Water scale resistant thermostatic valve cartridge

Abstract

A kind of anti-limescale thermostatic valve core, including valve core shell, the valve core shell has inner cavity, the valve core shell has cold water inlet C, hot water inlet H and mixed water outlet M;A temperature regulating assembly is used to regulate mixed water temperature;A thermostatic assembly is used to keep mixed water temperature constant, the thermostatic assembly at least includes a thermal element, a movable sleeve, a transmission assembly for the transmission connection between thermal element and movable sleeve, the movable sleeve can slide up and down with the thermal contraction and thermal expansion of thermal element, in turn adjust the opening of cold water inlet C and hot water inlet H, in turn adjust the flow of cold water from cold water inlet C and / or hot water from hot water inlet H;The design utilizes reasonable design so that in the whole thermostatic valve core working process, water does not flow through return spring, also does not have contact with overload spring.Effectively prevent limescale from gathering on return spring, and water flow resistance is small, water flow is stable, prevent thermal element from being damaged due to overload in use process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a bathroom appliance, and more particularly to a scale-resistant thermostatic valve core. Background Technology

[0002] In the bathroom industry, thermostatic valve cores are widely used in water heaters and faucets. Thermostatic valve cores primarily utilize the principle of thermal expansion and contraction. When the temperature of hot or cold water changes suddenly, or when the water pressure changes suddenly, the thermostatic element inside the valve core senses the temperature change in the mixed water and expands or contracts accordingly. This causes a change in the opening degree of the hot and cold water inlets, ultimately bringing the temperature of the mixed water closer to a constant level. Thermostatic valve cores also include temperature-regulating components for adjusting the set temperature. For example, patent document CN208417615U discloses a screw drive principle that converts rotary motion into linear motion, driving the thermostatic element to move. However, with prolonged use, scale will accumulate inside the thermostatic valve core due to continuous water flow. For example, scale will accumulate on the threads of the screw in the temperature-regulating component and adhere to the return spring, thus affecting the adjustment accuracy of the thermostatic valve core. In severe cases, it may cause the thermostatic valve core to lose its temperature regulation and constant temperature capabilities.

[0003] CN205578780U discloses a thermostatic valve core that prevents water from entering the threaded part of the temperature control component, CN211976071U discloses a thermostatic valve core that makes the temperature control component waterproof, and CN201281166Y discloses a thermostatic valve core that prevents clogging. However, in these prior art technologies, the water flow will pass through the return spring, which not only leads to high water flow resistance and water flow turbulence, but also makes it easy for scale to adhere to the return spring under long-term use, affecting the adjustment accuracy of the thermostatic valve core. In cases of poor water quality or long periods of inactivity, the thermostatic valve core may even become unusable.

[0004] In view of this, the inventor conducted in-depth research on the aforementioned deficiencies in the prior art, which led to the creation of this case. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a thermostatic valve core that prevents scale buildup, particularly preventing scale buildup on a return spring.

[0006] The second objective of this invention is to provide a thermostatic valve core that has low water flow resistance, stable water flow, and allows water to flow smoothly.

[0007] A third objective of this invention is to provide a thermostatic valve core that can prevent the thermal element from being damaged by overload during use.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the specific plan is as follows:

[0009] A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core, comprising:

[0010] A valve core housing having an inner cavity, and the valve core housing having a cold water inlet C, a hot water inlet H, and a mixed water outlet M;

[0011] A temperature control component, used to regulate the temperature of the mixed water;

[0012] A thermostatic component is used to maintain a constant temperature of mixed water. The thermostatic component includes at least a thermosensitive element, a movable sleeve, and a transmission component that realizes the transmission connection between the thermosensitive element and the movable sleeve. The movable sleeve can slide up and down with the thermal expansion and contraction of the thermosensitive element, thereby adjusting the opening degree of the cold water inlet C and the hot water inlet H, thereby adjusting the flow rate of cold water entering from the cold water inlet C and / or hot water entering from the hot water inlet H.

[0013] The movable sleeve has an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder. The transmission assembly includes a connecting cylinder. The outer cylinder of the movable sleeve abuts against the wall between the cold water inlet C and the hot water inlet H. The inner cylinder of the movable sleeve is fixedly and sealed on the outer periphery of the connecting cylinder, and the outer surface of the inner cylinder seals against the valve core shell. The thermosensitive element is at least partially sealed and fixed inside the connecting cylinder, and abuts against the temperature control assembly inside the connecting cylinder, thereby forming a water-proof part mainly composed of the thermosensitive element, the connecting cylinder, the movable sleeve, and the valve core shell sealing each other. The water-proof part divides the inner cavity of the valve core shell into a water-flowing inner cavity and a water-proof inner cavity. The water-flowing inner cavity is used for water supply, and the water-proof inner cavity is isolated from water.

[0014] It also includes at least one return spring, which is disposed in the water-proof inner cavity in a compressed state. One end of the return spring abuts against the transmission assembly, and the other end abuts against the valve core housing, so that the connecting cylinder of the transmission assembly drives the thermal element to always abut against the temperature control assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, the valve core housing extends inward to provide a support portion for abutting against one end of the return spring. The inner surface of the support portion is sealed against the inner cylinder of the movable sleeve. The support portion, together with the inner cylinder of the movable sleeve, the connecting cylinder, and the thermal element, forms a water-proof portion that divides the inner cavity of the valve core housing into a water-proof inner cavity and a water-flow inner cavity.

[0016] Furthermore, the temperature regulating component has a pushing member, and the transmission component mainly includes a connecting cylinder, a spring fixing seat, and a transmission member. The pushing member is used to abut against the thermistor. The connecting cylinder is fixedly and sealed around the outer periphery of the thermistor. The upper part of the connecting cylinder is fixedly connected to the spring fixing seat. The movable sleeve is sealed around the outer periphery of the connecting cylinder below the spring fixing seat. The lower end of the spring fixing seat abuts against one end of the reset spring. The transmission member is disposed between the spring fixing seat and the movable sleeve. One end of the transmission member abuts against the spring fixing seat, and the other end abuts against the movable sleeve. A protruding edge extends outward from the bottom of the connecting cylinder. This protruding edge is located below the inner cylinder of the movable sleeve and is used to push the movable sleeve upward.

[0017] Furthermore, the temperature regulating component has a pushing member, and the transmission component mainly includes a connecting cylinder, a spring fixing seat, and a transmission member. The pushing member is used to abut against the thermistor. The connecting cylinder is fixedly and sealed around the outer periphery of the thermistor. The upper part of the connecting cylinder is fixedly connected to the spring fixing seat. The movable sleeve is sealed around the outer periphery of the connecting cylinder below the spring fixing seat. The lower end of the spring fixing seat abuts against one end of the reset spring. The transmission member is disposed between the spring fixing seat and the movable sleeve. One end of the transmission member is fixed to the spring fixing seat, and the other end is fixed to the movable sleeve.

[0018] Furthermore, the transmission component is an overload spring, so that when the movable sleeve can no longer move downward, the overload spring can provide a compression stroke, allowing the spring fixing seat to continue to move downward, thereby preventing the thermal element from being damaged due to the movable sleeve being unable to move downward further.

[0019] Furthermore, the valve core housing includes a valve core upper seat, a valve core body, and a valve core base, wherein the upper part of the valve core body is provided with an external thread that is screwed and fixed to the corresponding internal thread of the valve core upper seat, and the lower part of the valve core body is provided with an internal thread that is screwed and fixed to the corresponding external thread of the valve core base.

[0020] Furthermore, at least one fourth sealing ring is provided at the fixed connection between the valve core housing and the valve core upper seat, and at least one sealing element is provided at the fixed connection between the valve core housing and the valve core base.

[0021] Furthermore, the sealing element is a sealing gasket, which can not only seal the fixed connection between the valve core housing and the valve core base, but also its upper surface can abut against the movable sleeve.

[0022] Furthermore, the movable sleeve includes an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, with a plurality of ribs connecting the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, wherein the lower edge of the inner cylinder is higher than the lower edge of the outer cylinder.

[0023] Furthermore, the outer wall of the valve core housing is provided with a cold water inlet C and a hot water inlet H, which are respectively used for the flow of cold water and hot water. The valve core housing extends inward to provide a support part, which includes a cylinder, and the cylinder is in close contact with the inner cylinder of the movable sleeve.

[0024] Furthermore, a raised edge extends outward from the bottom of the connecting cylinder to push the movable sleeve upward. An external thread is machined on the upper part of the connecting cylinder to engage with the internal thread of the spring fixing seat. An internal thread is provided inside the connecting cylinder to engage with the thread on the outer periphery of the thermal element, thereby fixing the thermal element, the connecting cylinder, and the spring fixing seat together.

[0025] Furthermore, an extension cylinder extends downward from the lower end face of the spring fixing seat, dividing the lower end face of the spring fixing seat into two parts. The inner lower end face of the inner ring abuts against one end of the overload spring, and the outer lower end face of the outer ring abuts against one end of the reset spring.

[0026] Furthermore, the temperature control assembly mainly includes a retaining ring, a temperature control screw, and a pusher. The lower part of the temperature control screw is machined with an external thread, which cooperates with the internal thread on the upper part of the pusher to form a liftable screw transmission structure. The middle part of the temperature control screw has a retaining edge, and the upper part of the temperature control screw extends out of the inner cavity of the valve core seat until its retaining edge is engaged with the valve core seat. A retaining ring is installed on the upper part of the temperature control screw. Finally, under the combined action of the retaining edge and the retaining ring, the temperature control screw is rotatably fixed on the valve core seat.

[0027] Furthermore, the pushing component is a sliding sleeve with an internal thread on the upper part, which engages with the external thread of the temperature regulating screw. Several anti-rotation posts are provided on the outer periphery of the upper part of the sliding sleeve and engage with several slots provided in the upper seat of the valve core to prevent the sliding sleeve from rotating. A connecting rod is provided at the lower part and passes through the inner cavity of the connecting cylinder. The bottom end face of the connecting rod abuts against the upper end face of the thermal element.

[0028] Furthermore, at least one first sealing ring is provided at the fixed connection between the thermal element and the connecting cylinder, at least one second sealing ring is provided at the abutment between the connecting cylinder and the movable sleeve, and at least one third sealing ring is provided at the tight abutment between the inner cylinder of the movable sleeve and the cylinder of the valve core housing.

[0029] This patent utilizes a rational structural design to place the return spring and overload spring outside the water path, isolating them from the water flow. This ensures that water will not flow through the return spring or come into contact with the overload spring during the entire operation of the thermostatic valve core. This effectively prevents scale buildup on the return spring, while also minimizing water flow resistance and ensuring stable water flow. Furthermore, the overload spring design prevents damage to the thermal element due to overload during use. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The specific description given as a non-limiting example better explains what the invention includes and how it can be practiced. Furthermore, this description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a key component of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4-1 This is a perspective view of the valve core seat according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4-2 This is a perspective sectional view of the valve core seat according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5-1 This is a perspective view of the valve core housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5-2 This is a perspective sectional view of the valve core housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6-1 This is a perspective view of the valve core base according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6-2 This is a perspective sectional view of the valve core base according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a temperature-regulating lead screw according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the pushing member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a thermistor element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 10-1 This is a perspective view of the connecting cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 10-2 This is a perspective sectional view of the connecting cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 11-1 This is a perspective view of a spring fixing seat according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 11-2 This is a perspective sectional view of the spring fixing seat according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 12-1 This is a perspective view of the movable sleeve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 12-2 This is a perspective sectional view of the movable sleeve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention under overload conditions. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0051] It is readily understood that, based on the technical solution of this invention, those skilled in the art can propose various interchangeable structural methods and implementations without altering the essential spirit of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed embodiments and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative examples of the technical solution of this invention and should not be considered as the entirety of the invention or as limitations or restrictions on the technical solution of this invention.

[0052] The directional terms such as up, down, left, right, top, and bottom mentioned or possibly used in this specification are defined relative to the structures shown in the accompanying drawings. They are relative concepts and may therefore vary depending on their location and usage. Therefore, these or other directional terms should not be interpreted as restrictive.

[0053] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 For ease of description, the present invention is divided into four parts: a temperature regulating component 1, used to adjust the temperature of the mixed water to a set temperature; a temperature constant component 2, used to keep the temperature of the mixed water constant at the set temperature; a valve core housing 3, providing cold water and hot water inlet channels, a mixed water outlet channel, an inner cavity for water flow, and providing installation space for the temperature regulating component 1 and the temperature constant component 2; and a return spring 25 for realizing the upward displacement of the temperature constant component 2.

[0054] The valve core housing 3 has a hollow inner cavity. The temperature regulating component 1 and the temperature constant component 2 are at least partially disposed inside the valve core housing 3. The temperature regulating component 1 is disposed above the temperature constant component 2 and abuts against the thermal element 22 of the temperature constant component 2.

[0055] The return spring 25 is installed on the thermostat component 2 with one end in a compressed state and on the valve core housing 3 with the other end in a compressed state, so that the thermostat component 2 is always kept in contact with the temperature control component 2.

[0056] The valve core housing 3 is provided with a cold water inlet C for cold water to flow in, a hot water inlet H for hot water to flow in, and a mixed water outlet M for mixed water to flow out. It also has an opening for the knob of the temperature control component 1 to extend out. In one embodiment of the present invention, the opening allows the upper part of the temperature control screw 12 of the temperature control component 1 to extend out, and at least one sealing element is provided at the mating point between the temperature control screw 12 and the valve core housing 3, thereby sealing the opening.

[0057] The thermostatic component 2 includes a thermistor 22, a movable sleeve 27, and a transmission component 20 that enables a transmission connection between the thermistor 22 and the movable sleeve 27. The thermistor 22 is a prior art thermistor based on paraffin wax, as disclosed in patent number CN101523322A, or a thermistor based on shape memory alloy. The movable sleeve 27 slides as the thermistor 22 expands and contracts with temperature changes, thereby slidably controlling the opening of the cold inlet C and the hot inlet H, and thus controlling the flow rate of cold water entering from the cold inlet C and / or hot water entering from the hot inlet H. Specifically, the movable sleeve 27 cooperates with the cold inlet C and the hot inlet H to form a... Figure 1 The cold water gap C1 and hot water gap H1 shown correspond to the opening sizes of the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet H as described above. When the movable sleeve 27 is in the middle position, both the cold water gap C1 and the hot water gap H1 are open. As the movable sleeve 27 moves upward, the cold water gap C1 gradually decreases. When the movable sleeve 27 moves upward to the blocked position, the cold water gap C1 closes, blocking the flow of cold water. Similarly, as the movable sleeve 27 moves downward, the hot water gap H1 gradually decreases. When the movable sleeve 27 moves downward to the blocked position, the hot water gap H1 closes, blocking the flow of hot water.

[0058] To facilitate installation and disassembly, in one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, the valve core housing 3 is divided into three parts and fixedly connected together. Sealing elements are provided at each of the three fixed connections to seal the joints. Specifically, the valve core housing 3 includes a valve core upper seat 31, a valve core shell 32, and a valve core base 33. An external thread on the upper part of the valve core shell 32 is screwed to the corresponding internal thread of the valve core upper seat 31. An internal thread on the lower part of the valve core shell 32 is screwed to the corresponding external thread of the valve core base 33. More preferably, at least one fourth sealing ring 44 is provided at the threaded connection between the valve core upper seat 31 and the valve core shell 32, and at least one sealing element 28 is provided at the fixed connection between the valve core shell 32 and the valve core base 33, giving the fixed connection good waterproof performance. Preferably, the sealing element 28 is a sealing gasket, which not only seals the fixed connection between the valve core shell 32 and the valve core base 33 for waterproofing, but its upper surface can also abut against the movable sleeve 27.

[0059] The temperature control component 1 will be further explained below.

[0060] The temperature control component 1 of this invention mainly sets the temperature of the mixed water. In this technical field, it is common to use a screw drive principle to convert rotary motion into linear motion, thereby driving the thermostatic component 2. Various temperature control components and their installation methods are disclosed in patent numbers CN208417615UCN205578780U, CN211976071U, and CN201281166Y. The temperature control components disclosed in the first three patents can prevent water from entering the screw thread of the temperature control component 1. This invention can preferably use temperature control components as disclosed in the first three patents.

[0061] More preferably, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4-1 , Figure 4-2 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The temperature control assembly 1 mainly consists of a retaining ring 11, a temperature control screw 12, and a pusher 13. The lower part of the temperature control screw 12 is machined with an external thread, which engages with the internal thread on the upper part of the pusher 13 to form a liftable screw drive structure. The temperature control screw 12 has a retaining edge 121 in the middle. The upper part of the temperature control screw 12 extends out of the inner cavity of the valve core upper seat 31 until its retaining edge 121 engages with the valve core upper seat 31. A retaining ring 11 is installed on the upper part of the temperature control screw 12. Finally, under the combined action of the retaining edge 121 and the retaining ring 11, the temperature control screw 12 is rotatably fixed to the valve core upper seat 31.

[0062] The pusher 13 is a sliding sleeve with an internal thread on its upper part, which engages with the external thread of the temperature regulating screw 12. Preferably, a rectangular thread is used for transmission. Several anti-rotation posts 131 are provided on the outer periphery of the sliding sleeve 13, and corresponding slots 311 are provided on the inner surface of the valve core seat 31. The anti-rotation posts 131 are engaged with the slots 311 to prevent rotation of the sliding sleeve 13. It should be noted that the height of the slots 311 is greater than the height of the anti-rotation posts 131 to provide space for vertical displacement of the sliding sleeve 13. The lower part of the sliding sleeve 13 is a connecting rod 132, which abuts against the temperature control component 2. In another embodiment, the sliding sleeve 13 and the connecting rod 132 are designed separately and then fixedly connected together.

[0063] The following will provide a further description of the thermostatic component 2 and the return spring 25.

[0064] The thermostatic component 2 is a component that maintains the temperature of the mixed water at the set temperature after the temperature regulating component 1 has set the desired mixed water temperature. In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 1 to 13 The constant temperature component 2 includes a thermosensitive element 22, a movable sleeve 27, and a transmission component 20 that enables the transmission connection between the thermosensitive element 22 and the movable sleeve 27. Specifically, the movable sleeve 27 has an outer cylinder 271 and an inner cylinder 272. The transmission component 20 consists of a connecting cylinder 23, a spring fixing seat 24, and a transmission member 26. The thermosensitive element 22 is disposed below the pushing member 13 and abuts against the pushing member 13 inside the connecting cylinder 23. The connecting cylinder 23 is fixedly and sealingly sleeved on the outer periphery of the thermosensitive element 22. The upper part of the connecting cylinder 23 is fixedly connected to the spring fixing seat 24, thereby fixing the thermosensitive element 22, the connecting cylinder 23, and the spring fixing seat 24 to each other. A movable sleeve 27 is sealed around the outer periphery of the connecting sleeve 23 below the spring fixing seat 24. A transmission component 26 is fitted around the outer periphery of the connecting sleeve 23 between the spring fixing seat 24 and the movable sleeve 27. The connecting sleeve 23 and the inner cylinder 272 of the movable sleeve 27 are sealed against each other. A bearing portion 321 extends into the valve core housing 3. The bearing portion 321 is sealed against the outer surface of the inner cylinder 272, thereby forming a water-proof portion 351 mainly composed of the thermal element 22, the connecting sleeve 23, the inner cylinder 272 of the movable sleeve 27, and the bearing portion 321 of the valve core housing 32, which are mutually sealed. Since the cold water inlet C and the hot water inlet H are both located below the water-proof portion 351, the water-proof portion 351 divides the inner cavity of the valve core housing 3 into two parts: the water-proof inner cavity 35 located above the water-proof portion 351 and the water-flowing inner cavity 34 located below the water-proof portion 351. Water enters the water-carrying inner cavity 34 through the cold water inlet C and / or the hot water inlet H, and then leaves through the mixed water outlet M. In addition, since at least one sealing element is provided at the mating point between the temperature regulating screw 12 and the valve core housing 3 to seal the opening located at the upper end of the valve core housing 3, the water-proof inner cavity 35 is isolated from water.

[0065] A return spring 25 is provided between the spring fixing seat 24 and the support part 321. One end of the return spring 25 is mounted on the spring fixing seat 24 in a compressed state, and the other end is mounted on the support part 321. This ensures that the thermal element 22, which is fixed to the spring fixing seat 24, is always pressed against the bottom end face of the connecting rod 132. Thus, the return spring 25 is located within the water-proof inner cavity 35, preventing it from contacting water and thus preventing scale buildup. This prevents the thermostatic valve core from experiencing reduced adjustment accuracy or even becoming unusable due to scale buildup on the return spring 25. Furthermore, since the water flow does not need to pass through the return spring 25, the resistance encountered by the water flow is reduced, the water flow is more stable, and the water can flow smoothly through the thermostatic valve core.

[0066] It should be noted that when the movable sleeve 27 of the thermostatic component 2 has moved down to the blocked position, the hot water inlet is cut off. However, if the thermosensitive element 22 continues to expand due to heat at this time (in case of hot or cold water inlet malfunction or abnormality), or if the temperature regulating screw 12 continues to rotate after the hot water is cut off, pushing the sliding member 13 down to push the thermosensitive element 22 (improper operation), such situations are called overload situations. In an overload situation, since the movable sleeve 27 can no longer move down, and the thermosensitive element 22 still has a tendency to move down, and because the thermosensitive element 22 is more fragile than other components, it is easily damaged, especially at the position where the thermosensitive element 22 is fixedly connected to the connecting cylinder 23.

[0067] Under normal operating conditions, the thermostat component 2 will not damage the thermostat component 22 in the cooperation between the thermostat component 2 and other components. However, in the case of overload of the thermostat component 2, it is necessary to consider the protection of the thermostat component 2 under overload conditions.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 10-1 , Figure 10-2 , Figure 13The transmission component 26 is an overload spring, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the connecting cylinder 23. Its upper and lower ends abut against the spring fixing seat 24 and the movable sleeve 27, respectively. When the movable sleeve 24 can no longer move downward, the overload spring provides a compression stroke, allowing the spring fixing seat 24 to continue to move downward, thus preventing the thermal element 22 from being damaged due to the movable sleeve 24's inability to move downward. Furthermore, because the overload spring abuts between the spring fixing seat 24 and the movable sleeve 27, in this situation, the overload spring can only transmit the downward force of the spring fixing seat 24 to the movable sleeve 27, and cannot transmit the upward force of the spring fixing seat 24 to the movable sleeve 27. Therefore, a raised edge 231 is provided extending outward from the lower part of the connecting cylinder 23. This raised edge 231 is located below the movable sleeve 27. When the overload spring cannot transmit the upward force of the spring fixing seat 24 to the movable sleeve 27, the upward force of the raised edge 231 is transmitted to the movable sleeve 27, causing the movable sleeve 27 to move upward. Thus, while maintaining the transmission connection between the thermal element 22 and the movable sleeve 27, overload protection of the thermal element 22 is achieved. Furthermore, the overload spring 26 is also located inside the water-proof inner cavity 35, so the overload spring 26 will not disrupt the water flow and will not accumulate scale.

[0069] In another embodiment, the transmission component 26 is a cylinder, with its upper and lower ends fixedly connected to the spring fixing seat 24 and the movable sleeve 27, respectively, for example, by welding. In this case, the thermal element 22, the connecting cylinder 23, the spring fixing seat 24, and the movable sleeve 27 are fixedly connected as a whole, thus lacking the overload protection function of the thermal element 22 described in the previous embodiment. However, preferably, the temperature regulating component 1 adopts a temperature regulating component as disclosed in patent number CN208417615U: the lower part of the sliding member is a cylinder, and an inverted T-shaped spring rod is provided inside the cylinder. A spring is sleeved on the inverted T-shaped spring rod, and a groove is opened on the lower end face of the inverted T-shaped rod to cooperate and abut against the thermal element 22 of the constant temperature component 2. Using the above-mentioned temperature regulating component 1, when the movable sleeve 27 moves down to the blocked position, the spring of the temperature regulating component 1 can provide a compression stroke for the constant temperature component 2 to move upward, thereby preventing the thermal element 22 from being damaged due to overload.

[0070] The specific structural forms that can be adopted for the movable sleeve 27, valve core housing 32, connecting cylinder 23 and spring fixing seat 24 will be given below.

[0071] Figure 12-1 , Figure 12-2An exemplary structure of the movable sleeve 27 is provided. The movable sleeve 27 includes an outer cylinder 271 and an inner cylinder 272, wherein the inner cylinder 272 and the outer cylinder 271 are connected by several ribs 273. The lower edge of the inner cylinder 272 is higher than the lower edge of the outer cylinder 272, and the upper edge of the inner cylinder 272 is higher than the upper edge of the outer cylinder 271. One end of an overload spring 26 is provided on the upper end face of the inner cylinder 272. The inner cylinder 272 is sealed around the outer periphery of the connecting cylinder 23, and the lower edge of the inner cylinder 272 is located above the protruding edge 231 of the connecting cylinder 23. Under normal operating conditions of the thermostatic valve core, especially when it is necessary to move the movable sleeve 27 upward, the protruding edge 231 of the connecting cylinder 23 abuts against the lower end face of the inner cylinder 272. Under overload conditions of the thermostatic valve core, the protruding edge 231 of the connecting cylinder 23 separates from the lower edge of the inner cylinder 272 and does not abut against each other. The inner surface of the inner cylinder 272 is in close contact with the outer periphery of the connecting cylinder 23. The bearing portion 321 of the valve core housing 32 includes a cylinder 3211, which is sealed and fitted onto the upper part of the outer surface of the inner cylinder 272. At least one second sealing ring 42 is provided at the abutment of the inner cylinder 272 and the connecting cylinder 23, and at least one third sealing ring 43 is provided at the abutment of the inner cylinder 272 and the cylinder 3211, so as to achieve a sealed abutment between the three.

[0072] The outer surface of the outer cylinder 271 of the movable sleeve 27 slidably abuts against the outer wall 323 of the valve core housing 32, thereby controlling the opening degree of the cold water inlet C and the hot water inlet H by sliding up and down. When the outer cylinder 271 is in the middle position between the cold water inlet C and the hot water inlet H, both the cold water inlet C and the hot water inlet H are open, forming a cold water gap C1 and a hot water gap H1 at the cold water inlet C and the hot water inlet H, respectively for the inflow of cold water and hot water. In addition, a groove is provided on the outer periphery of the outer cylinder 271 to provide space for the installation of the sealing ring.

[0073] Figure 5-1 , Figure 5-2 An exemplary structure of the valve core housing 32 is provided. The valve core housing 32 includes an outer wall 323 and a supporting portion 321. The supporting portion 321 includes a cylinder 3211 and a support portion 3212 connecting the outer wall 323 and the cylinder 3211. A cold water inlet C and a hot water inlet H are provided on the outer wall 323 of the valve core housing 32. The hot water inlet H is located below the cold water inlet C, and the support portion 3212 is located above the cold water inlet C. The cylinder 3211 is used to seal the outer surface of the inner cylinder 272 of the movable sleeve 27, and the support portion 3212 abuts against one end of the return spring 25 to support the return spring.

[0074] Figure 10-1 , Figure 10-2An exemplary structure of the connecting cylinder 23 is provided. A raised edge 231 extends outward from the bottom of the connecting cylinder 23, which is used to push the movable sleeve 27 upward. An external thread is machined on the upper part of the connecting cylinder 23 to engage with the internal thread of the spring fixing seat 24. An internal thread is also provided inside the connecting cylinder 23 to engage with the thread on the outer periphery of the thermal element 22, thereby fixing the thermal element 22, the connecting cylinder 32, and the spring fixing seat 24 together. At least one first sealing ring 41 is provided at the fixed connection between the thermal element 22 and the connecting cylinder 23 to seal the connection.

[0075] Figure 11-1 , Figure 11-2 An exemplary structure of the spring retainer 24 is provided. An extension cylinder 241 extends downward from the lower end face of the spring retainer 24, dividing the lower end face of the spring retainer 24 into two parts. The inner lower end face 242 of the inner ring abuts against one end of the overload spring 26, and the outer lower end face 243 of the outer ring abuts against one end of the return spring 25. An internal thread is machined on the inner surface of the spring retainer 24, which is screwed and fixed to the external thread on the upper part of the connecting cylinder 23. Alternatively, when the spring retainer 24 is needed to assist in the left-right positioning of the thermostat assembly 2, the spring retainer 24 can be manufactured larger so that it abuts against the valve core housing 32.

[0076] It is understandable that the integrated design of fixedly connected components, such as the integrated design of the connecting cylinder 23 and the fixed spring seat 24, still falls within the protection scope of this invention.

[0077] The following describes how a preferred embodiment of the present invention works.

[0078] First, the temperature control component 1 is adjusted to the set temperature. Then, water flows from the cold inlet C and / or the hot inlet H into the water passage 34 of the thermostatic valve core, where hot and cold water mix. When the temperature of the hot and / or cold water changes suddenly, or when the water pressure changes suddenly, the temperature of the mixed water changes, and the thermosensitive element 22 expands or contracts accordingly. When the temperature of the mixed water is too high, the thermosensitive element 22 expands. Since its upper end face abuts against the connecting rod 132 of the temperature control component 1, it moves the connecting cylinder 23 and the spring fixing seat 24 downward, compresses the return spring 25, and then moves the movable sleeve 27 downward with the help of the overload spring 26, thereby reducing the opening of the hot inlet H and increasing the opening of the cold inlet C. After the hot water inlet H is completely closed, if the movable sleeve 27 can no longer move down due to improper operation and / or inlet abnormality, while the thermal element 22 still tends to move down, the overload spring 26 can provide a compression stroke for the spring fixing seat 24 to continue moving down, thereby avoiding the possibility of damage to the thermal element 22. When the mixed water temperature is too low, the thermal element 22 shrinks. Since the return spring 25 is always in a compressed state, the return spring 25 will provide a restoring force to push the spring fixing seat 24, and push the movable sleeve 27 up with the help of the protrusion 231 of the connecting cylinder 23, thereby increasing the opening degree of the hot water inlet H and decreasing the opening degree of the cold water inlet C.

[0079] Throughout the entire operation of the thermostatic valve core, water will not flow through the return spring 25, nor will it come into contact with the overload spring 26. This effectively prevents scale from accumulating on the return spring 25, and results in low water flow resistance and stable water flow. Furthermore, the overload spring 26 provides the invention with the function of preventing damage to the thermal element 22 due to overload during use.

[0080] It should be understood that all the above preferred embodiments are exemplary and not restrictive, and various modifications or variations made by those skilled in the art to the specific embodiments described above under the concept of the present invention should be within the legal protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core, characterized in that... include: Valve core housing (3), the valve core housing (3) has an inner cavity, the valve core housing (3) has a cold water inlet C, a hot water inlet H and a mixed water outlet M; Temperature control component (1), the temperature control component (1) is used to control the temperature of the mixed water; Thermostatic component (2) is used to maintain the temperature of mixed water constant. Thermostatic component (2) includes at least a thermosensitive element (22), a movable sleeve (27), and a transmission component (20) for transmitting the thermosensitive element (22) and the movable sleeve (27). The movable sleeve (27) can slide up and down with the thermal expansion and contraction of the thermosensitive element (22), thereby adjusting the opening of the cold water inlet C and the hot water inlet H, thereby adjusting the flow rate of cold water flowing in from the cold water inlet C and / or hot water flowing in from the hot water inlet H. The movable sleeve (27) has an outer cylinder (271) and an inner cylinder (272). The transmission assembly (20) includes a connecting cylinder (23). The outer cylinder (271) of the movable sleeve (27) abuts against the wall between the cold water inlet C and the hot water inlet H. The inner cylinder (272) of the movable sleeve (27) is fixedly and sealed on the outer periphery of the connecting cylinder (23), and the outer surface of the inner cylinder (272) is sealed against the valve core housing (3). The thermal element (22) is at least partially sealed. The valve core housing (3) is sealed and fixed inside the connecting cylinder (23) and abuts against the temperature control component (1) inside the connecting cylinder (23), thereby forming a water-proof part (351) mainly composed of the thermosensitive element (22), the connecting cylinder (23), the movable sleeve (27) and the valve core housing (3) sealing each other. The water-proof part (351) divides the inner cavity of the valve core housing (3) into a water-flowing inner cavity (34) and a water-proof inner cavity (35). The water-flowing inner cavity (34) is used for water supply, and the water-proof inner cavity (35) is isolated from water. It also includes at least one reset spring (25), which is set in the water-proof inner cavity (35) in a compressed state. One end of the reset spring (25) abuts against the transmission assembly (20), and the other end abuts against the valve core housing (3), so that the connecting cylinder (23) of the transmission assembly (20) drives the thermal element (22) to always abut against the temperature control assembly (1).

2. The anti-scaling thermostatic valve core as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The valve core housing (3) extends inward and is provided with a support part (321) for abutting against one end of the return spring (25). The inner surface of the support part (321) is sealed against the inner cylinder (272) of the movable sleeve (27). The support part (321), the inner cylinder (272) of the movable sleeve (27), the connecting cylinder (23), and the thermal element (22) form a water-proof part (351) that divides the inner cavity of the valve core housing (3) into a water-proof inner cavity (35) and a water-flowing inner cavity (34).

3. The anti-scaling thermostatic valve core as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The temperature regulating component (1) has a pusher (13), and the transmission component (20) mainly includes a connecting cylinder (23), a spring fixing seat (24), and a transmission component (26). The pusher (13) is used to abut against the thermosensitive element (22). The connecting cylinder (23) is fixedly and sealed around the outer periphery of the thermosensitive element (22). The upper part of the connecting cylinder (23) is fixedly connected to the spring fixing seat (24). The movable sleeve (27) is sealed around the outer periphery of the connecting cylinder (23) below the spring fixing seat (24). The lower end of the spring fixing seat (24) abuts against one end of the reset spring (25). The transmission member (26) is disposed between the spring fixing seat (24) and the movable sleeve (27). One end of the transmission member (26) abuts against the spring fixing seat (24), and the other end abuts against the movable sleeve (27). A protruding edge (231) extends outward from the bottom of the connecting cylinder (23). The protruding edge (231) is located below the inner cylinder (272) of the movable sleeve (27) and is used to push the movable sleeve (27) upward.

4. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The temperature control component (1) has a pusher (13), and the transmission component (20) mainly includes a connecting cylinder (23), a spring fixing seat (24), and a transmission component (26). The pusher (13) is used to abut against the thermosensitive element (22). The connecting cylinder (23) is fixedly and sealed on the outer periphery of the thermosensitive element (22). The upper part of the connecting cylinder (23) is fixedly connected to the spring fixing seat (24). The movable sleeve (27) is sealed on the outer periphery of the connecting cylinder (23) below the spring fixing seat (24). The lower end of the spring fixing seat (24) abuts against one end of the reset spring (25). The transmission component (26) is disposed between the spring fixing seat (24) and the movable sleeve (27). One end of the transmission component (26) is fixed to the spring fixing seat (24), and the other end is fixed to the movable sleeve (27).

5. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in claim 3, Its features are: The transmission component (26) is an overload spring, so that when the movable sleeve (27) can no longer move downward, the overload spring can provide a compression stroke for the spring fixing seat (24) to continue to move downward, so that the thermal element (22) will not be damaged because the movable sleeve (27) cannot continue to move downward.

6. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The valve core housing (3) includes a valve core upper seat (31), a valve core housing (32) and a valve core base (33), wherein the upper part of the valve core housing (32) is provided with an external thread that is screwed and fixed to the corresponding internal thread of the valve core upper seat (31), and the lower part of the valve core housing (32) is provided with an internal thread that is screwed and fixed to the corresponding external thread of the valve core base (33).

7. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in claim 6, characterized in that: At least one fourth sealing ring (44) is provided at the fixed connection between the valve core housing (32) and the valve core upper seat (31), and at least one sealing element (28) is provided at the fixed connection between the valve core housing (32) and the valve core base (33).

8. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The sealing element (28) is a sealing gasket. The sealing gasket can not only seal the fixed connection between the valve core housing (32) and the valve core base, but its upper end face can also abut against the movable sleeve (27).

9. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that: The movable sleeve (27) includes an outer cylinder (271) and an inner cylinder (272), and the outer cylinder (271) and the inner cylinder (272) are connected by a plurality of ribs (273), wherein the lower edge of the inner cylinder (272) is higher than the lower edge of the outer cylinder (271).

10. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The bottom of the connecting cylinder (23) extends outward with a raised edge (231) to push the movable sleeve (27) upward. An external thread is machined on the upper part of the connecting cylinder (23) to engage with the internal thread of the spring fixing seat (24). An internal thread is provided inside the connecting cylinder (23) to engage with the thread on the outer periphery of the thermal element (22), thereby fixing the thermal element (22), the connecting cylinder (23) and the spring fixing seat (24) to each other.

11. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in claim 9, characterized in that: An extension tube (241) extends downward from the lower end of the spring fixing seat (24). The extension tube (241) divides the lower end of the spring fixing seat (24) into two parts. The inner lower end face (242) of the inner ring abuts against one end of the overload spring (26), and the outer lower end face (243) of the outer ring abuts against one end of the reset spring (25).

12. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in any one of claims 6-7, characterized in that: The movable sleeve (27) includes an outer cylinder (271) and an inner cylinder (272), and the outer cylinder (271) and the inner cylinder (272) are connected by a plurality of ribs (273), wherein the lower edge of the inner cylinder (272) is higher than the lower edge of the outer cylinder (271).

13. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in claim 12, characterized in that: The outer wall (323) of the valve core housing (32) is provided with a cold water inlet C and a hot water inlet H, which are respectively supplied with cold water and hot water. The valve core housing (32) extends inward to provide a support part (321), which includes a cylinder (3211). The cylinder (3211) is in close contact with the inner cylinder (272) of the movable sleeve (27).

14. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in claim 12, characterized in that: The temperature control assembly (1) mainly includes a retaining ring (11), a temperature control screw (12), and a pusher (13). The lower part of the temperature control screw (12) is machined with an external thread, which cooperates with the internal thread of the upper part of the pusher (13) to form a liftable screw transmission structure. The middle part of the temperature control screw (12) has a retaining edge (121). The upper part of the temperature control screw (12) extends out of the inner cavity of the valve core seat (31) until its retaining edge (121) is engaged with the valve core seat (31). A retaining ring (11) is installed on the upper part of the temperature control screw (12). Finally, under the combined action of the retaining edge (121) and the retaining ring (11), the temperature control screw (12) is rotatably fixed on the valve core seat (31).

15. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in any one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that: The temperature control assembly (1) mainly includes a retaining ring (11), a temperature control screw (12), and a pusher (13). The lower part of the temperature control screw (12) is machined with an external thread, which cooperates with the internal thread of the upper part of the pusher (13) to form a liftable screw transmission structure. The middle part of the temperature control screw (12) has a retaining edge (121). The upper part of the temperature control screw (12) extends out of the inner cavity of the valve core seat (31) until its retaining edge (121) is engaged with the valve core seat (31). A retaining ring (11) is installed on the upper part of the temperature control screw (12). Finally, under the combined action of the retaining edge (121) and the retaining ring (11), the temperature control screw (12) is rotatably fixed on the valve core seat (31).

16. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in claim 15, characterized in that: The pusher (13) is a sliding sleeve. The upper part of the sliding sleeve has an internal thread that is driven and engaged with the external thread of the temperature regulating screw (12). Several anti-rotation posts (131) are provided on the outer periphery of the upper part of the sliding sleeve and are engaged with several slots (311) in the upper seat of the valve core (31) to prevent the sliding sleeve from rotating. The lower part has a connecting rod 132 that passes through the inner cavity of the connecting cylinder (23). The bottom end face of the connecting rod 132 abuts against the upper end face of the thermal element (22).

17. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in any one of claims 1, 2, and 8, characterized in that: The movable sleeve (27) includes an outer cylinder (271) and an inner cylinder (272), and the outer cylinder (271) and the inner cylinder (272) are connected by a plurality of ribs (273), wherein the lower edge of the inner cylinder (272) is higher than the lower edge of the outer cylinder (271).

18. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that: At least one first sealing ring (41) is provided at the fixed connection between the thermal element (22) and the connecting cylinder (23), at least one second sealing ring (42) is provided at the abutment between the connecting cylinder (23) and the movable sleeve (27), and at least one third sealing ring (43) is provided at the tight abutment between the inner cylinder (272) of the movable sleeve (27) and the cylinder (3211) of the valve core housing (32).

19. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in claim 12, characterized in that: At least one first sealing ring (41) is provided at the fixed connection between the thermal element (22) and the connecting cylinder (23), at least one second sealing ring (42) is provided at the abutment between the connecting cylinder (23) and the movable sleeve (27), and at least one third sealing ring (43) is provided at the tight abutment between the inner cylinder (272) of the movable sleeve (27) and the cylinder (3211) of the valve core housing (32).

20. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in claim 13, characterized in that: At least one first sealing ring (41) is provided at the fixed connection between the thermal element (22) and the connecting cylinder (23), at least one second sealing ring (42) is provided at the abutment between the connecting cylinder (23) and the movable sleeve (27), and at least one third sealing ring (43) is provided at the tight abutment between the inner cylinder (272) of the movable sleeve (27) and the cylinder (3211) of the valve core housing (32).

21. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in claim 14, characterized in that: At least one first sealing ring (41) is provided at the fixed connection between the thermal element (22) and the connecting cylinder (23), at least one second sealing ring (42) is provided at the abutment between the connecting cylinder (23) and the movable sleeve (27), and at least one third sealing ring (43) is provided at the tight abutment between the inner cylinder (272) of the movable sleeve (27) and the cylinder (3211) of the valve core housing (32).

22. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in claim 15, characterized in that: At least one first sealing ring (41) is provided at the fixed connection between the thermal element (22) and the connecting cylinder (23), at least one second sealing ring (42) is provided at the abutment between the connecting cylinder (23) and the movable sleeve (27), and at least one third sealing ring (43) is provided at the tight abutment between the inner cylinder (272) of the movable sleeve (27) and the cylinder (3211) of the valve core housing (32).

23. A scale-resistant thermostatic valve core as described in claim 16, characterized in that: At least one first sealing ring (41) is provided at the fixed connection between the thermal element (22) and the connecting cylinder (23), at least one second sealing ring (42) is provided at the abutment between the connecting cylinder (23) and the movable sleeve (27), and at least one third sealing ring (43) is provided at the tight abutment between the inner cylinder (272) of the movable sleeve (27) and the cylinder (3211) of the valve core housing (32).

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