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 and a valve core assembly; the valve body has an axial open end and a closed end, and the side wall of the valve body between the open end and the closed end is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole; at least part of the valve core assembly is disposed in the valve body and is movable relative to the valve body, and the valve core assembly is used to change the opening of at least two of the first through hole, the second through hole and the open end. The water heater comprises a water heater body and the water inlet device as described above. The water inlet device and water heater provided in the present application replace the one-inlet-one-outlet valve in the prior art with a one-inlet-two-outlet valve to reduce control and facilitate research and development and production.

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 heat cold water over a certain period of time. Water heaters can be categorized by their operating principle into electric water heaters, gas water heaters, solar water heaters, magnetic water heaters, air-energy water heaters, and heating water heaters.

[0003] In related art, a water heater may have a water inlet, a hot water outlet, and a water outlet. The water inlet may be equipped with an inlet valve that regulates the flow of cold water entering the water heater from the water inlet. After being heated by the water heater, the cold water flows out of the hot water outlet. The hot water outlet may be equipped with a bypass valve that regulates the flow of the cold water that mixes with the hot water flowing out of the hot water outlet. The mixed water then flows out of the water outlet for consumption.

[0004] However, the water inlet valve and the bypass valve are both one-inlet and one-outlet valves. When the heating effect of the water heater is not ideal, it is necessary to adjust the water inlet valve and the bypass valve at the same time, which makes control difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a water inlet device and a water heater to solve the problem in the related art that the water inlet valve and the bypass valve are both one inlet and one outlet valve. When the heating effect of the water heater is not ideal, it is necessary to adjust the water inlet valve and the bypass valve at the same time, which makes control difficult.

[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 and a valve core assembly; the valve body has an axial open end and a closed end, and the side wall of the valve body between the open end and the closed end is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole; at least a portion of the valve core assembly is arranged in the valve body and movable relative to the valve body, and the valve core assembly is used to change the opening of at least two of the first through hole, the second through hole and the open end.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the valve core assembly includes a valve sleeve, which is used to change the opening of the first through hole and the second through hole. The interior of the valve sleeve has a center hole, which is opposite to the open end and connected to the open end; the side wall of the valve sleeve has a connecting groove connected to the center hole, and the connecting groove is used to be opposite to the first through hole so that the connecting groove is connected to the first through hole; the connecting groove is also used to be opposite to the second through hole so that the connecting groove is connected to the second through hole.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first through hole and the second through hole are arranged at different circumferential positions of the side wall of the valve body; the valve sleeve is rotatably arranged in the valve body; at least a portion of the valve sleeve is semi-annular in shape, and the circumference of the inner surface between the second end of the first through hole and the first end of the second through hole may be smaller than the circumference of the outer surface of the semi-annular valve sleeve.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first through hole and the second through hole are arranged at different circumferential positions of the side wall of the valve body; the valve sleeve is rotatably arranged in the valve body; the communicating groove includes a first communicating groove and a second communicating groove, and the first communicating groove and the second communicating groove have a preset spacing in the circumferential direction of the valve sleeve, the first communicating groove is used to connect the first through hole, and the second communicating groove is used to connect the second through hole.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the valve core assembly also includes a valve stem passing through the valve body, at least a portion of the valve stem is located within the opening end and a flow channel is formed between the valve stem and the inner surface of the opening end, and the flow rate of the flow channel changes with the axial movement of the valve stem along the opening end.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the valve stem is passed through the valve body and is threadedly connected to the valve body, the valve stem is connected to the valve sleeve and is used to drive the valve sleeve to move; an inlet flow channel is formed between the first through hole, the connecting groove, the center hole and the open end; a bypass flow channel is formed between the first through hole, the connecting groove, the center hole and the second through hole; the valve stem is configured such that when the valve stem moves from a first position to a second position relative to the valve body, the flow rate of the water inlet flow channel decreases, the flow rate of the bypass flow channel increases and the flow rate of the flow channel decreases.

[0013] In one possible implementation manner, the valve body has a limiting portion therein, and the limiting portion is used to limit the lowest axial position of the valve sleeve moving within the valve body.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first through hole and the second through hole have a first preset distance in the axial direction of the valve body; the valve sleeve is slidably disposed in the valve body; the communicating groove includes a first communicating groove and a second communicating groove, and the first communicating groove and the second communicating groove have a second preset distance in the axial direction of the valve sleeve, the first communicating groove is used to connect the first through hole, and the second communicating groove is used to connect the second through hole.

[0015] Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a water heater, comprising a water heater body and the water inlet device as described above.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the water heater 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.

[0017] The water inlet device and water heater provided in the present application are provided with a valve body, which has an axial open end and a closed end, and the side wall of the valve body between the open end and the closed end of the valve body is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole; and by providing a valve core assembly, at least part of the valve core assembly is arranged in the valve body and moves relative to the valve body, and the valve core assembly is used to change the opening of at least two of the first through hole, the second through hole and the open end of the valve body, so as to replace the one-inlet and one-outlet valve in the prior art with a one-inlet and two-outlet valve, so as to reduce control and facilitate research and development and production.

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

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a water inlet device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 4 A front view of a one-inlet, two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial exploded view of a one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown;

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 4 An exploded view of the valve core assembly is shown;

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 4 A three-dimensional longitudinal sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the first state is shown;

[0026] Figure 8 for Figure 4A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0027] Figure 9 for Figure 4 A transverse cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0028] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a second one-inlet, two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application in a first state;

[0029] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0030] Figure 12 A transverse cross-sectional view of a third one-inlet-two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application in a first state;

[0031] Figure 13 for Figure 10 A transverse cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0032] Figure 14 A front view of another one-inlet-two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 15 for Figure 14 A partial exploded view of a one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown;

[0034] Figure 16 for Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a valve sleeve is shown;

[0035] Figure 17 for Figure 15 a schematic diagram showing the mounting lever in a second position;

[0036] Figure 18 for Figure 14 The one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown in a right side view in the first state;

[0037] Figure 19 for Figure 14 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the first state is shown;

[0038] Figure 20 for Figure 14 The one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown in a right side view in the second state;

[0039] Figure 21 for Figure 14 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0040] Figure 22 for Figure 21 A transverse cross-sectional view of the mounting plate is shown;

[0041] Figure 23 A partial exploded view of another one-inlet-two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 24 for Figure 23 An exploded view of the valve core assembly is shown;

[0043] Figure 25 for Figure 23 The one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown in a right side view in the first state;

[0044] Figure 26 for Figure 25 Cross-sectional view at AA;

[0045] Figure 27 for Figure 21 The one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown in a right side view in the second state;

[0046] Figure 28 for Figure 21 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown in the second state.

[0047] Description of reference numerals:

[0048] 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;

[0049] 2-valve core assembly;

[0050] 21-valve stem;

[0051] 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; 227 - mounting groove; 2271 - first portion; 2272 - second portion;

[0052] 23-Mounting rod;

[0053] 24-interceptor plate;

[0054] 31-mounting plate; 32-water retaining platform;

[0055] 4-shaft sleeve; 41-mounting portion; 42-limiting portion; 421-limiting groove;

[0056] 5-Driver;

[0057] 61-memory; 62-timer;

[0058] 7-Controller;

[0059] 8-sealing ring;

[0060] 9-valve; 91-one inlet and one outlet valve; 92-one inlet and two outlet valve;

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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 .

[0066] For example, the water inlet 101 may have an inlet branch 104, the hot water end 102 may have an outlet branch 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 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 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.

[0067] 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 port 102 can lower the temperature of the water flowing out of the water outlet 103 of the water heater 10. 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 103 of the water heater 10. In this way, the temperature of the water flowing out of the water outlet 103 of the water heater 10 during a user's second use of water can be brought closer to the target water temperature, thereby improving the user's shower experience.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Example 1

[0070] 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 can be installed on the water heater 10 and can record the end time of the user's last water use. The timer 62 can be installed on the water heater 10 and can obtain the start time of the user's current water use. At least part of the valve 9 can be set at the water inlet end 101 and can adjust the water flow into the water inlet end 101. At least part of the valve 9 can be set at the hot water end 102 and can adjust the water flow into the hot water end 102. The controller 7 can 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 when the time interval is less than a preset time period, control the valve 9 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.

[0071] Specifically, the memory 61 can obtain the time of the timer 62 when the user closes the valve 9 of the water outlet 103 (or shower) of the water heater 10, and store the time as the time when the user's last water use ends. 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Furthermore, when a user opens valve 9 at the water outlet 103 of the water heater 10 (or valve 9 of the shower head), controller 7 can obtain the end time of the user's last water use, sent from memory 61, and the start time of the user's current water use, sent from timer 62. Controller 7 can calculate the difference between the user's current water use start time and the end time of the user's last water use to determine the time interval between two consecutive water uses. Controller 7 can compare the calculated time interval with a preset time period. If the time interval is less than the preset time period, controller 7 can control valve 9 to reduce the water flow into the water inlet 101 and increase the water flow into the hot water outlet 102. 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 outlet 102 remain unchanged.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Specifically, the water inlet device provided herein can 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 also flows into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 at a relatively low flow rate. This 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, as measured by the temperature detector provided at the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10, is lower than a preset temperature value, the water inlet device can 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.

[0077] refer to Figure 1 Optionally, the valve 9 may be arranged in the following ways:

[0078] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 1The 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 rate of the main water inlet pipe 108. When installed on the branch water inlet pipe 104, the one-in-one-outlet valve 91 can regulate the flow rate of the branch water inlet pipe 104. Of course, the valve 9 can also include three one-in-one-outlet valves 91, and the bypass branch pipe 106, the branch water inlet pipe 104, and the main water inlet pipe 108 can each be equipped with one one-in-one-outlet valve 91.

[0079] Using multiple one-in-one-out valves 91 requires the controller 7 to individually regulate the opening size of each one-in-one-out valve 91, which makes the control program 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. This one-inlet, two-outlet valve 92 may have one water inlet and two water outlets. By varying the opening of the water inlet and / or water outlet, the one-inlet, two-outlet valve 92 can change the flow rate of the pipeline connected to the opening. The water inlet may be connected to the main water inlet pipe 108, and the two water outlets may be connected to the water inlet branch pipe 104 and the bypass branch pipe 106, respectively.

[0080] The one-in, two-out valve 92 can adjust the opening of two openings, or it can adjust the opening of three openings. To better control the flow rate, if the one-in, two-out valve 92 can only adjust the opening of two openings, a one-in, one-out valve 91 can be installed in the upstream or downstream pipeline of the one-in, two-out valve 92. For example, if the one-in, two-out valve 92 can only adjust the opening of two outlets, a one-in, one-out valve 91 can be installed upstream of the one-in, two-out valve 92. If the one-in, two-out valve 92 can only adjust the opening of one outlet and one inlet, and one outlet is connected to the water inlet branch pipe 104, then a one-in, one-out valve 91 can be installed in the bypass branch pipe 106. Similarly, if the one-in, two-out valve can only adjust the opening of one outlet and one inlet, and one outlet is connected to the bypass branch pipe 106, then a one-in, one-out valve 91 can be installed in the water inlet branch pipe 104.

[0081] Figure 4-Figure 28 Five structures of one-inlet and two-outlet valves 92 are shown. Figure 28To describe possible implementations of the one-inlet, two-outlet valve 92. For ease of description, in this embodiment of the application, the direction indicated by 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 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 arrow Z is the upper end of the water inlet device, and the other side is the lower end of the water inlet device.

[0082] 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.

[0083] refer to Figure 4-Figure 28 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 is arranged in the valve body 1 and moves relative to the valve body 1. The valve core assembly 2 is used to change the opening of two of the first through hole 13, the second through hole 14 and the open end 12. Figure 4-Figure 28 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 .

[0084] Below Figure 4-13 The valve core assembly 2 shown only changes the opening of the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14 as an example for description. For the valve core assembly 2 to change the first through hole 13 and the opening end 12, or to change the second through hole 14 and the opening end 12, refer to the valve core assembly 2 to change the first through hole 13, the second through hole 14 and the opening end 12 mentioned below (corresponding to Figures 14-28 ) is obtained, which will not be introduced here.

[0085] refer to Figure 4-13 The first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14 can be provided on the side wall of the cylinder 19, and the valve core assembly 2 can include a valve sleeve 22, which can be provided as follows Figure 4-11The valve sleeve 22 can be rotated in the valve body 1 to change the opening of the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14, or the valve sleeve 22 can be rotated in the valve body 1 to change the opening of the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The openings of the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14 are changed by moving the valve body 1 .

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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. The central hole 221 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 connected to the central hole 221. The connecting groove may be arranged opposite to the first through hole 13 to communicate with the first through hole 13. The connecting groove may also be arranged opposite to the second through hole 14 to communicate with the second through hole 14.

[0088] 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:

[0089] 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-Figure 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 have a predetermined spacing in the circumferential direction of the valve sleeve 22. The first communication groove 223 may be used to connect to the first through hole 13, and the second communication groove 224 may be used to connect to the second through hole 14.

[0090] Figure 7-Figure 9 The hollow arrows shown in FIG7 are the flow direction of the liquid. Figure 9The 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 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 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 2 The bypass branch 106 in the middle is connected.

[0091] 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 connecting 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 first connecting 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. 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 flow channel. The second through hole 14 can be connected to the bypass pipe 17. Figure 2 The bypass branch 106 is connected. This flow mode can be referred to Figures 14-28 The one-inlet and two-outlet valve 92 shown is obtained by reference and will not be described again here.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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 .

[0096] 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 may 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 into the bypass pipe 17 through the second connecting groove 224 and the second through hole 14.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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:

[0099] 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 2The 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.

[0100] 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 at 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 at the lower part of the side wall of the valve sleeve 22. Figure 5 The 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.

[0101] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Optionally, to ensure that the valve sleeve 22 can rotate more stably within the cylinder 19, the outer surface of the side wall of the valve sleeve 22 may contact and fit the inner surface of the cylinder 19. To ensure that the outer surface of the side wall of the valve sleeve 22 contacts 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.

[0102] 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, and the valve stem 21 may be fixed to the top wall of the valve sleeve 22. 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 may rotate the valve stem 21, thereby rotating the valve sleeve 22. The driver 5 may be communicatively connected to the controller 7 mentioned above. The driver 5 may be a motor having a motor shaft. The motor shaft may be directly connected to the valve stem 21 through welding, interference fit, coupling, etc., or indirectly connected to the valve stem 21 through a reducer, etc.

[0103] 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.

[0104] refer to Figure 7and Figure 8 To achieve axial positioning 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 can be closer to the axis of the cylinder 19, thereby forming a limiting groove for limiting the lower end surface of the valve sleeve 22.

[0105] Figure 10 This is a 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 The cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve 92 in the second state is shown. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In another example, the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14 are arranged at different axial positions of the side wall of the cylinder 19 . Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the figure, the first through hole 13 is provided at the lower end of the cylinder 19 and the second through hole 14 is provided at the upper end of the cylinder 19 as an example.

[0106] The valve sleeve 22 is slidably disposed within the accommodation space formed by the cylinder 19 and the cover plate 18, and the valve sleeve 22 can slide along the axis of the cylinder 19. The valve sleeve 22 may have a central hole 221 therein, which may be opposite to and in communication with the open end 12 of the valve body 1. The sidewall of the valve sleeve 22 may have a first connecting groove 223 and a second connecting groove 224 that are in communication with the central hole 221. The first connecting groove 223 and the second connecting groove 224 may be spaced apart in a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the valve sleeve 22. The first connecting groove 223 may be connected to the first through hole 13, and the second connecting groove 224 may be connected to the second through hole 14.

[0107] Furthermore, the valve sleeve 22 may include a top wall and side walls. A valve stem 21 may be connected to the top wall of the valve sleeve 22. The valve stem 21 may extend through the cover plate 18 and move axially relative to the cover plate 18 along the cylinder 19. The portion of the valve stem 21 located outside the cover plate 18 may be connected to the actuator 5. The actuator 5 may be communicatively coupled to the controller 7 mentioned above. The actuator 5 may be a device capable of outputting axial force, such as a linear motor or a pneumatic cylinder. The actuator 5 may also be a rotary motor or a conversion mechanism that converts torque into linear motion.

[0108] In another possible implementation of the communication groove, Figure 12 This is a transverse cross-sectional view of the third one-inlet two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application in the first state. Figure 13 for Figure 10 The transverse cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown. Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the cross-section of at least part of the valve sleeve 22 may be semi-circular. The inner surface of the valve sleeve 22 may be formed with a central hole 221 communicating with the open end 12. The valve sleeve 22 may have a first end surface 225 and a second end surface 226 in the circumferential direction. In other words, one end of the valve sleeve 22 may have the first end surface 225, and the other end of the valve sleeve 22 may have the second end surface 226. Figure 12 and Figure 13 Not shown in the figure) may also be formed between the first end surface 225 and the second end surface 226 of the valve sleeve 22.

[0109] 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).

[0110] 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. Figure 12 In the first state shown, the valve sleeve 22 may 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 body 19 along the radial direction of the cylinder body 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 may block at least a portion of the second through hole 14, so that the opening of the second through hole 14 is smaller.

[0111] When the valve sleeve 22 is in the Figure 13 In the second state shown, 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.

[0112] Reference below Figures 14-28 To describe a one-inlet two-outlet valve that can change three openings, the use of a one-inlet two-outlet valve that can change three openings has the advantage of changing a large range of flow with a small range of drive.

[0113] The one-inlet, two-outlet valve capable of changing two openings provided above and the one-inlet, two-outlet valve capable of changing three openings provided below share the same characteristics: the valve core assembly 2 may include a valve sleeve 22, which can change the openings of the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14 by rotating within the cylinder 19. The difference is that the valve core assembly 2 may also include a valve stem 21, which can penetrate the open end 12 of the valve body 1 and slide along the axis of the cylinder 19 to change the opening of the open end 12 of the valve body 1.

[0114] Figure 19 for Figure 14 The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve 92 in the first state is shown. Figure 21 for Figure 14 The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve 92 in the second state is shown. Figure 19 and Figure 21 The valve stem 21 can be inserted into the cylinder 19 along its axial direction. A portion of the valve stem 21 can be located outside the cover plate 18 to connect to the actuator 5. A portion of the valve stem 21 can be located within the cylinder 19 and inserted through the open end 12 of the valve body 1. The outer surface of this portion of the valve stem 21 and the inner surface of the open end 12 of the valve body 1 form a flow channel for liquid flow. The size of this flow channel can change as the valve stem 21 moves axially along the cylinder 19.

[0115] For example, Figure 19 and Figure 21 In the embodiment, the valve stem 21 may be fixed with an intercepting plate 24, and the inner surface of the open end 12 of the valve body 1 may be fixed with an annular water retaining platform 32, that is, the inner surface of the water retaining platform 32 may have a central hole 221. When the valve stem 21 changes from the first state to the second state, the flow path of the valve body 1 moves downward and decreases. In order to achieve this trend, at least one of the outer surface of the intercepting plate 24 and the inner surface of the water retaining platform 32 has an inclined surface. In one example, referring to Figure 19 and Figure 21 The center hole 221 of the water retaining platform 32 may include an inverted cone section, the diameter of which may be along the end surface close to the opening end 12 of the valve body 1 (ie Figure 19 and Figure 21 The angle of the intercepting plate 24 gradually decreases in the direction of the lower end surface of the cylinder 19 (in the second state), so that as the intercepting plate 24 approaches the end surface of the open end 12 of the valve body 1, the distance between the intercepting plate 24 and the central hole 221 gradually decreases. Optionally, the central hole 221 may further include a cylindrical section. The cylindrical section may be closer to the end surface of the open end 12 of the valve body 1 than the inverted conical section, and the diameter of the cylindrical section may be equal to the minimum diameter of the inverted conical section. In the second state, a portion of the intercepting plate 24 may be located within the cylindrical section, thereby extending the length of the smaller flow path.

[0116] In another example, the intercepting plate 24 may be coaxial with the valve stem 21, and the diameter of at least a portion of the intercepting plate 24 may gradually decrease in a direction approaching the end surface of the open end 12 of the valve body 1. In the first state, the smaller diameter end of the intercepting plate 24 may be located within the center hole 221 of the water retaining platform 32. During the transition from the first state to the second state, the larger diameter end of the intercepting plate 24 gradually falls into the center hole 221 of the water retaining platform 32, thereby gradually reducing the distance between the intercepting plate 24 and the center hole 221 of the water retaining platform 32.

[0117] Figure 22 for Figure 21 The transverse cross-sectional view of the mounting plate 31 is shown, with reference to Figure 21 and Figure 22 To ensure stable movement of the valve stem 21 relative to the valve body 1, a mounting plate 31 may optionally be fixed within the open end 12 of the valve body 1. The mounting plate 31 may have a retaining hole for the valve stem 21 to pass through, and a portion of the valve stem 21 may be slidably disposed within the retaining hole. Furthermore, a flow channel for liquid flow may be provided between the mounting plate 31 and the cylinder 19 or the water retaining platform 32.

[0118] In order to simplify the control, a driver 5 can be used to move the valve stem 21 and rotate the valve sleeve 22. Figure 19 and Figure 21 Optionally, the valve stem 21 may include a first end and a second end. The first end of the valve stem 21 may be threadedly connected to the valve body 1, so that when the driver 5 drives the valve stem 21 to rotate, the valve stem 21 can rotate while moving along the axial direction of the valve stem 21. The second end of the valve stem 21 may be connected to the valve sleeve 22, so that the valve stem 21 drives the valve sleeve 22 to rotate when the valve stem 21 moves. Of course, in order to facilitate the valve stem 21 to change the open end 12 of the valve body 1, the second end of the valve stem 21 may pass through the valve sleeve 22 and pass through the open end 12 of the valve body 1.

[0119] In addition, in order to make the diameter of the valve stem 21 smaller than the diameter of the cylinder 19, so as to facilitate the arrangement of the valve sleeve 22. Optionally, a shaft sleeve 4 can be accommodated in the accommodation space formed by the cylinder 19 and the cover plate 18. The shaft sleeve 4 may include a mounting portion 41. The outer surface of the mounting portion 41 can be fixed to the inner surface of the cylinder 19, and the interior of the mounting portion 41 may have a threaded hole threadedly connected to the first end of the valve stem 21. In order to prevent the liquid in the accommodation space from leaking out, a sealing ring 8 can be provided between the mounting portion 41 and the inner surface of the cylinder 19. In addition, in order to facilitate the rotation of the valve sleeve 22 in the cylinder 19, refer to Figure 19 and Figure 21The shaft sleeve 4 may further include a limiting portion 42. The limiting portion 42 may be coaxially arranged with the mounting portion 41 and located below the mounting portion 41. The diameter of the limiting portion 42 may be smaller than the diameter of the mounting portion 41, so that a certain distance between the limiting portion 42 and the inner surface of the cylinder 19 is maintained. The valve sleeve 22 may be accommodated within this distance. In other words, the valve sleeve 22 may be sleeved on the outside of the limiting portion 42 and embedded in the inside of the cylinder 19 to limit the radial displacement of the valve sleeve 22.

[0120] In addition, the valve stem 21 drives the valve sleeve 22 to move in the following ways:

[0121] In one possible implementation, the valve sleeve 22 may be as follows: Figures 15-21 Shown moving relative to valve stem 21. Figures 15-21 A mounting rod 23 may be fixed to the side wall of the valve stem 21, and the mounting rod 23 may be arranged along the radial direction of the valve stem 21. The side wall of the valve sleeve 22 may have a mounting groove 227 that cooperates with the mounting rod 23. Since the valve stem 21 moves while rotating, the mounting groove 227 is approximately L-shaped, and one end of the mounting groove 227 may have an opening.

[0122] During the process of the valve stem 21 driving the valve sleeve 22 to rotate through the mounting rod 23 and the mounting groove 227, the valve stem 21 may have the following Figure 15 The first position shown and Figure 17 Second position shown. Figure 16 The mounting groove 227 may include a first portion 2271 and a second portion 2272 , the first portion 2271 may extend axially along the valve sleeve 22 , the second portion 2272 may extend circumferentially along the valve sleeve 22 , and one end of the second portion 2272 away from the first portion 2271 is open.

[0123] refer to Figure 19 In the first state, the first through hole 13 is at a larger opening, the second through hole 14 is at a smaller opening, and the opening end 12 of the valve body 1 is at a larger opening. Figure 19 Exercise to Figure 21 During the process, the valve stem 21 can be rotated clockwise while descending, and the mounting rod 23 is first in Figure 15 The valve stem 21 is in the first position shown, so that the valve sleeve 22 can be driven to rotate and descend to form Figure 20 and Figure 21 When the lower end surface of the valve sleeve 22 abuts against the limit portion 42 in the valve body 1, the mounting rod 23 can be Figure 15 The first position shown is rotated clockwise and slides out of the mounting groove 227 from the opening of the second portion 2272 of the mounting groove 227. Figure 17 The second position shown moves to Figure 15After the first position shown, to form Figure 20 The position of the interceptor plate 24 is shown.

[0124] Similarly, when the valve stem 21 is Figure 21 Rotate to Figure 19 During the process, the valve stem 21 can be rotated counterclockwise while rising, and the mounting rod 23 can be moved from Figure 17 The second position shown moves to Figure 15 After the mounting rod 23 moves to the first position, the valve stem 21 continues to rotate counterclockwise to drive the valve sleeve 22 to rotate counterclockwise and rise to form Figure 18 and Figure 19 The opening of the second through hole 14 is shown.

[0125] It should be noted that the above-mentioned limiting portion 42 can limit the lowest rotation position of the valve sleeve 22 so that when the mounting rod 23 is separated from the mounting groove 227 of the valve sleeve 22, the limiting portion 42 can support the valve sleeve 22. Figure 19 and Figure 21 In the embodiment, the upper end surface of the water retaining platform 32 can be higher than the first through hole 13 so as to support the valve sleeve 22.

[0126] In another possible implementation mode of the valve stem 21 driving the valve sleeve 22 to move, the valve sleeve 22 can be as follows: Figure 23-28 As shown, the valve stem 21 is fixed. The second end of the valve stem 21 can pass through the valve sleeve 22 and can be fixed to the valve sleeve 22. The fixing method between the valve stem 21 and the valve sleeve 22 can be a non-detachable connection such as welding or bonding, or a detachable connection such as a snap connection or a threaded connection. For example, Figure 23 and Figure 24 In the embodiment, the sidewall of the valve sleeve 22 may be provided with a mounting groove 227, which may have a downward opening. A mounting rod 23 may be fixed to the sidewall of the valve stem 21, and the mounting rod 23 may be engaged with the mounting groove 227. To ensure a stable connection between the valve stem 21 and the valve sleeve 22, there may be at least two mounting rods 23, and multiple mounting rods 23 may be evenly distributed around the outer circumference of the valve stem 21. Figure 23 and Figure 24 The example in which two mounting rods 23 are provided is shown.

[0127] It should be noted that the arrangement of the valve sleeve 22 can refer to the arrangement of the valve sleeve 22 mentioned above. That is, the interior of the valve sleeve 22 can have a central hole 221, and the side wall of the valve sleeve 22 can be provided with a connecting groove 222 connected to the central hole 221. The difference from the valve sleeve 22 of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve that changes the opening of the two openings mentioned above is that Figures 15-21The mounting groove 227 of the side wall of the valve sleeve 22 shown in the figure needs to be provided with an opening, so the cross-sectional shape of the side wall of the valve sleeve 22 needs to be semi-circular, that is, 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 can be smaller than the circumference of the outer surface of the valve sleeve 22 (that is, the circumference between the first end surface 225 of the valve sleeve 22 and the second end surface 226 of the valve sleeve 22). In addition, referring to Figure 18 and Figure 19 In the first state, the mounting groove 227 can serve as a connecting groove 222 connected to the second through hole 14. Figure 23-28 The lower end surface of the second through hole is higher than the upper end surface of the first through hole, so it can be referred to Figure 24 、 Figure 26 as well as Figure 28 The valve sleeve has two communicating grooves arranged along the axial direction of the valve sleeve. The upper communicating groove can be used to communicate with the second through hole, and the lower communicating groove can be used to communicate with the first through hole.

[0128] It is worth mentioning that Figure 19 、 Figure 21 、 Figure 26 as well as Figure 28 The hollow arrows shown in the figure are the flow directions of the liquid. Figure 19 、 Figure 21 、 Figure 26 as well as Figure 28 In this example, the first through hole 13 can also serve as the water inlet of a two-inlet valve, the open end 12 of the valve body 1 can serve as the first water outlet of the two-inlet valve, and the second through hole 14 can serve as the second water outlet of the two-inlet valve. Of course, the first through hole 13 can also serve as the first water outlet of the two-inlet valve, the second through hole 14 can also serve as the second water outlet of the two-inlet valve, and the open end 12 of the valve body 1 can also serve as the water inlet of the two-inlet valve.

[0129] It should be noted that the one-inlet-two-outlet valve structure mentioned above can also be in a third state, and the third state can be a state between the first state and the second state.

[0130] Example 2

[0131] The water heater 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application may include a water heater body 10 and a water inlet device as provided in the above embodiment. The water heater body 10 includes a water inlet 101, a hot water outlet 102, and a water outlet 103. The water inlet device may include a valve body 1 and a valve core assembly 2. The valve body 1 has an inlet flow channel and a bypass flow channel formed therein. The inlet flow channel can communicate with the water inlet, and the bypass flow channel can communicate with the hot water outlet.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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: Including valve body and valve core assembly; The valve body has an axial open end and a closed end, and a side wall of the valve body between the open end and the closed end is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole; At least a portion of the valve core assembly is disposed within the valve body and moves relative to the valve body, and the valve core assembly is used to change the opening of at least two of the first through hole, the second through hole, and the open end; The valve core assembly includes a valve sleeve, the valve sleeve is used to change the opening of the first through hole and the second through hole, the valve sleeve has a central hole inside, the central hole is opposite to the open end and communicates with the open end; The first through hole and the second through hole are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the side wall of the valve body; The valve sleeve is rotatably disposed in the valve body; at least a portion of the valve sleeve is semi-annular in shape, and a circumference of an inner surface between the second end of the first through hole and the first end of the second through hole may be smaller than a circumference of an outer surface of the semi-annular valve sleeve; The valve core assembly further includes a valve stem penetrating the valve body, at least a portion of the valve stem being located within the open end and forming a flow channel between the valve stem and the inner surface of the open end, wherein the flow rate of the flow channel varies with the axial movement of the valve stem along the open end; A mounting rod is fixed to the side wall of the valve stem, and the mounting rod is arranged radially along the valve stem; the side wall of the valve sleeve has a mounting groove that cooperates with the mounting rod; the valve stem drives the valve sleeve to rotate through the mounting rod and the mounting groove to adjust the opening of the first through hole, the second through hole and the open end.

2. The water inlet device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side wall of the valve sleeve has a communicating groove connected to the center hole, and the communicating groove is used to be opposite to the first through hole so that the communicating groove is connected to the first through hole; the communicating groove is also used to be opposite to the second through hole so that the communicating groove is connected to the second through hole.

3. The water inlet device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The communicating groove includes a first communicating groove and a second communicating groove, and the first communicating groove and the second communicating groove have a preset distance in the circumferential direction of the valve sleeve. The first communicating groove is used to communicate with the first through hole, and the second communicating groove is used to communicate with the second through hole.

4. The water inlet device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The valve stem is passed through the valve body and is threadedly connected to the valve body. The valve stem is connected to the valve sleeve and is used to drive the valve sleeve to move. A water inlet channel is formed between the first through hole, the communicating groove, the central hole and the open end; a bypass channel is formed between the first through hole, the communicating groove, the central hole and the second through hole; The valve stem is configured such that when the valve stem moves from a first position to a second position relative to the valve body, the flow rate of the water inlet flow channel decreases, the flow rate of the bypass flow channel increases, and the flow rate of the flow channel decreases.

5. The water inlet device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The valve body is provided with a limiting portion, which is used to limit the lowest axial position of the valve sleeve moving within the valve body.

6. The water inlet device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first preset distance is formed between the first through hole and the second through hole in the axial direction of the valve body; The valve sleeve is slidably arranged in the valve body; The communicating groove includes a first communicating groove and a second communicating groove. The first communicating groove and the second communicating groove have a second preset distance in the axial direction of the valve sleeve. The first communicating groove is used to communicate with the first through hole. The second communicating groove is used to communicate with the second through hole.

7. A water heater, characterized in that: The water heater comprises a water heater body and a water inlet device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that 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 flow channel and a bypass flow channel are formed in the valve body, the water inlet flow channel is connected to the water inlet end, and the bypass flow channel is connected to the hot water end.

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