VALVE ASSEMBLY WITH ASSOCIATED MEASUREMENT DEVICE

• US 20180299028A1
• Filed: 10/05/2016
• Published: 10/18/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Elbi International SpA (Bitron Industrie SPA)
• Original Assignee: Elbi International SpA (Bitron Industrie SPA)
• Inventors: RAVEDATI, Paolo, GAINO, Ugo, BUFFOLO, Giorgio, RENDESI, Maurizio, MOLINO, Giorgio
• Granted Patent: US 10,508,753 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 11/24 with an electromagnetically-operated valve, e.g. for washing machines
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/0655 Lift valves
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 37/005 for measuring fluid parameters F16K37/0033 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7761 Electrically actuated valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87877 Single inlet with multiple distinctly valved outlets

Abstract

A valve assembly includes a valve body, having an inlet duct, an outlet duct and an intermediate portion. An electrovalve is located proximal to the intermediate portion. A measurement device is directly connected to the valve body. The measurement device includes a sensor for taking a measurement for determining a physical characteristic of the fluid that can flow in the valve assembly. The electrovalve includes a first electronic circuit for conducting an electric control signal from a control unit to the electrovalve. The measurement device includes a second electronic circuit for conducting the electric signals exchanged between the control unit and the sensor. The first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit are implemented on a single header or printed circuit board. The electrovalve and the measurement device are mechanically connected directly to the single header or printed circuit board.

Claims

1. A valve assembly for household appliances, comprising:

a valve body comprising;

at least one inlet duct;

at least one outlet duct and at least one intermediate portion for joining said at least one inlet duct and said at least one outlet duct;

at least one electronic adjustment device located proximal to said at least one intermediate portion, adapted to allow, when open, a fluid to flow from said at least one inlet duct towards said at least one outlet duct;

at least one measurement device, directly connected to the valve body;

said at least one measurement device comprises at least one sensor adapted to take a measurement for determining at least one physical characteristic of the fluid flowing in said valve assembly;

said at least one electronic adjustment device comprises a first electronic circuit at least adapted to conduct an electric control signal from a control unit to the electronic adjustment device;

said at least one measurement device comprises a second electronic circuit at least adapted to conduct the electric signals exchanged between said control unit and said at least one sensor;

said first electronic circuit and said second electronic circuit are implemented on a single stripboard or printed circuit board;

said at least one electronic adjustment device and said at least one measurement device are mechanically connected directly to said single stripboard or printed circuit board;

said at least one measurement device is a flow measurement device comprising at least one sensor for taking a flow measurement.

2. A valve assembly according to claim 1, comprising an additional measurement device comprising at least one sensor adapted to take a measurement for determining an electric variable of the electronic adjustment device;

said additional measurement device comprising a third electronic circuit adapted to conduct electric signals exchanged between said control unit and said at least one sensor.

3. A valve assembly according to claim 1, comprising a single support structure adapted to support said stripboard or printed circuit board;

said support structure being directly secured to the valve body.

4. A valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein said at least one electronic adjustment device is at least one electrovalve, which is mechanically and electrically connected to said stripboard or printed circuit board via interference fittings.

5. A valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein said valve assembly comprises at least two electrovalves located proximal to said at least one intermediate portion, each one of the electrovalves adapted to allow, when open, a fluid to flow from said at least one inlet duct towards a respective outlet duct.

7. A valve assembly according to claim 3, wherein said support structure comprises interference fitting elements for retaining said stripboard or printed circuit board and/or said at least one electrovalve.

8. A valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein said electrovalve comprises interference fitting elements for mechanically fastening said at least one electrovalve to the stripboard or printed circuit board.

9. A valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein the electric connection of said at least one electrovalve to the stripboard or printed circuit board is established via interference fitting means using press-fit technology.

10. A valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein said stripboard or printed circuit board comprises a single connection portion, in which a plurality of sockets are placed for connecting respective plugs for controlling and/or supplying power to the electronic devices connected to the stripboard or printed circuit board.

11. A household appliance comprising a circuit for circulating a fluid, wherein said circuit for circulating a fluid comprises a valve assembly according to claim 1.

12. A valve assembly according to claim 1, said at least one sensor being arranged outside the valve body.

13. A valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein said measurement device is completely external to the valve body.

6. (canceled)