steady flow valve

Abstract

The application discloses a steady flow valve, which comprises a cavity, a flow channel formed in the cavity for fluid to pass through, a valve core arranged in the cavity and capable of moving towards a fluid flow direction under the drive of fluid pressure to gradually tighten the flow channel, and a potential energy piece capable of contracting and accumulating potential energy, two ends of the potential energy piece being rotatably connected with a side surface of the valve core and an inner wall surface of the cavity opposite to the side surface of the valve core, the potential energy piece being contracted and rotated correspondingly when the valve core moves towards the fluid flow direction, the potential energy piece being rotated to a position perpendicular to the moving direction of the valve core when the fluid reaches a critical water pressure, and the potential energy piece being further rotated and releasing potential energy to drive the valve core to move towards the fluid flow direction until the flow channel is closed when the fluid exceeds the critical water pressure. The valve core can change and adaptively adjust the width of the flow channel in response to the change of the water pressure under the action of the potential energy piece. When the water pressure exceeds a certain value, the valve body is completely closed, so that the risk of water leakage is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heaters, and in particular to a flow regulating valve. Background Technology

[0002] For current household water heater users, the unstable water flow in their homes leads to fluctuations in water pressure, both of which negatively impact the daily user experience. For example, fluctuating water flow can cause the water at the water heater's outlet to be inconsistently hot or cold. Furthermore, excessive water pressure due to these fluctuations may cause components to burst and leak. In winter, low temperatures can also cause the outlet to freeze and crack, potentially leading to leaks and even harm to the user's personal safety and property. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the inconvenience caused by fluctuations in the water flow of household water in the prior art, which affects the user experience, and to provide a flow stabilizing valve.

[0004] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0005] A flow control valve includes a cavity forming a flow channel for fluid passage, and further includes:

[0006] A valve core is disposed in the cavity and can move in the direction of fluid flow under fluid pressure to gradually tighten the flow channel;

[0007] The potential energy element can accumulate potential energy by contracting. The two ends of the potential energy element are rotatably connected to the side of the valve core and the inner wall of the cavity opposite to the side of the valve core, respectively. When the valve core moves toward the direction of fluid flow, the potential energy element contracts and rotates accordingly.

[0008] When the fluid reaches the critical water pressure, the potential energy element rotates to a position perpendicular to the direction of movement of the valve core;

[0009] When the fluid pressure exceeds the critical water pressure, the potential energy element rotates further and releases potential energy to drive the valve core to move in the direction of fluid flow until the flow channel is closed.

[0010] In this solution, the aforementioned structure allows the valve core to respond to changes in water pressure and adaptively adjust the width of the flow channel under the action of the potential energy element. When the water pressure is too high, the flow channel tightens; when the water pressure is low, it expands, thus stabilizing the water flow at the terminal and ensuring normal water demand. Even if the water flow fluctuates beyond normal demand, it will remain stable under the action of the flow stabilizing valve, preventing fluctuations. Simultaneously, the valve core in this solution can completely seal the valve body when the water pressure exceeds a certain value, avoiding the risk of leakage caused by continued water flow after the water passage bursts due to excessive pressure.

[0011] Preferably, the potential energy component includes a telescopic rod and a potential energy element disposed on the telescopic rod. The telescopic rod contracts, causing the potential energy element to accumulate potential energy, and the potential energy element can release potential energy and drive the telescopic rod to extend.

[0012] In this scheme, the above-mentioned structure is adopted, with the potential energy element fixed at both ends. When the valve core moves, the potential energy element adapts by contracting the telescopic rod, shortening its overall length so that it can rotate relative to the valve core. When the telescopic rod contracts, the potential energy element is also driven to move to accumulate potential energy and resist the fluid pressure until the two reach an equilibrium state. The higher the water pressure, the greater the movement distance of the valve core in the equilibrium state. The narrower the flow channel, the higher the degree of compression of the telescopic rod, and the more potential energy the potential energy element accumulates. When the water pressure decreases, the potential energy element can release potential energy and make the valve core move in the opposite direction, thus widening the flow channel and realizing dynamic flow regulation.

[0013] Preferably, the potential energy element is a spring, and the telescopic rod has flanges at both ends, with the spring sleeved on the telescopic rod and abutting against the two flanges.

[0014] In this solution, the above structure is adopted. The potential energy element is a spring that can work well with the telescopic rod. The spring is sleeved on the telescopic rod and is compressed when the telescopic rod retracts. It can also be reset to extend the telescopic rod and drive the telescopic rod to rotate, thereby resetting the valve core.

[0015] Preferably, the telescopic rod includes a sleeve end and a rod end. The sleeve end includes a sleeve, and the rod end includes a rod. The rod is partially accommodated within the sleeve and can extend or retract into the sleeve. The sleeve end and the rod end are respectively connected to the inner wall surface of the cavity and the side surface of the valve core.

[0016] In this solution, the above-mentioned structure is adopted. The telescopic rod achieves telescopic movement through the sleeve and rod, which is simple in structure, highly reliable, and easy to assemble.

[0017] Preferably, the valve core further includes a sliding end, which extends circumferentially toward the inner wall of the cavity and abuts against the inner wall of the cavity in the circumferential direction, guiding the valve core to move in the cavity along the fluid flow direction.

[0018] In this solution, the above structure is used, and the sliding end is locked to the inner wall of the cavity, so that the valve core is limited to the center of the cavity, preventing the valve core from deflecting, and realizing the valve core sliding along the cavity.

[0019] Preferably, the sliding end is provided with a flow-stabilizing port for fluid to pass through.

[0020] In this solution, the above structure is adopted, and the sliding end has a flow-stabilizing port that enables it to be open on both sides. After the fluid enters the cavity, it flows through the flow-stabilizing port, which can further play a role in stabilizing the flow and buffering.

[0021] Preferably, the cavity is provided with a water outlet, which forms the outlet of the flow channel;

[0022] The valve core also includes a sealing end, which is positioned toward the outlet and is capable of moving toward the outlet to close it.

[0023] In this solution, the above structure is adopted, and the valve core interacts with the water outlet through the sealing end. The sealing end can be adjusted by moving closer to or further away from the water outlet.

[0024] Preferably, the sealing end has an outer circumferential dimension that matches the diameter of the outlet, and the sealing end extends into and blocks the outlet to close the flow channel.

[0025] In this solution, the above structure is used, and the sealing end is sealed by extending into the water outlet. Compared with direct covering, more sealing surfaces are extended into the seal, thus resulting in a better sealing effect.

[0026] Preferably, the edge of the sealing end forms a conical surface, and the flow channel is formed between the conical surface and the outlet.

[0027] In this scheme, the above structure is adopted. By setting a conical surface and forming a flow channel between the conical surface and the outlet, the conical surface can guide the flow when the fluid passes through, and also makes the change of the flow channel cross-sectional area more obvious when the valve core moves.

[0028] Preferably, the sealing end is further provided with a protrusion at the end position away from the outlet. The protrusion protrudes outward from the side of the valve core along the circumferential direction of the valve core. When the valve core closes the flow channel, the protrusion fits against the outer edge of the outlet facing the valve core.

[0029] In this design, the protrusion, with its aforementioned structure, further covers the edge of the outlet during sealing, achieving a multiple seal and resulting in a better sealing effect. Simultaneously, the protrusion also serves to limit the movement of the valve core, preventing excessive movement.

[0030] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows: The flow-stabilizing valve disclosed in this application allows the valve core to respond to changes in water pressure and adaptively adjust the width of the flow channel under the action of a potential energy element. When the water pressure is too high, the flow channel tightens; when the water pressure is low, the flow channel expands, thus stabilizing the water flow at the terminal and ensuring normal water demand. Even if the water flow fluctuates beyond normal demand, it will remain stable under the action of the flow-stabilizing valve, preventing fluctuations. Simultaneously, the valve core of this solution can completely seal the valve body when the water pressure exceeds a certain value, avoiding the risk of leakage caused by continued water flow after the water passage bursts due to excessive water pressure. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flow stabilizing valve in the flow stabilizing state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flow stabilizing valve in another flow stabilizing state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the flow stabilizing valve in the closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the potential energy device structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a force analysis diagram of the flow stabilizing valve in a steady flow state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a force analysis diagram of the flow stabilizing valve in the closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0038] Cavity 1

[0039] Outlet 11

[0040] 12 convex surfaces

[0041] Valve core 2

[0042] Sliding end 21

[0043] Sealing end 22

[0044] Conical surface 221

[0045] Protrusion 222

[0046] Potential energy component 3

[0047] Telescopic pole 31

[0048] Sleeve end 311

[0049] Rod end 312

[0050] Potential energy element 32

[0051] Shaft 33 Detailed Implementation

[0052] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a flow stabilizing valve, which includes a cavity 1 with a flow channel for fluid passage. It also includes a valve core 2 and a potential energy element 3. The valve core 2 is disposed within the cavity 1 and can move in the direction of fluid flow under fluid pressure to gradually tighten the flow channel. The potential energy element 3 can accumulate potential energy through contraction. Both ends of the potential energy element 3 are rotatably connected to the side of the valve core 2 and the inner wall of the cavity 1 opposite to the side of the valve core 2, respectively. When the valve core 2 moves in the direction of fluid flow, the potential energy element 3 contracts and rotates accordingly. When the fluid reaches the critical water pressure, the potential energy element 3 rotates to a position perpendicular to the direction of movement of the valve core 2. When the fluid exceeds the critical water pressure, the potential energy element 3 further rotates and releases potential energy, driving the valve core 2 to move in the direction of fluid flow until the flow channel is closed.

[0054] The valve core 2, under the action of the potential energy element 3, responds to changes in water pressure and adaptively adjusts the width of the flow channel. When the water pressure is too high, the flow channel tightens; when the water pressure is low, the flow channel expands, stabilizing the water flow at the terminal and ensuring normal water demand. Even if the water flow fluctuates beyond normal demand, it will remain stable under the action of the flow stabilizing valve, preventing fluctuations. Simultaneously, the valve core 2 in this design can completely seal the valve body when the water pressure exceeds a certain value, avoiding the risk of leakage caused by continued water flow after the water circuit bursts due to excessive pressure.

[0055] Specifically, in this embodiment, the two ends of the potential energy element 3 are connected to the side of the valve core 2 and the inner wall of the cavity 1, respectively, and both ends can rotate in the same plane to form a linkage-like structure. This connection method allows the valve core 2 to be fixed to the cavity 1 while also being able to reciprocate within the cavity 1. When the fluid in the cavity 1 is in a stagnant state, the valve core 2 is not subjected to fluid pressure. At this time, under the action of the potential energy element 3, the valve core 2 is at its starting position in the direction of motion, while the potential energy element 3 is at its starting position in the rotation angle, and the flow channel of the flow stabilizing valve is in its maximum state. Figure 1As shown, at this time, the fluid in cavity 1 begins to flow, and its pressure acts on valve core 2, which is in a steady flow state. In this steady flow state, valve core 2 is driven to move by the pressure of the fluid flow. The potential energy component 3 is set at a certain angle to valve core 2 (angled with the direction of valve core 2's movement, ensuring that the potential energy it applies to valve core 2 has a component force opposite to the direction of fluid flow), allowing it to resist the fluid pressure in the steady flow state. When valve core 2 is driven to move by fluid pressure, the potential energy component 3 accumulates potential energy and gradually increases its potential energy applied to valve core 2 as the stroke of valve core 2 in its direction of movement increases, until it reaches equilibrium with the fluid pressure, causing valve core 2 to finally come to rest. Simultaneously with the movement of valve core 2, the potential energy component 3 rotates synchronously with the valve core 2, using its connection point with the cavity wall as the center. As the stroke of valve core 2 in its direction of motion increases, the fluid flow channel gradually narrows, thereby reducing the flow area. The higher the fluid pressure and the faster the flow velocity, the smaller the flow area, ensuring a stable overall water flow through the flow stabilizing valve. When the fluid pressure increases, the state of the flow stabilizing valve is as follows: Figure 2 As shown. Figure 3 As shown, when the fluid pressure continuously increases until the potential energy element 3 rotates to be perpendicular to the direction of movement of the valve core 2, at this point, the potential energy element 3 and the valve core 2 form a 90° angle, and the potential energy no longer generates a component force opposite to the direction of the fluid pressure. This fluid pressure is the critical pressure. In this state, the valve core 2 will not be in equilibrium and will continue to move in its stroke direction under the action of the fluid pressure, causing the potential energy element 3 to rotate further. This, in turn, causes the potential energy element 3 to generate a component force in the same direction as the fluid pressure. Together, these two forces drive the valve core 2 to move further until the flow channel of the flow control valve is finally closed.

[0056] The force analysis diagrams of valve core 2 in the steady flow state and the closed state are as follows: Figure 5 , 6 As shown. Figure 5 In the process, valve core 2 is in a steady flow state. The fluid pressure Fa drives valve core 2 to move, while the potential energy Fb generates a component force Fb1 opposite to the fluid pressure and a component force Fb2 perpendicular to the direction of valve core 2's movement. When the fluid pressure Fa and the potential energy component force Fb1 are the same, valve core 2 is stationary. As the fluid pressure Fa gradually increases, valve core 2 gradually moves, the potential energy component 3 rotates synchronously, and the potential energy Fb also increases synchronously, causing the component force Fb1 to gradually increase, eventually reaching equilibrium at a new equilibrium position. Figure 6 When the pressure reaches the critical pressure, the rotation angle of the potential energy element 3 has exceeded 90°. Therefore, the direction of the component force Fb1 generated by the potential energy Fb has been reversed and becomes the same as the direction of the fluid pressure Fa. The valve core 2 will only be subjected to the force in one direction and will move directly in the direction of water flow until it moves to the closed position and completely closes the entire flow channel.

[0057] like Figure 4 As shown, the potential energy component 3 includes a telescopic rod 31 and a potential energy element 32 mounted on the telescopic rod 31. The telescopic rod 31 contracts, causing the potential energy element 32 to accumulate potential energy. The potential energy element 32 can release potential energy and drive the telescopic rod 31 to extend. The two ends of the potential energy component 3 are fixed. When the valve core 2 moves, it adaptively contracts through the telescopic rod 31, shortening its overall length so that it can rotate relative to the valve core 2. When the telescopic rod 31 contracts, the potential energy element 32 is also driven to move to accumulate potential energy and resist the fluid pressure until the two reach an equilibrium state. The higher the water pressure, the greater the movement distance of the valve core 2 in the equilibrium state. The narrower the flow channel, the higher the degree of compression of the telescopic rod 31, and the more potential energy the potential energy element 32 accumulates. When the water pressure decreases, the potential energy element 32 can release potential energy and cause the valve core 2 to move in the opposite direction, widening the flow channel and realizing dynamic flow regulation.

[0058] Specifically, both ends of the potential energy element 3 are fixed to the cavity wall and the valve core 2, and cannot generate displacement relative to the cavity 1 and the valve core 2. In order for the valve core 2 to move in a straight line, the length of the potential energy element 3 must change accordingly while rotating. The closer it is to the position perpendicular to the valve core 2, the shorter its length needs to be. Therefore, a telescopic structure is required. The potential energy element 32 is a spring. Flanges are provided at both ends of the telescopic rod 31. The spring is sleeved on the telescopic rod 31 and abuts against the two flanges. The potential energy element 32, being a spring, can cooperate well with the telescopic rod 31. The spring is sleeved on the telescopic rod 31 and is compressed when the telescopic rod 31 retracts. It can also extend the telescopic rod 31 and drive the telescopic rod 31 to rotate, thereby driving the valve core 2 to reset.

[0059] In other embodiments, a non-stretchable potential energy element 3 can also be used. However, in this case, the movement of the valve core 2 will follow an arc trajectory. As long as this movement can adjust the flow area of ​​the flow channel, the technical problem to be solved in this application can be resolved.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the telescopic rod 31 includes a sleeve end 311 and a rod end 312. The sleeve end 311 includes a sleeve, and the rod end 312 includes a rod. The rod portion is accommodated within the sleeve and can extend or retract into the sleeve. The sleeve end 311 and the rod end 312 are respectively connected to the inner wall surface of the cavity 1 and the side surface of the valve core 2. The telescopic rod 31 achieves extension and retraction through the sleeve and the rod, which has a simple structure, high reliability, and is easy to assemble.

[0061] Specifically, a rotating shaft 33 is provided on both the cavity wall and the side wall of the valve core 2, and the sleeve end 311 and the rod end 312 are respectively connected to the rotating shaft 33 and are connected to each other. The elastic element is sleeved on the surface of the two and is locked between the flanges of the sleeve end 311 and the rod end 312.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the valve core 2 also includes a sliding end 21. The sliding end 21 extends circumferentially toward the inner wall of the cavity 1 and abuts against the inner wall of the cavity 1 in the circumferential direction, guiding the valve core 2 to move in the direction of fluid flow within the cavity 1. The sliding end 21 engages and connects the valve core 2 with the inner wall of the cavity 1, thus limiting the valve core 2 to the center of the cavity 1, preventing the valve core 2 from deflecting, and enabling the valve core 2 to slide along the direction of the cavity 1 within the cavity 1.

[0063] Specifically, the sliding end 21 is a disc-shaped part that expands outward along the surface of the valve core 2. The size of the sliding end 21 is consistent with the cross-section of the flow stabilizing valve cavity 1, allowing it to be locked in the flow stabilizing valve and ensuring that the valve core 2 can move only in a specific direction within the cavity 1. In this embodiment, the flow stabilizing valve includes a cylindrical shell with a cylindrical inner cavity having a circular cross-section, and the size of the sliding end 21 is consistent with this circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the shapes of the inner cavity and the sliding end 21 can also be other shapes, as long as they can limit the movement of the valve core 2 in the non-movement direction.

[0064] The sliding end 21 is provided with a flow-stabilizing port for fluid to pass through. The sliding end 21 has a flow-stabilizing port that allows it to be open on both sides. After the fluid enters the cavity 1, it flows through the flow-stabilizing port, which can further stabilize the flow and buffer it.

[0065] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the cavity 1 has an outlet 11, which forms the outlet of the flow channel. The valve core 2 also includes a sealing end 22, which is positioned towards the outlet 11 and can move towards and close the outlet 11. The valve core 2 interacts with the outlet 11 through the sealing end 22, which can be adjusted by moving closer to or further away from the outlet 11. The sealing end 22 has an outer circumference that matches the diameter of the outlet 11, and it closes the flow channel by extending into and blocking the outlet 11. The sealing end 22 seals the flow channel by extending into the outlet 11, which provides a greater sealing surface compared to direct coverage, resulting in a better sealing effect. The edge of the sealing end 22 forms a tapered surface 221, and a flow channel is formed between the tapered surface 221 and the outlet 11. By setting a conical surface 221, and forming a flow channel between the conical surface 221 and the outlet 11, the conical surface 221 can guide the flow when the fluid passes through, and also makes the change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel more obvious when the valve core 2 moves. A protrusion 222 is also provided at the end of the sealing end 22 away from the outlet 11. The protrusion 222 protrudes outward from the side of the valve core 2 along the circumferential direction of the valve core 2. When the valve core 2 closes the flow channel, the protrusion 222 fits against the outer edge of the outlet 11 facing the valve core 2. The protrusion 222 can further cover the edge of the outlet 11 to achieve multiple seals when the sealing end 22 is sealing, resulting in a better sealing effect. At the same time, the protrusion 222 can also limit the movement of the valve core 2, preventing excessive movement of the valve core 2.

[0066] Specifically, the flow regulator has a housing with an outlet 11. A valve core 2 is positioned between the outlet 11 and the inlet of the flow regulator. The sealing end 22 of the valve core 2 faces the outlet 11. The outlet 11 has a protrusion 12 protruding towards the valve core 2 in its circumferential direction. The protrusion 12 cooperates with the protrusion 222 to achieve multiple seals. A flow channel is formed between the outlet 11 and the sealing end 22. In this embodiment, it is specifically between the protrusion 12 and the conical surface 221. Under fluid pressure, the valve core 2 moves towards the outlet 11, and the distance between it and the outlet 11 decreases, thus reducing the flow area of ​​the flow channel.

[0067] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flow control valve, comprising a cavity, wherein a flow channel for fluid passage is formed within the cavity, characterized in that, It also includes: A valve core is disposed in the cavity and can move in the direction of fluid flow under fluid pressure to gradually tighten the flow channel; The potential energy element is capable of storing potential energy by contraction. The two ends of the potential energy element are rotatably connected to the side of the valve core and the inner wall of the cavity opposite to the side of the valve core, respectively. When the valve core moves toward the direction of fluid flow, the potential energy element contracts and rotates accordingly. When the fluid reaches the critical water pressure, the potential energy element rotates to a position perpendicular to the direction of movement of the valve core; When the fluid pressure exceeds the critical water pressure, the potential energy element rotates further and releases potential energy to drive the valve core to move in the direction of fluid flow until the flow channel is closed.

2. The flow regulating valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The potential energy component includes a telescopic rod and a potential energy element disposed on the telescopic rod. The telescopic rod can store potential energy in the potential energy element by contracting, and the potential energy element can release potential energy and drive the telescopic rod to extend.

3. The flow regulating valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The potential energy element is a spring, and the telescopic rod has flanges at both ends. The spring is sleeved on the telescopic rod and abuts against the two flanges.

4. The flow regulating valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The telescopic rod includes a sleeve end and a rod end. The sleeve end includes a sleeve, and the rod end includes a rod. The rod is partially accommodated in the sleeve and can extend or retract into the sleeve. The sleeve end and the rod end are respectively connected to the inner wall surface of the cavity and the side surface of the valve core.

5. The flow regulating valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The valve core also includes a sliding end, which extends circumferentially toward the inner wall of the cavity and abuts against the inner wall of the cavity in the circumferential direction, guiding the valve core to move in the cavity along the fluid flow direction.

6. The flow regulating valve as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The sliding end is provided with a flow-stabilizing port for fluid to pass through.

7. The flow stabilizing valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity is provided with a water outlet, which forms the outlet of the flow channel; The valve core also includes a sealing end, which is positioned toward the outlet and is capable of moving toward the outlet to close it.

8. The flow regulating valve as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The sealing end has an outer circumference that matches the diameter of the outlet, and the sealing end extends into and blocks the outlet to seal the flow channel.

9. The flow regulating valve as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The edge of the sealing end forms a conical surface, and the flow channel is formed between the conical surface and the outlet.

10. The flow regulating valve as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The sealing end is further provided with a protrusion at the end position away from the outlet. The protrusion protrudes outward from the side of the valve core along the circumferential direction of the valve core. When the valve core closes the flow channel, the protrusion fits against the outer edge of the outlet facing the valve core.

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