Bypass valve and water heater containing it

Abstract

This invention discloses a bypass valve and a water heater incorporating the same, belonging to the field of water heater technology. The bypass valve includes a valve body with an inlet channel, an outlet channel, and a bypass channel within it; it also includes a fixed support and a valve core that can move axially between a first position and a second position along the bypass channel. The fixed support is disposed within the bypass channel and has a flow channel. The flow channel includes a tapered section whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases in the direction from the first position to the second position. The valve core is disposed within the flow channel and includes an opening. When the valve core moves from the first position to the second position, the opening abuts against the tapered section, and the tapered section applies a force to the opening in a radially inward direction toward the flow channel to reduce the opening degree. When the valve core moves from the second position to the first position, the opening moves radially outward toward the flow channel to increase the opening degree. By changing the valve core opening degree, the bypass flow rate is regulated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heater technology, and particularly to a bypass valve and a water heater containing the same. Background Technology

[0002] A water heater is a common appliance used to heat water. Cold water flows into the heat exchanger of the water heater from the inlet pipe. After the water exchanges heat with the heat exchanger and its temperature rises, it flows out through the outlet pipe for the user's use.

[0003] When a user closes the valve to stop using hot water, the water in the heat exchanger stops flowing. Because the heat exchanger has thermal inertia, the heat stored in the heat exchanger continues to be conducted to the water inside after the water is turned off, causing this portion of the water to become too hot, resulting in a temperature rise during the water outage. When the user reopens the valve, they may experience a period of hot water, causing discomfort.

[0004] To address the issue of temperature rise during water outages, current technical solutions involve connecting a bypass pipe between the inlet and outlet pipes inside the water heater. This allows some cold water to bypass the heat exchanger and flow directly through the bypass pipe to the water heater's outlet pipe, neutralizing the temperature rise caused by the outage. However, conventional bypass pipes are fixed flow channels with no adjustable flow rate. If the channel is too narrow, the flow rate is too low to effectively reduce the temperature rise during outages; if the channel is too wide, the flow rate is too high, potentially causing excessive cooling of the hot water. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defect that the bypass flow of water heaters in the prior art cannot be adjusted, and to provide a bypass valve and a water heater containing the same.

[0006] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0007] A bypass valve includes a valve body with an inlet channel, an outlet channel, and a bypass channel connected to the inlet channel and the outlet channel. The bypass valve also includes a fixed support and a valve core, the valve core being movable between a first position and a second position along the axial direction of the bypass channel. The fixed support is disposed within the bypass channel and fixed to the valve body. A flow channel is formed in the fixed support, the axial direction of which is parallel to the axial direction of the bypass channel. The flow channel includes a tapering section with a cross-section... The valve core is located within the flow channel and includes an adjustable opening. When the valve core moves from the first position toward the second position, the opening abuts against the tapering section, and the tapering section applies a force to the opening in a radially inward direction toward the flow channel to reduce the opening degree. When the valve core moves from the second position toward the first position, the opening moves radially outward toward the flow channel to increase the opening degree.

[0008] In this design, the valve core is positioned in the flow channel. The adjustable opening of the valve core abuts against the tapered section in the fluid channel. When the valve core moves from the first position to the second position, the cross-sectional area of ​​the tapered section gradually decreases in the same direction. Due to the shape of the tapered section, the opening is subjected to a force in the radially inward direction of the flow channel, thereby reducing the opening degree and decreasing the total bypass flow of the bypass valve. This prevents excessive cold water from flowing out directly without heating, which would affect the outlet water temperature. When the valve core moves from the second position to the first position, the cross-sectional area of ​​the tapered section expands in the same direction. The opening is no longer subjected to a force from the tapered section and can move radially outward of the flow channel, thereby increasing the opening degree. The total bypass flow of the bypass valve is large, which helps to reduce the temperature rise during water outages as quickly as possible.

[0009] Preferably, the opening includes a plurality of extensions extending toward the second position, the plurality of extensions being circumferentially spaced around the flow channel, and a clearance groove being provided between adjacent extensions.

[0010] In this design, when the opening moves from the first position toward the second position, the extensions extending toward the second position move toward the second position while being subjected to a force from the tapering section toward the radially inward direction of the flow channel. This causes the ends of the multiple extensions near the second position to gradually converge toward the radial center of the flow channel, thereby reducing the opening of the opening. The clearance grooves between adjacent extensions provide space for the extensions to gradually converge, preventing them from interfering with each other during the convergence process.

[0011] Preferably, one end of any of the extensions near the second position is provided with a protrusion extending radially inward toward the flow channel, and a plurality of the protrusions surround to form a water inlet.

[0012] In this design, as multiple extensions converge towards the radial center of the flow channel from their ends near the second position, protrusions extending in the same direction also converge, forming a water inlet that allows water to flow through while simultaneously restricting the flow rate. Without protrusions, to effectively reduce the opening, the extensions would need to move a considerable distance in the tapering section to converge the ends near the second position into a smaller inlet. Therefore, the protrusions further reduce the cross-sectional area through which water flows, enhancing the extensions' ability to restrict the flow rate and shortening the distance and time required for the valve core to move. This results in a more compact bypass valve structure and reduces the time required for the opening to narrow.

[0013] Preferably, the extension is inclined radially inward toward the flow channel from the end of the extension near the first position to the end of the extension near the second position.

[0014] In this solution, through the above-mentioned structural form, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening is also tapered in the direction from the first position to the second position, so that the overall shape of the opening matches the tapered section better, reducing the resistance when the opening moves in the tapered section, and making the extension easier to converge.

[0015] Preferably, the clearance groove gradually widens along the circumferential length of the flow channel in the direction from the first position to the second position.

[0016] In this design, as the opening moves from the first position to the second position, the end of the extension closer to the second position gradually converges towards the radial center of the flow channel. The portion of the extension closer to the second position moves a greater distance, requiring more space from the clearance groove to prevent interference. Therefore, the clearance groove's circumferential length along the flow channel gradually widens from the first position to the second position, ensuring ample clearance space for the portion of the extension closer to the second position and preventing interference between adjacent extensions. Furthermore, this structure reduces the circumferential length of the extension closer to the second position, further decreasing resistance as the opening moves from the first position to the second. Simultaneously, a larger circumferential length closer to the first position increases structural strength, ensuring the opening's structural stability. Moreover, compared to a clearance groove with a constant circumferential length, a smaller clearance closer to the first position prevents water from flowing through the gap, thus better controlling the flow rate.

[0017] Preferably, the bypass valve further includes a drive member and a transmission member, one end of the transmission member being connected to the drive member and the other end of the transmission member being connected to the valve core; the drive member is used to drive the transmission member to rotate about the axis of the flow channel, and the transmission member is configured to drive the valve core to move axially along the flow channel under the drive of the drive member.

[0018] In this scheme, the driving component drives the transmission component to rotate. Under the rotation of the transmission component, the valve core moves axially along the flow channel, thereby enabling the valve core to move between the first and second positions along the axial direction of the bypass channel. This allows the opening to move in the tapering section and be subjected to the force of the tapering section, thus adjusting the opening degree of the opening.

[0019] Preferably, the driving member has a connecting rod at one end facing the transmission member, and the transmission member has a connecting opening at one end facing the driving member. The connecting rod can slide into the connecting opening and is slidably connected to the transmission member. The valve core also includes a connecting part, which is located on the side of the opening away from the second position. The connecting part is rotatably connected to the transmission member.

[0020] In this design, the driving component and the transmission component are connected by a connecting rod. The connecting rod can slide into the connecting opening of the transmission component and is slidably connected with the transmission component, so that while the driving component drives the transmission component to rotate, the transmission component can also be displaced relative to the driving component. The connecting part in the valve core is used to connect with the transmission component. The connecting part and the transmission component are rotatably connected, so that while the transmission component rotates, the connecting part, or the valve core, does not rotate.

[0021] Preferably, one of the connecting part and the transmission member has an annular groove on its peripheral sidewall, and the other has an annular protrusion on its peripheral sidewall. The protrusion is embedded in the groove and can rotate within the groove along the circumferential direction of the flow channel.

[0022] In this design, the connecting part and the transmission component are connected together by a protrusion embedded in a groove. At the same time, since the protrusion can rotate in the groove along the circumferential direction of the flow channel, the connecting part and the transmission component can be rotatably connected.

[0023] Preferably, the transmission component is sleeved on the connecting portion, and the flow channel further includes a connecting section located on the side of the tapered section away from the second position. The transmission component is disposed in the connecting section and is threadedly connected to the connecting section.

[0024] In this design, the transmission component is threadedly connected to the connecting section, which allows the transmission component to move axially along the flow channel while rotating, through the threaded engagement with the connecting section, thereby driving the valve core connected to it to move axially along the flow channel.

[0025] Preferably, the driving component includes a turbine rotor, the axial direction of which is parallel to the axial direction of the flow channel. The turbine rotor is connected to the transmission component via a connecting rod. The turbine rotor can rotate in a first direction along the circumference of the flow channel under the action of water flow. The bypass valve also includes a reset component connected to the driving component. The reset component is used to apply a force to the driving component to rotate in a second direction along the circumference of the flow channel. The first direction and the second direction are two opposite directions.

[0026] In this design, the turbine rotor is connected to the transmission component via a connecting rod. Since the turbine rotor can rotate under the action of water flow, when water flows through the bypass valve, the turbine rotor can rotate, driving the transmission component to rotate and causing the valve core to move from the first position to the second position. In addition, the reset component is connected to the drive component, causing the drive component to rotate in the opposite direction, driving the transmission component to rotate in the opposite direction and causing the valve core to move from the second position to the first position.

[0027] Preferably, the reset member includes a coil spring connected to the end of the drive member away from the transmission member.

[0028] In this design, the coil spring is connected to the drive component. When the turbine rotor rotates under the action of water flow, the coil spring is compressed. When the water flow stops, the coil spring releases its elastic force, driving the drive component to rotate in the opposite direction.

[0029] A water heater comprising a bypass valve as described above.

[0030] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:

[0031] In this invention, the valve core is disposed in the flow channel. The adjustable opening of the valve core abuts against the tapered section in the fluid channel. When the valve core moves from the first position to the second position, the cross-sectional area of ​​the tapered section gradually decreases in the same direction. Due to the shape of the tapered section, the opening is subjected to a force in the radially inward direction of the flow channel, thereby reducing the opening and decreasing the total bypass flow of the bypass valve. This prevents too much cold water from flowing out directly without heating, which would affect the outlet water temperature. When the valve core moves from the second position to the first position, the cross-sectional area of ​​the tapered section expands in the same direction, allowing the opening to move radially outward of the flow channel, thereby increasing the opening and increasing the total bypass flow of the bypass valve. This helps to reduce the temperature rise during water outages more quickly. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the bypass valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a bypass valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the opening of the valve core is relatively large.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a bypass valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the opening of the valve core is relatively small.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the bypass valve, including the coil spring, turbine rotor, connecting rod, and fixed support, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the transmission component and valve core of the bypass valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve core of the bypass valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a top-view perspective view of the transmission component of the bypass valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a bottom-view perspective view of the transmission component of the bypass valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0042] Water heater 100

[0043] Water inlet pipe 110

[0044] Water outlet pipe 120

[0045] Heat exchanger 130

[0046] Bypass valve 200

[0047] Valve body 210

[0048] Water inlet channel 220

[0049] Water outlet channel 230

[0050] Bypass channel 240

[0051] Mounting slot 250

[0052] Fixed support 300

[0053] Distribution Channel 310

[0054] Connector 311

[0055] tapering segment 312

[0056] Direct section 313

[0057] Valve core 400

[0058] Opening 410

[0059] Extension 411

[0060] Protrusion 412

[0061] 413 water outlet

[0062] Leaving slot 414

[0063] Connecting part 420

[0064] Groove 421

[0065] Turbine Rotor 500

[0066] Connecting rod 600

[0067] Transmission component 700

[0068] Connection opening 710

[0069] 711 protrusion

[0070] 800 coil spring

[0071] 901 bracket

[0072] Head 902 Detailed Implementation

[0073] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment discloses a water heater 100, which includes an inlet pipe 110, an outlet pipe 120, a heat exchanger 130, and a bypass valve 200. Both the inlet pipe 110 and the outlet pipe 120 are connected to the heat exchanger 130. Cold water enters the heat exchanger 130 from the inlet pipe 110, is heated, and then flows out from the outlet pipe 120 for user use. The bypass valve 200 is connected between the inlet pipe 110, the outlet pipe 120, and the heat exchanger 130. It is used to allow a portion of the cold water in the inlet pipe 110 to bypass the heat exchanger 130 and flow directly through the bypass valve 200 to the outlet pipe 120, using this portion of cold water to neutralize the hot water section in the outlet pipe 120 caused by a water outage.

[0075] like Figures 2-9 As shown, the bypass valve 200 includes a valve body 210, which contains an inlet channel 220, an outlet channel 230, and a bypass channel 240. The inlet channel 220 is connected to the inlet pipe 110 and the inlet end of the heat exchanger 130, respectively. The outlet channel 230 is connected to the outlet pipe 120 and the outlet end of the heat exchanger 130, respectively. The bypass channel 240 connects the inlet channel 220 and the outlet channel 230.

[0076] The bypass valve 200 also includes a fixed support 300 and a valve core 400, which is configured to move between a first position and a second position along the axial direction of the bypass passage 240.

[0077] A fixed support 300 is disposed within the bypass channel 240 and fixed to the valve body 210. A flow channel 310 is provided in the fixed support 300, the axial direction of which is parallel to the axial direction of the bypass channel 240. The flow channel 310 includes a tapering section 312, the cross-sectional area of ​​which gradually narrows in the direction from the first position to the second position. A valve core 400 is disposed within the flow channel 310 and includes an adjustable opening 410. When the valve core 400 moves from the first position to the second position, the opening 410 abuts against the tapering section 312, and the tapering section 312 applies a force to the opening 410 in a radially inward direction toward the flow channel 310 to reduce the opening degree of the opening 410. When the valve core 400 moves from the second position to the first position, the opening 410 moves radially outward toward the flow channel 310 to increase the opening degree of the opening 410.

[0078] Therefore, the valve core 400 is disposed in the flow channel 310. The adjustable opening 410 of the valve core 400 abuts against the tapered section 312 in the fluid channel. When the valve core 400 moves from the first position to the second position, the cross-sectional area of ​​the tapered section 312 gradually decreases in the same direction. Due to the shape of the tapered section 312, the opening 410 is subjected to a force in the radially inward direction towards the flow channel 310, thereby reducing the opening and decreasing the total bypass flow of the bypass valve 200, thus preventing too much cold water from flowing out directly without heating and affecting the outlet water temperature. When the valve core 400 moves from the second position to the first position, the cross-sectional area of ​​the tapered section 312 expands in the same direction, allowing the opening 410 to move radially outward towards the flow channel 310, thereby increasing the opening and increasing the total bypass flow of the bypass valve 200, which helps to reduce the water outage temperature rise as quickly as possible.

[0079] The first position and the second position are two relative virtual positions. In this embodiment, the direction from the first position to the second position refers to the direction from the end of the bypass channel 240 near the outlet channel 230 to the end near the inlet channel 220, and the direction from the second position to the first position refers to the direction from the end of the inlet channel 220 to the end near the outlet channel 230. In other optional embodiments, the direction from the first position to the second position may also refer to the direction from the end of the inlet channel 220 to the end near the outlet channel 230, thereby reversing the installation of the entire bypass valve 200.

[0080] Specifically, the opening 410 includes a plurality of extensions 411 extending toward the second position. The plurality of extensions 411 are arranged circumferentially around the flow channel 310, and a clearance groove 414 is provided between adjacent extensions 411.

[0081] Therefore, when the opening 410 moves from the first position to the second position, the extension 411 extending in the opening 410 toward the second position moves toward the second position on the one hand, and on the other hand, the extension 411 is subjected to the force of the tapering section 312 toward the radially inner side of the flow channel 310, so that the ends of the multiple extensions 411 near the second position gradually converge toward the radial center of the flow channel 310, thereby reducing the opening of the opening 410; the clearance groove 414 between adjacent extensions 411 provides space for the extensions 411 to gradually converge, so that adjacent extensions 411 do not interfere with each other during the convergence process.

[0082] Specifically, each extension 411 is provided with a protrusion 412 extending radially inward toward the flow channel 310 at one end near the second position, and multiple protrusions 412 surround to form a water outlet 413.

[0083] Therefore, as the ends of multiple extensions 411 near the second position gradually converge toward the radial center of the flow channel 310, the protrusions 412 extending in the same direction also gradually converge, forming a water inlet 413 that allows water to flow through while restricting the flow rate. If the protrusions 412 are not provided, in order to effectively reduce the opening of the opening 410, the extensions 411 need to move a greater distance in the tapering section 312 to make the ends of the extensions 411 near the second position converge into a smaller water inlet 413. Thus, the protrusions 412 further reduce the cross-sectional area through which water flows, enhance the limiting effect of the extensions 411 on the flow rate, and shorten the distance and time for the valve core 400 to move. On the one hand, this makes the structure of the bypass valve 200 more compact, and on the other hand, it shortens the time for the opening 410 to reduce its opening.

[0084] Specifically, the extension 411 is inclined radially inward toward the flow channel 310 from the end of the extension 411 near the first position to the end of the extension 411 near the second position.

[0085] With the above-described structure, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 410 is also tapered in the direction from the first position to the second position, which makes the overall shape of the opening 410 more compatible with the tapered section 312, reduces the resistance when the opening 410 moves in the tapered section 312, and makes the extension 411 easier to converge.

[0086] In this embodiment, the tapered section 312 is generally conical (or frustum-shaped) with a smooth inner circumferential surface. The opening 410, or extension 411, is made of a deformable material, allowing the extension 411 to adaptably deform as the opening 410 moves within the tapered section 312. The tilting direction of the extension 411 and the arrangement of the protrusion 412 ensure that the opening 410 is also generally frustum-shaped, fitting snugly against the tapered section 312.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flow channel 310 also includes a straight section 313, the cross-sectional area of ​​which is fixed. The straight section 313 is connected to the side of the tapered section 312 near the second position, so that a limiting ring is formed at the connection between the straight section 313 and the tapered section 312. The limiting ring is the end point of the tapered section 312. By connecting the straight section 313, the problem of the inlet end of the flow channel 310 being too narrow due to only having the tapered section 312 is avoided, resulting in a small bypass flow rate. Moreover, the limiting ring provides a force point for the extension 411, so that the extension 411 does not need to be completely fitted and abutted against the tapered section 312. Only a part of the extension 411 needs to abut against the limiting ring. When the extension 411 moves, the limiting ring can cause the extension 411 to converge. In other optional embodiments, the straight section 313 may not be provided, and the bypass flow rate can be ensured by controlling the axial length and radial width of the tapered section 312.

[0088] Specifically, the clearance groove 414 gradually expands along the circumferential length of the flow channel 310 in the direction from the first position to the second position.

[0089] As the opening 410 moves from the first position toward the second position, the end of the extension 411 near the second position gradually converges toward the radial center of the flow channel 310. The portion of the extension 411 closer to the second position moves a greater distance, requiring more space from the clearance groove 414 to avoid interference. Therefore, the clearance groove 414 gradually expands along the circumferential length of the flow channel 310 from the first position toward the second position, ensuring sufficient clearance space for the portion of the extension 411 closer to the second position and preventing interference between adjacent extensions 411. Furthermore, this structure of the clearance groove 414 reduces the circumferential length of the extension 411 closer to the second position along the flow channel 310, making it easier to deform and further reducing the resistance when the opening 410 moves from the first position toward the second position. Simultaneously, the greater the circumferential length of the extension 411 closer to the first position along the flow channel 310, the greater the structural strength, ensuring the structural stability of the opening 410.

[0090] Furthermore, the bypass valve 200 also includes a drive element, a transmission element 700, and a reset element.

[0091] One end of the transmission member 700 is connected to the drive member, and the other end of the transmission member 700 is connected to the valve core 400. The drive member is used to drive the transmission member 700 to rotate about the axis of the flow channel 310. The transmission member 700 is configured to drive the valve core 400 to move axially along the flow channel 310 under the drive of the drive member. This allows the valve core 400 to move between a first position and a second position along the axial direction of the bypass channel 240, thereby allowing the opening 410 to move in the tapering section 312 and be subjected to the force of the tapering section 312, thus adjusting the opening degree of the opening 410.

[0092] Specifically, the driving member has a connecting rod 600 at one end facing the transmission member 700, and the transmission member 700 has a connecting opening 710 at one end facing the driving member. The connecting rod 600 can slide into the connecting opening 710, and the connecting rod 600 is slidably connected to the transmission member 700. The valve core 400 also includes a connecting part 420, which is located on the side of the opening 410 away from the second position. The connecting part 420 is rotatably connected to the transmission member 700.

[0093] The connecting rod 600 can slidably extend into the connecting opening 710 of the transmission member 700 and is slidably connected with the transmission member 700, so that while the driving member drives the transmission member 700 to rotate, the transmission member 700 can also be displaced relative to the driving member; the connecting part 420 in the valve core 400 is used to connect with the transmission member 700, and the connecting part 420 and the transmission member 700 are rotatably connected, so that while the transmission member 700 rotates, the connecting part 420, or the valve core 400, does not rotate.

[0094] In this embodiment, the cross-section of the connecting rod 600 is a regular polygon, and the shape of the connecting opening 710 connected to the connecting rod 600 matches the shape of the cross-section of the connecting rod 600, so that the connecting rod 600 can drive the transmission component 700 to rotate when it rotates.

[0095] Specifically, one of the connecting part 420 and the transmission member 700 has an annular groove 421 on its peripheral sidewall, and the other has an annular protrusion 711 on its peripheral sidewall. The protrusion 711 is embedded in the groove 421 and can rotate in the groove 421 along the circumferential direction of the flow channel 310.

[0096] Thus, the connecting part 420 and the transmission member 700 are connected together by the protrusion 711 being embedded in the groove 421. At the same time, since the protrusion 711 can rotate in the groove 421 along the circumferential direction of the flow channel 310, the connecting part 420 and the transmission member 700 are rotatably connected relative to each other.

[0097] In this embodiment, an annular groove 421 is provided on the peripheral sidewall of the connecting portion 420, and an annular protrusion 711 is provided on the peripheral sidewall of the end of the transmission member 700 that is connected to the connecting portion 420; in other optional embodiments, an annular protrusion 711 may also be provided on the peripheral sidewall of the connecting portion 420, and an annular groove 421 may be provided on the peripheral sidewall of the end of the transmission member 700 that is connected to the connecting portion 420.

[0098] In addition, the transmission component 700 in this embodiment has a hollow structure. One end of the transmission component 700 connected to the connecting part 420 is provided with a protrusion 711, but water can still flow through the protrusion 711. The other end connected to the connecting rod 600 is also provided with an opening, so that water can pass through the transmission component 700.

[0099] Specifically, the transmission component 700 is sleeved on the connecting part 420, and the flow channel 310 also includes a connecting section 311. The connecting section 311 is located on the side of the tapered section 312 away from the second position. The transmission component 700 is disposed in the connecting section 311 and is threadedly connected to the connecting section 311.

[0100] In this embodiment, the transmission component 700 is threadedly connected to the connecting section 311, thereby enabling the transmission component 700 to rotate while also moving along the axial direction of the flow channel 310 through the threaded engagement with the connecting section 311, thereby driving the valve core 400 connected thereto to move along the axial direction of the flow channel 310.

[0101] Furthermore, the driving component can rotate in the first direction along the circumference of the flow channel 310 under the action of water flow, and the resetting component is connected to the driving component to apply a force to the driving component to rotate in the second direction along the circumference of the flow channel 310; wherein, the first direction and the second direction are two opposite directions.

[0102] Specifically, the driving component includes a turbine rotor 500, the axial direction of which is parallel to the axial direction of the flow channel 310. The turbine rotor 500 is connected to the transmission component 700 via a connecting rod 600. Since the turbine rotor 500 can rotate under the action of water flow, when water flows through the bypass valve 200, the turbine rotor 500 can rotate and drive the transmission component 700 to rotate via the connecting rod 600.

[0103] In this embodiment, the turbine rotor 500 is located in the water outlet channel 230. In other optional embodiments, when the direction from the first position to the second position is the direction from the end near the water inlet channel 220 to the end near the water outlet channel 230, and the device in the entire bypass valve 200 is installed in the opposite direction to that in this embodiment, the turbine rotor 500 can also be located in the water inlet channel 220.

[0104] Specifically, the reset element includes a coil spring 800, which is connected to the end of the turbine rotor 500 away from the transmission element 700. The reset element drives the turbine rotor 500 to rotate in the opposite direction, thereby driving the transmission element 700 to rotate in the opposite direction and causing the valve core 400 to move from the second position to the first position: when the turbine rotor 500 rotates under the action of water flow, the coil spring 800 is compressed; when the water flow stops, the coil spring 800 releases its elastic force, driving the drive element to rotate in the opposite direction.

[0105] In addition, to prevent the turbine rotor 500 from displacing along the axial direction of the bypass channel 240 under the action of water flow and coming into contact with or colliding with the valve body 210, which could damage the valve body 210 or the turbine rotor 500, the bypass valve 200 in this embodiment also includes a limiting device, which includes a bracket 901 and a head 902.

[0106] The bracket 901 is fixedly connected to the valve body 210 and is located on the side of the bypass channel 240 near the first position. The bracket 901 has a through hole for water flow and a through hole for the connecting rod 600 to pass through. The end of the turbine rotor 500 connected to the connecting rod 600 abuts against the bracket 901, and the connecting rod 600 is connected to the transmission component 700 through the through hole. By setting the bracket 901, the movement of the turbine rotor 500 from the first position to the second position is restricted.

[0107] The head 902 is connected to the end of the turbine rotor 500 away from the connecting rod 600. The valve body 210 also has a mounting groove 250 located on the side of the head 902 away from the turbine rotor 500, and the head 902 is fixed within the mounting groove 250. Furthermore, a coil spring 800 is connected between the head 902 and the turbine rotor 500, restricting the movement of the turbine rotor 500 from the second position towards the first position by the coil spring 800 and the head 902.

[0108] In practical use, the overall operation of the bypass valve 200 in this embodiment is as follows:

[0109] When the user restarts the water supply after a water outage, cold water flows from the inlet pipe 110 into the inlet channel 220 of the bypass valve 200. Some of the cold water flows into the bypass channel 240 and then through the valve core 400 (or the water outlet 413 of the valve core 400), the transmission component 700, and the bracket 901 in the flow channel 310 into the outlet channel 230 containing hot water, thus neutralizing the temperature rise during the water outage. Driven by the water flow, the turbine rotor 500 rotates, at which time the coil spring 800 connected to the turbine rotor 500 is compressed.

[0110] Since the turbine rotor 500 is confined between the bracket 901 and the head 902, the turbine rotor 500 only rotates in the circumferential direction of the flow channel 310 (this direction is the first direction); the connecting rod 600 connected to the turbine rotor 500 rotates synchronously, thereby driving the transmission component 700 connected to the connecting rod 600 to rotate. The transmission component 700 is connected to the connecting section 311 in the flow channel 310 by a thread. Thus, while the transmission component 700 is rotating, it will also generate displacement in the axial direction of the flow channel 310. At this time, the transmission component 700 will move in the direction from the first position to the second position, thereby driving the valve core 400 to move from the first position to the second position. During this process, since the turbine rotor 500 does not displace along the axial direction of the flow channel 310, and the connecting rod 600 also does not displace along the axial direction of the flow channel 310, the transmission member 700, by setting its cross-section to a regular polygon and matching the shape of the connecting opening 710 on the transmission member 700, enables the connecting rod 600 to rotate, thereby driving the transmission member 700 to rotate, and the transmission member 700 can generate displacement relative to the connecting rod 600. Furthermore, the connection portion 420 between the transmission member 700 and the valve core 400 engages with a groove 421 and a protrusion 711, so that while the transmission member 700 drives the valve core 400 to move, the valve core 400 does not rotate.

[0111] When the valve core 400 moves from the first position toward the second position, the extension 411 in the opening 410 is subjected to a radially inward force from the tapered section 312 that abuts against it, causing the ends of the multiple extensions 411 near the second position to gradually converge toward the radial center of the flow channel 310, narrowing the water inlet 413, thereby reducing the opening of the opening 410.

[0112] Because of the threaded engagement between the transmission component 700 and the connecting section 311, the opening of the opening 410 gradually decreases. During this process, the bypass channel 240 can maintain a large bypass flow rate, which helps to quickly neutralize the temperature rise during water outages. When the opening of the opening 410 is reduced to its limit, the total bypass flow rate decreases, preventing excessive cold water from flowing directly out of the outlet channel 230 without heating, thus affecting the outlet water temperature.

[0113] When the user turns off the water, the water flow stops, and the turbine rotor 500 is no longer subjected to the force of the water flow. The compressed coil spring 800 releases its elasticity, causing the turbine rotor 500 to rotate in the opposite direction (this direction is the second direction opposite to the first direction). This, in turn, causes the connecting rod 600 to rotate in the opposite direction, which in turn causes the transmission component 700 to rotate in the opposite direction. At the same time, the transmission component 700 moves from the second position towards the first position, which in turn causes the valve core 400 to move from the second position towards the first position. During this process, the opening 410 moves radially outward towards the flow channel 310 to increase the opening degree of the opening 410. The above operation process is repeated after the user turns the water back on.

[0114] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0115] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bypass valve, the bypass valve comprising a valve body, the valve body having an inlet channel, an outlet channel, and a bypass channel, the bypass channel being connected to the inlet channel and the outlet channel; characterized in that: The bypass valve further includes a fixed support and a valve core, the valve core being configured to move between a first position and a second position along the axial direction of the bypass channel; The fixed support is disposed in the bypass channel and fixed to the valve body. The fixed support has a flow channel, the axis of which is parallel to the axis of the bypass channel. The flow channel includes a tapering section, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the tapering section tapers in the direction from the first position to the second position. The valve core is disposed within the flow channel, and the valve core includes an opening with an adjustable opening. When the valve core moves from the first position toward the second position, the opening abuts against the tapered section, and the tapered section applies a force to the opening toward the radially inward direction of the flow channel to reduce the opening. When the valve core moves from the second position toward the first position, the opening moves toward the radially outward direction of the flow channel to increase the opening.

2. The bypass valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The opening includes a plurality of extensions extending toward the second position, the plurality of extensions being circumferentially spaced around the flow channel, and a clearance groove being provided between adjacent extensions.

3. The bypass valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the extensions has a protrusion extending radially inward toward the flow channel at one end near the second position, and the plurality of protrusions surround to form a water inlet.

4. The bypass valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The extension is inclined radially inward toward the flow channel from the end of the extension near the first position to the end of the extension near the second position.

5. The bypass valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The clearance groove gradually expands along the circumferential length of the flow channel in the direction from the first position to the second position.

6. The bypass valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bypass valve further includes a driving component and a transmission component, one end of the transmission component is connected to the driving component, and the other end of the transmission component is connected to the valve core; The driving member is used to drive the transmission member to rotate about the axis of the flow channel, and the transmission member is configured to drive the valve core to move axially along the flow channel under the drive of the driving member.

7. The bypass valve as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The driving component has a connecting rod at one end facing the transmission component, and the transmission component has a connecting opening at one end facing the driving component. The connecting rod can slide into the connecting opening, and the connecting rod is slidably connected to the transmission component. The valve core further includes a connecting portion, which is located on the side of the opening away from the second position, and the connecting portion is rotatably connected to the transmission member.

8. The bypass valve as described in claim 7, characterized in that, One of the connecting parts and the transmission component has an annular groove on its peripheral sidewall, and the other has an annular protrusion on its peripheral sidewall. The protrusion is embedded in the groove and can rotate within the groove along the circumferential direction of the flow channel.

9. The bypass valve as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The transmission component is sleeved on the connecting part, and the flow channel further includes a connecting section. The connecting section is located on the side of the tapered section away from the second position. The transmission component is disposed in the connecting section and is threadedly connected to the connecting section.

10. The bypass valve as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The driving component includes a turbine rotor, the axial direction of which is parallel to the axial direction of the flow channel. The turbine rotor is connected to the transmission component via a connecting rod. The turbine rotor can rotate in the first direction along the circumference of the flow channel under the action of water flow. The bypass valve further includes a reset element, which is connected to the drive element. The reset element is used to apply a force to the drive element that rotates in the second direction along the circumference of the flow channel. Among them, the first direction and the second direction are two opposite directions.

11. The bypass valve as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The reset element includes a coil spring connected to the end of the drive element away from the transmission element.

12. A water heater, characterized in that, The water heater includes a bypass valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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