Anti-freezing device and water heater using the same

Abstract

The application discloses an anti-freezing device and a water heater using the same. The anti-freezing device comprises a cavity, a valve core, an elastic element, a sliding block and a locking piece. The first end and the second end of the valve core are provided with a sliding groove. The sliding block is slidingly connected in the sliding groove. The first end of the sliding block towards the cavity is provided with a first guide surface. The second end of the locking piece extends into the sliding groove and reciprocates along the radial direction of the cavity. The second end of the locking piece is located between the sliding block and the second end of the sliding groove. The second end of the locking piece is provided with a second guide surface. When the valve core moves towards the second end of the cavity, the sliding block moves to the first end of the sliding groove under the action of the second guide surface. The second end of the locking piece is retracted under the action of the sliding block, and the second end of the locking piece moves to the first guide surface. The elastic element pushes the valve core to move towards the first end of the cavity. The locking piece pushes the sliding block to move to the second end of the sliding groove. The locking piece is separated from the sliding groove under the action of the first guide surface, so that the valve core seals the cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to an antifreeze device and a water heater using the antifreeze device. Background Technology

[0002] A water heater is a device that uses various physical principles to raise the temperature of cold water to produce hot water within a certain time. Taking a gas water heater as an example, during use, the inlet pipe of the gas water heater delivers cold water to the heat exchanger, where the gas combustion heats the water, and then the water is delivered to the user through the outlet pipe.

[0003] Gas water heaters are generally connected to the outdoor environment through a flue pipe. In cold winters, when the outdoor temperature is low, cold air can easily enter the water heater through the flue pipe, causing the water in the internal pipes to freeze. As the water expands, it can easily cause the pipes to crack. When the temperature rises, the ice in the pipes melts. If the user does not notice this in time and close the inlet valve, the entire unit will leak, causing water damage to the base plate, electrical leakage, and other property damage and safety issues.

[0004] In response to the above situation, gas water heaters installed in cold northern environments are generally equipped with electric heating anti-freeze devices to provide a certain degree of freeze protection. However, the electric heating anti-freeze device can only start working properly when the water heater is powered on. If there is a power outage, such as when the user unplugs the power cord or there is a power failure in the house, the electric heating device may still fail to start, causing the water heater pipes to freeze and crack. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defect that the installation of electric heating devices in the prior art cannot completely solve the problem of water leakage caused by the freezing and cracking of pipes inside the water heater at low temperatures, and to provide an antifreeze device and a water heater using the antifreeze device.

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

[0007] An antifreeze device, the antifreeze device comprising:

[0008] A cavity for the passage of water;

[0009] A valve core, wherein a first end of the valve core is located inside the cavity and a second end of the valve core is located outside the cavity, and the water flows through the first end of the valve core and the first end of the cavity. A sliding groove is provided between the first end and the second end of the valve core, and the sliding groove extends along the axial direction of the cavity.

[0010] An elastic element is provided to push the valve core toward the first end of the cavity;

[0011] A slider is slidably connected to the groove. The slider has a first guide surface at its first end facing the cavity. The first guide surface gradually extends toward the inner wall of the cavity from the first end toward its second end.

[0012] A locking member, the first end of which is connected to the inner wall of the cavity and the second end of which extends into the slide groove, the second end of which is located between the slider and the second end of the slide groove, the second end of which reciprocates along the radial direction of the cavity, and the second end of which forms a second guide surface, the second guide surface gradually extending towards the valve core along the first end of the cavity towards its second end;

[0013] When the valve core moves toward the second end of the cavity, the slider moves to the first end of the slide groove under the action of the second guide surface. The second end of the locking member contracts under the action of the slider and moves to the first guide surface, so that the elastic element pushes the valve core toward the first end of the cavity. The locking member pushes the slider to the second end of the slide groove. The locking member disengages from the slide groove under the action of the first guide surface, so that the valve core closes the cavity.

[0014] In this design, under normal operating conditions, the first end of the valve core is located within the cavity and forms a passage with the first end of the cavity, allowing water to flow through. A groove is provided between the first and second ends of the valve core, and a slider is slidably connected within the groove. The second end of the locking element extends into the groove to connect the valve core and the locking element, preventing the valve core from moving along the first end of the cavity under the action of the elastic element and abutting against the first end of the cavity. In other words, the first end of the valve core is limited by the locking element and does not block the water flow, allowing water to flow normally through the cavity. When the outdoor temperature is low, cold air enters the interior of the water heater through the exhaust pipe, causing the water inside the cavity to continuously freeze. As the water freezes and its volume increases, it applies an external force to the first end of the valve core, causing the valve core to move towards its second end. The movement of the valve core drives the slider to move. When the slider moves to the first end of the groove, the second end of the locking element contracts under the action of the slider, and the second guide surface of the second end of the locking element moves to the first guide surface of the slider. During this process, the second end of the locking element changes its contact position with the slider. As the elastic element pushes the valve core towards the first end of the cavity, the second end of the locking element pushes the slider towards the second end of the slide groove. Under the action of the first guide surface, the second end of the locking element disengages from the slide groove, disconnecting the locking element from the valve core. The valve core then moves along the first end of the cavity under the action of the elastic element, sealing the cavity. If the pipes inside the water heater have already frozen and cracked, the antifreeze device can prevent water from entering the water heater, thus avoiding leaks that could cause water damage to the base plate, electrical leaks, and other property and safety issues.

[0015] Furthermore, the slider is also provided with a third guide surface, which extends gradually toward the inner wall of the cavity from the second end to the first end, and the third guide surface is disposed opposite to the second guide surface.

[0016] In this scheme, with this arrangement, the second guide surface and the third guide surface are positioned opposite each other. When the first end valve core of the locking member moves toward the second end of the cavity, the second end of the locking member, under the action of the second guide surface and the third guide surface, makes the change of the contact position between the locking member and the slider smoother. The second end of the locking member can smoothly achieve compression and transfer from the third guide surface to the first guide surface.

[0017] Furthermore, the slider is provided with a mounting groove at the second end of the slide groove, and the third guide surface is provided above the mounting groove and forms a plane with the second end of the valve core.

[0018] In this solution, this configuration reduces the size of the slider, saving manufacturing costs for the antifreeze device. Simultaneously, when the slider moves to the second end of the slide groove via the mounting groove, it integrates with the second end of the valve core to form a single unit. This prevents the second end of the locking member from remaining embedded in the slide groove when the valve core moves towards the first end of the cavity and pushes the slider to the second end of the slide groove, or when the second end of the locking member moves from the first guide surface to the third guide surface. This effectively disengages the second end of the locking member from the slide groove.

[0019] Furthermore, the first guide surface and the third guide surface are connected by an arc-shaped transition.

[0020] In this design, an arc-shaped transition structure is formed between the first guide surface and the third guide surface, so that the second end of the locking member moves more smoothly from the third guide surface to the first guide surface. The locking member can retract smoothly and reduce the resistance of the second end of the locking member moving from the third guide surface to the first guide surface.

[0021] Furthermore, the groove is an annular groove and is arranged around the axis of the valve core, and the slider is an annular structure and is sleeved in the annular groove.

[0022] In this solution, this configuration ensures that the second end of the locking member can be inserted into the slide groove smoothly without being unable to do so due to the slide groove being too small. Similarly, the slider is a ring structure used to effectively contact the second end of the locking member, thus enabling the second end of the locking member to move smoothly from the third guide surface to the first guide surface.

[0023] Furthermore, an elastic element is provided between the first end of the locking member and the inner wall of the cavity, and the two ends of the elastic element are respectively connected to the first end of the locking member and the inner wall of the cavity.

[0024] In this solution, the locking member has the function of reciprocating along the radial direction of the cavity, thereby enabling the second end of the locking member to retract accordingly and move from the third guide surface to the first guide surface when the slider moves to the first end of the slide groove.

[0025] Furthermore, the first end of the locking member is provided with a limiting part protruding in its radial direction, the second end of the locking member is provided with an abutting part protruding in its radial direction, the inner wall of the cavity is provided with a protrusion, the protrusion is provided between the limiting part and the abutting part, and an elastic member is provided between the protrusion and the abutting part, the two ends of the elastic member abutting against the protrusion and the abutting part respectively.

[0026] In this design, the first end of the locking member is movably connected to the inner wall of the cavity. A protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the cavity. The first end of the locking member is provided with a limiting part, and the second end of the locking member is provided with an abutting part. The protrusion is located between the limiting part and the abutting part, and an elastic element is provided between the protrusion and the abutting part to enable the locking member to have a reciprocating motion function. The limiting part is used to prevent the locking member from dislodging from the inner wall of the cavity under the action of the elastic element, thereby improving the reliability of the locking member.

[0027] Furthermore, a first slide and a second slide are coaxially arranged in the cavity along the moving direction of the valve core. The second slide is disposed in the first slide. The first end of the valve core and the elastic element are located in the first slide. The second end of the valve core, the slide groove and the slider are located in the second slide. The locking member is movably connected to the inner wall of the second slide.

[0028] In this design, an elastic element and a valve core are installed in the first slide, and a slider and a locking element are installed in the second slide to avoid structural interference between the elastic element and the slider or locking element, thus maintaining the structural reliability of the antifreeze device.

[0029] Furthermore, a mounting groove is provided at the first end of the valve core corresponding to the side of the inner wall of the first slide, and a sealing element is provided in the mounting groove.

[0030] In this design, the sealing element seals the contact portion between the first end of the valve core and the inner wall of the first slide, thereby improving the sealing performance of the valve core and preventing water from flowing to the second end of the valve core.

[0031] A water heater comprising: a water heater body; and an antifreeze device as described above, wherein the outlet of the antifreeze device is connected to the inlet of the water heater body.

[0032] In this solution, the aforementioned antifreeze device is applied to the water heater body through this setting, effectively solving the problem that installing an electric heating device in the water heater cannot completely prevent the pipes inside the water heater from freezing and cracking at low temperatures, thus causing water leakage.

[0033] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:

[0034] Under normal use, the first end of the valve core is located within the cavity and forms a passage with the first end of the cavity, allowing water to flow through. A groove is provided between the first and second ends of the valve core, and a slider is slidably connected within the groove. The second end of the locking element extends into the groove and is located between the slider and the second end of the groove to connect the valve core and the locking element. This prevents the valve core from moving along the first end of the cavity under the action of the elastic element and abutting against the first end of the cavity. In other words, the first end of the valve core is limited by the locking element and does not block the water flow. At this time, the water flows normally through the cavity. When the outdoor temperature is low, cold air enters the interior of the water heater through the exhaust pipe, causing the water inside the cavity to freeze continuously. As the water increases in volume after freezing, it applies an external force to the first end of the valve core, causing the valve core to move towards its second end. The movement of the valve core drives the slider to move. When the slider moves to the first end of the groove, the second end of the locking element contracts under the action of the slider, and the second guide surface of the second end of the locking element moves to the first guide surface of the slider. During this process, the second end of the locking element changes its contact position with the slider. As the elastic element pushes the valve core towards the first end of the cavity, the second end of the locking element pushes the slider towards the second end of the slide groove. Under the action of the first guide surface, the second end of the locking element disengages from the slide groove, disconnecting the locking element from the valve core. The valve core then moves along the first end of the cavity under the action of the elastic element, sealing the cavity. If the pipes inside the water heater have already frozen and cracked, the antifreeze device can prevent water from entering the water heater, thus avoiding leaks that could cause water damage to the base plate, electrical leaks, and other property and safety issues. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the antifreeze device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the valve core in the open state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing the second end of the locking member pushing the slider to the first end of the slide groove.

[0038] Figure 4This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the second end of the locking member in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, in the state where it moves from the third guide surface to the first guide surface and contacts it.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing the second end of the locking member pushing the slider to the second end of the slide groove.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the locking member in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, with the second end of the locking member detached from the slide groove.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the valve core and the elastic element in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the slider structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the locking element in the antifreeze device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the second end of the valve core of the locking component in the open state and the slider in the slide groove in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0046] Cavity 100

[0047] Valve core 10

[0048] Slide 11

[0049] Elastic element 20

[0050] Slider 30

[0051] First guiding surface 31

[0052] Third guiding surface 32

[0053] Mounting slot 33

[0054] Locking component 40

[0055] Second guide surface 41

[0056] Limiting part 42

[0057] Contact portion 43

[0058] Elastic element 50

[0059] 60 protrusions

[0060] First Slide 70

[0061] Second slide 80

[0062] Seal 90

[0063] Extension sleeve 200

[0064] Space 201

[0065] Fastener 300 Detailed Implementation

[0066] 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 described herein.

[0067] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0068] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "circumferential," and "radial," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0069] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0070] Example 1

[0071] This embodiment provides an antifreeze device, such as... Figure 1As shown, the antifreeze device 1, viewed from the outside, mainly includes a cavity 100, an extension sleeve 200, and a fixing member 300. The cavity 100 is a cylindrical tubular structure, mainly used for water flow. The extension sleeve 200 is also a cylindrical tubular structure. One end of the extension sleeve 200 along its axial direction is connected to the cavity 100. A space 201 is formed inside the extension sleeve 200, and the first end of the space 201 is connected to the first end of the cavity 100. The extension sleeve 200 and the cavity 100 are combined to form a "T"-shaped structure. The fixing member 300 is a plate, and one side of the fixing member 300 is connected to the extension sleeve 200.

[0072] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the antifreeze device also includes a valve core 10 and an elastic element 20. The valve core 10 includes a first end located within the cavity 100 and a second end extending into the space 201. The first end of the valve core 10 forms a passage for water flow with the inner wall of the first end of the cavity 100. The first end of the valve core 10 is used to isolate the water flow to prevent water from flowing into the second end of the valve core 10. The elastic element 20 is a spring, with one end of the spring abutting against the side of the first end of the valve core 10 away from the water flow, and the other end of the spring abutting against the second end of the space 201. When the water flows in the passage, it generates pressure on the first end of the valve core 10. Under the action of the elastic element 20, the valve core 10 maintains balance with the pressure generated by the water flow so that the water flow can continue to flow through the passage. When the pressure generated by the water flow is greater than the force of the elastic element 20, the valve core 10 moves from the first end of the cavity 100 to its second end and moves into the space 201. When the pressure generated by the water flow is less than the force of the elastic element 20, the valve core 10 moves from the space 201 to the first end of the cavity 100 to close the cavity 100.

[0073] A groove 11 is provided between the first and second ends of the valve core 10. The groove 11 extends along the axial direction of the cavity 100, and its opening penetrates the outer surface of the valve core 10. The groove 11 is a rectangular recess with a first end and a second end along its length. A slider 30 is slidably connected within the groove 11. Figure 8 and Figure 10As shown, the slider 30 has a first guide surface 31 at its first end facing the cavity 100. The first guide surface 31 gradually extends towards the inner wall of the cavity 100 from the first end to its second end. The antifreeze device also includes a locking member 40, which is a cylindrical structure. The first end of the locking member 40 is connected to the inner wall of the space 201, and the second end extends into the slide groove 11. The second end of the locking member 40 is located between the slider 30 and the second end of the slide groove 11. The locking member 40 reciprocates along the radial direction of the cavity 100. A second guide surface 41 is formed at the second end of the locking member 40. The second guide surface 41 gradually extends towards the valve core 10 from the first end of the cavity 100 towards its second end. When the slider 30 contacts the second guide surface 41 of the locking member 40, the extension direction of the second guide surface 41 causes the slider 30 to press against the second end of the locking member 40. At this time, the locking member 40 contracts, and the second end of the locking member 40 moves from one end of the slider 30 to the top of the slider 30. And when the locking member 40 has the ability to reciprocate along the radial direction of the cavity 100, it resets from the contracted state, so that the second end of the locking member 40 moves to the first guide surface 31 of the slider 30, realizing the conversion of the contact position between the locking member 40 and the slider 30. Due to the extension direction of the first guide surface 31, when the valve core 10 is pushed towards the first end of the cavity 100 by the elastic element 20, the second end of the locking member 40 pushes the first guide surface 31 to make the slider 30 move towards the second end of the slide groove 11. And when the valve core 10 moves further towards the first end of the cavity 100 through the guidance of the first guide surface 31, the second end of the locking member 40 is squeezed by the first guide surface 31 and contracts and disengages from the slide groove 11 to abut against the outer surface of the valve core 10, realizing the disconnection between the valve core 10 and the locking member 40. The valve core 10 continues to move towards the first end of the cavity 100 under the action of the elastic element 20 to close the cavity 100. The second end of the locking member 40 keeps the valve core 10 locked when it is not moved to contact the first guide surface 31, that is, the valve core 10 will not close the cavity 100 when the water flows normally through the passage.

[0074] In this embodiment, the surfaces of the first guide surface 31 and the second guide surface 41 are planar structures. Of course, they can also be arc-shaped surfaces or other existing structures used for guidance. The purpose is to smoothly achieve the smooth compression and contraction of the locking member 40 during the sliding process of the slider 30, and to change the contact position between the locking member 40 and the slider 30, so as to achieve the state in which the locking member 40 smoothly disengages from the groove 11. This is the prior art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0075] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, under normal use of the water heater, the first end of the valve core 10 is located inside the cavity 100 and forms a passage with the first end of the cavity 100. Water flows through this passage. A groove 11 is provided between the first end and the second end of the valve core 10. A slider 30 is slidably connected in the groove 11. The second end of the locking member 40 extends into the groove 11 to connect the valve core 10 and the locking member 40, preventing the valve core 10 from moving along the first end of the cavity 100 under the action of the elastic element 20 and abutting against the first end of the cavity 100. That is, the first end of the valve core 10 is limited by the locking member 40 and does not play the role of blocking the water flow. At this time, the water flows normally through the cavity 100. When the outdoor temperature is low, cold air enters the interior of the water heater through the exhaust pipe, causing the water inside the cavity 100 to freeze continuously. As the water increases in volume after freezing, it applies an external force to the first end of the valve core 10, causing the valve core 10 to move towards its second end. The movement of the valve core 10 drives the slider 30 to move. When the slider 30 moves to the first end of the slide groove 11, the second end of the locking member 40 retracts under the action of the slider 30, and the second guide surface 41 of the second end of the locking member 40 moves onto the first guide surface 31 of the slider 30. During this process, the second end of the locking member 40 changes position from contact with the slider 30. As the elastic element 20 pushes the valve core 10 towards the first end of the cavity 100, the second end of the locking member 40 pushes the slider 30 towards the second end of the slide groove 11. Under the action of the first guide surface 31, the second end of the locking member 40 disengages from the slide groove 11, the locking member 40 is disconnected from the valve core 10, and the valve core 10 moves along the first end of the cavity 100 under the action of the elastic element 20, sealing the cavity 100. If the pipes inside the water heater have already frozen and cracked, the antifreeze device can prevent water from entering the water heater, thus avoiding leaks that could cause water damage to the base plate, electrical leaks, and other property and safety issues.

[0076] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, the slider 30 is also provided with a third guide surface 32. The surface of the third guide surface 32 is flat and extends gradually toward the inner wall of the cavity 100 from the second end to the first end. The third guide surface 32 is disposed opposite to the second guide surface 41.

[0077] Specifically, the first end of the slider 30 is provided with a first guide surface 31, and the second end of the slider 30 is provided with a third guide surface 32. The first guide surface 31 and the third guide surface 32 form a conical structure. When the locking member 40 is connected to the valve core 10 and the water flows normally through the cavity 100, the second end of the locking member 40 is located between the second end of the slider 30 and the second end of the slide groove 11. The third guide surface 32 is arranged opposite to the second guide surface 41 so that when the second end of the slider 30 contacts the third guide surface 32, the second end of the locking member 40 is guided by the compression. The locking member 40 can contract more smoothly. That is to say, the contact position between the locking member 40 and the slider 30 changes more smoothly. The second end of the locking member 40 can be compressed smoothly and transferred from the third guide surface 32 to the first guide surface 31 so that when the valve core 10 moves toward the first end of the cavity 100 under the action of the elastic element 20, the locking member 40 can push the slider 30 toward the second end of the slide groove 11 and finally disengage from the slide groove 11.

[0078] In this embodiment, the slider 30 is provided with a mounting groove 33 at the second end of the slide groove 11. The mounting groove 33 is a rectangular groove and its shape is consistent with the shape of the second end of the slide groove 11. At the same time, the height of the mounting groove 33 is consistent with the height of the second end of the slide groove 11. When the slider 30 moves to the second end of the slide groove 11, the second end of the slide groove 11 is embedded in the mounting groove 33. The third guide surface 32 is disposed above the mounting groove 33 and forms a plane with the second end of the valve core 10.

[0079] Specifically, when the second end of the slide groove 11 is embedded in the mounting groove 33, the third guide surface 32 is located above the second end of the slide groove 11. Since the second end of the slide groove 11 is located close to the second end of the valve core 10, a chamfer is made at the second end of the valve core 10 so that the surface of the second end of the valve core 10 after chamfering is consistent with the extension direction of the third guide surface 32. That is, the third guide surface 32 and the second end of the valve core 10 combine to form a plane. After the locking member 40 is disengaged from the slide groove 11, in order to reconnect the valve core 10 and the locking member 40, the valve core 10 is driven to move towards the second end of the space 201. Under the action of the second guide surface 41, the locking member 40 contacts the second end of the valve core 10. Through the chamfering and the planar structure formed by the third guide surface 32, the locking member 40 retracts again and extends into the slide groove 11 to realize the reconnection of the valve core 10 and the locking member 40. By setting the mounting groove 33, the volume of the slider 30 is reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the antifreeze device is saved accordingly.

[0080] In addition, when the slider 30 moves to the second end of the slide groove 11 via the mounting groove 33, it combines with the second end of the valve core 10 to form an integral whole, thereby eliminating the gap between the second end of the slider 30 and the second end of the slide groove 11. It can also prevent the second end of the locking member 40 from still being embedded in the slide groove 11 when the second end of the locking member 40 pushes the slider 30 to the second end of the slide groove 11 when the valve core 10 moves towards the first end of the cavity 100 and the second end of the locking member 40 moves from the first guide surface 31 to the third guide surface 32. This effectively removes the second end of the locking member 40 from the slide groove 11.

[0081] Furthermore, the first guide surface 31 and the third guide surface 32 are connected by an arc-shaped transition.

[0082] Specifically, the arc transition is to an arc surface, and the two sides of the arc surface are respectively connected to one side of the first guide surface 31 and one side of the third guide surface 32. Compared with the connection between the first guide surface 31 and the third guide surface 32 through a conical structure or other structures, the arc surface can reduce the resistance when the contact position between the locking member 40 and the slider 30 changes when it comes into contact with the locking member 40, so that the second end of the locking member 40 moves more smoothly from the third guide surface 32 to the first guide surface 31.

[0083] like Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the slide groove 11 is an annular groove and is arranged around the axis of the valve core 10, and the slider 30 is an annular structure and is sleeved in the annular groove.

[0084] Specifically, the extension direction of the annular groove is consistent with the axial direction of the valve core 10. By setting the annular groove, the contact area with the locking member 40 is increased compared with setting the strip groove alone. This prevents the second end of the locking member 40 from being unable to smoothly enter the slide groove 11 due to the small size of the slide groove 11. Similarly, the slider 30 is an annular structure for effective contact with the second end of the locking member 40, so that the second end of the locking member 40 can move smoothly from the third guide surface 32 to the first guide surface 31.

[0085] like Figure 9 As shown, further, the first end of the locking member 40 is provided with a limiting part 42 protruding in its radial direction, the second end of the locking member 40 is provided with an abutting part 43 protruding in its radial direction, the inner wall of the cavity 100 is provided with a protrusion 60, the protrusion 60 is provided between the limiting part 42 and the abutting part 43, and an elastic member 50 is provided between the protrusion 60 and the abutting part 43, the two ends of the elastic member 50 abut against the protrusion 60 and the abutting part 43 respectively.

[0086] Specifically, the inner wall of the cavity 100 is provided with a through hole, and a protrusion 60 is provided in the through hole along the horizontal direction. The locking member 40 passes through the through hole, and a limiting part 42 is provided at the first end of the locking member 40, and an abutting part 43 is provided at the second end. Both the limiting part 42 and the abutting part 43 are cylindrical structures with horizontal end faces. The limiting part 42 and the abutting part 43 are located on the upper and lower sides of the protrusion 60, respectively. The limiting part 42 is used to restrict the locking member 40 from disengaging from the through hole, and an elastic member 50 is provided between the abutting part 43 and the protrusion 60 so that the locking member 40 has the function of reciprocating along the radial direction of the cavity 100. That is, when the locking member 40 contacts the slider 30 and realizes the change of contact position, the elastic member 50 provides the locking member 40 with the ability to extend and retract and reset, thereby improving the reliability of the locking member 40.

[0087] In other embodiments, an elastic member 50 is provided between the first end of the locking member 40 and the inner wall of the cavity 100, and the two ends of the elastic member 50 are respectively connected to the first end of the locking member 40 and the inner wall of the cavity 100.

[0088] Specifically, the two ends of the elastic member 50 are welded to the first end of the locking member 40 and the inner wall of the cavity 100, respectively. The elastic member 50 has its own elasticity so that the locking member 40 has the function of reciprocating along the radial direction of the cavity 100. This allows the second end of the locking member 40 to contract accordingly when the slider 30 moves to the first end of the slide groove 11 and move from the third guide surface 32 to the first guide surface 31.

[0089] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, a first slide rail 70 and a second slide rail 80 are coaxially arranged within the space 201 along the axial direction of the valve core 10. The first slide rail 70 is the inner wall of the space 201 and has a cylindrical shape. The second slide rail 80 is also cylindrical and coaxially arranged with the first slide rail 70. The second slide rail 80 is disposed within the first slide rail 70 and extends from the surface of the fixing member 300 toward the first end of the cavity 100. The first end of the valve core 10 and the elastic element 20 are located within the first slide rail 70, and the second end of the valve core 10, the slide groove 11, and the slider 30 are located within the second slide rail 80. Figure 9 As shown, the locking element 40 is movably connected to the inner wall of the second slide rail 80.

[0090] Specifically, the first slide rail 70 is provided with an elastic element 20 and a valve core 10, and the second slide rail 80 is provided with a slider 30 and a locking element 40 to avoid structural interference between the elastic element 20 and the slider 30 or the locking element 40, so as to maintain the structural reliability of the antifreeze device. Furthermore, the distance that the second slide 80 extends toward the first end of the cavity 100 is actually the stroke of the valve core 10 when it moves toward the second end of the cavity 100. When the outdoor temperature is low, cold air enters the interior of the water heater through the exhaust pipe, causing the water inside the cavity 100 to freeze continuously. As the volume of the water increases after freezing, it applies an external force to the first end of the valve core 10, causing the valve core 10 to move toward its second end. During the movement of the valve core 10, the slider 30 slides and abuts against the first end of the slide groove 11, thus changing the contact position with the locking member 40. During this process, the valve core 10 moves and abuts against the second slide 80. The second slide 80 limits the stroke of the valve core 10, preventing the elastic element 20 from being unable to drive the valve core 10 to close the cavity 100 when the water inside is completely frozen. The extension distance of the second slide 80 is derived from multiple experimental results. This is existing technology and will not be elaborated further here.

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, the first end of the valve core 10 is provided with an installation groove on the side of the inner wall of the first slide 70. A sealing element 90 is provided in the installation groove. The sealing element 90 is an annular sealing ring, and its material is rubber in the prior art. Of course, in other embodiments, it can also be other materials used to seal water flow. Its purpose is to improve the sealing performance of the contact part between the valve core 10 and the inner wall of the first slide 70 and prevent water flow to the second end of the valve core 10.

[0092] This embodiment also provides a water heater, which includes: a water heater body and an antifreeze device mentioned in this embodiment, wherein the outlet of the antifreeze device is connected to the inlet of the water heater body.

[0093] Specifically, under normal use of the water heater, the water flows through the passage to the outlet and then to the inlet of the water heater body. At this time, the water pressure between the first end of the valve core 10 in the antifreeze device and the first end of the cavity 100 is equal to the pressure of the elastic element 20 pushing the valve core 10. The second end of the locking member 40 is located between the second end of the slider 30 and the slide groove 11, and the cavity 100 remains open to allow the water to flow smoothly.

[0094] When the outdoor temperature is low, cold air enters the water heater through the exhaust pipe, causing the water inside the cavity 100 to continuously freeze. As the water expands after freezing, the water pressure between the first end of the valve core 10 and the first end of the cavity 100 becomes greater than the pressure exerted by the elastic element 20 on the valve core 10. The water flow pushes the valve core 10 along the second end of the cavity 100, compressing the elastic element 20. As the valve core 10 moves, it drives the slider 30 in the slide groove 11 to move. During this movement, the slider 30 contacts the locking member 40 and is pushed to the first end of the slide groove 11 by the locking member 40. Under the action of the second guide surface 41 of the locking member 40, the slider 30 presses against the second end of the locking member 40, causing the locking member 40 to contract accordingly. Continuing to move, the position of the slider 30 corresponding to the second end of the locking member 40 shifts to the first end of the slider 30. The first end of the slider 30 is provided with the first guide surface 31. At this time, the elastic element 20 is compressed and resets, pushing the valve core 10 towards the first end of the cavity 100. Figure 6 As shown, when the valve core 10 moves, the locking member 40 pushes the slider 30 to move toward the second end of the slide groove 11 and finally abuts against the second end of the slide groove 11. Under the action of the first guide surface 31, the locking member 40 is compressed again and disengages from the slide groove 11 when the valve core 10 moves. When the locking member 40 is reset, it completely disengages from the valve core 10, that is, the locking member 40 is disconnected from the valve core 10. At this time, the valve core 10 is unlocked and moves toward the first end of the cavity 100 under the action of the elastic element 20 so as to close the cavity 100. Applying this antifreeze device to the water heater body effectively solves the defect that the installation of electric heating device in the water heater cannot completely solve the problem of water leakage caused by the freezing and cracking of the pipes in the water heater at low temperature.

[0095] 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. An antifreeze device, characterized in that, The antifreeze device includes: A cavity for the passage of water; A valve core, wherein a first end of the valve core is located inside the cavity and a second end of the valve core is located outside the cavity, and the water flows through the first end of the valve core and the first end of the cavity. A sliding groove is provided between the first end and the second end of the valve core, and the sliding groove extends along the axial direction of the cavity. An elastic element is provided to push the valve core toward the first end of the cavity; A slider is slidably connected to the groove. The slider has a first guide surface at its first end facing the cavity. The first guide surface gradually extends toward the inner wall of the cavity from the first end toward its second end. A locking member, the first end of which is connected to the inner wall of the cavity and the second end of which extends into the slide groove, the second end of which is located between the slider and the second end of the slide groove, the second end of which reciprocates along the radial direction of the cavity, and the second end of which forms a second guide surface, the second guide surface gradually extending towards the valve core along the first end of the cavity towards its second end; When the valve core moves toward the second end of the cavity, the slider moves to the first end of the slide groove under the action of the second guide surface. The second end of the locking member contracts under the action of the slider and moves to the first guide surface, so that the elastic element pushes the valve core toward the first end of the cavity. The locking member pushes the slider to the second end of the slide groove. The locking member disengages from the slide groove under the action of the first guide surface, so that the valve core closes the cavity.

2. The antifreeze device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The slider is also provided with a third guide surface, which extends gradually toward the inner wall of the cavity from the second end to the first end, and the third guide surface is disposed opposite to the second guide surface.

3. The antifreeze device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The slider is provided with a mounting groove at the second end of the slide groove, and the third guide surface is provided above the mounting groove and forms a plane with the second end of the valve core.

4. The antifreeze device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first guide surface and the third guide surface are connected by an arc-shaped transition.

5. The antifreeze device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The groove is an annular groove and is arranged around the axis of the valve core, and the slider is an annular structure and is sleeved in the annular groove.

6. The antifreeze device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An elastic element is provided between the first end of the locking member and the inner wall of the cavity, and the two ends of the elastic element are respectively connected to the first end of the locking member and the inner wall of the cavity.

7. The antifreeze device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the locking member is provided with a limiting part protruding in its radial direction, and the second end of the locking member is provided with an abutting part protruding in its radial direction. The inner wall of the cavity is provided with a protrusion. The protrusion is provided between the limiting part and the abutting part, and an elastic member is provided between the protrusion and the abutting part. The two ends of the elastic member abut against the protrusion and the abutting part, respectively.

8. The antifreeze device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity is provided with a first slide and a second slide coaxially along the moving direction of the valve core. The second slide is disposed in the first slide. The first end of the valve core and the elastic element are located in the first slide. The second end of the valve core, the slide groove and the slider are located in the second slide. The locking member is movably connected to the inner wall of the second slide.

9. The antifreeze device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first end of the valve core is provided with a mounting groove corresponding to the side of the inner wall of the first slide, and a sealing element is provided in the mounting groove.

10. A water heater, characterized in that, The water heater includes: Water heater body; The antifreeze device as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the outlet of the antifreeze device is connected to the inlet of the water heater body.

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