Flow rate controller

Abstract

Disclosed is a flow rate controller in which a clear width (6) of a control gap (4) between a main part (3) and a control element (2), which is deformable according to the pressure in order for the flow rate through the control gap (4) to be kept constant, can be adjusted as a result of the fact that at least one supporting element that adjusts the clear width (6) of the control gap (4) is designed to be movable relative to a main part (3).

Claims

1. A flow rate regulator (1), comprising: a main body (3); a disc-shaped, deformable regulating body (2) arranged on an inflow side with respect to the main body (3) such that a control gap (4) is formed between the regulating body (2) and the main body (3); at least one drain opening (5), arranged downstream of the control gap (4), formed in the main body (3); at least one support element (7); a clear width (6) of the control gap (4) is defined, at least during operation, by the at least one support element (7); and the at least one support element (7) is arranged in a movable manner relative to the main body (3).

2. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support element (7) is movable relative to the main body (3) into a position in which the regulating body (2) at least one of closes the drain opening (5) or bears flat against the main body (3).

3. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the main body (3) is formed in a substantially planar manner on an inflow side (8) delimiting the control gap (4).

4. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the regulating body (2) has at least one of an external contour (9) of a circular disc or a uniform thickness (10).

5. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of: the clear width (6) of the control gap (4) is variable via a movement of the at least one support element (7), or the at least one support element (7) is guided in the main body (3) transversely to a side, facing the control gap (4), of the main body (3).

6. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support element (7) is formed peg-shaped.

7. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support element (7) has a smaller diameter and a larger diameter, and a guide hole (12), in which the at least one support element (7) is arranged in a movable manner, is closed by the larger diameter in a first position of the support element (7) and is at least partially freed up by the smaller diameter in a second position of the support element (7).

8. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support element (7) is arranged at least partially in the control gap (4).

9. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one immovable spacer (15), which projects into the control gap (4), arranged on the main body (3), and an extent to which the at least one spacer (15) projects into the control gap (4) is less than a smallest extent to which the at least one support element (7) projects into the control gap (4).

10. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a carrier element to which the regulating body (2) is fastened, and the carrier element (16) is arranged in a movable manner relative to at least one of the main body (3) or the at least one support element (7).

11. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support element (7) carries the regulating body (2).

12. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a coupling device (25) set up to move the carrier element (16) in an opposite direction to or in a same direction as the at least one support element (7).

13. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 12, wherein the coupling device (25) effects a first adjustment rate of the at least one support element (7) and a second adjustment rate of the carrier element (16).

14. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the at least one support element (7) or the carrier element (16) is movable relative to the main body (3) by way of a drive (31) that is at least one of mechanically, electrically, or thermally drivable.

15. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the at least one support element (7) or the carrier element (16) is guided onto an outflow side (8) by the main body (3), or the drive (20) is arranged on the outflow side.

16. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support element (7) comprises a series of support elements (7) that are arranged in a circumferential direction of the regulating body (2).

17. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 16, wherein the support elements (7, 26, 27, 28) of the series are arranged in a non-uniform manner in the circumferential direction.

18. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 16, wherein the support elements (7, 26, 27, 28) of the series are coupled or couplable together so as to move synchronously relative to the base plate.

19. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1, wherein a flow of water in the main body (3) is guided in a bend (33), and a drive for the at least one support element (7) is arranged in an extension of an entering arm of the bend (33) away from the flow of water.

20. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the main body (3) is arranged in a pipe (32) with an inside diameter adapted to the main body (3).

21. A method of controlling a flow rate, comprising: providing a flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1; and setting at least one of a flow rate, a mixing temperature, in a mixing ratio, or a mixture of cold and hot water, during operation, an externally actuable drive for the relative movement between the at least one support element (7) and the main body (3).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will now be described in more detail on the basis of exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments result from combining the features of individual dependent claims or a plurality of dependent claims with one another and/or with individual features or a plurality of features of the exemplary embodiments.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a flow rate regulator according to the invention with the regulating body removed, in a three-dimensional oblique view,

(3) FIG. 2 shows the flow rate regulator according to FIG. 1 with the regulating body positioned, in a partially cut-away illustration,

(4) FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section through the flow rate regulator according to the invention according to FIG. 2 in a first position of the support elements,

(5) FIG. 4 shows the illustration in longitudinal section similar to FIG. 3, wherein the regulating body is arranged in a second position, allowing a narrower control gap,

(6) FIG. 5 shows a further flow rate regulator according to the invention, wherein the at least one support element and the carrier element are adjustable at different adjustment rates,

(7) FIG. 6 shows the joint adjustment of the support elements and of the carrier element in a further flow rate regulator according to the invention with the regulating body removed,

(8) FIG. 7 shows the adjustment of only the carrier element in the flow rate regulator according to FIG. 6,

(9) FIG. 8 shows the adjustment of only the support elements in the flow rate regulator according to FIG. 6,

(10) FIG. 9 shows a further flow rate regulator according to the invention, in which a thermodynamic drive is formed,

(11) FIG. 10 shows a detail illustration of a longitudinal section with a support element, formed in a stepped manner, in an open position,

(12) FIG. 11 shows the support element from FIG. 10 in a corresponding detail illustration of a longitudinal section, wherein the support element closes a guide hole,

(13) FIG. 12 shows an alternative variant to FIG. 10,

(14) FIG. 13 shows an alternative variant to FIG. 11,

(15) FIG. 14 shows a first regulating curve with a smaller target flow rate,

(16) FIG. 15 shows a second regulating curve with a larger target flow rate,

(17) FIG. 16 shows a further flow rate regulator according to the invention with the regulating body removed, and

(18) FIG. 17 shows the flow rate regulator from FIG. 16 in a longitudinal section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(19) First of all, FIGS. 1 to 4 are described together.

(20) A flow rate regulator provided overall with the reference numeral 1 has a regulating body 2, which is formed in a disc-like and deformable manner.

(21) The flow rate regulator 1 also has a main body 3 which encloses a control gap 4 with the regulating body 2. To this end, the regulating body 2 is arranged on the inflow side with respect to the main body 3.

(22) Formed in the main body 3 is at least one drain opening 5 which is located downstream of the control gap 4. Water flowing in thus first of all flows around the regulating body 2, passes into the control gap 4 and drains out via the drain opening 5.

(23) The control gap 4 has a clear width 6. This clear width 6 is definable via at least one support element 7 during operation, i.e. already when subjected to little pressure by the water.

(24) In this case, the support element 7 is adjustable relative to the main body 3, such that the clear width 6 of the control gap 4 is variable by adjustment of the support element 7.

(25) The main body 3 is formed in a substantially planar manner on its inflow side 8, which delimits the control gap 4. Thus, the flow of water can flow in an unimpeded manner via the inflow side 8 of the main body 3.

(26) The regulating body 2 has a circumferential external contour 9 which describes the shape of a circular disc.

(27) It is also apparent from FIG. 2 that the regulating body 2 is manufactured with a uniform thickness 10. The regulating body 2 is made of rubber and is therefore elastically deformable.

(28) In a manner which will be described in even more detail, the support element 7 is movable or adjustable relative to the main body 3.

(29) As a result of this movement of the support element 7, an overhang 11 of the support element 7 beyond the main body 3 is variable. As a result, the regulating body 2 is lowerable or raisable via the main body 3 by way of a movement of the support element 7, with the result that the control gap 4 is reduced or increased in size.

(30) This is apparent from a comparison of FIGS. 3 and 4: While FIG. 3 shows a large control gap 4, the arrangement according to FIG. 4 has a small control gap 4. In order to transfer the flow rate regulator 1 from the situation according to FIG. 3 to the situation according to FIG. 4, the at least one support element 7 was moved into the main body 3.

(31) This results in different regulating behaviour of the flow rate regulator 1. In the arrangement according to FIG. 3, that is to say in an arrangement with a control gap 4 with a comparatively large clear width 6, a comparatively large flow rate (per unit time) flows, while in an arrangement according to FIG. 4, i.e. with a control gap 4 with a comparatively small clear width 6, a small flow rate flows.

(32) To be more precise, a pressure difference via the flow rate regulator 1 has the effect, according to the general mode of action, that the regulating body 2 is deformed to a greater or lesser extent, such that, at large pressure differences, a control gap 4 forms with a clear width 6 which is much more constricted, compared with the rest positions shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, than is the case at smaller pressure differences.

(33) In this way, it is possible for the set flow rates to be constant over a wide pressure range.

(34) As a result of the adjustability of the at least one support element 7 with respect to the main body 2, it is now possible, given the situation according to FIG. 3, for the regulating curve according to FIG. 15 to be achieved, while the position according to FIG. 4 results in a regulating curve according to FIG. 14. Clearly discernible in each case is the working range of the flow rate regulator, in which the regulating curve extends (approximately) horizontally and in which in each case different flow rates are achieved.

(35) The support element 7 is plugged through a guide hole 12 in the main body 3 and is guided by the guide hole 12. The orientation of the guide hole 12 results in the support element being movable transversely to the main body 3 and in particular to the inflow side 8. Thus, the support element 7 can be moved easily into and out of the control gap 4, which extends approximately parallel to the inflow side 8.

(36) In order to set the clear width 6, the support element 7 is arranged partially in the control gap 4 and thus forms a bearing point 13 for the regulating body 2.

(37) The support element is formed in a peg-like manner in its portion which is located in the control gap 4, and has a cylindrical cross section.

(38) Additionally formed on the main body 3, on the inflow side, is at least one spacer 15, which prevents the regulating body 2 from bearing fully against the main body 3. The spacer 15 is formed with a very small height compared to a typical or minimum height of the support element 7, and thus forms a low bearing point 14 over the main body 3.

(39) Also formed on the main body 3 is a carrier element 16, which likewise projects from the inflow side 8. The regulating body 2 is fastened here to a free end 17 of the carrier element 16 and is placed down in a sealing manner on a circumferential shoulder 18. This shoulder 18 forms a further bearing point 19 for the regulating body 2.

(40) The carrier element 16 passes centrally through the regulating body 2, such that the regulating body 2 is arranged centrally on the carrier element 16. To this end, a central opening 35, which receives the carrier element 16, is formed in the regulating body 2.

(41) The at least one support element 7 is adjustable with regard to the main body 3 by means of a drive 20. To this end, the drive 20 has an adjusting thread 21 which is actuable via an actuating element 22 that is accessible from the outside.

(42) The support element 7 is in this case guided onto the outflow side 23 by the guide hole 12 in the main body 3. The abovementioned drive 20 is also formed on the outflow side 23. As a result, the carrier element 16 is held in the main body 3 in a rotationally fixed manner with the support element 7.

(43) Thus, a rotation at the actuating element 21 forces the support element 7 forward relative to the main body 3. This has the effect that the clear width 6 of the control gap 4 is increased or reduced in size, depending on the direction of rotation at the actuating element.

(44) FIG. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention. Components and functional units that are structurally and/or functionally similar or identical to the preceding exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference signs and not described separately. The information given with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4 therefore applies, mutatis mutandis, to FIG. 5.

(45) The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiments by way of the configuration of the carrier element 16.

(46) The carrier element 16 is in this case movable relative to the main body 3 in a manner which will be described in more detail. As a result of adjustment of the carrier element 16, the regulating body 2 is thus removable from or movable towards the main body 3. This has the effect that the carrier element 16 is also adjustable with regard to the at least one support element 7.

(47) For adjustability, a further adjusting thread 24 is formed coaxially with the above-described adjusting thread 21, the carrier element 16 being drivable with said further adjusting thread 24.

(48) The two adjusting threads 21, 24 are connected by the same actuating element 22, with the result that a coupling device 25 is established between the movements of the support element 7 and of the carrier element 16. Depending on the gradient and direction of rotation of the adjusting threads 21, 24, an adjusting movement in the same direction, optionally with different adjustment rates depending on the particular gradient of the adjusting threads 21, 24, or an adjusting movement in opposite directions results, in each case with a joint drive via the actuating element 22.

(49) In the exemplary embodiment depicted, the adjusting thread 24 is finer than the adjusting thread 21, and so a first adjustment rate of the at least one support element 7, which results upon rotation of the actuating element 22, is greater than a second adjustment rate of the carrier element 16, which results—in a manner transmitted by the coupling device 25—upon the same rotation of the actuating element 22. In the present case, the first adjustment rate is even twice the second adjustment rate.

(50) FIGS. 6 to 8 show a further flow rate regulator 1 according to the invention. Again, similar or identical components and functional units are denoted by the same reference signs and not described separately again. The previous information given for FIGS. 1 to 5 therefore applies, mutatis mutandis, to FIGS. 6 to 8.

(51) FIG. 6 shows the case of a common adjustment rate of the support element 7 and of the carrier element 16. This results, for example, when the adjusting threads 21, 24 on the coupling device 25 have a corresponding gradient and a corresponding direction of rotation.

(52) FIG. 7 shows the case in which only the carrier element 16 is coupled to the actuating element 22. The support element 7 can in this case be drivable separately or be coupled via a very fine gradient of the actuating thread 21. In the latter case, the support element 7 moves only insignificantly.

(53) FIG. 7 can furthermore result when the directions of rotation of the adjusting threads 21, 24 are in opposite directions. Then, the support element 7 is drawn into the main body 3 when the carrier element 16 is moved out.

(54) FIG. 8 shows the reverse case. In this case, only the support element 7 is moved, while the carrier element 16 remains immovable, or the support element 7 is moved in the opposite direction to the carrier element 16, i.e. drawn in, when the carrier element 16 is moved out, and vice versa.

(55) In FIGS. 6 to 8, it is also apparent that a plurality of further support elements 26, 27, 28 are formed which form a series 29 of support elements 7, 26, 27, 28 around the circumference of the regulating body 2. The support elements 7, 26, 27, 28 are distributed in a non-uniform manner around the circumference of the regulating body 2, such that the pairs of adjacent support elements 7, 26, 27, 28 each enclose different spacings 30 between one another. For example, the spacing 30 between the support elements 7 and 26 is large, and so the regulating body 2 is pliant here. This portion therefore determines the behaviour at low pressures. The spacing between the support elements 7 and 27 is, by contrast, small, and so the regulating body 2 is stiff here. Therefore, this spacing determines the regulating curve at high pressures. Overall, this distribution results in a regulating curve which reaches the plateau even at comparatively low pressures.

(56) The support elements 7, 26, 27, 28 can, as shown in FIG. 5, be coupled together such that they can be adjusted in the same direction and at corresponding adjustment rates.

(57) In further exemplary embodiments, the support elements 7, 26, 27, 28 are provided with an individual coupling device 25, but can also be movable individually and thus adjustable individually.

(58) FIG. 9 shows a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention. Components and functional units that are structurally and/or functionally similar and/or identical to the preceding exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference signs and not described separately. The information given with respect to FIGS. 1 to 8 therefore applies, mutatis mutandis, to FIG. 9.

(59) The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 9 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiments by way of the configuration of the drive 20.

(60) In the present exemplary embodiment, the drive 20 is configured as a thermally drivable drive 31 around which the water flowing past flows and the extent of which in the longitudinal direction is temperature-dependent. This can be achieved for example in that the thermally drivable drive 31 is filled with a temperature-sensitive wax which exhibits a characteristic expansion behaviour depending on the temperature.

(61) In further exemplary embodiments, the drive 20 can also be configured as an electric motor or in some other way.

(62) In any case, the drive 20 has the effect that the carrier element 16 is displaceable in the main body 2 jointly with the at least one support element 7 and in particular with all support elements 7, 26, 27, 28 that are present. Optionally, spring elements appropriate for a return movement are provided, these not being illustrated further.

(63) It is apparent from the sectional illustrations that, in the exemplary embodiments, the carrier element 18 and the movable support elements 7, 26, 27, 28 are guided through the main body 3 and pass out on an outflow side 23. The abovementioned drive 20 is likewise arranged on this outflow side 23 of the main body 3.

(64) In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 9, the coupling device 25 has the effect that the support elements 7, 26, 27, 28 (not illustrated) move synchronously with one another and with the carrier element 16.

(65) The main body 3 is arranged in a pipe 32 which defines the external dimensions of the flow rate regulator 1, and is connected integrally to this pipe 32. In further exemplary embodiments, the main body 3 can be formed separately from the pipe 32. The pipe 32 can then be inserted into a further pipe such that the main body 3 is also arranged in this further pipe.

(66) In the pipe 32, in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 4 and according to FIG. 5, a bend 33 for the flow of water is formed downstream of the outflow side 23, such that the flow of water can emerge at a laterally arranged outlet 34.

(67) In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 6 to 8 and according to FIG. 9, by contrast, the flow of water passes, without a bend, rectilinearly through the flow rate regulator.

(68) The flow rate regulator 1 can be used for example for it to be possible to set a flow rate of a flow of water variably. This can be used for example in order to achieve a desired mixing temperature by mixing a hot water flow and a cold water flow, wherein the flow rate of the hot water flow and/or of the cold water flow is settable with the flow rate regulator 1 according to the invention.

(69) FIGS. 10 and 11 show details of a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention. Components and functional units that are structurally and/or functionally similar or identical to the preceding exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference signs and not described separately. The information given with regard to FIGS. 1 to 9 therefore applies, mutatis mutandis, to FIGS. 10 and 11.

(70) It is apparent from FIG. 10 that the peg-like support element 7 is able to be configured with two diameters, wherein the stepped guide hole 12 likewise has two diameters in a corresponding manner. In the position according to FIG. 10, the guide hole 12 is thus open and can serve as a drain opening 5.

(71) In the situation according to FIG. 11, i.e. with the support element 7 extracted from the main body 3, by contrast, the guide hole 12 is closed. To this end, the larger diameter of the support element 7 is coordinated with the smaller diameter of the guide hole 12.

(72) FIGS. 12 and 13 show an alternative to FIGS. 10 and 11. Components and functional units that are structurally and/or functionally similar or identical are again denoted by the same reference signs and not described separately again. The information given with regard to FIGS. 1 to 11 therefore applies, mutatis mutandis, to FIGS. 12 and 13.

(73) The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 12 and 13 differs from the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 10 and 11 in that the guide hole 12 is formed with a uniform diameter. The at least one support element 7 is, by contrast, still formed with two diameters, wherein the larger diameter is coordinated with the diameter of the guide hole 12. Thus, in the situation according to FIG. 12, i.e. with the support element 7 moved in, the guide hole 12 can be closed, while in FIG. 13, i.e. with the support element 7 extracted, it is open and forms a drain opening 5.

(74) If no further drain openings 5 are formed in the main body 3, the flow rate regulator 1 can be used as a simple shutoff valve.

(75) If an additional drain opening 5—for example in the vicinity of the carrier element 16—is formed, the flow rate regulator 1 can serve, in the manner described, to regulate a constant flow rate in the working range. The guide holes 12 can in this case represent bypasses, in order to achieve drainage that is increased further.

(76) FIGS. 16 and 17 show a further flow rate regulator 1 according to the invention. Again, components and functional units that are similar or identical are denoted by the same reference signs and not described separately again. The previous information given with regard to FIGS. 1 to 15 therefore applies, mutatis mutandis, to FIGS. 16 and 17.

(77) The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 16 and 17 differs from the previous exemplary embodiments in that the support element 7 is movable into a position 7 shown in FIG. 17, in which the regulating body 2 completely closes the drain opening 5. This is achieved in the exemplary embodiment in that the above-described spacers 15 are dispensed with, and so the regulating body 2 bears flat against the main body 3, formed in a planar manner, in a bearing region 36. Thus, a stopping and/or closure function is realized, which allows continuous setting of the flow rate from a value other than zero to the value of zero.

(78) In this case, provision can be made—as shown in the example—for the at least one support element 7 to be lowered completely into the main body 3.

(79) It is also possible, in the above-described exemplary embodiments, for the spacers 15 to each be omitted in order to achieve a stopping and/or closure function.

(80) In the case of the flow rate regulator 1, it is thus proposed a clear width 6 of a control gap 4, which is formed between a regulating body 2 and a main body 3, wherein the regulating body 2 is deformable in a pressure-dependent manner in order to set a constant flow rate through the control gap 4, an adjustability of the clear width 6 to be set up in that at least one support element 7, which sets the clear width 6 of the control gap 4, is configured in a movable manner relative to a main body 3.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

(81) 1 Flow rate regulator 2 Regulating body 3 Main body 4 Control gap 5 Drain opening 6 Clear width 7 Support element 8 Inflow side 9 External contour 10 Thickness 11 Overhang 12 Guide hole 13 Bearing point 14 Bearing point 15 Spacer 16 Carrier element 17 Free end 18 Shoulder 19 Bearing point 20 Drive 21 (First) adjusting thread 22 Actuating element 23 Outflow side 24 Second adjusting thread 25 Coupling device 26 Support element 27 Support element 28 Support element 29 Series 30 Spacing 31 Thermally drivable drive 32 Pipe 33 Bend 34 Outlet 35 Central opening 36 Bearing region