A thermostatic cartridge and shower

Abstract

The application discloses a thermostatic valve core and a shower, and the thermostatic valve core comprises a valve body provided with a mixed water cavity, a cold water inlet channel, a hot water inlet channel and an outlet channel; a second branch channel in the cold water inlet channel is provided with a first water passing opening directly connected with the mixed water cavity; a thermostatic assembly is suitable for adjusting the flow of the cold water and the hot water to the mixed water cavity according to the water temperature change in the mixed water cavity; and a water inlet control assembly, wherein an adjusting part is suitable for reciprocally sliding along the valve body in the opposite direction of the water inlet direction of the first water passing opening, and opening or closing the first water passing opening through a blocking surface; a temperature sensing part is expanded to push the adjusting part to slide and open the first water passing opening when the water temperature in the cold water inlet channel is increased, and is contracted when the water temperature is decreased; and an elastic part is suitable for being contracted to store elastic potential energy when the temperature sensing part is expanded under the action of the adjusting part, and releasing the stored elastic potential energy to push the adjusting part to slide and close the first water passing opening when the temperature sensing part is contracted; the thermostatic valve core can make the gas water heater normally used in any season.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermostatic valve core technology, specifically to a thermostatic valve core and a shower. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in order to keep the water temperature constant, showers are generally equipped with thermostatic valve cores. The thermostatic valve cores have built-in temperature sensing components that can adjust the flow rate of incoming cold and hot water, so that the mixed water is always kept within an appropriate range.

[0003] In winter, the cold water inlet temperature of a gas water heater is low, ensuring that the hot water output is within a suitable range. The flow rate of hot water entering the thermostatic valve is also within a suitable range, so the cold water inlet flow rate and the outlet temperature of the thermostatic valve remain unaffected. However, in summer, the cold water inlet temperature is higher, resulting in higher-temperature hot water entering the thermostatic valve. This causes the thermostatic valve to reduce the hot water inlet flow rate, which in turn reduces the cold water inlet flow rate. A gas water heater only starts operating when the cold water inlet flow rate or water pressure exceeds a certain threshold. If the cold water inlet flow rate is too low, the gas water heater may fail to operate or shut off, preventing normal use. Alternatively, the high output temperature of the hot water may trigger the gas's maximum temperature limit, also causing the gas water heater to malfunction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects or problems in the prior art and to provide a thermostatic valve core and a shower, which can enable the gas water heater to be used normally in any season.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A thermostatic valve core includes: a valve body having a mixing chamber, and a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and an outlet communicating with the mixing chamber; the cold water inlet includes a first branch and a second branch, the second branch having a first inlet directly communicating with the mixing chamber; a thermostatic component disposed within the valve body and adapted to adjust the flow rates of the cold water inlet and hot water inlet to the mixing chamber according to changes in water temperature within the mixing chamber; and an inlet control component disposed within the valve body and including a temperature sensing part, an elastic part, and an adjusting part; the adjusting part is adapted to flow along the first inlet... The water inlet direction slides back and forth relative to the valve body, and it is provided with a sealing surface facing the first water outlet. The sealing surface is adapted to block the first water outlet to cut off the water path connection from the water inlet end of the second branch to the mixing chamber. The temperature sensing part is adapted to expand when the water temperature in the cold water inlet path rises to push the regulating part away from the first water outlet, and to contract when the water temperature drops. The elastic part is adapted to contract under the action of the regulating part when the temperature sensing part expands to store elastic potential energy, and to release its stored elastic potential energy when the temperature sensing part contracts to push the regulating part closer to the first water outlet.

[0007] Furthermore, the valve body is provided with a first water inlet, a second water outlet, and a water inlet hole; the first water inlet is connected to the first water outlet to form the second branch, and is adapted to switch the connection state through the water inlet control component, and the first water inlet and the second water outlet are always connected; the second water outlet is connected to the water inlet hole, the water inlet hole is connected to the mixing chamber, and the water inlet hole forms the first branch.

[0008] Furthermore, the water-passing area of ​​the second branch decreases after the first water inlet along the water-passing direction.

[0009] Furthermore, the first water inlet is located at the bottom of the valve body; the second water outlet and water inlet hole are located on the side of the valve body, and the water inlet hole is located above the second water outlet.

[0010] Furthermore, the water inlet control assembly includes a temperature-sensing spring, a return spring, a sliding rod, a snap-fit ​​piece, and a sealing block; the temperature-sensing spring forms the temperature-sensing part, the return spring forms the elastic part, and the sliding rod is fixedly connected to the snap-fit ​​piece and the sealing block to form the adjusting part; the sliding rod slides along the water flow direction of the first water inlet on the valve body, with one end near the first water inlet fixedly connected to the sealing block, and the other end away from the first water inlet snap-fitted and fixed to the snap-fit ​​piece to form a flange protruding from the side wall of the sliding rod; one end of the temperature-sensing spring abuts against the valve body, and the other end abuts against the flange; one end of the return spring abuts against the valve body, and the other end abuts against the side of the sealing block away from the first water inlet; the sealing surface is formed on the side surface of the sealing block facing the first water inlet.

[0011] Furthermore, the end of the sliding rod away from the first water outlet is recessed with a snap-fit ​​groove; the snap-fit ​​piece is adapted to be sleeved on the outside of the sliding rod and inserted into the snap-fit ​​groove to engage with the sliding rod.

[0012] Furthermore, the thermostatic component includes a push spring and a temperature sensing bulb and a piston fixedly connected to each other; the piston cooperates with the valve body to form a cold water passage gap and a hot water passage gap arranged axially in the valve body, the cold water passage gap being adapted to communicate with the second water outlet, and the hot water passage gap being adapted to communicate with the outlet end of the hot water inlet; the temperature sensing bulb is adapted to expand or contract according to the water temperature change in the mixing chamber and drive the piston to move axially along the valve body by abutting against the valve body to adjust the water passage area of ​​the cold water passage gap and the hot water passage gap; the push spring is placed between the temperature sensing bulb and the valve body to apply a force to the temperature sensing bulb to push the piston to move in the direction of increasing the water passage area of ​​the hot water passage gap.

[0013] Furthermore, the thermostatic assembly also includes a valve stem, an adjusting bolt, a safety spring, and a top cap; the valve stem is screwed to the adjusting bolt and protrudes outside the valve body for operation; the adjusting bolt is circumferentially fitted with the valve body and is adapted to be driven by the valve stem to move axially along the valve body; the safety spring is placed between the adjusting bolt and the top cap, and the temperature sensing bulb abuts against the valve body by abutting against the top cap.

[0014] Furthermore, the valve body includes a valve seat, a top cover, and an adjusting base; the valve seat and the top cover are fixedly connected to form the mounting chamber of the thermostatic component; the valve seat is provided with a first water inlet, a first water outlet, a second water outlet, and a water inlet hole; the adjusting base is fixed to the valve seat and located between the first water inlet and the first water outlet; the adjusting part passes through the adjusting base to form a sliding fit with the valve body, and the temperature sensing part and the elastic part respectively abut against the adjusting base to apply a force to the adjusting part to drive it to slide relative to the valve body.

[0015] In addition, the present invention also provides a shower, including a shower body and a thermostatic valve core as described in any of the above claims; the shower body is adapted to receive cold water inlet and hot water inlet and input them into the thermostatic valve core before outputting mixed water; the cold water inlet of the thermostatic valve core is connected to the water inlet of the shower body receiving cold water, its hot water inlet is connected to the water inlet of the shower body receiving hot water, and its outlet is connected to the water inlet of the shower body outputting mixed water.

[0016] As can be seen from the above description of the present invention, compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. Cold water enters the mixing chamber through the cold water inlet, and hot water enters through the hot water inlet. The cold and hot water mix in the mixing chamber to form warm water, which is then output from the outlet. The thermostatic component ensures that the temperature of the output water remains within an appropriate range. The cold water inlet includes a first branch and a second branch, both of which can be connected to cold water. The second branch has a first inlet, and an inlet control component is located within the valve body. The temperature sensor in the inlet control component drives the regulating unit to move and open the first inlet when the water temperature rises. At this time, cold water can directly enter the mixing chamber through the first inlet. Since the cold water no longer needs to pass through the first branch, it can directly cool the water flow in the mixing chamber, and the hot water flow can be increased accordingly. This effectively prevents the gas water heater from becoming unusable due to excessively high cold water temperature. When the cold water temperature is low, the elastic part will... The drive adjustment unit moves and closes the first water inlet. At this time, the flow of cold water supplemented from the second branch is cut off, and the flow of cold water entering the mixing chamber from the first branch is sufficient for the gas water heater to operate normally. The thermostatic valve core integrates an inlet control component into the valve body, allowing the thermostatic valve core to automatically control whether to supplement the flow of cold water according to the cold water temperature. Users do not need to manually switch. Furthermore, adjusting the flow according to the cold water temperature also allows the thermostatic valve core to better match the inlet flow with the outlet water temperature when the water temperature changes. Therefore, users can get a more consistent user experience in summer when the cold water temperature is high and in winter when the cold water temperature is low, effectively improving user satisfaction and comfort. In addition, the thermostatic component can also effectively improve the safety of the thermostatic valve core. When the mixing water temperature suddenly rises or falls, it can quickly adjust the flow of cold and hot water to prevent users from being scalded or stimulated by cold water.

[0018] 2. Cold water enters the valve body only through the first inlet. Therefore, the valve body only needs one cold water inlet. When the cold water temperature is low, the cold water goes from the first inlet to the second outlet and then through the inlet hole into the mixing chamber. When the water temperature is high, the cold water can reach the inlet hole through the second outlet or directly through the first outlet to the mixing chamber. Therefore, the flow rate of cold water is larger, which has a better effect on reducing the water temperature in the mixing chamber.

[0019] 3. The water flow area of ​​the second branch is reduced after the first water outlet, which can increase the flow velocity of the water ejected from the second branch and further increase the cold water flow rate.

[0020] 4. The first water inlet is located at the bottom of the valve body, and the second water outlet and water inlet are located at the bottom of the valve body. This facilitates the division of cold water into two independent water paths. When the first water outlet is closed, the water flows into the mixing chamber through the first water inlet, the second water outlet, and the water inlet. When the first water outlet is open, the water flows into the mixing chamber not only through the water inlet but also directly through the first water outlet, resulting in a larger flow rate into the mixing chamber.

[0021] 5. In the water inlet control assembly, the temperature-sensing spring can change its elongation according to the water temperature in the cold water inlet. When the water temperature rises, the temperature-sensing spring elongates, pushing the adjustment part to open the first water outlet, while simultaneously causing the return spring to contract. When the water temperature drops, the temperature-sensing spring contracts, and the return spring applies force to the adjustment part, causing the adjustment part to block the first water outlet. In addition, the temperature-sensing spring can be first fitted onto the sliding rod, and then the snap-fit ​​piece can be fixed to the sliding rod to form a flange that restricts the temperature-sensing spring from coming out, which can facilitate the installation of the temperature-sensing spring. The sealing block can be fixed to the end of the sliding rod to facilitate the sealing of the first water outlet.

[0022] 6. The sliding rod is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove. After the snap-fit ​​piece is inserted into the sliding rod, it snaps into the snap-fit ​​groove, so that the snap-fit ​​piece can be fixed on the sliding rod and will not fall off. During installation, simply insert the sliding rod into the snap-fit ​​piece, and then insert the snap-fit ​​piece into the snap-fit ​​groove from the side to achieve the purpose of quick assembly.

[0023] 7. In the thermostatic component, the temperature sensing bulb can push the piston down when the temperature of the mixing chamber rises, thereby reducing the amount of hot water entering the chamber. When the temperature of the mixing chamber drops, the push spring will push the piston up, thereby increasing the amount of hot water entering the chamber.

[0024] 8. The valve stem can be operated by the user to adjust the outlet water temperature of the thermostatic valve core. When the valve stem is rotated, the adjusting bolt will move up and down. The adjusting bolt is used to push the safety spring and the top cap to move. The top cap can push the temperature sensing bulb to move, and the temperature sensing bulb can push the piston to move, thereby adjusting the area of ​​the hot water inlet gap and the cold water inlet gap to be too small. The safety spring can prevent the temperature sensing bulb from being damaged due to excessive force at both ends when it deforms due to temperature.

[0025] 9. In the valve body, the valve seat and the top cover cooperate to form an installation chamber for installing the thermostatic component. The adjusting base is installed in the second branch. The adjusting part can pass through the adjusting base to achieve a sliding fit with the valve body. At the same time, the temperature sensing part and the elastic part can also abut against the adjusting base, so that the two ends of the temperature sensing part and the elastic part act on the valve body and the adjusting part respectively.

[0026] 10. A shower unit is also provided, which can be used in a gas water heater. Its built-in thermostatic valve core integrates a water inlet control component in the valve body, so that the thermostatic valve core can automatically control whether to supplement the flow of cold water inlet according to the cold water temperature. The user does not need to manually switch it. Furthermore, adjusting the flow according to the cold water temperature can also enable the thermostatic valve core to better match the inlet water flow with the outlet water temperature when the water temperature changes. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments are briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 An exploded view of an embodiment of a thermostatic valve core provided by the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the thermostatic valve core Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the thermostatic valve core Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of the structure of section A;

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Assembly diagram of the inlet water control component and the adjustment base.

[0033] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0034] Valve seat 11; top cover 12; adjusting base 13; abutment part 131; sliding joint hole 132; first filter screen 14; second filter screen 15; filter base 16; temperature sensing bulb 21; piston 22; push spring 23; top cap 24; safety spring 25; adjusting bolt 26; valve stem 27; sealing block 31; sliding rod 32; reset spring 33; temperature sensing spring 34; first snap-fit ​​piece 35; second snap-fit ​​piece 36; first snap ring 41; wear-resistant piece 42; first sealing ring 43; second sealing ring 44; second snap ring 45; third sealing ring 46; fourth sealing ring 47; fifth sealing ring 48; water inlet hole 51; first water outlet 52; second water outlet 53; first water inlet 54; water outlet 55; hot water inlet 56; hot water inlet path 57; cold water inlet gap 61; hot water inlet gap 62; water inlet chamber 63; mixing chamber 64. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as excluding other embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the use of terms such as "first," "second," or "third" in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention is for distinguishing different objects and not for describing a specific order.

[0037] Unless otherwise expressly defined, in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention, the use of directional terms such as "center," "lateral," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the specific scope of protection of this invention.

[0038] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" used in the claims, description and drawings of this invention should be interpreted broadly to refer to any connection in which there is no displacement or relative rotation relationship between the two parties, including non-removable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection and fixed connection by other means or components.

[0039] In the claims, description and accompanying drawings of this invention, the terms "comprising," "having," and variations thereof are used to mean "including but not limited to."

[0040] Reference Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 1 An exploded view of an embodiment of a thermostatic valve core provided by the present invention is shown. The thermostatic valve core mainly includes a valve body, a thermostatic component, and a water inlet control component. The thermostatic valve core is particularly suitable for adjusting the outlet water temperature of gas water heaters.

[0041] Gas water heaters heat cold water in real time to produce hot water. Due to their characteristics, gas water heaters have specific requirements for the cold water inlet flow rate, which is limited by the hot water output flow rate. When the hot water output flow rate is low, the cold water inlet flow rate is also low, potentially causing the gas water heater to malfunction. The hot water output flow rate is also limited by the outlet temperature of the thermostatic valve core, as well as the flow rate and temperature of the cold water entering the valve core. When the outlet temperature of the thermostatic valve core remains relatively constant, if the temperature of the cold water entering the valve core increases, the thermostatic component inside the valve core will reduce the flow rate of hot water entering the valve core, potentially leading to the aforementioned problem of the gas water heater malfunctioning. Therefore, in summer, when the cold water inlet temperature of the thermostatic valve core rises, it is necessary to increase the cold water inlet flow rate. More cold water within the same time frame helps maintain the hot water flow rate within an appropriate range, ensuring the normal operation of the gas water heater.

[0042] In this embodiment, when the thermostatic valve core is applied to a gas water heater, it can appropriately adjust the cold water inlet flow rate according to the cold water inlet temperature, thereby ensuring the stability of the hot water outlet flow rate of the gas water heater.

[0043] The thermostatic valve core has a mixing chamber 64 and a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet 57 and an outlet connected to the mixing chamber 64. The cold water inlet includes a first branch and a second branch. The second branch has a first water outlet 52 that is directly connected to the mixing chamber 64.

[0044] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 The valve body is provided with a first inlet 54, a second outlet 53, and an inlet hole 51. The first inlet 54 is connected to the first outlet 52 to form a second branch, and is adapted to switch the connection state through the water inlet control component. The first inlet 54 and the second outlet 53 are always connected. The second outlet 53 is connected to the inlet hole 51, and the inlet hole 51 is connected to the mixing chamber 64. The inlet hole 51 forms the first branch. The first inlet 54 is located at the bottom of the valve body, and the second outlet 53 and the inlet hole 51 are located on the side of the valve body, with the inlet hole 51 located above the second outlet 53.

[0045] The valve body mainly includes a valve seat 11, an upper cover 12, and an adjusting base 13, as well as several snap rings and sealing rings. The valve seat 11 is fixedly connected to the upper cover 12 to form an installation chamber for the installation of the thermostatic component. The valve seat 11 is provided with the aforementioned first water inlet 54, first water outlet 52, second water outlet 53, and water inlet hole 51. The adjusting base 13 is fixed to the valve seat 11 and located between the first water inlet 54 and the first water outlet 52.

[0046] Specifically, refer to Figures 2 to 5The valve body is roughly a rotating body, so it has an axial direction. In this embodiment, the axial direction is the first direction. With the thermostatic valve core standing upright as the reference, the valve body has a top, a bottom and a side. The valve seat 11 is located at the bottom of the thermostatic valve core, and the upper cover 12 sits on the valve seat 11 and is fixed together by screw connection. An installation chamber is formed between the valve seat 11 and the upper cover 12. This installation chamber can be used as the installation space for the thermostatic component. At the same time, the installation chamber can be divided into a water inlet chamber 63 and a water mixing chamber 64. The water inlet chamber 63 is used to receive cold water, and the water mixing chamber 64 is used to mix the cold water and hot water and output them to the outlet of the valve body.

[0047] A first inlet 54, an outlet 55, and a hot water inlet 56 are provided at the bottom of the valve seat 11. A second water passage 53 and an inlet hole 51 are provided on the side of the valve seat 11. A first water passage 52 is provided inside the valve seat 11 and is directly connected to the mixing chamber 64. The inlet hole 51 extends perpendicularly to the axial direction to form a first branch. The second water passage 53 is directly connected to the inlet hole 51 through an external water passage. For example, when the thermostatic valve core is installed in the shower, the second water passage 53 can be connected to the inlet hole 51 through the external water passage formed by the shower housing and the thermostatic valve core. A second branch extends upward from the first inlet 54 along the axial direction of the valve seat 11. A first water passage 52 is provided at the top of the second branch. The water passage direction of the first water passage 52 is generally slightly inclined to the axial direction towards the mixing chamber 64. In this embodiment, only the first inlet 54 is connected to the cold water inlet. The cold water passes through the second outlet 53 in the second branch and then through the external water passage to connect with the inlet hole 51. A first filter screen 14 is arranged around the inlet hole 51, and a second filter screen 15 is arranged around the second outlet 53. A filter base 16 is arranged at the first inlet 54 and the hot water inlet 56. Both the filter screen and the filter base 16 are used to filter impurities that may be present in the inlet water. A fifth sealing ring 48 is also fitted over the valve seat 11 to form a sealed fit with the external shower body, etc.

[0048] In this process, the water flow area of ​​the second branch gradually decreases after the first water inlet 52 along the water flow direction. The reduced water flow area can increase the flow velocity of cold water when it enters the mixing chamber 64 from the first water inlet 52, forming a jet. The jet can quickly mix with the hot water, making the water temperature distribution in the mixing chamber 64 uniform. It should be noted that the water flow area of ​​the second branch gradually decreases after the first water outlet 52. This is because, in this embodiment, an inclined water flow channel connecting the second branch and the mixing chamber is provided on the valve seat 11. The inlet end of the water flow channel is connected to the first inlet 54 to form the aforementioned first water outlet 52. The outlet end of the water flow channel is connected to the mixing chamber 64. The channel wall of the water flow channel is not completely parallel from the inlet end to the outlet end, but rather gradually approaches each other from the inlet end to the outlet end, which can be roughly regarded as forming a cone shape. At the same time, the water flow channel is also part of the second branch. Therefore, it can be regarded that the water flow area of ​​the second branch decreases after the first water outlet 52. This situation will increase the water flow velocity and effectively improve the mixing effect of hot and cold water.

[0049] A hot water inlet 56 located at the bottom of the valve seat 11 extends upward along the axial direction of the valve seat 11 to form a hot water inlet passage 57. The hot water inlet passage 57 is connected to the installation chamber, and under the action of the thermostatic component, the hot water inlet passage 57 is connected to the mixing chamber 64. The outlet 55 is located in the middle of the valve seat 11 and extends upward to the position of the mixing chamber 64 to form an outlet passage.

[0050] The top cover 12 is fixed to the valve seat 11 by a threaded connection and forms a sealing fit with the valve seat 11 by the fourth sealing ring 47. A through hole is provided in the middle along the axial direction, which is used to allow part of the thermostatic component to extend out for user operation.

[0051] The adjusting base 13 is fixedly installed inside the valve seat 11 and located within the second branch. Its upper end is abutted by the stepped structure bent on the valve seat 11, and its lower end is abutted by the filter base 16, thus being restricted and fixed inside the valve seat 11.

[0052] The thermostatic assembly includes a push spring 23, a temperature sensor 21, a piston 22, a valve stem 27, an adjusting bolt 26, a safety spring 25, and a top cap 24. The temperature sensor 21 and the piston 22 are fixedly connected to each other. The piston 22 cooperates with the valve body to form a cold water passage gap and a hot water passage gap arranged axially along the valve body. The cold water passage gap is adapted to communicate with the inlet hole 51, and the hot water passage gap is adapted to communicate with the outlet end of the hot water inlet passage 57. The temperature sensor 21 is adapted to expand or contract according to the water temperature change in the mixing chamber 64 and drive the piston 22 to move axially along the valve body by abutting against the valve body. Adjust the flow area of ​​the cold water flow gap and the hot water flow gap, push the spring 23 between the temperature sensing bulb 21 and the valve body to apply a force to the temperature sensing bulb 21 to push the piston 22 to move in the direction of increasing the flow area of ​​the hot water flow gap; the valve stem 27 is screwed to the adjusting bolt 26 and protrudes outside the valve body for operation, the adjusting bolt 26 is matched with the valve body in the circumferential direction of the valve body and is adapted to be driven by the valve stem 27 to move along the valve body axially, the safety spring 25 is placed between the adjusting bolt 26 and the top cap 24, and the temperature sensing bulb 21 abuts against the valve body by abutting against the top cap 24.

[0053] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The valve stem 27 extends to the top of the upper cover 12 and forms a rotatable connection with the upper cover 12 through the first retaining spring 41 and the wear-resistant plate 42. Simultaneously, it forms a sealing fit with the wall of the through hole on the upper cover 12 through the first sealing ring 43 and the second sealing ring 44. The portion of the valve stem 27 extending into the upper cover 12 forms a screw-fit fit with the adjusting bolt 26 located inside the upper cover 12. Furthermore, the adjusting bolt 26 also has a circumferential upper limit fit with the interior of the upper cover 12. Therefore, when the valve stem 27 is rotated, the adjusting bolt 26 can only move axially within the valve body and cannot rotate. A safety spring 25 is installed inside the adjusting bolt 26. One end of the safety spring 25 rests against the top inner side of the adjusting bolt 26, and the other end rests against the top cap 24. A second retaining spring 45 is installed between the top cap 24 and the adjusting bolt 26, which restricts the axial movement of the top cap 24 within the valve body.

[0054] The top of the temperature sensing bulb 21 rests against the bottom of the top cap 24. The temperature sensing bulb 21 extends into the mixing chamber 64 and the outlet water passage, and can expand or contract according to the water temperature in the mixing chamber 64. A piston 22 is fixedly connected to the temperature sensing bulb 21, and the piston 22 and the valve body form a sealed fit through the third sealing ring 46. An inlet chamber 63 is formed above the piston 22, and a mixing chamber 64 is formed below the piston 22. The inlet hole 51 communicates with the inlet chamber 63 through a cold water passage gap, and the hot water inlet passage 57 communicates with the mixing chamber 64 through a hot water passage gap. The piston 22 has through holes connecting the inlet chamber 63 and the mixing chamber 64, allowing cold water to enter the mixing chamber 64 through these through holes, mix with the hot water to form warm water, and then exit from the outlet water passage. A push spring 23 is fitted below the temperature sensing bulb 21, with one end abutting against the valve seat 11 and the other end abutting against the temperature sensing bulb 21.

[0055] When the water temperature rises, the temperature sensing bulb 21 expands, the piston 22 moves downward, the cold water gap widens, the hot water gap narrows, and the spring 23 contracts to store energy; when the water temperature drops, the temperature sensing bulb 21 contracts, which pushes the spring 23 to push the temperature sensing bulb 21 upward, and the piston 22 moves upward accordingly, the cold water gap narrows, and the hot water gap widens.

[0056] Among them, piston 22 is roughly cylindrical in shape, in Figure 2 A baffle for fixing the temperature sensor 21 is provided at the middle position of the vertical direction shown. The baffle has a threaded hole in the middle, and the temperature sensor 21 is threaded to the threaded hole, so that the temperature sensor 21 can drive the piston 22 to move up and down. The periphery of the piston 22 cooperates with the valve body to form the above-mentioned cold water passage 61 and hot water passage 62. Specifically, the cold water passage 61 is formed between the upper end face of the periphery of the piston 22 and the bottom end face of the upper cover 12. The cold water passage 61 is connected to the water inlet 51. The valve seat 11 has a stepped structure at the position corresponding to the lower end face of the periphery of the piston 22. The lower end face of the piston 22 can cooperate with the stepped surface of the stepped structure to form the hot water passage 62 between the two. The hot water passage 62 is connected to the hot water inlet passage 57.

[0057] The water inlet control assembly is housed within the valve body and includes a temperature sensing part, an elastic part, and an adjusting part. The adjusting part is adapted to slide back and forth relative to the valve body along the water inlet direction of the first water inlet 52, and it has a sealing surface facing the first water inlet 52. The sealing surface is adapted to block the first water inlet 52 to cut off the water flow from the water inlet end of the second branch to the mixing chamber 64. The temperature sensing part is adapted to expand when the water temperature in the cold water inlet path rises to push the adjusting part away from the first water inlet 52, and to contract when the water temperature drops. The elastic part is adapted to contract under the action of the adjusting part when the temperature sensing part expands to store elastic potential energy, and to release its stored elastic potential energy when the temperature sensing part contracts to push the adjusting part closer to the first water inlet 52. The adjusting part passes through the adjusting base 13 to form a sliding fit with the valve body, and the temperature sensing part and the elastic part respectively abut against the adjusting base 13 to apply a force to the adjusting part to drive it to slide relative to the valve body.

[0058] Specifically, the water inlet control assembly includes a temperature-sensing spring 34, a return spring 33, a sliding rod 32, a snap-fit ​​piece, and a sealing block 31. The temperature-sensing spring 34 forms a temperature-sensing part, the return spring 33 forms an elastic part, and the sliding rod 32 is fixedly connected to the snap-fit ​​piece and the sealing block 31 to form an adjustment part. The sliding rod 32 slides along the first direction on the valve body, with one end near the first water outlet 52 fixedly connected to the sealing block 31, and the other end away from the first water outlet 52 snapped and fixed to the snap-fit ​​piece to form a flange protruding from the side wall of the sliding rod 32. One end of the temperature-sensing spring 34 abuts against the valve body, and the other end abuts against the flange. One end of the return spring 33 abuts against the valve body, and the other end abuts against the side of the sealing block 31 away from the first water outlet 52. The surface of the sealing block 31 facing the water outlet forms a sealing surface.

[0059] The sliding rod 32 has a recessed locking groove at the end away from the first water outlet 52. A locking piece is adapted to be sleeved on the sliding rod 32 and inserted into the locking groove to engage with the sliding rod 32. Specifically, in this embodiment, the locking piece includes a first locking piece 35 and a second locking piece 36. Both locking pieces can be sleeved onto the sliding rod 32 from below and then inserted together into the locking groove. The width of the locking groove is adapted to the thickness of the first locking piece 35 and the second locking piece 36. The first locking piece 35 is located above the second locking piece 36, and the first locking piece 35 is a conventional round hole-shaped gasket. The first locking piece 35 can increase the engagement between the second locking piece 36 and the sliding rod 32. The contact area is large, and the round hole on the second snap-fit ​​piece 36 has an eccentric structure. During installation, the first snap-fit ​​piece 35 is first put on the sliding rod 32, and then the second snap-fit ​​piece 36 is put on the sliding rod 32 and located below the first snap-fit ​​piece 35. At this time, part of the second snap-fit ​​piece 36 should extend beyond the range of the first snap-fit ​​piece 35. Then, press the second snap-fit ​​piece 36 from the side, so that the second snap-fit ​​piece 36 can also be snapped into the snap-fit ​​groove. This snap-fit ​​method can facilitate the assembly of the snap-fit ​​pieces.

[0060] Among them, the top of the adjusting base 13 along Figure 2 The horizontally extending portion 131 is shown, and a sliding hole 132 extending vertically through the middle of the portion is provided. The sliding rod 32 can pass through the sliding hole 132 on the portion 131, thereby achieving a sliding engagement with the valve body in the vertical direction. In addition, the portion 131 divides the second branch into upper and lower parts, with the temperature sensing part and the elastic element located below and above the portion 131, respectively, and abutting against the portion 131 to apply a force to the adjusting part to drive it to slide relative to the valve body.

[0061] During installation, first install the sealing block 31 onto the top of the sliding rod 32. The sealing block 31 is made of rubber and has a certain deformation capability. It can be fixed on the sliding rod 32 by elastic deformation. The sealing block 31 forms a sealing surface on the side surface facing the first water outlet 52. Then, the return spring 33 is sleeved on the sliding rod 32. The sliding rod 32 is then passed from top to bottom through the sliding hole 132 on the abutment part 131. At this time, the two ends of the return spring 33 abut against the upper surface of the sliding rod 32 and the abutment part 131, respectively. Then, the temperature sensing spring 34 is sleeved on the sliding rod 32 from bottom to top. Then, the snap-fit ​​piece is snapped into the snap-fit ​​groove. At this time, the two ends of the temperature sensing spring 34 abut against the flange formed by the snap-fit ​​groove and the lower surface of the abutment part 131, respectively.

[0062] The first inlet 54 is always connected to the cold water inlet, so the temperature-sensing spring 34 can deform in real time according to the cold water temperature. When the cold water temperature rises, the temperature-sensing spring 34 extends, at which time the sliding rod 32 moves down, pressing the return spring 33 to contract, and the sealing block 31 moves away from the position of the first inlet 52. Cold water flows directly from the first inlet 54 through the first inlet 52 to the mixing chamber 64. At the same time, some cold water flows from the second inlet 53 through the external water passage to the inlet hole 51, and then enters the mixing chamber through the inlet hole 51. The cold water inlet flow rate increases in water chamber 63 and mixing chamber 64, and the hot water inlet flow rate also increases. When the cold water temperature decreases, the temperature sensing spring 34 contracts, and under the action of the return spring 33, the sliding rod 32 moves upward, and the sealing part approaches the first water outlet 52 until the sealing surface blocks the first water outlet 52. Cold water can only enter the water inlet chamber 63 through the second water outlet 53 and the water inlet hole 51. The cold water inlet flow rate is small, but because the cold water temperature is low, the hot water inlet flow rate will also be maintained at an appropriate level.

[0063] In addition, this embodiment of the invention also provides a shower, which includes a shower body and a thermostatic valve core provided in the above embodiment. The shower body is adapted to receive cold water inlet and hot water inlet and input them into the thermostatic valve core before outputting mixed water. The cold water inlet of the thermostatic valve core is connected to the water inlet of the shower body, its hot water inlet 57 is connected to the water inlet of the shower body, and its outlet is connected to the water inlet of the shower body that outputs mixed water.

[0064] This invention provides a thermostatic valve core and a shower. In the thermostatic valve core, cold water enters the mixing chamber 64 through a cold water inlet, and hot water enters the mixing chamber 64 through a hot water inlet 57. The cold and hot water mix in the mixing chamber 64 to form warm water, which is then output from the outlet. The thermostatic component ensures that the temperature of the output warm water is maintained within an appropriate range. The cold water inlet includes a first branch and a second branch, both of which can be connected to cold water. The second branch has a first inlet 52. An inlet control component is also installed within the valve body. The temperature sensing element in the inlet control component can drive the regulating element to move and open the first inlet 52 when the water temperature rises. At this time, cold water can directly enter the mixing chamber 64 from the first inlet 52. Since the cold water no longer needs to pass through the first branch to enter the mixing chamber 64, it can directly cool the water flow in the mixing chamber 64, and the hot water flow can also be increased accordingly. This more effectively avoids the gas water heater becoming unusable due to excessively high cold water temperature. In the event of a cold water temperature drop, the elastic part drives the regulating part to move and close the first water outlet 52. At this time, the flow of cold water supplied from the second branch is cut off, and the flow of cold water entering the mixing chamber 64 from the first branch is sufficient for the gas water heater to operate normally. The thermostatic valve core integrates an inlet control component within the valve body, allowing the thermostatic valve core to automatically control whether to supply cold water based on the cold water temperature. Users do not need to manually switch, and adjusting the flow according to the cold water temperature also allows the thermostatic valve core to better match the inlet flow with the outlet water temperature when the water temperature changes. Therefore, users can have a more consistent user experience in summer when the cold water temperature is high and in winter when the cold water temperature is low, effectively improving user satisfaction and comfort. Furthermore, the thermostatic component can also effectively improve the safety of the thermostatic valve core. When the mixing water temperature suddenly rises or falls, the flow of cold and hot water can be quickly adjusted to prevent users from being scalded or stimulated by cold water.

[0065] The foregoing description of the specifications and embodiments is intended to explain the scope of protection of this invention, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Modifications, equivalent substitutions, or other improvements to the embodiments of this invention or a portion thereof that can be obtained by those skilled in the art through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation, based on the teachings of this invention or the foregoing embodiments, in conjunction with common knowledge, general technical knowledge, and / or existing technology, should all be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A thermostatic valve core, comprising: a valve body provided with a mixing chamber (64), a cold water inlet channel, a hot water inlet channel (57) and an outlet channel, the cold water inlet channel comprising a first branch and a second branch, the second branch being provided with a first water passage (52) directly communicating with the mixing chamber (64); a thermostatic assembly disposed in the valve body and adapted to adjust the water passage flow rate of the cold water inlet channel and the hot water inlet channel (57) to the mixing chamber (64) respectively according to the water temperature change in the mixing chamber (64); and a water inlet control assembly disposed in the valve body and comprising a temperature sensing portion, an elastic portion and an adjusting portion, the adjusting portion being adapted to reciprocally slide relative to the valve body along the water inlet direction of the first water passage (52) and provided with a blocking surface facing the first water passage (52), the blocking surface being adapted to block the first water passage (52) to cut off the water passage communication from the water inlet end of the second branch to the mixing chamber (64), the temperature sensing portion being adapted to expand to push the adjusting portion away from the first water passage (52) when the water temperature in the cold water inlet channel rises and contract when the water temperature decreases, and the elastic portion being adapted to contract to store elastic potential energy when the temperature sensing portion expands under the action of the adjusting portion and release the stored elastic potential energy to push the adjusting portion close to the first water passage (52) when the temperature sensing portion contracts. The valve body is provided with a first water inlet (54), a second water passage (53) and a water inlet hole (51), the first water inlet (54) communicating with the first water passage (52) to form the second branch and being adapted to switch the communication state by the water inlet control assembly, and the first water inlet (54) and the second water passage (53) always being in communication, the second water passage (53) communicating with the water inlet hole (51), the water inlet hole (51) communicating with the mixing chamber (64), and the water inlet hole (51) forming the first branch.

2. A thermostatic valve cartridge as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that The water passage area of the second branch is reduced along the water passage direction after the first water passage (52).

3. A thermostatic valve cartridge as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that The first water inlet (54) is disposed at the bottom of the valve body, the second water passage (53) and the water inlet hole (51) are disposed at the side of the valve body, and the water inlet hole (51) is located above the second water passage (53).

4. A thermostatic valve cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the temperature sensing element is a bimetallic strip. ​ 5. A thermostatic valve cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the temperature sensing element is a bimetallic strip. The water inlet control assembly comprises a temperature sensing spring (34), a reset spring (33), a sliding rod (32), a clamping sheet and a blocking block (31); the temperature sensing spring (34) forms the temperature sensing part, the reset spring (33) forms the elastic part, and the sliding rod (32) is fixedly connected with the clamping sheet and the blocking block (31) to form the adjusting part; the sliding rod (32) is slidably arranged along the water passing direction of the first water passing opening (52) on the valve body, one end of the sliding rod (32) close to the first water passing opening (52) is fixedly connected with the blocking block (31), and the other end of the sliding rod (32) away from the first water passing opening (52) is fixedly connected with the clamping sheet to form a flange protruding from the side wall of the sliding rod (32) through the clamping sheet; one end of the temperature sensing spring (34) abuts against the valve body, and the other end of the temperature sensing spring (34) abuts against the flange; one end of the reset spring (33) abuts against the valve body, and the other end of the reset spring (33) abuts against the side of the blocking block (31) away from the first water passing opening (52); the surface of the blocking block (31) on the side facing the first water passing opening (52) forms the blocking surface.

6. A thermostatic valve cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the temperature sensing element is a bimetallic strip. The other end of the sliding rod (32) away from the first water passing opening (52) is recessed with a clamping groove; the clamping sheet is adapted to be sleeved on the outside of the sliding rod (32) and inserted into the clamping groove to be clamped with the sliding rod (32).

7. A thermostatic valve cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the temperature sensing element is a bimetallic strip. The thermostatic assembly comprises a pushing spring (23), a temperature sensing bag (21) and a piston (22) fixedly connected with each other; the piston (22) cooperates with the valve body to form a cold water passing gap and a hot water passing gap arranged in the axial direction of the valve body, the cold water passing gap is adapted to communicate with the water inlet hole (51), and the hot water passing gap is adapted to communicate with the water outlet end of the hot water inlet channel (57); the temperature sensing bag (21) is adapted to expand or shrink according to the change of the water temperature in the mixed water cavity (64) and drive the piston (22) to move along the axial direction of the valve body by abutting against the valve body to adjust the water passing areas of the cold water passing gap and the hot water passing gap; the pushing spring (23) is arranged between the temperature sensing bag (21) and the valve body to apply a force to the temperature sensing bag (21) to drive the piston (22) to move in the direction of increasing the water passing area of the hot water passing gap.

8. A thermostatic valve cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the temperature sensing element is a bimetallic strip. The thermostatic assembly further comprises a valve rod (27), an adjusting bolt (26), a safety spring (25) and a top cap (24); the valve rod (27) is screwed with the adjusting bolt (26) and exposed outside the valve body for operation; the adjusting bolt (26) is limitedly matched with the valve body in the circumferential direction of the valve body and adapted to be driven by the valve rod (27) to move along the axial direction of the valve body; the safety spring (25) is arranged between the adjusting bolt (26) and the top cap (24), and the temperature sensing bag (21) abuts against the valve body by abutting against the top cap (24).

9. A thermostatic valve cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the temperature sensing element is a bimetallic strip. The valve body comprises a valve seat (11), an upper cover (12) and an adjusting base (13); the valve seat (11) is fixedly connected with the upper cover (12) to form a mounting chamber of the thermostatic assembly; the valve seat (11) is provided with the first water inlet (54), the first water passage (52), the second water passage (53) and the water inlet hole (51); the adjusting base (13) is fixedly arranged on the valve seat (11) and located between the first water inlet (54) and the first water passage (52); the adjusting part penetrates through the adjusting base (13) to form a sliding fit with the valve body, and the temperature sensing part and the elastic part abut against the adjusting base (13) respectively to apply a force to the adjusting part to drive the adjusting part to slide relative to the valve body.

10. A shower unit characterised in that, The thermostatic valve core is arranged in the shower body, and the shower body is adapted to access cold water and hot water and output mixed water after the mixed water is input into the thermostatic valve core; the cold water inlet of the thermostatic valve core is in communication with a water path of the shower body for accessing the cold water, the hot water inlet (57) of the thermostatic valve core is in communication with a water path of the shower body for accessing the hot water, and the water outlet of the thermostatic valve core is in communication with a water path of the shower body for outputting the mixed water.

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