A dual-source hot water faucet with automatic switching function

Abstract

The present invention discloses a dual-source hot water automatic switching faucet, comprising a valve body, a cold water inlet assembly, a solar hot water inlet assembly, and a water outlet. The valve body is provided with a valve core assembly that can be connected to the water outlet, the valve body is built with a hot runner, and one side of the valve body is provided with a gas water heater inlet hole that can be connected to a gas water heater. The gas water heater inlet hole is connected to the valve core assembly through the hot runner to form a gas hot water inlet passage. The solar hot water inlet assembly is connected to the valve core assembly through the hot runner to form a solar hot water inlet passage. The hot runner is built with a temperature-sensitive sealing member that can selectively cut off either the gas hot water inlet passage or the solar hot water inlet passage. The present invention has the following advantages and effects: the faucet can automatically switch between the solar water heater and the backup water heater to provide a dual-heat-source hot water supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a faucet, in particular to a faucet with dual-source hot water and automatic switching function. Background Art

[0002] Solar energy is in high demand in my country, with a wide range of applications and significant economic benefits. Promoting the use of solar water heaters not only saves significant amounts of fossil energy but also alleviates growing environmental pressures. However, due to various factors, such as climate, sunlight, and the environment, the amount of solar energy received by the Earth's surface is highly unstable. Consequently, a single solar water heater alone cannot meet the average household's water needs.

[0003] In order to meet the needs of households for reasonable energy conservation without affecting use, an effective alternative is to install a common water storage type solar water heater as the main one and another instant water heater as a backup. However, this solution will result in the need to switch water heaters at any time during use.

[0004] When the hot water in the solar water heater is used up, it is necessary to manually switch to the backup water heater each time. This is not only troublesome, but also leads to a poor user experience during the switching interval. In addition, there are no faucets on the market that can automatically switch between the solar water heater and the backup water heater, so there is room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dual-source hot water automatic switching faucet, which can automatically switch between a solar water heater and a backup water heater to provide hot water supply with dual heat sources.

[0006] The above technical objectives of the present invention are achieved through the following technical solutions: comprising a valve body, a cold water inlet assembly, a solar hot water inlet assembly and a water outlet, the valve body being provided with a valve core assembly which can be connected to the water outlet, the valve core assembly being connected to a handle, the valve body being provided with a partition which can separate the valve inner cavity into a hot runner and a cold runner, and a gas water heater inlet hole which can be connected to a gas water heater being provided on one side of the valve body;

[0007] The valve body is provided with a first functional hole and a second functional hole arranged coaxially in the hot runner, with a gap between the first functional hole and the second functional hole, and the second functional hole is respectively connected to the solar water heating water inlet assembly and the gas water heater water inlet hole;

[0008] A first spring is built into the first functional hole, and a second spring is built into the second functional hole. A blocking mechanism is provided between the first and second springs, which can be thermally extended or cold-contracted according to different water temperatures. The spring constant of the second spring is smaller than the spring constant of the first spring. A support member capable of abutting against the first spring is provided at one end of the first spring away from the blocking mechanism, and a limiting step capable of abutting against the second spring is provided at one end of the second functional hole away from the blocking mechanism.

[0009] When the blocking mechanism encounters hot water, it extends to open the gap, allowing solar hot water to pass through the second functional hole, the gap and the valve core assembly in turn. At this time, the blocking mechanism blocks the water inlet of the gas water heater; when the blocking mechanism encounters cold water, it shortens to block the gap, cutting off the passage between the second functional hole and the valve core assembly. At this time, the water inlet of the gas water heater is connected to the gap and the valve core assembly.

[0010] The present invention is further configured as follows: the blocking mechanism includes a cutoff shell located in the second functional hole, the outer shell of the cutoff shell is sequentially provided with a first sealing groove, a connecting groove and a second sealing groove, the connecting groove is connected to the water inlet of the gas water heater, the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove are each respectively provided with a sealing ring, the two sealing rings are respectively located on both sides of the water inlet of the gas water heater, and each of the sealing rings is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the second functional hole,

[0011] One side of the intercepting shell is in contact with the second spring, and a temperature sensing element that can extend or shorten according to the water temperature is provided inside the intercepting shell. One end of the temperature sensing element is in contact with the first spring, and a diverter pad is provided on the temperature sensing element so that water flowing out of the solar hot water inlet assembly can flow to the gap. A limit block that can abut against the diverter pad is provided on the end of the intercepting shell away from the first functional hole.

[0012] When cold water flows out of the solar hot water inlet assembly, the temperature sensing element is in a natural state. At this time, the intercepting shell cuts off the communication between the gap and the valve core assembly, and the water inlet hole of the gas water heater is connected with the gap and the valve core assembly through the connecting groove; when hot water flows out of the solar hot water inlet assembly, the temperature sensing element is heated and elongated, and drives the intercepting shell to move away from the first functional hole. At this time, the solar hot water is sequentially communicated with the valve core assembly through the second functional hole and the gap, and the intercepting shell cuts off the communication between the connecting groove and the gap.

[0013] The present invention is further configured as follows: the support member includes a fixing sleeve threadedly connected to the first functional hole, the fixing sleeve is provided with a sealing surface that can be sealed with the cutoff shell at one end facing the cutoff shell, the fixing sleeve has an adjustable inner core built into it, the adjustable inner core is threadedly connected to the fixing sleeve, the first spring is located inside the adjustable inner core, and one end of the first spring abuts against the inner wall of the adjustable inner core.

[0014] The present invention is further configured as follows: a gasket is provided between the first spring and the temperature sensing element; a slot is provided on the inner wall of the end of the adjustable inner core away from the adjustment position; a retaining spring is provided in the slot to limit the gasket.

[0015] The present invention is further configured as follows: a positioning step for resisting the intercepting shell is provided in the second functional hole, and the intercepting shell is movable between the positioning step and the fixing sleeve.

[0016] The present invention is further configured as follows: a countersunk hole is provided at one end of the diverter pad, a plurality of circumferentially distributed diverter grooves are provided on the outer ring of the diverter pad, and each of the diverter grooves is communicated with the countersunk hole.

[0017] The present invention is further configured as follows: a connecting hole is provided on the partition plate, a check valve is built into the connecting hole, and the check valve allows fluid to flow from the hot runner into the cold runner;

[0018] A cavity is also provided in the hot runner for transporting residual cold water from the solar hot water inlet assembly. One end of the cavity is connected to the check valve. A clearance hole that can be connected to the cavity is provided on one side of the second functional hole. The cavity can be connected to the second functional hole through the clearance hole. When one end of the intercepting shell contacts the positioning step on the second functional hole, the outer shell of the intercepting shell can block the clearance hole to cut off the communication between the second functional hole and the cavity.

[0019] The present invention is further configured as follows: a flow limiting check valve is provided at the connection between the cold water inlet assembly and the valve body; under the same water pressure, the maximum flow preset value of the flow limiting check valve is smaller than the maximum flow preset value of the check valve.

[0020] The present invention is further configured as follows: a hexagonal through hole that can be matched with an hexagonal wrench is provided through one side of the fixing sleeve, and an adjustment position that can be matched with a screwdriver is provided on the side of the adjustable inner core facing the hexagonal through hole.

[0021] The present invention is further configured as follows: the valve body is further provided with a third functional hole in the hot runner, the third functional hole is connected to the second functional hole and is coaxially arranged, the second functional hole and the third functional hole are respectively located at both ends of the solar hot water inlet, the third functional hole is threadedly connected to a plug that can cut off the axial connection between the second functional hole and the third functional hole, one end of the plug abuts the check valve, and a water groove is provided on one side of the plug, and the cavity is communicated with the check valve through the water groove.

[0022] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: by utilizing the principle that the temperature sensing element expands and contracts with temperature changes, and then adopting a special structure, the automatic switching function of the faucet supply source between the common water heater and the backup water heater is realized. The faucet described in this application can be applied mainly to solar water heaters, supplemented by other instant water heaters (this application takes gas water heaters as an example), so as to achieve the product characteristics of reasonable energy saving without affecting the user experience. The principle of the present invention is not limited to conventional shower faucets, and can be additionally applied to various other faucets, such as basin faucets, kitchen faucets and other water terminals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the automatic switching faucet of Example 1;

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structural explosion;

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Structural cross-sectional view;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure in another direction;

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Structural cross-sectional view of the middle valve body;

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the middle fixed sleeve;

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Structural cross-sectional view;

[0030] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustable inner core;

[0031] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Structural cross-sectional view;

[0032] Figure 10yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle interception shell;

[0033] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Structural cross-sectional view;

[0034] Figure 12 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the temperature sensing element;

[0035] Figure 13 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle diverter pad;

[0036] Figure 14 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle plug;

[0037] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another plug structure in Example 2;

[0038] Figure 16 It is a schematic diagram of the solar water heating flow in waterway J;

[0039] Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the cold water flow direction of waterway M and waterway K;

[0040] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the gas and hot water flow in water line L;

[0041] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the mixed water flow direction in waterway N.

[0042] Figure numerals: 1, valve body; 2, cold water inlet assembly; 3, solar hot water inlet assembly; 4, water outlet; 5, valve core assembly; 6, handle; 7, hot runner; 8, cold runner; 9, partition; 10, gas water heater water inlet hole; 11, temperature-sensing plugging piece; 12, first functional hole; 13, second functional hole; 14, gap; 15, first spring; 16, support member; 17, gasket; 18, intercepting shell; 19, first sealing groove; 20, connecting groove; 21, second sealing groove; 22, sealing ring; 23, limit step; 24, second spring; 25, temperature-sensing element; 26, diverter pad; 27, limit Block; 28. Fixed sleeve; 29. ​​Sealing surface; 30. Adjustable inner core; 31. Hexagonal through hole; 32. Adjustment position; 33. Slot; 34. Circlip; 35. Telescopic section; 36. Temperature sensing section; 37. Positioning protrusion; 38. Positioning step; 39. Countersunk hole; 40. Diverter groove; 41. Third function hole; 42. Connecting hole; 43. Check valve; 44. Plug; 45. Hexagonal blind hole; 46. Boss; 47. Water trough; 48. Groove; 49. Cavity; 50. Make way hole; 51. Flow limiting check valve; 52. Cold water inlet hole; 53. Hot water inlet hole; 54. Mixed water outlet hole; 55. Cylinder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Example 1:

[0045] like Figures 1-6 As shown, a dual-source hot water automatic switching faucet includes a valve body 1, on which a cold water inlet component 2, a solar hot water inlet component 3 and a water outlet 4 are provided. A valve core component 5 is also provided on the valve body 1. The cold water inlet component 2 and the solar hot water inlet component 3 are both connected to the valve core component 5. One side of the valve core component 5 is also connected to the water outlet 4. A handle 6 is connected to the valve core component 5.

[0046] The above-mentioned structure and connection method are all prior art and will not be described in detail here. For details, please refer to the Chinese patent with announcement number CN202867920U and the Chinese patent with publication number CN109323014A. For ease of understanding, the existing principle is briefly explained as follows: the cold water flowing into the cold water inlet component 2 and the water flowing into the solar water heating component both flow into the valve core component 5 and flow out from the valve core component 5 to the water outlet 4. The valve core component 5 can be controlled to connect with the cold water inlet component 2 alone, or connect with the hot water inlet component alone, or connect with the cold water inlet component 2 and the hot water inlet component at the same time to control the flow rate of cold and hot water inlet and their mixing ratio, thereby controlling the water outlet temperature of the water outlet 4. The handle 6 drives the valve core component 5 by opening and closing the front and back angles to realize the water on / off function, and drives the valve core component 5 by rotating the left and right angles to realize the cold and hot mixed water temperature adjustment function.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the valve body 1 is built with a partition 9 that divides the valve cavity into a hot runner 7 and a cold runner 8. A gas water heater inlet 10 is provided on one side of the valve body 1, which is connected to the gas water heater. The gas water heater inlet 10 is connected to the valve core assembly 5 through the hot runner 7, forming a gas hot water inlet passage. The solar hot water inlet assembly 3 is connected to the valve core assembly 5 through the hot runner 7, forming a solar hot water inlet passage. The cold water inlet assembly 2 is connected to the valve core assembly 5 through the cold runner 8. The hot runner 7 is built with a temperature-sensitive sealing member 11 that can selectively cut off the gas hot water inlet passage or the solar hot water inlet passage.

[0048] Furthermore, the valve body 1 is provided with a first functional hole 12 and a second functional hole 13 coaxially arranged in the hot runner 7, with a gap 14 between the first functional hole 12 and the second functional hole 13. The second functional hole 13 is connected to the solar water heating inlet assembly 3 and the gas water heater inlet 10 respectively.

[0049] The temperature-sensitive sealing member 11 includes a first spring 15 located in the first functional hole 12, a second spring 24 located in the second functional hole 13, and a sealing mechanism located between the first spring 15 and the second spring 24. The sealing mechanism can expand and contract with heat and cool to extend or shorten according to different water temperatures. The spring constant of the second spring 24 is smaller than the spring constant of the first spring 15. A support member 16 capable of abutting against the first spring 15 is provided at one end of the first spring 15 away from the sealing mechanism. A limiting step 23 capable of abutting against the second spring 24 is provided at one end of the second functional hole 13 away from the sealing mechanism.

[0050] When the blocking mechanism encounters hot water, it extends to open the gap 14, allowing the solar hot water to pass through the second functional hole 13, the gap 14 and the valve core assembly 5 in sequence. At this time, the blocking mechanism blocks the water inlet hole 10 of the gas water heater; when the blocking mechanism encounters cold water, it shortens to block the gap 14, cutting off the passage between the second functional hole 13 and the valve core assembly 5. At this time, the water inlet hole 10 of the gas water heater is connected to the gap 14 and the valve core assembly 5.

[0051] Furthermore, the temperature between cold water and hot water is room temperature water, which is in the range of 20-25°C.

[0052] The solar hot water inlet passage is specifically that the hot water flowing out of the solar hot water inlet assembly 3 is connected to the valve core assembly 5 through the second functional hole 13 and the gap 14 in sequence;

[0053] The gas hot water inlet passage is specifically the hot water flowing out of the water inlet hole 10 of the gas water heater, which is connected to the valve core assembly 5 through the connecting groove 20 and the gap 14 in sequence.

[0054] Furthermore, the blocking mechanism includes a cutoff shell 18 located in the second functional hole 13, and the outer shell of the cutoff shell 18 is sequentially provided with a first sealing groove 19, a connecting groove 20 and a second sealing groove 21. The connecting groove 20 is connected to the water inlet hole 10 of the gas water heater. The first sealing groove 19 and the second sealing groove 21 are respectively built with a sealing ring 22. The two sealing rings 22 are respectively located on both sides of the water inlet hole 10 of the gas water heater, and each of the sealing rings 22 is sealed against the inner wall of the second functional hole 13.

[0055] One side of the intercepting shell 18 abuts against the second spring 24. A temperature sensing element 25 is provided inside the intercepting shell 18, which can extend or shorten according to the water temperature. One end of the temperature sensing element 25 abuts against the first spring 15. The temperature sensing element 25 is also provided with a diverter pad 26 for allowing water flowing out of the solar hot water inlet assembly 3 to flow to the gap 14. A limit block 27 is provided on the end of the intercepting shell 18 away from the first functional hole 12, which can abut against the diverter pad 26.

[0056] When cold water flows out of the solar hot water inlet assembly 3, the temperature sensing element 25 is in a natural state. At this time, the intercepting shell 18 cuts off the communication between the gap 14 and the valve core assembly 5, and the gas water heater water inlet hole 10 is connected with the gap 14 and the valve core assembly 5 through the connecting groove 20; when hot water flows out of the solar hot water inlet assembly 3, the temperature sensing element 25 is heated and elongated and drives the intercepting shell 18 to move away from the first functional hole 12. At this time, the solar hot water is communicated with the valve core assembly 5 through the second functional hole 13 and the gap 14 in turn, and the intercepting shell 18 cuts off the communication between the connecting groove 20 and the gap 14.

[0057] Furthermore, the temperature sensing element 25 is a prior art, for example, disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN209246207U, and will not be described in detail here.

[0058] The specific working process is as follows:

[0059] When hot water flows out of the solar hot water inlet assembly 3, the temperature sensing element 25 expands internally due to heat, leading to axial elongation. Because one end of the temperature sensing element 25 abuts the first spring 15, and the other end of the temperature sensing element 25 abuts the intercepting housing 18 via the diverter pad 26, and one end of the intercepting housing 18 abuts the second spring 24, as the temperature sensing element 25 elongates due to heat, one end of the temperature sensing element 25 applies force to the first spring 15, causing the first spring 15 to be compressed by the external force. Furthermore, because the spring constant of the first spring 15 is greater than that of the second spring 24, the second spring 24 is more easily compressed than the first spring 15, causing the temperature sensing element 25 to drive the diverter pad 26 and the intercepting housing 18 toward the second spring 24. At this point, the gap 14 and the valve core assembly 5 are in a conductive state, and the hot water flowing out of the solar hot water inlet assembly 3 is connected to the valve core assembly 5 through the second functional hole 13, the gap 14, and the valve core assembly 5 in sequence. In this state, the first sealing ring 22 and the second sealing ring 22 on the outer wall of the interception shell 18 are in sealing contact with the inner wall of the second functional hole 13. Therefore, the hot water flowing out of the water inlet 10 of the gas water heater can be blocked by the sealing rings 22 in the first sealing groove 19 and the second sealing groove 21, thereby sealing the water inlet 10 of the gas water heater.

[0060] When the temperature of water flowing out of the solar hot water inlet assembly 3 gradually drops to room temperature, the temperature sensing element 25 will gradually shorten to its initial length. The initial length is the fixed natural length of the temperature sensing element 25 in the cold water state. The shortening and recovery process is opposite to the above-mentioned extension process, which will not be described in detail here.

[0061] When the temperature sensing element 25 returns to its fixed length, the shutoff housing 18, driven by the second spring 24, cuts off the connection between the gap 14 and the valve core assembly 5. The movement of the shutoff housing 18 causes the sealing ring 22 located within the first sealing groove 19 and the second sealing groove 21 on its outer ring to move synchronously. When the shutoff housing 18 cuts off the connection between the gap 14 and the valve core assembly 5, the sealing ring 22 located within the first sealing groove 19 disengages from the second functional hole 13 and becomes separated from it by a predetermined distance. The gas water heater's water inlet 10 now connects to the gap 14 through the connecting groove 20, completing the water supply to the gas water heater.

[0062] Furthermore, the support member 16 includes a fixed sleeve 28 threadedly connected to the first functional hole 12. The end of the fixed sleeve 28 facing the shutoff housing 18 is provided with a sealing surface 29 that can be sealed with the shutoff housing 18. The fixed sleeve 28 contains an adjustable inner core 30, which is threadedly connected to the fixed sleeve 28. A hexagonal through-hole 31 that can be used with an hexagonal wrench is provided through one side of the fixed sleeve 28. The adjustable inner core 30 is provided with an adjustment position 32 that can be used with a screwdriver on the side facing the hexagonal through-hole 31. The first spring 15 is located within the adjustable inner core 30, and one end of the first spring 15 abuts the inner wall of the adjustable inner core 30.

[0063] In actual use, the operator can use an Allen wrench to assemble the fixing sleeve 28 on the first functional hole 12. The operator can also use a screwdriver through the hexagonal through hole 31 to engage the adjustment position 32 on the adjustable inner core 30 to adjust the depth of the adjustable inner core 30 in the fixing sleeve 28, thereby adjusting the position of the first spring 15 to change its compression amount.

[0064] Furthermore, a gasket 17 is disposed between the first spring 15 and the temperature-sensing element 25. A slot 33 is defined on the inner wall of the end of the adjustable inner core 30 that is away from the adjustment position 32. A retaining spring 34 is located within the slot 33 to retain the gasket 17. Furthermore, because the center of the retaining spring 34 is hollowed out, one end of the temperature-sensing element 25 can pass through the retaining spring 34 and abut against the gasket 17. This retaining spring 34 prevents the gasket 17 from being pushed out of the adjustable inner core 30 by the elastic force of the first spring 15. However, the gasket 17 can be compressed inward by the temperature-sensing element 25.

[0065] It should be noted that the temperature sensing element 25 does not exert force on the gasket 17 when there is no thermal expansion. At this time, the gasket 17 is restricted on the clamping spring 34 under the action of the first spring 15 .

[0066] Furthermore, a first O-ring (not shown) is sleeved around the exterior of the adjustable inner core 30, one side of which seals against the inner wall of the fixed sleeve 28. A second O-ring (not shown) is sleeved around the exterior of the fixed sleeve 28, one side of which seals against the inner wall of the first functional hole 12. The provision of the first and second O-rings solves the sealing problem at the end of the first functional hole 12.

[0067] Furthermore, the temperature sensing element 25 includes a telescopic section 35 and a temperature sensing section 36. One end of the telescopic section 35 abuts the gasket 17, and the other end of the telescopic section 35 is integrally connected or assembled to the temperature sensing section 36. The temperature sensing section 36 is positioned toward the inlet of the solar hot water heater. A positioning protrusion 37 is integrally provided on the temperature sensing section 36. The diverter pad 26 is mounted on the temperature sensing section 36, with one side of the diverter pad 26 abutting the positioning protrusion 37 and the other side of the diverter pad 26 abutting the limit block 27.

[0068] In the cold water state, the temperature sensing element 25 is at a fixed natural length. At this time, one end of the shut-off shell 18 is pressed by the second spring 24, so that the other end of the shut-off shell 18 is pressed and sealed against the sealing surface 29 on the fixed sleeve 28. At this time, the telescopic section of the temperature sensing element 25 is close to or just abuts the gasket 17, but does not exert pressure on the gasket 17. When the water temperature rises, the temperature sensing section 36 expands internally due to the heat, which causes the telescopic section to extend, causing one end of the telescopic section to press on the gasket 17, and then transfer it to the first spring 15. Based on the principle of force transferability and the equality of action and reaction, the pressure transmitted from the telescopic section of the temperature sensing element 25 to the first spring 15 through the gasket 17 will simultaneously cause the positioning protrusion 37 to exert equal pressure on the diverter pad 26, and transfer it to the second spring 24 through the shut-off shell 18. In addition, since the second spring 24 will be compressed before the first spring 15, the temperature sensing element 25 will move toward the second spring 24 together with the diverter pad 26 and the intercepting shell 18. At this time, the solar hot water inlet passage (J) is connected, and the intercepting shell 18 cuts off the connection between the connecting groove 20 and the gap 14 through the sealing ring in the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove.

[0069] Furthermore, a positioning step 38 is provided within the second functional hole 13 to abut the intercepting housing 18. The intercepting housing 18 is movable between the positioning step 38 and the fixing sleeve 28. When the temperature sensing element 25 is heated, it drives the intercepting housing 18 to move toward the second spring 24 until one end of the intercepting housing 18 abuts the positioning step 38 and stops moving. At this point, the water temperature is close to the upper limit of the water temperature that the solar water heater can supply. If the water temperature continues to rise slightly until it reaches the upper limit of the water temperature that the solar water heater can supply, the telescopic section 35 on the temperature sensing element 25 will continue to extend. At this time, the temperature sensing element 25, unable to continue moving toward the second spring 24, will reverse its movement by pressing the gasket 17 through the telescopic section 35 toward the first spring 15, thereby compressing the first spring 15. This ensures that the process of thermal extension of the temperature sensing element 25 does not damage the temperature sensing element 25 itself or its associated components. When the water temperature gradually decreases to room temperature, the temperature sensing element 25 will gradually shorten to its initial fixed length.

[0070] Furthermore, a countersunk hole 39 is provided on the end of the diverter pad 26 away from the positioning protrusion 37. A plurality of circumferentially distributed diverter grooves 40 are provided on the outer ring of the diverter pad 26, each of which is connected to the countersunk hole 39. When passing through the diverter pad 26, solar hot water first enters the interception housing 18 through the countersunk hole 39 and the diverter grooves 40, and then connects to the valve core assembly 5 through the gap 14. Furthermore, water on both sides of the diverter pad 26 can flow in both directions through the diverter grooves 40 and the countersunk hole 39.

[0071] Furthermore, the valve body 1 is also provided with a third functional hole 41 in the hot runner 7 that can be connected to the solar hot water inlet assembly 3. The third functional hole 41 is connected to the second functional hole 13 and is coaxially arranged. The second functional hole 13 and the third functional hole 41 are respectively located at both ends of the solar hot water inlet. A connecting hole 42 connected to the third functional hole 41 is provided on the partition 9. One end of the connecting hole 42 is also connected to the cold runner 8. A check valve 43 is built into the connecting hole 42. The check valve 43 allows fluid to flow from the hot runner 7 into the cold runner 8, and has the function of preventing backflow. It should be noted that the connecting hole 42 is specifically a countersunk hole close to the third functional hole 41, and the check valve 43 is placed in the countersunk hole, so that the check valve 43 cannot pass through the partition into the cold runner 8.

[0072] The third functional hole 41 is internally threaded with a plug 44 that cuts off the axial connection between the second and third functional holes. One end of the plug 44 is provided with a hexagonal blind hole 45 that serves as a wrench. The other end of the plug 44 is equipped with multiple circumferentially evenly distributed protrusions 46. A water channel 47 is provided between any two protrusions 46. The plug 44 is also provided with a groove 48 for accommodating an O-ring, which seals the plug 44 with the third functional hole 41. One end of each protrusion 46 abuts against the check valve 43 to prevent reverse movement of the check valve 43 under pressure at the water outlet, ensuring the long-term non-return function of the check valve 43.

[0073] A cavity 49 is also provided within the hot runner 7 for conveying residual cold water from the solar hot water inlet assembly 3. One end of this cavity 49 communicates with the water channel 47 on the plug 44. A clearance hole 50 is provided on one side of the second functional hole 13, allowing communication with the cavity 49. The other end of the cavity 49 communicates with the second functional hole 13 through the clearance hole 50. When one end of the intercepting housing 18 contacts the positioning step 38 on the second functional hole 13, the outer shell of the intercepting housing 18 seals the clearance hole 50, thereby cutting off the communication between the second functional hole 13 and the cavity 49.

[0074] When the shower faucet is turned on and used, if there is cold water in the pipe of the solar hot water inlet assembly 3, the hot water of the gas water heater will be activated first, and the cold water in the pipe of the solar hot water inlet assembly 3 will be discharged into the cold flow channel 8 to mix with ordinary tap water. Because the use of warm water requires the consumption of both hot and cold water, after the cold water in the pipe of the solar hot water inlet assembly 3 is gradually used up, the hot water from the solar energy will enter the faucet and automatically replace the hot water supply from the gas water heater. At this time, the shower faucet enters the normal use state of solar hot water and ordinary tap water mixing. When the solar hot water is consumed after long-term use and the temperature gradually decreases, the intercepting shell 18 will block the gap 14, that is, automatically close the water channel J, connect the water channel M, and automatically open the water inlet of the gas water heater (that is, connect the water channel L).

[0075] In addition, the following describes the usage process in detail:

[0076] When the water flowing out of the solar hot water inlet assembly 3 is cold water, one end of the interception shell 18 is against the fixed sleeve 28, and the other end of the interception shell 18 does not block the clearance hole 50. Therefore, the cold water flowing out of the solar hot water inlet assembly 3 can only flow into the cavity 49 from the clearance hole 50, and enter the cold flow channel 8 through the water trough 47 and the check valve 43 in sequence.

[0077] When the water flowing out of the solar hot water inlet assembly 3 is hot, one end of the interceptor shell 18 abuts against the positioning step 38 on the second functional hole 13, thereby blocking the clearance hole 50. The movement of the interceptor shell 18 to block the clearance hole 50 is similar to the movement of the interceptor shell 18 to block the water inlet of a gas water heater, and is completed simultaneously. The solar hot water inlet passage is now open.

[0078] Furthermore, the intercepting shell 18 is made of a material with low thermal conductivity and has the characteristic of low heat conduction, so that the water temperature of the second functional hole 13 on the side isolated by the intercepting shell 18 is not affected by the change of the water temperature of the connecting groove 20 on the other side.

[0079] Furthermore, a flow-limiting check valve 51 is installed at the connection between the cold water inlet assembly 2 and the valve body 1. This check valve 51 not only allows water to flow in one direction, preventing reverse flow, but also functions as a flow limiter. Under the same water pressure, the maximum flow rate of the check valve 51 is set to a value lower than the maximum flow rate of the check valve 43.

[0080] When the faucet is used for the first time, the faucet handle 6 is opened, and cold water is supplied from the outlet pipe of the solar water heater and ordinary tap water at the same time. By setting the maximum flow rate preset value of the check valve 43 to be greater than the maximum flow rate preset value of the flow limiting check valve 51, the cold water in the outlet pipe of the solar water heater is consumed at a faster rate, thereby using the hot water from the solar water heater more quickly.

[0081] Furthermore, the valve core assembly 5 includes a cold water inlet hole 52, a hot water inlet hole 53, and a mixed water outlet hole 54. The cold runner 8 is connected to the cold water inlet hole 52 on the valve core assembly 5, and the hot runner 7 is connected to the hot water inlet hole 53 on the valve core assembly 5. The cold water inlet hole 52 and the hot water inlet hole 53 are both connected to the mixed water outlet hole 54. The valve core assembly 5 is prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0082] For ease of understanding, please refer to Figure 16-19 The waterway.

[0083] Water path J: hot water from the solar water heater flows through the second functional hole 13 and the gap 14 and is connected to the valve core assembly 5.

[0084] Water path M: cold water from the solar water heater flows through the second functional hole 13, the clearance hole 50, the cavity 49, the check valve 43, the cold flow channel 8 and the valve core assembly 5.

[0085] Water path L: The hot water flowing out of the water inlet 10 of the gas water heater is communicated with the valve core assembly 5 through the communication groove 20 and the gap 14 in sequence.

[0086] Water channel K: The cold water flowing out of the cold water inlet assembly 2 (i.e., water from ordinary tap water) is communicated with the valve core assembly 5 through the cold flow channel 8.

[0087] Water channel N: the line through which water from the mixed water outlet hole 54 on the valve core assembly 5 flows to the water outlet 4 .

[0088] Example 2:

[0089] The difference from the first embodiment lies in the different plug structure.

[0090] like Figure 15 As shown, a cylinder 55 is provided at one end of the plug 44 facing the check valve 43 , one end of the cylinder 55 abuts against the check valve 43 , and a water channel 47 is provided through one side of the cylinder 55 , and the cavity 49 is connected to the check valve 43 through the water channel 47 .

[0091] The specific embodiments are merely explanations of the present invention and are not limitations of the present invention. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art may make non-creative modifications to the embodiments as needed. However, as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention, they are protected by patent law.

Claims

1. A dual-source hot water automatic switching faucet, comprising a valve body (1), a cold water inlet assembly (2), a solar hot water inlet assembly (3) and a water outlet (4), wherein the valve body (1) is provided with a valve core assembly (5) which can be connected to the water outlet (4), and the valve core assembly (5) is connected to a handle (6), characterized in that: The valve body (1) is internally provided with a partition (9) capable of dividing the valve inner cavity into a hot flow channel (7) and a cold flow channel (8); and a gas water heater water inlet hole (10) capable of being connected to a gas water heater is provided on one side of the valve body (1); The valve body (1) is provided with a first functional hole (12) and a second functional hole (13) coaxially arranged in the hot runner (7), a gap (14) is provided between the first functional hole (12) and the second functional hole (13), and the second functional hole (13) is respectively connected to the solar hot water inlet assembly (3) and the gas water heater inlet hole (10); The first functional hole (12) is provided with a first spring (15), the second functional hole (13) is provided with a second spring (24), a blocking mechanism is provided between the first spring (15) and the second spring (24), and the blocking mechanism can be thermally extended or cold-contracted according to different water temperatures, the spring coefficient of the second spring (24) is smaller than the spring coefficient of the first spring (15), the end of the first spring (15) away from the blocking mechanism is provided with a support member (16) that can abut against the first spring (15), and the end of the second functional hole (13) away from the blocking mechanism is provided with a limiting step (23) that can abut against the second spring (24); The blocking mechanism extends when encountering hot water to open the gap (14), allowing the solar hot water to flow through the second functional hole (13), the gap (14) and the valve core assembly (5) in sequence, at which time the blocking mechanism blocks the gas water heater water inlet hole (10); the blocking mechanism shortens when encountering cold water to block the gap (14), cutting off the passage between the second functional hole (13) and the valve core assembly (5), at which time the gas water heater water inlet hole (10) is connected to the gap (14) and the valve core assembly (5); The blocking mechanism comprises a cut-off shell (18) located in the second functional hole (13), a first sealing groove (19), a connecting groove (20) and a second sealing groove (21) are sequentially provided on the outer shell of the cut-off shell (18), the connecting groove (20) is connected to the water inlet hole (10) of the gas water heater, the first sealing groove (19) and the second sealing groove (21) are respectively provided with a sealing ring (22), the two sealing rings (22) are respectively located on both sides of the water inlet hole (10) of the gas water heater, and each of the sealing rings (22) is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the second functional hole (13). One side of the intercepting shell (18) is in contact with the second spring (24); a temperature sensing element (25) capable of extending or shortening according to different water temperatures is provided inside the intercepting shell (18); one end of the temperature sensing element (25) is in contact with the first spring (15); a diversion pad (26) is also provided on the temperature sensing element (25) for allowing water flowing out of the solar hot water inlet assembly (3) to flow to the gap (14); a limiting block (27) capable of abutting against the diversion pad (26) is provided at one end of the intercepting shell (18) away from the first functional hole (12); When cold water flows out of the solar hot water inlet assembly (3), the temperature sensing element (25) is in a natural state, at which time the intercepting shell (18) cuts off the communication between the gap (14) and the valve core assembly (5), and the gas water heater water inlet hole (10) is connected to the gap (14) and the valve core assembly (5) through the connecting groove (20); when hot water flows out of the solar hot water inlet assembly (3), the temperature sensing element (25) is heated and elongated and drives the intercepting shell (18) to move in a direction away from the first functional hole (12), at which time the solar hot water is sequentially communicated with the valve core assembly (5) through the second functional hole (13), the gap (14), and the intercepting shell (18) cuts off the communication between the connecting groove (20) and the gap (14); The support member (16) includes a fixed sleeve (28) threadedly connected to the first functional hole (12); one end of the fixed sleeve (28) facing the interception shell (18) is provided with a sealing surface (29) capable of sealing with the interception shell (18); an adjustable inner core (30) is built into the fixed sleeve (28); the adjustable inner core (30) is threadedly connected to the fixed sleeve (28); the first spring (15) is located inside the adjustable inner core (30), and one end of the first spring (15) abuts against the inner wall of the adjustable inner core (30); The partition (9) is provided with a connecting hole (42), and a check valve (43) is built into the connecting hole (42), and the check valve (43) allows fluid to flow from the hot runner (7) into the cold runner (8); A cavity (49) for conveying residual cold water from the solar hot water inlet assembly (3) is further provided in the hot runner (7). One end of the cavity (49) is connected to the check valve (43). A clearance hole (50) that can be connected to the cavity (49) is provided through one side of the second functional hole (13). The cavity (49) can be connected to the second functional hole (13) through the clearance hole (50). When one end of the intercepting shell (18) contacts the positioning step (38) on the second functional hole (13), the outer shell of the intercepting shell (18) can block the clearance hole (50) to cut off the communication between the second functional hole (13) and the cavity (49).

2. The dual-source hot water automatic switching faucet according to claim 1, characterized in that: A gasket (17) is provided between the first spring (15) and the temperature sensing element (25); a clamping groove (33) is provided on the inner wall of the adjustable inner core (30); and a clamping spring (34) is provided in the clamping groove (33) for limiting the gasket (17).

3. The dual-source hot water automatic switching faucet according to claim 1, characterized in that: A positioning step (38) for contacting the intercepting shell (18) is provided in the second functional hole (13), and the intercepting shell (18) can move between the positioning step (38) and the fixing sleeve (28).

4. The dual-source hot water automatic switching faucet according to claim 3, characterized in that: A countersunk hole (39) is provided at one end of the diverter pad (26), and a plurality of circumferentially distributed diverter grooves (40) are provided on the outer ring of the diverter pad (26), and each of the diverter grooves (40) is connected to the countersunk hole (39).

5. The dual-source hot water automatic switching faucet according to claim 1, characterized in that: A flow limiting check valve (51) is provided at the connection between the cold water inlet assembly (2) and the valve body (1); under the same water pressure, the maximum flow preset value of the flow limiting check valve (51) is smaller than the maximum flow preset value of the check valve (43).

6. The dual-source hot water automatic switching faucet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body (1) is further provided with a third functional hole (41) in the hot runner (7). The third functional hole (41) is connected to the second functional hole (13) and is coaxially arranged. The second functional hole (13) and the third functional hole (41) are respectively located at two ends of the solar hot water inlet. The third functional hole (41) is internally threadedly connected to a plug (44) that can cut off the axial connection between the second functional hole and the third functional hole. One end of the plug (44) abuts against the check valve (43). A water groove (47) is provided on one side of the plug (44). The cavity (49) is connected to the check valve (43) through the water groove (47).

7. The dual-source hot water automatic switching faucet according to claim 2, characterized in that: If cold water exists in the pipe of the solar hot water inlet assembly (3), the hot water of the gas water heater is first activated, and at the same time, the cold water in the pipe of the solar hot water inlet assembly (3) is discharged into the cold flow channel (8) to be mixed with ordinary tap water; after the cold water in the pipe of the solar hot water inlet assembly (3) is gradually used up, the solar hot water will enter the tap and automatically replace the hot water supply of the gas water heater, and the solar hot water and ordinary tap water are mixed. When the solar hot water is consumed after long-term use and the temperature gradually decreases, the solar water inlet will gradually close automatically, and the gas water heater inlet will automatically open at the same time.

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