A temperature control device

Abstract

This invention discloses a temperature regulating device, including a main body with a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet. A mixing chamber is disposed within the main body and is connected to the first inlet, the second inlet, and the outlet. A movable shaft for temperature regulation is disposed within the main body. A first water outlet is disposed at the connection between the mixing chamber and the first inlet, and a second water outlet is disposed at the connection between the mixing chamber and the second inlet. One end of the movable shaft is connected to the first water outlet, forming a first water passage. The other end of the movable shaft is connected to the second water outlet, forming a second water passage. The increase or decrease of the first and second water passages are opposite. This invention has a simple and stable structure, low cost, and achieves rapid temperature regulation by simultaneously controlling the ratio of hot and cold water with a single shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a temperature control device. Background Technology

[0002] Common problems with water temperature regulating products on the market include slow temperature response, low temperature accuracy, complex structure, and high cost. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a temperature regulating device.

[0004] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] A temperature regulating device includes a body having a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet. A mixing chamber is disposed within the body and is connected to the first inlet, the second inlet, and the outlet. A movable shaft for temperature regulation is disposed within the body. A first water inlet is disposed at the connection between the mixing chamber and the first inlet, and a second water inlet is disposed at the connection between the mixing chamber and the second inlet. One end of the movable shaft is connected to the first water inlet, forming a first water passage. The other end of the movable shaft is connected to the second water inlet, forming a second water passage. The increase or decrease of the first and second water passages are opposite.

[0006] In this embodiment of the invention, a first water guide column of non-uniform diameter is provided at one end of the movable shaft. The first water guide column can be connected to the first water outlet. The movement of the movable shaft can change the water flow area of ​​the first water passage. The minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first water guide column is smaller than the diameter of the first water outlet.

[0007] In this embodiment of the invention, a second water guide column of non-uniform diameter is also provided at one end of the movable shaft. The second water guide column is located between the first water guide column and the other end of the movable shaft. The second water guide column can be connected with the first water outlet. The movement of the movable shaft can change the water passage area of ​​the first water passage. The maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the second water guide column is not greater than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first water guide column.

[0008] In this embodiment of the invention, a third water guide column with a non-uniform diameter is provided at the other end of the moving shaft. The third water guide column can be connected to the second water outlet. The movement of the moving shaft can change the water flow area of ​​the second water passage. The minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the third water guide column is smaller than the diameter of the second water outlet.

[0009] In this embodiment of the invention, a fourth water guide column with a non-uniform diameter is also provided at the other end of the moving shaft. The fourth water guide column is located between the third water guide column and one end of the moving shaft. The fourth water guide column can be connected to the second water outlet. The movement of the moving shaft can change the water passage area of ​​the second water passage. The maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth water guide column is not greater than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the third water guide column.

[0010] In this embodiment of the invention, an annular boss is provided at both ends of the movable shaft, and the outer diameter of the annular boss is larger than the diameter of the first water inlet and the second water inlet.

[0011] In this embodiment of the invention, the angle formed by the first water guide column and the axis of the moving shaft is smaller than the angle formed by the second water guide column and the axis of the moving shaft; the angle formed by the third water guide column and the axis of the moving shaft is smaller than the angle formed by the fourth water guide column and the axis of the moving shaft.

[0012] In this embodiment of the invention, a connector is provided at one end of the movable shaft, and the connector is connected to the driving device.

[0013] In this embodiment of the invention, a temperature detection device is also included, which is connected to a control unit, and the control unit is connected to a drive device.

[0014] In this embodiment of the invention, a baffle is provided inside the mixing chamber, which divides the mixing chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is connected to a first inlet, and the second chamber is connected to a second inlet.

[0015] The temperature control device of the present invention has the following advantages: it has a simple and stable structure, low cost, and achieves rapid temperature control by controlling the ratio of hot and cold water simultaneously through only one moving shaft. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the movable axis in this invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the movable axis in this invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the use of a drive motor in this invention. Figure 1 .

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the use of a drive motor in this invention. Figure 2 .

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection relationship of the drive motor used in this invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the knob handle used in this invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the moving axis at its first extreme position in this invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the moving shaft at the intermediate temperature position in this invention.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the moving axis at the second extreme position in this invention.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the invention with a baffle. Figure 1 .

[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the invention with a baffle. Figure 2 .

[0028] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the baffle moving shaft in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to represent selected embodiments of the invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0032] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0034] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a temperature regulating device includes a body 10, which has a first inlet 11, a second inlet 12, and an outlet 13. A mixing chamber 14 is disposed within the body and is connected to the first inlet, the second inlet, and the outlet. A moving shaft 20 for temperature regulation is disposed within the body. Referring to the accompanying drawings, the first and second inlets are vertically distributed, and the moving shaft moves vertically. A first water outlet 15 is disposed at the connection between the mixing chamber and the first inlet, and a second water outlet 16 is disposed at the connection between the mixing chamber and the second inlet. One end of the moving shaft is connected to the first water outlet, forming a first water passage between the moving shaft and the first water outlet. The other end of the moving shaft is connected to the second water outlet. The water inlet is connected to the moving shaft, and a second water passage is formed between the other end of the moving shaft and the second water inlet. The increase and decrease of the first water passage and the second water passage are opposite. Preferably, when the water passage area of ​​the first water passage increases, the water passage area of ​​the second water passage decreases, and vice versa. When the water passage area of ​​the first water passage is at its minimum (or 0, in which case the first water passage is blocked and no more water passes through), the water passage area of ​​the second water passage reaches its maximum value. When the water passage area of ​​the second water passage is at its minimum (or 0, in which case the second water passage is blocked and no more water passes through), the water passage area of ​​the first water passage reaches its maximum value.

[0035] Furthermore, a non-uniform diameter first water guide column 21 is provided at one end of the movable shaft. The first water guide column can be connected to the first water outlet, and the movement of the movable shaft can change the water passage area of ​​the first water passage. The minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first water guide column is smaller than the diameter of the first water outlet. A non-uniform diameter second water guide column 22 is also provided at one end of the movable shaft. The second water guide column is located between the first water guide column and the other end of the movable shaft. The second water guide column can be connected to the first water outlet, and the movement of the movable shaft can change the water passage area of ​​the first water passage. The maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the second water guide column is not greater than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first water guide column.

[0036] Furthermore, a third water guide column 23 of non-uniform diameter is provided at the other end of the moving shaft. The third water guide column can be connected to the second water outlet, and the movement of the moving shaft can change the water passage area of ​​the second water passage. The minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the third water guide column is smaller than the diameter of the second water outlet. A fourth water guide column 24 of non-uniform diameter is also provided at the other end of the moving shaft. The fourth water guide column is located between the third water guide column and one end of the moving shaft. The fourth water guide column can be connected to the second water outlet, and the movement of the moving shaft can change the water passage area of ​​the second water passage. The maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth water guide column is not greater than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the third water guide column.

[0037] Preferably, the maximum outer diameter at both ends of the movable shaft is greater than the diameter of the first water inlet and the second water inlet. In use, the maximum outer diameter at both ends of the movable shaft is the annular boss 25, that is, the outer diameter of the annular boss is greater than the diameter of the first water inlet and the second water inlet. This can effectively control the up and down movement of the movable shaft, ensure that the movable shaft can work normally, and realize the adjustment of the outlet water temperature.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and third water guide columns are symmetrical about the midline 26 of the moving axis, and the second and fourth water guide columns are symmetrical about the midline 26 of the moving axis. In a preferred use, the two annular protrusions are also symmetrical about the midline 26 of the moving axis. In other words, the first and third water guide columns have the same size and shape, and the second and fourth water guide columns have the same size and shape. In another embodiment, at least one set of fifth water guide columns 27 can be provided on the moving axis between the second and fourth water guide columns. These two fifth water guide columns are also symmetrical about the midline. Similarly, a cylinder 28 can be provided at the middle position of the moving axis. The two ends of the cylinder are connected to the nearest water guide column, such as the third water guide column, the fourth water guide column, or between two fifth water guide columns.

[0039] In one application of this invention, the angle α1 formed by the first water guide column and the axis of the moving shaft is smaller than the angle α2 formed by the second water guide column and the axis of the moving shaft. Since the corresponding water guide columns are symmetrically arranged, the angle α1 formed by the third water guide column and the axis of the moving shaft is smaller than the angle α2 formed by the fourth water guide column and the axis of the moving shaft. In a preferred application, a fifth water guide column 27 is further arranged on the moving shaft between the second and fourth water guide columns. These two fifth water guide columns are also symmetrical about the midline, and the angle α3 formed by the fifth water guide column and the axis of the moving shaft is smaller than α2. See the accompanying drawings for details. Figure 2 .

[0040] In this embodiment of the invention, a connector 30 is provided at one end of the movable shaft, and the connector is connected to the driving device. In use, the driving device can be a drive motor 41 or a knob handle. When the driving device is a drive motor, a fixed base 42 is also connected to the main body. The drive motor is mounted on the fixed base, and the output shaft of the drive motor is connected to the connector to realize the movement of the movable shaft. When the driving device is a knob handle 43, the knob handle is screwed to a screw 44. The rotation of the knob handle can drive the screw to move, and the screw is connected to the connector.

[0041] More specifically: when the driving device is a drive motor, it also includes a temperature detection device 51. The temperature detection device is connected to the control unit 52, and the control unit is connected to the driving device. The temperature detection device detects the water temperature of the outlet water and can transmit the signal to the control unit. The control unit can control the driving device to move the moving shaft, thereby achieving the temperature control effect.

[0042] Preferably, in this invention, a baffle 70 is provided inside the mixing chamber, dividing the mixing chamber into a first chamber 141 and a second chamber 142. The first chamber is connected to the first inlet, and the second chamber is connected to the second inlet. This effectively prevents the water flow from the first inlet and the water flow from the second inlet from colliding, avoiding mixing errors. In this invention, the baffle can be installed together with the main body, and a through hole 71 is provided on the baffle. The movable shaft is sleeved in the through hole and does not move separately from the movable shaft. Please refer to the accompanying drawings for details. Figure 10 The baffle can also be located in the middle of the moving shaft, and it moves synchronously with the moving shaft. See the attached diagram in the instruction manual for details. Figure 11 , Figure 12 .

[0043] The temperature control device of this invention mainly includes: a first inlet for fluid at a first temperature to enter; a second inlet for fluid at a second temperature to enter, and then mix into a mixing chamber, which can discharge from the outlet after mixing the fluid at the first temperature, the fluid at the second temperature, or both. There is also a movable shaft housed within the main body, which reciprocates between the two inlets under the force of a driving device, controlling the ratio of the two water inlets.

[0044] During its movement, the moving shaft follows the principles of temperature-controlled thermal convection: Energy = Density * Volume * Temperature Difference and Bernoulli's equation for horizontal flow tubes. The moving shaft's characteristic temperature-controlled area is divided into two parts: a cold water flow control zone and a hot water flow control zone. These two control zones are either face-to-face or back-to-back, and each zone consists of at least two or more water guide columns. These multiple water guide columns are composed of different oblique lines, arcs, or curves, containing at least two or more slopes or curvatures. The outer diameter of the moving shaft increases in steps from the middle to both ends, with the closest point between the two control zones being cylindrical.

[0045] The polyline between the first and second extreme temperature levels on the moving shaft constitutes the temperature-regulating zone of the moving shaft. The diameter of the water inlet is smaller in the middle of the temperature-regulating zone, and larger at both ends.

[0046] When the moving shaft is at the first extreme temperature position, because the first water inlet does not receive water, the temperature of the fluid flowing out of the outlet is closest to the temperature of the fluid at the second water inlet. At this point, the water-passing area of ​​the first water passage is the smallest, and the area of ​​the second water passage is the largest. If the moving shaft moves upwards one step, the water-passing area of ​​the first water passage increases, and the water-passing area of ​​the second water passage decreases. Temperature adjustment is then performed until the moving shaft reaches the second extreme temperature position. At this point, because the second water inlet does not receive water, the temperature of the fluid flowing out of the outlet is closest to the temperature of the fluid at the first water inlet. At this point, the water-passing area of ​​the first water passage is the largest, and the water-passing area of ​​the second water passage is the smallest. The two water inlets correspond to different segments of the temperature adjustment zone of the moving shaft, meaning the water inlets will cooperate with different water guide columns. When the distance of one step is fixed and equal within the same segment, the sum of the changes in the water-passing areas of the first and second water passages is minimized.

[0047] When the moving shaft is in the intermediate temperature position, if the moving shaft moves forward or backward one step, the slope or curvature of the line segment corresponding to the temperature adjustment zone of the moving shaft at both ends of the water outlet is the same. The sum of the changes in the water area of ​​the first water passage and the changes in the water area of ​​the second water passage is the maximum.

[0048] In use, when the moving shaft temperature control zone is composed of multiple oblique lines, the angle range of each oblique line is 0-60°, that is, the angle range of α1 and α2 is 0-60°.

[0049] The present invention may also have electronic temperature control features: it includes a drive motor, a temperature detection device, and a control unit. The drive motor outputs driving force to make the moving shaft reciprocate. The temperature detection device feeds back the temperature to the control unit, and the control unit sends a signal to the motor to realize automatic temperature adjustment.

[0050] The foregoing description illustrates and describes preferred embodiments of the present invention. As previously stated, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the inventive concept described herein through the foregoing teachings or techniques or knowledge in related fields. Any modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A temperature regulating device, comprising a body, wherein the body is provided with a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet, characterized in that, The main body is provided with a mixing chamber, which is connected to a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet. A movable shaft for temperature regulation is provided within the main body. A first water outlet is provided at the connection between the mixing chamber and the first inlet, and a second water outlet is provided at the connection between the mixing chamber and the second inlet. One end of the movable shaft is connected to the first water outlet, forming a first water passage. The other end of the movable shaft is connected to the second water outlet, forming a second water passage. The increase or decrease of the first and second water passages are opposite. A non-uniform diameter first water guide column is provided at one end of the movable shaft, which is connected to the first water outlet. The movement of the movable shaft changes the water passage area of ​​the first water passage. A non-uniform diameter second water guide column is also provided at one end of the movable shaft. A water column is located between the first water guide column and the other end of the moving shaft. The second water guide column can be connected to the first water outlet. The movement of the moving shaft can change the water flow area of ​​the first water flow channel. A third water guide column with a non-uniform diameter is provided at the other end of the moving shaft. The third water guide column can be connected to the second water outlet. The movement of the moving shaft can change the water flow area of ​​the second water flow channel. A fourth water guide column with a non-uniform diameter is also provided at the other end of the moving shaft. The fourth water guide column is located between the third water guide column and one end of the moving shaft. The fourth water guide column can be connected to the second water outlet. The movement of the moving shaft can change the water flow area of ​​the second water flow channel. The angle formed by the centerline of the first water guide column and the axis of the moving shaft is smaller than the angle formed by the centerline of the second water guide column and the axis of the moving shaft. The angle formed by the centerline of the third water guide column and the axis of the moving shaft is smaller than the angle formed by the centerline of the fourth water guide column and the axis of the moving shaft. The movable shaft has annular bosses at both ends with a maximum outer diameter greater than the diameter of the first and second water inlets, which are used to limit the travel of the movable shaft between the first and second extreme temperature positions. The moving shaft forms a temperature regulating zone between the first and second extreme temperature positions. The temperature regulating zone is composed of multiple water guide columns along the axial direction of the moving shaft. The multiple water guide columns are composed of inclined lines and / or curves with different slopes and / or curvatures, such that when the moving shaft moves the same distance along the axial direction at the middle and end positions of the temperature regulating zone, the sum of the changes in the water flow area of ​​the first water flow channel and the second water flow channel is greater at the middle position than at the end positions.

2. The temperature regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first water guide column is smaller than the diameter of the first water outlet.

3. The temperature regulating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the second water guide column is not greater than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first water guide column.

4. A temperature regulating device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the third water guide column is smaller than the diameter of the second water outlet.

5. A temperature regulating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth water guide column is not greater than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the third water guide column.

6. A temperature regulating device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The maximum outer diameter at both ends of the moving shaft is greater than the diameter of the first water inlet and the second water inlet.

7. A temperature regulating device according to any one of claims 5-6, characterized in that, One end of the movable shaft is provided with a connector, which is connected to the drive device.

8. A temperature regulating device according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature detection device, which is connected to the control unit, and the control unit is connected to the drive device.

9. A temperature regulating device according to any one of claims 1-3, 5-6, and 8, characterized in that, The mixing chamber is equipped with a baffle that divides the mixing chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is connected to a first inlet, and the second chamber is connected to a second inlet.

10. A temperature regulating device according to any one of claims 1-3, 5-6, and 8, characterized in that, The moving shaft is divided into two parts: a cold water flow control area and a hot water flow control area. The two control areas are shaped to face each other or back to back. Each control area consists of at least two or more water guide columns.

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