Patent ID: 6250559
Filing Date: 2001-06-26
Classification: G05D

Abstract:
A thermostatic water mixing valve, comprising:a housing defining an inlet for cold water, an inlet for hot water, and an outlet for mixed water, the inlets and the outlet being connected to a mixing chamber a valve seat arranged between each inlet and the mixing chamber;a closure sleeve whose position relative to the valve seats is controlled by an expansion element located to be within the flow path of the mixed water, the expansion element being configured with a bulge;an adjusting mechanism for changing the positional bias of the closure sleeve and the expansion element to provide a set point for the temperature of the mixed water;an inner body arranged within and concentric with the closure sleeve forming an annular gap for passage of water into the mixing chamber; anda baffle surface adjacent the downstream end of the annular gap for promoting the mixing of cold water and hot water;characterized in that:a) the expansion element is located within a spring guide that is tapered over a portion of its longitudinal extension and that supports the expansion element by means of internal radial ribs parallel with the longitudinal extension of the spring guide;b) the inner contour of the spring guide is matched to the outer contour of the expansion element and is substantially parallel thereto;c) the baffle surface is formed by the upstream end of the spring guide; andd) the spring guide is slideably mounted within a plastic sleeve and positionally biased relative thereto by a compression spring between the spring guide and the plastic sleeve.