Anti-freezing device and water heater comprising same

Abstract

The application discloses an anti-freezing device and a water heater comprising the same. The anti-freezing device comprises a cavity for water flow, a valve core with a first end in the cavity and a second end outside the cavity, a limiting sleeve surrounding the valve core and limiting the movement of the valve core towards the first end, the limiting sleeve being provided with a fixing groove, a locking member provided on the second end of the valve core, the locking member being in a sheet structure, the locking member being provided with a convex part in the middle and hook parts on both sides extending from the limiting sleeve, the second end of the valve core abutting against the convex part, the hook parts being clamped into the fixing groove and limiting the movement of the limiting sleeve towards the first end of the valve core, when the valve core moves towards the second end, the valve core presses the convex part so that the hook parts converge to the center and are separated from the fixing groove, and a reset mechanism driving the valve core and the limiting sleeve to move towards the first end.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of water heaters, in particular to a freeze-proof device and a water heater comprising the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] A water heater refers to a device that increases the temperature of cold water to hot water within a certain time through various physical principles. Taking a gas water heater as an example, in the use process, the water inlet pipe of the gas water heater delivers cold water to the heat exchanger, and the gas combustion heats the water in the heat exchanger, and then the water is delivered out through the water outlet pipe for the user to use.

[0003] The gas water heater is generally connected to the outdoor environment through the exhaust pipe. In the cold winter, when the outdoor temperature is low, cold air is easy to enter the interior of the water heater along the exhaust pipe, causing the water in the pipes inside the water heater to freeze, and the volume increases to easily crack the pipes. When the temperature rises, the ice in the pipes melts, and if the user does not timely close the water inlet valve, the whole machine will leak, causing the bottom plate to be soaked, electrical leakage, and other property losses and safety problems.

[0004] In view of the above situation, the gas water heater installed in the cold environment in the north generally has an electric heating freeze-proof device installed, which plays a certain freeze-proof function. However, the electric heating freeze-proof device must be normally started when the water heater is powered on. If there is a power failure, for example, the user unplugs the power plug, the power at home is off, etc., the electric heating device may still not start, and the water heater pipe may freeze and crack. SUMMARY

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to overcome the defect that the installation of an electric heating device cannot completely solve the freeze cracking of the pipes in the water heater at low temperature, thereby causing water leakage in the prior art, and to provide a freeze-proof device and a water heater comprising the same.

[0006] The present application solves the above technical problems by the following technical solutions:

[0007] A freeze-proof device, characterized in that the freeze-proof device comprises:

[0008] a cavity for water flow;

[0009] a valve core comprising a first end located in the cavity and a second end located outside the cavity;

[0010] a limiting sleeve sleeved on the periphery of the valve core and limiting the movement of the valve core towards the first end, the limiting sleeve being provided with a fixing groove;

[0011] A locking member is arranged at the second end of the valve core, the locking member is in a sheet structure, and a convex portion in the middle and hook claw portions extending from both sides of the limiting sleeve are formed by bending. The second end of the valve core abuts against the convex portion, the hook claw portions are clamped into the fixing groove and limit the movement of the limiting sleeve towards the first end of the valve core. When the valve core moves towards the second end, the valve core presses the convex portion to make the hook claw portions converge to the center and disengage from the fixing groove.

[0012] A reset mechanism is arranged to drive the valve core and the limiting sleeve to move towards the first end.

[0013] In the present scheme, under normal use of the water heater, the valve core is limited by the limiting sleeve, and the limiting sleeve is limited by the locking member, so that neither the valve core nor the limiting sleeve can move towards the first end of the valve core, and the valve core is limited and cannot block the water flow, so that the water flows normally from the cavity. When the outdoor temperature is low, cold air enters the interior of the water heater along the exhaust pipe to cause the water in the cavity to freeze continuously. Since the volume of the water increases after freezing, an external force is applied to the first end of the valve core to promote the movement of the valve core towards the second end, and the valve core moves and presses the convex portion of the locking member. In this process, the convex portion of the locking member expands towards the second end and gradually tends to be flat, and the hook claw portions at both ends gradually change from outward tilting to inward convergence and also gradually tend to be flat, so that the hook claw portions disengage from the fixing groove of the limiting sleeve, and the locking member no longer limits the movement of the limiting sleeve towards the first end. When the outdoor temperature rises or the ice melts due to other reasons, the valve core and the limiting sleeve move towards the first end under the action of the reset mechanism, and the valve core closes the cavity. At this time, if the pipeline in the water heater has been frozen, the anti-freezing device can prevent water from entering the water heater, thereby avoiding water leakage, floor water, electrical leakage and other property losses and safety problems.

[0014] Preferably, the anti-freezing device further comprises an extension sleeve connected to the cavity and extending outward along the radial direction of the cavity, and the first end of the valve core is arranged in the extension sleeve and is movable along the axial direction of the extension sleeve.

[0015] The limiting sleeve is connected to the extension sleeve and is fixed relative to the cavity through the extension sleeve.

[0016] In the present scheme, the valve core is limited in the extension sleeve by connecting the extension sleeve to the side wall of the cavity, so that the movement of the valve core can follow a specific trajectory, and the valve core can be further prevented from disengaging from the cavity during movement.

[0017] Preferably, the interior of the cavity is provided with a first partition plate and a second partition plate in the radial direction thereof, and the first partition plate and the second partition plate form a first flow passage and a second flow passage with the side wall of the cavity, respectively.

[0018] The interior of the cavity is provided with a third partition plate in the axial direction thereof, and the third partition plate is provided with a third flow passage, and the third partition plate is connected to the first partition plate and the second partition plate, respectively, and the water flow sequentially flows through the first flow passage, the third flow passage and the second flow passage in the cavity.

[0019] In this scheme, the water flow in the cavity passes through the first flow passage or the second flow passage and then flows out from the third flow passage which is opened in the radial direction of the cavity. At this time, the valve core only needs to abut against the third flow passage to close the cavity. Compared with completely closing the cavity, it is simple and reliable, and it does not hinder the water flow in the cavity during normal use of the water heater.

[0020] Preferably, the valve core moves towards the first end and can abut against the third partition plate to close the third flow passage.

[0021] In this scheme, the partition plate is arranged to make the flow passage in the cavity and the valve core in the same direction, so that the valve core can directly control the conduction or closure of the cavity by transverse movement.

[0022] Preferably, the reset mechanism includes a first elastic member and a second elastic member, and the first elastic member abuts against the wall surface of the valve core and the extension sleeve, respectively, and the second elastic member abuts against the wall surface of the limiting sleeve and the extension sleeve, respectively.

[0023] In this scheme, the valve core and the limiting sleeve are arranged to make the elastic member in a squeezed state when the cavity is conducted, so that the valve core and the limiting sleeve have potential energy for moving towards the first end direction, facilitating spontaneous movement towards the first end direction and closing the cavity after the limiting is released.

[0024] Preferably, the side of the limiting sleeve towards the valve core is further provided with a reset protrusion, the reset protrusion is used for pressing the hook part in the second end direction of the valve core and making the protruding part protrude, and the reset protrusion is arranged on the side of the fixed groove close to the first end.

[0025] In this scheme, when the maintenance is completed, the limiting sleeve only needs to be pushed in the second end direction, and the reset protrusion of the limiting sleeve can abut against the hook part and press the hook part from both ends, so that the protruding part of the middle part of the locking member which has been flattened is forced to protrude again, and finally the hook part returns to the initial state and is embedded in the fixed groove to complete the reset and can be reused.

[0026] Preferably, the first end of the limiting sleeve is provided with a limiting protrusion, which extends towards the valve core and blocks the first end of the valve core.

[0027] In this scheme, the limiting protrusion is provided to conveniently block the valve core and limit the movement of the valve core towards the first end. In addition, the limiting protrusion provided at this position also allows the valve core to move towards the first end when the limiting sleeve moves towards the first end.

[0028] Preferably, the first end edge of the valve core is concave to form a stepped surface, and the limiting protrusion is clamped on the stepped surface, so that the surface of the limiting protrusion towards the cavity is flush with the end surface of the first end of the valve core towards the cavity.

[0029] In this scheme, the limiting protrusion and the stepped portion are matched to make the valve core flush with the third partition plate when they are in contact, and the sealing effect is better.

[0030] Preferably, a sealing ring is provided between the valve core and the limiting sleeve.

[0031] In this scheme, the sealing property between the valve core and the limiting sleeve is further improved.

[0032] A water heater, characterized in that the water heater comprises:

[0033] a water heater body;

[0034] The anti-freezing device as described above, wherein the water outlet of the anti-freezing device is connected with the water inlet end of the water heater body.

[0035] In this scheme, the anti-freezing device described above is applied to the water heater body, which effectively solves the defect that the installation of the electric heating device in the water heater cannot completely solve the pipe cracking in the water heater at low temperature, thereby causing water leakage.

[0036] The positive progress effect of the application is that: in the normal use of the water heater, the valve core is limited by the limiting sleeve, and the limiting sleeve is limited by the locking member, so that the valve core and the limiting sleeve cannot move towards the first end of the valve core, so that the valve core is limited and cannot block the water flow, at this time the water flow passes through the cavity normally. When the outdoor temperature is low, cold air enters the inside of the water heater along the smoke exhaust pipe, causing the water in the cavity to freeze continuously. Because the volume of the water increases after freezing, an external force is applied to the first end of the valve core, prompting the valve core to move towards the second end thereof, and the valve core moves and presses the protruding part of the locking member. In this process, the protruding part of the locking member stretches towards the second end and gradually tends to be flat, the hook claw parts at both ends gradually change from outward tilting to inward convergence and also gradually tend to be flat under the stretching effect, and finally the hook claw parts are detached from the fixed groove of the limiting sleeve, and the locking member no longer limits the movement of the limiting sleeve towards the first end. When the outdoor temperature rises or the ice melts due to other reasons, the valve core and the limiting sleeve move towards the first end thereof under the action of the reset mechanism, and the valve core closes the cavity. At this time, if the pipeline in the water heater has been frozen, the anti-freezing device can prevent water flow into the water heater, thereby avoiding water leakage, causing the bottom plate to be soaked in water, electrical leakage and other property losses and safety problems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 It is a structure schematic view of the anti-freezing device of the embodiment of the application.

[0038] Figure 2 It is a structure schematic view of the anti-freezing device of the embodiment of the application in a normal state.

[0039] Figure 3 It is a structure schematic view of the anti-freezing device of the embodiment of the application in a frozen state.

[0040] Figure 4 It is a structure schematic view of the anti-freezing device of the embodiment of the application in a closed state.

[0041] Figure 5 It is a structure schematic view of the locking member of the anti-freezing device of the embodiment of the application.

[0042] Figure 6 It is a structure schematic view of the locking member and the limiting sleeve of the anti-freezing device of the embodiment of the application.

[0043] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

[0044] Anti-freezing device 1

[0045] Cavity 100

[0046] First partition plate 110

[0047] Second partition plate 120

[0048] Third partition plate 130

[0049] Third through-flow port 131

[0050] Valve core 200

[0051] First end 210

[0052] Second end 220

[0053] Sealing member 240

[0054] Limiting sleeve 300

[0055] Fixing groove 310

[0056] Reset protrusion 320

[0057] Limiting protrusion 330

[0058] Extension sleeve 400

[0059] Locking member 500

[0060] Protruding portion 510

[0061] Hook portion 520

[0062] First elastic member 620

[0063] Second elastic member 610 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of the embodiments are shown, wherein the same or similar notations represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below by reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the present application, and cannot be understood as a limitation of the present application, and all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in the present application without creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0065] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "circumferential", "radial" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the present application.

[0066] In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as implying or suggesting relative importance or an indicated number of the technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first", "second", etc. can explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more, unless otherwise explicitly and specifically limited.

[0067] As shown in Figure 1 The present embodiment provides an anti-freezing device 1, which comprises a cavity 100 for water flow, a valve core 200 comprising a first end 210 inside the cavity 100 and a second end 220 outside the cavity 100, a limiting sleeve 300 sleeved on the periphery of the valve core 200 and limiting the movement of the valve core 200 towards the first end 210, the limiting sleeve 300 being provided with a fixing groove, a locking piece 500 provided on the second end 220 of the valve core 200, the locking piece 500 being in a sheet structure, the locking piece 500 being formed by bending a convex portion 510 in the middle and two side hook portions 520 extending from the limiting sleeve 300, the second end 220 of the valve core 200 abutting against the convex portion 510, the hook portions 520 being clamped into the fixing groove and limiting the movement of the limiting sleeve 300 towards the first end 210 of the valve core 200, when the valve core 200 moves towards the second end 220, the valve core 200 presses the convex portion 510 to make the hook portions 520 converge to the center and disengage from the fixing groove, and a reset mechanism driving the valve core 200 and the limiting sleeve 300 to move towards the first end 210.

[0068] As shown in Figure 5 The limiting sleeve 300 and the valve core 200 are both cylindrical. The locking piece 500 is formed by stamping and bending a sheet. In the present embodiment, the locking piece 500 has a convex portion in the middle, four support angles are formed into four bending portions by twice bending, from the convex portion 510, the bending portion is first bent in the opposite direction of the convex portion 510, forming a reverse convex portion, and then bent towards the convex portion 510, so that the interface forms a W-shaped structure. This structure is to realize that when the convex portion 510 is stressed, the hook portions 520 of the support angles can converge inwardly, achieving the effect of the scheme.

[0069] In the embodiment, in the normal use of the water heater, the valve core 200 is limited by the limiting sleeve 300, and the limiting sleeve 300 is limited by the locking member 500, so that the valve core 200 and the limiting sleeve 300 cannot move towards the first end 210 of the valve core 200, the valve core 200 is limited and cannot block the water flow, and at this time the water flows normally from the cavity 100. When the outdoor temperature is low, cold air enters the interior of the water heater along the smoke exhaust pipe, causing the water in the cavity 100 to freeze continuously. Because the volume of the water increases after freezing, an external force is applied to the first end 210 of the valve core 200, prompting the valve core 200 to move towards the second end 220 of the valve core 200, and the valve core 200 moves and presses the protruding part 510 of the locking member 500. In the process, the protruding part 510 of the locking member 500 stretches towards the second end 220 and gradually tends to be flat, the hook part 520 at both ends gradually changes from outward tilting to inward convergence and also gradually tends to be flat under the stretching effect, and finally the hook part 520 is detached from the fixed groove 310 of the limiting sleeve 300, and the locking member 500 no longer limits the movement of the limiting sleeve 300 towards the first end 210. When the outdoor temperature rises or the ice melts due to other reasons, the valve core 200 and the limiting sleeve 300 move towards the first end 210 under the action of the reset mechanism, and the valve core 200 closes the cavity 100. At this time, if the pipeline in the water heater has been frozen, the anti-freezing device 1 can prevent water from flowing into the water heater, thereby avoiding water leakage, floor water, electrical leakage and other property losses and safety problems.

[0070] As shown in Figures 1-4 , the anti-freezing device 1 further comprises an extension sleeve 400 connected to the cavity 100 and extending outward along the radial direction of the cavity 100, the first end 210 of the valve core 200 is arranged in the extension sleeve 400 and is movable along the axial direction of the extension sleeve 400, and the limiting sleeve 300 is connected to the extension sleeve 400 and is fixed relative to the cavity 100 through the extension sleeve 400.

[0071] In the embodiment, the valve core 200 is limited in the extension sleeve 400 by connecting the extension sleeve 400 to the side wall of the cavity 100, so that the movement of the valve core 200 can follow a specific track, and the valve core 200 can be further prevented from being separated from the cavity 100 during movement.

[0072] As shown in Figure 2 , the first partition plate 110 and the second partition plate 120 are arranged in the cavity 100 along the radial direction of the cavity 100, and the first partition plate 110 and the second partition plate 120 form a first flow passage and a second flow passage with the side wall of the cavity 100, respectively.

[0073] The inside of the cavity 100 is provided with a third partition plate 130 in the axial direction thereof, and the third partition plate 130 is provided with a third flow-through opening 131, and the third partition plate 130 is connected to the first partition plate 110 and the second partition plate 120 respectively, and the water flow in the cavity 100 sequentially flows through the first flow-through opening, the third flow-through opening 131 and the second flow-through opening.

[0074] In the embodiment, the water flow in the cavity 100 flows out from the third flow-through opening which is opened in the radial direction of the cavity 100 after flowing through the first flow-through opening or the second flow-through opening, and at this time, the valve core 200 only needs to abut against the third flow-through opening to close the cavity 100, which is simple and reliable compared with completely closing the cavity 100, and does not hinder the water flow in the cavity 100 during normal use of the water heater.

[0075] As shown in Figures 2 to 4 , the valve core 200 moves towards the first end 210 and can abut against the third partition plate 130 and close the third flow-through opening.

[0076] In the embodiment, the partition plate is arranged to make the flow-through opening in the cavity 100 and the valve core 200 in the same direction, so that the valve core 200 directly controls the cavity 100 to be conducted or closed by transverse movement.

[0077] Specifically, when the air temperature drops and the water freezes, the anti-freezing device 1 will generate Figure 2 , which is first converted into Figure 3 , and is converted into Figure 4 when the air temperature rises and the ice melts.

[0078] As shown in Figures 2-4 , the reset mechanism includes a first elastic member 620 and a second elastic member 610, and the first elastic member 620 abuts against the wall surface of the valve core 200 and the extension sleeve 400 respectively, and the second elastic member 610 abuts against the wall surface of the limiting sleeve 300 and the extension sleeve 400 respectively.

[0079] In the embodiment, the valve core 200 and the limiting sleeve 300 make the elastic member in a state of being extruded when the cavity 100 is conducted, so that the two have potential energy moving towards the first end 210, which is convenient for spontaneous movement towards the first end 210 and closing the cavity 100 after the limiting is released.

[0080] In the embodiment, the two elastic members are springs.

[0081] As shown in Figure 6 , the side of the limiting sleeve 300 towards the valve core 200 is further provided with a reset lug 320, the reset lug 320 is used for extruding the hook claw part 520 along the direction of the second end 220 of the valve core 200 and making the protruding part protrude, and the reset lug 320 is arranged on one side of the fixed groove 310 close to the first end 210.

[0082] In the embodiment, when the maintenance is completed, the limiting sleeve 300 only needs to be pushed to the second end 220 direction, and the reset protrusion 320 of the limiting sleeve 300 can abut against the hook claw part 520, and the hook claw part 520 is pressed from both ends, so that the convex part 510 of the middle part of the locking part 500 is forced to protrude again, and finally the hook claw part 520 returns to the initial state and is embedded in the fixing groove 310 to complete the reset, and can be reused.

[0083] The reset protrusion 320 in the embodiment is also annular, which facilitates contact with all hook claw parts 520 of the locking part 500.

[0084] As shown in the figure, the first end 210 of the limiting sleeve 300 is provided with a limiting protrusion 330, which protrudes towards the valve core 200 and blocks the first end 210 of the valve core 200. Figure 2

[0085] In the embodiment, the limiting protrusion 330 is arranged to conveniently block the valve core 200, so as to limit the movement of the valve core 200 to the first end 210 direction. In addition, the limiting protrusion 330 arranged at this position can also prevent the valve core 200 from being limited when the limiting sleeve 300 moves to the first end 210 direction, so as to move synchronously to the first end 210 direction.

[0086] As shown in the figure, the first end 210 of the valve core 200 is concave to form a stepped surface, and the limiting protrusion 330 is clamped on the stepped surface, so that the surface of the limiting protrusion 330 facing the cavity 100 is flush with the end surface of the first end 210 of the valve core 200 facing the cavity 100. Figure 2

[0087] In the embodiment, the limiting protrusion 330 and the stepped part cooperate to make the valve core 200 flush with the third partition plate 130 when they contact, so as to have better sealing effect.

[0088] As shown in the figure, a sealing ring is arranged between the valve core 200 and the limiting sleeve 300. Figure 4

[0089] In the embodiment, the sealing between the valve core 200 and the limiting sleeve 300 is further improved.

[0090] The embodiment also provides a water heater, which comprises a water heater body and the anti-freezing device 1 as above, and the water outlet of the anti-freezing device 1 is connected with the water inlet end of the water heater body.

[0091] ​​​Although the specific embodiments of the present application have been described above, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the present application is only illustrated by way of example, and the scope of protection of the present application is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to the embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present application, and such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A freeze protection device, characterized in that, The anti-freezing device comprises: a cavity for water flow passing through; a valve core comprising a first end inside the cavity and a second end outside the cavity; a limiting sleeve sleeved on the periphery of the valve core and limiting the movement of the valve core towards the first end, the limiting sleeve being provided with a fixing groove; a locking member provided on the second end of the valve core, the locking member being in a sheet structure, a convex part in the middle being formed by bending and two hook parts on the sides extending to the limiting sleeve, the second end of the valve core abutting against the convex part, the hook parts being clamped into the fixing groove and limiting the movement of the limiting sleeve towards the first end of the valve core; when the valve core moves towards the second end, the valve core presses the convex part to make the hook parts converge to the center and disengage from the fixing groove; a reset mechanism driving the valve core and the limiting sleeve to move towards the first end.

2. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 1, wherein The anti-freezing device further comprises an extension sleeve connected to the cavity and extending outward along the radial direction of the cavity, the first end of the valve core being arranged in the extension sleeve and being movable along the axial direction of the extension sleeve; the limiting sleeve is connected to the extension sleeve and is fixed relative to the cavity through the extension sleeve.

3. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 1, wherein The inside of the cavity is spaced apart by a first partition plate and a second partition plate along the radial direction thereof, the first partition plate and the second partition plate forming a first flow passage and a second flow passage respectively with the side wall of the cavity; the inside of the cavity is provided with a third partition plate along the axial direction thereof, the third partition plate being provided with a third flow passage, the third partition plate being connected to the first partition plate and the second partition plate respectively, water flowing through the first flow passage, the third flow passage and the second flow passage in sequence in the cavity.

4. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 3, wherein The valve core moves towards the first end and can abut against the third partition plate and close the third flow passage.

5. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 2, wherein The reset mechanism comprises a first elastic member and a second elastic member, the first elastic member abutting against the wall surface of the valve core and the extension sleeve respectively, the second elastic member abutting against the wall surface of the limiting sleeve and the extension sleeve respectively.

6. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 1, wherein The side of the limiting sleeve towards the valve core is further provided with a reset protrusion, the reset protrusion being used to extrude the hook parts along the second end direction of the valve core and make the convex part protrude, the reset protrusion being arranged on the side of the fixing groove close to the first end.

7. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 1, wherein The first end of the limiting sleeve is provided with a limiting protrusion, the limiting protrusion extending towards the valve core and blocking the first end of the valve core.

8. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 7, wherein the heating element is a heating cable. The first end edge of the valve core is concave to form a stepped surface, the limiting protrusion being clamped on the stepped surface so that the side of the limiting protrusion towards the cavity and the end surface of the first end of the valve core are flush.

9. The freeze protection apparatus of claim 1, wherein, A sealing ring is arranged between the valve core and the limiting sleeve.

10. A water heater, characterized by The water heater comprises: a water heater body; the anti-freezing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the water outlet of the anti-freezing device being connected with the water inlet end of the water heater body.

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