Multifunctional flow regulating valve and water heater

Abstract

The application discloses a multifunctional flow regulating valve and a water heater. The multifunctional flow regulating valve comprises a valve shell, a water inlet pipe, a first water outlet pipe and a second water outlet pipe arranged on the valve shell, the first water outlet pipe is provided with a first water outlet, and the second water outlet pipe is provided with a second water outlet; an adjusting module comprises a driving component, a first flow control component and a second flow control component, the first flow control component comprises a rotating shaft and a blocking ring, the blocking ring is arranged on the rotating shaft, and the second flow control component is arranged at one end of the rotating shaft and is arranged opposite to the second water outlet. The multifunctional flow regulating valve can accurately regulate water flow to reduce water temperature fluctuation of the water heater, thereby improving user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular relates to a multi-functional flow regulating valve and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, water heaters are common household appliances. Based on their heat source, water heaters can be categorized into gas water heaters, electric water heaters, and solar water heaters. During use, the hot water output from the water heater is supplied to the user via a terminal device (such as a faucet or showerhead).

[0003] In actual use, water heaters experience temperature changes when the water is turned off and then turned back on for a short period. Taking gas water heaters as an example, during normal use, when the user turns off the water and then turns it back on, the water temperature initially rises, then falls, and then stabilizes, thus affecting the user experience.

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this invention is how to design a technology to accurately regulate water flow to reduce water temperature fluctuations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a multi-functional flow regulating valve and a water heater. The multi-functional flow regulating valve can accurately regulate the water flow to reduce the fluctuation of the water temperature at the outlet of the water heater, thereby improving the user experience.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In one aspect, the present invention provides a multifunctional flow control valve, comprising: A valve housing is provided with an inlet pipe, a first outlet pipe and a second outlet pipe. The first outlet pipe is provided with a first outlet, and the second outlet pipe is provided with a second outlet. The adjustment module includes a drive component, a first flow control component, and a second flow control component. The first flow control component includes a rotating shaft and a baffle ring, with the baffle ring disposed on the rotating shaft. The second flow control component is disposed at one end of the rotating shaft and is arranged opposite to the second water outlet. The first flow control component and the second flow control component are both disposed inside the valve housing. The other end of the rotating shaft extends to the outside of the valve housing and is connected to the driving component. The driving component is configured to drive the rotating shaft to rotate while also driving the rotating shaft to move along the axis. The retaining ring is located on one side of the first outlet and is configured to rotate with the rotating shaft to change the opening of the first outlet. The second flow control component is arranged opposite to the second outlet and is configured to move with the rotating shaft to change the opening of the second outlet.

[0007] In one embodiment of this application, a communication port is provided at one end of the side wall of the baffle ring. The communication port is arranged to the side of the first water outlet and configured to adjust the opening degree of the first water outlet during the rotation of the baffle ring.

[0008] In one embodiment of this application, a first baffle is provided in the first water outlet pipe, and a first water outlet and an auxiliary water outlet are provided on the first baffle; a water flow channel communicating with the communication port is provided on the side wall of the baffle ring; the water flow channel is configured to communicate with the auxiliary water outlet when the baffle ring rotates to block the first water outlet.

[0009] In one embodiment of this application, the adjustment module further includes a bushing with a threaded hole, a threaded portion on the rotating shaft, the rotating shaft passing through the bushing, the threaded portion being threadedly connected to the threaded hole, and the bushing being sealed in the valve body.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, a column is further provided in the communication port, the column extending along the axial direction of the retaining ring; and / or, the inner wall of the retaining ring is provided with a plurality of protrusions, the protrusions abutting against the outer wall of the bushing.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the retaining ring is further provided with a blocking extension, which extends away from the communication port along the axis of the rotating shaft, and the blocking extension is used to partially block the water inlet of the water inlet pipe.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the second flow control component includes a mounting base and a plug, the plug being disposed on the mounting base; the mounting base is slidably disposed on the rotating shaft, and the plug is arranged opposite to the second water outlet pipe.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, a second baffle is provided in the second water outlet pipe, the second baffle is provided with a second water outlet and a support hole, and the other end of the rotating shaft is inserted into the support hole; the mounting base is a sleeve structure, the mounting base is sleeved on the rotating shaft, and an elastic member is also provided between the mounting base and the rotating shaft, the elastic member is used to apply an elastic force to the mounting base in the direction of the second baffle; a baffle is provided at the other end of the rotating shaft, the baffle is located between the second baffle and the mounting base.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, a flow detector is further provided in the water inlet pipe. The flow detector includes a Hall switch, a sleeve, an impeller, and a support frame. The inlet of the sleeve is provided with a plurality of inclined guide plates. The free ends of the plurality of guide plates are connected by a connecting column. The support frame is provided at the outlet of the sleeve. The impeller is provided in the sleeve and located between the support frame and the connecting column. The Hall switch is arranged on one side of the impeller and is located outside the valve housing.

[0015] In one embodiment of this application, the inlet pipe and the first outlet pipe are arranged on the side of the valve housing, the second outlet pipe is arranged at one end of the valve housing, and the drive component is arranged at the other end of the valve housing.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention provides a water heater, including a water heater body, the water heater body being provided with a main water inlet port and a main water outlet port, the water heater body also being provided with a heating mechanism, and further including the aforementioned multi-functional flow regulating valve; the inlet pipe of the multi-functional flow regulating valve is connected to the main water inlet port, the first outlet pipe of the multi-functional flow regulating valve is connected to the inlet of the heating mechanism, and the second outlet pipe of the multi-functional flow regulating valve and the outlet of the heating mechanism are respectively connected to the main water outlet port.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are as follows: By setting an adjustment module in the valve body, the driving component in the adjustment module can drive the rotating shaft to rotate, and the rotating shaft also moves along its axis in the valve body at the same time. The opening of the first water outlet is adjusted by the retaining ring that follows the rotation of the rotating shaft, while the opening of the second water outlet is dynamically adjusted by the second flow control component that follows the rotation of the rotating shaft. This satisfies the purpose of adjusting the water flow due to changes in the heating power of the water heater. The second flow control component can adjust the bypass flow rate to accurately control the mixing amount of hot and cold water during the short-term switching of water, thereby reducing the fluctuation of the water temperature at the outlet of the water heater. By using a multi-functional flow regulating valve to accurately adjust the water flow rate to reduce the fluctuation of the water temperature at the outlet of the water heater, the user experience is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the multifunctional flow regulating valve of the present invention; Figure 2This is one of the partial structural schematic diagrams of an embodiment of the multifunctional flow regulating valve of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a second partial structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the multifunctional flow regulating valve of the present invention; Figure 4 for Figure 2 Exploded view; Figure 5 for Figure 2 A sectional view; Figure 6 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the valve shell in an embodiment of the multifunctional flow regulating valve of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a second schematic diagram of the valve housing structure in an embodiment of the multifunctional flow regulating valve of the present invention; Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the regulating module in an embodiment of the multifunctional flow regulating valve of the present invention; Figure 9 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the retaining ring in an embodiment of the multifunctional flow regulating valve of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a second schematic diagram of the retaining ring structure in an embodiment of the multifunctional flow regulating valve of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the water heater of the present invention.

[0020] Figure label: Valve housing 1; Inlet pipe 11, first outlet pipe 12, second outlet pipe 13; First partition 121, first outlet 122, auxiliary outlet 123, second partition 131, second outlet 132, support hole 133, groove structure 134; Adjustment module 2; Drive component 21, first flow control component 22, second flow control component 23, bushing 24, first sealing ring 25, second sealing ring 26, connecting rod 27; 221 rotating shaft, 222 retaining ring, 223 baffle plate; Sliding guide part 2211, threaded part 2212; Connecting port 2221, water channel 2222, shielding extension 2223, connecting hole 2224, column 2225, protrusion 2226; Mounting base 231, plug 232, elastic component 233; Flow detector 3; Hall switch 30, sleeve 31, impeller 32, support frame 33, guide plate 34, connecting column 35. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] Example 1, as Figures 1-10 As shown, the multi-functional flow regulating valve in this embodiment includes: Valve housing 1, which is provided with inlet pipe 11, first outlet pipe 12 and second outlet pipe 13. The first outlet pipe 12 is provided with a first outlet 122 and the second outlet pipe 13 is provided with a second outlet 131. Adjustment module 2 includes a drive component 21, a first flow control component 22 and a second flow control component 23. The first flow control component includes a rotating shaft 221 and a baffle ring 222. The baffle ring 222 is disposed on the rotating shaft 221. The second flow control component is disposed at one end of the rotating shaft and is arranged opposite to the second water outlet. The first flow control component 22 and the second flow control component 23 are disposed inside the valve housing 1. The other end of the rotating shaft 221 extends to the outside of the valve housing 1 and is connected to the driving component 21. The driving component 21 is configured to drive the rotating shaft 221 to rotate and also drive the rotating shaft 221 to move along the axis. The retaining ring 222 is located on one side of the first outlet 122 and is configured to rotate with the rotating shaft 221 to change the opening of the first outlet 122. The second flow control component 23 is arranged opposite to the second outlet 131 and is configured to move with the rotating shaft 221 to change the opening of the second outlet 131.

[0024] Specifically, the multi-functional flow regulating valve is assembled from a valve body 1 and a regulating module 2. The valve body 1 is equipped with an inlet pipe 11, a first outlet pipe 12 and a second outlet pipe 13, so that the valve body 1 has a three-way structure.

[0025] During assembly, the drive component 21, the first flow control component 22, and the second flow control component 23 are assembled onto the valve housing 1. The drive component 21 can drive the first flow control component 22 and the second flow control component 23 to move inside the valve housing 1. The first flow control component 22 is located at the first water outlet pipe 12, and the moving first flow control component 22 can adjust the water flow rate of the first water outlet pipe 12. Similarly, the second flow control component 23 is located at the second water outlet pipe 13, and the second flow control component 23 can adjust the water flow rate of the second water outlet pipe 13.

[0026] The multi-functional flow regulating valve has a first position, a second position, and a third position. During the sequential operation of the multi-functional flow regulating valve from the first position, the second position, and the third position, the driving component 21 is used to drive the first flow control component 22 to gradually reduce the flow rate of the first water outlet pipe 12. During the reverse operation, the driving component 21 is used to drive the first flow control component 22 to gradually increase the flow rate of the first water outlet pipe 12. During the process of the multi-functional flow regulating valve moving from the second position to the third position, the driving component 21 drives the second flow control component 23 to gradually increase the flow rate of the second outlet pipe 13. During the reverse operation, the driving component 21 drives the second flow control component 23 to gradually decrease the flow rate of the second outlet pipe 13.

[0027] The multi-functional flow control valve has three specific positions: In the first position, the first flow control component 22 controls the first outlet pipe 12 to be at its maximum opening, and the second flow control component 23 closes the second outlet pipe 13; In the second position, the second flow control component 23 is in a critical state of opening and closing the second outlet pipe 13; In the third position, the first flow control component 22 controls the first outlet pipe 12 to be at its minimum opening, and the second flow control component 23 controls the second outlet pipe 13 to be at its maximum opening.

[0028] In one embodiment of this application, during the process of the multi-functional flow regulating valve moving from the first position to the second position, the second flow control component 23 closes the second water outlet pipe 13, and during the reverse operation, the second flow control component 23 is still in the state of closing the second water outlet pipe 13.

[0029] In practical applications, the multi-functional flow control valve is installed on the water heater. A water heater typically includes a main body with a main inlet port and a main outlet port. The main body also includes a heating mechanism and the aforementioned multi-functional flow control valve. The inlet pipe of the multi-functional flow control valve is connected to the main inlet port, the first outlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the heating mechanism, and the second outlet pipe and the outlet of the heating mechanism are respectively connected to the main outlet port. The main inlet port is connected to the water supply pipe (such as a tap) in the user's home, while the main outlet port is connected to a water-using terminal (such as a showerhead or faucet) through the user's water pipe.

[0030] In practical use, it is used to open the water terminal to output hot water. At this time, the heating mechanism is activated to heat the water flowing through it.

[0031] During normal heating, the multi-functional flow control valve is in the first position. At this time, the first flow control component 22 adjusts the first water outlet pipe 12 to the maximum opening to obtain the maximum water flow. At the same time, the second flow control component 23 is in the position of closing the second water outlet pipe 13, that is, the bypass flow path is cut off.

[0032] During normal water use, the power of the heating mechanism may decrease due to external factors. In this case, it is necessary to adjust the flow rate of the first outlet pipe 12. The multi-functional flow control valve will then switch between a first position and a second position. The drive component 21 actuates, causing the first flow control component 22 and the second flow control component 23 to operate. The first flow control component 22 adjusts the opening of the first outlet pipe 12 accordingly to reduce the water flow and maintain a constant water temperature output from the water heater. The second flow control component 23, however, will not open the second outlet pipe 13. During this process, based on the difference between the water heater's outlet temperature and the set temperature, the drive component 21 drives the first flow control component 22 to move in both directions, thereby dynamically adjusting the outlet water temperature.

[0033] If the water temperature from the water heater remains consistently high, it is necessary to further reduce the water flow into the heating element and simultaneously activate the bypass flow. At this time, the multi-functional flow control valve will change between the second and third positions, actuating the drive component 21 to activate the first flow control component 22 and the second flow control component 23. The first flow control component 22 will correspondingly decrease the opening of the first outlet pipe 12 to reduce the water flow, while the second flow control component 23 will correspondingly increase the opening of the second outlet pipe 13 to increase the water flow. Thus, as the multi-functional flow control valve changes between the second and third positions, it can regulate the water flow ratio between the first outlet pipe 12 and the second outlet pipe 13, thereby dynamically adjusting the bypass ratio to maintain a constant water temperature output from the water heater.

[0034] In addition, when the user uses the water heater normally, and then uses the water twice in a short period of time, the multi-functional flow regulating valve will change between the second and third positions to reduce the flow of cold water into the heating unit and the mixing ratio of hot and cold water output by the heating unit. This increases the minimum temperature of the water flowing out of the water heater and decreases the maximum temperature of the water flowing out of the water heater, thereby meeting the requirement of constant temperature water output from the water heater and improving the user's showering experience.

[0035] In one embodiment of this application, the specific method for adjusting the opening of the first outlet 122 using the retaining ring 222 is as follows.

[0036] One end of the side wall of the retaining ring is provided with a connecting port, which is arranged to the side of the first water outlet and configured to adjust the opening of the first water outlet during the rotation of the retaining ring.

[0037] Specifically, for the first flow control component 22, the rotating shaft 221 is connected to the drive component 21 outside the valve housing 1, so that the rotating shaft 221 can be driven to rotate by the drive component 21. While the rotating shaft 221 is driven by the drive component 21 to rotate relative to the valve housing 1, the rotating shaft 221 can also move relative to the valve housing 1 along its axis.

[0038] Thus, during the process of adjusting the opening of the first outlet pipe 12 to control the water flow rate, the baffle ring 222 is arranged on one side of the pipe opening of the first outlet pipe 12, and the flow rate of the first outlet pipe 12 is adjusted by rotation. The baffle ring 222 adjusts the flow rate of the first outlet pipe 12 by rotation, making the flow rate adjustment more precise and achieving the requirement of gradual and step-by-step adjustment to meet the adjustment requirements of the water flow rate entering the heating mechanism under different operating conditions of the water heater.

[0039] The retaining ring 222 is a sleeve structure, and a water flow channel is formed between the retaining ring 222 and the rotating shaft 221. A connecting port 2221 is provided on the side wall of the retaining ring 222. The water flowing in from the inlet pipe 11 flows into the first outlet pipe 12 through the water flow channel and the connecting port 2221 in sequence.

[0040] Specifically, in order to facilitate the adjustment of the flow rate of the first water outlet pipe 12 by rotation, the retaining ring 222 adopts a sleeve structure. The retaining ring 222 is set on the rotating shaft 221 and rotates with it, while the connecting port 2221 can rotate relative to the opening of the first water outlet pipe 12. During the rotation, the overlapping area between the connecting port 2221 and the opening of the first water outlet pipe 12 will change, thereby dynamically adjusting the flow rate of the first water outlet pipe 12.

[0041] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the side wall of the retaining ring 222 is further provided with a water channel 2222 that connects to the connecting port 2221. The water channel 2222 extends around the axis of the rotating shaft 221 in a direction away from the connecting port 2221.

[0042] Specifically, during the adjustment process, the water flow rate of the first outlet pipe 12 can be quickly adjusted by adjusting the overlap area between the connecting port 2221 and the opening of the first outlet pipe 12. After the connecting port 2221 and the opening of the first outlet pipe 12 are separated, the water flow channel 2222 remains connected to the opening of the first outlet pipe 12, thereby allowing for more precise adjustment of the water flow rate through the water flow channel 2222.

[0043] In some embodiments, a first baffle 121 is provided in the first water outlet pipe 12, and a first water outlet 122 is provided on the first baffle 121. The first water outlet 122 is used to communicate with the connecting port 2221 and the water flow channel 2222.

[0044] Specifically, in order to conveniently control the opening of the first water outlet pipe 12 and precisely adjust the water flow rate, a first water outlet 122 is provided on the first partition 121 to cooperate with the connecting port 2221 and the water flow channel 2222. As the retaining ring 222 rotates with the rotating shaft 221, the connecting port 2221 and the water flow channel 2222 can rotate relative to the first water outlet 122 and achieve communication, thereby more precisely controlling the water flow rate of the first water outlet pipe 12.

[0045] In some embodiments, an auxiliary water outlet 123 is also provided on the first partition 121, and the water inlet pipe 11 is connected to the auxiliary water outlet 123.

[0046] Specifically, by configuring an auxiliary water outlet 123 on the first partition 121, the auxiliary water outlet 123 is in a normally open state and is always connected to the water inlet pipe 11. In this way, the basic water flow requirements of the first water outlet pipe 12 can be guaranteed through the auxiliary water outlet 123.

[0047] In one embodiment, the auxiliary outlet 123 and the second outlet 132 are designed with the same water outlet area. Thus, when the multi-functional flow regulating valve is in the third position, the first outlet 122 is blocked by the retaining ring 222, and water enters the first outlet pipe 12 through the auxiliary outlet 123. Simultaneously, the second outlet 132 in the second outlet pipe 13 is fully open. This ensures that the water flow rates of the auxiliary outlet 123 and the second outlet 132 are essentially the same, thereby satisfying the requirement that the water flow rates of the first outlet pipe 12 and the second outlet pipe 13 are essentially the same.

[0048] In this state, the multi-functional flow control valve controls the water flow through the small area of ​​the auxiliary outlet 123 and the second outlet 132, thereby reducing the total water inlet volume of the multi-functional flow control valve, making the heat release in the heating mechanism of the water heater slower, and making the lowest point of the mixed water temperature larger, closer to the target outlet water temperature, so as to improve the user experience.

[0049] In some embodiments of this application, in order to meet the installation requirements of the rotating shaft 221 and simultaneously enable the driving component 21 to move synchronously during the rotation of the rotating shaft 221, a sliding guide portion 2211 and a threaded portion 2212 are sequentially provided from the outside to the inside at one end of the rotating shaft 221. The sliding guide portion 2211 is connected to the driving component 21, and the sliding guide portion 2211 rotates with the driving component 21 and can slide relative to the driving component 21. The adjustment module 2 also includes a bushing 24, which has a threaded hole (not marked). The rotating shaft 221 passes through the bushing 24, and the threaded portion 2212 is threadedly connected in the threaded hole. The bushing 24 is disposed on the valve body 1.

[0050] Specifically, after the rotating shaft 221 is inserted into the valve housing 1, the end located inside the valve housing 1 is supported and mounted by the second partition 131. The end located outside the valve housing 1 is mounted on the valve housing 1 by a bushing 24. At the same time, the sliding guide part 2211 is connected to the drive component 21. The bushing 24 and the rotating shaft 221 are connected and engaged, so that the rotating shaft 221 can reciprocate during rotation by using the threaded part 2212 to engage with the threaded hole.

[0051] The sliding guide 2211 can be represented by a gear structure set on the rotating shaft 221, with guide ribs distributed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 221. The driving component 21 can be a motor, and an internal gear ring structure is provided on the rotating shaft of the motor. The gear structure and the gear ring structure cooperate to satisfy the requirements of the rotating shaft 221 to rotate, and also to satisfy the requirements of sliding motion during the rotation of the rotating shaft 221.

[0052] In another embodiment, a connecting opening 2221 is provided on the circumferential wall of the retaining ring 222, and the diameter of the connecting opening 2221 is relatively large to meet the water flow requirements of the first outlet 122. In order to improve the structural strength of the retaining ring 222, a column 2225 can also be provided in the connecting opening 2221, and the column 2225 extends along the axial direction of the retaining ring 222.

[0053] Specifically, by adding an additional column 2225 to the connecting port 2221, the column 2225 can enhance the structural strength of the connecting port 2221, so that during the rotation of the retaining ring 222, the structural strength of the retaining ring 222 will not be insufficient and deformed due to structural damage caused by opening the connecting port 2221.

[0054] In one embodiment, in order to ensure that the retaining ring 222 can rotate smoothly outside the bushing 24, and also to ensure that water can flow between the retaining ring 222 and the bushing 24, a plurality of protrusions 2226 can be provided on the inner wall of the retaining ring 222, and the protrusions 2226 abut against the outer wall of the bushing 24.

[0055] Specifically, during the rotation of the retaining ring 222, the protrusions 2226 support the retaining ring 222 to rotate outside the bushing 24, thereby enabling the retaining ring 222 to rotate smoothly. Furthermore, the spaced protrusions 2226 can meet the requirements of water flow between the retaining ring 222 and the bushing 24, thus ensuring smooth water flow.

[0056] In one embodiment of this application, the specific method for adjusting the opening degree of the second outlet 131 by the second flow control component 23 is as follows.

[0057] The second flow control component 23 includes a mounting base 231 and a plug 232. The plug 232 is mounted on the mounting base 231, which is slidably mounted on the rotating shaft 221. The plug 232 is arranged opposite to the second water outlet pipe 13.

[0058] Specifically, in the process of adjusting the opening of the second water outlet pipe 13 to control the water flow rate, the plug 232 is arranged opposite to the opening of the second water outlet pipe 13, and the flow rate of the second water outlet pipe 13 is adjusted by relative movement.

[0059] The plug 232 uses a relative movement method to adjust the flow rate of the second water outlet pipe 13, making the flow rate adjustment more efficient and quickly adjusting the water temperature so that the water heater can meet the requirements of constant temperature water output.

[0060] In another embodiment, a second baffle 131 is provided in the second water outlet pipe 13, and a second water outlet 132 is provided on the second baffle 131.

[0061] Specifically, for the second water outlet pipe 13, in order to meet the requirements of precise control of water flow, a second baffle 131 can be set inside the second water outlet pipe 13, and a second water outlet 132 is correspondingly set on the second baffle 131, and the second water outlet 132 is arranged opposite to the second flow control component 23.

[0062] During the flow control process, the second flow control component 23 will move with the rotating shaft 221. During the movement of the plug 232 in the second flow control component 23, the second outlet 132 can be opened and closed, and the water flow rate of the second outlet 132 can be precisely adjusted by controlling the distance between the plug 232 and the second outlet 132.

[0063] In one embodiment, in order to securely install the rotating shaft 221 and ensure that the rotating shaft 221 can rotate inside the valve body 1 while also moving smoothly, a support hole 133 is provided on the second partition 131, and the other end of the rotating shaft 221 is inserted into the support hole 133.

[0064] Specifically, during assembly, the rotating shaft 221 is inserted into the valve housing 1, with one end of the shaft 221 inserted into the support hole 133, and the other end connected to the drive component 21 outside the valve housing 1. In this way, both ends of the rotating shaft 221 can obtain good support, ensuring that the rotating shaft 221 can rotate and move stably within the valve housing 1.

[0065] In some embodiments, in order to ensure that the second outlet pipe 13 is closed when the multi-functional flow regulating valve is in the first position and the second position, and in the open position when it is in the second position and the third position, the mounting base 231 is also designed as a sleeve structure. The mounting base 231 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 221, and an elastic member 233 is also provided between the mounting base 231 and the rotating shaft 221. The elastic member 233 is used to apply an elastic force to the mounting base 231 in the direction of the second partition 131. A baffle 223 is provided at the other end of the rotating shaft 221, and the baffle 223 is located between the second partition 131 and the mounting base 231.

[0066] Specifically, the mounting base 231 is fitted onto the rotating shaft 221, and the mounting base 231 can slide relative to the rotating shaft 221. The elastic member 233 is designed to apply elastic force to the mounting base 231.

[0067] When the multi-functional flow regulating valve is in the first position and the second position, there is a certain gap between the baffle 223 and the mounting base 231. The elastic component 233 applies elastic force to the mounting base 231 so that the mounting base 231 does not move relative to the valve body 1, and the second outlet 132 on the second partition 131 is closed by the plug 232. At this time, the rotating shaft 221 can rotate and move relative to the mounting base 231.

[0068] When the multi-functional flow control valve is in the second and third positions, the baffle 223 will abut against the mounting base 231 so that the mounting base 231 moves together with the rotating shaft 221. At this time, the plug 232 will open the second outlet 132.

[0069] The elastic component 233 is a spring, and the rotating shaft 221 is provided with a stepped surface; the mounting base 231 is provided with a through hole (unmarked), the rotating shaft 221 passes through the through hole, the spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft 221, and the spring is located between the mounting base 231 and the stepped surface.

[0070] In another embodiment, in order to better meet the requirements of water flow rate regulation, the water inlet volume of the inlet pipe 11 can also be adjusted as needed. The baffle ring 222 is also provided with a blocking extension 2223. The blocking extension 2223 extends away from the connecting port 2221 along the axis of the rotating shaft 221. The blocking extension 2223 is used to partially block the opening of the inlet pipe 11.

[0071] Specifically, as the multi-functional flow regulating valve operates sequentially from the first position, the second position, and the third position, the retaining ring 222 rotates with the rotating shaft 221, and the shielding extension 2223 gradually approaches the opening of the water inlet pipe 11. Then, the shielding extension 2223 partially blocks the opening of the water inlet pipe 11, thereby reducing the water flow rate of the water inlet pipe 11.

[0072] By reducing the water flow rate in the inlet pipe 11, the effect of reducing the water flow rate in the first outlet pipe 12 can be better achieved. Furthermore, when the multi-functional flow regulating valve is in the third position, the first outlet pipe 12 discharges water through the smaller auxiliary outlet 123, and simultaneously, the second outlet pipe 13 also discharges water through the smaller second outlet. At this time, the shielding extension 2223 maximizes the shielding of the inlet pipe 11, thereby more effectively reducing the water intake and further reducing the total water intake. This allows for more efficient regulation of hot and cold water, ensuring a constant water temperature at the user's end.

[0073] In one embodiment, the connecting port 2221 and the shielding extension 2223 are arranged in a staggered manner around the axis of the rotating shaft 221.

[0074] Specifically, the inlet pipe 11 and the first outlet pipe 12 are arranged on the side of the valve housing 1, the second outlet pipe 13 is arranged at one end of the valve housing 1, and the drive component 21 is arranged at the other end of the valve housing 1.

[0075] The inlet pipe 11 and the first outlet pipe 12 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the axis of the rotating shaft 221, while the second outlet pipe 13 is arranged along the axis of the rotating shaft 221. The inlet pipe 11 and the first outlet pipe 12 are arranged in opposite directions. To achieve this, the connecting port 2221 and the shielding extension 2223 are staggered to meet the requirements of water flow regulation for the inlet pipe 11 and the first outlet pipe 12 at different locations.

[0076] In one embodiment of this application, in order to meet the requirements for sealing installation between the valve housing 1 and related assembly components, a first sealing ring 25 is also provided between the rotating shaft 221 and the inner wall of the bushing 24.

[0077] Specifically, after the bushing 24 is sealed and installed on one end of the valve housing 1, the rotating shaft 221 is installed in the bushing 24, and the bushing 24 and the rotating shaft 221 are sealed by the first sealing ring 25.

[0078] Similarly, a second sealing ring 26 is provided between the rotating shaft 221 and the inner wall of the mounting base 231.

[0079] Specifically, the mounting base 231 is fitted onto the outside of the rotating shaft 221, and the connection between the two is sealed by the second sealing ring 26, so that the water entering the valve body 1 from the inlet pipe 11 will not flow into the second outlet pipe 13 through the gap formed between the mounting base 231 and the rotating shaft 221 and be output, thereby ensuring the sealing performance and improving the water flow control accuracy of the second outlet pipe 13.

[0080] In one embodiment, the second partition 131 forms a groove structure 134, and the bottom of the groove structure 134 is provided with a support hole 133 and a second water outlet 132; the plug 232 is an annular structure and is sleeved on the rotating shaft 221, and the plug 232 is used to seal the outer edge of the groove structure 134.

[0081] Specifically, in order to switch the second water outlet 132 through the plug 232, the second water outlet 132 is arranged in the groove structure 134 formed by the second partition 131. When closing the second water outlet 132, it is only necessary to block and close the edge of the groove structure 134 to close the second water outlet 132.

[0082] The mounting base 231 has an annular groove (not marked) on its end face opposite to the second partition 131, and the plug 232 is disposed in the annular groove. Specifically, the plug 232 can be a sealing component such as a rubber ring or a silicone ring. The plug 232 is installed in the annular groove of the mounting base 231, and the second outlet 132 is closed by sealing the edge of the groove structure 134 with the plug 232.

[0083] In one embodiment, the side wall of the rotating shaft 221 is provided with an outwardly extending connecting rod 27, and the retaining ring 222 is provided with a connecting hole 2224, in which the connecting rod 27 is inserted.

[0084] Specifically, by cooperating with the connecting rod 27 and the connecting hole 2224, the first flow control component 22 is installed on the rotating shaft 221. On the one hand, this satisfies the installation requirements of the first flow control component 22, and on the other hand, the connecting rod 27 is set on the rotating shaft 221 without obstructing the flow of water, thus meeting the requirement of smooth water delivery.

[0085] Example 2, as Figure 1 The present invention provides a water heater, including a water heater body, wherein the water heater body is provided with a main water inlet port 1000 and a main water outlet port 2000, the water heater body is also provided with a heating mechanism 3000, and further includes the aforementioned multi-functional flow regulating valve 4000; the inlet pipe of the multi-functional flow regulating valve is connected to the main water inlet port, the first outlet pipe of the multi-functional flow regulating valve is connected to the inlet of the heating mechanism, and the second outlet pipe of the multi-functional flow regulating valve and the outlet of the heating mechanism are respectively connected to the main water outlet port.

[0086] Specifically, the water heater heats the water flowing into it through a heating mechanism, while the second outlet pipe of the multi-functional flow regulating valve 4000 can be connected to the water pipe between the heating mechanism 3000 and the main outlet port 2000 through a bypass pipe 5000, thereby enabling the direct delivery of cold water to the main outlet port 2000 through the bypass pipe 5000 to achieve the mixing of hot and cold water.

[0087] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A multifunctional flow regulating valve, characterized in that, include: A valve housing is provided with an inlet pipe, a first outlet pipe and a second outlet pipe. The first outlet pipe is provided with a first outlet, and the second outlet pipe is provided with a second outlet. The adjustment module includes a drive component, a first flow control component, and a second flow control component. The first flow control component includes a rotating shaft and a baffle ring, with the baffle ring disposed on the rotating shaft. The second flow control component is disposed at one end of the rotating shaft and is arranged opposite to the second water outlet. The first flow control component and the second flow control component are both disposed inside the valve housing. The other end of the rotating shaft extends to the outside of the valve housing and is connected to the driving component. The driving component is configured to drive the rotating shaft to rotate and also drive the rotating shaft to move along the axis. The retaining ring is located on one side of the first outlet and is configured to rotate with the rotating shaft to change the opening of the first outlet. The second flow control component is arranged opposite to the second outlet and is configured to move with the rotating shaft to change the opening of the second outlet. One end of the side wall of the retaining ring is provided with a connecting port, which is arranged to the side of the first water outlet and configured to adjust the opening of the first water outlet during the rotation of the retaining ring.

2. The multifunctional flow regulating valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first water outlet pipe is provided with a first baffle plate, and the first baffle plate is provided with a first water outlet and an auxiliary water outlet; the side wall of the baffle ring is provided with a water flow channel communicating with the communication port; the water flow channel is configured to communicate with the auxiliary water outlet when the baffle ring rotates to block the first water outlet.

3. The multifunctional flow regulating valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment module also includes a bushing with a threaded hole. The rotating shaft has a threaded portion, which passes through the bushing. The threaded portion is threaded into the threaded hole, and the bushing is sealed in the valve body.

4. The multifunctional flow regulating valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, A column is also provided in the communication port, the column extending along the axial direction of the retaining ring; and / or, the inner wall of the retaining ring is provided with a plurality of protrusions, the protrusions abutting against the outer wall of the bushing.

5. The multifunctional flow regulating valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining ring is also provided with a shielding extension, which extends away from the connecting port along the axis of the rotating shaft, and is used to partially shield the inlet of the water inlet pipe.

6. The multifunctional flow regulating valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second flow control component includes a mounting base and a plug, the plug being disposed on the mounting base; the mounting base is slidably disposed on the rotating shaft, and the plug is arranged opposite to the second water outlet pipe.

7. The multifunctional flow regulating valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second water outlet pipe is provided with a second baffle plate, the second baffle plate is provided with a second water outlet and a support hole, and the other end of the rotating shaft is inserted into the support hole; The mounting base is a sleeve structure, and the mounting base is sleeved on the rotating shaft. An elastic component is also provided between the mounting base and the rotating shaft. The elastic component is used to apply an elastic force to the mounting base in the direction of the second partition. A baffle is provided at the other end of the rotating shaft, and the baffle is located between the second partition and the mounting base.

8. The multifunctional flow regulating valve according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The inlet pipe is also equipped with a flow detector, which includes a Hall switch, a sleeve, an impeller, and a support frame. The inlet of the sleeve is provided with multiple inclined guide plates, and the free ends of the multiple guide plates are connected by a connecting column. The support frame is provided at the outlet of the sleeve. The impeller is provided in the sleeve and located between the support frame and the connecting column. The Hall switch is arranged on one side of the impeller and is located outside the valve housing.

9. A water heater, comprising a water heater body, wherein the water heater body is provided with a main water inlet port and a main water outlet port, and the water heater body is further provided with a heating mechanism, characterized in that, It also includes: a multi-functional flow regulating valve as described in any one of claims 1-8; the inlet pipe of the multi-functional flow regulating valve is connected to the main inlet port, the first outlet pipe of the multi-functional flow regulating valve is connected to the inlet of the heating mechanism, and the second outlet pipe of the multi-functional flow regulating valve and the outlet of the heating mechanism are respectively connected to the main outlet port.

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