Three-way electromagnetic switching valve and double-circulation gas water heater

Abstract

A three-way electromagnetic switching valve, characterized in that it comprises a valve body, a valve rod, an end cap, a valve core, a sealing gasket, a coil, an isolation sleeve and an elastic member, the valve body is provided with a water inlet port, a first water outlet port, a second water outlet port, a first valve port and a second valve port; the end cap is arranged at the end of the valve rod and can open and close the first valve port; the valve core is slidably arranged at the middle part of the valve rod, and a pressure relief hole communicating with the second valve port is formed in the valve core; the sealing gasket is arranged on the valve rod and located at the rear end of the valve core, and the sealing gasket cooperates with the valve core to open and close the second valve port. The application also discloses a gas water heater. The three-way electromagnetic switching valve further increases the intermediate pressure relief design in the water switching process, so that the valve core action is completely not affected by the water pressure difference, and the reliability and stability of the valve opening are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a switching water valve, and more particularly to a three-way electromagnetic switching valve for use in gas water heaters. This invention also relates to a gas water heater. Background Technology

[0002] The phenomenon of "intercalated water" refers to the experience of encountering a segment of cold water when a user turns off the water after using it normally and then turns it back on. This occurs because the water heater undergoes an ignition process between being turned off and restarted, which typically takes about 2 seconds. During this time, only cold water flows through the water heater. When the user turns the water back on, they will inevitably experience this cold water. Due to the length of the pipes, there is a time delay in the arrival of this cold water segment at the user's end. Therefore, it feels like the water is still hot after being turned on again, but there is a sudden segment of cold water mixed in, hence the term "intercalated cold water." This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in winter due to the lower inlet water temperature.

[0003] Generally, zero-cold-water water heaters use an external circulation system. In this external circulation state, the water temperature decreases throughout the entire loop. For example, if the outlet temperature (Tout) is Tset (42℃), then the inlet temperature (Tin) is approximately 32℃. Because the water heater has a minimum heating power during circulation, and due to the long external circulation pipes, there are significant heat dissipation issues, it's not sufficient to simply circulate water to even out the water temperature. This is especially problematic in winter, causing a rapid drop in pipe temperature. Therefore, even in circulation heating mode, there will inevitably be a temperature difference between the outlet and inlet water temperatures. Based on the current minimum power of most gas water heaters, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet is generally at least 10℃. Therefore, users will experience at least a 10℃ temperature difference when turning the water off and on again.

[0004] Moreover, using this external circulation function to alleviate the "intercalated water" phenomenon is very energy-intensive and ineffective. This is because the external circulation pipe is generally quite long; for a 100㎡ living environment, the pipe length is about 50m. Including the heat dissipation of the pipe, it takes at least 3 minutes to circulate and heat the water in the entire pipe. If the inlet water temperature needs to be maintained at a high level 24 hours a day in winter, the gas consumption will be unacceptable to users. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a three-way electromagnetic switching valve in which the valve core action is not affected by water pressure difference.

[0006] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dual-circulation gas water heater that can basically eliminate the phenomenon of water sandwiched between tubes compared with the prior art.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: a three-way electromagnetic switching valve, characterized in that it includes...

[0008] The valve body has an inlet port, a first outlet port, a second outlet port, a first valve port, and a second valve port. The first valve port is connected to the first outlet port, and the second valve port is connected to the second outlet port.

[0009] A valve stem is axially movable within the valve cavity of the aforementioned valve body. An end cap, a valve core, and a sealing gasket are sequentially provided on the valve stem. The end cap is located near the first outlet port and can open and close the first valve port. The valve core is slidably provided on the aforementioned valve stem and has a pressure relief hole communicating with the second valve port. The sealing gasket cooperates with the aforementioned valve core to open and close the second valve port.

[0010] The isolation sleeve has a cavity for axial movement of the valve stem;

[0011] An elastic element is disposed within the cavity of the aforementioned isolation sleeve and abuts against the end of the valve stem furthest from the first outlet port; and

[0012] The coil is sleeved outside the aforementioned isolation sleeve;

[0013] When the coil is not energized, the valve core is moved forward by the elastic element, the sealing gasket and the valve core cooperate to close the second valve port, and at the same time the end cap disengages from the first valve port, and the first valve port opens.

[0014] When the coil is energized, the valve stem is acted upon by the magnetic field force of the coil and first moves the sealing gasket backward, opening the pressure relief hole of the valve core; the valve stem continues to move backward, and moves the valve core backward, disengaging the valve core from the second valve port, opening the second valve port, while the end cap closes the first valve port.

[0015] The isolation sleeve is sealed within the valve body cavity and includes a main body and an extension portion protruding from the main body. The main body allows for axial movement of the sealing gasket, and the extension portion allows for axial movement of the valve stem.

[0016] The valve core and sealing gasket are preferably designed as follows: a first retaining ring and a second retaining ring are spaced apart on the valve stem, and the valve core is limited between the first retaining ring and the second retaining ring and can move back and forth axially.

[0017] The flow path of the first valve port can be one of the following two types:

[0018] In the first configuration, the first valve port has a raised baffle near the first outlet port. This creates a Z-shaped flow channel formed by the rear end face of the end cap and the first valve port, which gradually narrows.

[0019] In the second configuration, the first valve port is flared, and the outer edge of the end cap near the first valve port abuts against the first valve port, thereby closing it. Preferably, the flared portion of the first valve port forms a 135° angle with the inner wall of the first valve port. That is, the flow channel has a 45° inclination angle.

[0020] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: a dual-circulation gas water heater, characterized in that it includes...

[0021] chassis;

[0022] The heat exchanger is located inside the aforementioned casing;

[0023] Heat exchange tubes are installed inside the aforementioned heat exchanger;

[0024] The water inlet pipe is connected to the water inlet end of the aforementioned heat exchange tube. The water inlet pipe is equipped with a flow meter, a water inlet temperature sensor, and a circulation pump.

[0025] The water outlet pipe is connected to the water outlet end of the aforementioned heat exchange tube, and the water outlet pipe is equipped with a water outlet temperature sensor.

[0026] An external hot water pipe, connected to the aforementioned water outlet pipe, is located outside the aforementioned casing;

[0027] An external return water pipe is connected between the aforementioned external hot water pipe and the inlet water pipe. The external return water pipe is equipped with a first one-way valve to ensure that water can only flow from the external hot water pipe to the inlet water pipe.

[0028] The control board is connected to the aforementioned flow meter, inlet water temperature sensor, circulating pump, and outlet water temperature sensor.

[0029] The three-way solenoid switching valve has an inlet port connected to the outlet pipe, a first outlet port connected to the external hot water pipe, and a second outlet port connected to the inlet pipe via an internal return pipe. The internal return pipe is located inside the casing and is equipped with a second check valve to ensure that water can only flow from the internal return pipe to the inlet pipe. Furthermore, the three-way solenoid switching valve is connected to the control board.

[0030] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: The three-way solenoid switching valve incorporates a pressure relief hole in the middle during water circuit switching, ensuring that the valve core's movement is completely unaffected by water pressure differences. This guarantees the reliability and stability of valve opening, reduces manufacturing precision requirements, and helps lower manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the dual-circulation system utilizes an external circulation system for initial hot water supply and an internal circulation system for subsequent hot water supply without cold water, resulting in greater energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. Combined with the three-way switching valve, it enables two-position three-way water circuit switching with minimal valve opening force, resolving the solenoid valve overheating issue. The dual-circulation system offers strong compatibility, lower cost, and applicability to existing zero-cold-water models for upgrades and retrofits. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Example 1.

[0032] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of the external structure of the three-way solenoid switching valve in Example 1.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-way solenoid switching valve (after removing the valve body and coil) in Example 1.

[0034] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The exploded diagram.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the three-way solenoid switching valve in Example 1 when the first valve port is open.

[0036] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of the first valve port.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the three-way solenoid switching valve when the pressure relief port is open in Example 1.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the three-way solenoid switching valve in Example 1 when the second valve port is open.

[0039] Figure 9 Example 1 shows the control distance diagram.

[0040] Figure 10 The diagram shows the temperature fluctuation of the reheated water in Example 1.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the three-way solenoid switching valve structure in Example 2.

[0042] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Enlarged view of the first valve port. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0044] Example 1, such as Figure 1 As shown, the dual-circulation gas water heater in this embodiment includes a casing 1, a heat exchanger 2, a heat exchange tube 21, an inlet pipe 31, an outlet pipe 32, an external hot water pipe 33, an external return water pipe 34, a control board 10, a three-way solenoid switching valve 5, and an internal return water pipe 35.

[0045] Heat exchanger 2 is located inside casing 1, heat exchange tube 21 is located inside heat exchanger 2, water inlet pipe 31 is connected to the water inlet end of heat exchange tube 21, and water inlet pipe 31 is equipped with flow meter 311, water inlet temperature sensor 312 and circulation pump 313; water outlet pipe 32 is connected to the water outlet end of heat exchange tube 21, and water outlet pipe 32 is equipped with water outlet temperature sensor.

[0046] The external hot water pipe 33 is connected to the outlet pipe 32 and is located outside the casing 1; the external return water pipe 34 is connected between the external hot water pipe 33 and the inlet pipe 31, and the external return water pipe 34 is equipped with a first one-way valve 610 to ensure that water can only flow from the external hot water pipe 33 to the inlet pipe 31.

[0047] Combination Figure 9 As shown, the control board 10 is connected to the flow meter 311, the inlet water temperature sensor 312, the three-way solenoid switching valve 5, the circulating pump 313, and the outlet water temperature sensor 321.

[0048] The inlet port 511 of the three-way solenoid switching valve 5 is connected to the outlet pipe 32, the first outlet port 512 is connected to the external hot water pipe 33, and the second outlet port 513 is connected to the inlet pipe 31 through the inner return pipe 35. The inner return pipe 35 is arranged inside the housing 1 and is equipped with a second one-way valve 620 to ensure that water can only flow from the inner return pipe 35 to the inlet pipe 31.

[0049] like Figures 2-8 As shown, the three-way solenoid switching valve 5 in this embodiment includes a valve body 51, a valve stem 52, an end cap 53, a valve core 54, a sealing gasket 8, a coil 55, an isolation sleeve 56, and an elastic element 57.

[0050] The valve body 51 has an inlet port 511, a first outlet port 512, a second outlet port 513, a first valve port 514, and a second valve port 515. The first valve port 514 is connected to the first outlet port 512, and the second valve port 515 is connected to the second outlet port 513.

[0051] The valve stem 52 is axially movable within the valve cavity of the valve body 51; the end cap 53 is located at the end of the valve stem 52 and can open and close the first valve port 514. Figure 6 As shown, specifically, the rear end face of the end cap 53 is vertical, and the front end face of the first valve port 514 is also vertical. Furthermore, the first valve port 514 has a protruding baffle 518 near the first outlet port. The flow channel formed by the rear end face of the end cap 53 and the first valve port 514 forms a Z-shaped bend that gradually narrows. Due to the narrow flow channel and high flow velocity, coupled with the fact that the flow channel formed by multiple bends is prone to turbulence, such as... Figure 6 As shown, after 10 hours of turbulent flow, the instability of the turbulence will cause the valve core to fluctuate at a high frequency. At a certain frequency of valve core vibration, it will generate high-frequency resonance noise together with the water flow.

[0052] A valve core 54 is slidably disposed in the middle of a valve stem 52. The valve core 54 has a pressure relief hole 541 communicating with the second valve port 515. A sealing gasket 58 is disposed on the valve stem 52 and located at the rear end of the valve core 54. The sealing gasket 58 cooperates with the valve core 54 to open and close the second valve port 515. The valve core 54 and sealing gasket 58 are specifically configured as follows: a first retaining ring 61 and a second retaining ring 62 are spaced apart in the middle of the valve stem 52. The valve core 54 is limited between the first retaining ring 61 and the second retaining ring 62 and can move back and forth. A third retaining ring 63 is provided in the middle of the valve stem 52, and the sealing gasket 58 is positioned between the second retaining ring 62 and the third retaining ring 63.

[0053] A coil 55 is located at the rear end of the valve body 51 and has an inner cavity; an isolation sleeve 56 is located in the inner cavity of the coil 55 and has an axial cavity into which the rear end of the valve stem 52 extends; the isolation sleeve 56 is sealed within the inner cavity of the valve body and includes a main body 561 and an extension portion 562 protruding from the main body 561. The main body 561 allows the sealing gasket 8 to move axially, and the extension portion 562 allows the valve stem 52 to move axially. An elastic element 57 is located in the axial cavity of the isolation sleeve 56 and abuts against the rear end of the valve stem 52. In this embodiment, the elastic element 57 is a spring.

[0054] Explanation of waterway switching principle:

[0055] 1. External circulation loop

[0056] In external circulation mode, the three-way solenoid switching valve is not energized, and the water passage direction is as follows: Figure 5 As shown. At this time, under the action of spring compression, the valve core and valve core sealing gasket abut against the second valve port, and the second valve port is in the closed state. At this time, the end cap disengages from the first valve port, and the first valve port is in the open state. Since the direction of the water flow force on the end cap is the same as the direction of the spring force, the spring force does not need to be very large to keep the first valve port in the normally open state, ensuring normal water use and external circulation functions.

[0057] 2. Second valve port pressure relief state

[0058] When the water circuit needs to switch from external circulation to internal circulation, the three-way solenoid switching valve is energized. The coil converts electrical energy into an electromagnetic force, which acts on the valve stem. Because the spring force can be designed to be relatively small, the electromagnetic force only needs to be slightly greater than the spring force for the valve core seal and valve stem to overcome the spring force and move to the right. At this time, the valve core has not yet started to move, but the pressure relief hole of the valve core is open, eliminating the pressure difference on both sides of the valve core along its axis. Figure 7 As shown.

[0059] 3. Internal circulation loop

[0060] Under the influence of electromagnetic force, the valve stem continues to move to the right against the spring force. Since there is no pressure difference on either side of the valve core along its axis, the valve core is no longer affected by the pressure difference when it begins to move to the right, until the sealing gasket covers the pressure relief hole. At this point, the end cap closes the first valve port, and the second valve port is fully open, with the water flow direction as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the inner loop is open.

[0061] Based on the two-stage action during water circuit switching, the pressure is first released, and then the second valve port is opened. The required electromagnetic force is small, which allows the overall power of the three-way solenoid switching valve to be designed to be small, thereby achieving a compact size and reduced cost.

[0062] A three-way switching valve and an internal circulation pipe are added to the unit, while the external circulation pipe is retained, forming a dual circulation system. In internal circulation mode, the unit uses a circulation pump to circulate and heat the water. Because the internal circulation pipe is short and located inside the unit, heat loss is negligible. Therefore, heating can be stopped once a certain temperature is reached, while the water continues to circulate, ensuring a completely uniform water temperature within the pipes (Tout = Tin = Tset). During ignition, the unit first removes hot water from the inlet and heat exchanger pipes before adding cold water. Based on the total volume of the heat exchanger coil and inlet pipe of a 16L gas water heater being 0.25L, and assuming a typical user water flow rate of 7L / min, cold water will be added after 2.14 seconds. During this time, the unit has already completed the ignition process and is in heating mode, completely avoiding the window period that would create intercalary cold water. Therefore, theoretically, there will be almost no temperature fluctuation after the user turns the water off and on again, and this has been verified through time-based experiments. Figure 11 As shown, the temperature fluctuation of the reheated water can be controlled within 2℃, with a significant effect. Furthermore, the internal circulation pipe is short, and the circulation cycle can be controlled within 10 seconds, greatly reducing gas energy consumption.

[0063] In summary, the external circulation system can meet the needs of initial hot water boiling and hot water production, while the internal circulation system can solve the problem of cold water in the interlayer when boiling water again and can greatly reduce energy consumption. The combination of internal and external circulation can truly achieve zero cold water.

[0064] Example 2, combined with Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, in this embodiment, the first valve port 514 is flared, and the outer edge of the end cap 53 near the end face of the first valve port 514 can abut against the first valve port 514 to close it. The flow channel formed by the rear end face of the end cap 53 and the first valve port is oblique. The flared part of the first valve port forms a 135° angle with the inner wall of the first valve port, that is, the flow channel has a 45° inclination angle. Compared with the design of the first valve port 514 in Embodiment 1, the flow channel at the first valve port 514 in this embodiment has a smaller force-bearing area and fewer bends, greatly reducing the turbulent region after 10 hours. The corresponding water flow fluctuation is also reduced. Therefore, the valve core stability is enhanced, no high-frequency resonance phenomenon occurs, and the noise is reduced. Other structures in this embodiment are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0065] Examples of the 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. In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different directions, these terms indicating direction are only illustrative and should not be regarded as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity. Furthermore, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

Claims

1. A three-way solenoid valve, characterized by include The valve body (51) has an inlet port (511), a first outlet port (512), a second outlet port (513), a first valve port (514) and a second valve port (515), wherein the first valve port (514) is connected to the first outlet port (512) and the second valve port (515) is connected to the second outlet port (513); A valve stem (52) is axially movable within the valve cavity of the aforementioned valve body (51). The valve stem (52) is sequentially provided with an end cap (53), a valve core (54), and a sealing gasket (58). The end cap (53) is located at one end near the first outlet port (512) and can open and close the first valve port (514). The valve core (54) is slidably located on the aforementioned valve stem (52) and is provided with a pressure relief hole communicating with the second valve port. The sealing gasket cooperates with the aforementioned valve core (54) to open and close the second valve port (515). The isolation sleeve (56) has a cavity for axial movement of the valve stem (52); The elastic element (57) is disposed within the cavity of the aforementioned isolation sleeve (56) and abuts against the end of the valve stem (52) away from the first outlet port (512); and The coil (55) is sleeved outside the aforementioned isolation sleeve (56); When the coil (55) is not energized, the valve core (54) is acted upon by the elastic element (57) and moves forward. The sealing gasket (58) and the valve core (54) cooperate to close the second valve port (515), while the end cap (53) disengages from the first valve port (514) and the first valve port (514) opens. When the coil (55) is energized, the valve stem (52) is acted upon by the magnetic field force of the coil (55) and first drives the sealing gasket (58) to move backward, and the pressure relief hole of the valve core (54) opens; the valve stem (52) continues to move backward and drives the valve core (54) to move backward, the valve core (54) disengages from the second valve port (515), the second valve port (515) opens, and at the same time the end cap (53) closes the first valve port (514).

2. The three-way solenoid switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that... The isolation sleeve (56) is sealed in the inner cavity of the valve body and includes a main body (561) and an extension (562) protruding from the main body (561). The main body (561) allows the sealing gasket to move axially, and the extension (562) allows the valve stem to move axially.

3. The three-way solenoid switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that... The valve stem (52) is provided with a first retaining ring and a second retaining ring spaced apart, and the valve core is limited between the first retaining ring and the second retaining ring and can move back and forth axially.

4. The three-way solenoid switching valve according to claim 3, characterized in that... The valve stem (52) is provided with a third retaining ring, and the sealing gasket is positioned between the second retaining ring and the third retaining ring.

5. The three-way solenoid switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that... The first valve port has a protruding baffle near the first water outlet port.

6. The three-way solenoid switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that... The first valve port is flared, and the outer edge of the end cap near the first valve port can abut against the first valve port to close the first valve port.

7. The three-way solenoid switching valve according to claim 6, characterized in that... The flared portion of the first valve port forms a 135° angle with the inner wall of the first valve port.

8. A dual-circulation gas water heater having a three-way electromagnetic switching valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that... include Casing (1); Heat exchanger (2) is located inside the aforementioned housing (1); Heat exchange tube (21) is installed inside the aforementioned heat exchanger (2); The water inlet pipe (31) is connected to the water inlet end of the aforementioned heat exchange pipe (21). The water inlet pipe (31) is equipped with a flow meter (311), a water inlet temperature sensor (312), and a circulation pump (313). The water outlet pipe (32) is connected to the water outlet end of the aforementioned heat exchange pipe (21), and the water outlet pipe (32) is equipped with a water outlet temperature sensor; An external hot water pipe (33) is connected to the aforementioned water outlet pipe (32) and is located outside the aforementioned housing (1); An external return water pipe (34) is connected between the aforementioned external hot water pipe (33) and the inlet water pipe (31). The external return water pipe (34) is equipped with a first one-way valve (610) to ensure that water can only flow from the external hot water pipe (33) to the inlet water pipe (31). The control board (10) is connected to the aforementioned flow meter (311), inlet water temperature sensor (312), circulating pump and outlet water temperature sensor; The three-way solenoid switching valve (5) has an inlet port (511) connected to an outlet pipe (32), a first outlet port (512) connected to an external hot water pipe (33), and a second outlet port (513) connected to an inlet pipe (31) via an inner return pipe (35). The inner return pipe (35) is arranged inside the casing (1) and is equipped with a second check valve (620) to ensure that water can only flow from the inner return pipe (35) to the inlet pipe (31). The three-way solenoid switching valve (5) is connected to the control board (10).

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