Antifreeze faucets and RV antifreeze components

Abstract

This invention provides an antifreeze faucet and an antifreeze component for RVs. The antifreeze faucet, used in RVs, includes a faucet outlet, a water inlet, and an antifreeze valve. The faucet outlet is connected to the antifreeze valve, which is disposed in the water inlet. The antifreeze valve includes a valve core gap extending vertically through the valve core gap, a valve hole perpendicular to the valve core gap, and a valve core movably disposed within the valve hole. The antifreeze valve is configured to move the valve core as the temperature changes, thereby discharging water from the faucet outlet through the valve core gap. This invention, by setting a movable valve core to change the connection state between the faucet outlet and the valve core gap, automatically discharges residual water from the faucet at low temperatures, preventing damage to the equipment from freezing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an antifreeze faucet and an antifreeze component for RVs, belonging to the field of RV equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the faucets used in RVs are the same as those used in homes. When the water temperature is below 0 degrees Celsius, the water remaining in the faucet will freeze, which can easily cause problems such as the faucet filter, faucet valve core, and faucet copper pipe freezing or cracking.

[0003] In existing RV water supply systems, the water pressure for the faucets is provided by a separate water pump, resulting in no internal water pressure when the pump is not operating. Adding an anti-freeze valve to the piping system allows for drainage, but this valve cannot remove clean water from the faucets and their piping, as the negative pressure prevents drainage. Furthermore, the anti-freeze valve cannot be manually closed once opened, requiring an additional shut-off valve. Currently, RV manufacturers prevent faucets from freezing and breaking by reminding customers to actively drain the water.

[0004] In view of this, it is indeed necessary to propose a new antifreeze faucet and RV antifreeze components to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an antifreeze faucet and an antifreeze component for RVs, so as to automatically drain residual water from the faucet at low temperatures and prevent the equipment from freezing and damaging it.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an antifreeze faucet for use in a motorhome, comprising a faucet outlet, a water inlet, and an antifreeze valve. The faucet outlet is connected to the antifreeze valve, which is disposed in the water inlet. The antifreeze valve includes a valve core gap penetrating vertically through the antifreeze valve, a valve hole perpendicular to the valve core gap, and a valve core movably disposed within the valve hole. The antifreeze valve is configured to move the valve core to change its state as the temperature changes, thereby discharging water from the faucet outlet through the valve core gap.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the antifreeze faucet includes a switch valve, the faucet outlet includes a first outlet and a second outlet connected together, the switch valve is connected to the first outlet and the inlet respectively and is disposed above the antifreeze valve, configured to control the connection and closure between the first outlet and the inlet, and the second outlet is connected to the antifreeze valve.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the antifreeze valve includes a first state and a second state. In the first state, the valve core gap of the antifreeze valve is connected to the second water outlet. In the second state, the valve core gap of the antifreeze valve is not connected to the second water outlet.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the antifreeze valve includes a first spring and a second spring disposed in the valve hole and located on both sides of the valve core, and the valve core changes position under the combined action of the elastic forces of the first spring and the second spring.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, in the first state, the elastic force of the first spring is greater than that of the second spring, and the valve core moves under the combined action of the elastic forces to achieve communication between the water outlet of the faucet and the gap of the valve core; in the second state, the elastic force of the first spring is less than that of the second spring, and the valve core moves under the combined action of the elastic forces to achieve non-communication between the water outlet of the faucet and the gap of the valve core.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first spring is made of shape memory alloy or other temperature-sensing element and is configured to sense temperature so as to gradually reduce the elastic force during the temperature drop to change the state of the antifreeze valve.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the antifreeze valve includes a manual adjustment part configured to adjust the spring force of the second spring.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the antifreeze valve includes a sealing ring disposed on the outer periphery of the antifreeze valve, and a water passage gap is provided between the antifreeze valve and the water inlet through the sealing ring. The water inlet is divided into two parts by the antifreeze valve and is kept open by the water passage gap.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, three sealing rings are provided, and two water passage gaps are formed between the three sealing rings.

[0015] The present invention also discloses an antifreeze component for RVs, including a water tank, a water pump, a water heater, a thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve, and any of the above-mentioned antifreeze faucets. The water pump draws cold water from the water tank and supplies it to the cold water pipes of the water heater, the thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve, and the antifreeze faucet. The water heater is configured to heat cold water and supply it to the thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve. The thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve transmits the hot water to the warm water pipes of the antifreeze faucet.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: the antifreeze faucet of the present invention changes the communication state between the faucet outlet and the valve core by setting a movable valve core, thereby realizing the automatic discharge of residual water in the faucet at low temperatures and avoiding damage to the equipment by freezing. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the antifreeze faucet of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the antifreeze valve.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A sectional view.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A 3D view of the central valve core.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first state of the antifreeze valve.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second state of the antifreeze valve.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the RV antifreeze component of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A 3D view of a constant temperature antifreeze mixing valve. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this invention discloses an antifreeze faucet 100, including a faucet outlet 1, a water inlet 2, a switch valve 3, and an antifreeze valve 4. It should be noted that the antifreeze faucet 100 of this application is designed for use in RVs and is not suitable for use with ordinary household faucets. In existing RVs, the water pressure for the antifreeze faucet 100 is supplied by a water pump 202. Because some water remains inside the faucet after each use, it freezes below 0°C, damaging the faucet. Therefore, the antifreeze faucet 100 of this application is designed to drain the water remaining inside, thus preventing freezing.

[0028] The faucet outlet 1 includes a first outlet 11 and a second outlet 12 connected together. The faucet outlet 1 is the water outlet part of the antifreeze faucet 100. Common faucets have only one outlet, but the faucet outlet 1 of this application includes a first outlet 11 and a second outlet 12 connected together. The first outlet 11 is the same as the outlet of a common faucet, and is connected to the inlet 2 through a switch valve 3 to realize the water outlet function. The second outlet 12 is connected to the antifreeze valve 4, and the second outlet 12 is located below the first outlet 11. The water remaining in the antifreeze faucet 100 will flow from the second outlet 12 to the antifreeze valve 4 under the action of gravity, thereby realizing the discharge of the remaining water and preventing the faucet from freezing at low temperatures.

[0029] The water inlet 2 includes a warm water pipe 21 and a cold water pipe 22. The water inlet 2 is used to obtain warm water and cold water through the warm water pipe 21 and the cold water pipe 22 respectively, and supply them to the faucet outlet 1.

[0030] Furthermore, the water inlet 2 is arranged vertically, and the water inlet 2 is divided into two parts by the antifreeze valve 4. The two parts are kept in constant contact through the water passage gap 48.

[0031] The switch valve 3 is a common device commonly found in existing faucets. It is used to control the connection between the inlet section 2 and the first outlet section 11 of the faucet outlet section 1. By moving the switch valve 3 up and down, the opening and closing of the connection between the inlet section 2 and the first outlet section 11 of the faucet outlet section 1 is controlled, that is, the water flow of the entire antifreeze faucet 100 is controlled to be open or closed. When the switch valve 3 moves upward and is in the open state, by moving the switch valve 3 left and right, the opening and closing of the connection between the warm water pipe 21 and the cold water pipe 22 of the inlet section 2 and the first outlet section 11 of the faucet outlet section 1 are controlled, that is, the water flow of the antifreeze faucet 100 is controlled to be warm water or cold water.

[0032] Please see Figures 3-4 As shown, the antifreeze valve 4 includes a valve core gap 41, a valve hole 42, a valve core 43, a first spring 44, a second spring 45, a manual adjustment part 46, a sealing ring 47, and a water passage gap 48. The antifreeze valve 4 is the core part of the antifreeze faucet 100. The antifreeze valve 4 is connected to the second water outlet 12 and is configured to move the valve core 43 to change the state as the temperature changes, so as to discharge the water from the faucet outlet 1 through the valve core gap 41, thereby realizing the drainage and antifreeze function of the antifreeze faucet 100.

[0033] The valve core gap 41 includes a warm water gap 411 and a cold water gap 422. The valve core gap 41 extends vertically through the antifreeze valve 4. The valve core 43 can change its positional relationship with the valve core gap 41 by moving, thus connecting or disconnecting from the valve core gap 41. When the valve core 43 is connected to the valve core gap 41, the water remaining in the antifreeze faucet 100 flows out through the second outlet 12 via the valve core 43 from the valve core gap 41, preventing it from freezing inside the faucet outlet 1. The warm water gap 411 and the cold water gap 422 correspond to the warm water pipe 21 and the cold water pipe 22 of the inlet section 2, respectively. When the valve core 43 is connected to the valve core gap 41, the water in the upper part of the inlet section 2 can also be discharged from the warm water gap 411 and the cold water gap 422 to the lower part of the inlet section 2, respectively. Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the warm water pipe 21 and the cold water pipe 22, as well as the warm water gap 411 and the cold water gap 422, can be interchanged, and no limitation is made here.

[0034] The valve hole 42 is disposed in the antifreeze valve 4 and is perpendicular to the valve core gap 41. In the embodiment of this application, the valve hole 42 is disposed at one end of the antifreeze valve 4 and is connected to the second water outlet 12.

[0035] The valve core 43, the first spring 44, and the second spring 45 are all disposed in the valve hole 42. The first spring 44 and the second spring 45 are located on both sides of the valve core 43 and are fixedly disposed. The valve core 43 is movable in the valve hole 42 and is fixed in a certain position under the combined action of the elastic force of the first spring 44 and the second spring 45. When the elastic force of the first spring 44 and the second spring 45 changes, the position of the valve core 43 changes, thereby changing the state of the antifreeze valve 4.

[0036] Please see Figure 5 As shown, the valve core 43 is cylindrical and includes a circular hole 431, a first connecting hole 432, and a second connecting hole 433. The circular hole 431 is connected to the second connecting part 12 through the valve hole 42, thereby receiving water from the second connecting part 12. The first connecting hole 432 and the second connecting hole 433 are arranged perpendicular to the circular hole 431 and correspond to the warm water gap 411 and the cold water gap 422, respectively. The first connecting hole 432 and the second connecting hole 433 are used to communicate with the warm water gap 411 and the cold water gap 422 when the antifreeze valve 4 is in the second state, thereby realizing the discharge of the retained water.

[0037] Please see Figures 6-7 As shown, the antifreeze valve 4 further includes a first state and a second state. In the first state, the valve core gap 41 of the antifreeze valve 4 is connected to the second water outlet 12. In the second state, the valve core gap 41 of the antifreeze valve 4 is not connected to the second water outlet 12. That is, the first state and the second state correspond to the working state and the closed state of the antifreeze valve 4, respectively.

[0038] In the first state, the antifreeze valve 4 is working. At this time, the elastic force of the first spring 44 is greater than that of the second spring 45. Under the combined action of the elastic forces of the first spring 44 and the second spring 45, the valve core 43 is located in the valve hole 42 near the second spring 45. At this time, the first connecting hole 432 and the second connecting hole 433 are connected to the warm water gap 411 and the cold water gap 422, that is, water can flow from the first connecting hole 432 and the second connecting hole 433 to the warm water gap 411 and the cold water gap 422. When in the first state, the water remaining in the faucet outlet 1 of the antifreeze faucet 100 flows to the antifreeze valve 4 through the second outlet 12 under the action of gravity, and flows through the round hole 431 of the valve core 43 through the first connecting hole 432 and the second connecting hole 433 to the warm water gap 411 and the cold water gap 422, realizing the connection between the faucet outlet 1 and the valve core gap 41, and discharging the remaining water.

[0039] In the second state, the antifreeze valve 4 is closed and not working. At this time, the elastic force of the first spring 44 is less than that of the second spring 45. Under the combined action of the elastic forces of the first spring 44 and the second spring 45, the valve core 43 is located in the valve hole 42 away from the second spring 45. At this time, the first connecting hole 432 and the second connecting hole 433 are not connected to the warm water gap 411 and the cold water gap 422, that is, water cannot flow from the first connecting hole 432 and the second connecting hole 433 into the warm water gap 411 and the cold water gap 422. The valve core 43 at this time achieves the disconnection between the faucet outlet 1 and the valve core gap 41.

[0040] Furthermore, the first spring 44 is made of a temperature-sensing material and is configured to sense temperature so that the spring force gradually decreases as the temperature decreases to change the state of the antifreeze valve 4, so that the valve core gap 41 is closed when the temperature is higher than the preset temperature, and the valve core gap 41 is opened when the temperature is lower than the preset temperature to make the antifreeze valve 4 work.

[0041] Furthermore, the preset temperature is 0℃.

[0042] Furthermore, when the temperature is above 0℃, it is the first state; when the temperature is below 0℃, it is the second state.

[0043] Furthermore, the first spring 44 is made of shape memory alloy or other temperature-sensing elements.

[0044] A manual adjustment unit 46 is located near the second spring 45. The manual adjustment unit 46 is configured to change the force applied to the second spring 45 by rotation, thereby adjusting the spring force of the second spring 45 and thus changing the operating state of the antifreeze valve 4. Since the first spring 44 is made of a temperature-sensitive material, its spring force in response to temperature changes has a range of variation. When the temperature is close to the preset temperature, the antifreeze valve 4 may not be in the state expected by the user. Adjusting the manual adjustment unit 46 can change the state of the antifreeze valve 4 more conveniently. In the embodiments of this application, the manual adjustment unit 46 is suitable for adjustment within the range of 0℃ to 6℃.

[0045] The sealing ring 47 is disposed on the outer periphery of the antifreeze valve 4. In the embodiment of this application, there are three sealing rings 47, which are spaced apart. The protruding sealing ring 47 is higher than the outer periphery of the antifreeze valve 4. Since the antifreeze valve 4 is disposed in the water inlet 2, the sealing ring 47 is attached to the water inlet 2. There are two water passage gaps 48 between the three protruding sealing rings 47 and the water inlet 2. The water inlet 2 is divided into two parts by the antifreeze valve 4, but the upper and lower parts are kept open through the water passage gaps 48. The two water passage gaps 48 are provided for the warm water pipe 21 and the cold water pipe 22.

[0046] Please see Figures 8-9 As shown, this application also discloses a motorhome antifreeze component 200, including a water tank 201, a water pump 202, a water heater 203, a thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve 204, and an antifreeze faucet 100. The water tank 201 stores cold water, and the water pump 202 draws cold water from the water tank 201 and supplies it to the cold water pipeline 22 of the water heater 203, the thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve 204, and the antifreeze faucet 100. The water heater 203 is configured to heat the cold water into hot water and supply it to the motorhome. The thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve 204 includes a cold water inlet 2041, a hot water inlet 2042, a drain outlet 2043, a warm water inlet 2044, and an antifreeze valve 4. Hot water from the water heater 203 enters the thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve 204 through the hot water inlet 2042, while cold water from the water pump 202 enters the thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve 204 through the cold water inlet 2041, and is then transmitted from the warm water inlet 2044 to the warm water pipe 21 of the antifreeze faucet 100. Simultaneously, the thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve 204 is equipped with an antifreeze valve 4 connected to the warm water inlet 2044. The opening ratio of the cold water inlet 2041 and the hot water inlet 2042 is adjusted by the thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve 204, allowing them to connect with the warm water inlet 2044. The thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve 204 cannot completely cut off the connection between the cold water inlet 2041 and the hot water inlet 2042. By connecting the cold water inlet 2041, hot water inlet 2042, warm water inlet 2044 and antifreeze valve 4, residual water in the system can be discharged, thus achieving antifreeze protection for the antifreeze faucet 100, water heater 203, and thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve 204.

[0047] In summary, the antifreeze faucet 100 of the present invention changes the communication state between the faucet outlet 1 and the valve core gap 41 by setting a movable valve core 43, thereby realizing the automatic discharge of residual water in the faucet at low temperatures and avoiding damage to the equipment by freezing.

[0048] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. An antifreeze faucet for use in RVs, characterized in that: The device includes a faucet outlet, a water inlet, and an antifreeze valve. The faucet outlet is connected to the antifreeze valve, which is located in the water inlet. The antifreeze valve includes a valve core gap extending vertically through the valve core, a valve hole perpendicular to the valve core gap, and a valve core movably disposed within the valve hole. The antifreeze valve is configured to move the valve core to change its state as the temperature changes, thereby discharging water from the faucet outlet through the valve core gap. The water inlet is vertically arranged, and the outer periphery of the antifreeze valve is provided with a sealing ring. A water passage gap is left between the antifreeze valve and the water inlet through the sealing ring. The water inlet is divided into two parts by the antifreeze valve and is kept open through the water passage gap. The antifreeze faucet includes a switch valve, and the faucet outlet includes a first outlet and a second outlet connected together. The switch valve is connected to the first outlet and the inlet respectively and is disposed above the antifreeze valve. It is configured to control the connection and closing between the first outlet and the inlet. The second outlet is connected to the antifreeze valve. The antifreeze valve includes a first state and a second state. In the first state, the valve core gap of the antifreeze valve is connected to the second water outlet. In the second state, the valve core gap of the antifreeze valve is not connected to the second water outlet.

2. The freeze-proof faucet according to claim 1, wherein: The antifreeze valve includes a first spring and a second spring disposed in the valve hole and located on both sides of the valve core. The valve core changes position under the combined action of the elastic forces of the first spring and the second spring.

3. The freeze-proof faucet according to claim 2, wherein: In the first state, the elastic force of the first spring is greater than that of the second spring, and the valve core moves under the combined action of the elastic forces to achieve communication between the water outlet of the faucet and the gap between the valve core; in the second state, the elastic force of the first spring is less than that of the second spring, and the valve core moves under the combined action of the elastic forces to achieve non-communication between the water outlet of the faucet and the gap between the valve core.

4. The freeze-proof faucet according to claim 3, wherein: The first spring is made of shape memory alloy or other temperature-sensing element and is configured to sense temperature so that the spring force gradually decreases as the temperature decreases to change the state of the antifreeze valve.

5. The freeze-proof faucet according to claim 2, wherein: The antifreeze valve includes a manual adjustment section configured to adjust the spring force of the second spring.

6. The antifreeze faucet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing rings are provided in three parts, and two water passage gaps are formed between the three sealing rings.

7. A motorhome antifreeze component, characterized in that: The device includes a water tank, a water pump, a water heater, a thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve, and an antifreeze faucet as described in any one of claims 1 to 6. The water pump draws cold water from the water tank and supplies it to the cold water pipelines of the water heater, the thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve, and the antifreeze faucet. The water heater is configured to heat cold water and supply it to the thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve. The thermostatic antifreeze mixing valve transmits hot water to the warm water pipeline of the antifreeze faucet.

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