Bypass valve and water heater containing it

Abstract

This invention provides 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, a first channel, a second channel, and a connecting channel. It also includes a first valve core assembly, a second valve core, a driving component, and a first reset component. The first valve core assembly is configured to be movable to a predetermined position. The driving component drives the first valve core assembly to rotate around the axis of the first channel. The second valve core includes a mating portion and a blocking portion. The mating portion is located within the first channel, and the blocking portion is located within the second channel. When the first valve core assembly moves to the predetermined position, it drives the mating portion to rotate, causing the blocking portion to rotate from the first position to the second position, thus reducing the opening of the second channel. The first reset component drives the blocking portion to rotate from the second position to the first position, thus increasing the opening of the second channel. By changing the opening of the second channel, the bypass flow rate is adjusted.

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 channel includes a first channel, a second channel, and a connecting channel, both of which are connected to the inlet and outlet channels, and are connected to each other via the connecting channel. The bypass valve further includes a first valve core assembly, a second valve core, a driving component, and a reset component. The first valve core assembly is disposed within the first channel and is configured to move to a predetermined position away from the inlet channel under the action of water flow. The first valve core assembly is connected to the driving component. The driving component is used to drive the first valve core assembly to rotate around the axis of the first channel; the second valve core includes a mating part and a blocking part, the mating part and the blocking part are connected, the mating part is located in the first channel, and the blocking part is located in the second channel; when the first valve core assembly moves to the predetermined position, the first valve core assembly abuts against the mating part to drive the mating part to rotate, so that the blocking part rotates from the first position to the second position, thereby reducing the opening of the second channel; the reset component includes a first reset member, the first reset member is connected to the second valve core, and the first reset member is used to drive the blocking part to rotate from the second position to the first position, thereby increasing the opening of the second channel.

[0008] In this design, the bypass channel includes two channels: a first channel and a second channel. A first valve core assembly is installed in the first channel. Under the action of water flow, the first valve core assembly can move to a predetermined position and abut against the mating part of the second valve core. Simultaneously, a driving component drives the first valve core assembly to rotate around the axis of the first channel. This rotation of the first valve core assembly drives the mating part to rotate, and consequently, causes the blocking part located in the second channel to rotate from a first position to a second position. Conversely, a first reset component can drive the blocking part to rotate from the second position to the first position. During the rotation of the blocking part, the opening of the second channel changes to regulate the bypass flow rate: when the blocking part is in the first position, the opening of the second channel is large, resulting in a large total bypass flow rate, which helps to quickly reduce the temperature rise during water outages; when the blocking part rotates from the first position to the second position, the opening of the second channel decreases, reducing the total bypass flow rate and preventing excessive cold water from flowing out directly without heating, thus affecting the outlet water temperature. The first reset component resets the blocking part, allowing it to rotate repeatedly.

[0009] Preferably, the first valve core assembly includes a first transmission member, and the mating part is located on the side of the first transmission member facing the water outlet channel. When the first transmission member moves to the predetermined position, the first transmission member abuts against the mating part.

[0010] In this scheme, the first transmission member is used to drive the mating part to rotate. Since the first valve core assembly can move away from the water inlet channel under the action of water flow, the first transmission member with the mating part in the first valve core assembly facing the water outlet channel is arranged so that when the first transmission member moves to the predetermined position, the first transmission member abuts against the mating part.

[0011] Preferably, the first transmission component is a gear ring, the mating part is a gear disk, and the rotation axis of the gear ring is at a predetermined angle to the rotation axis of the gear disk; the gear ring includes a gear ring body and a first tooth portion, the first tooth portion is disposed at one end of the gear ring body facing the water outlet channel and has serrations protruding towards the water outlet channel, and the first tooth portion is used to mesh with the gear disk.

[0012] In this design, the first tooth of the gear ring has serrations protruding towards the water outlet channel. When the gear ring moves to a predetermined position, the first tooth can mesh with the gear disc, thereby rotating the gear disc through the rotation of the gear ring, which in turn allows the shielding part to rotate.

[0013] Preferably, the gear ring further includes a second tooth portion, which is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the gear ring body and has serrations protruding radially inward toward the gear ring body; the first valve core assembly further includes a second transmission member, which includes a connecting shaft and a gear, the connecting shaft being connected to the drive component, the gear being sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft, and the gear engaging with the second tooth portion.

[0014] In this design, the drive component is connected to the gear via a connecting shaft. The gear engages with the second tooth of the gear ring. Thus, the rotation of the drive component drives the gear to rotate, which in turn drives the gear ring to rotate, and the rotation of the gear ring drives the rotation of the gear disc.

[0015] Preferably, the second transmission member further includes a plurality of planetary gears, which mesh between the gear and the second tooth.

[0016] In this design, the planetary gears achieve a speed reduction effect, ensuring that the rotational speed of the gear ring is less than that of the gears, which in turn makes the rotational speed of the gear disc less than that of the drive component. This slows down the rotational speed of the blocking part. When the user turns the water back on after a water outage, although the first valve core assembly drives the second valve core to rotate and reduce the opening of the second channel, the blocking part does not rotate synchronously with the rotation of the second transmission component in the first valve core assembly due to the speed reduction effect of the planetary gears. In other words, the speed at which the opening of the second channel decreases is less than the rotational speed of the second transmission component, allowing the second channel to remain open for a longer period. This ensures sufficient bypass flow can be used to neutralize the temperature rise during water outages. As the blocking part continues to rotate, the opening of the second channel gradually decreases, reducing the total bypass flow and preventing excessive neutralization of the water outage temperature, which could lead to too much cold water flowing out unheated and affecting the outlet water temperature.

[0017] Preferably, the first valve core assembly further includes a bracket, and the first transmission member and the second transmission member are both connected to the bracket; the bracket can move away from the water inlet channel under the action of water flow, so that the first valve core assembly moves to the predetermined position.

[0018] In this design, cold water flows into the water inlet channel. Under the action of the water flow, the bracket moves away from the water inlet channel, thereby driving the first and second transmission components to move away from the water inlet channel. This allows the first transmission component to abut against the mating part when it moves to the predetermined position.

[0019] Preferably, the bracket includes a pressure plate and a base plate, the pressure plate is connected to the base plate, and a limiting cavity is formed between the pressure plate and the base plate. The gear ring body and the gear are disposed in the limiting cavity, and the first tooth extends out of the limiting cavity.

[0020] In this design, the gear ring body and gear are positioned between the pressure plate and the base plate of the bracket to form a limiting cavity, preventing the gear ring body and gear from separating from each other under the action of water flow, thus affecting the transmission fit; the first tooth extends out of the limiting cavity to facilitate meshing with the gear ring.

[0021] Preferably, the end of the shielding part away from the connecting channel is provided with a protrusion, and the side surface of the second channel opposite to the connecting channel is provided with a groove, and the protrusion is slidably disposed in the groove; the groove includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, when the shielding part is rotated to the second position, the protrusion abuts against the second sidewall, and when the shielding part is rotated to the first position, the protrusion abuts against the first sidewall.

[0022] In this design, the protrusion of the shielding part is located in the groove to limit the rotation range of the shielding part. When the shielding part rotates to the second position, the second channel is closed, and the protrusion abuts against the second side wall to prevent the shielding part from rotating further and increasing the opening of the second channel. When the shielding part rotates to the first position, the second channel is open, and the protrusion abuts against the first side wall to prevent the shielding part from rotating further and decreasing the opening of the second channel.

[0023] Preferably, the first reset element is a spiral spring.

[0024] In this solution, when the first valve core assembly moves to a predetermined position under the action of water flow and drives the mating part to rotate, the spiral spring is compressed. When the water flow stops, the first valve core assembly disengages from the mating part, the spiral spring releases its elastic force, and drives the blocking part to rotate from the second position to the first position, so as to increase the opening of the second channel.

[0025] Preferably, the reset component further includes a second reset member, which is connected to the first valve core assembly and is used to drive the first valve core assembly away from the predetermined position.

[0026] In this scheme, when the water flow stops, the second reset component drives the first valve core assembly away from the predetermined position and back to the starting position, so that the first valve core assembly can still move to the predetermined position under the action of the water flow after the water is turned on again.

[0027] Preferably, the bypass valve further includes a connecting shaft and a fixing part, the first valve core assembly and the drive component are connected through the connecting shaft, and the axis of the connecting shaft is parallel to the axis of the first channel; the fixing part is fixedly connected to the valve body and is disposed on the side of the first valve core assembly facing the water outlet channel; the second reset member is a spring, and the two ends of the spring abut against the first valve core assembly and the fixing part respectively.

[0028] In this design, the two ends of the spring abut against the first valve core assembly and the fixing part, respectively. When the first valve core assembly moves away from the water inlet channel to a predetermined position under the action of water flow, the spring is compressed. When the water flow stops, the spring releases its elastic force, driving the first valve core assembly away from the predetermined position and back to the starting position.

[0029] Preferably, the driving component is an impeller, the axis of which is parallel to the axis of the first channel, and the impeller is disposed in the water outlet channel or the water inlet channel.

[0030] In this scheme, the impeller installed in the water outlet channel or water inlet channel can rotate under the action of water flow, and the axis of the impeller is parallel to the axis of the first channel. By connecting the impeller to the first valve core assembly, the rotation of the impeller can drive the first valve core assembly to rotate around the axis of the first channel.

[0031] A water heater, including a bypass valve as described above.

[0032] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:

[0033] In this invention, the bypass channel includes two channels: a first channel and a second channel. A first valve core assembly is disposed in the first channel. Under the action of water flow, the first valve core assembly can move to a predetermined position and abut against the mating part of the second valve core. Simultaneously, a driving component drives the first valve core assembly to rotate around the axis of the first channel. This rotation of the first valve core assembly drives the mating part to rotate, and consequently, causes the blocking part located in the second channel to rotate from a first position to a second position. Conversely, a first reset component can drive the blocking part to rotate from the second position to the first position. During the rotation of the blocking part, the opening of the second channel changes to regulate the bypass flow rate: when the blocking part is in the first position, the opening of the second channel is large, resulting in a large total bypass flow rate, which helps to quickly reduce the temperature rise during water outages; when the blocking part rotates from the first position to the second position, the opening of the second channel decreases, reducing the total bypass flow rate and preventing excessive cold water from flowing out directly without heating, thus affecting the outlet water temperature. The first reset component resets the blocking part, allowing it to rotate repeatedly. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the bypass valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the bypass valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second channel is open.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the bypass valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second channel is closed.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the gear ring and bracket of the bypass valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the bypass valve's gear ring, gear, and planetary gear according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first valve core assembly, the second valve core, the driving component, and the reset component of the bypass valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the gear ring meshes with the gear disc.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the shielding part and groove of the bypass valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0043] Water heater 100

[0044] Water inlet pipe 110

[0045] Water outlet pipe 120

[0046] Heat exchanger 130

[0047] Bypass valve 200

[0048] Valve body 210

[0049] Support platform 211

[0050] Water outlet channel 220

[0051] Water inlet channel 230

[0052] First Channel 240

[0053] Second Channel 250

[0054] Groove 251

[0055] First sidewall 252

[0056] Second side wall 253

[0057] Connecting Channel 260

[0058] First valve core assembly 300

[0059] Gear ring 310

[0060] Ring gear body 311

[0061] First tooth 312

[0062] Second tooth 313

[0063] Connecting shaft 320

[0064] Gear 330

[0065] Planetary Gear 340

[0066] Bracket 350

[0067] Pressure plate 351

[0068] Base plate 352

[0069] Slider 353

[0070] Second valve core 400

[0071] Gear 410

[0072] Shielding part 420

[0073] Bump 421

[0074] Impeller 500

[0075] Spring 600

[0076] 700 spiral spring

[0077] Fixed part 800 Detailed Implementation

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] like Figures 2-8 As shown, the bypass valve 200 includes a valve body 210, within which are provided an inlet channel 230, an outlet channel 220, and a bypass channel. The inlet channel 230 is connected to the inlet pipe 110 and the inlet end of the heat exchanger 130, respectively. The outlet channel 220 is connected to the outlet pipe 120 and the outlet end of the heat exchanger 130, respectively. The bypass channel connects the inlet channel 230 and the outlet channel 220. Specifically, in this embodiment, the bypass channel includes a first channel 240, a second channel 250, and a connecting channel 260. Both the first channel 240 and the second channel 250 are connected to the inlet channel 230 and the outlet channel 220, and the first channel 240 and the second channel 250 are connected via the connecting channel 260.

[0081] The bypass valve 200 also includes a first valve core assembly 300, a second valve core 400, a drive component, and a reset component.

[0082] A first valve core assembly 300 is disposed within a first channel 240. The first valve core assembly 300 is configured to move to a predetermined position away from the inlet channel 230 under the action of water flow. The first valve core assembly 300 is connected to a drive component, which drives the first valve core assembly 300 to rotate around the axis of the first channel 240. A second valve core 400 includes a mating portion and a blocking portion 420 connected together. The mating portion is located within the first channel 240, and the blocking portion 420 is located within the second channel 250. When the first valve core assembly 300 moves to the predetermined position, it abuts against the mating portion to drive the mating portion to rotate, causing the blocking portion 420 to rotate from a first position to a second position, thereby reducing the opening of the second channel 250. A reset component includes a first reset member connected to the second valve core 400. The first reset member drives the blocking portion 420 to rotate from a second position to a first position, thereby increasing the opening of the second channel 250.

[0083] Therefore, the bypass channel includes two channels, a first channel 240 and a second channel 250. A first valve core assembly 300 is provided in the first channel 240. Under the action of water flow, the first valve core assembly 300 can move to a predetermined position and abut against the mating part of the second valve core 400. At the same time, the driving component drives the first valve core assembly 300 to rotate around the axis of the first channel 240. In turn, the rotation of the first valve core assembly 300 drives the mating part to rotate and drives the blocking part 420 located in the second channel 250 to rotate from the first position to the second position. On the other hand, the first reset component can drive the blocking part 420 to rotate from the second position to the first position. During the rotation of the blocking part 420, the opening of the second channel 250 changes to regulate the bypass flow rate: when the blocking part 420 is in the first position, the opening of the second channel 250 is large, resulting in a large total bypass flow rate, which helps to quickly reduce the temperature rise during water outages; when the blocking part 420 rotates from the first position to the second position, the opening of the second channel 250 decreases, reducing the total bypass flow rate and preventing excessive cold water from flowing out directly without heating, thus affecting the outlet water temperature. The first reset member then resets the blocking part 420, allowing it to rotate repeatedly.

[0084] The first valve core assembly 300 includes a first transmission member and a second transmission member. The second transmission member is connected to the driving component and cooperates with the first transmission member so that the driving component drives the first transmission member to rotate, and the first transmission member drives the mating part to rotate. The mating part is located on the side of the first transmission member facing the water outlet channel 220. When the first valve core assembly 300 moves away from the water inlet channel 230 under the action of water flow, and the first transmission member moves to a predetermined position, the first transmission member abuts against the mating part.

[0085] Specifically, the first transmission component is a gear ring 310, which includes a gear ring body 311 and a first tooth portion 312. The first tooth portion 312 is located at the end of the gear ring body 311 facing the water outlet channel 220 and has serrations protruding towards the water outlet channel 220. The mating part is a gear disk 410, and the first tooth portion 312 is used to mesh with the gear disk 410. The rotation axis of the gear ring 310 is at a predetermined angle to the rotation axis of the gear disk 410. When the gear ring 310 moves to the predetermined position, the serrations of the first tooth portion 312 can mesh with the gear disk 410, thereby driving the rotation of the gear disk 410 through the rotation of the gear ring 310, and thus allowing the blocking part 420 to rotate.

[0086] In this embodiment, the predetermined position refers to the position when the first tooth 312 of the gear ring 310 meshes with the gear disk 410. To keep the structure simple, the rotation axis of the gear ring 310 is at 90 degrees to the rotation axis of the gear disk 410. In other optional embodiments, the rotation axis of the gear ring 310 and the rotation axis of the gear disk 410 may also be at other angles, as long as the first tooth 312 can mesh with the gear disk 410 and drive the gear disk 410 to rotate when it moves to the predetermined position.

[0087] Furthermore, the gear ring 310 also includes a second tooth portion 313, which is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the gear ring body 311 and has serrations protruding radially inward toward the gear ring body 311. The second transmission component includes a connecting shaft 320 and a gear 330. The connecting shaft 320 is connected to the driving component, and the gear 330 is sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 320, engaging with the second tooth portion 313. Thus, the driving component is connected to the gear 330 via the connecting shaft 320, and the gear 330 engages with the second tooth portion 313 of the gear ring 310, thereby enabling the driving component to drive the gear ring 310 to rotate, which in turn drives the rotation of the gear disk 410.

[0088] Specifically, in this embodiment, the second transmission member further includes a plurality of planetary gears 340, which mesh between the gear 330 and the second tooth portion 313, thereby enabling the gear 330 to engage with the second tooth portion 313.

[0089] The planetary gear 340 enables a speed reduction effect, meaning the rotational speed of the gear ring 310 is less than that of the gear 330, which in turn makes the rotational speed of the gear disc 410 less than that of the driving component. This slows down the rotational speed of the blocking part 420. When the user turns the water back on after a water outage, although the first valve core assembly 300 drives the second valve core 400 to rotate and reduce the opening of the second channel 250, the blocking part 420 does not rotate synchronously with the second transmission component in the first valve core assembly 300 due to the speed reduction effect of the planetary gear 340. In other words, the speed at which the opening of the second channel 250 decreases is less than the rotational speed of the second transmission component, allowing the second channel 250 to remain open for a longer period, ensuring sufficient bypass flow to neutralize the temperature rise during water outages. As the blocking part 420 continues to rotate, the opening of the second channel 250 gradually decreases, reducing the total bypass flow and preventing excessive neutralization of the water outage temperature rise, which could lead to too much cold water flowing out unheated and affecting the outlet water temperature.

[0090] Specifically, in this embodiment, the driving component is an impeller 500, the axis of which is parallel to the axis of the first channel 240, and the impeller 500 is disposed within the water outlet channel 220. The impeller 500 can rotate under the action of water flow, and its axis is parallel to the axis of the first channel 240. The connecting shaft 320 is disposed within the first channel 240, and its axis is parallel to the axis of the first channel 240. In this embodiment, the axis of the connecting shaft 320 coincides with the axis of the first channel 240. The gear 330 and the gear ring 310 are coaxially arranged with the connecting shaft 320, so the rotation of the impeller 500 can drive the gear ring 310 to rotate around the axis of the first channel 240.

[0091] In other alternative embodiments, the impeller 500 may also be disposed within the water inlet channel 230, or other devices that can drive the gear ring 310 to rotate may be selected.

[0092] Furthermore, the first valve core assembly 300 also includes a bracket 350, and the first transmission member and the second transmission member are both connected to the bracket 350; the bracket 350 can move away from the water inlet channel 230 under the action of water flow, so that the first valve core assembly 300 can move to a predetermined position.

[0093] Specifically, in this embodiment, the bracket 350 includes a pressure plate 351 and a base plate 352. The pressure plate 351 is connected to the base plate 352, and a limiting cavity is formed between the pressure plate 351 and the base plate 352. The gear ring body 311, the gear 330, and the planetary gear 340 are all disposed in the limiting cavity, and the first tooth 312 extends out of the limiting cavity from the edge of the pressure plate 351. In this embodiment, the pressure plate 351 and the base plate 352 are connected by bolts. In other optional embodiments, the pressure plate 351 and the base plate 352 can also be connected by other means.

[0094] The bracket 350 has two functions: First, under the action of water flow, the bracket 350 can move away from the water inlet channel 230, thereby driving the gear ring 310 to move away from the water inlet channel 230, so that when the first valve core assembly 300 moves to the predetermined position, the first tooth 312 of the gear ring 310 can mesh with the gear disc 410; Second, the gear ring body 311, gear 330 and planetary gear 340 are arranged between the pressure plate 351 and the base plate 352 to form a limiting cavity, which prevents the gear ring body 311, gear 330 and planetary gear 340 from disengaging from each other under the action of water flow, affecting the transmission coordination; The first tooth 312 extends out of the limiting cavity to facilitate meshing with the gear ring 310.

[0095] Furthermore, the base plate 352 has a side extending toward the water outlet channel 220. A slider 353 is provided on the side of the base plate that contacts the inner wall of the first channel 240. The slider 353 extends in the same direction as the first channel 240, and a corresponding groove is provided within the valve body 210. By placing the slider 353 in the groove, the bracket 350 can move along the extending direction of the first channel 240. Moreover, the valve body 210 has a support platform 211 extending into the first channel 240, thereby confining the bracket 350 within the first channel 240. Additionally, both the pressure plate 351 and the base plate 352 pass through the connecting shaft 320, leaving space for the connection between the connecting shaft 320 and the gear 330.

[0096] Specifically, such as Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the end of the shielding part 420 away from the connecting channel 260 is provided with a protrusion 421. In the second channel 250, a groove 251 is provided on the side surface opposite to the connecting channel 260. The protrusion 421 is slidably disposed in the groove 251. The groove 251 includes a first side wall 252 and a second side wall 253. When the shielding part 420 is rotated to the second position, the protrusion 421 abuts against the second side wall 253. When the shielding part 420 is rotated to the first position, the protrusion 421 abuts against the first side wall 252.

[0097] Therefore, the protrusion 421 of the blocking part 420 is provided in the groove 251, which restricts the rotation range of the blocking part 420. When the blocking part 420 rotates to the second position, the second channel 250 is closed, and the protrusion 421 abuts against the second side wall 253, preventing the blocking part 420 from rotating further and increasing the opening of the second channel 250. When the blocking part 420 rotates to the first position, the second channel 250 is opened, and the protrusion 421 abuts against the first side wall 252, preventing the blocking part 420 from rotating further and decreasing the opening of the second channel 250.

[0098] Specifically, the first reset component is a spiral spring 700. When the first valve core assembly 300 moves to a predetermined position under the action of water flow and drives the mating part to rotate, the spiral spring 700 is compressed. When the water flow stops, the first valve core assembly 300 disengages from the mating part, the spiral spring 700 releases its elastic force, drives the mating part to rotate in the opposite direction, and drives the blocking part 420 to rotate from the second position to the first position, so as to increase the opening of the second channel 250.

[0099] In addition, the reset component also includes a second reset member, which is connected to the first valve core assembly 300. The second reset member is used to drive the first valve core assembly 300 away from the predetermined position. When the water flow stops, the second reset member drives the first valve core assembly 300 away from the predetermined position back to the starting position, so that when the water is turned on again, the first valve core assembly 300 can still move to the predetermined position under the action of the water flow.

[0100] In this embodiment, the second reset component is a spring 600. The bypass valve 200 also includes a fixing part 800. The fixing part 800 is fixedly connected to the valve body 210 and is located on the side of the first valve core assembly 300 facing the water outlet channel 220. The two ends of the spring 600 abut against the first valve core assembly 300 and the fixing part 800, respectively.

[0101] Specifically, in this embodiment, the bracket 350 in the first valve core assembly 300 is located on the side of the first channel 240 near the water inlet channel 230, the fixing part 800 is located on the side of the first channel 240 near the water outlet channel 220, and the spring 600 abuts against the fixing part 800 and the pressure plate 351 in the bracket 350. When the first valve core assembly 300 moves to a predetermined position away from the water inlet channel 230 under the action of water flow, the spring 600 is compressed. When the water flow stops, the spring 600 releases its elastic force, driving the first valve core assembly 300 away from the predetermined position back to the starting position.

[0102] Of course, the fixing part 800 and the bracket 350 (or the pressure plate 351 and the base plate 352) are provided with through holes to allow water to flow through.

[0103] In practical use, the overall operation of the bypass valve 200 in this embodiment is as follows:

[0104] When the user restarts the water supply after a water outage, cold water flows from the inlet pipe 110 into the inlet channel 230 of the bypass valve 200. Part of the cold water flows from the second channel 250 to the outlet channel 220, while another part enters the first channel 240 through the through-hole on the bracket 350 and flows to the outlet channel 220. Driven by the water flow, the bracket 350 moves along the connecting shaft 320 away from the inlet channel 230, causing the gear ring 310, gear 330, and planetary gear 340 to move away from the inlet channel 230. During this movement, the spring 600 located between the fixed part 800 and the bracket 350 is compressed. Simultaneously, the impeller 500 rotates under the action of the water flow, driving the gear 330 to rotate via the connecting shaft 320. The gear 330 then drives the gear ring 310 to rotate via the planetary gear 340. When the first valve core assembly 300 moves to the predetermined position, i.e., the gear ring 310 meshes with the gear disc 410, the rotation of the gear ring 310 drives the gear disc 410 to rotate, and the rotation of the gear disc 410 drives the blocking part 420 located in the second channel 250 to rotate from the first position (i.e., the position where the protrusion 421 abuts against the first side wall 252) to the second position. During the rotation of the blocking part 420, the opening of the second channel 250 gradually decreases. When the protrusion 421 of the blocking part 420 abuts against the second side wall 253, the blocking part 420 reaches the second position and stops rotating. At this time, the second channel 250 is closed, and cold water can only flow through the first channel 240. At the same time, during the rotation of the blocking part 420, the spiral spring 700 is compressed.

[0105] During the above process, due to the deceleration effect of the planetary gear 340, the rotational speed of the gear disc 410 is less than that of the impeller 500. Therefore, the blocking part 420 slowly and gradually reduces the opening of the second channel 250 until it is closed. The second channel 250 remains open for a sufficient time to generate a large bypass flow. Combined with the flow of the first channel 240, the total bypass flow is large, which helps to quickly neutralize the temperature rise during water outages. Finally, the second channel 250 closes, reducing the total bypass flow and preventing excessive cold water from flowing directly out of the outlet channel 220 without heating, thus affecting the outlet water temperature.

[0106] When the user turns off the water, the water flow stops, and the bracket 350 is no longer propelled by the water flow. The compressed spring 600 releases its elasticity, pushing the bracket 350 towards the water inlet channel 230 until it abuts against the support platform 211. During this process, the gear ring 310 disengages from the gear disc 410 and is no longer engaged with it. Simultaneously, the spiral spring 700 releases its elasticity, driving the gear disc 410 to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the blocking part 420 to rotate from the second position to the first position, increasing the opening of the second channel 250. When the protrusion 421 of the blocking part 420 abuts against the first side wall 252, the blocking part 420 reaches the first position and stops rotating. The above operation process is repeated after the user turns the water back on.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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 channel includes a first channel, a second channel, and a connecting channel. The first channel and the second channel are both connected to the inlet channel and the outlet channel, and the first channel and the second channel are connected to each other through the connecting channel. The bypass valve further includes a first valve core assembly, a second valve core, a drive component, and a reset component. The first valve core assembly is disposed in the first channel and is configured to move to a predetermined position in a direction away from the water inlet channel under the action of water flow. The first valve core assembly is connected to the drive component, which is used to drive the first valve core assembly to rotate around the axis of the first channel. The second valve core includes a mating part and a blocking part, the mating part and the blocking part are connected, the mating part is located in the first channel, and the blocking part is located in the second channel; When the first valve core assembly moves to the predetermined position, the first valve core assembly abuts against the mating part to drive the mating part to rotate, so that the blocking part rotates from the first position to the second position to reduce the opening of the second channel; The reset component includes a first reset member, which is connected to the second valve core. The first reset member is used to drive the blocking part to rotate from the second position to the first position, so as to increase the opening of the second channel.

2. The bypass valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first valve core assembly includes a first transmission member, and the mating part is located on the side of the first transmission member facing the water outlet channel. When the first transmission member moves to the predetermined position, the first transmission member abuts against the mating part.

3. The bypass valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first transmission component is a gear ring, the mating part is a gear disk, and the rotation axis of the gear ring and the rotation axis of the gear disk are at a predetermined angle. The gear ring includes a gear ring body and a first tooth portion. The first tooth portion is disposed at one end of the gear ring body facing the water outlet channel and has serrations protruding towards the water outlet channel. The first tooth portion is used to mesh with the gear disc.

4. The bypass valve as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The gear ring further includes a second tooth portion, which is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the gear ring body and has serrations that protrude radially inward toward the gear ring body. The first valve core assembly further includes a second transmission component, which includes a connecting shaft and a gear. The connecting shaft is connected to the driving component, and the gear is sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft, and the gear engages with the second tooth portion.

5. The bypass valve as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second transmission component also includes a plurality of planetary gears, which mesh between the gear and the second tooth.

6. The bypass valve as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first valve core assembly also includes a bracket, and both the first transmission component and the second transmission component are connected to the bracket; The bracket can move away from the water inlet channel under the action of water flow, so that the first valve core assembly can be moved to the predetermined position.

7. The bypass valve as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The bracket includes a pressure plate and a base plate. The pressure plate is connected to the base plate, and a limiting cavity is formed between the pressure plate and the base plate. The gear ring body and the gear are disposed in the limiting cavity, and the first tooth extends out of the limiting cavity.

8. The bypass valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shielding part has a protrusion at one end away from the connecting channel, and the second channel has a groove on the side opposite to the connecting channel, and the protrusion is slidably disposed in the groove; The groove includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall. When the blocking part is rotated to the second position, the protrusion abuts against the second sidewall. When the blocking part is rotated to the first position, the protrusion abuts against the first sidewall.

9. The bypass valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first reset component is a spiral spring.

10. The bypass valve as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The reset component further includes a second reset member, which is connected to the first valve core assembly. The second reset member is used to drive the first valve core assembly away from the predetermined position.

11. The bypass valve as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The bypass valve further includes a connecting shaft and a fixing part. The first valve core assembly is connected to the drive component through the connecting shaft, and the axis of the connecting shaft is parallel to the axis of the first channel. The fixing part is fixedly connected to the valve body and is located on the side of the first valve core assembly facing the water outlet channel; The second reset component is a spring, and the two ends of the spring abut against the first valve core assembly and the fixing part, respectively.

12. The bypass valve according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The driving component is an impeller, the axis of which is parallel to the axis of the first channel, and the impeller is disposed in the water outlet channel or the water inlet channel.

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

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