By-pass valve and water heater

By designing a bypass valve that includes a drive component, a moving block, a valve core, and a reset component, the problem of unadjustable bypass flow in water heaters was solved, the controllability of outlet water temperature was achieved, and the user experience was improved.

CN116518089BActive Publication Date: 2026-02-17NINGBO FOTILE KITCHEN WARE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310655514.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-06-05
Publication Date
2026-02-17
Estimated Expiration
2043-06-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The bypass flow rate of existing water heaters is difficult to adjust, resulting in uncontrollable water temperature and causing discomfort to users due to high-temperature water.

Method used

Design a bypass valve that uses a moving block and a valve core in a threaded engagement to achieve axial movement of the valve core through a drive assembly and a reset component, thereby adjusting the opening of the bypass channel and controlling the flow rate. The valve core includes a combination structure of a drive assembly, a moving block, a valve core, a reset component, and a fixed support.

Benefits of technology

It achieves effective control of the outlet water temperature, avoids the occurrence of high-temperature water, and improves the user experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application discloses a bypass valve and a water heater. The bypass valve comprises a driving assembly, a moving block, a valve core and a reset member. The driving assembly is used for driving the moving block to rotate along the circumference of a bypass channel towards a first direction. The reset member is used for driving the moving block to rotate along the circumference of the bypass channel towards a second direction. Any one of the moving block and the valve core is provided with a first inner ring thread, and the other is provided with a first outer ring thread. The first inner ring thread and the first outer ring thread are engaged and have the same rotation direction. The bypass channel has an inlet at an end away from the moving block in the axial direction. The moving block and the valve core can move relatively or oppositely along the axial direction of the bypass channel, so that the valve core extends into or out of the inlet, thereby adjusting the opening degree of the inlet, effectively adjusting the flow of water through the bypass channel, and controlling the outlet water temperature.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heaters, and more particularly to a bypass valve and a water heater. 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 water outages. When the user reopens the valve, they may experience discomfort from the hot water.

[0004] Currently, water heaters have a bypass pipe connecting the inlet and outlet pipes. This allows some cold water to bypass the heat exchanger and flow directly through the bypass pipe to the water heater's outlet pipe. This cold water is used to neutralize the hot water caused by temperature rise during water outages. However, a conventional bypass pipe is a flow channel with a fixed cross-section, and the bypass flow rate cannot be adjusted, making the outlet water temperature uncontrollable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defect of the difficulty in adjusting the bypass flow in the prior art, and to provide a bypass valve and a water heater.

[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 both the inlet and outlet channels. The bypass valve further includes a drive assembly, a moving block, a valve core, and a reset component. The drive assembly drives the moving block to rotate circumferentially along the bypass channel in a first direction, and the reset component drives the moving block to rotate circumferentially along the bypass channel in a second direction; wherein the first and second directions are opposite directions.

[0008] Both the moving block and the valve core are disposed in the bypass channel. One of the moving block and the valve core is provided with a first inner ring thread, and the other is provided with a first outer ring thread. The axial direction of the first inner ring thread is parallel to the axial direction of the bypass channel. The first inner ring thread and the first outer ring thread mesh with each other and the thread directions of the first inner ring thread and the first outer ring thread are the same.

[0009] The bypass channel has an inlet at one end axially away from the moving block. The inlet is connected to the water inlet channel or the water outlet channel. The moving block and the valve core can move relative to or opposite to each other along the axial direction of the bypass channel, so that the valve core extends into or out of the inlet.

[0010] In this design, the moving block and the valve core are engaged by the first inner ring thread and the first outer ring thread. Since the first inner ring thread and the first outer ring thread have the same helical direction, when the moving block rotates circumferentially along the bypass channel, the thread engagement length of the first inner ring thread and the first outer ring thread can be adjusted. This controls the moving block and the valve core to move relative to or opposite to each other along the axial direction of the bypass channel, allowing the valve core to extend into or out of the inlet, thereby adjusting the inlet opening and effectively regulating the flow rate of water through the bypass channel, thus controlling the outlet water temperature.

[0011] Preferably, the bypass valve includes a fixed support, which is disposed in the bypass channel and fixedly connected to the valve body. The fixed support has a communicating cavity and a plurality of communicating holes.

[0012] The movable block and the valve core are both located in the communicating cavity and are both connected to the fixed support. Several communicating holes pass through both ends of the bypass channel in the axial direction and are located on the radial outer side of the communicating cavity.

[0013] In this design, both the moving block and the valve core are connected to a fixed support. The fixed support supports the moving block and the valve core, allowing them to move axially around the fixed support as a base point, preventing them from shifting during movement. Simultaneously, multiple connecting holes are located radially outside the connecting cavity, ensuring that water flowing from the inlet channel can smoothly pass through the bypass channel and converge into the outlet channel.

[0014] Preferably, the movable block is sleeved on the valve core, the first inner ring thread is disposed on the inner peripheral wall of the movable block, and the first outer ring thread is disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the valve core;

[0015] The inner wall of the communicating cavity is provided with a second inner ring thread, and the outer peripheral wall of the moving block is provided with a second outer ring thread. The second inner ring thread and the second outer ring thread mesh with each other and have the same direction of rotation.

[0016] In this design, by correspondingly setting a second inner ring thread and a second outer ring thread, the circumferential rotation of the moving block along the bypass channel can be converted into axial movement relative to the fixed support along the bypass channel. Simultaneously, since the first inner ring thread is located on the inner circumferential wall of the moving block and the second outer ring thread is located on the outer circumferential wall of the moving block, the two threads on the moving block are independent of each other. This ensures that the thread adjustment between the moving block and the valve core will not interfere with the thread adjustment between the moving block and the fixed support, allowing for flexible positional adjustment of each component.

[0017] Preferably, the pitch of the second inner ring thread and the second outer ring thread is greater than the pitch of the first inner ring thread and the first outer ring thread.

[0018] In this solution, by setting the thread pitch, the valve core moves slowly along the connecting cavity towards the inlet, so it takes a certain amount of time to close the inlet opening. The longer the inlet is kept open, the larger bypass flow will also be maintained for a certain period of time, which is used to neutralize the water outage temperature rise in the heat exchanger and improve the water outage temperature rise.

[0019] Preferably, a guide assembly is provided between the valve core and the fixed support. The guide assembly includes a protrusion and a first slot. One of the protrusion and the first slot is disposed on the outer wall surface of the valve core, and the other is disposed on the inner wall surface of the fixed support. The first slot extends axially along the bypass channel, and the protrusion is engaged in the first slot.

[0020] In this solution, the valve core can be stably engaged with the fixed support through the cooperation between the protrusion and the first slot, preventing the valve core from shaking during axial movement, avoiding interference between the valve core and the fixed support during movement, and improving the success rate and efficiency of regulating the bypass flow.

[0021] Preferably, the bypass valve further includes a fixing plate, which is located at the inlet and fixed to the valve body; the fixing plate is provided with a first water passage hole and a plurality of second water passage holes, the first water passage hole and the second water passage holes are connected at both ends in the axial direction of the bypass channel, the plurality of second water passage holes are located radially outside the first water passage hole, and the valve core can extend into the first water passage hole and abut against the inner peripheral wall of the first water passage hole.

[0022] In this scheme, the opening degree is adjusted by changing the gap between the valve core and the first water passage, thereby changing the bypass flow rate. At the same time, the second water passage is used to block the first water passage after the valve core blocks it, so that a small flow of water can continuously pass through the bypass channel, ensuring that there is always water flow.

[0023] Preferably, the drive assembly includes an impeller and a connecting rod, one end of the connecting rod is connected to the impeller, and the other end of the connecting rod is slidably connected to the moving block. The impeller is configured to rotate circumferentially along the bypass channel under the action of water flow.

[0024] The movable block is sleeved on the connecting rod, and the movable block is capable of moving relative to the connecting rod along the axial direction of the bypass channel.

[0025] In this scheme, the impeller of the drive component rotates under the impact of the water flow, thereby driving the connecting rod to rotate and ultimately causing the moving block to move axially relative to the connecting rod along the bypass channel.

[0026] Preferably, the impeller is disposed in the water outlet channel, and the bypass valve further includes a bracket, which is fixed on the valve body and disposed on the side of the bypass channel near the impeller. The bracket has an outlet, which passes through both ends of the bypass channel in the axial direction. The connecting rod passes through the outlet to connect with the moving block.

[0027] In this design, the bracket provides a mounting area for the connecting rod and supports the drive assembly.

[0028] Preferably, the reset element is a coil spring, and the reset element is connected to the impeller.

[0029] In this solution, the reset element is set as a coil spring and connected to the impeller. When the impeller rotates due to the impact of water flow, the coil spring will rotate and deform, accumulating elastic force. The valve core moves downward, and when the valve core moves to the limit position that can block the inlet, the impeller stops rotating. After the water supply stops, the coil spring releases the accumulated elastic force. At this time, the coil spring drives the impeller to rotate in the opposite direction, and at the same time drives the valve core to move in the opposite direction to open the inlet of the bypass channel, thereby opening the bypass water supply.

[0030] Preferably, the impeller is disposed in the water outlet channel, and the water outlet channel has a second slot on the side away from the bypass channel in the axial direction of the bypass channel. The reset member is placed in the second slot and engaged with the impeller.

[0031] In this design, the reset component is placed in the second slot, which reduces the space occupied by the bypass channel, thereby avoiding the reduction in bypass flow caused by excessive space occupation of the bypass channel.

[0032] A water heater includes the bypass valve described above, and further includes a heat exchanger, an inlet pipe, and an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are both connected to the heat exchanger. The bypass valve is connected between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. The inlet pipe is connected to the inlet channel, and the outlet pipe is connected to the outlet channel.

[0033] In this solution, the water heater includes the aforementioned bypass valve. When the water heater dispenses hot water, the bypass valve automatically adjusts the water temperature rise during shut-off to prevent scalding and improve the user experience. Simultaneously, the moving block and the valve core engage with each other via a first inner ring thread and a first outer ring thread. Since the helical directions of the first inner ring thread and the first outer ring thread are the same, when the moving block rotates circumferentially along the bypass channel, it can adjust the thread engagement length of the first inner ring thread and the first outer ring thread. This controls the relative or opposite movement of the moving block and the valve core along the axial direction of the bypass channel, allowing the valve core to extend into or out of the inlet, thereby adjusting the inlet opening and effectively regulating the flow rate of water through the bypass channel, thus controlling the outlet water temperature.

[0034] Based on common knowledge in the field, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be combined arbitrarily to obtain various preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows: In this invention, the moving block and the valve core are engaged with each other through the first inner ring thread and the first outer ring thread. Since the helical directions of the first inner ring thread and the first outer ring thread are the same, when the moving block rotates circumferentially along the bypass channel, the thread engagement length of the first inner ring thread and the first outer ring thread can be adjusted. This controls the moving block and the valve core to move relative to or opposite to each other along the axial direction of the bypass channel, so that the valve core extends into or out of the inlet, thereby adjusting the opening degree of the inlet, effectively regulating the flow rate of water through the bypass channel, and controlling the outlet water temperature. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the bypass valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the valve core away from the first water passage hole in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the valve core moving to the first water passage hole according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the threaded connection of the moving block, valve core, and fixed support in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the protrusion and the second groove in an embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0043] Bypass valve 1

[0044] Water inlet pipe opening 15

[0045] Water pipe opening 16

[0046] Heat exchanger inlet opening 17

[0047] 18 heat exchanger outlet opening

[0048] Valve body 2

[0049] Valve core 21

[0050] Protrusion 211

[0051] First outer ring thread 212

[0052] Driver Component 3

[0053] Impeller 31

[0054] Connecting rod 32

[0055] Move block 4

[0056] First inner ring thread 41

[0057] Second outer ring thread 42

[0058] Reset component 5

[0059] Fixed support 6

[0060] Connecting cavity 61

[0061] Second inner ring thread 611

[0062] Connecting hole 62

[0063] First slot 63

[0064] Fixed plate 7

[0065] First water passage 71

[0066] Second water passage 72

[0067] Bracket 8

[0068] Water inlet channel 91

[0069] Water inlet pipe 911

[0070] Water outlet channel 92

[0071] Water outlet pipe 921

[0072] Second card slot 922

[0073] Bypass Channel 93

[0074] Entrance 10

[0075] Export 11

[0076] Heat exchanger 12 Detailed Implementation

[0077] The present invention will be described more clearly and completely below by way of embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0078] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this invention discloses a water heater, which includes a bypass valve 1, a heat exchanger 12, an inlet pipe 911, and an outlet pipe 921. The bypass valve 1 includes a valve body 2, which has an inlet channel 91, an outlet channel 92, and a bypass channel 93. The bypass channel 93 is connected to both the inlet channel 91 and the outlet channel 92. The inlet pipe 911 and the outlet pipe 921 are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the bypass valve 1. The inlet pipe 911 is connected to the inlet channel 91, and the outlet pipe 921 is connected to the outlet channel 92. Both the inlet pipe 911 and the outlet pipe 921 are connected to the heat exchanger 12. Cold water enters the heat exchanger 12 from the inlet pipe 911 via the bypass valve 1, is heated by the heat exchanger 12, and then flows out of the outlet pipe 921 via the bypass valve 1. At the same time, some cold water can flow directly into the outlet pipe 921 via the bypass valve 1 to neutralize the temperature of the hot water in the outlet pipe 921. When the heat exchanger 12 is dispensing hot water, the bypass valve 1 automatically adjusts the temperature rise when the water supply stops to prevent scalding of users and improve the user experience.

[0079] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the bypass valve 1 includes a drive assembly 3, a moving block 4, a valve core 21, a reset component 5, and a fixed support 6. The moving block 4, the valve core 21, and the fixed support 6 are all disposed within the bypass channel 93.

[0080] The fixed support 6 is fixedly connected to the valve body 2. The fixed support 6 has a connecting cavity 61 and several connecting holes 62. Both ends of the connecting cavity 61 and the connecting holes 62 are axially connected to each other in the bypass channel 93. The connecting holes 62 are located radially outside the connecting cavity 61, ensuring that water flowing from the inlet channel 91 can smoothly pass through the bypass channel 93 and flow into the outlet channel 92. In this embodiment, there are multiple connecting holes 62, all located radially outside the connecting cavity 61 and spaced circumferentially along the bypass channel 93. In other alternative embodiments, the number of connecting holes 62 can also be set to one, as long as the effect of smooth water flow is achieved.

[0081] The movable block 4 and the valve core 21 are both located in the communicating cavity 61 and are both connected to the fixed support 6. The fixed support 6 supports the movable block 4 and the valve core 21, and the movable block 4 and the valve core 21 can move axially with the fixed support 6 as the base point to prevent the movable block 4 and the valve core 21 from deviating during the movement.

[0082] The driving component 3 is used to drive the moving block 4 to rotate circumferentially in the first direction along the bypass channel 93, and the resetting component 5 is used to drive the moving block 4 to rotate circumferentially in the second direction along the bypass channel 93; wherein, the first direction and the second direction are two opposite directions.

[0083] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the movable block 4 is sleeved on the valve core 21. The movable block 4 has a threaded hole inside, and the valve core 21 is inserted into the threaded hole and threadedly engaged with the movable block 4. Specifically, the inner peripheral wall of the movable block 4 has a first inner ring thread 41, and the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 21 has a first outer ring thread 212. The movable block 4 and the valve core 21 are engaged with each other through the first inner ring thread 41 and the first outer ring thread 212, and the helical directions of the first inner ring thread 41 and the first outer ring thread 212 are the same. Therefore, when the movable block 4 rotates circumferentially along the bypass channel 93, the thread engagement length of the first inner ring thread 41 and the first outer ring thread 212 can be adjusted, thereby controlling the movable block 4 and the valve core 21 to move relative to or opposite to each other along the axial direction of the bypass channel 93.

[0084] The bypass channel 93 has an inlet 10 at the end away from the moving block 4 in the axial direction. The inlet 10 is connected to the water inlet channel 91. When the moving block 4 and the valve core 21 move relative to each other in the axial direction of the bypass channel 93, the valve core 21 extends out of the inlet 10 to increase the opening of the inlet 10. When the moving block 4 and the valve core 21 move in opposite directions in the axial direction of the bypass channel 93, the valve core 21 extends into the inlet 10 to reduce the opening of the inlet 10. This allows for adjustment of the opening of the inlet 10, thereby effectively regulating the flow rate of water through the bypass channel 93 and controlling the outlet water temperature.

[0085] In other alternative embodiments, the valve core 21 may be sleeved on the movable block 4, the threaded hole may be located inside the valve core 21, the movable block 4 may be inserted into the threaded hole, the first inner ring thread 41 may be located on the inner peripheral wall of the valve core 21, and the first outer ring thread 212 may be located on the outer peripheral wall of the movable block 4.

[0086] Meanwhile, the inner wall of the connecting cavity 61 is provided with a second inner ring thread 611, and the outer peripheral wall of the moving block 4 is provided with a second outer ring thread 42. The second inner ring thread 611 and the second outer ring thread 42 mesh with each other and have the same direction of rotation. In this embodiment, by correspondingly setting the second inner ring thread 611 and the second outer ring thread 42, the circumferential rotation of the moving block 4 along the bypass channel 93 can be converted into axial movement relative to the fixed support 6 along the bypass channel 93. Among them, the valve core 21 does not have a threaded engagement with the fixed support 6 and cannot rotate relative to the fixed support 6 in the circumferential direction of the bypass channel 93. Therefore, the valve core 21 can only follow the moving block 4 to move axially along the bypass channel 93 and cannot rotate circumferentially along the bypass channel 93.

[0087] Meanwhile, since the first inner ring thread 41 is set on the inner peripheral wall of the moving block 4 and the second outer ring thread 42 is set on the outer peripheral wall of the moving block 4, the two threads on the moving block 4 are independent of each other, thus ensuring that the thread adjustment between the moving block 4 and the valve core 21 will not interfere with the thread adjustment between the moving block 4 and the fixed support 6, and ensuring that the positions of each component can be flexibly adjusted.

[0088] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the pitch of the second inner ring thread 611 and the second outer ring thread 42 is greater than the pitch of the first inner ring thread 41 and the first outer ring thread 212, and the thread direction of the first inner ring thread 41 and the first outer ring thread 212 is the same as the thread direction of the second inner ring thread 611 and the second outer ring thread 42. Therefore, during the axial movement of the moving block 4 along the bypass channel 93, when the moving block 4 rotates downward, the overall structure of the moving block 4 and the valve core 21 moves downward relative to the fixed support 6, and the valve core 21 moves upward relative to the moving block 4. Since the pitch between the moving block 4 and the fixed support 6 is greater than the pitch between the moving block 4 and the valve core 21, the moving speed of the valve core 21 relative to the moving block 4 in the direction away from the inlet 10 is less than the moving speed of the moving block 4 and the valve core 21 as a whole in the direction closer to the inlet 10. Therefore, the valve core 21 still moves towards the inlet 10. For each revolution of the moving block 4, the valve core 21 moves downward by the distance between the difference in thread pitch of the second inner and outer rings and the thread pitch of the first inner and outer rings. Conversely, when the moving block 4 rotates upward, the overall structure of the moving block 4 and the valve core 21 moves upward relative to the fixed support 6, while the valve core 21 moves downward relative to the moving block 4. Since the thread pitch between the moving block 4 and the fixed support 6 is greater than the thread pitch between the moving block 4 and the valve core 21, the moving speed of the valve core 21 relative to the moving block 4 in the direction closer to the inlet 10 is less than the moving speed of the moving block 4 and the valve core 21 as a whole in the direction away from the inlet 10. Therefore, the valve core 21 still moves away from the inlet 10.

[0089] like Figure 4As shown, the drive assembly 3 rotates continuously until the drive valve core 21 closes the inlet 10 of the bypass channel 93, thereby adjusting the bypass flow. Even when the drive assembly reaches its rotation limit, it continues to be impacted by the water flow. When the valve core 21 moves along the connecting cavity 61 toward the inlet 10, the movement speed is relatively slow, so it takes a certain amount of time to close the opening of the inlet 10. The inlet 10 is kept open for a long time, so the larger bypass flow will also be maintained for a certain period of time, which is used to neutralize the water outage temperature rise in the heat exchanger 12 and improve the water outage temperature rise.

[0090] In other alternative embodiments, when the valve core 21 is fitted onto the moving block 4, the second outer ring thread 42 of the valve core 21 may engage with the second inner ring thread 611 of the communicating cavity 61 on the fixed support 6, and the first outer ring thread 212 of the moving block 4 may engage with the first inner ring thread 41 of the valve core 21.

[0091] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the direction of water flow is indicated by the dotted line. The water flows from the inlet channel 91 to the bypass channel 93 and finally to the outlet channel 92.

[0092] The drive assembly 3 includes an impeller 31 and a connecting rod 32. One end of the connecting rod 32 is connected to the impeller 31, and the other end is slidably connected to the movable block 4. The impeller 31 is configured to rotate circumferentially along the bypass channel 93 under the action of water flow, thereby driving the connecting rod 32 to rotate synchronously along the bypass channel 93. The movable block 4 is sleeved on the connecting rod 32. The connecting rod 32 drives the movable block 4 to rotate circumferentially along the bypass channel 93. During the circumferential rotation along the bypass channel 93, the movable block 4 can also move axially relative to the connecting rod 32 along the bypass channel 93. Therefore, it can rotate with the connecting rod 32 and move up and down relative to the fixed support 6, ultimately driving the valve core 21 to move up and down.

[0093] The upper part of the drive assembly 3 cooperates with the reset piece 5, and the lower part is inserted into the moving block 4, rotating synchronously with the moving block 4. The moving block 4 can move up and down relative to the connecting rod 32 of the drive assembly 3. The rotation of the drive assembly 3 can drive the reset piece 5 and the moving block 4 to rotate.

[0094] Specifically, the connecting rod 32 is connected to the impeller 31 and rotates with the impeller 31, while the moving block 4 is slidably connected to the connecting rod 32, so it can rotate with the connecting rod 32 and move up and down relative to the fixed support 6, and finally drive the valve core 21 to move up and down.

[0095] The impeller 31 is disposed within the outlet channel 92. The bypass valve 1 also includes a bracket 8, which is fixed to the valve body 2 and disposed on the side of the bypass channel 93 near the impeller 31. The bracket 8 has an outlet 11, which extends through both ends of the bypass channel 93 in the axial direction. A connecting rod 32 passes through the outlet 11 to connect with the moving block 4. The bracket 8 provides a mounting area for the connecting rod 32 and supports the drive assembly 3. The bracket 8 has at least one water hole distributed on the side of the outlet 11, which extends through both ends of the bypass channel 93 in the axial direction, allowing water in the bypass channel 93 to flow into the outlet channel 92.

[0096] In other alternative embodiments, the impeller 31 may also be disposed within the water inlet channel 91.

[0097] It should be noted that when water supply is stopped, the bypass valve 1 is in its initial state, with the valve core 21 far from the inlet 10. When the drive assembly 3 is impacted by the water flow and rotates, the valve core 21 will gradually approach the inlet 10 and eventually completely block it. Due to the effect of the threaded meshing deceleration structure, it takes a certain amount of time for the valve core 21 to close the inlet 10 of the bypass channel 93, and a larger bypass flow rate will also be maintained for a certain period of time to neutralize the temperature rise during water outages in the heat exchanger 12, thus effectively improving the water outage temperature rise. The movable block 4 is provided with a first inner ring thread 41 and a second outer ring thread 42 with different pitches. When the movable block 4 rotates and moves downward, the overall structure of the movable block 4 and the valve core 21 moves downward relative to the fixed support 6, and the valve core 21 moves upward relative to the movable block 4. Since the pitch between the movable block 4 and the fixed support 6 is greater than the pitch between the movable block 4 and the valve core 21, the moving speed of the valve core 21 relative to the movable block 4 in the direction away from the inlet 10 is less than the moving speed of the movable block 4 and the valve core 21 as a whole in the direction closer to the inlet 10. This slows down the movement speed and ensures that there is a certain time difference from the open state to the closed state. In this embodiment, it is 10 seconds. During this time, the bypass flow is larger to improve the water temperature rise during water outage. After the time is over, the bypass flow is reduced to a smaller value to avoid other problems caused by the large bypass flow, such as cold water flowing out directly without heating or water boiling due to a small flow through the heat exchanger 12.

[0098] like Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, a guide assembly is provided between the valve core 21 and the fixed support 6. The guide assembly includes a protrusion 211 and a first groove 63. One of the protrusion 211 and the first groove 63 is located on the outer wall surface of the valve core 21, and the other is located on the inner wall surface of the fixed support 6. The first groove 63 extends axially along the bypass channel 93, and the protrusion 211 is engaged in the first groove 63. Through the cooperation between the protrusion 211 and the first groove 63, the valve core 21 can be stably engaged on the fixed support 6, preventing the valve core from shaking during axial movement, avoiding interference between the valve core and the fixed support during movement, and improving the success rate and efficiency of regulating the bypass flow.

[0099] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the protrusion 211 is disposed on the valve core 21, and the first slot 63 is disposed on the inner wall surface of the fixed support 6, i.e., the inner wall surface of the communicating cavity 61. In other alternative embodiments, the first slot 63 may also be disposed on the valve core 21, and the protrusion 211 may be disposed on the inner wall surface of the fixed support 6, i.e., the inner wall surface of the communicating cavity 61.

[0100] The bypass valve 1 also includes a fixing plate 7, which is located at the inlet 10 and fixed to the valve body 2. The fixing plate 7 has a first water passage hole 71 and several second water passage holes 72. The first water passage hole 71 and the second water passage holes 72 are connected at both ends in the axial direction of the bypass channel 93. The several second water passage holes 72 are located radially outside the first water passage hole 71. The valve core 21 can extend into the first water passage hole 71 and abut against the inner peripheral wall of the first water passage hole 71. The opening degree is adjusted by changing the gap between the valve core 21 and the first water passage hole 71, thereby changing the bypass flow rate. At the same time, after the valve core 21 blocks the first water passage hole 71, the second water passage holes 72 cooperate with the water holes provided on the bracket 8 to allow a small flow of water to continuously pass through the bypass channel 93, maintaining a constant water flow.

[0101] Specifically, the relationship between inlet 10 and the first water passage 71 is as follows: inlet 10 is the opening at the junction of bypass channel 93 and water inlet channel 91, while the first water passage 71 is a relatively small water passage formed under the constraint of fixing plate 7. In other alternative embodiments, when impeller 31 is disposed within water inlet channel 91, inlet 10 is configured as the opening at the junction of bypass channel 93 and water outlet channel 92, and inlet 10 is connected to water outlet channel 92.

[0102] The reset element 5 is a coil spring, which is connected to the impeller 31. When the impeller 31 rotates due to the impact of the water flow, the coil spring rotates and deforms, accumulating elastic force. The valve core 21 moves downward, and when the valve core 21 moves to the limit position that can block the inlet 10, the impeller 31 stops rotating. Since the impeller 31 is always subjected to the force from the water flow, it will not rotate in the opposite direction under the force of the coil spring. After the water supply stops, the coil spring releases the accumulated elastic force. At this time, the coil spring drives the impeller 31 to rotate in the opposite direction, and at the same time drives the valve core 21 to move in the opposite direction to open the inlet 10 of the bypass channel 93, thereby opening the bypass water supply.

[0103] The outlet channel 92 has a second slot 922 on the side of the bypass channel 93 away from the bypass channel 93 along its axial direction. The reset member 5 is placed in the second slot 922 and engaged with the impeller 31. Placing the reset member 5 in the second slot 922 can reduce the space occupied by the bypass channel 93, thereby avoiding the reduction in bypass flow caused by excessive space occupation of the bypass channel 93.

[0104] Specifically, when a user turns off and then back on the hot water, a temperature rise occurs during water outages. That is, when the water heater is turned off and the water flow stops, the water in the outlet pipe 921 maintains a relatively high temperature due to heat exchange. When the user uses the water, a sudden gush of hot water can cause scalding. Using the bypass valve 1 can effectively mitigate this temperature rise during water outages. During water use, the water flow in the outlet channel 92 drives the drive assembly 3 to rotate in the first direction, causing the reset piece 5 to accumulate spring force. Simultaneously, this drives the valve core 21 to move downwards to its limit position, at which point the drive assembly 3 stops rotating. This state ensures that the bypass flow is small during normal water use. When the valve core 21 completely closes the opening of the inlet 10, the water in the inlet channel 91 can only flow in through several second water passages 72, avoiding a large bypass flow and cold water flowing directly out of the water heater from the bypass channel 93 without heating. After the water heater is turned off and water use stops, the reset component 5 releases its elasticity, causing the drive component 3 to rotate in the reverse direction. The rotation direction is the second direction, which simultaneously drives the valve core 21 to move in the reverse direction to increase the opening of the inlet 10 of the bypass channel 93. When water use is turned on again, the drive component 3 starts to rotate in the reverse direction.

[0105] 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 of the device or component 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 component 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.

[0106] 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, comprising a valve body, a water inlet channel, a water outlet channel and a bypass channel are arranged in the valve body, the bypass channel is communicated with the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel simultaneously, characterized in that, the bypass valve further comprises a driving assembly, a moving block, a valve core and a reset member, the driving assembly is used to drive the moving block to rotate along the circumferential direction of the bypass channel towards a first direction, the reset member is used to drive the moving block to rotate along the circumferential direction of the bypass channel towards a second direction; wherein the first direction and the second direction are two opposite directions; the moving block and the valve core are arranged in the bypass channel, the moving block is sleeved on the valve core, a first inner thread is arranged on the inner circumferential wall of the moving block, a first outer thread is arranged on the outer circumferential wall of the valve core, the axial direction of the first inner thread is parallel to the axial direction of the bypass channel, the first inner thread is engaged with the first outer thread and the screw rotation direction of the first inner thread is same as that of the first outer thread; an inlet is arranged at the end of the bypass channel away from the moving block in the axial direction, the inlet is communicated with the water inlet channel or the water outlet channel, the moving block and the valve core can move oppositely or reversely along the axial direction of the bypass channel, so that the valve core can be extended into or out of the inlet; the bypass valve comprises a fixed support, the fixed support is arranged in the bypass channel and fixedly connected with the valve body, a communication cavity and a plurality of communication holes are arranged in the fixed support; the moving block and the valve core are arranged in the communication cavity and connected with the fixed support, the plurality of communication holes are through at both ends of the bypass channel in the axial direction, the communication holes are arranged on the radial outer side of the communication cavity; a second inner thread is arranged on the inner wall surface of the communication cavity, a second outer thread is arranged on the outer circumferential wall of the moving block, the second inner thread is engaged with the second outer thread and the screw rotation direction is same.

2. The bypass valve of claim 1, wherein the pitch of the second inner thread and the second outer thread is greater than that of the first inner thread and the first outer thread.

3. The bypass valve of claim 1, wherein a guide assembly is arranged between the valve core and the fixed support, the guide assembly comprises a protruding part and a first clamping groove, one of the protruding part and the first clamping groove is arranged on the outer wall surface of the valve core, and the other is arranged on the inner wall surface of the fixed support, the first clamping groove extends along the axial direction of the bypass channel, and the protruding part is clamped in the first clamping groove.

4. The bypass valve of claim 1, wherein the bypass valve further comprises a fixed plate, the fixed plate is arranged at the inlet and fixed on the valve body; a first water passing hole and a plurality of second water passing holes are arranged on the fixed plate, the first water passing hole and the second water passing holes are through at both ends in the axial direction of the bypass channel, the plurality of second water passing holes are arranged on the radial outer side of the first water passing hole, and the valve core can be extended into the first water passing hole and abut against the inner circumferential wall of the first water passing hole.

5. The bypass valve of claim 1, wherein The driving assembly comprises an impeller and a connecting rod, one end of the connecting rod is connected with the impeller, and the other end of the connecting rod is slidably connected with the moving block, and the impeller is arranged to rotate along the circumferential direction of the bypass channel under the action of water flow; The moving block is sleeved on the connecting rod, and the moving block can move along the axial direction of the bypass channel relative to the connecting rod.

6. The bypass valve of claim 5, wherein The impeller is arranged in the water outlet channel, the bypass valve further comprises a support, the support is fixed on the valve body and arranged on one side of the bypass channel close to the impeller, an outlet is formed in the support, the outlet penetrates through both ends in the axial direction of the bypass channel, and the connecting rod is arranged in the outlet to be connected with the moving block.

7. The bypass valve of claim 5, wherein The reset member is a coil spring, and the reset member is connected with the impeller.

8. The bypass valve of claim 7, wherein The impeller is arranged in the water outlet channel, and a second clamping groove is formed in the water outlet channel away from the bypass channel in the axial direction of the bypass channel, the reset member is arranged in the second clamping groove and clamped on the impeller.

9. A water heater, characterized by The water heater comprises the bypass valve according to any one of claims 1-8, further comprises a heat exchanger, a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe, the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are connected to the heat exchanger, the bypass valve is connected between the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe, the water inlet pipe is communicated with the water inlet channel, and the water outlet pipe is connected to the water outlet channel.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Bypass flow valve and gas water heater comprising same

    CN110657259A

  • By-pass thermostatic throttle valve and gas water heater including same

    CN110686096A