Bypass valve and water heater including the same

Abstract

The present invention discloses a bypass valve and a water heater including the same. The bypass valve includes a valve body, a valve core, a fixed seat, a flow hole, a connecting chamber and a first reset member. The valve core can move relative to the valve body to adjust the opening of the bypass channel. The connecting chamber has a deformable cavity filled with a flexible buffer. The valve core partially extends into the cavity and abuts against the flexible buffer. The side of the valve core toward the first position squeezes the flexible buffer to deform the flexible buffer and the cavity. The flexible buffer slows down the sliding speed of the valve core. The first reset member is used to reset the valve core. When water is used again after the water supply is stopped and the temperature is raised, more cold water needs to be added to the water outlet channel because the initial water temperature in the water outlet channel is high. At this time, the opening of the flow hole is the largest. When normal water use is resumed, since the water temperature is stable, there is no need to add too much cold water to the water outlet channel, so the valve core slides relative to the fixed seat to reduce the opening of the flow hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of water heaters, and in particular to a bypass valve and a water heater comprising the same. Background Art

[0002] A water heater is a common appliance used to heat water. Cold water flows from the inlet pipe into the water heater's heat exchanger. After the water exchanges heat with the heat exchanger and heats up, it flows out through the outlet pipe for consumption.

[0003] When users close the valve while using hot water, the water in the heat exchanger stops flowing. Due to the heat inertia of the heat exchanger, the heat stored in the heat exchanger continues to transfer to the water inside the heat exchanger after the fire is turned off, causing the water in this area to overheat, resulting in a temperature rise before the water is turned off. When users open the valve again to use water, they may experience a period of discomfort from the high temperature water.

[0004] Current water heaters use a bypass pipe between the inlet and outlet pipes. This bypass pipe allows some cold water to bypass the heat exchanger and flow directly to the outlet pipe, neutralizing the temperature rise caused by water outages. Conventional bypass pipes are fixed-section channels with no adjustable bypass flow rate, making the outlet water temperature uncontrollable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defect in the prior art that the flow of the bypass pipe of the water heater is difficult to adjust, and to provide a bypass valve and a water heater containing the same.

[0006] The present invention solves the above technical problems through the following technical solutions:

[0007] A bypass valve comprises a valve body and a valve core, wherein the valve body has a water inlet channel, a water outlet channel, and a bypass channel, wherein both ends of the bypass channel are connected to the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel, respectively. The valve core is disposed in the bypass channel and is configured to be movable relative to the valve body to adjust the opening of the bypass channel. The bypass valve further comprises a fixed seat, a flow hole, a connecting chamber, and a first reset member.

[0008] The fixing seat is fixed to the valve body, the circumferential side wall of the valve core abuts against the circumferential side wall of the fixing seat, the flow hole is provided on the circumferential side wall of the valve core and / or the circumferential side wall of the fixing seat, the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel are connected through the flow hole, and the valve core is capable of sliding between a first position and a second position relative to the fixing seat; when the valve core moves toward the first position, the opening of the flow hole decreases; when the valve core moves toward the second position, the opening of the flow hole increases;

[0009] The connecting chamber is fixed to the valve body and is located on the side of the valve core facing the first position. The connecting chamber has a deformable cavity filled with a flexible buffer. The valve core partially extends into the cavity and abuts against the flexible buffer. When the valve core moves toward the first position, the valve core presses the flexible buffer on the side facing the first position to deform the flexible buffer and the cavity.

[0010] The first restoring member is connected to the valve core, and is used to apply a force to the valve core in a direction toward the second position.

[0011] In this solution, cold water flows in from the water inlet channel, hot water flows out from the water outlet channel, and the bypass channel is connected between the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel, so that cold water can flow from the bypass channel into the water outlet channel after the valve core adjusts the opening to neutralize the water temperature in the water outlet channel. The opening of the bypass channel is adjusted by sliding the valve core relative to the fixed seat to change the opening of the flow hole, thereby adjusting the flow of cold water entering the water outlet channel from the water inlet channel. When the water supply is stopped and the temperature is raised again, more cold water needs to be added to the water outlet channel because the initial water temperature in the water outlet channel is high. At this time, the opening of the flow hole is the largest, and the valve core is located in the second position. When normal water use is resumed, since the water temperature is stable, there is no need to add too much cold water to the water outlet channel, so the valve core slides relative to the fixed seat to reduce the opening of the flow hole, and the valve core is located in the first position. Since the valve core squeezes the flexible buffer when it moves to the first position, the flexible buffer applies a reverse force to the valve core, slowing down the sliding speed of the valve core relative to the fixed seat when the driving force applied to the valve core is the same, so that when the water outlet channel just starts to discharge hot water, the bypass channel maintains the maximum flow rate to provide sufficient cold water to neutralize the hot water.

[0012] Preferably, the flexible buffer is a non-Newtonian fluid.

[0013] In this solution, on the one hand, the non-Newtonian fluid can adapt to cavities of various shapes and is more flexible. On the other hand, due to the characteristics of the non-Newtonian fluid, it can effectively slow down the sliding speed of the valve core relative to the fixed seat, avoiding the excessive reduction of the flow hole opening due to the valve core moving too fast, so that the bypass channel maintains the maximum flow rate to provide sufficient cold water to neutralize hot water.

[0014] Preferably, the connecting chamber includes a fixed portion and a movable portion, the fixed portion is fixed on the valve body, the movable portion is movable relative to the fixed portion, and the fixed portion and the movable portion enclose the cavity.

[0015] In this solution, the shape of the cavity is changed by the movement of the moving part relative to the fixed part, thereby changing the shape of the non-Newtonian fluid in the cavity.

[0016] Preferably, the valve core includes a first flow limiting cover and an adjusting rod, wherein the adjusting rod is provided on the inner peripheral side of the first flow limiting cover and fixed on the axial end plate of the first flow limiting cover;

[0017] The fixing seat is provided on the inner peripheral side of the first flow limiting cover, and the fixing seat includes a second flow limiting cover, and the outer peripheral wall of the second flow limiting cover abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the first flow limiting cover;

[0018] The connecting chamber is provided on the inner peripheral side of the fixing seat, the fixing portion is fixed on the inner peripheral wall of the second flow restrictor, the movable portion is provided on one side of the fixing portion in the axial direction of the bypass channel, the outer peripheral wall of the movable portion abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the second flow restrictor, and the movable portion is movable relative to the fixing portion along the axial direction of the bypass channel;

[0019] The fixed portion, the movable portion and the inner peripheral wall of the second flow limiting cover form the cavity, and the adjusting rod partially extends into the cavity.

[0020] In this solution, the above-mentioned setting can provide sufficient setting space for the connecting chamber, ensuring that the cavity has sufficient volume to accommodate the non-Newtonian fluid, thereby increasing the action time of the non-Newtonian fluid on the valve core and extending the time for the flow hole opening to decrease.

[0021] Preferably, the bypass valve also includes a second reset member, and the fixed seat also includes a first limiting portion, the first limiting portion is connected to the second flow limiting cover and is located on the side of the movable portion away from the fixed portion, and the second reset member abuts against the movable portion and the first limiting portion at both ends in the axial direction of the bypass channel, respectively, and the second reset member is used to apply a force to the movable portion toward the fixed portion.

[0022] In this solution, the second reset member is used to reset the moving part, so that the moving part can also reset and change the lightness of the cavity after the valve core moves toward the second position and resets, thereby changing the shape of the non-Newtonian fluid in the cavity, so that when the valve core moves toward the first position again, the non-Newtonian fluid can continue to slow down the sliding speed of the valve core relative to the fixed seat.

[0023] Preferably, the fixed seat also includes a second limiting portion, which is fixedly connected to the second flow limiting cover and is located on the side of the movable portion facing the fixed portion, and the second limiting portion can abut against the movable portion on an end face facing the movable portion in the axial direction of the bypass channel.

[0024] In this solution, the second limiting portion is used to limit excessive movement of the movable portion toward the fixed portion.

[0025] Preferably, the fixing seat further includes an adjustment channel, the adjustment channel extending along the axial direction of the bypass channel, the adjustment channel being connected to a side surface of the first limiting portion facing the movable portion, the movable portion being sleeved on the adjustment channel, and the inner peripheral wall of the movable portion abutting against the outer peripheral wall of the adjustment channel;

[0026] The fixed portion, the movable portion, the inner peripheral wall of the second flow limiting cover and the inner peripheral wall of the regulating channel form the cavity.

[0027] In this solution, the adjustment channel can guide the movement of the moving part to prevent the moving part from deviating during movement.

[0028] Preferably, the fixed portion is arranged on a side of the movable portion away from the adjusting rod, and the first limiting portion is provided with a through hole passing through the axial direction of the bypass channel, the through hole is connected to the adjusting channel, and the adjusting rod extends into the adjusting channel through the through hole.

[0029] In this solution, the regulating rod can block the regulating channel to prevent the non-Newtonian fluid in the cavity from flowing out. The regulating channel can guide the regulating rod to prevent the regulating rod from deflecting during movement.

[0030] Preferably, the fixing seat further includes a third limiting portion, wherein the third limiting portion extends from the inner peripheral wall of the adjustment channel toward the radial inner side of the adjustment channel;

[0031] The valve core also includes a fourth limiting portion, which extends from the outer peripheral wall of the adjusting rod to the radially outer side of the adjusting rod. The fourth limiting portion is arranged in the adjusting channel, and the end face of the fourth limiting portion away from the fixed portion in the axial direction of the bypass channel can abut against the third limiting portion.

[0032] In this solution, the above-mentioned setting is used to prevent the adjustment rod from moving out of the adjustment channel. On the one hand, it can prevent the non-Newtonian fluid in the cavity from flowing out. On the other hand, it can always maintain the matching relationship between the adjustment rod and the adjustment channel to avoid interference between the two.

[0033] Preferably, two ends of the first restoring member in the axial direction of the bypass channel respectively abut against the first limiting portion and the axial end plate of the first flow limiting cover.

[0034] In this solution, the first reset member applies a force to the axial end plate of the first flow limiter in a direction away from the first limiting portion, causing the valve core to move in a direction away from the fixed seat, thereby resetting the valve core and facilitating the next movement of the valve core.

[0035] Preferably, the minimum flow area of ​​the bypass channel is less than 1 / 3 of the total maximum flow area of ​​the flow holes.

[0036] In this solution, the minimum flow area of ​​the bypass channel is less than 1 / 3 of the total maximum flow area of ​​the flow holes, so that when the water outlet channel just starts to discharge hot water, the bypass channel maintains the maximum flow rate to provide sufficient cold water to neutralize the hot water; as the water outlet channel continues to discharge water, the opening of the flow holes gradually decreases. When the opening of the flow holes is less than 1 / 3 of the total maximum flow area of ​​the flow holes, the water flow rate of the bypass channel begins to decrease to adapt to the water temperature requirement of the water outlet channel after a period of water discharge.

[0037] Preferably, one of the valve core and the fixing seat is provided with a guide groove, and the other is provided with a guide block, the guide groove extends along the axial direction of the bypass channel, and the guide block cooperates with the guide groove and can slide along the extension direction of the guide groove.

[0038] In this solution, the above-mentioned setting is used to guide the movement direction of the valve core, avoid interference between the valve core and the fixed seat, and improve the reliability of the bypass valve during use.

[0039] Preferably, the valve core is provided on a side of the bypass channel close to the water inlet channel, the fixing seat is provided on a side of the bypass channel close to the water outlet channel, and the valve core is configured to be able to move toward the water outlet channel under the action of water flow;

[0040] When the valve core moves toward the water outlet channel, the opening of the flow hole decreases; when the valve core moves toward the water inlet channel, the opening of the flow hole increases.

[0041] In this solution, when water flows into the bypass channel from the water inlet channel, the valve core can move toward the water outlet channel under the action of the water flow, thereby realizing the opening adjustment of the flow hole without setting up other driving structures, simplifying the overall structure of the bypass valve and reducing costs.

[0042] A water heater comprises the bypass valve described above.

[0043] In this solution, when the water heater is temporarily shut down and the water in the water heater rises in temperature due to the thermal inertia of the water heater, if the user turns on the hot water, cold water can enter the water outlet channel from the bypass channel, thereby neutralizing the hot water in the water outlet channel. At the same time, as the hot water is continued to be used, the valve core slides relative to the fixed seat to reduce the opening of the flow hole. After a section of hot water with a temperature that is too high due to the water outage temperature rise is discharged, the amount of cold water entering the water outlet channel from the bypass channel is reduced, thereby avoiding excessive cold water at this time causing the water temperature to not meet the usage requirements.

[0044] The positive and progressive effects of the present invention are as follows: cold water flows in from the water inlet channel, hot water flows out from the water outlet channel, and the bypass channel is connected between the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel, so that cold water can flow from the bypass channel into the water outlet channel after the valve core adjusts the opening to neutralize the water temperature in the water outlet channel. Among them, the opening of the flow hole is changed by sliding the valve core relative to the fixed seat, so as to realize the opening adjustment of the bypass channel and adjust the flow of cold water entering the water outlet channel from the water inlet channel. When the water supply is stopped and the temperature is raised, more cold water needs to be added to the water outlet channel because the initial water temperature in the water outlet channel is high. At this time, the opening of the flow hole is the largest, and the valve core is in the second position. When normal water use is resumed, since the water temperature is stable, there is no need to add too much cold water to the water outlet channel, so the valve core slides relative to the fixed seat to reduce the opening of the flow hole, and the valve core is in the first position. Since the valve core squeezes the flexible buffer when it moves to the first position, the flexible buffer applies a reverse force to the valve core, slowing down the sliding speed of the valve core relative to the fixed seat when the driving force applied to the valve core is the same, so that when the water outlet channel just starts to discharge hot water, the bypass channel maintains the maximum flow rate to provide sufficient cold water to neutralize the hot water. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a bypass valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the bypass valve when the flow hole opening is maximum according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the internal structure of a bypass valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of a bypass valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the bypass valve after the flow hole opening is reduced according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Description of reference numerals:

[0052] Water heater body 11

[0053] Combustion chamber 12

[0054] Heat exchanger 13

[0055] Water inlet pipe 14

[0056] Outlet pipe 15

[0057] Bypass valve 16

[0058] Valve body 2

[0059] Water inlet channel 21

[0060] Water outlet channel 22

[0061] Bypass channel 23

[0062] Spool 3

[0063] The first flow limiting cover 31

[0064] Adjustment rod 32

[0065] Fourth limiting portion 33

[0066] Fixed seat 4

[0067] Second flow limiting cover 41

[0068] First through hole 411

[0069] The first limiting portion 42

[0070] Second through hole 421

[0071] Adjustment channel 43

[0072] The second limiting portion 44

[0073] The third limiting portion 45

[0074] Overflow hole 5

[0075] Connecting chamber 6

[0076] Flexible buffer 61

[0077] Fixing portion 62

[0078] Moving unit 63

[0079] Cavity 64

[0080] First restoring member 71

[0081] Second restoring member 72

[0082] Water Flow Space 8

[0083] Guide groove 91

[0084] Guide block 92 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] The present invention is further described below by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the examples.

[0086] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment discloses a water heater, including a water heater body 11, a water inlet pipe 14, a water outlet pipe 15, and a bypass valve 16. The water heater body 11 includes a combustion chamber 12 and a heat exchanger 13, and gas is introduced into the burner for combustion. The water inlet pipe 14 and the water outlet pipe 15 are both connected to the heat exchanger 13. Cold water flows from the water inlet pipe 14 into the heat exchanger 13. The heat exchanger 13 is arranged in the combustion chamber 12 to exchange heat with water under the heating of the combustion chamber 12. The heated hot water flows out of the water outlet pipe 15. The bypass valve 16 is connected between the water inlet pipe 14 and the water outlet pipe 15. The cold water in the water inlet pipe 14 can flow into the water outlet pipe 15 through the bypass valve 16 to neutralize the hot water in the water outlet pipe 15.

[0087] When the user stops using water, the combustion chamber 12 stops heating. However, the temperature of the heat exchanger 13 is still relatively high. Due to the thermal inertia of the heat exchanger 13, the heat exchanger 13 will continue to exchange heat with the water inside it for a period of time, causing the temperature of this section of water to be too high, resulting in a temperature rise when the water supply is cut off. If the user directly uses hot water at this time, it is easy to cause discomfort or even burns. In this embodiment, by flowing the cold water in the water inlet pipe 14 into the water outlet pipe 15 through the bypass valve 16 to neutralize the hot water in the water outlet pipe 15, the water temperature of the water section that has become too high due to the temperature rise when the water supply is cut off is reduced, thereby improving the user experience.

[0088] It should be noted that the water heater is not limited to the gas water heater heated by gas combustion in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the water heater may also be an electric water heater or other suitable water heater.

[0089] like Figure 2-Figure 5 As shown, the bypass valve 16 includes a valve body 2 , a valve core 3 , a fixing seat 4 , a flow hole 5 , a connecting chamber 6 , a first restoring member 71 and a second restoring member 72 .

[0090] like Figure 2 As shown, the valve body 2 has an inlet channel 21, an outlet channel 22, and a bypass channel 23. The inlet channel 21 communicates with the water heater's inlet pipe 14 for cold water circulation. The outlet channel 22 communicates with the water heater's outlet pipe 15 for hot water circulation. The bypass channel 23 is disposed between the inlet channel 21 and the outlet channel 22. Its ends connect to the inlet channel 21 and the outlet channel 22, respectively, allowing cold water in the inlet channel 21 to flow through the bypass channel 23 into the outlet channel 22, where it can neutralize the hot water in the outlet channel 22.

[0091] like Figure 3As shown, the valve core 3 is disposed within the bypass channel 23 and is configured to move relative to the valve body 2 to adjust the opening of the bypass channel 23, thereby controlling the flow of cold water into the outlet channel 22 and regulating the water temperature within the outlet channel 22. A fixed seat 4 is disposed within the bypass channel 23 and fixedly connected to the valve body 2, i.e., the fixed seat 4 remains stationary relative to the valve body 2. A flow hole 5 is provided on the peripheral sidewall of the fixed seat 4, connecting the water inlet channel 21 and the water outlet channel 22 through the flow hole 5. The valve core 3 and the fixed seat 4 are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the bypass channel 23. The valve core 3 is slidable relative to the fixed seat 4 between a first position and a second position. When the valve core 3 moves toward the first position, the opening of the flow hole 5 decreases; when the valve core 3 moves toward the second position, the opening of the flow hole 5 increases. This adjusts the opening of the flow hole 5, thereby adjusting the opening of the bypass channel 23.

[0092] Specifically, if Figure 3-Figure 5 As shown, the valve core 3 includes a first flow restrictor cover 31, a fixed seat 4 is provided on the inner circumference of the first flow restrictor cover 31, the fixed seat 4 includes a second flow restrictor cover 41, and a flow hole 5 is provided on the circumferential side wall of the second flow restrictor cover 41. The flow hole 5 passes through the circumferential side wall of the second flow restrictor cover 41 at both ends in the radial direction of the fixed seat 4. The outer circumferential wall of the second flow restrictor cover 41 abuts the inner circumferential wall of the first flow restrictor cover 31. The abutment here only refers to the fact that the gap between the inner circumferential wall of the first flow restrictor cover 31 and the outer circumferential wall of the second flow restrictor cover 41 is very small to reduce the flow of water in the gap between the two. However, the inner circumferential wall of the first flow restrictor cover 31 and the outer circumferential wall of the second flow restrictor cover 41 cannot be completely free of gap, otherwise it will affect the smoothness of the sliding of the valve core 3 relative to the fixed seat 4. The first flow limiting cover 31 and the second flow limiting cover 41 form a hollow water flow space 8. The second flow limiting cover 41 is also provided with a plurality of first through holes 411. The water flow space 8 is connected with the water outlet channel 22 through the first through holes 411. The cold water flowing in from the water inlet channel 21 can only flow into the water flow space 8 through the flow hole 5, and can only flow into the water outlet channel 22 through the first through holes 411, thereby realizing the adjustment of the cold water flow rate flowing into the water outlet channel 22 by adjusting the opening of the flow hole 5.

[0093] In other alternative embodiments, the flow hole 5 may be provided on the peripheral side wall of the first flow restrictor cover 31, with both ends of the flow hole 5 in the radial direction of the valve core 3 penetrating the peripheral side wall of the first flow restrictor cover 31. Alternatively, the diameter of the second flow restrictor cover 41 may be larger than the diameter of the first flow restrictor cover 31, and the second flow restrictor cover 41 may be sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the first flow restrictor cover 31.

[0094] like Figure 3As shown, the fixed seat 4 in this embodiment is provided at one end of the bypass channel 23 close to the water outlet channel 22, and the valve core 3 is provided at one end of the fixed seat 4 close to the water inlet channel 21. The valve core 3 moves toward the water outlet channel 22 under the action of the water flow. Specifically, when water flows from the water inlet channel 21 to the bypass channel 23, the valve core 3 can move toward the water outlet channel 22 under the action of the water flow, that is, move toward the first position, and the opening of the flow hole 5 decreases. When the valve core 3 is in the first position, the opening of the flow hole 5 is the smallest. When the water inlet channel 21 stops flowing, the valve core 3 moves toward the water inlet channel 21 under the action of the first reset member 71, that is, move toward the second position, and the opening of the flow hole 5 increases. When the valve core 3 is in the second position, the opening of the flow hole 5 is the largest. In this way, the opening of the flow hole 5 can be adjusted without providing other driving structures. This simplifies the overall structure of the bypass valve 16 and reduces costs.

[0095] In other alternative embodiments, the fixed seat 4 may be arranged at one end of the bypass channel 23 close to the water inlet channel 21, and the valve core 3 may be arranged at one end of the bypass channel 23 close to the water outlet channel 22. In this case, the valve core 3 can be driven by an independent driving structure to achieve sliding relative to the fixed seat 4.

[0096] like Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the connecting chamber 6 is fixed on the valve body 2 and is located on the side of the valve core 3 facing the first position. The connecting chamber 6 has a deformable cavity 64, and the cavity 64 is filled with a flexible buffer 61. The valve core 3 partially extends into the cavity 64 and abuts against the flexible buffer 61. When the valve core 3 moves toward the first position, the valve core 3 squeezes the flexible buffer 61 on one side toward the first position to deform the flexible buffer 61 and the cavity 64.

[0097] Specifically, if Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the connecting chamber 6 is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the second flow restrictor 41 and is located on the side of the valve core 3 facing the water outlet channel 22. The connecting chamber 6 includes a fixed portion 62 and a movable portion 63. The fixed portion 62 is fixed to the inner circumferential wall of the second flow restrictor 41. The movable portion 63 is disposed on the side of the fixed portion 62 facing the water inlet channel 21 in the axial direction of the bypass channel 23. The outer circumferential wall of the movable portion 63 abuts the inner circumferential wall of the second flow restrictor 41. The fixed portion 62, the movable portion 63, and the inner circumferential wall of the second flow restrictor 41 enclose a cavity 64. The movable portion 63 can move relative to the fixed portion 62 along the axial direction of the bypass channel 23, thereby changing the shape of the cavity 64. Here, the abutment between the outer peripheral wall of the movable part 63 and the inner peripheral wall of the second flow limiting cover 41 only means that the gap between the outer peripheral wall of the movable part 63 and the inner peripheral wall of the second flow limiting cover 41 is very small, so as to prevent the flexible buffer part 61 in the cavity 64 from flowing out from the gap between the two. However, there cannot be no gap at all between the outer peripheral wall of the movable part 63 and the inner peripheral wall of the second flow limiting cover 41, otherwise it will affect the smoothness of the sliding of the movable part 63 relative to the fixed part 62.

[0098] like Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the valve core 3 also includes an adjusting rod 32, which is arranged on the inner circumference of the first flow restrictor 31 and fixed to the axial end plate of the first flow restrictor 31. The adjusting rod 32 partially extends into the cavity 64 to squeeze the flexible buffer 61 in the cavity 64, causing the flexible buffer 61 to deform and push the movable portion 63 to move, changing the shape of the cavity 64 and releasing the force applied to the flexible buffer 61. Since the valve core 3 squeezes the flexible buffer 61 when moving to the first position, the flexible buffer 61 will apply a reverse force to the valve core 3, slowing the sliding speed of the valve core 3 relative to the fixed seat 4 when the driving force from the water flow is the same as that of the valve core 3. Therefore, when the water outlet channel 22 starts to discharge hot water, the bypass channel 23 maintains the maximum flow rate to provide sufficient cold water to neutralize the hot water.

[0099] The flexible buffer 61 in this embodiment is a non-Newtonian fluid. On the one hand, the non-Newtonian fluid can adapt to cavities 64 of various shapes and has higher flexibility. On the other hand, due to the characteristics of the non-Newtonian fluid, it can effectively slow down the sliding speed of the valve core 3 relative to the fixed seat 4, avoiding the valve core 3 moving too fast and causing the opening of the flow hole 5 to decrease too quickly, so that the bypass channel 23 maintains the maximum flow rate to provide sufficient cold water to neutralize hot water.

[0100] In other alternative embodiments, the flexible buffer 61 may also be other structures that can achieve the above functions.

[0101] In other alternative embodiments, the connecting chamber 6 may also be disposed on the outer periphery of the second flow restrictor 41, with the end of the first flow restrictor 31 facing the water outlet channel 22 extending into the cavity 64 and abutting against the flexible buffer 61. In this embodiment, the connecting chamber 6 is disposed within the second flow restrictor 41 to provide sufficient space for the connecting chamber 6 and ensure that the cavity 64 has sufficient volume to accommodate the non-Newtonian fluid, thereby increasing the duration of the non-Newtonian fluid's action on the valve core 3 and prolonging the time during which the opening of the flow hole 5 decreases.

[0102] In other alternative embodiments, the movable portion 63 may also be provided on a side of the fixed portion 62 facing the water outlet channel 22 in the axial direction of the bypass channel 23 .

[0103] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the first reset member 71 is connected to the valve core 3, and the first reset member 71 is used to apply a force to the valve core 3 in the direction of the second position. Specifically, the first reset member 71 in this embodiment is a spring, and the fixed seat 4 also includes a first limiting portion 42. The first limiting portion 42 is connected to the second flow limiting cover 41 and is located on the side of the movable portion 63 away from the fixed portion 62. The first reset member 71 is respectively in contact with the axial end plates of the first limiting portion 42 and the first flow limiting cover 31 at both ends in the axial direction of the bypass channel 23. When the valve core 3 moves toward the fixed seat 4, the first reset member 71 is compressed. When water is stopped, the elastic force of the first reset member 71 is released, driving the valve core 3 to move in the direction away from the fixed seat 4, thereby achieving the reset of the valve core 3 and facilitating the next movement of the valve core 3.

[0104] In other alternative embodiments, the first restoring member 71 may also be other elastic components that can achieve the above functions.

[0105] When water is used again after the water supply is stopped and the temperature rises, the initial water temperature in the water outlet channel 22 is higher, so more cold water needs to be added to the water outlet channel 22. At this time, the flow hole 5 is opened to the maximum, and the valve core 3 is in the second position. When normal water supply is restored, the water temperature is stable, so there is no need to add too much cold water to the water outlet channel 22. Therefore, the valve core 3 slides relative to the fixed seat 4 to reduce the opening of the flow hole 5, and the valve core 3 is in the first position.

[0106] like Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the bypass valve 16 further includes a second reset member 72. The second reset member 72 abuts the movable portion 63 and the first position-limiting portion 42 at both ends of the second reset member 72 in the axial direction of the bypass channel 23, respectively. The second reset member 72 is configured to apply a force to the movable portion 63 toward the fixed portion 62. Specifically, the second reset member 72 in this embodiment is a spring. When the valve core 3 moves toward the fixed seat 4, the adjustment rod 32 compresses the non-Newtonian fluid, causing the structure of the non-Newtonian fluid to change, thereby driving the movable portion 63 toward the first position-limiting portion 42. The second reset member 72 is compressed by the force. When water use stops, the valve core 3 is reset under the action of the first reset member 71, the adjusting rod 32 no longer squeezes the non-Newtonian fluid, and the force exerted by the non-Newtonian fluid on the movable part 63 is less than the force exerted by the second reset member 72. The elastic force of the second reset member 72 is released, driving the movable part 63 to move toward the fixed part 62 to achieve the reset of the movable part 63, so that when the valve core 3 moves toward the first position again, the non-Newtonian fluid can continue to slow down the sliding speed of the valve core 3 relative to the fixed seat 4.

[0107] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the fixed base 4 also includes an adjustment channel 43, which extends along the axis of the bypass channel 23. The adjustment channel 43 is connected to the side of the first limiting portion 42 facing the movable portion 63. The movable portion 63 is sleeved on the adjustment channel 43, and the inner peripheral wall of the movable portion 63 abuts the outer peripheral wall of the adjustment channel 43. The adjustment channel 43 can guide the movable portion 63 and prevent it from deflecting during movement. The fixed portion 62, the movable portion 63, the inner peripheral wall of the second flow restrictor 41, and the inner peripheral wall of the adjustment channel 43 form a cavity 64. Here, the abutment between the inner peripheral wall of the movable portion 63 and the outer peripheral wall of the adjustment channel 43 only means that the gap between the inner peripheral wall of the movable portion 63 and the outer peripheral wall of the adjustment channel 43 is very small, so as to prevent the flexible buffer 61 in the cavity 64 from flowing out through the gap between the inner peripheral wall of the movable portion 63 and the outer peripheral wall of the adjustment channel 43. However, the gap between the inner peripheral wall of the movable portion 63 and the outer peripheral wall of the adjustment channel 43 cannot be completely eliminated, otherwise it will affect the smooth sliding of the movable portion 63 relative to the fixed portion 62.

[0108] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the fixed seat 4 also includes a second limiting portion 44, which is fixedly connected to the second flow limiting cover 41 and is located on the side of the movable portion 63 toward the fixed portion 62. The second limiting portion 44 can abut against the movable portion 63 on one end face toward the movable portion 63 in the axial direction of the bypass channel 23 to limit excessive movement of the movable portion 63 toward the fixed portion 62.

[0109] Specifically, the second limiting portion 44 in this embodiment is provided at one end of the regulating channel 43 facing the fixed portion 62, and is fixedly connected to the second flow restrictor 41 through the regulating channel 43. The second limiting portion 44 extends from the outer peripheral wall of the regulating channel 43 toward the radial outside of the regulating channel 43. In other alternative embodiments, the second limiting portion 44 may also be directly provided on the inner peripheral wall of the second flow restrictor 41.

[0110] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the fixed portion 62 is located on the side of the movable portion 63 away from the adjusting rod 32. The first limiting portion 42 is provided with a second through hole 421 extending along the axis of the bypass channel 23. The second through hole 421 is connected to the adjusting channel 43. The adjusting rod 32 extends into the adjusting channel 43 through the through hole. The outer peripheral wall of the adjusting rod 32 abuts the inner peripheral wall of the adjusting channel 43. The abutment here only refers to a small gap between the outer peripheral wall of the adjusting rod 32 and the inner peripheral wall of the adjusting channel 43 to prevent the flexible buffer 61 in the cavity 64 from flowing out through the gap between them. However, the gap between the outer peripheral wall of the adjusting rod 32 and the inner peripheral wall of the adjusting channel 43 cannot be completely eliminated, otherwise it will affect the smooth sliding of the valve core 3 relative to the fixed seat 4. In addition, the adjusting channel 43 also serves as a guide for the movement of the adjusting rod 32, preventing the adjusting rod 32 from deflecting during movement.

[0111] like Figure 5 As shown, the fixed seat 4 also includes a third limiting portion 45, which extends from the inner peripheral wall of the adjustment channel 43 to the radial inner side of the adjustment channel 43. The valve core 3 also includes a fourth limiting portion 33, which extends from the outer peripheral wall of the adjustment rod 32 to the radial outer side of the adjustment rod 32. The fourth limiting portion 33 is disposed in the adjustment channel 43. When the valve core 3 is in the second position, the end surface of the fourth limiting portion 33 away from the fixing portion 62 in the axial direction of the bypass channel 23 can abut against the third limiting portion 45. In this embodiment, the third limiting portion 45 and the fourth limiting portion 33 cooperate to prevent the adjustment rod 32 from moving out of the adjustment channel 43. On the one hand, this can prevent the non-Newtonian fluid in the cavity 64 from flowing out. On the other hand, it can always maintain the cooperative relationship between the adjustment rod 32 and the adjustment channel 43 to avoid interference between the two.

[0112] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a guide groove 91 is provided on the second flow limiting cover 41, and a guide block 92 is provided on the first flow limiting cover 31. The guide groove 91 extends along the axial direction of the bypass channel 23. The guide block 92 cooperates with the guide groove 91 and can slide along the extension direction of the guide groove 91 to guide the movement direction of the valve core 3, avoid interference between the valve core 3 and the fixed seat 4, and improve the reliability of the bypass valve 16 during use.

[0113] In other alternative embodiments, the guide groove 91 may be provided on the first flow limiting cover 31 , and the guide block 92 may be provided on the second flow limiting cover 41 .

[0114] In this embodiment, the minimum flow area of ​​the bypass channel 23 is less than 1 / 3 of the total maximum flow area of ​​the flow holes 5, so that when the water outlet channel 22 just starts to discharge hot water, the bypass channel 23 maintains the maximum flow rate to provide sufficient cold water to neutralize the hot water; as the water outlet channel 22 continues to discharge water, the opening of the flow holes 5 gradually decreases. When the opening of the flow holes 5 is less than 1 / 3 of the total maximum flow area of ​​the flow holes 5, the water flow rate of the bypass channel 23 begins to decrease to adapt to the water temperature requirement of the water outlet channel 22 after a period of water discharge. The minimum flow area of ​​the bypass channel 23 here refers to the area at the smallest cross-section of the bypass channel 23, that is, in the embodiment, it can be understood as the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all the first through holes 411 on the second flow limiting cover 41, and the total maximum flow area of ​​the flow holes 5 refers to the sum of the areas of all the flow holes 5 when the flow holes 5 are not blocked.

[0115] The following briefly describes the principle of adjusting the opening of the bypass valve 16 based on the specific structure of the bypass valve 16 described above.

[0116] When water is stopped, Figure 3 As shown, at this time, the opening of the flow hole 5 is the largest, the valve core 3 is in the second position, and the maximum amount of cold water can flow from the water inlet channel 21 into the water outlet channel 22. Therefore, when the water supply is stopped and the temperature is increased, more cold water will initially enter the water outlet channel 22 to neutralize the higher water temperature.

[0117] When normal water use is gradually restored, there is no need to inject more cold water into the water outlet channel 22. Figure 6 As shown, the valve core 3 moves toward the water outlet channel 22 under the action of the water flow, and the regulating rod 32 continuously squeezes the non-Newtonian fluid in the cavity 64, causing the structure of the non-Newtonian fluid to change and drive the movable part 63 to move toward the water inlet channel 21. In the process of moving toward the water outlet channel 22, the valve core 3 gradually reduces the opening of the flow hole 5 until the sum of the elastic force of the spring and the force exerted on the valve core 3 by the non-Newtonian fluid is balanced with the force exerted on the valve core 3 by the water flow. At this time, the opening of the flow hole 5 is the smallest, the valve core 3 is in the first position, and the inflow of cold water is the smallest, avoiding other problems caused by large bypass flow, such as cold water flowing out directly without being heated, and the small flow through the heat exchanger 13 causing water to boil. When the water supply is turned off again, the first reset member 71 drives the valve core 3 to move toward the water inlet channel 21, thereby increasing the opening of the flow hole 5 to the maximum.

[0118] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely illustrative and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, and such changes and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bypass valve, comprising a valve body and a valve core, wherein the valve body has a water inlet channel, a water outlet channel, and a bypass channel, wherein both ends of the bypass channel are connected to the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel, respectively, and the valve core is disposed in the bypass channel and is configured to be movable relative to the valve body to adjust the opening of the bypass channel; characterized in that: The bypass valve further includes a fixing seat, a flow hole, a connecting chamber and a first reset member; The fixing seat is fixed to the valve body, the circumferential side wall of the valve core abuts against the circumferential side wall of the fixing seat, the flow hole is provided on the circumferential side wall of the valve core and / or the circumferential side wall of the fixing seat, the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel are connected through the flow hole, and the valve core is capable of sliding between a first position and a second position relative to the fixing seat; when the valve core moves toward the first position, the opening of the flow hole decreases; when the valve core moves toward the second position, the opening of the flow hole increases; The connecting chamber is fixed to the valve body and is located on the side of the valve core facing the first position. The connecting chamber has a deformable cavity filled with a flexible buffer. The valve core partially extends into the cavity and abuts against the flexible buffer. When the valve core moves toward the first position, the valve core presses the flexible buffer on the side facing the first position to deform the flexible buffer and the cavity. The first restoring member is connected to the valve core, and is used to apply a force to the valve core in a direction toward the second position.

2. The bypass valve according to claim 1, wherein: The flexible buffer is a non-Newtonian fluid.

3. The bypass valve according to claim 2, wherein: The connecting chamber includes a fixed portion and a movable portion, wherein the fixed portion is fixed on the valve body, and the movable portion is movable relative to the fixed portion, and the fixed portion and the movable portion enclose the cavity.

4. The bypass valve according to claim 3, wherein: The valve core includes a first flow limiting cover and an adjusting rod, wherein the adjusting rod is arranged on the inner circumference side of the first flow limiting cover and fixed on the axial end plate of the first flow limiting cover; The fixing seat is provided on the inner peripheral side of the first flow limiting cover, and the fixing seat includes a second flow limiting cover, and the outer peripheral wall of the second flow limiting cover abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the first flow limiting cover; The connecting chamber is provided on the inner peripheral side of the fixing seat, the fixing portion is fixed on the inner peripheral wall of the second flow restrictor, the movable portion is provided on one side of the fixing portion in the axial direction of the bypass channel, the outer peripheral wall of the movable portion abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the second flow restrictor, and the movable portion is movable relative to the fixing portion along the axial direction of the bypass channel; The fixed portion, the movable portion and the inner peripheral wall of the second flow limiting cover form the cavity, and the adjusting rod partially extends into the cavity.

5. The bypass valve according to claim 4, characterized in that The bypass valve also includes a second reset member, and the fixed seat also includes a first limiting portion, the first limiting portion is connected to the second flow limiting cover and is located on the side of the movable portion away from the fixed portion, and the second reset member abuts against the movable portion and the first limiting portion at both ends in the axial direction of the bypass channel, respectively, and the second reset member is used to apply a force to the movable portion toward the fixed portion.

6. The bypass valve according to claim 5, wherein: The fixing seat also includes a second limiting portion, which is fixedly connected to the second flow limiting cover and is located on the side of the movable portion facing the fixed portion. The second limiting portion can abut against the movable portion on an end face facing the movable portion in the axial direction of the bypass channel.

7. The bypass valve according to claim 5, wherein: The fixing seat further includes an adjustment channel, the adjustment channel extending along the axial direction of the bypass channel, the adjustment channel being connected to a side surface of the first limiting portion facing the movable portion, the movable portion being sleeved on the adjustment channel, and the inner peripheral wall of the movable portion abutting against the outer peripheral wall of the adjustment channel; The fixed portion, the movable portion, the inner peripheral wall of the second flow limiting cover and the inner peripheral wall of the regulating channel form the cavity.

8. The bypass valve according to claim 7, wherein: The fixing portion is arranged on a side of the movable portion away from the adjusting rod. The first limiting portion is provided with a through hole penetrating in the axial direction of the bypass channel. The through hole is connected to the adjusting channel, and the adjusting rod extends into the adjusting channel through the through hole.

9. The bypass valve according to claim 8, wherein: The fixing seat further includes a third limiting portion, wherein the third limiting portion extends from the inner peripheral wall of the adjustment channel toward the radial inner side of the adjustment channel; The valve core also includes a fourth limiting portion, which extends from the outer peripheral wall of the adjusting rod to the radially outer side of the adjusting rod. The fourth limiting portion is arranged in the adjusting channel, and the end face of the fourth limiting portion away from the fixed portion in the axial direction of the bypass channel can abut against the third limiting portion.

10. The bypass valve according to claim 8, wherein: Both ends of the first restoring member in the axial direction of the bypass channel are respectively in contact with the first limiting portion and the axial end plate of the first flow limiting cover.

11. The bypass valve according to claim 1, wherein: The minimum flow area of ​​the bypass channel is less than 1 / 3 of the total maximum flow area of ​​the flow holes.

12. The bypass valve according to claim 1, wherein: A guide groove is provided on one of the valve core and the fixing seat, and a guide block is provided on the other. The guide groove extends along the axial direction of the bypass channel. The guide block cooperates with the guide groove and can slide along the extension direction of the guide groove.

13. The bypass valve according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The valve core is provided on a side of the bypass channel close to the water inlet channel, the fixing seat is provided on a side of the bypass channel close to the water outlet channel, and the valve core is configured to be able to move toward the water outlet channel under the action of water flow; When the valve core moves toward the water outlet channel, the opening of the flow hole decreases; when the valve core moves toward the water inlet channel, the opening of the flow hole increases.

14. A water heater, characterized in that: The water heater comprises the bypass valve according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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