Water inlet device and water heater

Abstract

The present application provides a water inlet device and a water heater, wherein the water inlet device comprises: a valve body having an axial open end and a closed end, a side wall of the valve body between the open end and the closed end being provided with a first through hole and a second through hole, the first through hole and the second through hole being spaced apart along the circumference of the valve body; a valve sleeve rotatably disposed in the valve body, the valve sleeve having a central hole opposite to and connected to the open end of the valve body, the side wall of the valve sleeve being provided with a connecting groove connected to the central hole; the valve sleeve being configured to reduce the opening of the first through hole and increase the opening of the second through hole when the valve sleeve moves from a first position to a second position relative to the valve body. The water heater comprises a water heater body and the water inlet device as described above. The water inlet device and the water heater provided by the present application are convenient for users to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of water heaters, and in particular to a water inlet device and a water heater. Background Art

[0002] A water heater is a device that uses various physical principles to raise the temperature of cold water into hot water within a certain period of time.

[0003] In the related art, the water inlet pipe of a gas water heater can transport tap water to the heat exchanger, and the gas can be burned to heat the water in the heat exchanger. The heated water in the heat exchanger can be transported out through the water outlet of the water heater for user use.

[0004] However, when the gas water heater is used again after being paused for a short time, a section of hot water first flows out of the water outlet of the water heater and then a section of cold water flows out, affecting the user's bathing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a water inlet device and a water heater, which are used to solve the problem that when a gas water heater is used again after being stopped for a short time, the water outlet of the water heater first flows out a section of hot water and then a section of cold water, which affects the user's bathing.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] One aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a water inlet device, comprising: a valve body, having an axial open end and a closed end, a side wall of the valve body located between the open end and the closed end being provided with a first through hole and a second through hole, and a spacing along the circumference of the valve body between the first through hole and the second through hole; a valve sleeve rotatably arranged in the valve body, the valve sleeve having a center hole opposite to the open end of the valve body and connected to the open end of the valve body, and a side wall of the valve sleeve being provided with a connecting groove connected to the center hole; the valve sleeve is configured to reduce the opening of the first through hole and increase the opening of the second through hole when the valve sleeve moves from a first position to a second position relative to the valve body.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the communicating groove includes a first communicating groove and a second communicating groove, the first communicating groove and the second communicating groove are both connected to the center hole, and the first communicating groove and the second communicating groove may have a spacing along the circumference of the valve sleeve.

[0009] In one possible implementation manner, a portion of the first communicating groove opposite to the first through hole is configured to be lower than the second communicating groove when the valve sleeve is in the second position.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the highest points of at least part of the first communicating grooves gradually tilt toward the closed end of the valve body along a preset direction, where the preset direction is a rotation direction of the valve sleeve from the first position to the second position.

[0011] In one possible implementation manner, at least part of the first communicating groove is disposed on an upper portion of a side wall of the valve sleeve, and at least part of the first communicating groove is disposed on a lower portion of the side wall of the valve sleeve.

[0012] In one possible implementation manner, the second communicating groove is provided on an upper portion of a side wall of the valve sleeve.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the upper end surface of the valve sleeve is higher than the highest end of the first through hole and the second through hole; and / or the lower end surface of the valve sleeve is lower than the lowest end of the first through hole and the second through hole.

[0014] In one possible implementation, a shaft sleeve is disposed in the valve body, and the outer surface of the shaft sleeve is sealed to the inner surface of the valve body by a sealing ring; the valve sleeve includes a bottom wall and a side wall, and a valve stem is fixed to the bottom wall, and the valve stem is passed through the closed end of the valve body. The valve sleeve has a center hole, and the valve stem rotates relative to the center hole of the valve sleeve.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the upper end surface of the valve sleeve abuts against the lower end surface of the shaft sleeve; and / or the open end of the valve body has a limiting portion, and the limiting portion is used to support the lower end surface of the valve sleeve.

[0016] Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a water heater, comprising a water heater body and a water inlet device as described above, wherein the water heater body has a water inlet end and a hot water end, the water inlet device comprises a valve body and a valve core assembly, and a water inlet channel and a bypass channel are formed in the valve body, the water inlet channel is connected to the water inlet end, and the bypass channel is connected to the hot water end.

[0017] The water inlet device and water heater provided by the present application are provided with a valve body, the valve body having an axial open end and a closed end, a first through hole and a second through hole being provided on a side wall of the valve body between the open end and the closed end, and a spacing along the circumference of the valve body between the first through hole and the second through hole; and a rotatable valve sleeve is provided in the valve body, the valve sleeve having a central hole inside, and a connecting groove connected to the central hole on the side wall of the valve sleeve, wherein the valve sleeve is configured to reduce the opening of the first through hole and increase the opening of the second through hole when the valve sleeve moves relative to the valve body from a first position to a second position. The first through hole is connected to the water inlet end of the water heater, and the second through hole can be connected to the hot water end of the water heater. When a user uses water for the second time in a short period of time, the minimum temperature of the water flowing out of the water outlet end of the water heater is increased by reducing the flow of cold water flowing into the water inlet end of the water heater and increasing the flow of cold water mixed with the hot water at the hot water end of the water heater, thereby reducing the maximum temperature of the water flowing out of the water outlet end of the water heater, thereby improving the user's shower experience.

[0018] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of the present application, the technical features that constitute the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions described above, other technical problems that can be solved by the embodiments of the present application, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further described in detail in the specific implementation methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a water inlet device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 4 A front view of a one-inlet, two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial exploded view of a one-inlet, two-outlet valve is shown;

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 4 An exploded view of the valve core assembly is shown;

[0026] Figure 7 for Figure 4A three-dimensional longitudinal sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the first state is shown;

[0027] Figure 8 for Figure 4 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0028] Figure 9 for Figure 4 A transverse cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0029] Figure 10 The right side is a transverse cross-sectional view of a one-inlet two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application in a first state;

[0030] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A transverse cross-sectional view of the one-inlet, two-outlet valve in the second state is shown.

[0031] Description of reference numerals:

[0032] 1-valve body; 11-closed end; 12-open end; 13-first through hole; 14-second through hole; 15-water inlet pipe; 16-water outlet pipe; 17-bypass pipe; 18-cover plate; 181-mounting hole; 19-cylinder;

[0033] 2-valve core assembly;

[0034] 21-valve stem;

[0035] 22 - valve sleeve; 221 - center hole; 222 - communication groove; 223 - first communication groove; 224 - second communication groove; 225 - first end surface; 226 - second end surface;

[0036] 4-shaft sleeve;

[0037] 5-Driver;

[0038] 61-memory; 62-timer;

[0039] 7-Controller;

[0040] 8-sealing ring;

[0041] 9-valve; 91-one inlet and one outlet valve; 92-one inlet and two outlet valve;

[0042] 10-water heater; 101-water inlet; 102-hot water end; 103-water outlet; 104-water inlet branch pipe; 105-water outlet branch pipe; 106-bypass branch pipe; 107-water outlet main pipe; 108-water inlet main pipe.

[0043] The above drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and the textual description are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of the present application to those skilled in the art by reference to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In conventional gas water heaters, when a user uses water, the heater detects a water flow signal and first activates the fan for pre-cleaning, discharging exhaust gases from the water heater through the flue. Once the air pressure switch detects a closure, the gas valve opens, igniting the system. Heated water flows out of the water heater. It takes approximately 3 to 5 seconds from the time the user turns on the water to the time the heater ignites. For a user turning on the water in the shower, it typically takes 20 to 30 seconds for constant-temperature hot water to flow out.

[0045] However, when a gas water heater is used again after a brief pause—that is, when a user uses water for the second time within a short period of time—some water remains in the water heater's outlet from the previous use, so the hotter water will flow out of the outlet first. Furthermore, because the fan must wait for pre-cleaning before ignition, and ignition takes 3 to 5 seconds, the cooler water will flow out of the outlet after the remaining hot water has flowed out. Once the water heater is ignited and combustion is complete, water at the target temperature will flow out of the outlet.

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The arrows in the figure indicate the direction of liquid flow. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The water heater 10 may have a water inlet 101 , a hot water end 102 and a water outlet 103 .

[0047] For example, the water inlet 101 may have an inlet branch pipe 104, the hot water end 102 may have an outlet branch pipe 105, and the water outlet 103 may have a main outlet pipe 107. A bypass pipe 106 may be connected between the inlet and outlet pipes 104 and 105. When the water heater 10 is in operation, cold water may be delivered through the main inlet pipe 108. The output end of the main inlet pipe 108 may be connected to the inlet branch pipe 104 and the bypass pipe 106, respectively. This allows some cold water to enter the water inlet 101 of the water heater 10 through the inlet branch pipe 104, while some cold water mixes with the hot water flowing out of the outlet pipe 105 through the bypass pipe 106. The mixed water then flows to the user through the main outlet pipe 107.

[0048] The inventors of this application have discovered that, when a user uses water for a second time, increasing the amount of cold water mixed with the hot water in the hot water end 102 can lower the temperature of the water flowing out of the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10; and reducing the amount of cold water flowing into the water heater 10 can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger of the water heater 10, thereby increasing the temperature of the water flowing out of the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10. In this way, the temperature of the water flowing out of the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10 during the user's second use of water can be brought closer to the target water temperature, thereby improving the user's shower experience.

[0049] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in combination with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water inlet device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 1-Figure 3 The water inlet device provided in the embodiment of the present application may include a memory 61, a timer 62, a valve 9 and a controller 7. The memory 61 may be installed on the water heater 10 and may record the end time of the user's last water use. The timer 62 may be installed on the water heater 10 and may obtain the start time of the user's current water use. At least part of the valve 9 may be set at the water inlet end 101 and may adjust the water flow rate flowing into the water inlet end 101. At least part of the valve 9 may be set at the hot water end 102 and may adjust the water flow rate flowing into the hot water end 102. The controller 7 may calculate the time interval between the start time of the user's current water use and the end time of the user's last water use, and may control the valve 9 when the time interval is less than a preset time period so that the liquid flows into the water inlet end 101 of the water heater 10 at a smaller flow rate and flows into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 at a larger flow rate.

[0052] Specifically, when the user closes the valve 9 at the water outlet 103 (or showerhead) of the water heater 10, the memory 61 can obtain the time of the timer 62 at that moment and store the time as the end time of the user's last water use. The memory 61 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory 61 (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory 61 (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory 61 (EPROM), programmable read-only memory 61 (PROM), read-only memory 61 (ROM), magnetic memory 61, flash memory 61, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0053] In addition, the timer 62 can obtain the current time when the user opens the valve 9 at the water outlet 103 of the water heater 10 (or the valve 9 of the shower head). The current time is the start time of the user's current water use. The timer 62 can be a timer that requires the user to regularly calibrate the time. The timer 62 can also send a request message to the server, and the server returns the obtained current time. The current time can also be obtained from the network.

[0054] In addition, when the user opens the valve 9 at the water outlet 103 of the water heater 10 (or the valve 9 of the shower head), the controller 7 can obtain the end time of the user's last water use sent by the memory 61 and the start time of the user's current water use sent by the timer 62. The controller 7 can calculate the difference between the start time of the user's current water use and the end time of the user's last water use to obtain the time interval between two adjacent water uses of the user. The controller 7 can compare the calculated time interval with a preset time period. If the time interval is less than the preset time period, the controller 7 can reduce the water flow into the water inlet 101 and increase the water flow into the hot water end 102 by controlling the valve 9. If the time interval is greater than the preset time period, the water flow into the water inlet 101 and the water flow into the hot water end 102 remain unchanged.

[0055] It should be noted that the water inlet device provided in this application can have at least two states. In the first state, liquid flows into the water inlet 101 of the water heater 10 at a relatively high flow rate and into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 at a relatively low flow rate. This is a state characterized by a high water inlet volume and a low bypass volume. In the second state, liquid flows into the water inlet 101 of the water heater 10 at a relatively low flow rate and into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 at a relatively high flow rate. This is a state characterized by a low water inlet volume and a relatively high bypass volume. The "larger" and "smaller" mentioned in this paragraph are intended to be compared between two states. That is, in the second state, compared to the first state, the amount of water flowing into the water inlet 101 of the water heater 10 decreases, while the amount of water flowing into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 increases. During secondary water use by a user, the water inlet device can operate in the second state for a period of time. After operating for a period of time, the water inlet device can transition from the second state to the first state. The time period for which the water inlet device operates in the second state can be a preset value. Alternatively, the water inlet device can transition from the second state to the first state after ignition and heating.

[0056] Optionally, the controller 7 can control the valve 9 when the operating state of the water heater 10 is stable, the heating state of the water heater 10 is at the maximum value, and the temperature of the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10 is lower than the preset temperature value, so that the liquid flows into the water inlet end 101 of the water heater 10 at a smaller flow rate and flows into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 at a smaller flow rate.

[0057] Specifically, the water inlet device provided herein may also have a third state: liquid flows into the water inlet end 101 of the water heater 10 at a relatively low flow rate, and flows into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 at a relatively low flow rate. That is, a state of low water inlet and low bypass volume. After the water heater 10 has been operating in the first state for a period of time, or hot water at a stable temperature is flowing from the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10, and the proportional valve regulating the gas supply to the water heater 10 is adjusted to the maximum position, if the outlet water temperature of the water heater 10 measured by the temperature detector disposed at the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10 is lower than a preset temperature value, the water inlet device may be switched from the first state to the third state to increase the temperature of the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10.

[0058] refer to Figure 1 Optionally, the valve 9 may be arranged in the following ways:

[0059] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 1 The valve 9 can be multiple, and each valve 9 can be an inlet and outlet valve 91. The inlet and outlet valve 91 can have a water inlet and a water outlet. The inlet and outlet valve 91 can change the flow of the pipeline connected to the opening by adjusting the opening of the water outlet or the water inlet. The valve 9 can include two inlet and outlet valves 91, one of which can be set on the bypass branch 106 to adjust the flow of the bypass branch 106; the other inlet and outlet valve 91 can be set on the water inlet main pipe 108 or the water inlet branch pipe 104. Figure 1 When installed on the main water inlet pipe 108, the one-in-one-outlet valve 91 can regulate the flow of the main water inlet pipe 108. When installed on the water inlet branch pipe 104, the one-in-one-outlet valve 91 can regulate the flow of the water inlet branch pipe 104. Of course, the valve 9 can also include three one-in-one-outlet valves 91, and the bypass branch pipe 106, the water inlet branch pipe 104, and the main water inlet pipe 108 can each be equipped with one one-in-one-outlet valve 91.

[0060] It should be noted that, when multiple one-inlet and one-outlet valves 91 are used, the controller 7 needs to individually regulate the opening size of each one-inlet and one-outlet valve 91, which makes the control procedure cumbersome and the flow control cumbersome. In another possible implementation of the valve 9 setting method, refer to Figure 2 The valve 9 may include at least one one-inlet, two-outlet valve 92. The one-inlet, two-outlet valve 92 may have one water inlet and two water outlets. The one-inlet, two-outlet valve 92 may change the flow rate of the pipeline connected to the opening by changing the opening of the water inlet and one of the water outlets. Alternatively, the one-inlet, two-outlet valve 92 may also change the flow rate of the pipeline connected to the opening by changing the opening of the two water outlets.

[0061] For the sake of convenience of description, in the embodiment of the present application, the direction indicated by the arrow X is the left end of the water inlet device, and the other end is the right end of the water inlet device; the direction indicated by the arrow Y is the front end of the water inlet device, and the other end is the rear end of the water inlet device; the direction indicated by the arrow Z is the upper end of the water inlet device, and the other side is the lower end of the water inlet device.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a front view of a one-inlet, two-outlet valve 92 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 The one-inlet-two-outlet valve 92 may include a valve body 1, which may have an axial open end 12 and a closed end 11. That is, one axial end of the valve body 1 is closed to form the open end 12; the other axial end of the valve body 1 has an opening to form the open end 12. For example, Figure 4 In the embodiment, the valve body 1 may include a cylinder 19 and a cover plate 18. The cylinder 19 may be arranged in a vertical direction, and both the upper and lower ends of the cylinder 19 may have openings. The cover plate 18 may cover the open end 12 at the top of the cylinder 19, so that the upper end of the cylinder 19 forms a closed end 11, and the lower end of the cylinder 19 forms an open end 12. Of course, the valve body 1 may also have other structures for forming the open end 12 and the closed end 11. The embodiment of the present application only uses the closed end 11 as an example. Figure 4 The structure of the cylinder 19 shown is for example only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0063] refer to Figure 4-11 A first through hole 13 and a second through hole 14 may be provided on the side wall of the valve body 1 between the open end 12 of the valve body 1 and the closed end 11 of the valve body 1. At least part of the valve core assembly 2 may be arranged in the valve body 1 and movable relative to the valve body 1. The valve core assembly 2 may change the opening of two of the first through hole 13, the second through hole 14 and the open end 12. Figure 4-11 The interior of the valve body 1 is illustrated as an example, in which the interior of the valve body 1 is an accommodation space enclosed by the cylinder 19 and the cover plate 18 .

[0064] refer to Figure 4-11 In one example, the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14 are arranged at different circumferential positions of the side wall of the cylinder 19 . Figure 4-11 In the figure, the first through hole 13 is provided on the left side of the cylinder 19 and the second through hole 14 is provided on the right side of the cylinder 19 as an example.

[0065] The valve sleeve 22 is rotatably disposed within the accommodation space formed by the cylinder 19 and the cover plate 18, and the rotation axis of the valve sleeve 22 may be disposed along the axis of the cylinder 19. That is, the rotation axis of the valve sleeve 22 is parallel to or coincides with the axis of the cylinder 19. The valve sleeve 22 may have a central hole 221 therein, which may be opposite to and communicate with the open end 12 of the valve body 1. The sidewall of the valve sleeve 22 may have a connecting groove that communicates with the central hole 221. The connecting groove may be configured to be opposite to the first through hole 13 so that the connecting groove communicates with the first through hole 13. The connecting groove may also be configured to be opposite to the second through hole 14 so that the connecting groove communicates with the second through hole 14.

[0066] Specifically, the connecting groove and the central hole 221 can connect the first through hole 13, the second through hole 14 and the open end 12 of the valve body 1. There are several possible ways to set the connecting groove:

[0067] In one possible implementation, Figure 6 for Figure 4 The exploded view of the valve core assembly 2 is shown. Figure 7 for Figure 4 The three-dimensional longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve 92 in the first state is shown. Figure 8 for Figure 4 The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve 92 in the second state is shown. Figure 9 for Figure 4 The transverse cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve 92 in the second state is shown. Figure 6 9 , the communication grooves may include at least a first communication groove 223 and a second communication groove 224. The first communication groove 223 and the second communication groove 224 may be spaced apart in a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction of the valve sleeve 22. The first communication groove 223 may be connected to the first through hole 13, and the second communication groove 224 may be connected to the second through hole 14.

[0068] Figure 7-Figure 9 The hollow arrows in the figure indicate the direction of liquid flow. Figure 7-Figure 9 , the open end 12 of the valve body 1 can be the water inlet of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve, and the open end 12 of the valve body 1 can be connected to the water inlet main pipe 108 through the water inlet pipe 15; the first through hole 13 can be the first water outlet of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve, the open end 12 of the valve body 1, the central hole 221 of the valve sleeve 22, the first communicating groove 223 of the valve sleeve 22 and the first through hole 13 can form a water inlet channel, and the first through hole 13 can be connected to the water outlet pipe 16 through the water outlet pipe 16. Figure 2 The second through hole 14 can be the second outlet of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve. The open end 12 of the valve body 1, the central hole 221 of the valve sleeve 22, the second connecting groove 224 of the valve sleeve 22 and the second through hole 14 can form a bypass flow channel. The second through hole 14 can be connected to the bypass pipe 17. Figure 2The bypass branch 106 in the middle is connected.

[0069] Of course, the first through hole 13 can also be the water inlet of a one-inlet-two-outlet valve, and the open end 12 of the valve body 1 can be the first water outlet of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve. The first through hole 13, the first communicating groove 223 of the valve sleeve 22, the central hole 221 of the valve sleeve 22, and the open end 12 of the valve body 1 can form a water inlet channel. The first through hole 13 can be connected to the Figure 2 The second through hole 14 can be the second outlet of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve. The first through hole 13, the center hole 221 of the valve sleeve 22, the second connecting groove 224 of the valve sleeve 22 and the second through hole 14 can form a bypass channel. The second through hole 14 can be connected to the bypass pipe 17. Figure 2 The bypass branch 106 in the middle is connected.

[0070] The following text Figure 7-Figure 9 The flow mode shown, that is, the first through hole 13 can be the first water outlet of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve, the second through hole 14 can be the second water outlet of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve, and the open end 12 of the valve body 1 can be the water inlet of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve, is used as an example to illustrate the first state and the second state of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve 92.

[0071] refer to Figure 7 When the one-inlet, two-outlet valve 92 is in the first state, the first connecting groove 223 can directly face the first through hole 13, and the area of ​​the facing groove 223 is the largest. That is, the area of ​​the first connecting groove 223's projection along the radial direction of the cylinder 19 on the side wall of the cylinder 19 that overlaps with the first through hole 13 is the largest. When the one-inlet, two-outlet valve 92 is in the first state, the second connecting groove 224 can directly face the second through hole 14, and the area of ​​the facing groove 224 can be the smallest. That is, the area of ​​the first connecting groove 223's projection along the radial direction of the cylinder 19 on the side wall of the cylinder 19 that overlaps with the first through hole 13 is the smallest.

[0072] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 When the one-inlet, two-outlet valve 92 is in the second state, the first connecting groove 223 can directly face the first through hole 13, and the area of ​​the facing groove 223 is relatively small. That is, the area of ​​the first connecting groove 223's projection along the radial direction of the cylinder 19 onto the sidewall of the cylinder 19 that overlaps with the first through hole 13 is relatively small. When the one-inlet, two-outlet valve 92 is in the second state, the second connecting groove 224 can directly face the second through hole 14, and the area of ​​the facing groove 224 can be relatively large. That is, the area of ​​the second connecting groove 224's projection along the radial direction of the cylinder 19 onto the sidewall of the cylinder 19 that overlaps with the second through hole 14 is relatively large.

[0073] It should be noted that the area of ​​the second through hole 14 can be as follows: Figure 7-Figure 9 As shown, the area of ​​the second through hole 14 is larger than the area of ​​the second communicating groove 224 . Of course, the area of ​​the second through hole 14 may also be smaller than the area of ​​the second communicating groove 224 .

[0074] refer to Figure 8 To minimize the impact on the water intake of the water heater 10 during the second state, and to ensure the flow rate of the water inlet channel during the second state, the point where the first connecting groove 223 connects to the first through hole 13 can be lower than the second connecting groove 224. In other words, in the second state, only liquid above the lower end of the second connecting groove 224 can flow through the second connecting groove 224 and the second through hole 14 into the bypass pipe 17.

[0075] Specifically, refer to Figure 9 In the second state, part of the first communicating groove 223 is blocked by the inner surface of the cylinder 19. The part of the first communicating groove 223 not blocked by the inner surface of the cylinder 19 can be opposite to and connected with the first through hole 13. Figure 8 The lower end of the first communicating groove 223 that is not blocked by the inner surface of the cylinder 19 may be lower than the second communicating groove 224. The upper end of the first communicating groove 223 may be as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, it is higher than the lower end of the second communicating groove 224 and lower than the upper end of the second communicating groove 224. Of course, the upper end of this part of the first communicating groove 223 can also be lower than the lower end of the second communicating groove 224.

[0076] In order to ensure that, in the second state, the portion of the first communicating groove 223 that is not blocked by the inner surface of the cylinder 19, that is, the portion of the first communicating groove 223 that is opposite to the first through hole 13, is lower than the second communicating groove 224, the shape of the first communicating groove 223 can be set in this embodiment of the application:

[0077] refer to Figure 5 Optionally, the highest point of at least part of the first connecting groove 223 may be gradually inclined upward along a preset direction. The preset direction may be the rotation direction of the valve sleeve 22 from the first state to the second state. For example, Figure 5 The arrow W in the middle indicates the counterclockwise direction. Figure 2 The valve sleeve 22 can rotate from the first state to the second state in the counterclockwise direction along the W direction. The upper edge line of the first connecting groove 223 can be gradually inclined upward in the counterclockwise direction.

[0078] In order to increase the opening size of the first communicating groove 223, at least part of the first communicating groove 223 can be arranged on the upper part of the side wall of the valve sleeve 22, and at least part of the first communicating groove 223 can be arranged on the lower part of the side wall of the valve sleeve 22. Figure 5The left edge of the first connecting groove 223 can be arc-shaped, and the center of the left edge can be located on the right side of the left edge. That is, the first connecting groove 223 can be symmetrical about the central axis of the valve sleeve 22, and the center of the left edge can be located on the central axis of the valve sleeve 22. The central axis of the valve sleeve 22 can be parallel to the bottom of the valve sleeve 22, and the distance from the upper end surface of the valve sleeve 22 to the central axis is equal to the distance from the lower end surface of the valve sleeve 22 to the central axis.

[0079] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Optionally, to ensure more stable rotation of the valve sleeve 22 within the cylinder 19, the outer surface of the sidewall of the valve sleeve 22 may contact and mate with the inner surface of the cylinder 19. To ensure contact between the outer surface of the sidewall of the valve sleeve 22 and the inner surface of the water inlet pipe 15, the upper end surface of the valve sleeve 22 may be higher than the highest end of the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14. The lower end surface of the valve sleeve 22 may be lower than the lowest end of the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14.

[0080] Continue to refer Figure 5-Figure 8 To drive the valve sleeve 22 to rotate, the valve sleeve 22 may optionally include sidewalls and a top wall, with the valve stem 21 being secured to the top wall. The valve stem 21 may extend through the cover plate 18 and be connected to a driver 5 disposed outside the cover plate 18. The driver 5 can rotate the valve stem 21, thereby rotating the valve sleeve 22. The driver 5 can be communicatively connected to the controller 7 mentioned above. The driver 5 can be a motor having a motor shaft. The motor shaft can be directly connected to the valve stem 21 through welding, an interference fit, a coupling, or the like, or indirectly connected to the valve stem 21 through a speed reducer or the like.

[0081] To ensure stable rotation of the valve stem 21, a sleeve 4 can be housed within the space formed by the cover plate 18 and the barrel 19. The outer surface of the sleeve 4 can be fixed to the inner surface of the barrel 19, and the upper surface of the sleeve 4 can abut against the cover plate 18. The valve stem 21 can pass through the sleeve 4 and rotate relative to it. The outer surface of the sleeve 4 can be provided with a groove, and a sealing ring 8 can be accommodated between the groove and the inner surface of the barrel 19 to achieve a seal between the sleeve 4 and the inner surface of the barrel 19.

[0082] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 To limit the axial position of the valve sleeve 22 within the cylinder 19, the top wall of the valve sleeve 22 may abut against the lower surface of the shaft sleeve 4. A water inlet pipe 15 may be fixed to the lower end of the cylinder 19. The water inlet pipe 15 may be coaxially arranged with the cylinder 19. The diameter of the water inlet pipe 15 may be smaller than that of the cylinder 19, so that the inner surface of the water inlet pipe 15 is closer to the axis of the cylinder 19, thereby forming a limit portion for limiting the lower end surface of the valve sleeve 22.

[0083] Figure 10 This is a transverse cross-sectional view of the second one-inlet two-outlet valve 92 provided in the embodiment of the present application in the first state. Figure 11 for Figure 10 A transverse cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve 92 is shown in the second state.

[0084] In another possible implementation of the communication groove, at least a portion of the valve sleeve 22 may have a semi-annular cross-sectional shape, that is, at least a portion of the sidewall of the valve sleeve 22 may have a semi-annular shape. A central hole 221 communicating with the open end 12 may be formed on the inner surface of the valve sleeve 22. The valve sleeve 22 may have a first circumferential end surface 225 and a second circumferential end surface 226. In other words, one circumferential end of the valve sleeve 22 may have the first end surface 225, and the other circumferential end of the valve sleeve 22 may have the second end surface 226. The communication groove may also be formed between the first end surface 225 and the second end surface 226 of the valve sleeve 22.

[0085] In which, the circumference of the inner surface between the second end of the first through hole 13 of the cylinder 19 and the first end of the second through hole 14 of the cylinder 19 may be smaller than the circumference of the outer surface of the valve sleeve 22 (i.e., the circumference between the first end face 225 of the valve sleeve 22 and the second end face 226 of the valve sleeve 22).

[0086] Specifically, the outer surface of the valve sleeve 22 can be in contact with the inner surface of the cylinder 19 and can rotate relative to the inner surface of the cylinder 19. When the valve sleeve 22 is in the first state, the valve sleeve 22 can block a small portion of the first through hole 13 or not block the first through hole 13. That is, the projection of the valve sleeve 22 on the cylinder 19 along the radial direction of the cylinder 19 does not fall within the first through hole 13 or only a small portion falls within the first through hole 13, so that the opening of the first through hole 13 is larger; the valve sleeve 22 can block at least a portion of the second through hole 14, so that the opening of the second through hole 14 is smaller.

[0087] When the valve sleeve 22 is in the second state, the valve sleeve 22 can block at least part of the first through hole 13, that is, the projection of the valve sleeve 22 on the cylinder body 19 along the radial direction of the cylinder body 19 at least partially falls within the first through hole 13, so that the opening of the first through hole 13 is smaller; the valve sleeve 22 can block a small part of the second through hole 14 or not block the second through hole 14, that is, the projection of the valve sleeve 22 on the cylinder body 19 along the radial direction of the cylinder body 19 does not fall within the second through hole 14 or only a small part falls within the second through hole 14, so that the opening of the second through hole 14 is larger.

[0088] Among them, the terms "upper" and "lower" are used to describe the relative position relationship of each structure in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of description and is not used to limit the scope of implementation of this application. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships should also be regarded as the scope of implementation of this application without substantially changing the technical content.

[0089] It should be noted that, in this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0090] Furthermore, in this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," "fixed," and the like should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; they may refer to direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they may refer to internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0091] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0092] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A water inlet device, characterized in that: include: A valve body having an axial open end and a closed end, wherein a first through hole and a second through hole are provided on a side wall of the valve body between the open end and the closed end, and the first through hole and the second through hole are spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the valve body; a valve sleeve rotatably disposed in the valve body, the valve sleeve having a central hole opposite to and communicating with the open end of the valve body, and a side wall of the valve sleeve having a communicating groove communicating with the central hole; The valve sleeve is configured to reduce the opening of the first through hole and increase the opening of the second through hole when the valve sleeve moves from a first position to a second position relative to the valve body; The water inlet device has a first state and a second state, the communicating groove includes a first communicating groove and a second communicating groove, the first state is that the first communicating groove is opposite to the first through hole, and the opposite area is at a larger value, and the second communicating groove is opposite to the second through hole, and the opposite area is at a smaller value, the second state is that the first communicating groove is opposite to the first through hole, and the opposite area is at a smaller value, and the second communicating groove is opposite to the second through hole, and the opposite area is at a larger value; A portion of the first communicating groove opposite to the first through hole is configured to be lower than the second communicating groove when the valve sleeve is in the second position; The highest points of at least some of the first communicating grooves gradually tilt toward the closed end of the valve body along a preset direction, and the preset direction is a rotation direction of the valve sleeve from the first position to the second position.

2. The water inlet device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first communicating groove and the second communicating groove are both communicated with the central hole, and the first communicating groove and the second communicating groove may have a distance therebetween along the circumferential direction of the valve sleeve.

3. The water inlet device according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least part of the first communicating groove is arranged on the upper portion of the side wall of the valve sleeve, and at least part of the first communicating groove is arranged on the lower portion of the side wall of the valve sleeve.

4. The water inlet device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second communicating groove is provided on an upper portion of a side wall of the valve sleeve.

5. The water inlet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The upper end surface of the valve sleeve is higher than the highest end of the first through hole and the second through hole; and / or, The lower end surface of the valve sleeve is lower than the lowest end of the first through hole and the second through hole.

6. The water inlet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: A shaft sleeve is disposed in the valve body, and the outer surface of the shaft sleeve is sealed with the inner surface of the valve body via a sealing ring; The valve sleeve includes a top wall and a side wall. A valve stem is fixed to the top wall. The valve stem is inserted into the closed end of the valve body.

7. The water inlet device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The upper end surface of the valve sleeve abuts against the lower end surface of the shaft sleeve; and / or the open end of the valve body has a limiting portion, and the limiting portion is used to support the lower end surface of the valve sleeve.

8. A water heater, characterized in that: It includes a water heater body and a water inlet device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, the water heater body has a water inlet end and a hot water end, the water inlet device includes a valve body and a valve core assembly, a water inlet channel and a bypass channel are formed in the valve body, the water inlet channel is connected to the water inlet end, and the bypass channel is connected to the hot water end.

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