A thermostatic valve core and a shower

Abstract

The present invention discloses a thermostatic valve core and a shower, the thermostatic valve core comprising: a valve body, which is provided with a mixing chamber, a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet and a water outlet; a second branch in the cold water inlet is provided with a first water outlet connected to the first branch; a thermostatic component, suitable for adjusting the flow of cold and hot water to the mixing chamber according to the change of water temperature in the mixing chamber; and a water inlet control component, wherein the regulating part is suitable for sliding back and forth relative to the valve body along a first direction perpendicular to the water flow direction of the first water outlet, and covering the first water outlet by a sealing surface to adjust the water flow area, the temperature sensing part expands when the water temperature in the cold water inlet rises to push the regulating part to slide and increase the water flow area, and contracts when the water temperature drops, the elastic part is suitable for being contracted by the regulating part when the temperature sensing part expands to store elastic potential energy, and releasing its stored elastic potential energy when the temperature sensing part contracts to push the regulating part to slide and reduce the water flow area; the thermostatic valve core can enable the gas water heater to be used normally in any season.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of thermostatic valve cores, in particular to a thermostatic valve core and a shower. Background Art

[0002] At present, in order to keep the outlet water temperature constant, a thermostatic valve core is generally provided on the shower head. The thermostatic valve core has a built-in temperature sensing component, which can adjust the flow rate of the incoming cold water and hot water, so that the mixed outlet water is always kept in an appropriate range.

[0003] In winter, the cold water inlet temperature of the gas water heater is lower, and the hot water output by the gas water heater can be in an appropriate range, and the hot water flow entering the thermostatic valve core can also be in an appropriate range. The cold water inlet flow of the gas water heater will not be affected, and the water outlet temperature of the thermostatic valve core will not be affected; but in summer, the cold water inlet temperature of the gas water heater is higher, so the temperature of the hot water entering the thermostatic valve core after heating is also higher. At this time, the thermostatic valve core will reduce the hot water inlet flow, and the reduction in the hot water inlet flow of the thermostatic valve core will cause the cold water inlet of the gas water heater to decrease. The gas water heater will only start working when the cold water inlet flow or water pressure is higher than a certain threshold. If the cold water inlet flow is too small, the gas water heater will not work or will be extinguished, and it will not be able to continue to be used normally, or the hot water temperature output by the gas water heater is too high, triggering the maximum temperature limit of the gas, which will also cause the gas water heater to fail to use normally. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects or problems in the background technology and to provide a thermostatic valve core and a shower, wherein the thermostatic valve core can enable the gas water heater to be used normally in any season.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A thermostatic valve core, comprising: a valve body, which is provided with a water mixing chamber, and a cold water inlet path, a hot water inlet path and a water outlet path connected to the mixing chamber; the cold water inlet path includes a first branch and a second branch, the second branch is provided with a first water outlet connected to the first branch; a thermostatic component, which is placed in the valve body and is suitable for adjusting the water flow rate of the cold water inlet path and the hot water inlet path connected to the mixing chamber respectively according to the change of the water temperature in the mixing chamber; and a water inlet control component, which is placed in the valve body and includes a temperature sensing part, an elastic part and an adjusting part; the adjusting part is suitable for adjusting the flow rate of the hot water inlet path along the flow channel connected to the first water outlet The valve body reciprocates in a first direction perpendicular to the direction of water flow, and is provided with a sealing surface suitable for covering the first water outlet to adjust the water flow area of the first water outlet; the temperature sensing portion is suitable for expanding when the water temperature in the cold water inlet path rises to push the regulating portion to slide in the direction of increasing the water flow area of the first water outlet and to contract when the water temperature drops; the elastic portion is suitable for contracting under the action of the regulating portion when the temperature sensing portion expands to store elastic potential energy and releasing its stored elastic potential energy when the temperature sensing portion contracts to push the regulating portion to slide in the direction of reducing the water flow area of the first water outlet.

[0007] Furthermore, the valve body is provided with a second water outlet connected to the mixing water chamber, and is provided with a first water inlet and a second water inlet; the first water inlet is connected to the second water outlet to form the first branch; after the second water inlet is connected to the cold water inlet, water is supplied to the second water outlet through the first water outlet and the first water inlet in sequence.

[0008] Furthermore, the water inlet control assembly includes a temperature-sensitive spring, a return spring, a sliding rod and a blocking block; the temperature-sensitive spring forms the temperature-sensing part, the return spring forms the elastic part, and the sliding rod is fixedly connected to the blocking block to form the adjusting part; the sliding rod is slidably arranged on the valve body along a first direction, and one end thereof close to the first water outlet is fixedly connected to the blocking block, and the other end away from the first water outlet is protruded with a contact flange; the blocking surface is provided on the blocking block, and the two ends of the temperature-sensitive spring respectively abut against the valve body and the blocking block; the two ends of the return spring respectively abut against the valve body and the abutment flange.

[0009] Furthermore, the sliding rod is provided with a clamping flange at one end close to the first water outlet; the sealing block is provided with an engaging groove suitable for engaging with the sliding rod, and is provided with a limiting surface suitable for abutting against the clamping flange along a first direction; one end of the temperature-sensitive spring abuts against the valve body, and the other end abuts against the other side of the sealing block away from the limiting surface, and is suitable for pushing the limiting surface on the sealing block against the clamping flange.

[0010] Furthermore, the first water inlet and the first water outlet are arranged on the side of the valve body, and the first water outlet is connected to the first water inlet; the second water inlet is arranged at the bottom of the valve body.

[0011] Furthermore, the constant temperature component includes a push spring and a temperature-sensitive bag and a piston fixed to each other; the piston cooperates with the valve body to form a cold water flow gap and a hot water flow gap arranged in the axial direction of the valve body, the cold water flow gap is suitable for communicating with the second water outlet, and the hot water flow gap is suitable for communicating with the outlet end of the hot water inlet; the temperature-sensitive bag is suitable for expanding or contracting according to the change of water temperature in the mixing water chamber and driving the piston to move axially along the valve body by abutting against the valve body to adjust the water flow area of the cold water flow gap and the hot water flow gap; the push spring is placed between the temperature-sensitive bag and the valve body to apply a force to the temperature-sensitive bag to push the piston to move in the direction of increasing the water flow area of the hot water flow gap.

[0012] Furthermore, the thermostatic assembly also includes a valve stem, an adjusting bolt, a safety spring and a top cap; the valve stem is threadedly connected to the adjusting bolt and exposed outside the valve body for operation; the adjusting bolt is limitedly matched with the valve body in the circumferential direction of the valve body, and is suitable for being 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 package abuts against the valve body by abutting against the top cap.

[0013] Furthermore, the valve body includes a valve seat, an upper cover and an adjusting base; the valve seat is fixedly connected to the upper cover to form an installation chamber of the thermostatic component; the valve seat is provided with the first water inlet, the second water inlet, the first water outlet and the second water outlet, and the adjusting base is fixed to the valve seat and is located between the first water outlet and the second water inlet; 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 force to the adjusting part to drive it to slide relative to the valve body.

[0014] Furthermore, the adjustment base is provided with a guide column extending along the first direction; the blocking block is provided with a guide hole corresponding to the position of the guide column; the guide column is suitable for extending into the guide hole to limit the sliding direction of the adjustment part when the adjustment part slides relative to the valve body.

[0015] In addition, the present invention also provides a shower, comprising a shower body and a thermostatic valve core as described in any one of the above items; the shower body is suitable for receiving cold water inlet and hot water inlet and inputting them into the thermostatic valve core before outputting mixed water; the cold water inlet path of the thermostatic valve core is connected to the water path of the shower body receiving the cold water inlet, its hot water inlet path is connected to the water path of the shower body receiving the hot water inlet, and its outlet path is connected to the water path of the shower body outputting mixed water.

[0016] From the above description of the present invention, it can be seen that 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 the mixing chamber through the hot water inlet. The cold water and hot water are mixed into warm water in the mixing chamber and then output from the water outlet. The thermostatic component plays a role in ensuring that the temperature of the warm water output from the outlet 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. A first water outlet is provided in the second branch, and a water inlet control component is provided in the valve body. The temperature sensing part in the water inlet control component can drive the regulating part to move and increase the water flow area of the first water outlet when the water temperature rises. At this time, cold water will enter the first branch from the first water outlet, and then enter the mixing chamber through the first branch, avoiding the situation that the gas water heater cannot be used due to the high cold water temperature. When the cold water temperature is low, the elastic part will drive the regulating part to move and reduce the water flow area of the first water outlet. At this time, the water from the second The flow of cold water supplemented by the branch is reduced or even cut off, and the flow of cold water entering the mixing chamber from the first branch is sufficient for the normal use of the gas water heater; the 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 cold water inlet flow according to the cold water temperature, and the user does not need to switch manually. Adjusting the flow according to the cold water temperature can also enable the thermostatic valve core to better match the water inlet flow with the water outlet temperature when the water temperature changes. Therefore, users can get a more consistent user experience when the cold water temperature is higher in summer and lower in winter, effectively improving user satisfaction and comfort; and the thermostatic component can also effectively improve the safety of the thermostatic valve core. When the mixed water temperature suddenly rises or drops, the water inlet of cold water and hot water can be quickly adjusted to avoid scalding or irritation of users by cold water.

[0018] 2. A second water outlet is provided on the valve body. The first water inlet is directly connected to the second water outlet to form a first branch. The second water inlet is connected to the first water outlet to form a second branch. Water is then supplied to the first water inlet through the second water outlet to increase the water flow rate of the first branch.

[0019] 3. In the water inlet control assembly, the temperature-sensing spring can change its elongation according to the temperature of the water flow in the cold water inlet. When the water temperature rises, the temperature-sensing spring elongates, pushing the adjustment part to move to increase the water flow rate of the first water outlet, and at the same time causing the reset spring to contract. When the water temperature drops, the temperature-sensing spring contracts, and the reset spring applies force to the adjustment part, increasing the portion of the sealing block covering the first water outlet, and reducing the water flow rate of the first water outlet. In addition, an abutment flange is provided on the sliding rod to facilitate the installation of the reset spring.

[0020] 4. A clamping flange is provided on the sliding rod. After the blocking block is installed on the sliding rod, the clamping flange can limit the movement of the blocking block in the first direction and also facilitate the installation of the temperature-sensing spring.

[0021] 5. The first water inlet and the first water outlet are arranged on the side of the valve body, and the second water inlet is arranged at the bottom of the valve body, so as to divide the cold water into two water paths that do not interfere with each other. When the second branch is closed, the water flows into the mixing chamber from the first water inlet. When the second branch is opened, the water flows not only into the mixing chamber from the first water inlet, but also increases the flow from the second water inlet to the first water outlet, so that the water flow entering the mixing chamber is larger.

[0022] 6. In the constant temperature assembly, the temperature sensing package can push the piston downward when the temperature of the mixing water chamber rises, thereby reducing the amount of hot water entering. When the temperature of the mixing water chamber drops, the push spring will push the piston upward, thereby increasing the amount of hot water entering.

[0023] 7. The valve stem can be operated by the user to adjust the water outlet temperature of the thermostatic valve core. When the valve stem rotates, 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 position. The top cap can push the temperature-sensing package to move the position. The temperature-sensing package can push the piston to move the position, thereby adjusting the small area of the hot water inlet gap and the cold water inlet gap. The safety spring can prevent the temperature-sensing package from being damaged due to excessive force at both ends when it is deformed by temperature.

[0024] 8. In the valve body, the valve seat and the upper cover cooperate to form an installation chamber for installing the constant temperature component. The adjusting base is installed in the second branch. The adjusting part can pass through the adjusting base to achieve sliding cooperation 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.

[0025] 9. A guide column is provided on the adjustment base, which can cooperate with the guide hole on the blocking block to adjust the sliding direction of the limiting adjustment part.

[0026] 10. A shower head is also provided, which can be used for a gas water heater. The 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 replenish the cold water inlet flow according to the cold water temperature. The user does not need to switch manually. In addition, adjusting the flow according to the cold water temperature can also enable the thermostatic valve core to better match the water inlet flow with the water outlet temperature when the water temperature changes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

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

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Structural cross-section of the thermostatic valve core Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Structural cross-section of the thermostatic valve core Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified view of the structure of part A;

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

[0033] Description of main reference numerals:

[0034] Valve seat 11; upper cover 12; adjusting base 13; abutment portion 131; sliding hole 132; sliding chamber 133; filter screen 14; filter base 15; temperature-sensing package 21; piston 22; push spring 23; top cap 24; safety spring 25; adjusting bolt 26; valve stem 27; blocking block 31; guide hole 311; engaging groove 312; limiting surface 313; temperature-sensing spring 32; sliding rod 33; abutment flange 331; clamping flange 332; Return spring 34; first retaining spring 41; wear-resistant sheet 42; first sealing ring 43; second sealing ring 44; second retaining spring 45; third sealing ring 46; fourth sealing ring 47; fifth sealing ring 48; first water inlet 51; second water outlet 52; first water outlet 53; second water inlet 54; water outlet 55; hot water inlet 56; hot water inlet passage 57; cold water inlet gap 61; hot water inlet gap 62; water inlet chamber 63; water mixing chamber 64. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as excluding other embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] In the claims, description and drawings of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, the use of terms such as "first", "second" or "third" is for the purpose of distinguishing different objects rather than for describing a specific order.

[0037] In the claims, specification and the above-mentioned drawings of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly defined, directional words such as the terms "center", "transverse", "longitudinal", "horizontal", "vertical", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions and positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the specific scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] In the claims, description and above-mentioned drawings of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" should be understood in a broad sense, that is, any connection method without displacement relationship and relative rotation relationship between the two parties, that is, including non-detachable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection and fixed connection through other devices or elements.

[0039] In the claims, description and drawings of the present invention, if the terms "include", "have" and their variations are used, they are intended to mean "including but not limited to".

[0040] Reference Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 1 The figure shows a structural explosion diagram of an embodiment of a thermostatic valve core provided by the present invention. 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 a gas water heater.

[0041] Gas water heaters heat cold water in real time to produce hot water. Due to the characteristics of gas water heaters, they have certain requirements for the cold water inlet flow rate. This cold water inlet flow rate 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 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. If the outlet temperature of the thermostatic valve core remains relatively constant, the cold water temperature entering the valve core increases. Due to the action of the thermostatic components within the valve core, the hot water flow rate entering the valve core decreases, potentially causing the gas water heater to malfunction. Therefore, in the summer, when the cold water inlet temperature of the thermostatic valve core rises, the cold water inlet flow rate needs to be increased. More cold water, while maintaining a constant flow rate, keeps the hot water flow rate entering the valve core within an appropriate range, ensuring proper operation of the gas water heater.

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

[0043] Among them, the valve body of the thermostatic valve core is provided with a mixing chamber 64 and a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet 57 and a water outlet connected to the mixing chamber 64. The cold water inlet includes a first branch and a second branch. The second branch is provided with a first water outlet 53 connected to the first branch.

[0044] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 The valve body is provided with a second water port 52 communicating with the water mixing chamber 64, and is provided with a first water inlet 51 and a second water inlet 54. The first water inlet 51 is connected to the second water port 52 to form a first branch, and the second water inlet 54 is connected in sequence to the first water port 53 and the first water inlet 51 to supply water to the second water port 52. The first water inlet 51 and the first water port 53 are located on the side of the valve body, and the first water port 53 can transport cold water to the first water inlet 51 through an external water channel. The second water inlet 54 is located at the bottom of the valve body.

[0045] The valve body primarily comprises a valve seat 11, an upper cover 12, an adjustment base 13, and several retaining springs and sealing rings. The valve seat 11 and upper cover 12 are fixedly connected to form a mounting chamber for the thermostatic assembly. The valve seat 11 is provided with the aforementioned first water inlet 51, second water inlet 54, first water outlet 53, and second water outlet 52. The adjustment base 13 is fixed to the valve seat 11 and located between the second water inlet 54 and first water outlet 53.

[0046] Specifically, refer to Figures 2 to 5 The valve body is roughly a rotating body, so it has an axial direction. In this embodiment, the axial direction is the first direction. Taking the thermostatic valve core standing upright as a 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 is located on the valve seat 11 and is fixed as a whole by screwing. An installation chamber is formed between the valve seat 11 and the upper cover 12. This installation chamber can be used as an 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 connect the cold water inlet, and the mixing chamber 64 is used to mix the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet and output them to the water outlet of the valve body.

[0047] A second water inlet 54, a water outlet 55, and a hot water inlet 56 are provided at the bottom of the valve seat 11. A first water inlet 51 and a first water outlet 53 are provided on the side of the valve seat 11. A second water outlet 52 is provided on the inner side of the valve seat 11, corresponding to the first water inlet 51. The first water inlet 51 and the second water outlet 52 are directly connected to form a first branch. The first water outlet 53 is directly connected to the first water inlet 51 through an external water channel. For example, when the thermostatic valve core is installed in a shower, the second water outlet 52 can be connected to the water inlet hole 51 through the external water channel formed by the shower housing and the thermostatic valve core. A second branch extends upward from the second water inlet 54 along the axial direction of the valve seat 11. A first water outlet 53 is provided at the upper side of the second branch. The first water outlet 53 forms the water outlet end of the second branch, and the water flow direction of the first water outlet 53 is approximately perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve seat 11. The first and second water inlets 51, 54 are both connected to the cold water inlet. A filter screen 14 is positioned around the first water inlet 51, while a filter base 15 is positioned between the second water inlet 54 and the hot water inlet 56. Both the filter screen 14 and the filter base 15 are used to filter impurities that may be present in the incoming water. A fifth sealing ring 48 is also fitted around the valve seat 11 to provide a seal with the shower body.

[0048] A hot water inlet 56 provided at the bottom of the valve seat 11 extends axially upward along the valve seat 11 to form a hot water inlet passage 57, which communicates with the installation chamber. Under the action of the thermostatic assembly, the hot water inlet passage 57 communicates with the mixing chamber 64. A water outlet 55 is provided in the middle of the valve seat 11 and extends upward to the mixing chamber 64 to form a water outlet.

[0049] The upper cover 12 is fixed to the valve seat 11 by threaded engagement, and forms a sealing engagement with the valve seat 11 through the fourth sealing ring 47. A through hole is axially provided in the middle thereof, and the through hole is used for extending part of the structure of the thermostatic component for user operation.

[0050] The regulating base 13 is fixedly mounted in the valve seat 11 and is located in the second branch. Its upper end is supported by the bent step-shaped structure on the valve seat 11 , and its lower end is supported by the filter base 15 , thereby being restricted and fixed in the valve seat 11 .

[0051] The constant temperature assembly includes a push spring 23, a temperature-sensing package 21, a piston 22, a valve stem 27, an adjusting bolt 26, a safety spring 25 and a top cap 24; the temperature-sensing package 21 and the piston 22 are fixedly connected to each other, and the piston 22 cooperates with the valve body to form a cold water flow gap and a hot water flow gap arranged in the axial direction of the valve body. The cold water flow gap is suitable for communicating with the second water outlet 52, and the hot water flow gap is suitable for communicating with the water outlet end of the hot water inlet 57. The temperature-sensing package 21 is suitable for expanding or contracting according to the change of water temperature in the mixing chamber 64 and driving the piston 22 to move axially along the valve body by abutting against the valve body to adjust the water flow area of the cold water flow gap and the hot water flow gap. A push spring 23 is placed between the temperature-sensing package 21 and the valve body to apply a force to the temperature-sensing package 21 to push the piston 22 to move in the direction of increasing the water flow area of the hot water flow gap; the valve stem 27 is threaded with the adjusting bolt 26 and exposed outside the valve body for operation. The adjusting bolt 26 is limited by the valve body in the circumferential direction of the valve body and is suitable for being driven by the valve stem 27 to move axially along the valve body. The safety spring 25 is placed between the adjusting bolt 26 and the top cap 24. The temperature-sensing package 21 abuts against the valve body by abutting against the top cap 24.

[0052] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3The valve stem 27 extends to the top of the upper cover 12 and is rotatably connected to the upper cover 12 via a first retaining ring 41 and a wear-resistant plate 42. It also forms a seal with the wall of the through-hole in the upper cover 12 via a first sealing ring 43 and a second sealing ring 44. The portion of the valve stem 27 that extends into the upper cover 12 is threadedly engaged with the adjusting bolt 26 located inside the upper cover 12. The adjusting bolt 26 also engages with the upper cover 12 in a circumferentially limited manner. Therefore, when the valve stem 27 is rotated, the adjusting bolt 26 can only move in the axial direction of the valve body and cannot rotate. A safety spring 25 is provided within the adjusting bolt 26. One end of the safety spring 25 presses against the inner top of the adjusting bolt 26, and the other end presses against the top cap 24. A second retaining ring 45 is provided between the top cap 24 and the adjusting bolt 26. The second retaining ring 45 can limit the axial movement of the top cap 24 in the valve body.

[0053] The top of the temperature-sensing package 21 abuts the bottom of the top cap 24. The temperature-sensing package 21 extends into the mixing chamber 64 and the water outlet, and can expand or contract according to the temperature of the water flow in the mixing chamber 64. At the same time, a piston 22 is fixed to the temperature-sensing package 21. The piston 22 and the valve body form a sealed fit through the third sealing ring 46, and a water inlet chamber 63 is formed above the piston 22, and a mixing chamber 64 is formed below the piston 22. The second water outlet 52 of the first branch is connected to the water inlet chamber 63 through the cold water gap, and the hot water inlet 57 is connected to the mixing chamber 64 through the hot water gap. The piston 22 is provided with a through hole connecting the water inlet chamber 63 and the mixing chamber 64. Cold water can enter the mixing chamber 64 through these through holes and mix with hot water to form warm water before being discharged from the water outlet. A push spring 23 is sleeved below the temperature-sensing package 21, one end of which abuts the valve seat 11, and the other end abuts the temperature-sensing package 21.

[0054] The piston 22 is roughly cylindrical in shape. Figure 2 A retaining wall for being fixed to the temperature-sensing package 21 is provided in the middle position in the upper and lower directions shown, and a threaded hole is provided in the middle of the retaining wall, and the temperature-sensing package 21 is threadedly connected to the threaded hole, so that the temperature-sensing package 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 flow gap 61 and hot water flow gap 62. Specifically, the above-mentioned cold water flow gap 61 is formed between the upper end surface of the periphery of the piston 22 and the bottom end surface of the upper cover 12. The cold water flow gap 61 is connected to the second water port 52, and the valve seat 11 is provided with a step-like structure at a position corresponding to the lower end surface of the periphery of the piston 22. The lower end surface of the piston 22 can cooperate with the step surface of the step-like structure to form a hot water flow gap 62 between the two, and the hot water flow gap 62 is connected to the hot water inlet 57.

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

[0056] The water inlet control assembly is disposed within the valve body and includes a temperature-sensing portion, an elastic portion, and an adjusting portion. The adjusting portion is adapted to slide reciprocally relative to the valve body in a first direction perpendicular to the water flow direction of the first water outlet 53, and is provided with a sealing surface adapted to cover the first water outlet 53 to adjust the water flow area of the first water outlet 53. The temperature-sensing portion is adapted to expand when the water temperature in the cold water inlet increases, thereby pushing the adjusting portion to slide in a direction that increases the water flow area of the first water outlet 53, and to contract when the water temperature decreases. The elastic portion is adapted to contract under the action of the adjusting portion when the temperature-sensing portion expands, thereby storing elastic potential energy, and to release this stored elastic potential energy when the temperature-sensing portion contracts, thereby pushing the adjusting portion to slide in a direction that decreases the water flow area of the first water outlet 53. The adjusting portion extends through the adjusting base 13 to form a sliding fit with the valve body, and the temperature-sensing portion and the elastic portion respectively abut against the adjusting base 13 to exert a force on the adjusting portion that drives it to slide relative to the valve body.

[0057] Specifically, refer to Figures 1 to 5 The water inlet control assembly includes a temperature-sensing spring 32, a return spring 34, a sliding rod 33 and a blocking block 31; the temperature-sensing spring 32 forms a temperature-sensing part, the return spring 34 forms an elastic part, and the sliding rod 33 is fixedly connected to the blocking block 31 to form an adjusting part. The sliding rod 33 is slidably arranged on the valve body along the first direction, and one end thereof close to the first water outlet 53 is fixedly connected to the blocking block 31, and the other end away from the first water outlet 53 is protruding with a contact flange 331. The blocking surface is provided on the blocking block 31, and the two ends of the temperature-sensing spring 32 respectively abut the valve body and the blocking block 31, and the two ends of the return spring 34 respectively abut the valve body and the abutment flange 331.

[0058] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The sliding rod 33 is provided with a clamping flange 332 at one end close to the first water outlet 53, and the blocking block 31 is provided with an engaging groove 312 suitable for engaging with the sliding rod 33, and a limiting surface 313 suitable for abutting against the clamping flange 332 along the first direction. One end of the temperature sensing spring 32 abuts against the valve body, and the other end abuts against the other side of the blocking block 31 away from the limiting surface 313, and is suitable for pushing the limiting surface 313 on the blocking block 31 to abut against the clamping flange 332.

[0059] The top of the adjustment base 13 is along Figure 4The abutment portion 131 is formed as a horizontal extension, with a sliding hole 132 extending vertically through the center of the abutment portion. The sliding rod 33 can pass through the sliding hole 132 in the abutment portion 131, thereby achieving vertical sliding engagement with the valve body. Furthermore, the abutment portion 131 divides the second branch into two upper and lower sections. The temperature sensing portion and the elastic member are located above and below the abutment portion 131, respectively, and abut against the abutment portion 131 to apply force to the regulating portion, driving it to slide relative to the valve body.

[0060] When the locking cam 33 is in the unlocking state, the locking cam 33 is in the unlocking state, and the locking cam 33 is in the unlocking state, so the user can lock the locking cam 33 with the help of the unlocking cam 33. When the locking cam 33 is in the unlocking state, the user can lock the locking cam 33 with the help of the unlocking cam 33. The side surface of the blocking block 31 forms a blocking surface. When the regulating portion slides back and forth along the first direction, the blocking surface adjusts the degree of covering the first water outlet 53 , thereby adjusting the flow of cold water output from the first water outlet 53 .

[0061] The second water inlet 54 always remains connected to the cold water inlet, so the temperature-sensing spring 32 can be deformed in real time according to the cold water temperature. When the cold water temperature rises, the temperature-sensing spring 32 extends. At this time, the sliding rod 33 moves up, pressing the return spring 34 to contract, and the blocking block 31 leaves the position of the first water outlet 53. The cold water reaches the first branch from the first water outlet 53, then reaches the second water outlet 52, and then reaches the water inlet chamber 63 from the second water outlet 52. The cold water inlet amount of the water inlet chamber 63 increases, and the hot water inlet flow rate also increases; when the cold water temperature drops, the temperature-sensing spring 32 contracts. Under the action of the return spring 34, the sliding rod 33 moves down, and the blocking block 31 approaches the first water outlet 53 until the blocking surface blocks the first water outlet 53. Cold water can only enter the water inlet chamber 63 from the first branch, and the cold water inlet amount is small. However, due to the low cold water temperature, the hot water inlet amount will also be maintained at an appropriate level.

[0062] In addition, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a shower, which includes a shower body and the thermostatic valve core provided in the above embodiment. The shower body is suitable for receiving cold water inlet and hot water inlet and inputting them into the thermostatic valve core before outputting mixed water. The cold water inlet path of the thermostatic valve core is connected to the water path of the shower body receiving the cold water inlet, its hot water inlet path 57 is connected to the water path of the shower body receiving the hot water inlet, and its outlet path is connected to the water path of the shower body outputting mixed water.

[0063] Specifically, the shower body is roughly similar to a conventional shower body equipped with a thermostatic valve core, the difference being that the water path connected to the cold water inlet in the shower body is divided into two paths connected to the thermostatic valve core, one of which is connected to the first water inlet 51 and the other is connected to the second water inlet 54.

[0064] The present invention provides a thermostatic valve core and shower head, in which cold water enters the mixing chamber 64 through the cold water inlet, and hot water enters the mixing chamber 64 through the hot water inlet 57. The cold water and hot water are mixed into warm water in the mixing chamber 64 and then output from the water outlet. The thermostatic component plays a role in ensuring that the temperature of the warm water output from the water outlet 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. A first water port 53 is provided in the second branch, and a water inlet control component is provided in the valve body. The temperature sensing part in the water inlet control component can drive the adjustment part to move and increase the water flow area of the first water port 53 when the water temperature rises. At this time, cold water will enter the first branch from the first water port 53, and then enter the mixing chamber 64 through the first branch, avoiding the situation where the gas water heater cannot be used due to the high cold water temperature. When the cold water temperature is low, the elastic part will drive the adjustment part to move and reduce the The water flow area of the first water outlet 53 is small. At this time, the flow of cold water supplemented from the second branch is reduced or even cut off, and the cold water flow entering the mixing chamber 64 from the first branch is sufficient for the normal use of the gas water heater. The 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 cold water inlet flow according to the cold water temperature. The user does not need to switch manually, and adjusting the flow according to the cold water temperature can also enable the thermostatic valve core to better match the water inlet flow with the water outlet temperature when the water temperature changes. Therefore, the user can get a more consistent use experience when the cold water temperature is higher in summer and lower in winter, effectively improving the user's use satisfaction and comfort. In addition, the thermostatic component can also effectively improve the safety of the thermostatic valve core. When the mixed water temperature suddenly rises or drops, the water inlet of cold water and hot water can be quickly adjusted to avoid scalding or irritation of the user by cold water.

[0065] The above description and embodiments are intended to explain the scope of protection of the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereto. Modifications, equivalent substitutions, or other improvements to the embodiments of the present invention or portions thereof that can be obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation based on the teachings of the present invention or the above embodiments, combined with common knowledge, ordinary technical knowledge in the field, and / or prior art, should all be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermostatic valve core, comprising: The valve body is provided with a water mixing chamber (64), and a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet (57), and a water outlet connected to the water mixing chamber (64); the cold water inlet includes a first branch and a second branch, and the second branch is provided with a first water outlet (53) connected to the first branch; a thermostatic component disposed in the valve body and adapted to adjust the flow rate of water flowing through the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet (57) connected to the mixing water chamber (64) according to changes in the water temperature in the mixing water chamber (64); and A water inlet control component is placed in the valve body and includes a temperature sensing portion, an elastic portion and an adjusting portion; the adjusting portion is suitable for sliding back and forth relative to the valve body along a first direction perpendicular to the water flow direction of the first water outlet (53), and is provided with a sealing surface suitable for covering the first water outlet (53) to adjust the water flow area of the first water outlet (53); the temperature sensing portion is suitable for expanding when the water temperature in the cold water inlet path rises to push the adjusting portion to slide in the direction of increasing the water flow area of the first water outlet (53) and contracting when the water temperature drops; the elastic portion is suitable for contracting under the action of the adjusting portion to store elastic potential energy when the temperature sensing portion expands and releasing the stored elastic potential energy when the temperature sensing portion contracts to push the adjusting portion to slide in the direction of reducing the water flow area of the first water outlet (53).

2. A thermostatic valve core according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body is provided with a second water outlet (52) communicating with the water mixing chamber (64), and is provided with a first water inlet (51) and a second water inlet (54); the first water inlet (51) is communicated with the second water outlet (52) to form the first branch; the second water inlet (54) is sequentially communicated with the first water outlet (53) and the first water inlet (51) to supply water to the second water outlet (52).

3. A thermostatic valve core according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water inlet control assembly includes a temperature-sensitive spring (32), a return spring (34), a sliding rod (33) and a blocking block (31); the temperature-sensitive spring (32) forms the temperature-sensitive portion, the return spring (34) forms the elastic portion, and the sliding rod (33) is fixedly connected to the blocking block (31) to form the regulating portion; the sliding rod (33) is slidably arranged on the valve body along a first direction, and one end thereof close to the first water outlet (53) is fixedly connected to the blocking block (31), and the other end thereof away from the first water outlet (53) is protruding and provided with an abutting flange (331); the blocking surface is arranged on the blocking block (31), and the two ends of the temperature-sensitive spring (32) are respectively abutted against the valve body and the blocking block (31); the two ends of the return spring (34) are respectively abutted against the valve body and the abutting flange (331).

4. A thermostatic valve core according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sliding rod (33) is provided with a snap-fitting flange (332) at one end close to the first water outlet (53); the blocking block (31) is provided with an engaging groove (312) suitable for engaging with the sliding rod (33), and is provided with a limiting surface (313) suitable for abutting against the snap-fitting flange (332) along a first direction; one end of the temperature-sensing spring (32) abuts against the valve body, and the other end abuts against the other side of the blocking block (31) away from the limiting surface (313), and is suitable for pushing the limiting surface (313) on the blocking block (31) to abut against the snap-fitting flange (332).

5. A thermostatic valve core according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The first water inlet (51) and the first water outlet (53) are arranged on the side of the valve body, and the first water outlet (53) is connected to the first water inlet (51); the second water inlet (54) is arranged at the bottom of the valve body.

6. A thermostatic valve core according to claim 5, characterized in that: The thermostatic assembly comprises a push spring (23) and a temperature-sensitive bag (21) and a piston (22) fixed to each other; the piston (22) cooperates with the valve body to form a cold water flow gap and a hot water flow gap arranged in the axial direction of the valve body, the cold water flow gap is suitable for communicating with the second water outlet (52), and the hot water flow gap is suitable for communicating with the outlet end of the hot water inlet (57); the temperature-sensitive bag (21) is suitable for expanding or contracting according to the change of water temperature in the mixing chamber (64) and driving the piston (22) to move along the axial direction of the valve body by abutting against the valve body to adjust the water flow area of the cold water flow gap and the hot water flow gap; the push spring (23) is placed between the temperature-sensitive bag (21) and the valve body to apply a force to the temperature-sensitive bag (21) to push the piston (22) to move in the direction of increasing the water flow area of the hot water flow gap.

7. A thermostatic valve core according to claim 6, characterized in that: The thermostatic assembly further comprises a valve stem (27), an adjusting bolt (26), a safety spring (25) and a top cap (24); the valve stem (27) is threadedly connected to 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 is adapted to be driven by the valve stem (27) to move axially along the valve body; the safety spring (25) is placed between the adjusting bolt (26) and the top cap (24), and the temperature sensing package (21) abuts against the valve body by abutting against the top cap (24).

8. A thermostatic valve core according to claim 7, characterized in that: The valve body comprises a valve seat (11), an upper cover (12) and an adjusting base (13); the valve seat (11) and the upper cover (12) are fixedly connected to form an installation chamber of the thermostatic component; the valve seat (11) is provided with the first water inlet (51), the second water inlet (54), the first water outlet (53) and the second water outlet (52); the adjusting base (13) is fixedly arranged on the valve seat (11) and is located between the first water outlet (53) and the second water inlet (54); the adjusting portion passes through the adjusting base (13) to form a sliding fit with the valve body, and the temperature sensing portion and the elastic portion respectively abut against the adjusting base (13) to apply a force to the adjusting portion to drive it to slide relative to the valve body.

9. A thermostatic valve core according to claim 8, characterized in that: The adjusting base (13) is provided with a guide column extending along a first direction; the blocking block (31) is provided with a guide hole (311) corresponding to the position of the guide column; the guide column is suitable for extending into the guide hole (311) when the adjusting portion slides relative to the valve body to limit the sliding direction of the adjusting portion.

10. A shower, characterized in that: The invention comprises a shower body and a thermostatic valve core as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9; the shower body is suitable for receiving cold water inlet and hot water inlet and inputting the water into the thermostatic valve core and then outputting mixed water; the cold water inlet path of the thermostatic valve core is connected to the water path of the shower body receiving the cold water inlet, the hot water inlet path (57) thereof is connected to the water path of the shower body receiving the hot water inlet, and the water outlet path thereof is connected to the water path of the shower body outputting mixed water.

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