Water inlet module and water heater

Abstract

The present invention discloses a water inlet module and a water heater, the water inlet module comprising: a valve body, on which a first water outlet, a second water outlet and a bypass water outlet are provided; a valve assembly, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve stem and a valve sleeve, one end of the valve stem is provided with an intercepting plate, the valve sleeve is sleeved on the valve stem and can intermittently rotate relative to the valve stem; wherein the valve sleeve is rotatably arranged in the valve body and is used to adjust the opening of the bypass water outlet, the valve stem is rotatably arranged on the valve body and can also move relative to the valve body during rotation, and the intercepting plate is arranged in the valve body and is arranged opposite to the second water outlet and is used to adjust the opening of the second water outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular relates to a water inlet module and a water heater. Background Art

[0002] Gas water heaters are a common household appliance in daily life. They are widely used due to their high power and quick hot water delivery. However, due to the limitations of their heating method, they still have some drawbacks: For example, the cold water in the pipes must be completely drained before starting, requiring a pre-vent inspection for safety. Furthermore, the heating startup time is long, and the heat exchanger must reach thermal equilibrium before producing hot water suitable for bathing, which affects bathing comfort. Fluctuations in water volume during bathing can cause the outlet water temperature to fluctuate, and turning the water off and on again can cause the water to first heat up and then cool down.

[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 in the related art can only change the opening of one opening, and the efficiency of flow regulation is low. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a water inlet module and a water heater, which are used to solve the problem in the related art that the water inlet valve and the bypass valve can only change the opening of one opening, thereby improving the efficiency of flow regulation.

[0006] In order to achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a water inlet module, comprising:

[0008] A valve body, wherein the valve body is provided with a first water outlet, a second water outlet and a bypass water outlet;

[0009] A valve assembly, comprising a valve stem and a valve sleeve, wherein an intercepting plate is provided at one end of the valve stem, and the valve sleeve is sleeved on the valve stem and can intermittently rotate relative to the valve stem;

[0010] In which, the valve sleeve is rotatably arranged in the valve body and is used to adjust the opening of the bypass water outlet, the valve stem is rotatably arranged on the valve body and can also move relative to the valve body during rotation, and the intercepting plate is arranged in the valve body opposite to the second water outlet and is used to adjust the opening of the second water outlet.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present application, the valve stem has a first end and a second end, the first end of the valve stem is provided with a threaded portion, and the valve stem is threadedly connected to the valve body through the threaded portion; the second end of the valve stem is connected to the valve sleeve to intermittently drive the valve sleeve to rotate.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present application, the valve body is provided with a shaft sleeve, the shaft sleeve is provided with a threaded hole, and the threaded portion is threadedly connected to the threaded hole.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present application, a sealing ring is provided between the shaft sleeve and the valve body.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present application, a groove is provided on the outer surface of the sleeve, and the sealing ring is arranged in the groove.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present application, a limiting step surface is further provided in the valve body, one end of the valve sleeve abuts against the shaft sleeve, and the other end of the valve sleeve abuts against the limiting step surface.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present application, a center hole is formed inside the valve sleeve, and the center hole is arranged opposite to the second water outlet. A connecting groove for connecting with the center hole is formed on the side of the valve sleeve, and the connecting groove is used to connect with the bypass water outlet.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present application, a mounting rod is provided on the valve stem, and the mounting rod is arranged along the radial direction of the valve stem; a mounting groove is provided on the valve sleeve to cooperate with the mounting rod, and the valve stem is used to drive the valve sleeve to rotate through the mounting rod.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present application, the mounting groove has an opening; the mounting rod has a first position in which it is embedded in the mounting groove and causes the valve sleeve to rotate by driving the mounting groove to rotate, and the mounting rod has a second position in which it slides out of the mounting groove and abuts against the valve sleeve.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present application, the mounting groove includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extends along the axial direction of the valve sleeve, the second portion extends along the circumferential direction of the valve sleeve, and an end of the second portion away from the first portion is the opening;

[0020] Wherein, in the first position, the mounting rod is inserted into the first portion of the mounting groove.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present application, the first portion extends in a direction away from the second water opening, and the second portion extends obliquely toward the second water opening.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present application, an annular water retaining platform is provided in the second water outlet, a first inclined surface is provided on the water retaining platform to form a conical hole structure, and a second inclined surface is provided on the intercepting plate to form a conical head structure.

[0023] The present application also provides a water heater, comprising a water heater body, wherein the water heater body comprises a water inlet end, a hot water end and a water outlet end, and further comprises the above-mentioned water inlet module, wherein the water inlet module is connected between the water inlet end and the water outlet end.

[0024] The water inlet module and water heater provided in the present application are configured with a valve assembly in the valve body, and the valve stem and valve sleeve in the valve assembly can move inside the valve body, wherein the rotation of the valve stem can adjust the opening of the second water outlet, and the rotation of the valve stem can drive the valve sleeve to rotate synchronously to adjust the opening of the bypass water outlet. In this way, the flow of two output water flows can be simultaneously adjusted through a single water inlet device, thereby improving the efficiency of flow regulation.

[0025] When the water heater is in use, when the user uses water for the second time in a short period of time, the water inlet module can reduce the flow of cold water flowing into the water inlet end of the water heater and increase the flow of cold water mixed with hot water at the hot water end of the water heater, so as to increase the minimum temperature of the water flowing out of the water outlet end of the water heater and reduce the maximum temperature of the water flowing out of the water outlet end of the water heater, so as to improve the user's shower experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 4 A front view of a one-inlet, two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial exploded view of a one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown;

[0033] Figure 6 for Figure 4 An exploded view of the valve core assembly is shown;

[0034] Figure 7 for Figure 4 A three-dimensional longitudinal sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the first state is shown;

[0035] Figure 8 for Figure 4 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0036] Figure 9 for Figure 4 A transverse cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0037] 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;

[0038] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0039] 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;

[0040] Figure 13 for Figure 10 A transverse cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0041] Figure 14 A front view of another one-inlet-two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 15 for Figure 14 A partial exploded view of a one-inlet, two-outlet valve is shown;

[0043] Figure 16 for Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a valve sleeve is shown;

[0044] Figure 17 for Figure 15 a schematic diagram showing the mounting lever in a second position;

[0045] Figure 18 for Figure 14 The one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown in a right side view in the first state;

[0046] Figure 19 for Figure 14 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the first state is shown;

[0047] Figure 20 for Figure 14 The one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown in a right side view in the second state;

[0048] Figure 21 for Figure 14 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0049] Figure 22 for Figure 21 A transverse cross-sectional view of the mounting plate is shown;

[0050] Figure 23 A partial exploded view of another one-inlet-two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 24 for Figure 23 An exploded view of the valve core assembly is shown;

[0052] Figure 25 for Figure 23 The one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown in a right side view in the first state;

[0053] Figure 26 for Figure 23 Cross-sectional view at AA;

[0054] Figure 27 for Figure 21 The one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown in a right side view in the second state;

[0055] Figure 28 for Figure 21 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown in the second state.

[0056] Description of reference numerals:

[0057] 1. Valve body; 11. Closed end; 12. First water outlet; 13. Second water outlet; 14. Bypass outlet; 15. First water pipe; 16. Second water pipe; 17. Bypass pipe; 18. Cover plate; 181. Mounting hole; 19. Cylinder;

[0058] 2. Valve core assembly;

[0059] 21. Valve stem;

[0060] 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;

[0061] 23. Install the rod;

[0062] 24. Interceptor plate;

[0063] 31. Mounting plate; 32. Water retaining platform;

[0064] 4. Shaft sleeve; 41. Mounting portion; 42. Limiting portion;

[0065] 5. Driver;

[0066] 61. Memory; 62. Timer;

[0067] 7. Controller;

[0068] 8. Sealing ring;

[0069] 9. Valve; 91. One-inlet-one-outlet valve; 92. One-inlet-two-outlet valve;

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 2This 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 .

[0075] 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.

[0076] However, in actual use, when a user uses water for the second time, if the amount of cold water mixed with the hot water in the hot water end 102 is increased, the temperature of the water flowing out of the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10 can be lowered; if the amount of cold water flowing into the water heater 10 is reduced, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger of the water heater 10 can be improved, 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 when the user uses water for the second time approaches the target water temperature, thereby improving the user's shower experience.

[0077] 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. Example

[0078] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water inlet module provided in the embodiment of this application. Figure 1-Figure 3The water inlet module 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.

[0079] Specifically, when a user closes valve 9 at the water outlet 103 (or showerhead) of the water heater 10, the memory 61 can obtain the time on the timer 62 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.

[0080] Additionally, 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 showerhead). This current time is the start time of the user's current water use. The timer 62 can be a timer that requires regular user calibration. The timer 62 can also send a request message to a server, which will then return the obtained current time. The timer 62 can also obtain the current time from the network.

[0081] 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.

[0082] It should be noted that the water inlet module 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. When a user uses water for a second time, the water inlet module can operate in the second state for a period of time. After operating for a period of time, the water inlet module can switch from the second state to the first state. The time period during which the water inlet module operates in the second state can be a preset value. Alternatively, the water inlet module can switch from the second state to the first state after ignition and heating.

[0083] 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.

[0084] Specifically, the water inlet module provided in the present application may also have a third state: liquid flows into the water inlet end 101 of the water heater 10 at a relatively small flow rate, and flows into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 at a relatively small flow rate. That is, a state of small water inlet volume and small bypass volume. When the water heater 10 operates in the first state for a period of time or the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10 flows out hot water of a stable temperature, and the proportional valve for regulating the gas of the water heater 10 is adjusted to the maximum gear, but the outlet water temperature of the water heater 10 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 module may be converted from the first state to the third state to increase the temperature of the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10.

[0085] refer to Figure 1 Optionally, the valve 9 may be arranged in the following ways:

[0086] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 1, there can be multiple valves 9, each valve 9 can be an inlet and outlet valve 91, the inlet and outlet valve 91 can have a first 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 first 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. In the case of an inlet and outlet valve 91, as shown in FIG. 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.

[0087] In another possible implementation, 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 a first water inlet and two water outlets. The one-inlet, two-outlet valve 92 can change the flow rate of the pipeline connected to the opening by changing the opening of the first water inlet and / or the water outlet. The first water inlet can be connected to the main water inlet pipe 108, and the two water outlets can be connected to the water inlet branch pipe 104 and the bypass branch pipe 106, respectively.

[0088] 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, when the one-in, two-out valve 92 can only adjust the opening of two openings, a one-in, one-out valve 91 is provided in the upstream or downstream pipeline of the one-in, two-out valve 92. For example, when the one-in, two-out valve 92 can only adjust the opening of two outlets, a one-in, one-out valve 91 can be provided upstream of the one-in, two-out valve 92. When 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 provided in the bypass branch pipe 106. Similarly, when 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 provided in the water inlet branch pipe 104.

[0089] Figure 4-Figure 28 Five structures of one-inlet and two-outlet valves 92 are shown. Figure 4-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 module, and the other end is the right end of the water inlet module; the direction indicated by arrow Y is the front end of the water inlet module, and the other end is the rear end of the water inlet module; the direction indicated by arrow Z is the upper end of the water inlet module, and the other side is the lower end of the water inlet module.

[0090] 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 first water port 12 and a closed end 11. That is, one axial end of the valve body 1 is closed for mounting the driver 5; the other axial end of the valve body 1 has an opening to form the first water port 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 opening at the top of the cylinder 19 to form a closed end 11 at the upper end of the cylinder 19, and a first water outlet 12 at the lower end of the cylinder 19. Of course, the valve body 1 may also have other structures for forming the first water outlet 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.

[0091] refer to Figure 4-Figure 28 The side wall of the valve body 1 between the first water port 12 of the valve body 1 and the closed end 11 of the valve body 1 may be provided with a second water port 13 and a bypass water outlet 14. 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 second water port 13, the bypass water outlet 14 and the first water port 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 .

[0092] Below Figure 4-13 The valve core assembly 2 shown here only changes the opening of the second water port 13 and the bypass water outlet 14 as an example for description. For the method of changing the second water port 13 and the first water port 12, or changing the bypass water outlet 14 and the first water port 12, the method of changing the second water port 13, the bypass water outlet 14 and the first water port 12 mentioned below can be referred to (corresponding to) the valve core assembly 2 changing the second water port 13, the bypass water outlet 14 and the first water port 12. Figures 14-28 ) is obtained, which will not be introduced here.

[0093] refer to Figure 4-13 The second water outlet 13 and the bypass outlet 14 can be arranged on the side wall of the cylinder 19, and the valve core assembly 2 can include a valve sleeve 22, which can be Figure 4-11The valve body 1 is rotated to change the opening of the second water outlet 13 and the bypass outlet 14, or the valve sleeve 22 can also be rotated as shown in FIG. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The manner of moving within the valve body 1 is shown to change the opening of the second water port 13 and the bypass water outlet 14 .

[0094] refer to Figure 4-11 In one example, the second water outlet 13 and the bypass water outlet 14 are arranged at different circumferential positions of the side wall of the cylinder 19 . Figure 4-11 In the figure, the second water inlet 13 is arranged on the left side of the cylinder 19 and the bypass water outlet 14 is arranged on the right side of the cylinder 19 as an example.

[0095] 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 can 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 interior of the valve sleeve 22 may have a central hole 221, which may be opposite to and communicate with the first water passage 12 of the valve body 1. The side wall of the valve sleeve 22 has a connecting groove 222 connected to the central hole 221. The connecting groove 222 can be used to be opposite to the second water passage 13 so that the connecting groove 222 is communicated with the second water passage 13. The connecting groove 222 can be used to be opposite to the bypass water outlet 14 so that the connecting groove 222 is communicated with the bypass water outlet 14.

[0096] Specifically, the connecting groove 222 and the central hole 221 can connect the second water opening 13, the bypass water outlet 14 and the first water opening 12 of the valve body 1. There are several possible ways to set the connecting groove 222:

[0097] 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 groove 222 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 connected to the second water port 13, and the second communication groove 224 may be connected to the bypass water outlet 14.

[0098] Figure 7-Figure 9 The hollow arrows in the figure indicate the direction of liquid flow. Figure 7-Figure 9 , the first water opening 12 of the valve body 1 can be the first water opening of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve, and the first water opening 12 of the valve body 1 can be connected to the water inlet main pipe 108 through the first water pipe 15; the second water opening 13 can be the second water opening of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve, the first water opening 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 second water opening 13 can form a water inlet channel, and the second water opening 13 can be connected to the water inlet main pipe 108 through the second water pipe 16 Figure 2 The bypass outlet 14 can be a bypass outlet of a one-inlet-two-outlet valve. The first water opening 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 bypass outlet 14 can form a bypass flow channel. The bypass outlet 14 can be connected to the bypass pipe 17. Figure 2 The bypass branch 106 in the middle is connected.

[0099] Of course, the second water opening 13 can also be the first water opening of a one-inlet-two-outlet valve, and the first water opening 12 of the valve body 1 can be the second water opening of a one-inlet-two-outlet valve. The second water opening 13, the first connecting groove 223 of the valve sleeve 22, the central hole 221 of the valve sleeve 22, and the first water opening 12 of the valve body 1 can form a water inlet channel. The second water opening 13 can be connected to the Figure 2 The bypass outlet 14 can be a bypass outlet of a one-inlet-two-outlet valve. The second water outlet 13, the center hole 221 of the valve sleeve 22, the second connecting groove 224 of the valve sleeve 22 and the bypass outlet 14 can form a bypass flow channel. The bypass outlet 14 can be connected to the bypass pipe 17. Figure 2 The bypass branch pipe 106 in the middle is connected. This flow mode is not described in detail here.

[0100] The following text Figure 7-Figure 9 The flow mode shown, that is, the second water inlet 13 can be the second water inlet of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve, the bypass water outlet 14 can be the bypass water outlet of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve, and the first water inlet 12 of the valve body 1 can be the first water inlet of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve as an example to illustrate the first state and the second state of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve 92.

[0101] 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 second water outlet 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 onto the sidewall of the cylinder 19 that overlaps with the second water outlet 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 bypass water outlet 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 onto the sidewall of the cylinder 19 that overlaps with the second water outlet 13 is the smallest.

[0102] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 When the one-inlet, two-outlet valve 92 is in its second state, the first connecting groove 223 can directly face the second water outlet 13, and the area of the facing portion 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 second water outlet 13 is relatively small. When the one-inlet, two-outlet valve 92 is in its second state, the second connecting groove 224 can directly face the bypass water outlet 14, and the area of the facing portion 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 bypass water outlet 14 is relatively large.

[0103] It should be noted that the area of the bypass outlet 14 can be as follows: Figure 7-Figure 9 As shown, the area of the bypass water outlet 14 is larger than the area of the second communicating groove 224 . Of course, the area of the bypass water outlet 14 may also be smaller than the area of the second communicating groove 224 .

[0104] 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 second water outlet 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 through the second connecting groove 224 and the bypass outlet 14 into the bypass pipe 17.

[0105] 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 second water opening 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.

[0106] In order to realize 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 opposite to the second water outlet 13 is lower than the second communicating groove 224, the shape of the first communicating groove 223 in the embodiment of the present application can be set as follows:

[0107] refer to Figure 5Optionally, 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.

[0108] 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 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.

[0109] 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 can 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 first water pipe 15, the upper end surface of the valve sleeve 22 can be higher than the highest end of the second water opening 13 and the bypass water outlet 14. The lower end surface of the valve sleeve 22 can be lower than the lowest end of the second water opening 13 and the bypass water outlet 14.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] refer to Figure 7 and 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 first water pipe 15 may be fixed to the lower end of the cylinder 19. The first water pipe 15 may be coaxially arranged with the cylinder 19. The diameter of the first water pipe 15 may be smaller than that of the cylinder 19, so that the inner surface of the first water pipe 15 is closer to the axis of the cylinder 19 than the inner surface of the cylinder 19, thereby forming a limiting step surface for limiting the lower end surface of the valve sleeve 22.

[0113] 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 second water outlet 13 and the bypass water outlet 14 are arranged at different axial positions of the side wall of the cylinder 19 . Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the figure, the second water port 13 is provided at the lower end of the cylinder 19 and the bypass water outlet 14 is provided at the upper end of the cylinder 19 as an example.

[0114] 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 axial direction of the cylinder 19. The interior of the valve sleeve 22 may have a central hole 221, which may be opposite to and communicate with the first water passage 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 have a preset spacing in the axial direction of the valve sleeve 22. The first connecting groove 223 can be used to communicate with the second water passage 13, and the second connecting groove 224 can be used to communicate with the bypass water outlet 14.

[0115] 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.

[0116] In another possible implementation of the communication groove 222, 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 , at least part of the cross-section 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 first water passage 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. The communicating groove 222 ( 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.

[0117] In which, the circumference of the inner surface between the second end of the second water outlet 13 of the cylinder 19 and the first end of the bypass water outlet 14 of the cylinder 19 may be smaller than the circumference of the outer surface of the valve sleeve 22 (that is, the circumference between the first end face 225 of the valve sleeve 22 and the second end face 226 of the valve sleeve 22).

[0118] 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 part of the second water port 13 or not block the second water port 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 second water port 13 or only a small part falls within the second water port 13, so that the opening of the second water port 13 is larger; the valve sleeve 22 may block at least part of the bypass water outlet 14, so that the opening of the bypass water outlet 14 is smaller.

[0119] When the valve sleeve 22 is in the Figure 13In the second state shown, the valve sleeve 22 can block at least part of the second water opening 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 second water opening 13, so that the opening of the second water opening 13 is smaller; the valve sleeve 22 can block a small part of the bypass water outlet 14 or not block the bypass water outlet 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 bypass water outlet 14 or only a small part falls within the bypass water outlet 14, so that the opening of the bypass water outlet 14 is larger.

[0120] Reference below Figure 14-Figure 22 To describe a one-inlet two-outlet valve that can change the opening of three openings, the use of a one-inlet two-outlet valve that can change the opening of three openings has the advantage of changing a large range of flow with a small range of drive.

[0121] The one-inlet-two-outlet valve used in the water inlet device comprises a valve body 1 and a valve assembly 2. The valve body is provided with a first water inlet 12, a second water inlet 13 and a bypass water outlet 14.

[0122] The valve core assembly 2 includes a valve stem 21 and a valve sleeve 22 . An interception plate 24 is provided at one end of the valve stem 21 . The valve sleeve 22 is sleeved on the valve stem 21 and can intermittently rotate with the valve stem 21 .

[0123] In which, the valve sleeve 22 is rotatably arranged in the valve body 1 and is used to adjust the opening of the bypass water outlet, the valve stem is rotatably arranged on the valve body and can also move relative to the valve body during rotation, and the intercepting plate is arranged in the valve body opposite to the second water outlet and is used to adjust the opening of the second water outlet.

[0124] Specifically, the valve body 1 may include a cylinder 19 and a cover plate 18. The cylinder 19 may be arranged vertically, and may have openings at both the upper and lower ends. The cover plate 18 may cover the upper opening of the cylinder 19, forming a closed end 11 at the upper end of the cylinder 19 and a second water opening 13 at the lower end of the cylinder 19. A first water opening 12 and a bypass outlet 14 may be provided on the sidewall of the valve body 1 between the second water opening 13 and the closed end 11 of the valve body 1.

[0125] When in use, the valve stem 21 rotates to drive the intercepting plate 24 closer to or away from the second water outlet 13 to change its opening. At the same time, during the rotation of the valve stem 21, the valve stem 21 can also drive the valve sleeve 22 to rotate in the valve body 1, thereby changing the opening of the bypass water outlet 14.

[0126] Preferably, the valve sleeve 22 can change the opening of the first water port 12 and the bypass water outlet 14 by rotating in the cylinder 19 .

[0127] Specifically, a center hole 221 is formed inside the valve sleeve 22 , and the center hole 221 is arranged opposite to the second water outlet 13 . A connecting groove 222 for connecting with the center hole 221 is formed on the side of the valve sleeve 22 , and the connecting groove 222 is used to connect with the bypass water outlet 14 .

[0128] The communication groove 222 forms a first end surface 225 and a second end surface 226 on either side of the circumference of the valve sleeve 22. During adjustment of the bypass outlet 14, the overlapping area between the communication groove 222 and the bypass outlet 14 changes. Accordingly, the valve sleeve 22 can block at least a portion of the bypass outlet 14, thereby varying the opening of the bypass outlet 14.

[0129] Likewise, the valve sleeve 22 may also cover at least a portion of the first water opening 12 to change the opening of the first water opening 12 .

[0130] 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 inside the cylinder 19 and inserted through the first water passage 12 of the valve body 1. The outer surface of this portion of the valve stem 21 can form a flow channel for liquid flow between the outer surface and the inner surface of the first water passage 12 of the valve body 1. The size of this flow channel can change during the axial movement of the valve stem 21 along the cylinder 19.

[0131] 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 second water opening 13 of the valve body 1 may be fixed with an annular water retaining platform 32. When the valve stem 21 changes from the first state to the second state, the intercepting plate 24 moves downward to reduce the water flow cross-sectional area of the second water opening 13 and thus reduce the flow path.

[0132] 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. That is, an annular water retaining platform 32 is provided in the second water passage 13, the water retaining platform is provided with a first inclined surface to form a tapered hole structure, and the intercepting plate is provided with a second inclined surface to form a tapered head structure.

[0133] Specifically, in one example, refer to Figure 19 and Figure 21The central through hole of the water retaining platform 32 may include an inverted cone section to form a tapered hole structure, and the diameter of the inverted cone section may be along the end surface of the second water outlet 13 near the valve body 1 (ie Figure 19 and Figure 21 The lower end surface of the cylinder 19 in the valve body 1 gradually decreases in the direction of the intercepting plate 24, so that the distance between the intercepting plate 24 and the center hole 221 gradually decreases as the intercepting plate 24 gradually approaches the end surface of the second water outlet 13 of the valve body 1. Optionally, the central through hole of the water retaining platform 32 may also include a cylindrical section, which may be closer to the end surface of the second water outlet 13 of the valve body 1 than the inverted cone section, and the diameter of the cylindrical section may be equal to the minimum diameter of the inverted cone section. In the second state, part of the intercepting plate 24 may be located within the cylindrical section to extend the length of the smaller flow channel.

[0134] In another example, the intercepting plate 24 can be coaxial with the valve stem 21, and the diameter of at least a portion of the intercepting plate 24 gradually decreases in a direction approaching the end surface of the second water passage 13 of the valve body 1 to form a tapered head structure. In the first state, the smaller diameter end of the intercepting plate 24 can be located within the central through hole 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 central through hole of the water retaining platform 32, thereby gradually reducing the distance between the intercepting plate 24 and the central through hole of the water retaining platform 32.

[0135] 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 second water passage 13 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.

[0136] 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 second water outlet 13 of the valve body 1, the second end of the valve stem 21 may pass through the valve sleeve 22 and pass through the second water outlet 13 of the valve body 1.

[0137] 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 accommodating 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 accommodating space from leaking out, a sealing ring 8 may 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 21 The 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.

[0138] In addition, the valve stem 21 drives the valve sleeve 22 to intermittently rotate in the following manner:

[0139] refer to 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.

[0140] 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 2272 and a second portion 2271 , the first portion 2272 may extend axially along the valve sleeve 22 , the second portion 2271 may extend circumferentially along the valve sleeve 22 , and one end of the second portion 2271 away from the first portion 2272 is open.

[0141] Specifically, the mounting groove 227 has an opening; the mounting rod 23 has a first position in which it is embedded in the mounting groove and rotates the valve sleeve by driving the mounting groove to rotate, and the mounting rod has a second position in which it slides out of the mounting groove and abuts against the valve sleeve.

[0142] During use, when the mounting rod 23 is in the first position, the mounting rod 23 is stuck in the first portion 2272 , and the rotation of the valve stem 21 will drive the valve sleeve 22 to rotate together.

[0143] During the transition of the mounting rod 23 from the first position to the second position, the valve stem 21 rotates so that the mounting rod 23 rotates and moves downward. After the mounting rod 23 separates from the first portion 2272, the valve sleeve 22 no longer rotates with the valve stem 21. As the valve stem 21 continues to rotate, the mounting rod 23 slides along the second portion 2271 and eventually leaves the mounting groove 227. The mounting rod 23 will eventually abut against the side of the valve sleeve 22 to reach the second position.

[0144] In order to ensure that the mounting rod 23 can smoothly enter and exit the mounting groove 227 during the rotation of the valve stem 21, and intermittently drive the valve sleeve 22 to rotate stably, the first part 2272 extends in a direction away from the second water outlet 13, and the second part 2271 extends obliquely toward the direction of the second water outlet.

[0145] Specifically, when the mounting rod 23 rotates from the first position to the second position, it first approaches the second water outlet 13 along the first portion 2272, driving the valve sleeve 22 to rotate. After exiting the first portion 2272, the inclined extension structure of the second portion 2271 ensures that the mounting rod 23 follows the required rotational trajectory. Conversely, when rotating from the first position to the second position, the mounting rod 23 is first guided by the inclined second portion 2271, allowing it to precisely enter the first portion 2272 and thereby drive the valve sleeve 22 to rotate.

[0146] In addition, reference Figure 18 and Figure 19 In the first state, the mounting groove 227 can serve as a communicating groove 222 communicating with the bypass water outlet 14 .

[0147] refer to Figure 19 In the first state, the first water port 12 is at a larger opening, the bypass outlet 14 is at a smaller opening, and the second water port 13 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 drives the valve sleeve 22 to rotate, thereby increasing the opening of the bypass outlet 14 and reducing the opening of the second water outlet 13 to form a Figure 20 and Figure 21 The opening degree of the bypass water outlet 14 is shown.

[0148] As the mounting rod 23 continues to rotate, it enters the second portion 2271 and continues to rotate within the second portion 2271. At this point, the valve sleeve 22 stops rotating, and the openings of the first water inlet 12 and the bypass outlet 14 remain unchanged. As the valve stem 21 continues to rotate, the opening of the second water inlet 13 gradually decreases. This allows for further adjustment of the ratio of water flow through the bypass outlet 14 to the water flow through the second water inlet 13, thereby optimizing the ability to regulate the outlet water temperature.

[0149] The mounting rod 23 slides out of the mounting groove 227 from the opening of the second portion 2271 of the mounting groove 227, the valve stem 21 continues to rotate and descend, and the valve sleeve 22 remains stationary. Figure 17 After the second position shown, to form Figure 20 The opening state of the bypass water outlet 14 is shown.

[0150] 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 degree of the bypass water outlet 14 is shown.

[0151] 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 second water opening 13 so as to support the valve sleeve 22 .

[0152] 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-Figure 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 24In 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.

[0153] 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 15-21 The mounting groove 227 of the side wall of the valve sleeve 22 shown in the figure needs to have 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 second water outlet 13 of the cylinder 19 and the first end of the bypass outlet 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 the connecting groove 222 communicating with the bypass water outlet 14. In addition, Figure 23-28 The lower end surface of the bypass outlet is higher than the upper end surface of the second water outlet, so you can refer to Figure 24 、 Figure 26 as well as Figure 28 The valve sleeve has two connecting grooves arranged along the axial direction of the valve sleeve. The upper connecting groove can be used to connect to the bypass water outlet, and the lower connecting groove can be used to connect to the second water outlet.

[0154] 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 The example in which the second water inlet 13 can also be the first water inlet of a one-inlet, two-outlet valve, the first water inlet 12 of the valve body 1 can be the second water inlet of the one-inlet, two-outlet valve, and the bypass water outlet 14 can be the bypass water outlet of the one-inlet, two-outlet valve is used as an example. Of course, the second water inlet 13 can also be the second water inlet of a one-inlet, two-outlet valve, the bypass water outlet 14 can also be the bypass water outlet of the one-inlet, two-outlet valve, and the first water inlet 12 of the valve body 1 can be the first water inlet of the one-inlet, two-outlet valve.

[0155] 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. Example

[0156] The water heater 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application may include a water heater body 10 and a water inlet module 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 module includes valves, at least some of which are located at the water inlet 101 and are used to regulate the flow of cold water into the water inlet 101; at least some of which are located at the hot water outlet 102 and are used to regulate the flow of cold water into the hot water outlet 102. Example

[0157] The control method provided in the embodiment of the present application may include:

[0158] Get the time when the user's last water use ended;

[0159] Get the user's current water use start time;

[0160] 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;

[0161] The time interval is compared with a preset time period. When the time interval is less than the preset time period, the valve is controlled to reduce the cold water flow into the water inlet end 101 of the water heater 10 and increase the cold water flow into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10.

[0162] Optionally, the control method of the water heater 10 may further include:

[0163] Obtaining the operating status of the water heater 10;

[0164] Obtaining the heating status of the water heater 10;

[0165] Obtaining the temperature of the water outlet 103 of the water heater 10;

[0166] The valve is controlled according to the operating state, heating state and temperature of the water outlet 103 to adjust the cold water flow into the water inlet 101 of the water heater 10 and the cold water flow into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 .

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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 module, characterized in that: include: A valve body, wherein the valve body is provided with a first water outlet, a second water outlet and a bypass water outlet; A valve assembly, comprising a valve stem and a valve sleeve, wherein an intercepting plate is provided at one end of the valve stem, and the valve sleeve is sleeved on the valve stem and can intermittently rotate relative to the valve stem; The valve sleeve is rotatably disposed in the valve body and is used to adjust the opening of the bypass water outlet. The valve stem is rotatably disposed on the valve body and can also move relative to the valve body during rotation. The intercepting plate is disposed in the valve body opposite to the second water outlet and is used to adjust the opening of the second water outlet. The valve stem is provided with a mounting rod, which is arranged along the radial direction of the valve stem; the valve sleeve is provided with a mounting groove that cooperates with the mounting rod, and the valve stem is used to drive the valve sleeve to rotate through the mounting rod; The mounting groove has an opening and includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends along the axial direction of the valve sleeve, the second portion extends along the circumferential direction of the valve sleeve, and an end of the second portion away from the first portion is the opening.

2. The water inlet module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve stem has a first end and a second end. The first end of the valve stem is provided with a threaded portion, and the valve stem is threadedly connected to the valve body through the threaded portion; the second end of the valve stem is connected to the valve sleeve to intermittently drive the valve sleeve to rotate.

3. The water inlet module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The valve body is provided with a shaft sleeve, the shaft sleeve is provided with a threaded hole, and the threaded portion is threadedly connected in the threaded hole.

4. The water inlet module according to claim 3, characterized in that: A sealing ring is provided between the shaft sleeve and the valve body.

5. The water inlet module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer surface of the shaft sleeve is provided with a groove, and the sealing ring is arranged in the groove.

6. The water inlet module according to claim 4, characterized in that: A limiting step surface is further provided in the valve body, one end of the valve sleeve abuts against the shaft sleeve, and the other end of the valve sleeve abuts against the limiting step surface.

7. The water inlet module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting rod has a first position where it is embedded in the mounting groove and rotates the valve sleeve by driving the mounting groove to rotate, and a second position where the mounting rod slides out of the mounting groove and abuts against the valve sleeve.

8. The water inlet module according to claim 7, characterized in that: in, In the first position, the mounting rod is inserted into the first portion of the mounting groove.

9. The water inlet module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first portion extends in a direction away from the second water opening, and the second portion extends obliquely toward the second water opening.

10. The water inlet module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A central hole is formed inside the valve sleeve, and the central hole is arranged opposite to the second water outlet. A connecting groove for connecting with the central hole is formed on the side of the valve sleeve, and the connecting groove is used to connect with the bypass water outlet.

11. The water inlet module according to claim 1, characterized in that: An annular water retaining platform is provided in the second water outlet, a first inclined surface is provided on the water retaining platform to form a tapered hole structure, and a second inclined surface is provided on the intercepting plate to form a tapered head structure.

12. A water heater, comprising a water heater body, wherein the water heater body comprises a water inlet, a hot water end and a water outlet, wherein: It also includes a water inlet module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the water inlet module is connected between the water inlet end and the water outlet end.

Images