Anti-freezing device and water heater using the same

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of water heaters, and provides a freeze-proof device and a water heater applying the freeze-proof device, the freeze-proof device comprising a valve body, a valve core, a first driving element, a first limiting element and a second limiting element, a water cavity is formed in the valve body, the valve core is movably arranged relative to the water cavity, and a first end of the valve core is located in the water cavity and a second end of the valve core is located outside the water cavity, the first driving element is used for driving the valve core to move relative to the water cavity in the direction of the first end, when the second limiting element is limited to a first position by a valve body limiting portion on the valve body and a valve core limiting portion on the valve core, the second limiting element limits the first limiting element to move relative to the water cavity in the direction of the first end, and the first limiting element limits the valve core to move relative to the water cavity in the direction of the first end; when the valve core moves relative to the water cavity in the direction of the second end, the second limiting element is separated from the first position, and then the first limiting element can move relative to the water cavity in the direction of the first end to cut off the water cavity. The freeze-proof device is a pure mechanical and fully automatic structure, and is safe and reliable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heater technology, and more specifically 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] The valve body has a water cavity inside for water flow, and the valve body is provided with a valve body limiting part;

[0009] The valve core is movable relative to the water cavity, including a first end located inside the water cavity and a second end located outside the water cavity, and the valve core is provided with a valve core limiting part;

[0010] A first driving element is connected to the second end of the valve core and is used to drive the valve core to move relative to the water chamber toward the first end;

[0011] The first limiting member is movable relative to the valve body and the valve core respectively;

[0012] The second limiting member is movable relative to the valve body and the valve core, respectively;

[0013] When the second limiting member is limited to the first position by the valve body limiting part and the valve core limiting part, the second limiting member restricts the first limiting member from moving relative to the water cavity toward the first end, and the first limiting member restricts the valve core from moving relative to the water cavity toward the first end;

[0014] When the valve core moves relative to the water cavity toward the second end, the second limiting member disengages from the valve core limiting portion to disengage from the first position, thereby allowing the first limiting member to move relative to the water cavity toward the first end to isolate the water cavity.

[0015] In this design, the valve core limiting part and the valve body limiting part are used to limit the second limiting member to the first position. When the second limiting member is in the first position, it can restrict the movement of the first limiting member relative to the water cavity toward the first end. The first limiting member is used to restrict the movement of the valve core relative to the water cavity toward the first end. The first driving member is used to drive the valve core to move relative to the water cavity toward the first end. Under normal water flow conditions in the water cavity, by keeping the second limiting member in the first position to restrict the movement of the valve core relative to the water cavity toward the first end, the valve core is prevented from isolating the water cavity. During the period when the water in the water cavity freezes and the ice melts, by keeping the second limiting member in the position away from the first position to allow the valve core to move relative to the water cavity toward the first end, the water cavity is isolated.

[0016] When the water flows normally in the water cavity, the first driving member acts on the valve core to drive the valve core to move relative to the water cavity toward the first end. The second limiting member is located in the first position to restrict the movement of the first limiting member relative to the water cavity toward the first end. The first limiting member is used to restrict the movement of the valve core relative to the water cavity toward the first end. Therefore, the valve core is limited and cannot move relative to the water cavity toward the first end, and cannot isolate the water cavity. At this time, the water flows normally through the water cavity.

[0017] When the temperature changes and the water in the water chamber begins to freeze, the volume of the ice increases, applying an expansion force to the first end of the valve core. Under the action of the ice, the valve core moves relative to the water chamber toward its second end, causing the valve core limiting part on the valve core to move relative to the second limiting member. This causes the second limiting member to disengage from the first position, thereby releasing the constraint of the second limiting member on the movement of the first limiting member relative to the water chamber toward the first end. Consequently, the constraint of the first limiting member on the movement of the valve core relative to the water chamber toward the first end is also released. Because the first end is blocked by ice, the valve core cannot move relative to the water chamber toward the first end under the action of the first driving member.

[0018] When the temperature changes and the ice in the water chamber begins to melt, the first limiting element drives the valve core to move towards the first end relative to the water chamber to isolate the water chamber and cut off the water flow. If a pipe freezes and cracks during the freezing stage, the water flow can be cut off by the valve core after the ice melts, which can prevent water leakage downstream of the valve core from causing safety accidents or property damage.

[0019] The valve core's movement is altered by the natural physical changes in the water within the valve body, thereby changing the state of the valve core's limiting structure. When the valve core freezes, the mechanical restriction on its movement relative to the water chamber towards the first end is automatically released. After the ice melts, the valve core automatically isolates the water chamber. The entire process is purely mechanical and automatic, unaffected by electrical conditions, and offers the advantages of safety and reliability.

[0020] Preferably, a first accommodating space is formed on the first limiting member;

[0021] When the second limiting member is in the first position, at least a portion of the second limiting member is located within the first accommodating space, and the position of the valve core limiting portion corresponds to the position of the disengagement opening of the first accommodating space;

[0022] When the valve core moves relative to the water chamber toward the second end, the first limiting member moves relative to the valve core toward the first end, thereby moving the valve core limiting portion away from the disengagement opening, and thus causing the second limiting member to disengage from the disengagement opening at the first position.

[0023] In this solution, when the second limiting member is in the first position, it is accommodated in the first receiving space of the first limiting member. The position of the valve core limiting part corresponds to the position of the disengagement opening of the first receiving space to prevent the second limiting member from disengaging from the disengagement opening, thereby keeping the second limiting member in the first position.

[0024] When the valve core moves toward the second end relative to the water chamber, the valve core and the first limiting member move relative to each other, so that the valve core limiting part on the valve core and the position of the opening on the first limiting member no longer correspond, thereby releasing the restriction of the valve core limiting part on the second limiting member, allowing the second limiting member to move away from the first position. When the ice melts, the valve core can isolate the water chamber under the action of the first driving member.

[0025] By freezing water in the pipe, the valve core and the first limiting component move relative to each other, thus changing the position of the second limiting component. This releases the restriction on the valve core's movement relative to the water cavity toward the first end, making the process simple and reliable.

[0026] Preferably, a limiting opening is provided at one end of the first accommodating space away from the disengagement opening. When the second limiting member is in the first position, a portion of the second limiting member extends out of the first accommodating space from the limiting opening and abuts against the valve body limiting portion.

[0027] When the valve core limiting part moves away from the disengagement opening, the second limiting member moves relative to the first accommodating space toward the disengagement opening to disengage from the valve body limiting part, thereby disengaging from the first position.

[0028] In this solution, by setting a limiting opening, the second limiting member extends out of the first accommodating space and acts as a valve body limiting part, so that the valve body limiting part restricts the position of the first accommodating space, thereby restricting the first limiting member from moving towards the first end relative to the water cavity.

[0029] Preferably, the valve body limiting part is sleeved on the outside of the valve core limiting part, and the valve body limiting part is in the shape of a trumpet with an opening away from the first end;

[0030] And / or, the width of the disengagement opening is less than the width of the second limiting member, such that the second limiting member can only partially extend out of the limiting opening, and the width of the first limiting space gradually increases in the direction from the limiting opening to the disengagement opening.

[0031] In this design, the flared shape has a large end and a small end, with the opening being the large end. The flared shape of the valve body limiting part serves as a guide, facilitating the contact of the second limiting member. The width of the disengagement opening is smaller than the width of the second limiting member, preventing the second limiting member from disengaging from the limiting opening into the first accommodating space. From the limiting opening to the disengagement opening, the width of the first limiting space gradually increases, allowing the second limiting member to move within the first accommodating space towards the disengagement opening to disengage from the first position.

[0032] Preferably, a second accommodating space is formed between the valve core and the first limiting member, the valve core limiting portion is away from the release opening, so that the release opening and the second accommodating space are connected, and the second limiting member is located in the second position after being released from the first position, at least a portion of the second limiting member is accommodated in the second accommodating space.

[0033] In this design, the second limiting member is housed in the second accommodating space after disengaging from the first position.

[0034] Preferably, the second accommodating space includes an accommodating groove disposed on the surface of the valve core, and the accommodating groove and the valve core limiting portion are configured such that the accommodating groove is closer to the first end relative to the valve core limiting portion;

[0035] When the second limiting member is in the second position, at least a portion of the second limiting member is accommodated within the receiving groove.

[0036] In this design, the receiving groove is closer to the first end relative to the valve core limiting part. When the valve core moves towards the second end relative to the water chamber, the valve core limiting part gradually moves away from the disengagement opening on the first limiting member, and the receiving groove gradually moves closer to the disengagement opening. This allows the second limiting member to easily enter the receiving groove after disengaging from the first position at the disengagement opening. The receiving groove can restrict the position of the second limiting member and prevent it from moving around.

[0037] Preferably, a guide surface is provided on the side of the receiving groove away from the first end. The guide surface is in contact with the surface of the valve core limiting part and is set at an angle. From the bottom of the receiving groove to the opening of the receiving groove, the guide surface gradually moves away from the first end so that the width of the receiving groove gradually increases.

[0038] When the second limiting member is in the second position, a portion of the second limiting member is located within the first accommodating space.

[0039] In this design, when the valve core moves relative to the water chamber towards the second end under the action of ice, causing the first limiting member to move relative to the valve core towards the first end, the second limiting member disengages from the valve core limiting portion and enters the receiving groove from the guide surface to disengage from the first position. By setting the second limiting member to be partially located within the first receiving space in the second position, after the ice melts and the valve core isolates the water chamber, and after checking that the pipeline is not broken or replacing any broken pipeline, pushing the first limiting member relative to the water chamber towards the second end can move the second limiting member along the guide surface to the valve core limiting portion, allowing the second limiting member to return to the first position for reuse of the antifreeze device. The provision of a second receiving space to accommodate the second limiting member, and the provision of a receiving groove to restrict the second limiting member in the second position, both facilitate the second limiting member's return to the first position.

[0040] Preferably, a second driving element is provided in the receiving groove, and the second driving element is a magnetic element that attracts the second limiting element.

[0041] In this solution, a second magnetic driving member is provided in the receiving groove to attract the second limiting member, ensuring that the second limiting member can reliably be located in the second position after it is disengaged from the first position.

[0042] Preferably, the antifreeze device further includes a second driving member disposed on the valve core. When the valve core moves relative to the water chamber toward the second end, so that the position of the second driving member corresponds to the position of the second limiting member, the second driving member automatically drives the second limiting member to disengage from the first position.

[0043] In this solution, a second driving component is provided to drive the second limiting component to disengage from the first position, thereby releasing the mechanical restriction on the movement of the valve core relative to the water chamber toward the first end.

[0044] Preferably, the second driving element is a magnetic element, and the second limiting element is disengaged from the first position by the magnetic force of the second driving element.

[0045] In this solution, the second limiting member is disengaged from the first position by magnetic force, which is simple and reliable.

[0046] Preferably, the first limiting member is provided with a convex third limiting part, and the valve core is provided with a convex fourth limiting part. The third limiting part and the fourth limiting part are arranged sequentially and used to abut against each other in the direction from the first end to the second end.

[0047] In this solution, the third and fourth limiting parts are configured such that when they come into contact, the first limiting element restricts the valve core from moving relative to the water cavity toward the first end, making the limiting simple and reliable.

[0048] Preferably, the first driving element is an elastic element, with one end of the first driving element away from the first end fixedly connected to the valve body, and the other end closer to the first end abutting against the second end.

[0049] In this design, the elastic element is compressed between the valve body and the second end, providing an elastic force to the valve core toward the first end, driving the valve core to move relative to the water chamber toward the first end, which is simple and reliable.

[0050] Preferably, a mounting portion is fixed on the valve body, the mounting portion is disposed on the side of the water cavity, the inner side of the mounting portion defines an installation space, and the second end is disposed within the installation space.

[0051] In this design, the second end is located on the side of the valve body for easy placement.

[0052] Preferably, the mounting portion has a removable cover plate on the side away from the first end.

[0053] In this design, the movable cover is designed to facilitate the opening of the cover for inspection and replacement of the structure within the installation space, and also to facilitate the repositioning of the second limiting member to the first position by opening the cover.

[0054] Preferably, the valve body is provided with a partition portion that separates the water cavity, and the partition portion is provided with a partition through hole. The water cavity is connected on both sides of the partition portion through the partition through hole. The end face of the first end matches the partition through hole and is used to close the partition through hole.

[0055] In this solution, a partition is provided, and a partition through hole is provided on the partition to connect the water cavity. This allows the first end to close the partition through hole to isolate the water cavity when the valve core moves relative to the water cavity towards the first end, making the valve core isolation of the water cavity a simple and reliable solution.

[0056] Preferably, the valve body has a fifth limiting part. When the valve core moves relative to the water cavity toward the second end, the fifth limiting part restricts the first limiting member from moving relative to the water cavity toward the second end, so that the first limiting member moves relative to the valve core toward the first end, thereby causing the second limiting member to disengage from the valve core limiting part.

[0057] In this scheme, when ice forms in the water cavity, and the valve core moves towards the second end relative to the water cavity due to the volume expansion of the water turning into ice, the fifth limiting part on the valve body restricts the first limiting member from moving towards the second end relative to the water cavity, thereby realizing the relative movement between the valve core and the first limiting member, so that the second limiting member disengages from the valve core limiting part.

[0058] A water heater comprising:

[0059] Water heater body;

[0060] The aforementioned antifreeze device has its water chamber outlet connected to the inlet of the water heater body.

[0061] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:

[0062] The valve core's movement is altered by the natural physical changes in the water within the valve body, thereby changing the state of the valve core's limiting structure. When the valve core freezes, the mechanical restriction on its movement relative to the water chamber towards the first end is automatically released. After the ice melts, the valve core automatically isolates the water chamber. The entire process is purely mechanical and automatic, unaffected by electrical conditions, and offers the advantages of safety and reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the antifreeze device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the valve body according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the valve core structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first limiting member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an antifreeze device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the antifreeze device according to an embodiment of the present invention when the valve core cannot isolate the water chamber;

[0069] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the antifreeze device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the valve core being pushed towards the second end by ice.

[0070] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the antifreeze device when the valve core isolates the water chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] Figure 10 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an antifreeze device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0074] Antifreeze device 1100;

[0075] Valve body 1, water chamber 11, valve body limiting part 12, partition part 13, partition through hole 131, mounting part 14, mounting space 141, movable cover plate 15, fifth limiting part 16;

[0076] Valve core 2, first end 21, second end 22, valve core limiting part 23, receiving groove 24, guide surface 241, fourth limiting part 25;

[0077] First limiting member 3, first accommodating space 31, disengagement opening 311, limiting opening 312, third limiting part 32, second accommodating space 33, sixth limiting part 34;

[0078] Second limiting component 4;

[0079] First driving component 5;

[0080] Second drive component 6;

[0081] First seal 71, second seal 72, third seal 73;

[0082] Water heater 1000;

[0083] Water heater body 1200. Detailed Implementation

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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 with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0086] It should be noted that:

[0087] Figure 6 The short straight line segments with single arrows that are not marked with a number indicate the direction of water flow;

[0088] The line 221 connecting the first end 21 and the second end 22 is a hypothetical concept provided for ease of understanding. Figure 5 The text is incomplete and contains several errors. A more accurate translation would require the full context.

[0089] Moving toward the first end 21 means moving toward the first end 21 along the line 221 connecting the first end 21 and the second end 22; moving closer to or away from the first end 21 means moving closer to or away from the first end 21 along the line 221 connecting the first end 21 and the second end 22; the same applies to the second end 22.

[0090] Example 1

[0091] Figures 1-9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure provided in Example 1.

[0092] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the antifreeze device 1100 includes:

[0093] Valve body 1 has a water cavity 11 inside, which is used for water flow. Valve body 1 is provided with a valve body limiting part 12, see details. Figure 2 ;

[0094] Valve core 2, movable relative to water cavity 11, includes a first end 21 located inside water cavity 11 and a second end 22 located outside water cavity 11. Valve core 2 is provided with valve core limiting part 23. See details. Figure 3 , Figure 6 ;

[0095] The first driving component 5 is connected to the second end 22 of the valve core 2, and is used to drive the valve core 2 to move relative to the water chamber 11 toward the first end 21. See details. Figure 6 ;

[0096] The first limiting element 3 is movable relative to both the valve body 1 and the valve core 2, as detailed in [link to details]. Figures 4-6 ;

[0097] The second limiting element 4 is movable relative to both the valve body 1 and the valve core 2, as detailed in [link to details]. Figure 6 .

[0098] like Figure 6As shown, when the water flows normally in the water cavity 11, the first driving member 5 acts on the valve core 2 to drive the valve core 2 to move relative to the water cavity 11 toward the first end 21. The second limiting member 4 is located in the first position to restrict the movement of the first limiting member 3 relative to the water cavity 11 toward the first end 21. The first limiting member 3 is used to restrict the movement of the valve core 2 relative to the water cavity 11 toward the first end 21. Therefore, the valve core 2 is limited and cannot move relative to the water cavity 11 toward the first end 21, and cannot isolate the water cavity 11. At this time, the water flows normally through the water cavity 11.

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown, when the temperature changes and the water in the water chamber 11 begins to freeze, the volume of the ice increases, which applies an expansion force to the first end 21 of the valve core 2, causing the valve core 2 to move relative to the water chamber 11 toward its second end 22. This causes the valve core limiting part 23 on the valve core 2 to move relative to the second limiting member 4, so that the second limiting member 4 is disengaged from the first position. This releases the constraint of the second limiting member 4 on the movement of the first limiting member 3 relative to the water chamber 11 toward the first end 21, and further releases the constraint of the first limiting member 3 on the movement of the valve core 2 relative to the water chamber 11 toward the first end 21. Because the first end 21 is blocked by ice, the valve core 2 cannot move relative to the water chamber 11 toward the first end 21 under the action of the first driving member 5.

[0100] like Figure 8 As shown, when the temperature change causes the ice in the water chamber 11 to begin to melt, the first limiting member 3 drives the valve core 2 to move relative to the water chamber 11 towards the first end 21 to isolate the water chamber 11 and cut off the water flow. If a pipe freezes and cracks during the freezing stage, the water flow can be cut off by the valve core 2 after the ice melts, which can prevent water leakage downstream of the valve core 2 from causing safety accidents or property damage.

[0101] The valve core limiting part 23 and the valve body limiting part 12 are used to limit the second limiting member 4 to the first position. When the second limiting member 4 is in the first position, it can restrict the first limiting member 3 from moving relative to the water cavity 11 toward the first end 21. The first limiting member 3 is used to restrict the valve core 2 from moving relative to the water cavity 11 toward the first end 21. The first driving member 5 is used to drive the valve core 2 to move relative to the water cavity 11 toward the first end 21. When the water flow in the water cavity 11 is normal, the valve core 2 is prevented from blocking the water cavity 11 by keeping the second limiting member 4 in the first position to restrict the valve core 2 from moving relative to the water cavity 11 toward the first end 21. During the period when the water in the water cavity 11 is freezing and melting, the valve core 2 is allowed to move relative to the water cavity 11 toward the first end 21 by keeping the second limiting member 4 away from the first position to block the water cavity 11. The movement state of valve core 2 is changed by the natural physical state change of the water in valve body 1, thereby changing the state of the limiting structure of valve core 2. When freezing, the mechanical restriction on the movement of valve core 2 relative to water cavity 11 toward the first end 21 is automatically released. After the ice melts, valve core 2 automatically isolates water cavity 11. The whole action is purely mechanical and automatic, and is not affected by the power supply. It has the advantages of safety and reliability.

[0102] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, a first accommodating space 31 is formed on the first limiting member 3, and the first accommodating space 31 has a disengagement opening 311, as... Figure 6 As shown, when the second limiting member 4 is in the first position, at least a portion of the second limiting member 4 is located within the first accommodating space 31, and the position of the valve core limiting part 23 corresponds to the position of the disengagement opening 311, to prevent the second limiting member 4 from disengaging from the disengagement opening 311, thereby keeping the second limiting member 4 in the first position; as Figure 7 As shown, when the valve core 2 moves relative to the water cavity 11 toward the second end 22, the first limiting member 3 moves relative to the valve core 2 toward the first end 21, so that the valve core limiting part 23 on the valve core 2 and the position of the disengagement opening 311 on the first limiting member 3 no longer correspond, thereby releasing the restriction of the valve core limiting part 23 on the second limiting member 4, so that the second limiting member 4 can disengage from the first position at the disengagement opening 311. When the ice melts, the valve core 2 can move relative to the water cavity 11 toward the first end 21 under the action of the first driving member 5 to isolate the water cavity 11.

[0103] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the first accommodating space 31 has a limiting opening 312 at one end away from the disengagement opening 311, such as... Figure 6 As shown, when the second limiting member 4 is in the first position, a portion of the second limiting member 4 extends out of the limiting opening 312 into the first accommodating space 31 and abuts against the valve body limiting portion 12; as Figure 7As shown, when the valve core 2 is pushed by the ice to move relative to the water cavity 11 toward the second end 22, the valve core limiting part 23 moves away from the disengagement opening 311, and the second limiting member 4 moves relative to the first accommodating space 31 toward the disengagement opening 311 to disengage from the valve body limiting part 12, thereby disengaging from the first position.

[0104] This embodiment includes technical solution one: such as Figure 6 As shown, the valve body limiting part 12 is sleeved on the outside of the valve core limiting part 23. The valve body limiting part 12 is horn-shaped. Among the large end and the small end of the valve body limiting part 12, the large end is set away from the first end 21. The shape of the valve body limiting part 12 can play a guiding role, so as to facilitate the second limiting member 4 to abut.

[0105] This embodiment includes technical solution two: such as Figure 6 As shown, the width of the opening 311 is less than the width of the second limiting member 4, so that the second limiting member 4 can only partially extend out of the limiting opening 312, thus preventing the second limiting member 4 from leaving the first accommodating space 31 from the limiting opening 312.

[0106] This embodiment includes technical solution three: such as Figure 5 As shown, the width of the first limiting space gradually increases in the direction from the limiting opening 312 to the disengagement opening 311, so that the second limiting member 4 can move in the first accommodating space 31 toward the disengagement opening 311 to disengage from the first position.

[0107] In other embodiments, technical solutions one, two, and three can all be used simultaneously, any two of them can be used simultaneously, or only one of them can be used.

[0108] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, a second accommodating space 33 is formed between the valve core 2 and the first limiting member 3. The valve core limiting part 23 is away from the disengagement opening 311, so that the disengagement opening 311 and the second accommodating space 33 are connected. After the second limiting member 4 is disengaged from the first position, it is located in the second position. At this time, at least a part of the second limiting member 4 is accommodated in the second accommodating space 33.

[0109] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6As shown, the second accommodating space 33 includes an accommodating groove 24 disposed on the surface of the valve core 2. The accommodating groove 24 and the valve core limiting portion 23 are configured such that the accommodating groove 24 is closer to the first end 21 relative to the valve core limiting portion 23. When the second limiting member 4 is in the second position, at least a portion of the second limiting member 4 is accommodated within the accommodating groove 24. Because the accommodating groove 24 is closer to the first end 21 relative to the valve core limiting portion 23, when the valve core 2 moves towards the second end 22 relative to the water cavity 11, the valve core limiting portion 23 gradually moves away from the disengagement opening 311 on the first limiting member 3, and the accommodating groove 24 gradually moves closer to the disengagement opening 311, making it easier for the second limiting member 4 to enter the accommodating groove 24 after disengaging from the first position at the disengagement opening 311. The accommodating groove 24 can restrict the position of the second limiting member 4, preventing the second limiting member 4 from shifting.

[0110] The second limiting member 4 is located in the first position, which is limited to the valve body 1 and cannot move relative to the valve body 1; the second limiting member 4 is located in the second position, which is limited to the second accommodating space 33 and is located in the accommodating groove 24, and can move together with the accommodating groove 24 according to the change of the second accommodating space 33.

[0111] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, a guide surface 241 is provided on the side of the receiving groove 24 away from the first end 21. The guide surface 241 is in contact with the surface of the valve core limiting part 23 and is set at an angle. From the bottom of the receiving groove 24 to the opening of the receiving groove 24, the guide surface 241 gradually moves away from the first end 21 so that the width of the receiving groove 24 gradually increases. When the valve core 2 moves relative to the water cavity 11 toward the second end 22 under the action of ice, the first limiting member 3 moves relative to the valve core 2 toward the first end 21, so that the second limiting member 4 disengages from the valve core limiting part 23 and enters the receiving groove 24 from the guide surface 241 to disengage from the first position. When the second limiting member 4 is in the second position, part of the second limiting member 4 is located in the first accommodating space 31. After the ice melts and the valve core 2 isolates the water chamber 11, after checking that the pipeline is not broken or replacing the broken pipeline, by pushing the first limiting member 3 to move relative to the water chamber 11 toward the second end 22, the second limiting member 4 can be driven to move along the guide surface 241 to the valve core limiting part 23, so that the second limiting member 4 is reset back to the first position, so as to reuse the antifreeze device 1100.

[0112] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6As shown, a second driving member 6 is provided in the receiving groove 24. When the position of the disengagement opening 311 corresponds to the position of the receiving groove 24, the second driving member 6 pulls the second limiting member 4 into the receiving groove 24, ensuring that the second limiting member 4 can reliably be located in the second position after disengaging from the first position. In other embodiments, the second driving member 6 may not be provided. By setting the relative positions of the components, the valve core limiting part 23 and the first position do not correspond. After the constraint of the valve core limiting part 23 on the second limiting member 4 is released, the second limiting member 4 falls from the first position by its own gravity.

[0113] In this embodiment, a first accommodating space 31, a second accommodating space 33, and an accommodating groove 24 are provided to accommodate the second limiting member 4, restricting the second limiting member 4 to the second position, all of which facilitate the second limiting member 4's return to the first position. In other embodiments, the antifreeze device 1100 can be disposable. When the water in the water chamber 11 freezes and melts, a new antifreeze device 1100 can be directly replaced without resetting the second limiting member 4 to the first position. In this case, the first accommodating space 31, the second accommodating space 33, the accommodating groove 24, and the second driving member 6 can be omitted.

[0114] In other embodiments, when the second limiting member 4 does not need to be reset to the first position and the antifreeze device 1100 is disposable, the second driving member 6 can be a spring disposed on the valve core 2. When the second limiting member 4 is in the first position, the spring is compressed between the first limiting member 3 and the valve core 2. When the valve core 2 moves relative to the water cavity 11 toward the second end 22, so that the position of the second driving member 6 corresponds to the position of the second limiting member 4, the second driving member 6 automatically extends to drive the second limiting member 4 to disengage from the first position. When the second limiting member 4 needs to be reset to the first position and the antifreeze device 1100 can be reused multiple times, the second driving member 6 can be a spring disposed at one end on the valve core 2, and the other end of the spring is connected to the second limiting member 4. When the second limiting member 4 is in the first position, the spring is stretched. When the valve core 2 moves relative to the water cavity 11 toward the second end 22, so that the position of the second driving member 6 corresponds to the position of the second limiting member 4, the second driving member 6 automatically contracts to drive the second limiting member 4 to disengage from the first position.

[0115] In this embodiment, the second limiting member 4 is a steel ball that moves within the through-hole-shaped first accommodating space 31 of the first limiting member 3. In other embodiments, the second limiting member 4 can be an elastic retaining ring with an opening. The valve body limiting part 12 of the valve body 1 is disposed inside the valve core 2. The inner surface of the valve core 2 is provided with a groove. When the valve core 2 moves relative to the water cavity 11 toward the second end 22 under the action of ice, the groove on the valve core 2 is aligned with the elastic retaining ring, and the elastic retaining ring expands and is accommodated in the groove of the valve core 2 to disengage from the first position of the valve body 1. At this time, there is no need to provide the second driving member 6. Small holes can be opened at both ends of the opening of the elastic retaining ring to allow tools to be inserted into the two small holes to retract the elastic retaining ring and remove it from the groove of the valve core 2, so as to reset it to the first position and realize the reuse of the antifreeze device 1100.

[0116] like Figure 4 As shown, the first limiting member 3 is provided with a convex third limiting part 32, such as Figure 3 As shown, the valve core 2 is provided with a convex fourth limiting part 25, such as Figure 5 As shown, the third limiting part 32 and the fourth limiting part 25 are arranged sequentially from the first end 21 to the second end 22, as follows: Figure 6 As shown, when the second limiting member 4 is in the first position, the third limiting part 32 and the fourth limiting part 25 abut against each other, so that the first limiting member 3 restricts the valve core 2 from moving relative to the water cavity 11 toward the first end 21, and the limiting is simple and reliable.

[0117] like Figure 6 As shown, the second end 22 of the valve core 2 has a groove, and the first driving member 5 is a spring. The end of the first driving member 5 away from the first end 21 is fixedly connected to the valve body 1, and the end near the first end 21 abuts against the bottom of the groove of the second end 22. The first driving member 5 is compressed between the groove of the valve body 1 and the valve core 2, providing an elastic force to the valve core 2 towards the first end 21, driving the valve core 2 to move relative to the water chamber 11 towards the first end 21, which is simple and reliable. Providing a groove on the valve core 2 to accommodate the first driving member 5 makes the structure compact and also prevents the first driving member 5 from falling off the valve core 2. In other embodiments, the first driving member 5 can directly abut against the outermost end of the second end 22 of the valve core 2.

[0118] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 As shown, a mounting part 14 is fixed on the valve body 1. The mounting part 14 is disposed on the side of the water cavity 11. The inner side of the mounting part 14 defines an installation space 141. The second end 22 is disposed in the installation space 141, so that the valve core 2, the first limiting member 3, the second limiting member 4, and the first driving member 5 are arranged on the side of the water cavity 11. On the one hand, the arrangement is convenient, and on the other hand, the arrangement of these structures can avoid affecting the normal flow of water in the water cavity 11.

[0119] like Figure 6 As shown, a detachable movable cover plate 15 is provided on the side of the mounting part 14 away from the first end 21, which facilitates opening the movable cover plate 15 to inspect and replace the structure in the mounting space 141, and also facilitates resetting the second limiting member 4 to the first position by opening the movable cover plate 15.

[0120] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 As shown, the valve body 1 has a partition 13 that separates the water cavity 11. The partition 13 has a partition through hole 131. The water cavity 11 is connected to both sides of the partition 13 through the partition through hole 131. The end face of the first end 21 matches the partition through hole 131 and is used to close the partition through hole 131. On the one hand, this facilitates the valve core 2 moving relative to the water cavity 11 towards the first end 21, so that the first end 21 closes the partition through hole 131 to isolate the water cavity 11. This makes the valve core 2's method of isolating the water cavity 11 simple and reliable, reducing the requirements for the mutual fit between the first end 21 and the surface of the water cavity 11. On the other hand, it facilitates the placement of the valve core 2 on the side of the valve body 1. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the water cavity 11 at the corresponding position of the valve body 1 and the valve core 2 can be set to less than or equal to half a circle, and the shape of the first end 21 of the valve core 2 can be set to a cylindrical shape that can block the water cavity 11. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the water cavity 11 at the corresponding location of the valve body 1 and the valve core 2 can be set as rectangular so that the shape of the first end 21 of the valve core 2 can be adapted to it, thereby isolating the water cavity 11.

[0121] In other embodiments, the mounting part 14 may be disposed within the water cavity 11, and the valve core 2 may extend along the water flow direction within the water cavity 11. For example, the valve core 2 may be disposed within the water cavity 11. Figure 6 In the indicated orientation, the mounting part 14 is vertically arranged in the water cavity 11. The lower end of the mounting part 14 is provided with a water inlet hole, and the upper end of the mounting part 14 is provided with a water outlet space communicating with the water inlet hole. The first end 21 of the valve core 2 is arranged above the water inlet hole, and the second end 22 is sealed inside the water outlet space. When the valve core 2 moves downward, it can block the water inlet hole. At this time, the mounting part 14 also serves as the partition part 13.

[0122] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, both the valve core 2 and the first limiting member 3 have one side located inside the water cavity 11 to limit the water cavity 11. The valve core 2 and the first limiting member are sealed by the first sealing member 71, and the first limiting member 3 and the valve body 1 are sealed by the second sealing member 72 to achieve isolation between the first end 21 and the second end 22. The movable cover plate 15 and the mounting part 14 are sealed by the third sealing member 73.

[0123] like Figure 9As shown, the antifreeze device 1100 is applied to the water heater 1000. Specifically, the outlet of the water chamber 11 of the antifreeze device 1100 is connected to the inlet of the water heater body 1200. This can prevent the pipes of the water heater body 1200 from freezing and cracking, causing water leakage after the ice inside the pipes melts. This can prevent the water heater body 1200 from getting wet and damaged, and can also prevent other objects from getting wet, which could lead to safety hazards or property damage.

[0124] Example 2

[0125] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure provided for Embodiment 2. The structure of this embodiment is similar to that of Embodiment 1. Only the differences from Embodiment 1 are described in detail here. Other structures are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0126] like Figure 10 As shown, the valve body 1 has a fifth limiting part 16, and the first limiting member 3 has a sixth limiting part 34. When the valve core 2 moves relative to the water cavity 11 towards the second end 22 under the action of ice, the fifth limiting part 16 and the sixth limiting part 34 abut against each other, restricting the first limiting member 3 from moving relative to the water cavity 11 towards the second end 22, causing the first limiting member 3 to move relative to the valve core 2 towards the first end 21, thereby causing the second limiting member 4 to disengage from the valve core limiting part 23. When ice forms in the water cavity 11, and the valve core 2 moves relative to the water cavity 11 towards the second end 22 under the action of ice, the fifth limiting part 16 on the valve body 1 restricts the first limiting member 3 from moving relative to the water cavity 11 towards the second end 22, realizing the relative movement between the valve core 2 and the first limiting member 3, causing the second limiting member 4 to disengage from the valve core limiting part 23. In other embodiments, the shape and width of the valve core 2 and the first limiting member 3 can be adaptively adjusted so that the first limiting member 3 does not contact the water cavity 11, thereby preventing the first limiting member 3 from being pushed by ice. In embodiment 1, by setting the area of ​​the first end 21 of the valve core 2 and the portion of the first limiting member 3 located in the water cavity 11, when ice forms in the water cavity 11, the force exerted by the ice on the valve core 2 is greater than that on the first limiting member 3, thereby causing the valve core 2 to move relative to the first limiting member 3 towards the second end 22.

[0127] In this embodiment, the fifth limiting part 16 and the sixth limiting part 34 are arranged sequentially from the first end 21 to the second end 22, with the fifth limiting part 16 disposed within the water cavity 11. In other embodiments, the fifth limiting part 16 may be disposed within the installation space 141.

[0128] 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 freeze protection device, characterized in that, The anti-freezing device comprises: a valve body, an inner part of which is formed with a water cavity for water flow passing through, the valve body being provided with a valve body limiting part; a valve core, which is movably arranged relative to the water cavity, comprising a first end located in the water cavity and a second end located outside the water cavity, the valve core being provided with a valve core limiting part; a first driving member, which is connected with the second end of the valve core and used to drive the valve core to move relative to the water cavity towards the first end; a first limiting member, which is movably arranged relative to the valve body and the valve core respectively; a second limiting member, which is movably arranged relative to the valve body and the valve core respectively; when the second limiting member is limited to a first position by the valve body limiting part and the valve core limiting part, the second limiting member limits the first limiting member to move relative to the water cavity towards the first end, and the first limiting member limits the valve core to move relative to the water cavity towards the first end; when the valve core moves relative to the water cavity towards the second end, the second limiting member is separated from the valve core limiting part to be separated from the first position, and then the first limiting member can move relative to the water cavity towards the first end to block the water cavity.

2. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first accommodating space is formed in the first limiting member; when the second limiting member is located in the first position, at least part of the second limiting member is located in the first accommodating space, and the position of the valve core limiting part corresponds to the position of a separation opening of the first accommodating space; when the valve core moves relative to the water cavity towards the second end, the first limiting member moves relative to the valve core towards the first end, and then the valve core limiting part is away from the separation opening, so that the second limiting member is separated from the first position at the separation opening.

3. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 2, wherein an end of the first accommodating space away from the separation opening is provided with a limiting opening, when the second limiting member is located in the first position, part of the second limiting member extends out of the first accommodating space from the limiting opening and abuts against the valve body limiting part; when the valve core limiting part is away from the separation opening, the second limiting member moves relative to the first accommodating space towards the separation opening to be separated from the valve body limiting part, so as to be separated from the first position.

4. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 3, wherein the valve body limiting part is sleeved outside the valve core limiting part, and the valve body limiting part is in a horn shape with an opening away from the first end; and / or, the width of the separation opening is smaller than the width of the second limiting member, so that the second limiting member can only partially extend out of the limiting opening, and the width of the first limiting space gradually increases in the direction from the limiting opening to the separation opening.

5. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 2, wherein a second accommodating space is formed between the valve core and the first limiting member, the valve core limiting part is away from the separation opening, the separation opening and the second accommodating space are communicated, and the second limiting member is located in a second position after being separated from the first position, at this time, at least part of the second limiting member is accommodated in the second accommodating space.

6. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 5, wherein the heating element is a heating cable. The second accommodating space comprises an accommodating groove arranged on the surface of the valve core, and the accommodating groove and the valve core limiting part are oppositely arranged such that the accommodating groove is closer to the first end than the valve core limiting part. When the second limiting part is located at the second position, at least part of the second limiting part is accommodated in the accommodating groove.

7. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 6, wherein the heating element is a heating cable. The side of the accommodating groove away from the first end is provided with a guide surface, the guide surface and the surface of the valve core limiting part are in contact and are arranged at an angle, and from the bottom of the accommodating groove to the opening of the accommodating groove, the guide surface gradually moves away from the first end to gradually increase the width of the accommodating groove. When the second limiting part is located at the second position, part of the second limiting part is located in the first accommodating space.

8. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The second drive part is a magnetic element that attracts the second limiting part.

9. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The anti-freezing device further comprises a second drive part arranged on the valve core, when the valve core moves towards the second end relative to the water cavity, the position of the second drive part corresponds to the position of the second limiting part, and the second drive part automatically drives the second limiting part to move away from the first position.

10. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 9, wherein the heating element is a heating cable. The second drive part is a magnetic element, and the second limiting part is subjected to the magnetic force of the second drive part to move away from the first position.

11. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 1, wherein The first limiting part is provided with a convex third limiting part, and the valve core is provided with a convex fourth limiting part, and the third limiting part and the fourth limiting part are arranged in sequence and used for abutting each other from the first end to the second end.

12. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The first drive part is an elastic element, one end of the first drive part away from the first end is fixedly connected with the valve body, and the other end close to the first end abuts against the second end.

13. The anti-icing device of claim 1 or 7, wherein The valve body is fixedly provided with a mounting part, the mounting part is arranged on the side of the water cavity, the inner side of the mounting part defines a mounting space, and the second end is arranged in the mounting space.

14. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The side of the mounting part away from the first end is provided with a detachable movable cover plate.

15. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The valve body is provided with a partition part for partitioning the water cavity, the partition part is provided with a partition through hole, the water cavity is communicated through the partition through hole on both sides of the partition part, the end face of the first end matches the partition through hole and is used for closing the partition through hole.

16. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 1, wherein The valve body is provided with a fifth limiting part, when the valve core moves towards the second end relative to the water cavity, the fifth limiting part limits the first limiting part to move towards the second end relative to the water cavity, the first limiting part moves towards the first end relative to the valve core, and the second limiting part moves away from the valve core limiting part.

17. A water heater, characterised by The water heater comprises: a water heater body; the anti-freezing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, and the outlet of the water cavity of the anti-freezing device is connected with the inlet of the water heater body.

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