Thermostat for coolant presented as switch specifically for combustion engines

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In this invention, a thermostatic switch has been provided wherein the valve plate and thermostatic control are the same element and in the preferred embodiment takes the form of a bimetallic spring disc (Spencer disc).
The bimetallic disc is positioned so that one side is in contact with the coolant flow in one switch position and the other side is in contact with the coolant flow in the other switch position whereby the switch action will be controlled by the heat absorbed from the coolant.
Thus the thermostatic element is of a relatively large size and of excellent heat conductivity and hence reacts more quickly and reliably to the predetermined temperature change of the coolant.
The switching hysterisis is small.
Only one moving part is involved and the forces experienced are small so that the switch casing may be of a lightweight construction and of relatively simple inexpensive design.
The casing may be made of a nonmetallic casing.
In a preferred embodiment, the casing is comprised of an upper and lower section, each section having a circular valve seat between which the bimetallic valve plate is mounted.
The valve seats are located oppositely to each other and the distance between them is slightly smaller than the stroke of the bimetallic Spencer valve plate thus resulting in sufficient pressure between the valve and the seats to cause a seal therebetween.
The valve opening is determined by the stroke and diameter of the valve plate.
The lower flow resistance coefficient is an additional advantage of this invention.
The bimetallic valve plate is fixed at its center and the center mounting may be adjustable in order to vary the pressure between the valve plate and its respective valve seats.
The side of the bimetallic valve plate towards the radiator may be coated with a heat insulating material so that the heat absorbed from the coolant flow will be retained by the disc resulting in faster switching action.
This results in a more sensitive, reliable and more accurate thermostat performance