Flow control valves and household appliances

Abstract

The present invention discloses a flow control valve and household appliance, wherein the flow control valve includes a valve body and a detection assembly, wherein the valve body includes a valve seat and a rotatable valve stem disposed on the valve seat; the detection assembly includes a first gear fixed to the valve stem, a second gear rotatably disposed on the valve seat and capable of meshing with the first gear, a trigger structure fixed to the second gear, and a detection switch disposed on the valve seat; the trigger structure is provided with multiple triggering parts circumferentially, and during the rotation of the trigger structure, the multiple triggering parts can intermittently trigger the detection switch. The flow control valve can accurately determine the manually adjusted flow rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of household appliances, and in particular to a flow regulating valve and a household appliance. Background Art

[0002] The flow of gas and liquids in household appliances such as gas stoves, gas water heaters, and electric water heaters is controlled by flow control valves. Manually adjusting the valve stem to a certain angle adjusts the valve opening, thereby regulating the flow rate. However, in related technologies, manual adjustment cannot accurately determine the flow rate. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a flow control valve, which is intended to accurately determine the size of the manually adjusted flow.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the flow control valve proposed in the present invention comprises:

[0005] A valve body, comprising a valve seat and a rotatable valve stem disposed on the valve seat; and

[0006] a detection assembly comprising a first gear fixed to the valve stem, a second gear rotatably mounted on the valve seat and capable of meshing with the first gear, a trigger structure fixed to the second gear, and a detection switch mounted on the valve seat;

[0007] A plurality of trigger parts are provided on the circumference of the trigger structure. During the rotation of the trigger structure, the plurality of trigger parts can intermittently trigger the detection switch.

[0008] In one embodiment, a transmission ratio between the first gear and the second gear is 0.8-1.2.

[0009] In one embodiment, a transmission ratio between the first gear and the second gear is 1.

[0010] In one embodiment, the detection assembly further includes a mounting shaft provided on the valve seat, the second gear is rotatably sleeved on the mounting shaft, and the trigger structure is sleeved on the mounting shaft and has a clearance fit with the mounting shaft.

[0011] In one embodiment, the valve stem has a manually adjustable end, and the trigger structure is located on a side of the second gear away from the manually adjustable end.

[0012] In one embodiment, the plurality of triggering portions are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the triggering structure; and / or

[0013] The distance between two adjacent trigger parts is greater than the distance between two adjacent teeth of the second gear, and the number of the trigger parts is greater than or equal to eight.

[0014] In one embodiment, a start switch is further included on the valve seat. In the flow closing position of the valve stem, the valve stem is movable along its length to have a closed position and a start position. In the closed position, the second gear and the first gear are spaced apart in the length direction of the valve stem. In the start position, the second gear is engaged with the first gear, and the valve stem triggers the start switch. And / or

[0015] The flow regulating valve also includes an intelligent regulating component capable of controlling the rotation of the valve stem and a switching switch provided on the valve seat. The switching switch is electrically connected to the intelligent regulating component. The valve stem has a flow closing position and a preset flow position after rotating a preset angle. When the valve stem rotates to the preset flow position, the valve stem triggers the switching switch to start the intelligent regulating component.

[0016] In one embodiment, the intelligent adjustment component includes a motor, a first transmission gear fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor, and a second transmission gear fixedly connected to the valve stem. The second transmission gear and the first gear are arranged at intervals on the valve stem. When the first gear is engaged with the second gear, the first transmission gear is engaged with the second transmission gear.

[0017] In one embodiment, it further comprises a motor and a transmission structure fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor;

[0018] The second gear is rotatably mounted on the output shaft, and the trigger structure is located between the transmission structure and the second gear and is in clearance fit with the output shaft;

[0019] When the second gear is engaged with the first gear, the transmission structure has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the motor can drive the second gear to rotate freely through the transmission structure. In the second position, the first gear can drive the second gear to rotate freely.

[0020] In one embodiment, the transmission structure is provided with a first protrusion, and the second gear is provided with a second protrusion. In the first position, the second protrusion contacts the first protrusion in the circumferential direction of the output shaft, and in the second position, the second protrusion is spaced from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction of the output shaft.

[0021] In one embodiment, the valve stem is rotatable within a first angular range;

[0022] When the valve stem rotates in a first direction and moves from a lower limit position of the first angular range to an upper limit position of the first angular range, the second protrusion rotates in a second direction and moves from a lower limit position of the second angular range to an upper limit position of the second angular range, and the upper limit value of the second angular range is the same as the upper limit value of the first angular range;

[0023] In the second position, the first protrusion is located within a third angle range, the lower limit of the third angle range is the same as the upper limit of the second angle range, the lower limit of the second angle range is 0° in the second direction, and the upper limit of the third angle range is 360° in the second direction.

[0024] The present invention also provides a household appliance comprising the above-mentioned flow regulating valve.

[0025] In the aforementioned flow control valve, when the first gear and the second gear are meshed, manually rotating the valve stem causes the valve stem to rotate and drive the first gear to rotate, which in turn drives the second gear to rotate, thereby driving the trigger mechanism to rotate. When the trigger mechanism rotates, the multiple triggering parts of the trigger mechanism can sequentially trigger the detection switch. Based on the trigger signal from the detection switch, the angle of valve stem rotation can be accurately determined, thereby accurately determining the manually adjusted flow rate. Furthermore, in the aforementioned flow control valve, since the first gear and the second gear are meshed, a toggling sensation is felt when the valve stem is manually rotated, which makes it easier for the user to sense the magnitude of the increase or decrease in flow rate. 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 briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a flow control valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partially exploded view of the flow control valve is shown;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partially exploded view of the flow control valve is shown;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of the

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the valve stem, the start switch and the transfer switch;

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure from another perspective;

[0033] Figure 7 A partially exploded view of a flow control valve according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A partially exploded view of the flow control valve is shown;

[0035] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the initial state;

[0036] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the structure after the second protrusion in the figure is rotated 270° clockwise under the drive of the first protrusion.

[0037] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0038] Label name Label name 10 Flow control valve 12 valve body 14 Detection components 200 valve seat 300 valve stem 400 First gear 500 Second gear 600 Trigger Structure 700 Detection switch 912a Install the shaft 610 Trigger 300a Manual adjustment end 620 Main body 800 Start switch 310 Paragraph 1 320 Second paragraph 800a Toggle switch 330 Paragraph 3 332 gap 910 motor 920 Transmission structure 920a First bulge 500a Second bulge 922 Same contact part

[0039] The purpose, features and advantages of the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with the embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0042] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, if the meaning of "and / or" appearing in the full text is to include three parallel schemes, taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes scheme A, or scheme B, or a scheme in which A and B are satisfied at the same time. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0043] The present invention provides a flow regulating valve.

[0044] In the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the flow regulating valve 10 includes a valve body 12 and a detection assembly 14 .

[0045] The valve body 12 includes a valve seat 200 and a valve stem 300. The valve stem 300 is rotatably mounted on the valve seat 200, meaning that the valve stem 300 can rotate relative to the valve seat 200. Rotation of the valve stem 300 relative to the valve seat 200 adjusts the opening of the valve core of the flow control valve 10, thereby regulating the flow rate. In this embodiment, the valve body of the flow control valve 10 is a ball valve or a plug valve.

[0046] In this embodiment, the valve stem 300 can rotate within a first angle range. For household appliances such as gas stoves, gas water heaters, and electric water heaters, the difference between the upper limit and the lower limit of the first angle range is usually less than 360°, that is, the valve stem 300 of household appliances such as gas stoves, gas water heaters, and electric water heaters usually cannot rotate 360°. Specifically, in this embodiment, the lower limit of the first angle range is 0°, and the upper limit of the first angle range is less than or equal to 270°. More specifically, in this embodiment, the upper limit of the first angle range is not less than 180°. In this way, the wide range of flow rate regulation of household appliances such as gas stoves, gas water heaters, and electric water heaters can be met.

[0047] like Figure 2-Figure 4 As shown, the detection assembly 14 includes a first gear 400 , a second gear 500 , a trigger structure 600 and a detection switch 700 .

[0048] The first gear 400 is fixed to the valve stem 300. In this embodiment, the first gear 400 is sleeved on the valve stem 300 through a central through hole such as a D-shaped hole, a hexagonal hole, or a U-shaped hole. The shape of the outer wall of the valve stem 300 is adapted to the shape of the central through hole. That is, when the central through hole is a D-shaped hole, the outer wall of the valve stem 300 has a D-shaped outer wall, and when the central through hole is a hexagonal hole, the outer wall of the valve stem 300 has a hexagonal outer wall. This facilitates the fixing of the first gear 400 to the valve stem 300, so that the first gear 400 can rotate synchronously with the valve stem 300. It is understood that in other embodiments, the shape of the outer wall of the valve stem 300 may not be adapted to the central through hole of the first gear 400. In this case, the first gear 400 can be fixed to the valve stem 300 by welding, gluing, etc.

[0049] The second gear 500 is rotatably mounted on the valve seat 200, that is, the second gear 500 can rotate relative to the valve seat 200. The second gear 500 can also engage with the first gear 400. In this embodiment, the detection component 14 also includes a mounting shaft 912a. The mounting shaft 912a is disposed on the valve seat 200. The mounting shaft 912a is arranged approximately parallel to the valve stem 300. The second gear 500 is rotatably sleeved on the mounting shaft 912a, that is, the second gear 500 can rotate relative to the mounting shaft 912a. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second gear 500 is sleeved on the mounting shaft 912a through a circular hole. In this way, it is convenient for the second gear 500 to rotate relative to the mounting shaft 912a, thereby facilitating the first gear 400 to drive the second gear 500 to rotate on the mounting shaft 912a. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second gear 500 is interference-fitted onto the mounting shaft 912a through a circular hole, and the friction between the second gear 500 and the mounting shaft 912a is smaller than the driving force applied to the second gear 500 by the first gear 400. This not only allows the second gear 500 to be positioned on the mounting shaft 912a, but also allows the second gear 500 to rotate relative to the mounting shaft 912a.

[0050] The trigger structure 600 is fixed to the second gear 500 so that it can rotate synchronously with the second gear 500. Specifically, the trigger structure 600 can be fixed to the second gear 500 through methods such as snap fastening, screwing, welding, gluing, etc. In this embodiment, the trigger structure 600 is sleeved on the mounting shaft 912a and has a clearance fit with the mounting shaft 912a.

[0051] In this embodiment, the trigger structure 600 includes a plurality of trigger parts 610 , which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the trigger structure 600 .

[0052] The detection switch 700 is provided on the valve seat 200. Particularly, during the rotation of the trigger structure 600, the plurality of trigger parts 610 can intermittently trigger the detection switch 700. In this way, the rotation angle of the valve stem 300 can be accurately determined based on the trigger signal of the detection switch 700, thereby accurately determining the flow rate. In this embodiment, the detection switch 700 is a micro switch. Particularly, the micro switch includes a normally closed micro switch and a normally open micro switch. If the normally closed micro switch is opened at a certain moment, a trigger signal will be generated, and if the normally open micro switch is closed at a certain moment, a trigger signal will be generated. Specifically, in this embodiment, the micro switch is a normally open micro switch.

[0053] In the flow control valve 10, after the first gear 400 and the second gear 500 are engaged, when the valve stem 300 is manually rotated, the valve stem 300 rotates and drives the first gear 400 to rotate, and the first gear 400 can drive the second gear 500 to rotate, thereby driving the trigger structure 600 to rotate. When the trigger structure 600 rotates, the multiple triggering parts 610 of the trigger structure 600 can trigger the detection switch 700 in sequence. According to the trigger signal of the detection switch 700, the rotation angle of the valve stem 300 can be accurately determined, thereby accurately determining the manually adjusted flow rate. In addition, in the flow control valve 10, since the first gear 400 and the second gear 500 are engaged, there is a toggling feeling when the valve stem 300 is manually rotated, which is more conducive to the user to feel the magnitude of the flow increase or decrease. For example, when increasing the flow rate, if the valve stem 300 rotates at a small angle, the user cannot clearly feel that the flow rate has increased by visually observing the pointer on the flow adjustment knob of the household appliance. However, if the user feels the pointer on the knob for multiple consecutive turns, the user can clearly feel that the flow rate has increased.

[0054] In this embodiment, the valve stem 300 has a manually adjustable end 300a. Taking a gas stove as an example, in some embodiments, the manually adjustable end 300a is provided on the panel of the gas stove. In this case, the manually adjustable end 300a can be a knob of the gas stove. In some embodiments, the gas stove has a knob, which is provided on the panel of the gas stove and connected to the manually adjustable end 300a of the valve stem 300.

[0055] In this embodiment, the transmission ratio between the first gear 400 and the second gear 500 is 0.8-1.2, that is, the pitch circle diameter of the first gear 400 is close to the pitch circle diameter of the second gear 500, which is more conducive to the user's sense of movement.

[0056] Specifically, in this embodiment, the transmission ratio between the first gear 400 and the second gear 500 is approximately 1, meaning the pitch circle diameter of the first gear 400 is approximately the same as the pitch circle diameter of the second gear 500. In this case, if the first gear 400 rotates clockwise by a first angle, the second gear 500 meshing with the first gear 400 will rotate counterclockwise by the first angle. This improves the user's sense of movement and avoids the need for complex algorithms to convert rotation angles to flow rates.

[0057] In this embodiment, the plurality of triggering parts 610 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the triggering structure 600. This makes it easier to determine the rotation angle of the valve stem 300 according to the triggering signal of the detection switch 700, thereby determining the flow rate.

[0058] In this embodiment, the spacing between two adjacent triggering portions 610 is greater than the spacing between two adjacent teeth of the second gear 500, and the number of triggering portions 610 is greater than or equal to eight. This prevents the spacing between two adjacent triggering portions 610 from being too small or too large, thereby ensuring that the triggering frequency of the detection switch 700 is moderate, neither too fast nor too slow. Specifically, in this embodiment, the number of triggering portions 610 is greater than or equal to ten and less than or equal to twenty.

[0059] In this embodiment, the second gear 500 is rotatably mounted on the mounting shaft 912a. The trigger structure 600, which is fixed to the second gear 500, is mounted on the mounting shaft 912a and has a clearance fit with the mounting shaft 912a. This prevents friction between the trigger structure 600 and the mounting shaft 912a, facilitating synchronous rotation of the trigger structure 600 and the second gear 500.

[0060] In this embodiment, the main body 620 and the second gear 500 are both sleeved on the mounting shaft 912a, and the trigger structure 600 is located on the side of the second gear 500 away from the manual adjustment end 300a. This location of the trigger structure 600 on the side of the second gear 500 away from the manual adjustment end 300a, as opposed to the location of the trigger structure 600 on the side of the second gear 500 closer to the manual adjustment end 300a, prevents the detection switch 700, which cooperates with the trigger portion 610, from being positioned too high, thereby facilitating stable triggering of the detection switch 700.

[0061] In this embodiment, the trigger structure 600 further includes a main body 620. The main body 620 is rotatably sleeved on the mounting shaft 912a. A plurality of trigger parts 610 are spaced apart and arranged on the main body 620 along the circumference of the main body 620.

[0062] In this embodiment, multiple triggering portions 610 are spaced apart on the outer peripheral wall of the main body 620. This allows the triggering portions 610 and the detection switch 700 to be located at the same height and interact with each other. If the main body 620 is cylindrical, the main body 620 and the multiple triggering portions 610 can be considered to define an incomplete gear, and this incomplete gear is a cylindrical gear.

[0063] It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the main body 620 may have a tapered end surface, and the multiple triggering portions 610 may be spaced apart along the circumference of the tapered end surface. In this manner, the triggering portions 610 and the detection switch 700 may be located at different heights and yet interact with each other. In this case, when the main body 620 is cylindrical, the main body 620 and the multiple triggering portions 610 may be considered to define an incomplete gear, and this incomplete gear may be a bevel gear.

[0064] In this embodiment, the main body 620 and the plurality of triggering portions 610 define an incomplete gear, the pitch circle diameter of which is smaller than the pitch circle diameter of the second gear 500. Thus, while still meeting the requirements for triggering the detection switch 700, the triggering structure 600 can be made smaller, thereby facilitating a smaller flow control valve 10.

[0065] In this embodiment, the valve seat 200 includes a mounting box 210. The mounting box 210 includes a box body 212 and a box cover 214. The box body 212 is mounted on the valve stem 300. The first gear 400, the second gear 500, the trigger structure 600, and the detection switch 700 are all disposed within the box body 212. The box cover 214 is mounted on the valve stem 300 and closes the open end of the box body 212. The valve stem 300 is rotatable relative to the mounting box 210. The provision of the mounting box 210 effectively protects the first gear 400, the second gear 500, the trigger structure 600, and the detection switch 700.

[0066] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the flow control valve 10 also includes a start switch 800. The start switch 800 is disposed on the valve seat 200. The valve stem 300 has a flow-off position. When the valve stem 300 is in the flow-off position, it is considered that no flow is passing through the flow control valve 10. In the flow-off position, the valve stem 300 is movable along its length to have a closed position and an activated position. Taking a gas stove as an example, the start switch 800 is the ignition switch of the gas stove. The closed position is the ignition off position, and the activated position is the ignition position.

[0067] In the closed position, the first gear 400 and the second gear 500 are spaced apart along the length of the valve stem 300. In the activated position, the first gear 400 and the second gear 500 are meshed, and the valve stem 300 triggers the activation switch 800, thereby energizing the controller of the household appliance and, in turn, energizing the detection switch 700, the activation switch 800, and other components. Specifically, pressing downward on the valve stem 300 switches the valve stem 300 from the closed position to the activated position. Removing the downward pressure on the valve stem 300 (at this point, the valve stem 300 remains in the flow-closing position and does not rotate) switches the valve stem 300 from the activated position to the closed position.

[0068] Specifically, in this embodiment, the valve stem 300 includes a first section 310 and a second section 320. The second section 320 is located below the first section 310, and its outer diameter is smaller than that of the first section 310. In the closed position, the contact portion 810 of the starter switch 800 faces and is spaced apart from the outer wall of the second section 320. In the activated position, the contact portion 810 of the starter switch 800 faces and contacts the outer wall of the first section 310. By providing the first and second sections 310 320 with different outer diameters, the starter switch 800 is easily triggered.

[0069] It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the valve stem 300 has a first section 310 and a second section 320. The second section 320 is located below the first section 310, and the outer diameter of the second section 320 is larger than the outer diameter of the first section 310. In the closed position, the contact portion 810 of the start switch 800 faces and contacts the outer wall of the second section 320; in the activated position, the contact portion 810 of the start switch 800 faces and is spaced apart from the outer wall of the first section 310.

[0070] In this embodiment, the start switch 800 is a microswitch. Microswitches include normally closed microswitches and normally open microswitches. A normally closed microswitches generates a trigger signal when they are opened at a certain moment, while a normally open microswitches generates a trigger signal when they are closed at a certain moment. Specifically, in this embodiment, the microswitches can be either normally open or normally closed.

[0071] In this embodiment, the flow control valve 10 further includes an intelligent adjustment component (including a motor and other components capable of intelligent control), which can control the rotation of the valve stem 300. Thus, the flow control valve 10 has both manual adjustment and intelligent adjustment.

[0072] In this embodiment, the flow control valve 10 further includes a switch 800a. The switch 800a is disposed on the valve seat 200. The switch 800a is electrically connected to the motor.

[0073] In this embodiment, the valve stem 300 has a flow-off position and a preset flow position after rotating to a preset angle. When the valve stem 300 rotates to the preset flow position, the valve stem 300 triggers the switch 800a, which controls the smart adjustment component to start smart adjustment through the controller of the household appliance.

[0074] In some embodiments, when the switch 800a is triggered by the valve stem 300, the controller of the household appliance controls the intelligent adjustment component to enter the standby state. At this time, if the controller of the household appliance receives an external instruction (i.e., an instruction to start the automatic adjustment function), the automatic adjustment function is started, and the intelligent adjustment component that has entered the standby state starts to work. Among them, the control button of the household appliance connected to the controller can provide external instructions, the remote control of the household appliance connected to the controller can also provide external instructions, and the mobile terminal connected to the controller can also provide external instructions. In this way, the automatic adjustment function can be avoided from being accidentally turned on.

[0075] In some embodiments, when the switch 800a is triggered by the valve stem 300, the controller of the household appliance directly starts the automatic adjustment function and controls the intelligent adjustment component to start working. In this way, the automatic adjustment function can be turned on very conveniently.

[0076] In this embodiment, the preset flow rate setting is the appliance's minimum flow rate setting. For example, in a gas stove, the valve stem 300 can be rotated 180° counterclockwise from the flow-off setting to the minimum power setting. This makes it very easy for the user to determine the preset flow rate setting. Furthermore, using the minimum power setting as the starting point for intelligent adjustment can avoid burning food due to excessive power at the starting setting. It is understood that the preset flow rate setting can be any other setting.

[0077] In this embodiment, the valve stem 300 further comprises a third section 330. The third section 330 is located below the second section 320. A notch 332 is defined in the third section 330. When the valve stem 300 rotates from the flow-closing position to the preset flow position, the contact portion 810a of the switch 800a contacts the outer wall of the third section 330. When the valve stem 300 rotates to the preset flow position, the contact portion 810a of the switch 800a is located within the notch 332 and spaced from the inner wall of the notch 332. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, when the valve stem 300 rotates from the flow-closing position to the preset flow position, the contact portion 810a of the switch 800a is located within the notch 332 and spaced from the inner wall of the notch 332. When the valve stem 300 rotates to the preset flow position, the contact portion 810a of the switch 800a contacts the outer wall of the third section 330.

[0078] Specifically, in this embodiment, the outer diameter of the third section 330 is greater than the outer diameter of the second section 320. This ensures that the valve stem 300 has greater structural strength. More specifically, in this embodiment, the outer diameter of the third section 330 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the first section 310. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the outer diameter of the third section 330 may be equal to the outer diameter of the second section 320, in which case the third section 330 may be considered a portion of the second section 320.

[0079] Switch 800a is a microswitch. Microswitches include normally closed microswitches and normally open microswitches. A normally closed microswitches generates a trigger signal when they are opened at a certain moment, while a normally open microswitches generates a trigger signal when they are closed at a certain moment. Specifically, in this embodiment, the microswitches can be either normally open or normally closed.

[0080] In some embodiments, the intelligent adjustment component includes a motor and a gear set. The gear set includes a plurality of transmission gears (greater than or equal to two) that are meshed in sequence, and the two transmission gears located at both ends are respectively a first transmission gear and a second transmission gear, the first transmission gear is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor, and the second transmission gear is fixedly connected to the valve stem 300. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second transmission gear and the first gear 400 are arranged at intervals on the valve stem 300, and when the first gear 400 is meshed with the second gear 500, the first transmission gear is meshed with the second transmission gear. At this time, the intelligent adjustment component can independently control the valve stem 300 to rotate within a first angle range, and during the adjustment process, the first gear 400, the second gear 500, the trigger structure 600 and the detection switch 700 cooperate to obtain the flow rate of intelligent adjustment.

[0081] In some embodiments, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the flow control valve 10 further includes a motor 910 and a transmission structure 920. The motor 910, the transmission structure 920, the second gear 500 and the first gear 400 constitute an intelligent adjustment component of the flow control valve 10.

[0082] The motor 910 is mounted on the valve seat 200. The transmission structure 920 is fixed to the output shaft 912 of the motor 910. The second gear 500 is rotatably mounted on the output shaft 912 of the motor 910. The trigger structure 600, fixed to the second gear 500, is located between the transmission structure 920 and the second gear 500. The motor 910 can drive the second gear 500 to rotate freely via the transmission structure 920. The valve stem 300 can also drive the second gear 500 to rotate freely via the first gear 400. In other words, the transmission structure 920 does not interfere with the valve stem 300's ability to drive the second gear 500 to rotate via the first gear 400.

[0083] The motor 910 can drive the second gear 500 to rotate freely through the transmission structure 920, so that the second gear 500 can drive the first gear 400 fixed to the valve stem 300 to rotate freely, and then drive the valve stem 300 to rotate, thereby realizing intelligent adjustment of the flow rate. When manually adjusting the flow rate, the valve stem 300 is manually rotated, and the valve stem 300 can drive the first gear 400 to rotate freely, and the first gear 400 can drive the second gear 500 to rotate freely. During the process of the valve stem 300 moving from the lower limit of the first angular range to the upper limit of the first angular range and during the process of the valve stem 300 moving from the upper limit of the first angular range to the lower limit of the first angular range, the second gear 500 will not be unable to rotate due to interference from the transmission structure 920. In other words, the transmission structure 920 will not interfere with the manual adjustment of the flow control valve 10.

[0084] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the second gear 500 is engaged with the first gear 400, the transmission structure 920 has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the motor 910 can drive the second gear 500 to rotate through the transmission structure 920. In the second position, the valve stem 300 can drive the second gear 500 to rotate freely through the first gear 400, that is, the transmission structure 920 does not interfere with the valve stem 300 driving the second gear 500 to rotate through the first gear 400.

[0085] In the first position, the motor 910 can drive the second gear 500 to rotate freely through the transmission structure 920, so that the second gear 500 can drive the first gear 400 fixed on the valve stem 300 to rotate freely, and then drive the valve stem 300 to rotate, thereby realizing intelligent regulation of the flow rate, and in the process of the valve stem 300 moving from the lower limit value of the first angle range to the upper limit value of the first angle range and in the process of the valve stem 300 moving from the upper limit value of the first angle range to the lower limit value of the first angle range, manual adjustment will not interfere with the intelligent adjustment.

[0086] In the second position, the transmission structure 920 does not interfere with the valve stem 300 driving the second gear 500 to rotate through the first gear 400, that is, when manually adjusting the flow, manually rotating the valve stem 300 can drive the first gear 400 to rotate freely, and the first gear 400 can drive the second gear 500 to rotate freely. In the process of the valve stem 300 moving from the lower limit value of the first angle range to the upper limit value of the first angle range and in the process of the valve stem 300 moving from the upper limit value of the first angle range to the lower limit value of the first angle range, the second gear 500 will not be unable to rotate freely due to the interference of the transmission structure 920, that is, the intelligent adjustment will not interfere with the manual adjustment.

[0087] In this embodiment, the second gear 500, the trigger structure 600, and the transmission structure 920 are all sleeved on the output shaft 912 of the motor 910, and the trigger structure 600 and the transmission structure 920 are both located between the second gear 500 and the body 914 of the motor 910. This facilitates the stable rotation of the second gear 500 driven by the motor 910 through the transmission structure 920, and prevents the detection switch 700, which cooperates with the trigger structure 600, from being positioned too high.

[0088] In this embodiment, the transmission structure 920 and the second gear 500 are both sleeved on the output shaft 912 of the motor 910. A first protrusion 920a is provided on the side of the transmission structure 920 close to the second gear 500. A second protrusion 500a is provided on the side of the second gear 500 close to the transmission structure 920. In the first position, the first protrusion 920a and the second protrusion 500a are in contact with each other in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 912. In the second position, the first protrusion 920a and the second protrusion 500a are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 912. In this way, not only is it easy to achieve independent flow adjustment by intelligent adjustment and manual adjustment, but it is also easy to achieve mutual non-interference between intelligent adjustment and manual adjustment.

[0089] In this embodiment, during manual flow adjustment, when the valve stem 300 rotates in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) and moves from the lower limit of the first angular range to the upper limit of the first angular range, the second protrusion 500a can rotate in a second direction (opposite to the first direction, e.g., clockwise) and move from the lower limit of the second angular range to the upper limit of the second angular range. The upper limit of the second angular range is the same as the upper limit of the first angular range (the same numerical value).

[0090] In the second position, the first protrusion 920a is located within a third angular range, wherein the lower limit of the third angular range is the same as the upper limit of the second angular range, the lower limit of the second angular range is 0° in the second direction, and the upper limit of the third angular range is 360° in the second direction. Specifically, in this embodiment, the lower limit of the first angular range is 0° in the first direction, the upper limit of the first angular range is 270° in the first direction, and the lower limit of the third angular range is the same as the upper limit of the second angular range, namely 270° in the second direction.

[0091] In this embodiment, a gas stove is taken as an example for specific description:

[0092] The valve stem 300 can rotate within the range of 0°-270°. Figure 9 As shown, in the initial position, the first protrusion 920a is located between 270° and 360°, and the second protrusion 500a is located at 0° (ie, 360°). At this time, the first protrusion 920a and the second protrusion 500a are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 912.

[0093] When the intelligent adjustment is started, the motor 910 drives the first protrusion 920a to rotate clockwise to the second angle, and the second protrusion 500a contacts the first protrusion 920a in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 912, forming a gear engaging structure, so that the motor 910 can drive the second gear 500 (second protrusion 500a) to rotate clockwise through the transmission structure 920 (first protrusion 920a). Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, when the second protrusion 500a rotates clockwise from the 0° position to the 270° position, that is, after the second gear 500 rotates clockwise 270°, the first gear 400 and the valve stem 300 rotate counterclockwise 270°, that is, the first gear 400 and the valve stem 300 rotate counterclockwise from the 0° position to the 270° position. At this time, if the first gear 400 and the valve stem 300 need to rotate from the 270° position to the 0° position, that is, the first gear 400 and the valve stem 300 need to rotate clockwise 270°:

[0094] The motor 910 can be reversed to rotate the first protrusion 920a counterclockwise by 270° + the second angle, then back to the initial position (between 270° and 360°). The second protrusion 500a can then be manually adjusted to rotate counterclockwise by 270°, thereby rotating the 270° position to the 0° position. Since the first protrusion 920a has returned to its initial position, the first protrusion 920a and the second protrusion 500a are always spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 912 during the manual adjustment process, and will not interfere with each other.

[0095] Alternatively, the motor 910 can be reversed, driving the first protrusion 920a to rotate counterclockwise 360°, rotating to the other side of the second protrusion 500a and contacting it. Then, the motor 910 can be intelligently adjusted, with the first protrusion 920a driving the second protrusion 500a to rotate counterclockwise 270° via the first protrusion 920a, thereby rotating the 270° position to the 0° position. Finally, the motor 910 can be reversed again, driving the first protrusion 920a to rotate clockwise 360° minus the second angle, before returning to the initial position (between 270° and 360°).

[0096] In this embodiment, the transmission structure 920 includes a plurality of co-contacting portions 922 . The plurality of co-contacting portions 922 are spaced apart along the circumference of the transmission structure 920 . During intelligent adjustment (in this case, no manual adjustment is performed), the transmission structure 920 , the second gear 500 , and the trigger structure 600 can rotate synchronously. During the synchronous rotation of the transmission structure 920 , the second gear 500 , and the trigger structure 600 , the plurality of triggering portions 610 are arranged one-to-one with the plurality of co-contacting portions 922 along the length (vertical direction) of the valve stem 300 . That is, each triggering portion 610 is arranged in a corresponding manner with a co-contacting portion 922 along the length (vertical direction) of the valve stem 300 . Each triggering portion 610 and the corresponding co-contacting portion 922 constitute a triggering member. During the synchronous rotation of the transmission structure 920 , the second gear 500 , and the trigger structure 600 , the plurality of triggering members can intermittently trigger the detection switch 700 . That is, during intelligent adjustment, the trigger portion 610 of the trigger structure 600 triggers the detection switch 700, and the contact portion 922 of the transmission structure 920 also triggers the detection switch 700. Thus, during intelligent adjustment (in this case, no manual adjustment is being performed), the flow rate can be determined through the detection switch 700, the trigger structure 600, and the transmission structure 920. In this case, the time interval between two consecutive triggerings of the detection switch 700 is T1.

[0097] During intelligent adjustment, if manual adjustment is suddenly performed, the trigger structure 600 will rotate relative to the transmission structure 920. In other words, during intelligent adjustment, if manual adjustment is suddenly performed, the trigger structure 600 and the transmission structure 920 will rotate asynchronously. In this case, the trigger portion 610 of the trigger structure 600 and the contact portion 922 of the transmission structure 920 will alternately trigger the detection switch 700. The time period between two consecutive triggerings of the detection switch 700 is T2, which is different from the time period T1 and is generally shorter than the time period T1.

[0098] During intelligent adjustment, the rotation speed of the trigger structure 600 can be controlled to be greater than the rotation speed of the transmission structure 920, or the rotation speed of the trigger structure 600 can be controlled to be less than the rotation speed of the transmission structure 920. In both cases, the trigger structure 600 can rotate relative to the transmission structure 920, that is, the trigger structure 600 and the transmission structure 920 can rotate asynchronously. In actual applications, if manual adjustment is suddenly performed during intelligent adjustment, the rotation speed of the trigger structure 600 may be greater than the rotation speed of the transmission structure 920.

[0099] In the above-mentioned flow control valve 10, during intelligent adjustment (at this time, no manual adjustment is performed), the time period T1 between two adjacent triggerings of the detection switch 700 can be recorded first, and then the time period T2 between two adjacent triggerings of the detection switch 700 can be obtained in real time. If the time period T1 is the same as the time period T2, no manual adjustment is performed; if the time period T1 is different from the time period T2, manual adjustment is performed. During intelligent adjustment, if a sudden manual adjustment is detected, the intelligent adjustment can be controlled to stop adjustment, that is, the motor 910 can be controlled to stop working. In this way, the situation where adjustment confusion occurs due to the simultaneous adjustment of the valve stem 300 by intelligent adjustment and manual adjustment can be avoided, and the conflict between intelligent adjustment and manual adjustment can be avoided, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the adjustment.

[0100] In this embodiment, the plurality of triggering portions 610 and the plurality of contacting portions 922 are arranged at equal intervals, and the spacing between two adjacent triggering portions 610 is the same as the spacing between two adjacent contacting portions 922. In this way, whether manual adjustment is performed during intelligent adjustment can be determined based on the time period T1 and the time period T2.

[0101] It is understood that in other embodiments, the multiple triggering parts 610 and the multiple contacting parts 922 can also be arranged at unequal intervals. In this case, whether to perform manual adjustment during intelligent adjustment can be determined based on the changing rules of the time period T1 and the time period T2.

[0102] For example, multiple trigger units 610 are divided into multiple groups, each group includes three trigger units 610, and the distance between two adjacent trigger units 610 in a group is smaller than the distance between two adjacent groups. During intelligent adjustment (at this time, no manual adjustment is performed), the time period T3 between two adjacent groups is recorded, and the time period T4 within the group is recorded, and T3 and T4 are different. During intelligent adjustment (at this time, no manual adjustment is performed), the periodic variation pattern can be T3, T3, T4, T3, T3, T4..... During intelligent adjustment, if manual adjustment is performed suddenly, the periodic variation pattern may be T3, T5, T6... In this way, when T3 and T3 cannot be obtained continuously, it can be considered that manual adjustment is performed suddenly; when T3, T3, T4 cannot be obtained continuously, it can also be considered that manual adjustment is performed suddenly.

[0103] The present invention also proposes a household appliance, which includes a flow regulating valve 10. The specific structure of the flow regulating valve 10 refers to the above embodiment. Since the household appliance adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0104] Household appliances control the flow of gases and liquids through flow control valves 10. In some embodiments, the household appliance is a gas stove, in which case the flow control valve 10 can be used to control the flow of gas. In some embodiments, the household appliance is a gas water heater, in which case the flow control valve 10 can be used to control the flow of gas. In some embodiments, the household appliance is an electric water heater, in which case the flow control valve 10 can be used to control the flow of water.

[0105] The above descriptions are merely optional embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present description and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flow control valve, characterized in that: include: The valve body comprises a valve seat and a rotatable valve stem disposed on the valve seat; The detection assembly includes a first gear fixed to the valve stem, a second gear rotatably mounted on the valve seat and capable of meshing with the first gear, a trigger structure fixed to the second gear, and a detection switch mounted on the valve seat; the trigger structure is provided with a plurality of trigger portions circumferentially, and the plurality of trigger portions can intermittently trigger the detection switch during rotation of the trigger structure; a motor, disposed on the valve seat; as well as A transmission structure is fixed on the output shaft of the motor; the second gear is rotatably provided on the output shaft, and the trigger structure is located between the transmission structure and the second gear; In which, the transmission structure includes a same-contact part; there are multiple same-contact parts, and the multiple same-contact parts are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the transmission structure; in the up and down directions, the multiple trigger parts and the multiple same-contact parts are arranged one-to-one; the same-contact part is used to trigger the detection switch.

2. The flow control valve according to claim 1, wherein: The transmission ratio between the first gear and the second gear is 0.8-1.

2.

3. The flow control valve according to claim 2, wherein: The transmission ratio between the first gear and the second gear is 1.

4. The flow control valve according to claim 1, wherein: The detection component further includes a mounting shaft provided on the valve seat, the second gear is rotatably sleeved on the mounting shaft, and the trigger structure is sleeved on the mounting shaft and is clearance-matched with the mounting shaft.

5. The flow control valve according to claim 4, wherein: The valve stem has a manual adjustment end, and the trigger structure is located on a side of the second gear away from the manual adjustment end.

6. The flow control valve according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of triggering parts are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the triggering structure; and / or The distance between two adjacent trigger parts is greater than the distance between two adjacent teeth of the second gear, and the number of the trigger parts is greater than or equal to eight.

7. The flow control valve according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a start switch provided on the valve seat, wherein in the flow closing position of the valve stem, the valve stem is movable along its length direction to have a closed position and a start position, wherein in the closed position, the second gear and the first gear are spaced apart in the length direction of the valve stem, and in the start position, the second gear is engaged with the first gear, and the valve stem triggers the start switch; and / or The flow regulating valve also includes an intelligent regulating component capable of controlling the rotation of the valve stem and a switching switch provided on the valve seat. The switching switch is electrically connected to the intelligent regulating component. The valve stem has a flow closing position and a preset flow position after rotating a preset angle. When the valve stem rotates to the preset flow position, the valve stem triggers the switching switch to start the intelligent regulating component.

8. The flow control valve according to claim 1, wherein: The flow regulating valve also includes an intelligent regulating component capable of controlling the rotation of the valve stem and a switching switch provided on the valve seat, the switching switch being electrically connected to the intelligent regulating component, the valve stem having a flow closing position and a preset flow position after rotating a preset angle, and when the valve stem rotates to the preset flow position, the valve stem triggers the switching switch to start the intelligent regulating component; the intelligent regulating component includes a motor, a first transmission gear fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor, and a second transmission gear fixedly connected to the valve stem, the second transmission gear and the first gear being arranged at intervals on the valve stem, and when the first gear is engaged with the second gear, the first transmission gear is engaged with the second transmission gear.

9. The flow control valve according to claim 1, wherein: The trigger structure is located between the transmission structure and the second gear and is in clearance fit with the output shaft; When the second gear is engaged with the first gear, the transmission structure has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the motor can drive the second gear to rotate freely through the transmission structure. In the second position, the first gear can drive the second gear to rotate freely.

10. The flow control valve according to claim 9, wherein: The transmission structure is provided with a first protrusion, and the second gear is provided with a second protrusion. In the first position, the second protrusion contacts the first protrusion in the circumferential direction of the output shaft. In the second position, the second protrusion is spaced apart from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction of the output shaft.

11. The flow control valve according to claim 10, wherein: The valve stem can rotate within a first angle range; When the valve stem rotates in a first direction and moves from a lower limit position of the first angular range to an upper limit position of the first angular range, the second protrusion rotates in a second direction and moves from a lower limit position of the second angular range to an upper limit position of the second angular range, and the upper limit value of the second angular range is the same as the upper limit value of the first angular range; In the second position, the first protrusion is located within a third angle range, the lower limit of the third angle range is the same as the upper limit of the second angle range, the lower limit of the second angle range is 0° in the second direction, and the upper limit of the third angle range is 360° in the second direction.

12. A household appliance, characterized in that: The invention comprises a flow regulating valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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