FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has as its object a method for regulating the inflow of a fluid into a heating element, in particular a radiating element, placed in an environment or room of a building.

The present invention has also as its object a chrono-thermostatic device, i.e. a thermostatic device of the type of settable and programmable time ranges, configured to be associated with a heating element and to carry out the above-mentioned method for regulating.

The invention finds advantageous application for temperature control in rooms of residential or commercial buildings provided with heating elements equipped with fluid flow regulation device with settable and programmable time ranges, but could also be advantageously used in other types of systems.

The present invention is in the technical field of hydraulic systems, in particular heating systems, and relates in particular to the part of timed temperature regulation. Specifically, the present invention refers to the regulation of fluid inflow during transients between time ranges.

STATE OF THE ART

Heating systems, in particular at high temperatures, typically comprise a boiler, a series of heating elements (such as radiators, heaters, convectors, etc.) arranged in various rooms of the building and a plurality of manifolds and connecting pipes between the boiler and the heating elements, which allow the latter to be supplied with the necessary heating fluid, usually hot water heated by the boiler.

Various typologies of devices for controlling and regulating the inflow of a fluid to the heating elements of a heating system are known in the industry.

First of all, it is known to apply to each heating element a thermoregulating device that allows to define and differentiate the desired temperature in the respective installation room. Such thermoregulatory devices are constituted by thermostatic heads, comprising a thermostat that acts on an intercepting valve of the fluid flowing in the heating system to regulate the amount of inflow of a fluid to the associated heating element, thereby modifying the temperature of the heating element itself and the amount of heat supplied to the installation room. Each thermostatic head generally allows a manual adjustment of an initial setting position, generally indicated by a numbering of a merely indicative type, which allows to vary in an approximate manner the temperature of the specific room.

An example of a device of this typology is described in the public document EP 1 595 188, in the name of the Applicant, which shows a thermostatic head equipped with a rotary knob for the selection of the flow rate entering the heating element, and thus of the heating degree supplied to the environment in which that heating element is installed. It is also known to combine the thermostatic heads, active on the different heating elements, with a central electronic module that comprises a sensor adapted to perceive the ambient temperature and which can be set to define a desired temperature or on/off periods for the system. The electronic module controls the operation of the heating system in a centralized manner to define when the fluid must be supplied from the boiler to the heating elements via the pipes, in order to bring the actual temperature of the environment towards the temperature set on the thermostat, while the individual thermostat heads allow to define and further differentiate the desired temperature for the relative room of installation, with respect to the temperature defined by the thermostat. This allows, for example, to completely shut off the hot water inflow to a single heating element if it is not necessary to heat a particular environment (e.g. a determined room), while still maintaining the entire system active.

A second typology of known thermoregulatory devices, an alternative to the aforementioned manually operated thermostatic heads, is constituted by electronic thermostatic devices, or electrothermic devices, which comprise a motorized actuator active on the shut-off valve and a control unit adapted to drive said motorized actuator. These electronic thermostatic devices are typically equipped with a sensor, which may be mounted at the device itself or within the room in which the associated heating element is placed. Such a sensor is configured to detect a temperature value and, on the basis of the detected value, the control unit controls a movement for opening or closing the motorized actuator, modifying the opening or closing degree of the shut-off valve. These electronic thermostatic devices are also provided with a regulation of an initial setting position that can be controlled remotely directly by a thermostat.

Two examples of electronic system for thermoregulation, and a relative method of use, are described in the public documents EP 2 548 091 and WO 2019/145873 A1 , both in the name of the same Applicant.

Independently of the typology and operating principle, the degree of flow interception determined by thermostatic devices is the combined result of the following two main components:

- first regulation, or "raw regulation”, given by the manually operated knob or by the motorized actuator and adapted to set the thermostat to a nominal and theoretical position, adapted to keep the desired temperature within the environment in which it is placed the associated heating element;

- second regulation, or "fine regulation”, given by the thermostat, which reacts to the perceived temperature conditions in order to adapt the degree of interception of the inflow of a fluid to the aforementioned heating element under the actual conditions of the installation environment.

It is also known the integration of chrono- thermostatic functions, in particular in the context of electronic thermostatic devices. These chrono-thermostatic functions allow an hourly programming of the temperature in the environment and control the operation of the heating system according to this programming. Typically, in fact, in environments equipped with heating elements, a greater heat supply is required during daytime hours with respect to nighttime hours. Therefore, a fluid inflow programming that allows a greater heat supply during daytime hours with respect to nighttime hours allows, first of all, a more efficient use of resources, as well as avoiding waste and optimizing heating costs. In known devices, each time range change corresponds to a change of the first regulation, or raw regulation. In fact, the entire device moves from the nominal and theoretical condition adapted to keep the desired temperature in the previous time range to a new condition, also nominal and theoretical, adapted to keep the desired temperature in the next time range.

Although appreciated for the advantages in terms of resource and cost optimization, the Applicant has noticed that the above-described known solutions with chrono- thermostatic functions are not without drawbacks and can be improved in several aspects.

First of all, electronic thermostatic devices with known chrono- thermostatic functions have issues related to the stresses to which the system is subjected at each time range change. In fact, at each time range change, known devices change their configuration in a time extremely shorter with respect to the time required to bring the environment in which they are installed to the temperature set in the new time range. In particular, each time range change corresponds to a first regulation adapted to bring the thermostat to a nominal and theoretical condition, adapted to keep the desired temperature in the new time range.

Therefore, the components of such devices find themselves working in the nominal configuration given by the new time range, when the environment is essentially still at the programmed temperature of the previous time range. When the time range change results in a decrease of the temperature, for example from daytime to nighttime temperature, the device finds itself operating in a condition adapted to keep a temperature even significantly lower than that of the environment in which it is installed. In this sense, the device exerts an occlusion action on the duct of an excessive entity with respect to that which would be necessary to interrupt the inflow of a fluid and determine a consequent lowering of the temperature of the environment in which the heating element is installed.

The aforementioned excessive occlusion action results in efforts and stresses to which the components of the chrono-thermostatic device are subjected, which are typically subjected to forces greater than those sufficient to perform their task efficiently.

These problems are particularly pronounced in the case of electronic thermostatic devices, in which the variation of the first regulation is operated by the motorized actuator. In such devices, with each time range change that results in a decrease of the desired temperature, the motorized actuator brings the device to conditions adapted to a temperature significantly lower than that of the environment in which the device operates. Therefore, the motorized actuator moves the components, in particular the thermostat, in a configuration not adapted to the condition given by the perceived temperature at that time. Consequently, the other components of the chrono- thermostatic device offer a resistance to the movement given by the motorized actuator.

This contraposition of action and reaction forces results in excessive effort on the part of the motorized actuator, which exposes itself and also the other components of the device to the risk of malfunction and breakage.

In addition, with each effort as opposed to the resistance offered by the other components of the device, the motorized actuator absorbs a considerable amount of current from the electrical energy source that powers it. Typically, this energy source corresponds to one or more batteries, whose stored energy is, by definition, finite and limited. The cyclical repetition of such excessive energy consumption contributes to a considerable reduction in the life cycle of the battery, which, once exhausted, does not allow a proper functioning of the chrono-thermostatic device.

Furthermore, due to the effort applied, the motorized actuator generates an annoying operating noise, which can last for fairly long intervals of time. Practically speaking, the motorized actuator is in a condition of stress and generates the aforementioned noise until the moment in which the thermostatic element reaches a nominal and theoretical position adapted to keep the desired temperature within the environment in which the associated heating element is placed.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

In this situation, the purpose underlying the present invention, in its various aspects and/or embodiments, is to overcome one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks.

A first purpose of the present invention is to make available a method for regulating the inflow of a fluid into a heating element, for example a radiating element, which is particularly safe and reliable when implemented by a corresponding chrono-thermostatic device.

In particular, purpose of the present invention is to make available a method for regulating the inflow of a fluid into a heating element that minimizes the exposure to risk of malfunction and/or breakage of the components of the chrono-thermostatic device implementing it.

A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for regulating the inflow of a fluid into a heating element which ensures an efficient use of the energy sources supplying said chrono-thermostatic device.

Still another purpose of the present invention is to make available a method for regulating the inflow of a fluid into a heating element which allows to minimize the operating noise emitted by the chrono-thermostatic device during transients between time range changes.

A further purpose of the present invention is to make available a chrono-thermostatic device configured to carry out the aforementioned method for regulating the inflow of a fluid into a heating element.

In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to make available a particularly safe and reliable chrono- thermostatic device which, at each temperature transient related to a change of time range, does not expose the relative components to excessive stresses which could cause malfunction and/or breakage.

Yet another purpose of the present invention is to make available a chrono-thermostatic device that allows an efficient use of the energy resources that power it.

A further purpose of the present invention is to make available a particularly silent chrono-thermostatic device that, with each temperature transient linked to a change of time range, minimizes the annoying setting noise that characterizes known devices.

A further purpose of the present invention is to make available a chrono-thermostatic device characterized by a simple and rational structure.

A further purpose of the present invention is to make available a device for regulating the temperature of a heating element characterized by a low manufacturing cost with respect to the performance and quality offered. A further purpose of the present invention is to create alternative solutions, with respect to the known technique, in the implementation of methods for regulating the inflow of a fluid into a heating element and in the realization of corresponding chrono-thermostatic devices implementing such methods, and/or to open up new design fields. Said purposes, and other possible ones, which will better result during the following description, are substantially reached by a method for regulating the inflow of a fluid into a heating element and a chrono-thermostatic device configured to carry out said method for regulating according to one or more of the attached claims, each of which taken alone (without the relative dependencies) or in any combination with the other claims, as well as according to the following aspects and/or embodiments, variously combined, also with the above-mentioned claims

SUMMARY

In a first aspect thereof, the invention refers to a method for regulating the inflow of a fluid into a heating element, for example a radiating element.

The aforementioned method for regulating finds particular application in the context of a heating system of an environment in which the regulated heating element is installed. However, by applying appropriate changes, it can also be adapted to the context of a cooling system.

According to this first aspect, the method for regulating comprises the following steps:

A) providing a chrono-thermostatic device comprising:

- a shutter axially movable along a translation direction;

- a thermostat movable along said translation direction in a plurality of reference positions and configured to vary a dimension thereof as a function of a temperature perceived by it, said thermostat being operatively associated with said shutter to move it along said translation direction;

- an electronic actuator operatively associated with said thermostat to change the relative reference position, determining a corresponding movement of said shutter;

B) installation of said device on a duct at a shut off area, said shutter being operatively active on said shut off area for at least partially and selectively occluding said duct;

C) programming a plurality of time ranges, each time range comprising a programmed temperature value, said programmed temperature value coinciding with a desired temperature in an environment in which said heating element is installed during said time range; each time range change determining a negative transient, when a decrease in the programmed temperature value is programmed, and a positive transient, when an increase in or a maintenance of the programmed temperature value is programmed;

D) first regulation comprising the actuation of said actuator to change the reference position of the thermostat, said reference position being determined by a characteristic function for regulating the actuator, said characteristic function defining, for each programmed temperature value settable in each time range, a relative reference position of the thermostat;

E) second regulation comprising a change in the size of the thermostat as a function of the temperature perceived by it and resulting displacement of the shutter; F) detection of the temperature comprising a detection, continuous or at regular intervals, of a temperature value representing the environmental conditions in which said heating element is installed.

According to an aspect, during each negative transient and for each detection step of the temperature, said first regulation step provides for carrying out, as a function of said detected temperature value, a discrete change of the reference position from the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the previous time range towards a reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range.

According to an aspect, said negative transient ends once reached the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the time subsequent time range.

In the present document, the following definitions are used:

"reference position”: position of a portion of the non-variable thermostat upon a change of the temperature perceived by the thermostat itself. In other words, if said electronic actuator is not activated in a first regulation step, said reference position does not vary, even with a change of the temperature perceived by said thermostat. Alternatively, the reference position does not change during the execution of said second regulation step.;

"time range”: subdivision of a time interval, generally equal to the duration of a day, into several subintervals of duration equal to a fraction of said time interval and which typically follow one another in cyclic sequence;

"programmed temperature value”: desired temperature value during a determined time range in the environment in which said heating element is installed;

"characteristic function”: function adapted to associate, with each programmed temperature value settable in each time range, a relative reference position of the thermostat, where this reference position is a position that minimizes, and possibly cancels, the stresses to which the components of the chrono-thermostatic device are subjected when the temperature perceived by the thermostat is substantially equal to the programmed temperature value.

According to another aspect, said discrete change of the reference position can be smaller than the difference between the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the previous time range and the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range. Alternatively, during a negative transient and for each detection step of the temperature, the change of the reference position from the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the previous time range to the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range may not occur in a single step.

According to yet another aspect, each negative transient can provide for a plurality of discrete changes of the reference position. Specifically, said plurality of discrete changes of the reference position corresponds to the iteractive execution of said detection step of the temperature and said first regulation step. In fact, then, the passage between the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the previous time range and the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range can occur in several discrete steps by means of the iteractive execution of multiple detection steps of the temperature and first regulation steps.

According to another aspect, said reference position is not varied in said second regulation step. Alternatively, a change in the size of the thermostat as a function of the temperature perceived by it does not affect its reference position set in said first regulation step.

According to another aspect, said reference position coincides with the position of a portion of the thermostat which does not vary upon the change of the temperature perceived by the thermostat itself. In other words, if it is not activated said electronic actuator in said first regulation step, said reference position does not vary, not even upon a change of the temperature perceived by the aforementioned thermostat. By way of example, said reference position coincides with the position of a contact portion between said thermostat and said actuator, which does not undergo translations as a result of a change in temperature.

According to another aspect, during each negative transient and for each detection step of the temperature, said method for regulating comprises a comparison step adapted to determine a difference between the temperature value detected and the temperature value corresponding to the current reference position of the thermostat.

According to another aspect, said first regulation step provides for varying the reference position when said difference is smaller than a first threshold.

According to another aspect, said first regulation step provides for maintaining the reference position when said difference is greater than or equal to a second threshold. According to this aspect, the second threshold is preferably coinciding with, i.e. equal to, said first threshold. In other words, preferably, the first regulation step provides for varying the reference position when the difference between the temperature value detected and the temperature value corresponding to the current reference position of the thermostat is smaller than said first threshold and for maintaining unaltered the reference position when said difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold itself.

According to another aspect, the value of said first threshold is comprised between 0,5°C and 1 ,5°C. Preferably, the value of said first threshold is comprised between 0,75°C and 1,25°C. Even more preferably, the value of said first threshold is equal to 1 °C.

According to an aspect, corresponding to a first embodiment of the method for regulating according to the present invention, when said difference is smaller than said first threshold, said first regulation step provides for activating said actuator to change the reference position, by setting it to the reference position corresponding to the temperature value detected decreased by 2°C. In other words, when said difference is smaller than said first threshold, said first regulation step provides for varying the reference position, by setting it to the value determined by the characteristic function for the temperature value detected decreased by 2°C.

According to this aspect, the first regulation step is stopped if, during the activation of said actuator, it is reached the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range. Alternatively, if activating the actuator toward the reference position to the value determined by the characteristic function for the temperature value detected decreased by 2°C is reached the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range, the first regulation step is stopped and is maintained the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range. In such an eventuality, the negative transient is interrupted.

According to another aspect, corresponding to a second embodiment of the method for regulating according to the present invention, when said difference is smaller than said first threshold, said first regulation step provides for activating said actuator to change the reference position, by setting it to a value corresponding to the temperature value relative to the actual reference position decreased by 1 °C. In other words, when said difference is smaller than said first threshold, said first regulation step provides for setting the reference position to the value determined by the characteristic function for the temperature value corresponding to the actual reference position decreased by 1 °C.

According to this aspect, the first regulation step is stopped if, during the activation of said actuator, it is reached the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range. Alternatively, if activating the actuator toward the new reference position determined by the characteristic function for the temperature value corresponding to the previous reference position decreased by 1 °C is reached the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range, the first regulation step is stopped and the reference position is set to the value of reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range. In such an eventuality, the negative transient is interrupted.

According to another aspect, per each positive transient, the first regulation step provides for actuating the actuator to change the reference position of the thermostat directly to the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range. In other words, for each positive transient, the reference position is immediately set to the value determined by the characteristic function for the reference temperature of the subsequent time range.

According to another aspect, for each positive transient, the first regulation step provides for a single change of the reference position, which is directly set to the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range. In fact, for each positive transient, the method does not provide for a sequence of discrete changes of the reference position, but rather an immediate change of the reference position to the value determined by the characteristic function for the temperature programmed in the next time range.

According to yet another aspect, once said negative transient or said positive transient is completed, i.e. once reached the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range, the abovementioned reference position is maintained for the remainder duration of the time range. In other words, once completed a negative or positive transient, first regulation steps are no longer carried out until a new positive or negative transient is established.

According to another aspect, once completed said negative transient or said positive transient, is uniquely carried out the second regulation step. In fact, once set the reference position of the thermostat to the position determined by the characteristic function for the subsequent time range, is uniquely carried out the second regulation step for the remainder duration of the time range. Substantially, once completed the positive or negative transient, the actuator has positioned the thermostat in the ideal position for the maintenance of the programmed temperature relative to the subsequent time range. In such an eventuality, the regulation of the inflow of a fluid into the heating element is solely assigned to the thermostat which varies in size, expanding or shrinking, on the basis of the temperature that it perceives and varies the occlusion degree of the duct operated by the associated shutter.

According to another aspect, said characteristic function is an increasing monotonic function. Preferably, said characteristic function is a strictly increasing monotonic function, i.e. said reference position determined by the characteristic function increases as the programmed temperature value increases. In fact, with a higher value of programmed temperature value, said characteristic function associates a higher value of the reference position of the thermostat.

According to another aspect, said reference position represents, for each programmed temperature value settable in each time range, a minimum position of the thermostat along said translation direction so that the shutter fully occludes said duct when the environment reaches a temperature value equal to the aforementioned settable programmed temperature value. In other words, if the thermostat is in the reference position for the programmed temperature value of the current time range and the environment is at a temperature at least equal to the above-mentioned programmed value, the conformation of the thermostat would be such as to ensure the complete closure of the duct by the shutter and the interruption of fluid inflow into the heating element. In fact, in such an eventuality there would be no need to release heat into the environment through the heating element. Conversely, if the thermostat were in the reference position for the programmed temperature value of the current time range and the environment were at a temperature smaller than the aforementioned programmed value, the conformation of the thermostat would be such as to guarantee the opening, however partial, of the duct and the inflow of fluid into the heating element. In fact, in this condition, it is necessary to release heat into the environment through the heating element.

According to another aspect, said characteristic function is a straight line, i.e. said characteristic function is a linear function of first degree.

According to another aspect, the slope of said straight line is comprised between 0,10 mm/°C and 0,30 mm/°C. Preferably, the slope of said straight line is comprised between 0, 15 mm/°C and 0,25 mm/°C. Even more preferably, the slope of said straight line is equal to 0,22 mm/°C. According to this aspect, according to the value taken by the slope, for each 1 °C change of the settable programmed temperature value, said characteristic function provides for a constant change of the reference position of the thermostat.

According to yet another aspect, said reference position can take a plurality of values comprised between a minimum reference position, corresponding to a minimum programmed temperature value settable in each time range, and a maximum reference position, corresponding to a maximum programmed temperature value settable in each time range. The difference between said minimum reference position and said maximum reference position corresponds, in fact, to the actuator stroke that moves the thermostat. According to another aspect according to the previously described first embodiment of the method for regulating, said first regulation step provides for activating said actuator to change the reference position current, by setting it to the maximum value between the reference position corresponding to the temperature value detected decreased by 2°C and the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range. According to this aspect, during the negative transients, the reference position cannot take values smaller than the reference position determined by the characteristic function for the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range.

According to another aspect according to the previously described second embodiment of the method for regulating, said first regulation step provides for activating said actuator to change the reference position current, by setting it to the maximum value between the reference position corresponding to the temperature value relative to the actual reference position decreased by 1 °C and the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range. Also according to this aspect, during the negative transients, the reference position cannot take values smaller than the reference position determined by the characteristic function for the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range.

According to another aspect, said installation step of said chrono-thermostatic device on a duct comprises a step for configuring the actuator. Said configuration step is adapted to generate said characteristic function. Specifically, the step for configuring the actuator comprises the aforementioned steps:

- positioning said thermostat in said maximum reference position;

- detecting a configuration temperature value representing the environmental conditions in which said heating element is installed during said configuration step;

- actuating said actuator to displace said thermostat along said translation direction towards said minimum reference position;

- monitoring, during the carrying out of the previous actuation step, a parameter of said actuator up to the detection of a peak of such parameter, said peak indicating that the reference position corresponding to said configuration temperature value has been exceeded;

- generating said characteristic function as a straight line passing through the point characterized by the pair (configuration temperature value, reference position corresponding to said configuration temperature value) and having said slope value.

According to another aspect, said step for generating said characteristic function provides for obtaining said reference position corresponding to said configuration temperature value by applying, preferably summing, a correction factor to the position of the thermostat in which said peak is detected. As previously mentioned, in fact, the position of the thermostat wherein it is detected a peak of the parameter of the monitoring actuator indicates that the reference position for the configuration temperature value has been exceeded, and not reached. Therefore, according to this aspect, the step for generating said characteristic function provides for applying, preferably summing, a correction parameter to the position of the thermostat in which said peak is detected so as to have a more accurate estimation of the effective reference position corresponding to the configuration temperature value. According to another aspect, said correction factor is comprised between 0,10 mm and 0,50 mm. Preferably, said correction factor is comprised between 0,20 mm and 0,40 mm. Even more preferably, said correction factor is equal to 0,30 mm.

According to another aspect, the parameter of said monitored actuator is a current absorption parameter. Specifically, a peak of the current absorption indicates a resistance to the translation action given by the actuator. This resistance is typically generated by the striking of the shutter against the closing surface of the shut off area, which indicates the reaching and relative exceeding of the reference position for the configuration temperature value. In fact, the shutter is typically composed of rubbery material which, as a result of the striking with the closing surface of the shut off area, is subject to a determined deformation. The correction factor is an estimated value that takes into account this deformation which, if applied to the position of the thermostat at which the peak of current absorption of the actuator is detected, allows to obtain an accurate estimation of the real reference position for the configuration temperature value. Therefore, the application of the correction factor allows to obtain a characteristic function which determines reference positions which minimize the stresses to which the internal components of the chrono-thermostatic device are subjected when the latter operates in a temperature range substantially equal to the temperature value corresponding to the reference position controlled by the actuation of the actuator during the first regulation step.

According to another aspect, the present invention has also as its object a chrono-thermostatic device configured to carry out the method for regulating according to one or more of the previously described aspects. According to an aspect, the chrono-thermostatic device comprises:

- a valve body, configured to be associated with or mounted on said duct carrying the fluid flowing into said heating element, in particular into a radiating element, at said shut off area so that the device can regulate the flow of the fluid flowing through said duct;

- said shutter, at least partially housed in said valve body and operatively active on said shut off area, said shutter being axially movable along said translation direction for at least partially and selectively occluding said duct at said shut off area;

- said thermostat, at least partially housed in said valve body in a movable fashion along said translation direction in said plurality of reference positions, configured to vary a dimension thereof as a function of a temperature perceived by it and operatively associated with said shutter to move it along said translation direction;

- said electronic actuator, at least partially housed in said valve body and operatively associated with said thermostat to change the relative reference position, determining a corresponding movement of said shutter;

- a control unit operatively associated with said actuator to control it, said control unit being programmable in said plurality of time ranges;

- a temperature sensor operatively associated with said control unit and configured to detect, constantly or at regular intervals, said temperature value at which the environment in which said heating element is installed is found;

According to an aspect, said control unit comprises a memory hosting: - said characteristic function for regulating the actuator;

- an algorithm that can be filled out and carried out by said control unit to carry out said regulation method according to any one of the preceding aspects.

According to another aspect, said shutter consists of rubbery material adapted to be compressed when in a condition of abutment against an inner wall, or closing surface, of the shut off area. To the rubbery material adopted in the composition of the shutter is connected the correction factor applied in the generation step of the previously described characteristic function. In fact, shutters consisting of rubbery materials having different deformation characteristics result in the use of different correction factors in the generation step of the characteristic function.

According to another aspect, said thermostat is of the type selected from the following: of the liquid, wax, gas or foil type.

According to another aspect, said actuator is an electric motor or an electrically controlled solenoid actuator. According to yet another aspect, said actuator is of the rotary type or of the linear type.

According to another aspect, said control unit is at least partially housed within said valve body. According to this aspect, said control unit is preferably connected to said actuator by means of a dedicated wired connection. According to an alternative aspect, said control unit is housed in a remote position with respect to said valve body, i.e. outside of said valve body. According to this aspect, said control unit is preferably connected to said actuator by means of a dedicated wireless connection.

According to another aspect, said temperature sensor is at least partially housed within said valve body. According to this aspect, said control unit is preferably contained too in said valve body and said temperature sensor is preferably connected to it by means of a wired or integrated connection in the control unit itself.

According to an alternative aspect, said temperature sensor is housed in a remote position with respect to said valve body, i.e. outside of said valve body. According to this aspect, according to the position of the control unit, said temperature sensor is connected to said control unit by means of a wired or wireless connection, or it can be integrated into the control unit itself.

According to another aspect, the present invention has as its object also a software comprising a sequence of instructions that can be filled out by a control unit equipped with a processor for the execution of the method for regulating the inflow of a fluid into a heating element according to one or more of the previously described aspects.

Each of the above-mentioned aspects of the invention may be taken alone or in combination with any of the claims or other described aspects.

Further characteristics and advantages will become more evident from the detailed description of some embodiments, exemplary but not exclusive, of a method for regulating the inflow of a fluid into a heating element and of a corresponding chrono-thermostatic device according to the present invention.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES This description will be shown below with reference to the attached figures, provided for illustrative purposes only and therefore not limitative, in which:

- figure 1 shows, by means of a schematic diagram, a possible embodiment of a method for regulating the inflow of a fluid into a heating element according to the present invention;

- figure 2 shows an implementation detail of the method for regulating referred to in figure 1 ;

- figure 3 shows schematically the structure of a possible embodiment of a chrono-thermostatic device also an object of the present invention;

- figure 4 shows schematically, by means of a time chart, a first exemplary execution of the method for regulating according to a first embodiment;

- figure 5 shows schematically, by means of a time chart, a second exemplary execution of the method for regulating according to said first embodiment;

- figure 6 shows schematically, by means of a time chart, a third exemplary execution of the method for regulating according to said first embodiment;

- figure 7 shows schematically, by means of a time chart, another exemplary execution of the method for regulating according to a second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to figure 1 , with reference M it has been indicated overall a method for regulating the inflow of a fluid into a heating element, for example a radiating element, according to the present invention, hereinafter referred to simply as method for regulating M or only method M. Generally, the same reference number is used for the same or similar elements, possibly in their embodiment variants.

It should be noted that the method M finds particular application in the context of a heating system of an environment in which the regulated heating element is installed. However, by applying appropriate changes, it can also be adapted to the context of a cooling system.

As shown in figure 1 , the M-method comprises the steps here indicated in an extremely synthetic manner:

A) providing a chrono-thermostatic device 1

B) installation of said device 1 on a duct 100 at a shut off area 101 ;

C) programming a plurality of time ranges H1 , H2, H3;

D) first regulation;

E) second regulation;

F) detection of the temperature.

It is now described in more detail each of the above indicated steps.

Step A provides for providing a chrono-thermostatic device 1 comprising:

- a shutter 3 axially movable along a translation direction X;

- a thermostat 4 movable along said translation direction X in a plurality of reference positions XT and configured to vary a dimension thereof as a function of a temperature perceived by it, said thermostat 4 being also operatively associated with said shutter 3 to move it along said translation direction X; - an electronic actuator 5 operatively associated with said thermostat 4 to change the relative reference position XT, determining a corresponding movement of said shutter 3.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned shutter 3, thermostat 4 and actuator 5 are components which are known per se in the technical field of the present invention, and are therefore not shown or described in detail herein. Some details relative to the respective implementing technologies will be provided in the following of the present description when the chrono-thermostatic device 1 is shown. For further details, reference is made to WO 2019/145873 A1 , in the name of the Applicant itself.

As shown in figure 3, the abovementioned shutter 3, thermostat 4 and actuator 5 are arranged in series to form a chain of elements in which the position of shutter 3 is determined by a direct contribution, provided by the direct action of thermostat 4 on shutter 3 itself, and an indirect contribution, provided by the actuator 5, which, by moving the thermostat 4, also determines a movement of the shutter 3.

In fact, it is the actuator 3 alone which, on the basis of its position along the translation direction X, selectively and at least partially occludes the duct 100, thereby regulating the inflow of fluid into the heating element. However, as will also become clear later, the position of the shutter 3 is determined by the joint action of the thermostat 4 of the actuator 5.

In the present description, with the expression "reference position XT” it is intended the position, along the translation direction X, of a portion of the non-variable thermostat 4 upon a change of the temperature perceived by the thermostat itself. In other words, if said actuator 5 is not activated, said reference position XT does not vary, even with a change of the temperature perceived by said thermostat 4. By way of example, said reference position XT coincides with the position of a contact portion between said thermostat 4 and said actuator 5, which, as long as the actuator 5 is not activated, does not undergo translations as a result of a change in temperature perceived by the thermostat 4. As it will be further clarified below, an optimized choice of the reference position XT allows to minimize, and possibly cancels, the stresses to which the components of the device 1 are subjected. In particular, by choosing a reference position XT optimized for a given desired temperature value, the dimension taken by the thermostat 4 allows the shutter 3 to fully occlude the duct 100 once the temperature in the environment supplied by the heating element reaches or exceeds this desired temperature value. On the contrary, by choosing a value of the reference position XT not optimized or wrong, the dimension taken by the thermostat 4 could bring the shutter 3 not to completely occlude the duct 100 once the temperature in the environment supplied by the heating element reaches this desired temperature value or, on the contrary, to excessively close this duct 100, subjecting the actuator 5 to an excessive effort and exposing all the components of the device 1 to even considerable stresses which may possibly lead to malfunctions or breakages.

The step B provides for the installation of the device 1 to the duct 100 in which the relative shutter 3 is operatively active on said shut off area 101 for at least partially and selectively occluding said duct 100. Specifically, according to the reference position XT, to the temperature perceived by the thermostat 4 and to the dimensions of the duct 100, the shutter 3 takes a position relative to a closing surface of the shut off area 101 such as to result in a total opening (maximum fluid inflow), a partial occlusion (intermediate fluid inflow) or a total occlusion (null fluid inflow).

The step C provides for the programming of said plurality of time ranges, in which each time range H1 , H2, H3 is characterized by a programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3.

In the present description, with the expression "time range” it is intended a subdivision of a time interval, generally equal to the duration of a day (24 hours), into several sub-intervals, precisely the plurality of time ranges H1 , H2, H3, of duration equal to a fraction of said time interval, typically equal to several hours and which typically follow one another in cyclic sequence.

Accordingly, with the expression "programmed temperature value” it is intended a desired temperature value during a determined time range H1 , H2, H3 in the environment in which it is installed said heating element.

Each time range change H1 , H2, H3 determines a negative transient CN, when it is programmed a diminution of the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3, and a positive transient CP, when it is programmed an increase or a maintenance of the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3. By way of example, a negative transient CN is determined when, passing from the time range H1 to the successive time range H2, is programmed a diminution of the programmed temperature value, for example T1= 20°C and T2=16°C. Analogously, a positive transient CP is determined when, passing from the time range H1 to the subsequent time range H2, is programmed an increase of the programmed temperature value, for example T1= 16°C and T2=20°C.

The step D provides for a first regulation comprising the actuation of said actuator 5 per change the reference position XT of the thermostat 4. In said step D di first regulation, the reference position XT is determined by a characteristic function Y di regulation of the actuator 5. In the present description, with the expression "characteristic function Y” it is intended a function adapted to associate, with each programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 settable in each time range H1 , H2, H3, a relative reference position XT of the thermostat 4. This reference position XT is a position that minimizes, and possibly cancels, the stresses to which the components of the device 1 are subjected when the temperature perceived by the thermostat 4 is substantially equal to the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3. In fact, the characteristic function Y associates, with each programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 settable in each time range, a relative reference position XT of the thermostat 4, where said reference position XT is an optimized position to minimize the stresses to which the components of the device 1 are subjected. In other words, with each generic temperature value T' settable, the characteristic function Y associates an optimized reference position XT=Y(T' ). An embodiment of the characteristic function Y is shown by way of example in figure 2 and will be further shown below.

The second regulation step E comprising a change of the dimension of the thermostat 4 as a function of a temperature perceived by it and consequent movement of the shutter 3. In fact, the final position of the shutter 3 is determined by the sum of the quantities of the first regulation step D, with the setting of the reference position XT, and of the second regulation step E, with the change of the dimension of the thermostat 4 and consequent direct movement of the shutter 3. The detection step F of the temperature comprises a detection of a temperature value T representing the environmental conditions in which said heating element is installed. According to the embodiment of the method M, the detection step F can provide for a detection continuous or at regular intervals, for example each minute, of said temperature value T.

As shown in figure 1 , during each negative transient CN and per each step F di detection of the temperature, said step D di first regulation provides for carry out, in function of said temperature value T detected, a discrete change of the reference position XT from the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the time range H1 , H2, H3 previous toward the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3. Taking by way of example the figure 4 in which the passage from the time range H1 to the time range H2 provides for a negative transient CN, the method M provides that, for each detection step F of the temperature, is carried out, as a function of said temperature value T detected, a discrete change of the reference position XT from the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1 toward the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value T2.

The method M provides that said negative transient CN ends once reached the reference position XT corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3.

In fact, then, said negative transient CN and positive transient CP represent, at each change of the time range, the time intervals that the method M provides for bringing the thermostat 4 from the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the time range H1 , H2, H3 previous to the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3. In the examples of figures 4-7, the negative transients CN represent the time intervals necessary to bring the reference position XT from the value Y(T1 ), i.e. the reference position determined by the characteristic function Y for programmed temperature value T1 of the time range H1 , to the value Y(T2), i.e. the reference position determined by the characteristic function Y for the programmed temperature value T2 of the time range H2. Analogously, in the same figures, the positive transients CP represent the time intervals necessary to bring the reference position XT from the value Y(T2), i.e. the reference position determined by the characteristic function Y per programmed temperature value T2 of the time range H2, to the value Y(T3), i.e. the reference position determined by the characteristic function Y per programmed temperature value T3 of the time range H3.

Specifically, said discrete change of the reference position XT can be smaller with respect to the difference between the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the time range H1 , H2, H3 previous and the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1, T2, T3 of the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3. Alternatively, during negative transient CN and for each detection step F of the temperature, the change of the reference position XT from the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the previous time range to the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range may occur in a single step. In particular, each negative transient CN can provide for a plurality of discrete changes of the reference position XT. Specifically, said plurality of discrete changes of the reference position XT corresponds to the iteractive execution of said detection step F of the temperature and said first regulation step D. In fact, then, the passaggio between the reference position corresponding to the programmed value T1 , T2, T3 of the time range H1 , H2, H3 previous and the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3 can occur in several discrete steps by means of the iteractive execution of multiple detection steps of the temperature and first regulation steps.

As already anticipated, the method M provides that said reference position XT is not varied in said second regulation step E. In other words, a change of the dimension of the thermostat 4 as a function of the temperature perceived by it does not affect its reference position XT set in said first regulation step D.

It is once again noted that said reference position XT coincides with the position, along the translation direction X, of a portion of the thermostat 4 non-variable upon a change of the temperature perceived by the thermostat itself. In other words, if it is not activated said actuator 5 in said first regulation step D, said reference position XT does not vary, not even upon a change of the temperature perceived by the aforementioned thermostat. By way of example, said reference position XT coincides with the position along the translation axis X of a contact portion between said thermostat 4 and said actuator 5, which does not undergo translations as a result of a change in temperature.

As shown in figure 1 , during each negative transient CN and for each detection step F of the temperature, the method M comprises a comparison step G adapted to determine a difference between the te Δmperature value T detected and the temperature value corresponding to the current reference position XT of the thermostat 4.

In particular, during each negative transient CN and for each detection step F of the temperature, said first regulation step D provides for varying the reference position XT when said difference is smaller than a Δ first threshold V1.

Analogously, said step D di first regulation provides for maintaining the reference position XT when said difference is Δ greater than or equal to a second threshold V2. Preferably, the second threshold V2 is coinciding with, i.e. equal to, said first threshold V1. In other words, preferably, the first regulation step D provides for varying the reference position XT when difference betwe Δen the temperature value T detected and the temperature value corresponding to the current reference position XT of the thermostat 4 is smaller than said first threshold V1 and for maintaining unaltered the reference position XT when said difference Δ is greater than or equal to the first threshold V1 itself.

According to the embodiment of the method M, the value of said first threshold V1 is comprised between 0,5°C and 1 ,5°C. Preferably, the value of said first threshold V1 is comprised between 0,75°C and 1 ,25°C. Even more preferably, the value of said first threshold V1 is equal to 1 °C.

As shown in figure 1 , for each positive transient CP, the method M comprises only an execution of a first regulation step D and of a second regulation step E. Specifically, the first regulation step D provides for activating the actuator 5 to change the reference position XT of the thermostat 4 directly to the reference position XT corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3. In other words, for each positive transient CP, the reference position XT is directly set to the value determined by the characteristic function Y for the reference temperature T1 , T2, T3 of the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3. Taking as an example again the time chart of figure 4 in which the passage from the time range H2 to the time range H3 provides for a positive transient CP, the first regulation step D provides for activating the actuator 5 to bring the thermostat 4 directly to the reference position XT corresponding to the reference temperature T3 of the time range H3, i.e. XT=Y(T3).

In fact, then, for each positive transient CP, the first regulation step D provides for a single change of the reference position XT, which is directly set to the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3. Therefore, for each positive transient CP, the method M does not provide for a sequence of discrete changes of the reference position XT, but rather an immediate change of the reference position XT to the value determined by the characteristic function Y for the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3.

Once completed said negative transient CN or said positive transient CP, i.e. once reached the reference position XT corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3, the above-mentioned reference position XT is maintained for the remainder duration of the time range H1 , H2, H3. In other words, once completed a negative transient CN or a positive transient CP, first regulation steps D are no longer carried out until a new positive or negative transient is established.

According to what has just been determined, once completed said negative transient CN or said positive transient CP, is uniquely carried out the second regulation step E. In fact, once set the reference position XT to the position determined by the characteristic function Y for the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3, is uniquely carried out the second regulation step E for the remainder duration of the time range H1 , H2, H3. Substantially, once completed the positive or negative transient, the actuator 5 has positioned the thermostat in the ideal position for the maintenance of the programmed temperature value T1, T2, T3 of the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3. In such an eventuality, the regulation of the inflow of a fluid into the heating element is solely assigned to the thermostat 4, which varies in size, expanding or shrinking, on the basis of the temperature that it perceives, by varying consequently the occlusion degree of the duct 100 operated by the shutter 3.

In the embodiment shown in figure 2, said characteristic function Y is an increasing monotonic function. Preferably, said characteristic function Y is a function monotonic strictly increasing monotonic function, i.e. said reference position determined by the characteristic function Y(T') increases as the programmed temperature value T' increases. In fact, with a higher value of programmed temperature value T' , said characteristic function Y associates a higher value of the reference position XT=Y(T' ) of the thermostat 4.

As previously mentioned, said reference position XT represents, for each programmed temperature value T1, T2, T3 settable in each time range H1 , H2, H3, a minimum position of the thermostat 4 along said translation direction X so that the shutter 3 fully occludes said duct 100 when the environment reaches a temperature value T equal to the aforementioned programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 settable. In other words, when the thermostat 4 is in the reference position XT for the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the current time range and the environment is at a temperature at least equal to the above-mentioned programmed value, the conformation of the thermostat 4 would be such as to ensure the complete closure of the duct 100 by the shutter 3 and the interruption of fluid inflow into the heating element. In fact, in such an eventuality there would be no need to release heat into the environment through the heating element. Conversely, if the thermostat were in the reference position XT for the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the current time range and the environment were at a temperature smaller than the aforementioned programmed value, the conformation of the thermostat 4 would be such as to guarantee the opening, however partial, of the duct 100 by the shutter 3 such as to allow the fluid inflow into the heating element. In fact, in this condition, it is necessary to release heat into the environment through the heating element.

In particular, in the shown embodiment, said characteristic function Y is a straight line, i.e. said characteristic function Y is a linear function of first degree.

According to this embodiment, the slope (a) of said straight line is comprised between 0, 10 mm/°C and 0,30 mm/°C. Preferably, the slope (a) of said straight line is comprised between 0,15 mm/°C and 0,25 mm/°C. Even more preferably, as shown in the embodiment of figure 2, the slope (a) of said straight line is equal to 0,22 mm/°C. According to the value taken by the slope, for each 1 °C change of the settable programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 settable, said characteristic function Y provides for a constant change, determined precisely by the slope (a), of the reference position XT of the thermostat 4.

Still according to what is shown in figure 2, said reference position XT can take a plurality of values comprised between a minimum reference position XTmin, corresponding to a minimum programmed temperature value Tmin settable in each time range H1 , H2, H3, and a maximum reference position XTmax, corresponding to a maximum programmed temperature value Tmax settable in each time range H1 , H2, H3. The difference between said minimum reference position XTmin and maximum said reference position XTmax corresponds, in fact, to the stroke of the actuator 5 that moves the thermostat 4.

In a first embodiment of the method M for regulating, when said difference Δ is smaller than said first threshold V1 , said first regulation step D provides for activating said actuator 5 to change the reference position XT, by setting it to the reference position corresponding to the temperature value T detected decreased by 2°C. In other words, when said difference Δ is smaller than said first threshold V1 , said first regulation step D provides for varying the reference position XT, by setting it to the value determined by the characteristic function Y for the temperature value detected decreased by 2°C, i.e. the reference position takes a value equal to XT=Y(T- 2).

In this embodiment, the first regulation step D is stopped when, during the activation of said actuator 5, is reached the reference position XT corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3. Alternatively, when activating the actuator 5 toward the reference position determined by the characteristic function Y for the temperature value detected decreased by 2°C, i.e. XT=Y(T- 2), is reached the reference position XT corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range, the first regulation step is stopped and is maintained the reference position XT corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the subsequent time range. In such an eventuality, the negative transient CN is interrupted. In fact, in said first embodiment of the method M, said step D di first regulation provides for activating said actuator 5 per change the reference position XT current, by setting it to the maximum value between the reference position corresponding to the temperature value detected decreased by 2°C, i.e. XT=Y(T-2), and the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3. Therefore, during the negative transients CN, the reference position XT cannot take values smaller than the reference position XT determined by the characteristic function Y for the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3.

With reference to figures 4-6, the following are now shown, three exemplary executions of said first embodiment of the method M. These examples share the following configuration:

Programmed temperature values:

T1= 20°C for the first time range H1 ;

T2=16°C for the second time range H2;

T3=18C° for the third time range H3;

Slope (a) of the characteristic function: 0,22 mm/°C;

First threshold and second threshold: V1 =V2= 1 °C.

Figures 4-6 show graphs of the temporal evolution of the following quantities:

Programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 in the three time ranges H1 , H2, H3;

Temperature value T detected during the detection step F of the temperature;

Temperature corresponding to the current reference position XT set by the actuator 5 for the thermostat 4, corresponding in fact to the inverse of the characteristic function Y, i.e. Y ^-1 .

It should be noted that, in order to avoid confusion in the interpretation of the graphs, if two graphs coincide for at least part of their development, these graphs are shown slightly offset vertically to allow a joint visualization. With reference to the example of figure 4, it is now described a first exemplary execution of the above-mentioned first embodiment of the method M: interval [t ₀ , t ₁ ]: programmed temperature value T1 = 20°C; reference position XT = Y(20°C); it is uniquely carried out the second regulation step E on the basis of the temperature perceived by the thermostat 4. at the instant t ₁ programmed temperature value changes from T1 = 20°C to T2 = 16°C; a negative transient CN is created; temperature value detected T(t ₁ ) = 21,5°C → Δ(t ₁ ) = 1,5°C > VT, it is maintained the reference position XT = Y(20°C). at the instant t ₂ : programmed temperature value T2 = 16°C; temperature value detected T(t ₂ ) = 20,99°C → Δ(t ₂ ) = 0,99°C < V ₁ ; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(T(t ₂ ) - 2) ≃ Y(19°C). at the instant t ₃ : programmed temperature value T2 = 16°C; temperature value detected T(t ₃ ) = 19,99°C Δ(t ₃ ) = 0,99°C < V ₁ ; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(T(t ₃ ) - 2) ≃ Y(18°C). at the instant t ₄ : programmed temperature value T2 = 16°C; temperature value detected T(t ₄ ) = 18,99°C Δ(t ₄ ) = 0,99°C < V ₁ ; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(T(t ₄ ) - 2) ≃ Y(17°C). at the instant t ₅ : programmed temperature value T2 = 16°C; temperature value detected T(t ₅ ) = 17,99°C Δ(t ₅ ) = 0,99°C < V ₁ ; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(T(t ₅ ) - 2) ≃ Y(16°C) = Y(T2); terminates the negative transient CN. interval [t ₅ , t ₆ ]: programmed temperature value T2 = 16°C; reference position XT = Y(16°C); it is uniquely carried out the second regulation step E on the basis of the temperature perceived by the thermostat 4. at the instant t ₆ : programmed temperature value changes from T2 = 16°C to T3 = 18°C; a positive transient CP is created; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(18°C) = Y(T3). interval [t ₆ , t ₇ ]: programmed temperature value T3 = 18°C; reference position XT = Y(18°C); it is uniquely carried out the second regulation step E on the basis of the temperature perceived by the thermostat 4.

It is now described, with reference to figure 5, a second exemplary embodiment of the above-mentioned first embodiment of the method M: interval [t ₀ , t ₁ ]: programmed temperature value T1 = 20°C; reference position XT = Y( 20°C); it is uniquely carried out the second regulation step E on the basis of the temperature perceived by the thermostat 4. at the instant t ₁ programmed temperature value cambia da T1 = 20°C to T2 = 16°C; a negative transient CN is created; temperature value detected T(t ₁ ) = 19,3°C → Δ(t ₁ ) = -0,7°C < V ₁ ; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(T(t ₁ ) - 2) Y(17, 3°C). at the instant t ₂ : programmed temperature value T2 = 16°C; temperature value detected T(t ₂ ) = 18,29°C → Δ(t ₂ ) = 0,99°C < V ₁ ; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(T(t ₂ ) - 2) Y(16, 3°C). at the instant t ₃ : programmed temperature value T2 = 16°C; temperature value detected T(t ₃ ) = 17,29°C → Δ(t ₃ ) = 0,99°C < V ₁ ; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(16°C) since Y(T(t ₃ ) - 2) ≃ Y(15, 3°C) < Y(16°C). terminates the negative transient CN. interval [t ₃ , t ₄ ]: programmed temperature value T2 = 16°C; reference position XT = Y(16°C); it is uniquely carried out the second regulation step E on the basis of the temperature perceived by the thermostat 4. at the instant t ₄ : programmed temperature value changes from T2 = 16°C to T3 = 18°C; a positive transient CP is created; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(18°C) = Y(T3). interval [t ₄ , t ₅ ]: programmed temperature value T3 = 18°C; reference position XT = Y(18°C); it is uniquely carried out the second regulation step E on the basis of the temperature perceived by the thermostat 4.

With reference to figure 6, it is shown a third exemplary embodiment of the above-mentioned first embodiment of the method M: interval [t ₀ , t ₁ ] : programmed temperature value T1 = 20°C; reference position XT = Y(20°C); it is uniquely carried out the second regulation step E on the basis of the temperature perceived by the thermostat 4. at the instant t ₁ programmed temperature value cambia da T1 = 20°C to T2 = 16°C; a negative transient CN is created; temperature value detected T(t ₁ ) = 20,5°C Δ(t ₁ ) = 0,5°C < V ₁ ; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(T(t ₁ ) - 2) = Y(18, 5°C). at the instant t ₂ : programmed temperature value T2 = 16°C; temperature value detected T(t ₂ ) = 19,49°C → Δ(t ₂ ) = 0,99°C < V ₁ ; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(T(t ₂ ) - 2) ≃ Y(17, 5°C). at the instant t ₃ : programmed temperature value T2 = 16°C; temperature value detected T(t ₃ ) = 18,49°C → Δ(t ₃ ) = 0,99°C < V ₁ ; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(T(t ₃ ) - 2) ≃ Y(16, 5°C). at the instant t ₄ : programmed temperature value T2 = 16°C; temperature value detected T(t ₄ ) = 17,49°C → Δ(t ₄ ) = 0,99°C < V ₁ ; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(16°C) since Y(T(t ₄ ) - 2) ≃ Y(15,5°C) < Y(16°C). terminates the negative transient CN. interval [t ₄ , t ₅ ]: programmed temperature value T2 = 16°C; reference position XT = Y(16°C); it is uniquely carried out the second regulation step E on the basis of the temperature perceived by the thermostat 4. at the instant t ₅ : programmed temperature value cambia da T2 = 16°C to T3 = 18°C; a positive transient CP is created; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(18°C) = Y(T3). interval [t ₅ , t ₆ ]: programmed temperature value T3 = 18°C; reference position XT = Y(18°C); it is uniquely carried out the second regulation step E on the basis of the temperature perceived by the thermostat 4.

It should be noted that, in the three examples shown, during a negative transient CN created at the change between the time ranges H1 and H2, the discrete changes of the reference position XT are always smaller with respect to the change Y(16°C) -Y(20°C) = 0,88mm determined by the characteristic function Y. This variation dynamic of the reference position XT brings the device 1 to operate in more suitable conditions to the temperature value T detected in the environment. Consequently, the components of the device 1 are subjected to smaller stresses. In particular, the actuator 5 is subjected to workloads substantially lower than those to which it would be subjected if it varied directly the reference position to the value corresponding to the temperature value T2 programmed for the second time range H2, i.e. XT=Y(16°C). Consequently, the thermostat 4 has a longer time to adapt its size to the nominal value for the reference temperature T2 and the shutter 3 strikes with smaller force the inner walls of the duct 100. Specifically, during the negative transients CN of the first shown embodiment, the compression to which the components of the device 1 are subjected varies between a minimum value of 0.22 mm and a maximum value of 0.44 mm. Consequently, the shutter 3 is subjected to a lower load as it exerts less pressure against the closing surface of the shut off area 101 .

In addition, the lower stresses to which the components of the device 1 , in particular the actuator 5, are subjected, lead to further benefits in terms of a better management of energy resources, as the current absorptions of the actuator 5 are minimized. Furthermore, the noise emitted by the actuator 5 as a result of the stress condition to which it is subjected in known regulation techniques is minimized or even eliminated.

It is now shown a second embodiment of the method M, alternative to the above described first embodiment but which guarantees substantially similar benefits.

According to this second embodiment of the method M, when said difference is smaller than th Δe first threshold V1 , the first regulation step D provides for activating said actuator 5 to change the reference position XT, by setting it to a value corresponding to the temperature value relative to the actual reference position decreased by 1 °C. In other words, when said difference is smalle Δr than said first threshold V1 , said first regulation step D provides for setting the reference position XT to the value determined by the characteristic function Y for the temperature value corresponding to the actual reference position decreased by 1 °C.

Also in said second embodiment, the first regulation step D is stopped when, during the activation of said actuator 5, is reached the reference position XT corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3. Alternatively, should be reached the reference position XT corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range during the movement toward the reference position determined by the characteristic function Y for the temperature value corresponding to the actual reference position decreased by 1 °C, the first regulation step is stopped and is maintained the reference position XT corresponding to the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the subsequent time range. In such an eventuality, the negative transient CN is interrupted.

According to the second embodiment of the method M, said first regulation step D provides for activating said actuator 5 to change the current reference position XT, by setting it to a maximum value between the reference position corresponding to the temperature value relative to the actual reference position decreased by 1 °C and the reference position corresponding to the programmed temperature value of the subsequent time range. Also in this embodiment, during the negative transients CN, the reference position XT cannot take values smaller than the reference position XT determined by the characteristic function Y for the programmed temperature value T1 , T2, T3 of the subsequent time range H1 , H2, H3. With reference to figure 7, it is now described an exemplary execution of the above mentioned second embodiment of the method M, which shares the setting of the examples previously shown with reference to the first embodiment of the method M and shown in figures 4-6.

In particular, the example of figure 7 shares the same time evolution of the detected temperature T of the third example shown in figure 6. A comparison of these executions allows to better appreciate the differences in the operating principles between the two embodiments of the M method described in the present description.

Therefore, with reference to figure 7, the above-mentioned exemplary execution of the second embodiment of the method M is now described. interval [t ₀ , t ₁ ]: programmed temperature value T1 = 20°C; reference position XT = Y(20°C); it is uniquely carried out the second regulation step E on the basis of the temperature perceived by the thermostat 4. at the instant t ₁ programmed temperature value cambia da T1 = 20°C to T2 = 16°C; a negative transient CN is created; temperature value detected T(t ₁ ) = 20,5°C → Δ(t ₁ ) = 0,5°C < V ₁ ; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(T1) - a · 1°C = Y(19°C). at the instant t ₂ : programmed temperature value T2 = 16°C; temperature value detected T(t ₂ ) = 19,99°C → Δ(t ₂ ) = 0,99°C < V ₁ ; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(19°C) - a · 1°C = Y (18°C). at the instant t ₃ : programmed temperature value T2 = 16°C; temperature value detected T(t ₃ ) = 18,99°C → Δ(t ₃ ) = 0,99°C < V ₁ ; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(18°C) - a · 1°C = Y(17°C). at the instant t ₄ : programmed temperature value T2 = 16°C; temperature value detected T(t ₄ ) = 17,99°C → Δ(t ₄ ) = 0,99°C < V ₁ ; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(17°C) - a · 1°C = Y(16°C) terminates the negative transient CN. interval [t ₄ , t ₅ ]: programmed temperature value T2 = 16°C; reference position XT = Y(16°C); it is uniquely carried out the second regulation step E on the basis of the temperature perceived by the thermostat 4. at the instant t ₅ : programmed temperature value cambia da T2 = 16°C to T3 = 18°C; a positive transient CP is created; it is changed the reference position in XT = Y(18°C) = Y(T3). interval [t ₅ , t ₆ ]: programmed temperature value T3 = 18°C; reference position XT = Y(18°C); it is uniquely carried out the second regulation step E on the basis of the temperature perceived by the thermostat 4.

It should be noted that said second embodiment of the method M provides that, for each discrete change, the movement given by the actuator 5 is at most equal to the change of the reference position XT determined by the characteristic function Y for a 1 °C difference, i.e. the slope a, which in the example is equal to 0,22 mm.

In fact, the benefits guaranteed by the second embodiment of the method M coincide substantially with those of the first embodiment, both in terms of minimization of internal stresses to the device 1 and in terms of optimization of energy resources and minimization of the operating noise.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method M, said installation step B of said device 1 on a duct 100 comprises a configuration step B’ of the actuator 5. Said configuration step B’ is adapted to generate said characteristic function Y. Specifically, the configuration step B’ of the actuator 5 comprises the aforementioned steps:

- positioning said thermostat 4 in said maximum reference position XTmax;

- detecting a configuration temperature value TB representing the environmental conditions in which said heating element is installed during said configuration step B’;

- actuating said actuator 5 to displace said thermostat 4 along said translation direction X toward said minimum reference position XTmin (see the downward movement at the configuration temperature value TB in figure 2);

- monitoring, when carrying out the previous actuation step, a parameter of said actuator 5 up to the detection of a peak of such parameter, said peak indicating that the reference position XTB corresponding to said configuration temperature value TB has been exceeded;

- generating said characteristic function as a straight line passing through the point characterized by the pair (configuration temperature value TB, reference position XTB corresponding to said configuration temperature value TB) and having said slope (a).

Preferably, the step for generating said characteristic function Y provides for obtaining said reference position XTB corresponding to said configuration temperature value TB by applying, preferably summing, a correction factor b to the position of the thermostat in which said peak is detected. As previously mentioned, in fact, the position of the thermostat wherein it is detected a peak of the parameter of the monitoring actuator is indicative of the exceeding, and not of the reaching, of the reference position XTB for the configuration temperature value TB. Therefore, as shown in figure 2 by the arrow indicated with the reference “b", the step for generating said characteristic function Y provides for applying, preferably summing, said correction parameter b to the position of the thermostat 4 wherein it is detected said peak of the parameter of the actuator 5. In this way it is possible to have a more accurate estimation of the effective reference position XTB corresponding to the configuration temperature value TB. In fact the detection of the peak of the parameter of the actuator 5 is indicative of a stress condition to which the actuator itself is subjected. The application of said correction factor (b) has the purpose of establishing a reference position XTB optimized for the configuration temperature TB, i.e. that does not expose the components of the device 1 to efforts or stresses.

Said correction factor (b) is comprised between 0,10 mm and 0,50 mm. Preferably, said correction factor (b) is comprised between 0,20 mm and 0,40 mm. Even more preferably, said correction factor (b) is equal to 0,30 mm.

According to another aspect, the monitored parameter of said actuator 5 is a current absorption parameter. Specifically, a peak of the current absorption indicates a resistance to the translation action given by the actuator 5. This resistance is typically generated by the striking of the shutter 3 against the closing surface of the shut off area 101 , which indicates the reaching and relative exceeding of the reference position XTB for the configuration temperature value TB. In fact, the shutter 3 is typically composed of rubbery material which, as a result of the striking with the closing surface of the shut off area 101 , is subject to a determined elastic deformation. The correction factor (b) is an estimated value that takes into account this elastic deformation which, when applied to the position of the thermostat 4 wherein the peak of current absorption of the actuator 5 is detected, allows to obtain an accurate estimation of the real reference position XTB for the configuration temperature value TB. Therefore, the application of the correction factor (b) allows to obtain a characteristic function Y which determines reference positions XT which minimize the stresses to which the internal components of the device 1 are subjected when the latter operates in a temperature range substantially equal to the temperature value T corresponding to the reference position XT=Y(T) controlled by the actuation of the actuator 5 during the step first regulation D.

The present configuration step B' allows to dispose of a characteristic function Y adapted and optimized to the actual installation conditions of the device 1. Indeed, typically, the conditions under which the method M is carried out by the device 1 are different with respect to the nominal design conditions. Such differences may be due to different dimensions of the duct 100 or volumetric constraints of the installation space. In addition to these causes are the inherent differences due to machining tolerances of both the elements of the device 1 and of the duct 100. Although of minimal magnitude, such deviations from the optimum conditions cause sub-optimal behaviour with respect to those of a device 1 operating at nominal design conditions. Therefore, the execution of the configuration step B' allows to dispose of a characteristic function optimized for the particular installation of the device 1 which can carry out the method M in an effective and efficient manner.

The present invention has also as its object a chrono-thermostatic device 1 , shown schematically in figure 3. Said device 1 is configured to carry out the previously described method M.

With reference to figure 3 is possible to note that the device 1 comprises: - a valve body 2, configured to be associated with or mounted on said duct 100 at said shut off area 101 so that the device 1 can regulate the flow of the fluid flowing through said duct 100 and destined into a heating element, for example a radiating element;

- said shutter 3 at least partially housed in said valve body 2, operatively active on said shut off area 101 and movable along said translation direction X for at least partially and selectively occluding said 100 at said shut off area 101 ;

- said thermostat 4, housed at least partially in said valve body 2 in a movable fashion along said translation direction X in said plurality of reference positions XT, configured to vary a dimension thereof as a function of a temperature perceived by it and operatively associated a said shutter 3 to move it along said translation direction X;

- said electronic actuator 5, housed at least partially in said valve body 2 and operatively associated with said thermostat 4 per change the relative reference position XT, determining a corresponding movement of said shutter 3;

- a control unit 6 operatively associated with said actuator 5 to control it and programmable in said plurality of time ranges H1 , H2, H3;

- a temperature sensor 7 operatively associated with said control unit 6 and configured to detecting, constantly or at regular intervals, said temperature value T at which the environment in which said heating element is installed is found;

Specifically, said control unit 6 comprises a memory 60 hosting:

- said characteristic function Y for regulating the actuator 5;

- a algorithm that can be filled out and carried out by said control unit 6 to carry out the method M previously described.

As previously mentioned, the above-mentioned shutter 3, thermostat 4 and actuator 5 are components which are known per se in the technical field of the present invention, and are therefore not shown or described in detail in the present document.

Preferably, the shutter 3 consists of rubbery material adapted to be compressed when in a condition of abutment against a closing surface of the shut off area 101. To the rubbery material adopted in the composition of the shutter 3 is connected the correction factor (b) applied in the generation step of the characteristic function Y during the configuration step B’. In fact, shutters 3 consisting of rubbery materials having different deformation characteristics result in the use of different correction factors (b) in the generation step of the characteristic function Y.

According to the embodiment, said thermostat 4 is of the type selected from the following: of the liquid, wax, gas or foil type.

In an embodiment of the device 1 , said actuator 5 is an electric motor.

In another embodiment of the device 1 , said actuator 5 is an electrically controlled solenoid actuator.

In an embodiment of the device 1 , said actuator 5 is of the rotary type.

In another embodiment of the device 1 , said actuator 5 is of the linear type. In an embodiment, said control unit 6 is at least partially housed within said valve body 2. According to this embodiment, said control unit 6 is preferably connected to said actuator 5 by means of a dedicated wired connection.

In another embodiment, said control unit 6 is housed in a remote position with respect to said valve body 2, i.e. to the outside of said valve body 2. According to this embodiment, said control unit 6 is preferably connected to said actuator 5 by means of a dedicated wireless connection.

According to an embodiment, said temperature sensor 7 is at least partially housed within said valve body 2. According to this embodiment, said control unit 6 is preferably contained too in said valve body 2 and said temperature sensor is preferably connected to it by means of a wired or integrated connection in the control unit itself.

According to an alternative embodiment, said temperature sensor 7 is housed in a remote position with respect to said valve body 2, i.e. outside of said valve body 2. According to this embodiment, according to the position of the control unit 6, said temperature sensor 7 is connected to said control unit 6 by means of a wired or wireless connection, or it can be integrated into the control unit 6 itself.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous changes and variants, all of which within the scope of the inventive concept, and the aforementioned components are replaceable by other technically equivalent elements.

The invention achieves important advantages. First, as it is clear from the aforementioned description, the invention allows to overcome at least some of the drawbacks of the known art.

The method for regulating M of the present invention allows, during the negative transients CN, to maintain the components of the device 1 in a condition adapted to the temperature perceived in the environment supplied by the heating element and wherein the device is installed.

The method M of the present invention allows, during each negative transient, an adaptation of the reference position XT of the thermostat 4 which is gradual and determined as a function of the temperature T detected in the environment. In this way, the reference position XT given by the actuator 5 is appropriate to the dimension taken by the thermostat 4 on the basis of the temperature perceived by it for the whole duration of the negative transient CN.

The method M allows to avoid situations of high imbalance between the reference position XT given by the actuator 5 and the dimension taken by the thermostat 4 on the basis of the temperature perceived by it, which, in particular in the negative transients CN, result in a considerable effort of the actuator 5 in moving the thermostat 4 and in an excessive compression of the shutter 3 against the closing surface of the shut off area 101. In fact, the method M according to the present description allows to avoid the occurrence of excessive stresses that may compromise the proper functioning of the chrono-thermostatic device and, possibly, lead to breakage and malfunctioning. Additionally, the method M ensures an optimized consumption of power sources. In particular, the batteries that typically power the actuator 5 have a longer life cycle, as overstressing situations of the actuator are avoided and, therefore, peaks of current absorption from the batteries are minimized. As a result, interventions for replacing or recharging the supply batteries are less frequent.

Another advantage of the present invention is linked to the minimization of the noise emitted by the actuator 5 during the steps of first regulation and change of the reference position of the thermostat. In fact, particularly during the negative transients, the sequence of discrete changes of the reference position avoids situations of excessive stress of the components of the chrono-thermostatic device 1 , which typically result in the emission of an annoying operating noise from the actuator 5.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is linked to the presence of the above-mentioned configuration step B', which allows the device 1 to dispose of a characteristic function Y calibrated to the system in which it is inserted. Indeed, due to the processing tolerances and the different conditions under which the device 1 is installed, the characteristic functions which are available to the known devices guarantee sub-optimal performance and the components of the chrono-thermostatic device are exposed to excessive stresses. The creation of an ad hoc, i.e. specific, characteristic function Y for each installation allows to dispose of a characteristic function Y that establishes optimal reference positions XT for each programmable temperature value in the time ranges.

Another advantage related to the method M of the present invention is linked to the possibility of efficiently and precisely regulating the inflow of a fluid into a heating element, thanks to the combined action of the actuator and of the thermostat. Furthermore, the method for regulating allows the inflow of a fluid into the heating element to be adjusted in such a way that the real temperature obtained in the installation environment is substantially equal to the temperature value programmed by the user for each time range.

Yet another advantage of the M method is linked to the minimization of the operations required to the user. In fact, in the execution of the above-mentioned method, the user is only required to program the time ranges and relative temperature values desired.

The advantages of the method M are, in fact, also transferable to the chrono-thermostatic device 1 configured to implement the above-mentioned method for regulating.

The device 1 of the present invention is characterized by a control part and electronics considerably simplified with respect to known technical solutions. Such a characteristic allows the device to operate effectively even with a structurally simple processing unit and a non-complex programming code. Consequently, the device 1 according to the present invention shows a considerably reduced structural and construction complexity, which also leads to a considerable reduction of the relative production costs.

Furthermore, the device 1 of the present invention is characterized by a high operational reliability, a lower inclination to failures and malfunctions and can be easily and quickly maintained.

Furthermore, the device 1 of the present invention is characterized by a high versatility and is able to adapt to a large number and type of different heating elements and environments. In addition, the device of the present invention is characterized by a competitive cost and by a simple and rational structure.