chamber 32 rapidly accomplishes an effective and total mixing.

Fig. 1 2 shows the distortion and inclination of inlets and mouths.

Fig. 1 shows a system incorporating any of here described apparatuses and components and having a central heater 47. Also shown is exact location of apparatus according to the invention. A contact line or conduit 46 is provided between governor unit 1 9 and circulation pump 45 for activating and inactivating pump 45, e.g when outdoor temperature is so high, that it would be unnecessary to circulate cold water only. The contractors in governor 1 9 and pump 45 are not shown, as these are well known standard components. Sensor 42 can even be located in the air stream entering the heater location for instance and can thus sense the temperature of the outdoor air in a shielded place.

All embodiments can easily be equipped with manual control.

Figs. 1 3 and 1 5 show a sectional view of a further embodiment according to the invention, where control member 9 has no sealing lips but seals nevertheless satisfactorily, as there is practically no difference in pressure on both sides and mixing occurs after control chamber only. Partition 3, and mouths 4 and 6 have a zig-zag-shaped mutual relationship bringing about overlap mixing, and the water streams attain rapidly a homogeneous temperature after joining.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 6 and 1 8 control member 9 is pivoted in the centre on a shaft 20 in casing 61 and is affected by a crank-like prolongation 64 of shelf 20 to achieve a position e.g. as shown. Chamber 32 has here always the same division in volume and therefore pressure from inlets 2 and 5 counter-balance and governing power can be relatively small.

As mixing is brought about "on top" after control, a simple sealing of member 9 will suffice. Member 9 is preferably of plastics material and provided with lips 31 both adjacent chamber wall 8 and the plain major surface 60 and 61. No substantial leaking can occur. Also this embodiment can be made very simple and compact. It is also suitable for large amounts of water, e.g. in blocks etc.

Manual control can be sufficient for certain requirements.

As modifications mouths 4 and 6 can entirely or partly comprise within the control member 9 itself, which in this case by cooperation with annexed wall parts of the housing achieves the desired control. Especially when the control member 9 is made of plastic material such a design is possible at no substantial extra costs.

Figs. 19 to 24 show an embodiment, wherein partition 3 is removed and mouths 4 and 6 are joined to a common control opening 72, and wherein control member 9 has been provided with axial guiding edges 69, which in diameter correspond to the diameter of chamber 32, and which can slide across opening 72 and control the relative openings for hot and cold water by means of partition 70, the diameter of which is adapted to that of the control chamber 32. Control member 9 shows recesses 68 permitting desired quantities of medium to pass during the whole control movement, which is sensor-governed.

The circumferential partition 70 is somewhat oblique between adjacent edges 69 thus including pointed angles 71, which efficiently contribute--where so required-to effect opening and closing of hot and cold water slowly. The one and only control opening 72 can in this case be small, as partition 70 occupies very little of the accessible total opening at the same time as a large amount of mixed water leaves through channel 66 to the outlet 18. The stroke of bellows 24 can be extremely short, and the widening mouth 67 of control opening 72 makes passage of mixed media easier.

Fig. 25 shows a further embodiment, wherein a control chamber 32 has on the hot water side a circular shoulder 73 to be abutted by an enlarged centre part of control member 9 with somewhat larger diameter end surface 74 than internal diameter of shoulder 73 thus constituting an extra sealing shutting off media flow via A-inlet (to control chamber) 32 to 100% when member 9 attains the illustrated position. This is valuable, when total shut-off is desired, and also generally, as it is quite common, that known mixers have a leakage of 5-10% thus causing unnecessary energy losses. Here partition 70 is unsymmetrically surrounding member 9, and on the hot water side, edges 69 can be omitted, so that peripheral recess 68 is an annular cavity.

When surface 74 leaves shoulder 73, the throttling effects s.c. preshunting and is desirable for certain embodiments. To protect bellows 24 from bursting when surface 74 seals against shoulder 73 and liquid in sensor expands further, bellows 24 should have a resilient rest against its stop within the governor unit 19.

Fig. 26 shows an embodiment wherein channel 66 and control opening 72 surround only half the periphery of control chamber 32 on the outlet side. Here, control member 9 obtains a fixed position in relation to a lever 78, by means of which member 9 can be turned half a revolution. Partition 70 can be wavelike in the circumferential direction, e.g.

according to Fig. 30, which increases or minimizes warm and cold water streams through control opening 72 respectively by means of a simple movement of lever 78 with square hole 79 sliding on the square part 77 of steering shaft 20 (for normal movements of bellows 24) via shaft 20, sensor 75 and shaft 20. Hereby, especially for trying conditions, hole 78 can be moved manually and-if so desired-by further control means for rapidly changing temperature of the outflowing water, e.g. after a period of rest.

The sensor 75 (with retardation function) located within return water flow in chamber 32 has a wax or wax/copper chip core or similar corresponding to desired sensitivity, and is rigidly connected to shaft 20. The objective of sensor 75 is to successively move control member 9, so that hot water mouth at control opening 72 decreases, if return water via B-inlet 5 occasionally becomes hotter than e.g. 40"C. Then sensor 75 grows in length and displaces control, so that present temperature can be kept within narrow limits.

Minor prolongation of sensor 75 not only throttles hot water flow but increases also flow of return water.

Retardation sensor 75 renders further an important advantage, when completely linearly operating control system for instance is governed by an indoor thermostat, in which case it is effectively contributing to equalizing variations in the outgoing temperature by sensing "room temperature" cia return water, which rapidly is adjusted when occasionally becoming too hot.

For certain applications, such as retardation as mentioned before, sensor 75 can be replaced by bellows 24, which in a simple manner can be located in the return water stream and accomplish its movement when return water gets too hot.

To insure displacement of components participating in control movements from the s.c.

rest position, a pressure spring 82 can be inserted between control member 9 and the adjacent surface of chamber 32 on the hot water side.

The objective of small shunt 84 is to always let through a little amount of hot water across central member 9, even if member 9 is in its s.c. rest position (not water passage blocked), so that part of the mixer housing is kept warm to minimize the risk of control member 9 being stuck and furthermore to reduce the unilateral pressure prevailing on the return water side when the control member 9 is in its rest position and to prevent sedimentation of impurities contained in the water, especially in certain positions of installation. Medium flow through shunt 84 is negligible and affects the outgoing temperature by no more than 0.1"C.

Fig. 27 shows the halfmoon-shape of channel 66 within outlet 18.

Fig. 28 shows stops 83 for lever 78, and a scale 65.

Fig. 29 shows the flow permitted by partition 70 and lever 78 according to position in Fig. 28 and part of B in Fig. 30.

Fig. 30 shows the whole periphery of control member 9 and how partition 70 can be varied within wide limits. Part A corresponds to minimum outgoing temperature, B medium, and C maximum. Infinitely variable mixing therebetween is possible.

Fig. 31 is a similar view as Fig. 30 but with partition 70 modified to render a different control scheme.

Fig. 32 shows an embodiment having a circumferential channel 66 permitting several outlets for temperature controlled water and can thus replace distributors for various mains. Another advantage of this embodiment is that each such outlet 1 8 by simple means, i.e. design of control member 9 for instance, can be given a different temperature, if so desired, to serve several difference zones with varying heat requirements by one single sensor-governed control movement.

The housing can be produced cheaply, of e.g. cast iron, and the only part of different material with necessary precision will be the adapter 87.

Here, control openings 72 can be rectangular slots which naturally can be modified in various ways. The various slots can be longitudinally displaced, e.g. overlapping, in relation to one another, adjacent every outlet 1 8 to achieve different outgoing temperatures.

Fig. 33 reveals the simple design for distribution. The housing can also be square or hexagonal to incorporate all branches.

Fig. 34 shows a temperature changing adapter 92, which is made of relatively soft or resilient material and can be pressed down into outlet 1 8 against the outer periphery of an adapter 87 to be retained in position by an asymmetrical part 96, which is displaced to erase cavity 95 simultaneously. An obstructed part 94 of control opening 72 brings about desired temperature change. Channels 93 and partition 97 correspond to channels 72 and partition 90 respectively as evident from Fig.

35. The adapter 92 is reversible through 180 for increased/reduced demand of temperature.

For reducing or completely eliminating nondesirable flow between the various outlets 1 8 (Fig. 35) channel 66 has been omitted here and angle pint 98 abuts control opening 72.

If channel 66 is retained, then adapter 92 can be provided with tongues protruding into channel 66 and partly into opening 72 to give the desired shielding effect.

Fig. 36 shows control member 9 seen from one side, wherein the partition 70 is very thin and zig-zagged around the whole periphery.

The depth of angle 71 on both sides of partition 70 brings about a desirable intensive overlap mixing of water streams. Angle 71 also contributes to successive increase and reduction respectively of water stream be cause of the non-linear effect rendered by this 1 embodiment.

Fig. 38 reveals the position of recesses 68 and angle 71 on both sides and indicating the effective overlap mixing.

As to all embodiments according to Figs.

1 9 to 38: for controlling flow of media, these can be produced very cheaply as compact units completely replacing the expensive and often intricate systems which now are offered.

There is an infinite possibility to provide schemes of temperature of the outgoing mixed flow at the same time as there is a possibility to bring unnecessary overtempera tures under control, e.g. by a retardation sensor in the return conduit. A very valuable possibility resides in taking out several differ ent tempecatures of medium by one single control movement simultaneously saving the costs of additional distributors and tempera ture control means of branches departing therefrom. Counter pressure in system is al ways equally large independent from position of the control member 9 in relation to control opening 72, i.e. the total amount of con trolled or mixed water is always the same, so that no disturbances can arise by unbalance in a set heating system.

Fig. 39 is a sectional view of a combination of additional equipment enabling use of bel lows 24 of certain standard length for a steering pin 105 to reduce the length of the control stroke of shaft 20 from e.g. about 4 mm as shown in position "b" of pin 105 and pin 11 3 to about 2 mm according to position "c", or even to double stroke to about 8 mm according to position "a". Furthermore, e.g.

reduction of temperature during the night can be achieved by means of heating coil 110, e.g. by governing by a timer rendering ade quate night temperatures and substantial sav ings in energy costs.

Here, base 102 is retained in position by means of a screw 101, which is inserted into threaded bore 100 in housing 1 shown as a square block. Reed 104 is pivoted at pivot 103 and is wide and long enough to cover a circular arc 109 (Fig. 40) described by pin 105 around centre 107 between stops 108.

Screw 107 as pivot centre can arrest the base of stop 1 06 in relation to housing 1 in all desired positions between stops 108. This renders almost infinite possibilities of control of control member 9, which previously has been a great problem. For further control of setting, governor unit 1 9 is provided with a friction thread at 22. By manually pushing down reed 104, which here is shown in minimum and maximum position, the mechanical pressure on bellows 24 is relieved during setting of stop 106. The various lengths of stroke of shaft 20 and member 9 via pin 105 are illustrated by distances "a", "b" and "c" at the free end of reed 104 corresponding to positions "a", "b" and "c" of pin 105 against reed 1 04.

For reduction of temperature via heating coil 110 the winding 111 is activated via e.g.

a timer through lead 11 5, which is calibrated to render e.g. 60"C. This heat expands sensor 11 2 a certain calibrated length, and as pin 11 3 abuts reed 104, which in its turn is kept in position by bellows 24 via pin 105, a displacement takes place via stop 114 and shaft 20a, which latter is kept in abutment by means of a spring 24a located in bore 99, to affect control member 9 via shaft 20 e.g. to cut off hot water supply from the A-inlet 2. In this case, return spring 82 can be omitted. A reduction in temperature of about 20 of the outgoing water through outlet 1 8 is adequate at an outdoor temperature of about 0 C to achieve reduction of room temperature by app. 2"C at night.At a suitable time in the morning, the current to coil 110 is interrupted, and in the course of cooling of sensor 112, the system adapts slowly to day function without any further engagements in piping and other parts of the system such as is usual in conventional systems. Another alternative for reduction of night temperature is providing the indoor sensor 43 (Fig. 1) with an adequate calibrated heating coil to directly affect bellows 24 via capillary 23. Coil 110 and sensor 11 2 for night reduction can also be located in governor unit 1 9 between pin 27 and bellows 24. Bellows 24 can, of course, be calibrated for and surrounded by coil 110 for the same purpose.The effect of coil 110 and sensor 11 2 can also be varied by potentiometers within e.g. 0-30"C according to scale.

Fig. 41 shows a modified embodiment. The length of control stroke of shaft 20 and control unit 9 is affected by position of unit 19, which can be displaced along slot 11 9 in the top of housing 11 8 which is secured to housing 1 by means of anchoring screw 101.

Reed 104 is mounted on a peg 129, which is inserted into holes 1 28 in housing 118, and is guided laterally by tubular spacers 121. These components constitute a hinge or pivot 103.

Slot 119 is delimited by end stops 108, and for displacing governor unit 1 9 from one position to another, friction ring 11 6 is released, which has a thread corresponding to that of bore 22, and so has the rectangular washer 117, and both slide readily along the walls of housing 11 8. At a desired position in slot 11 9 and at a desired level of pin 105, ring 11 6 is tightened along with washer 11 7 and housing 11 8. A hole 1 20 accommodates shaft 20 which here via control member 9 has guaranteed return movement by a return spring (not shown).In one wall of housing 118, an end position slot 1 26 is contained with stop ends 1 27. In this slot is retained a travel bolt 1 22 with a head larger than the width of slot 1 26 and overlapping reed 1 04.

The outer part of bolt 1 22 is threaded to receive a washer 124 and locking nut 125.

As by means of bolt 122, e.g. maximum temperature can be affected in any position of unit 19, the return movement of reed 104 can be obstructed at an adequate level of the outgoing temperature and accordingly, overtemperatures are effectively prevented. Bolt 1 22 can also be used to obstruct e.g. hot water flow entirely. Also, a completely manual setting is possible, e.g. in case of breakdown.

Figs. 43 and 44 show another modified embodiment. Here, control or presetting can be achieved e.g. in a negative way, i.e. reduction from say 4 to 2 mm. Housing may be completely square and contains all elements for setting in one direction, here in a negative direction as shown in the drawings. A movable tongue 1 33 can be fixedly placed under reed 104 with tip 1 34. This is achieved by lever 131, which is pivoted in wall 118 at 1 35 and pivotally linked to tongue 1 33 at 132. Lever 131 can be moved along slot 119 between stops 1 08. Full lines show maximum control length and interrupted lines minimum.

The one-direction-control can be reversed by exchanging unit 1 9 and shaft 20, or housing 11 8 can be turned through 180 .

Figs. 39 and 44 show, that it is possible in connection with relatively simple control systems, as governing by means of only linearly working sensors, to add control combinations, which besides lowering of night temperature, can be compared with and replace all sophisticated systems with similar possibilities which nowadays are offered.

Internal tests of embodiments according to the present invention have proved that all functions are highly reliable and even very high requirements for safety, flexibility and compact design can be fulfilled.

Claims (11)

1. Apparatus for regulating of at least two fluids, more especially hot and cold or return water of a central heating system, having a housing having an outlet, a first inlet and relevant mouth as well as a second inlet and relevant mouth, which mouths can be throttled or shut off by a regulating member which can be influenced from the outside and/or from the inside automatically and/or manu ally, and having regulating means acting in known manner at least partially in linear manner, in combination with non-linearly acting regulating means.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-linearly acting regulatingmeans are formed from differently sized and/ or differently formed-out and/or mutually differently arranged mouths of the inlets, and in that the regulating member is arranged beyond a position in which the one mouth is already completely shut off, further to expose the other mouth.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the mouths of the inlets are arranged inside a regulating surface, along which the regulating member is preferably arranged in sealing manner and so as to be slidable with an abutment surface, in which respect a wall separating the mouths, and/or the mouths and/or the regulating member have recesses, curves or the like to obtain the desired regulating characteristic.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the inlets are laterally mutually displaced and/or inclined in different directions, in order to give the in-fed fluid streams a rotary or spiral motion.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the regulating member is designed as a disc and is mounted eccentrically, in order to swing over both mouths, in which respect the adjusting movement transmitted from a control axis to the disc is gearable about a swivel axis, and the preferably thickened inner end of the control axis is provided with an elongate hole, in order to allow to a pin or tenon, projecting up from the disc, a migrating movement during the swinging of the regulating member in this hole.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the regulating member, preferable a cylindrical body, for the axial shifting by a control unit is provided in an appropriately formed-out chamber along with simultaneous splitting up and screening of so formed chamber parts, which communicate with the outlet by way of mouth or openings, along which region the regulating member is arranged slidably and in sealing manner, in which respect the said mouths or openings and/or a possible dividing wall between the same and/or the regulating member are specially formed-out, for example zigzag-shaped in order to bring about the desired splitting up between the streams and/or in intensive mixing, preferably cross-mixing of the flows.

7. Apparatus as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the regulating member is arranged positively in a cylindrical chamber with its flat sides in the axial direction of the chamber and control axis extend in the same direction through the centre of the regulating member as swivel axis under bearing in chamber end pieces, in which respect the outwardly turned narrow sides of the regulating member are preferably provided with lips and the control axis is preferably lengthened outwards in the form of a crank.

8. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the regulating member is arranged so as to be axially displaceable and/or rotatable and is provided with axial guide edges and/or a peripheral dividing wall (70), in order to harbour hollows between the said parts or one of these and the regulating member trunk or body, in which respect the said dividing wall upon the presence of axial guide edges is preferably tilted or graduated in step-shaped manner between adjacent guide edges and/or the guide edges display a shape which is rotated about the periphery and/or the dividing wall extends in undulatory manner about the entire periphery, and in which respect the chamber has, on the one mouth side, preferably a circular adjoint-piece, against which an enlarged end face of the regulating member butts with somewhat larger diameter, in which case the dividing wall is preferably arranged asymmetrically in the axial direction and a closed annular hollow (groove) is arranged on the adjoing-piece side.

9. A device as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the regulating member is surrounded on the outlet side wholly or partially by a channel and/or openings in the chamber wall or in the housing respectively or an insert surrounding the regulating member, preferably with an inflow region widened to the outlet (or with regard to the outlet).

1 0. A device as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the control axis is axially displaceable and/or rotary by an external sensor and/or in internal sensor and/ or an adjusting arm which is arranged in torsionally-fast manner but slidably on the control axis, and/or a regulating bellows outside or inside the flow paths and/or a sensor having for example a delaying function, which is inserted into at least one of the flow paths, preferably in front of the regulating region and inside the control axis as an intermediate part.

11. Apparatus as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that several, for example four, outlet and an insert having openings and surrounding the regulating member which is preferably circular in design are present, which are preferably differently formed-out and/or arranged relative to each outlet, in order to result in different initial temperature, and in that inertable into at least one outlet is a temperature-varying outlet insert which is preferably produced from relatively soft material, in order to be able to be pressed into an outlet against the outer periphery of the insert and to be held in position, preferably in that an asymmetrical outer part is forced in, in order to fill up a displacement hollow, besides which the insert is preferably turnable, in order to cover or expose differently-sized openings together with the insert.

1 2. Apparatus as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the control axis is split in design, and in that inserted between thus formed parts is a heat ing coil and/or a sensor having a length variation capacity and/or a tongue, which is hingedly connected to the housing and can be influenced from at least one direction, in order to limit a certain maximum or minimum posi tion, besides which the control axis parts are movable and/or swingable in relation to one another with the tongue, arranged in a radial plane, as intervening element, in which re spect a bracket or cantilever which carries the control unit is arranged preferably so as to be swingable relative to the housing and therewith the tongue, or a holder which car ries the control unit is provided with a slotted hole, along which the control unit is displa ceable with its control axis part in the form of a regulating pin or tenon, and a bolt or pin which is arranged in a slot in the holder is intended to determine said maximum or mini mum position, besides which the control unit is preferably also adjustable in length with its regulating pin, for example by equipping with a friction thread for fastening in the bracket or the holder, and in that a possibly arranged internal sensor is preferably provided with a calibrated heating coil, in order in this way to influence the control unit with a bellows via a capillary tube, or in that a heating coil or the like is arranged in the control unit, preferably between an adjusting screw and the bellows, or in which respect the bellows is surrounded by a heating coil, in which respect possibly a potentiometer is connected to said heating coil, or in that an adjusting lug (or vane) is shiftable in stepless manner with its tip under the tongue, preferably with the aid of a lever, the one end of which is hinged in the holder, and which is hingedly connected approxi mately in the centre to the adjusting lug, and which is movable along the slot in the holder between limiting positions in which respect one of the control axis parts butts against the tongue and the other control axis part butts against the lug and the lug and the tongue butt against one another in flat manner or at an angle, in order in this way to form a variable distance means for the control axis parts.

1 3. Apparatus for regulating the flow of two fluids substantially as hereinbefore de scribed with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.