Recirculation valve

Abstract

A recirculation valve according to the present invention comprises: a hot water housing forming a hot water passage allowing hot water to flow therein; a direct water housing forming a direct water passage allowing direct water to flow therein; a recirculation housing forming a recirculation passage allowing hot water in the hot water passage to flow into the direct water passage; a hydraulic opening and closing body provided to close or open the recirculation passage; and a bimetal plate configured to deform according to a temperature of the hot water to open or close an inlet passage as part of the recirculation passage, in which the recirculation housing includes an inlet housing upstream of the bimetal plate, the inlet housing including a housing body in which the inlet passage is formed and a housing locking protrusion in which the inlet passage is formed, and the housing locking protrusion is configured to lock the inlet passage in the housing body. The housing locking projection is configured to surround the inlet passage from the housing body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hot water recirculation valve.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] The present disclosure claims priority under Title 35 of the United States Code, Section 119, based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0107238 filed on August 26, 2022 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application. Background Art

[0004] A hot water recirculation system can always provide hot water that is higher than or equal to a specific temperature. In a hot water recirculation system, even if the use of hot water stops and the hot water is no longer discharged, the hot water from the boiler can still be returned to the boiler through a direct water pipe and reheated in the boiler. In order to repeat this process, the hot water can be maintained at a predetermined temperature during the hot water circulation process.

[0005] However, since the direct water pipe is used for recirculation of hot water, when the direct water is used at the consumption point, hot water must be prevented from entering the direct water pipe. In addition, even when hot water is used at the consumption point, the hot water must be supplied to the consumption point and then discharged without circulation.

[0006] Therefore, a recirculation valve needs to be provided in the hot water recirculation system to block the hot water circulation when direct water or hot water is used, and to enable the hot water to circulate when direct water or hot water is not used.

[0007] Figure 1 : is a longitudinal sectional view of a conventional recirculation valve. As can be seen from the accompanying figure, in a conventional recirculation valve using bimetal, hot water flows to the right through the recirculation housing RH, which connects the channel of direct water or hot water flowing in one direction (upward in the figure) with another direction perpendicular to the direction (left and right in the figure), and then flows into the direct water channel for circulation. However, when hot water is recirculated, the hot water flowing upward is guided to the right, so that due to inertia, the flow rate of hot water at various positions in the recirculation housing RH changes in the up-down direction. Since the hot water flowing upward is guided, the amount of hot water flowing through the upper side in the recirculation housing RH is greater than the amount of hot water flowing through the lower side in the recirculation housing RH, thereby generating a pressure gradient on the bimetal plate BP arranged in the recirculation housing RH. Since the pressure gradient is generated on the bimetal plate BP, abnormal operation or excessive noise may occur when the bimetal plate BP operates. When the hot water flowing through the recirculation housing RH forms turbulence, abnormal operation or noise may be aggravated. Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The present disclosure is made to solve the above problems in the prior art. One aspect of the present disclosure provides a recirculation valve having a recirculation housing structure for reducing abnormal operation or noise during operation of the bimetallic plate by reducing pressure imbalance applied to the bimetallic plate.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the recirculation valve includes a hot water housing, which is fluidly connected to a hot water supply pipe, which supplies hot water generated by heating raw water and forms a hot water channel, through which the hot water flows along a first reference direction; a direct water housing, which is fluidly connected to a direct water supply pipe, which supplies direct water as raw water and forms a direct water channel, through which the direct water flows; a recirculation housing, which forms a recirculation channel along a second reference direction perpendicular to the first reference direction so that the hot water channel and the direct water channel are fluidly connected and the hot water in the hot water channel flows into the direct water channel; a water pressure opening and closing body, which is arranged in the direct water housing and is used to close or open the recirculation channel; and a bimetallic plate, which is arranged in the recirculation housing and is deformed according to the water temperature of the hot water to open or close the inlet channel as part of the recirculation channel. The recirculation housing includes an inlet housing located upstream of the bimetal plate based on a second reference direction, the inlet housing including a housing body having an inlet passage formed therein and a housing locking claw protruding from the housing body in a direction opposite to the second reference direction, the housing locking claw surrounding the inlet passage.

[0012] Beneficial Effects

[0013] Therefore, the imbalance of pressure applied to the bimetal plate can be reduced, so that abnormal operation or noise during operation of the bimetal plate can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conventional recirculation valve.

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a hot water recirculation system using a recirculation valve according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a recirculation valve according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a recirculation valve according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a recirculation housing and a cover of a recirculation valve according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a recirculation housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a recirculation housing of a recirculation valve according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same or equivalent components should be designated by the same numerals even if they are shown on other drawings. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known features or functions will be excluded so as not to unnecessarily obscure the core content of the present disclosure.

[0022] When describing components according to embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", "(a)", "(b)", etc. may be used. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the nature, order, or arrangement order of the components. When a component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "linked" to another component, this may mean that the components are not only directly "connected", "coupled", or "linked", but also indirectly "connected", "coupled", or "linked" through a third component.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a hot water recirculation system S using a recirculation valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, a hot water recirculation system S using the circulation valve 1 in one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a heat source H, a recirculation valve 1 , a hot water supply pipe L1 , a direct water supply pipe L2 , and a recirculation pipe L22 .

[0025] The heat source H is a component that forms hot water by heating direct water or return water as introduced raw water. Therefore, a boiler including a heat exchanger that heats direct water using at least one of sensible heat or latent heat of combustion gas generated by fuel combustion may be provided as the heat source H. However, in addition to the boiler, any device that can receive and heat direct water or return water, generate hot water, and discharge the hot water may be arranged and used as the heat source H.

[0026] When the temperature of the introduced water is lower than a specific temperature or the flow rate of the introduced water is greater than or equal to the operating flow rate, the heat source H can operate to heat the introduced water, generate hot water, and discharge the hot water. Therefore, the operation of the heat source H can be controlled by adjusting the flow rate. In order to perform this operation, a flow rate sensor (not shown) capable of measuring the flow rate can be provided in the heat source H, and a controller (not shown) composed of a microprocessor can be further provided, and the microprocessor can operate the heat source H according to the electrical signal generated by the flow rate sensor.

[0027] The recirculation pipe L22 is connected to the heat source H to introduce direct water or return water of the direct water supply pipe L2, that is, raw water, to the heat source H. The direct water or return water may be used as raw water, which is heated by the heat source H and discharged as hot water. The hot water supply pipe L1 is connected to the heat source H, and hot water is discharged through the hot water supply pipe L1.

[0028] The hot water supply pipe L1 is a component that is connected to the heat source H and supplies hot water to the consumption point SD1. One end is connected to the heat source H, and the other end is connected to the consumption point SD1 through the recirculation valve 1. Therefore, the function of the hot water supply pipe L1 is to transport hot water from the heat source H to the consumption point SD1. The hot water supply pipe L1 can be drawn from the heat source H and connected to the consumption point SD1 through the recirculation valve 1, or can be directly connected to other consumption points SD2 through other hot water supply pipes L11 branched from the hot water supply pipe L1 to supply hot water to the consumption point SD1 and other consumption points SD2.

[0029] The consumption point SD1 and the other consumption points SD2 may be faucets that discharge hot water and direct water to the outside and adjust the discharge amount as shown in the figure, but are not limited to this.

[0030] The direct water supply pipe L2 is a component that is connected to a direct water source and supplies direct water to the consumption point SD1. One end of the direct water supply pipe L2 may be connected to an external direct water source that is a water supply source that supplies direct water and receives and flows the direct water, or may be directly connected to other consumption points SD2 through other direct water supply pipes L21 branched from the direct water supply pipe L2, and supply direct water. As shown in the figure, the direct water supply pipe L2 may pass through a recirculation valve 1 before being connected to the consumption point SD1.

[0031] The recirculation pipe L22 is a component connected to the direct water supply pipe L2, and allows direct water to flow from the direct water source to the heat source H, or allows return water delivered to the direct water supply pipe L2 through a recirculation passage (which will be described below) formed in the housing of the recirculation valve 1 to flow into the heat source H. Therefore, the recirculation pipe L22 can directly or indirectly connect the direct water source and the heat source H, and can allow direct water to be delivered to the heat source H. In addition, the recirculation pipe L22 can also deliver return water generated by the recirculation passage to the heat source H through the direct water supply pipe L2. That is, the recirculation pipe L22 is a component that delivers water to the heat source H.

[0032] As shown in the figure, based on the flow direction of the direct water in the direct water supply pipe L2, one end of the recirculation pipe L22 is connected to a certain point upstream of the direct water supply pipe L2 and before the branching point of the direct water supply pipe L2, and the other end of the recirculation pipe L22 is connected to the heat source H. Therefore, the return water that flows in the opposite direction to the flow direction of the direct water and returns to the point and the direct water that flows downstream from the direct water source and is delivered to the point can be delivered to the heat source H through the recirculation pipe L22.

[0033] In order to make the recirculation pipe L22 transport the direct water or the return water to the heat source H as described above, as described above, a pump P may be provided for the recirculation pipe L22. The pump P pressurizes the direct water or the return water flowing through the recirculation pipe L22 and forcibly transports the direct water or the return water to the heat source H. Therefore, the pump P provides power for the entire hot water recirculation system S to circulate the hot water.

[0034] The recirculation valve 1 is a component that determines whether hot water is recirculated in the hot water recirculation system S according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The recirculation valve 1 is connected to the hot water supply pipe L1 and the direct water supply pipe L2, and includes a recirculation passage that transfers the hot water transferred from the hot water supply pipe L1 to the direct water supply pipe L2, thereby forming return water. Therefore, the hot water recirculation system S operates as follows.

[0035] Direct water is supplied from a direct water source to a direct water supply pipe L2. A portion of the direct water is supplied to other consumption points SD2 through other direct water supply pipes L21, or is delivered to consumption points SD1 through direct water supply pipes L2 and recirculation valve 1. Another portion of the direct water is delivered to a heat source H through a recirculation pipe L22.

[0036] The heat source H heats the direct water to form hot water and discharges the hot water. A portion of the hot water is provided to other consumption points SD2 through other hot water supply pipes L11, or is delivered to consumption points SD1 through the hot water supply pipe L1 and the recirculation valve 1. Another portion of the hot water may be provided to the direct water supply pipe L2 through the recirculation passage of the recirculation valve 1, and may return along the direct water supply pipe L2 in a flow direction opposite to the flow direction of the direct water.

[0037] The water returned in the opposite direction of the direct water supply pipe L2 flows into the heat source H through the recirculation pipe L22. The heat source H heats the returned water again to generate hot water, and discharges the hot water through the hot water supply pipe L1.

[0038] The recirculation valve 1 adjusts the flow rate of the recirculating hot water during the recirculation process.

[0039] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a recirculation valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a recirculation valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an inlet housing and a cover of a recirculation valve 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Reference Figures 3 to 5 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a recirculation valve 1 includes a housing 10 , a water pressure opening and closing body 20 , and a bimetallic plate 30 .

[0041] Housing 10

[0042] The housing 10 is a component forming the exterior of the recirculation valve 1. The housing 10 includes a housing body having an internal empty space, and a front cover 15 and a rear cover 14 covering a partial opening formed in the housing body. In addition, the open interior of the housing 10 includes a hot water passage 110, a direct water passage 120, and a recirculation passage 130. The housing includes a hot water housing 11, a direct water housing 12, and a recirculation housing 13. The hot water housing 11, the direct water housing 12, and the recirculation housing 13 can be combined together to form the housing 10, and as shown in the figure, the housing body can be in a form in which the hot water housing 11 and the direct water housing 12 are integrally formed with each other, and the recirculation housing 13 is connected therein.

[0043] The hot water housing 11 is a housing fluidly connected to the hot water supply pipe L1, for supplying hot water generated by heating raw water, and forming a hot water channel 110. The hot water channel 110 is a channel between two openings connecting the openings of the housing 10. The hot water channel 110 is fluidly connected to the hot water supply pipe L1, for supplying hot water generated by heating raw water to the consumption point SD1, and the hot water flows through the hot water channel 110. Therefore, the hot water channel 110 includes a hot water supply channel 111 fluidly connected to a part of the hot water supply pipe L1, which receives hot water; and a hot water discharge channel 112 that discharges hot water from the inside of the housing 10 and supplies hot water to the consumption point SD1 through another part of the hot water supply pipe L1. The hot water supply channel 111 and the hot water discharge channel 112 are connected to different openings.

[0044] As shown in the figure, the hot water supply channel 111 and the hot water discharge channel 112 can be arranged to extend along the same straight line. The hot water channel 110 can be formed along the first reference direction D1. The hot water discharge channel 112 can be located in the first reference direction D1 relative to the hot water supply channel 111, and the hot water can flow along the hot water channel 110 in the first reference direction D1.

[0045] The front cover 15 may be disposed between the hot water supply passage 111 and the hot water discharge passage 112. The interior of the front cover 15 may be open to fluidically connect the hot water supply passage 111 and the hot water discharge passage 112. Therefore, the front cover 15 may form a portion of the hot water passage 110. The front cover 15 may be detachably connected to the housing 10, and may facilitate assembly and replacement of the bimetallic plate 30, the inlet housing 131, and the outlet housing 132 to be described below. The front cover O-ring 64 may be placed at the boundary between the front cover 15 and the housing body to maintain water tightness between the front cover 15 and the housing 10, preventing hot water from leaking from the front cover 15. The front cover O-ring 64 may be formed of a material having elasticity.

[0046] The front cover 15 can be fixed to the housing body by a front fastener 71. The front fastener 71 can be one or more bolts. The front fastener 71 can be connected to the fixing holes formed in the housing body and the fixing holes formed in the front cover 15, so that the front cover 15 is connected to the front fastener 71.

[0047] The recirculation channel 130 is fluidly connected to the hot water channel 110 in the area where the front cover 15 is provided. Therefore, a portion of the hot water provided through the hot water supply channel 111 can be delivered to the hot water discharge channel 112, while in the area where the front cover 15 is provided, the remaining portion flows into the recirculation channel 130 and enters the recirculation process.

[0048] The direct water housing 12 is a housing fluidly connected to the direct water supply pipe L2, and is used to supply direct water as raw water to form a direct water channel 120. The direct water channel 120 is a channel fluidly connected to the direct water supply pipe L2, and is used to supply direct water as raw water to the consumption point SD1, and to flow the direct water through the channel. The direct water channel 120 includes a direct water supply channel 121, which supplies direct water into the housing 10 and discharges hot water to the outside of the housing 10 so that the hot water introduced along the recirculation channel 130 (which will be described below) is recirculated; and a direct water discharge channel 122, which discharges the direct water to the outside of the housing 10. In addition, the direct water channel 120 includes an intermediate direct water channel 123, which is fluidly connected to the recirculation channel 130, connects the direct water supply channel 121 and the direct water discharge channel 122, and accommodates the water pressure opening and closing body 20 to be described below. Therefore, the direct water is delivered from the direct water supply channel 121 to the direct water discharge channel 122 through the intermediate direct water channel 123, and delivered to the consumption point SD1.

[0049] The direct water supply channel 121 and the direct water discharge channel 122 are spaced apart from each other in the extending direction of the intermediate direct water channel 123 and are fluidly connected to the intermediate direct water channel 123. Therefore, the direct water supply channel 121 and the direct water discharge channel 122 are interlaced with each other, and the direct water flowing in the direct water channel 121 is not directly delivered to the direct water discharge channel 122 without passing through the intermediate direct water channel 123 or being blocked by the water pressure opening and closing body 20 provided in the intermediate direct water channel 123. The direct water flowing in the direct water supply channel 121 is delivered to the direct water discharge channel 122 through the intermediate direct water channel 123.

[0050] As shown in the figure, the extension directions of the direct water supply channel 121 and the direct water discharge channel 122 may not be in a straight line. As shown in the figure, the direct water supply channel 121 and the direct water discharge channel 122 may be formed along the first reference direction D1. The intermediate direct water channel 123 may be formed along the second reference direction D2 perpendicular to the first reference direction D1. The direct water discharge channel 122 may be arranged along the first reference direction D1 relative to the direct water supply channel 121, and the direct water may flow in the direct water channel 120 in the order of the first reference direction D1, the second reference direction D2, and the first reference direction D1.

[0051] One end of the intermediate direct water channel 123 may be fluidly connected to the recirculation channel 130, and the other end of the intermediate direct water channel 123 may be closed by the rear cover 14. Therefore, hot water is transported from the hot water channel 110 to the intermediate direct water channel 123 through the recirculation channel 130, and the hot water transported in this way naturally flows into the direct water supply channel 121 and flows in a direction opposite to the flow direction of the direct water to become return water.

[0052] The rear cover 14 can be fixed to the housing body by a rear fastener 72. The rear fastener 72 can be one or more bolts. The rear fastener 72 can be connected to the fastening holes formed in the housing body and the fastening holes formed in the rear cover 14 to connect the rear cover 14 and the rear fastener 72.

[0053] In order to maintain the water tightness of the intermediate direct water passage 123, a rear cover O-ring 63 may be provided at the boundary between the inner surface of the housing forming the intermediate direct water passage 123 and the rear cover 14. The rear cover O-ring 63 may be made of a material having elasticity.

[0054] The recirculation passage 130 is a passage that fluidically connects the hot water passage 110 and the direct water passage 120, and allows hot water in the hot water passage 110 to flow into the direct water passage 120. The recirculation passage 130 may be formed by the recirculation housing 13. The recirculation passage 130 may be formed by opening the recirculation housing 13 in the second reference direction D2.

[0055] Water pressure switch body 20

[0056] The water pressure opening and closing body 20 is a component for closing or opening the recirculation channel 130. The water pressure opening and closing body 20 can be accommodated in the intermediate direct water channel 123 and can move in the extension direction of the intermediate direct water channel 123. When direct water or hot water is used, the water pressure opening and closing body 20 moves to close the recirculation channel 130, and when direct water and hot water are not used, the water pressure opening and closing body 20 moves in the direction opposite to the direction in which the water pressure opening and closing body 20 moves when direct water or hot water is used, and opens the recirculation channel 130. When direct water or hot water is used, the direction in which the water pressure opening and closing body 20 moves may be the opposite direction to the second reference direction D2 in which hot water flows along the recirculation channel 130, and when direct water and hot water are not used, the direction in which the water pressure opening and closing body 20 moves may be the same as the second reference direction D2.

[0057] The direct water pressure of the direct water source supplying direct water is higher than the internal pressure of the hot water channel 110. Therefore, even if only direct water is used, so that the internal pressure of the direct water channel 120 is slightly reduced, the internal pressure of the direct water channel 120 is still higher than the internal pressure of the hot water channel 110, so the water pressure opening and closing body 20 is subjected to the pressure of the direct water in the direction opposite to the second reference direction D2, and keeps the recirculation channel 130 closed. Even if only hot water is used, the internal pressure of the direct water channel 120 that has not discharged direct water is pressurized by the pump P, but the internal pressure of the direct water channel 120 is higher than the internal pressure of the hot water channel 110, and the internal pressure of the hot water channel is slightly reduced as the hot water is discharged. Therefore, the water pressure opening and closing body 20 is acted on by the direct water flow opposite to the second reference direction D2, and keeps the recirculation channel 130 in a closed state. For the same reason, even if direct water and hot water are used together, the recirculation channel 130 is also closed by the water pressure opening and closing body 20.

[0058] As described above, when hot water or direct water is used, the recirculation passage 130 is closed, thereby preventing the direct water and hot water from being mixed with each other and supplied to the consumption point SD1 at an undesirable water temperature.

[0059] The water pressure opening and closing body 20 may include a shaft 21, a flange 22, and an arm 23. The shaft 21 is a component constituting the skeleton of the water pressure opening and closing body 20. The shaft 21 extends along the extension direction of the intermediate direct water channel 123 and is supported by the rear cover 14, which constitutes the inner surface of the housing 10 defining the intermediate direct water channel 123. In order to open or close the recirculation channel 130, one end of the shaft 21 is disposed near the opening of the outlet channel 1303 of the recirculation channel 130, which is oriented toward the second reference direction D2. The other end of the shaft 21 is inserted into the sliding hole 141 of the rear cover 14. Therefore, the shaft 21 can perform linear motion in the extension direction of the intermediate direct water channel 123 while sliding under the guidance of the sliding hole 141.

[0060] The flange 22 is a component extending radially from the shaft 21, and is pressed by direct water or hot water so that the water pressure switch body 20 moves linearly along the extension direction of the intermediate direct water channel 123. The outer surface of the flange 22 can be formed into a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the intermediate direct water channel 123. However, the outer surface of the flange 22 is spaced from the inner surface of the shell body to form a separation space G, so that hot water or direct water can flow between the outer surface of the flange 22 and the inner surface of the shell body. Therefore, the intermediate direct water channel 123 is not completely separated by the flange 22. When the hot water passing through the recirculation channel 130 presses the flange 22, the flange 22 is pressed by the hot water in the second reference direction D2 of the hot water flow, and the entire water pressure switch body 20 moves in the second reference direction D2. When the direct water presses the flange 22, the flange 22 will be pressed by the direct water in the opposite direction to the second reference direction D2, and the entire water pressure switch body 20 will move in the direction opposite to the second reference direction D2.

[0061] The arm 23 also extends radially from the shaft 21 like the flange 22, but it is structured as a plurality of branches extending radially toward the intermediate direct water passage 123. The arm 23 can contact the inner surface of the housing body. Therefore, the arm 23 supports the shaft 21 on the inner surface of the housing body to help the water pressure switch body 20 to perform linear movement well in the intermediate direct water passage 123 without deviating from the original position, but it is not a part of the water pressure switch body 20 that is moved by the pressure of hot water or direct water like the flange 22.

[0062] The water pressure opening and closing body 20 includes a sealing gasket 25 made of a material having elasticity in the vicinity of the recycling passage 130. Therefore, the sealing gasket 25 is disposed at one end of the shaft 21. The sealing gasket 25 may be made of a material having elasticity, such as rubber, and may be disposed at an opening on one side of the outlet passage 1303 covering the outlet housing 132 to be described below. The sealing gasket 25 having elasticity may be in contact with the outlet housing 132 to mitigate the impact applied to the outlet housing 132 and maintain the watertightness of the recycling passage 130. The sealing gasket 25 may be formed in a cylindrical shape as shown in the figure, and an internal groove may be formed around one end of the shaft 21 so that one end of the shaft 21 is inserted and connected to the internal groove, but its shape is not limited thereto.

[0063] The water pressure switch body 20 may further include an elastic member 40 connecting the water pressure switch body 20 to the inner surface of the housing 10. One end of the elastic member 40 is connected to the water pressure switch body 20, and the opposite end of the elastic member 40 is connected to the inner surface of the housing 10. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic member 40 is connected to the back cover 14 constituting the housing 10. The elastic member 40 may be a coil spring, but its type is not limited thereto.

[0064] When direct water and hot water are not used and the water temperature of the hot water is higher than or equal to the reference temperature, the elastic component 40 may have a basic length without being stretched and compressed. When the length of the elastic component 40 is equal to the basic length, the position where the water pressure opening and closing body 20 is located in the middle direct water channel 123 is called the basic position. That is, when the above conditions are met, the elastic component 40 has a basic length and positions the water pressure opening and closing body 20 in the basic position. In the basic position, the sealing gasket 25 of the water pressure opening and closing body 20 may not close the recycling channel 130. However, according to a modified example of the present embodiment, the basic position may be the position where the water pressure opening and closing body 20 closes the recycling channel 130.

[0065] When direct water or hot water is used, the elastic member 40 is stretched due to the squeezing of the direct water and pushes the water pressure switch body 20. When direct water or hot water is used, the water pressure of the direct water pushes the water pressure switch body 20 to move in the direction of the recirculation channel 130, that is, in the direction opposite to the second reference direction D2, and the elastic member 40 connected to the water pressure switch body 20 at one end is stretched because the opposite end of the elastic member 40 is connected to the inner surface of the housing 10, but the inner surface of the housing 10 does not move. The elastic member 40 applies an elastic restoring force to the water pressure switch body 20 in the second reference direction D2. Therefore, when the use of direct water is stopped, so that the external force other than the restoring force acting on the water pressure switch body 20 disappears, or the remaining external force is balanced, the water pressure switch body 20 can return to the basic position by the restoring force.

[0066] When direct water and hot water are not used, and the water temperature of the hot water is lower than the reference temperature, the elastic member 40 can be compressed by the pressure of the hot water, and the hot water enters the intermediate direct water channel 123 along the second reference direction D2 through the recirculation channel 130, thereby pushing and moving the water pressure switch body 20. Since the hot water moves the water pressure switch body 20 under the water pressure in the second reference direction D2 away from the recirculation channel 130, the elastic member 40 is compressed between the water pressure switch body 20 and the inner surface of the housing 10. Therefore, the elastic member 40 applies an elastic restoring force to the water pressure switch body 20 in the direction opposite to the second reference direction D2. Therefore, when the water temperature of the hot water is higher than or equal to the reference temperature, the flow rate of the hot water flowing along the recirculation channel 130 is reduced, and when the external force other than the restoring force acting on the water pressure switch body 20 disappears or the remaining external force reaches a balance, the water pressure switch body 20 can be returned to the basic position by the restoring force.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the recirculation valve 1 may include a filter cover 50. The filter cover 50 may be connected to a side of the recirculation housing 13, which side faces the direction opposite to the second reference direction D2, thereby filtering impurities in the hot water entering the recirculation passage 30. The filter cover 50 may be formed in a shape covering the side of the recirculation housing 13 facing the direction opposite to the second reference direction D2, and may form a double layer. The filter cover 50 may be a porous mesh.

[0068] Recirculation housing 13

[0069] The recirculation housing 13 may be located between the hot water housing 11 and the direct water housing 12. The recirculation housing 13 includes an inlet housing 131. The recirculation housing 13 may include an outlet housing 132.

[0070] The inlet housing 131 is located upstream of the bimetal plate 30 based on the second reference direction D2. The inlet channel 1310 is a part of the recirculation channel 130 and may be formed in the inlet housing 131. Therefore, the hot water flowing through the hot water channel 110 may flow along the second reference direction D2 through the inlet channel 1310 formed in the inlet housing 131 and be delivered to the bimetal plate 30. When viewed in the second reference direction D2, the inlet channel 1310 may be located at the center of the bimetal plate 30, and thus the hot water reaching the bimetal plate 30 may diffuse from the center of the bimetal plate 30 to the outside of the bimetal plate 30.

[0071] The outer surface of the housing body and the inlet housing 131 may be connected, and a housing O-ring 62 may be provided therebetween. The housing O-ring 62 made of an elastic material maintains water tightness between the inlet housing 131 and the housing inner surface to prevent hot water from leaking from the boundary therebetween.

[0072] The end 151 of the front cover may contact the side surface of the inlet housing 131 facing the direction opposite to the second reference direction D2. Therefore, when the front cover 15 is inserted into the housing, the end 151 of the front cover may be connected to the housing while pressing the inlet housing 131.

[0073] An annular groove may be formed on the side surface of the inlet housing 131 facing the bimetal plate 30, and a contact O-ring 61 may be arranged in the groove. The contact O-ring 61 may be made of a material having elasticity and may be disposed on the side surface of the inlet housing 131 facing the second reference direction D2. Therefore, even if the bimetal plate 30 covers and blocks the inlet passage 1310, the contact O-ring 61 may absorb impact and may maintain water tightness.

[0074] The bimetal plate 30 is provided on a side surface of the inlet housing 131, which side surface faces the direct water passage 120, and is located at one of the side surfaces of the inlet housing 131. That is, the bimetal plate 30 is located in the second reference direction D2 relative to the inlet housing 131. The inlet housing 131 is located closer to the hot water passage 110 than the outlet housing 132 to be described below.

[0075] The inlet housing 131 includes a housing body 1311 and a housing locking claw 1312. A portion of the inlet passage 1310 may be formed to penetrate the housing body 1311 in the second reference direction D2. The housing body 1311 may be formed in an annular shape surrounding the inlet passage 1310. The housing locking claw 1312 may protrude from the housing body 1311 in a direction opposite to the second reference direction D2 and may surround the inlet passage 1310. The housing locking claw 1312 may be formed in a cylindrical shape that is hollow and open in the second reference direction D2.

[0076] That is, the housing body 1311 may have a cover-like shape covering the space between the hot water passage 110 and the direct water passage 120, and the housing locking claw 1312 may have a mouth-like shape protruding from the cover.

[0077] The housing locking claw 1312 may have an area overlapping with the hot water passage 110 in the first reference direction D1. The housing body 1311 may not overlap with the hot water passage 110 in the first reference direction D1.

[0078] Based on the second reference direction D2, the length of the housing locking claw 1312 may account for 50% to 100% of the length of the housing body 1311. Based on the first reference direction D1, the thickness of the housing locking claw 1312 may be less than or equal to 50% of the thickness of the housing body 1311.

[0079] The inlet housing 131 may further include an inner protrusion 1313 protruding from the housing body 1311 along the second reference direction D2 and surrounding the inlet passage 1310. The above-mentioned annular groove may be formed on the inner protrusion 1313, and the contact O-ring 61 may be disposed in the groove. That is, the inlet passage 1310 may be defined by the housing locking claw 1312, the housing body 1311, and the inner protrusion 1313 in sequence along the second reference direction D2.

[0080] Based on the second reference direction D2, the length of the inlet channel 1310 may be formed to be two or more times greater than the length of the housing body 1311. The inlet channel 1310 may include a first inlet channel 1301 and a second inlet channel 1302 arranged in sequence in the second reference direction D2. The cross-sectional area obtained by cutting the first inlet channel 1301 by a plane perpendicular to the second reference direction D2 may be greater than the cross-sectional area obtained by cutting the second inlet channel 1302 by a plane perpendicular to the second reference direction D2. At the boundary between the first inlet channel 1301 and the second inlet channel 1302, a tapered channel whose cross section decreases in the second reference direction D2 may be formed. The boundary of the tapered channel at Figure 4 When viewed in the cross section shown, it may have a slope of 45 degrees. A large amount of hot water may be introduced through the first inlet channel 1301 having a relatively large cross-sectional area to prevent a reduction in the circulation flow rate due to pressure loss, and the hot water may be delivered to the second inlet channel 1302 having a smaller cross-sectional area than the first inlet channel 1301, so that the laminar flow of the hot water is delivered to the bimetallic plate 30 at an increased flow rate.

[0081] Based on the second reference direction D2, the length of the first inlet channel 1301 may be 160% to 260% of the length of the second inlet channel 1302. In a cross section obtained by cutting each channel by a plane perpendicular to the second reference direction D2, the diameter of the first inlet channel 1301 may be 120% to 130% of the diameter of the second inlet channel 1302.

[0082] Since the housing locking claw 1312 is set to an appropriate length of the inlet passage 1310 in the second reference direction D2, the hot water passing through the inlet passage 1310 toward the bimetal plate 30 can easily form a laminar flow instead of a turbulent flow, and the pressure deviation in the first reference direction D1 formed by the hot water reaching the bimetal plate 30 can be reduced. Therefore, abnormal operation or vibration occurring when the bimetal plate 30 operates can be reduced, so that noise can be reduced.

[0083] In addition, since a shell locking claw 1312 is provided whose shape protrudes into the hot water channel 110, part of the hot water flowing through the first reference direction D1 can be blocked by the part of the shell locking claw 1312 facing the direction opposite to the first reference direction D1, and will not directly enter the inlet channel 1310, and must make a detour to enter the inlet of the shell locking claw 1312, thereby reducing the inertia of the hot water flowing through the first reference direction D1.

[0084] The inlet housing 131 may include a housing peripheral portion 1314. The housing peripheral portion 1314 may be an annular member formed around the housing body 1311 when viewed in the second reference direction D2. The housing O-ring 62 may be located in a groove formed on the housing peripheral portion 1314. The housing peripheral portion 1314 may contact the inner surface of the housing body. The inlet housing 131 may include an outer protrusion 1315 protruding from the housing peripheral portion in the second reference direction D2.

[0085] The outlet housing 132 is a component located in the second reference direction D2 relative to the bimetal plate 30. The outlet housing 132 may include an outlet body 1321. The outlet channel 1303 as a part of the recirculation channel 130 may be formed through the outlet body 1321 along the second reference direction D2. The outlet housing 132 may include an outlet protrusion 1322 that surrounds the outlet channel 1303 and protrudes from the outlet housing 132 along the second reference direction D2. The water pressure opening and closing body 20 may contact or separate from the outlet protrusion 1322 to open or close the outlet channel 1303.

[0086] An outlet peripheral portion 1323 extending in a direction opposite to the second reference direction D2 may be formed on the peripheral portion of the outlet main body 1321. The outlet peripheral portion 1323 may be in contact with the inner surface of the housing body. An outlet protrusion 1324 extending in a direction opposite to the second reference direction D2 may be further formed on the outlet peripheral portion 1323. The outlet protrusion 1324 may be formed to engage with the outer protrusion 1315 of the inlet housing 131, so that the outlet protrusion 1324 and the outer protrusion 1315 may be combined with each other.

[0087] A gap may be formed between the housing peripheral portion 1314 and the outlet peripheral portion 1323, and the periphery of the bimetallic plate 30 may be fixedly connected to the gap. Since the periphery of the bimetallic plate 30 is fixed, when the bimetallic plate 30 is deformed, the central portion other than the periphery of the bimetallic plate 30 may be deformed.

[0088] The outlet housing 132 may be blocked and fixed by a step protruding inwardly from the inner surface of the housing body to prevent it from further deviating in the second reference direction D2.

[0089] The water pressure opening and closing body 20 may be spaced apart from the outlet channel 1303 to open the outlet channel 1303 when hot water is recirculated, and may contact the outlet channel 1303 to close the outlet channel 1303 when direct water or hot water is used.

[0090] The outlet housing 132 is arranged at a position closer to the direct water passage 120 than the inlet housing 131 and the bimetallic plate 30. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the inlet housing 131 and the outlet housing 132 are arranged at positions opposite to each other with the bimetallic plate 30 located therebetween. Therefore, a structure is formed in which the bimetallic plate 30 is surrounded by the inlet housing 131 and the outlet housing 132.

[0091] Bimetallic Plate 30

[0092] The bimetal plate 30 is further included in the recirculation passage 130. The bimetal plate 30 may be deformed according to the water temperature of the hot water, open the recirculation passage 130 when the water temperature of the hot water is lower than the reference temperature, and close the recirculation passage 130 when the water temperature of the hot water is higher than or equal to the reference temperature.

[0093] The bimetal plate 30 is made of bimetal, and its shape changes according to temperature. Bimetal is a component formed by contacting and connecting two metals with different thermal expansion coefficients at both ends, and the two metals expand or contract at different proportions according to temperature, thereby changing the bending direction and degree of the bimetal. Therefore, the shape of the bimetal plate 30 can be changed according to the water temperature of the hot water flowing in the housing 10 of the recirculation valve 1.

[0094] A plurality of holes 300 may be formed in the peripheral adjacent area of ​​the bimetal plate 30, and these holes 300 are spaced apart from each other with a certain gap in the peripheral adjacent area of ​​the bimetal plate 30. Therefore, the hot water flowing through the inlet channel 1310 may penetrate through the holes 300 on the bimetal plate 30 and flow from the hot water channel 110 to the outlet channel 1303. The hot water delivered to the outlet channel 1303 is discharged into the intermediate direct water channel 123.

[0095] Specifically, the diameter of each hole 300 may be preferably 2.2 mm, and the number of holes 300 may be 8. In addition, the diameter of the bimetallic plate 30 may be preferably 23.7 mm to 23.8 mm, the thickness thereof may be 0.4 mm, and the maximum thickness when the bimetallic plate 30 is deformed may be 0.8 mm.

[0096] When the water temperature of the hot water is lower than the reference temperature, the bimetal plate 30 is spaced apart from the inlet channel 1310, and when the water temperature of the hot water is higher than or equal to the reference temperature, the bimetal plate 30 contacts the inlet channel 1310 as a partial section of the recirculation channel 130 to close the inlet channel 1310. Specifically, when the water temperature of the hot water is lower than the reference temperature, the bimetal plate 30 is deformed and deviates from the contact O-ring 61 surrounding the inlet channel 1310; and when the water temperature of the hot water is higher than or equal to the reference temperature, the bimetal plate 30 is deformed and contacts the contact O-ring 61. Therefore, when the water temperature of the hot water is lower than the reference temperature, the bimetal plate 30 opens the recirculation channel 130; and when the water temperature of the hot water is higher than or equal to the reference temperature, the bimetal plate 30 closes the recirculation channel 130.

[0097] Describing more specifically the shape of the bimetal plate 30 deformed, when the water temperature of the hot water is lower than the reference temperature, the bimetal plate 30 may be bent into a shape protruding from the hot water passage 110 to the direct water passage 120, that is, a shape protruding in the second reference direction D2. Conversely, when the water temperature of the hot water is higher than or equal to the reference temperature, the bimetal plate 30 may be bent into a shape protruding from the direct water passage 120 to the hot water passage 110, that is, a shape protruding in a direction opposite to the second reference direction D2. Since the bimetal plate 30 is deformed to have the above-mentioned shape, the bimetal plate 30 may form a passage for hot water flow between the bimetal plate 30 and the inlet passage 1310, or may close the inlet passage 1310. When the water temperature of the hot water is higher than or equal to the reference temperature, the central portion of the bimetal plate 30 moves toward the contact O-ring 61 and contacts the contact O-ring 61, thereby closing the inlet passage 1310.

[0098] However, in a modified example, when the water temperature of the hot water is lower than the reference temperature, the bimetallic plate 30 may protrude in the second reference direction D2, and when the water temperature of the hot water is higher than or equal to the reference temperature, the bimetallic plate 30 may be deformed into a flat plate shape perpendicular to the second reference direction D2, thereby closing the inlet channel 1310.

[0099] Another embodiment

[0100] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a recycling housing 13b according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a recirculation housing 13 b of a recirculation valve according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] Since the recirculation valve according to another embodiment of the present invention is different from the recirculation valve 1 in the embodiment of the present disclosure only in the structure of the recirculation housing 13b, the recirculation housing 13b with the difference will be described in more detail, and the description of the recirculation valve 1 in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the remaining components as is.

[0102] The housing locking claw 1312b of the inlet housing 131b of the recycling housing 13b includes a first locking claw portion 1312b-1 covering one side of the inlet passage 1310b facing the first reference direction D1, and a second locking claw portion 1312b-2 located in the opposite direction to the first reference direction D1 relative to the first locking claw portion 1312b-1. The shape of the first locking claw portion 1312b-1 protrudes more than the second locking claw portion 1312b-2 in the second reference direction D2. Due to this shape, hot water flowing in the hot water passage along the first reference direction D1 can be blocked by the first locking claw portion 1312b-1 and can be guided to the inlet passage 1310b in the second reference direction D2.

[0103] When viewed along the second reference direction D2, each of the first locking claw portion 1312b-1 and the second locking claw portion 1312b-2 may have a semicircular shape.

[0104] In the above, even if all the components are coupled into a whole or operated in a combined state in the description of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. That is to say, within the scope of the purpose of the present disclosure, all the components can be operated in one or more selective combinations. It should also be understood that the terms "including", "comprising" or "having" in the specification are "open" expressions, which are only used to illustrate the existence of the corresponding components, and unless there is a specific description to the contrary, other components are not excluded but may be included. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as those generally understood by technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. The terms defined in general commonly used dictionaries should be understood to have the same contextual meaning as in the relevant technical field, and should not be understood to have ideal or overly formal meanings unless the application explicitly stipulates that they have ideal or overly formal meanings.

[0105] In the above, although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a person skilled in the relevant art may make various modifications and changes thereto without departing from the spirit and scope claimed by the subsequent claims of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to explain the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, rather than to limit them, so that the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are not limited by the embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the attached claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent to the claims should be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A recirculation valve, comprising: a hot water housing fluidly connected to a hot water supply pipe configured to supply hot water generated by heating raw water, the hot water housing configured to form a hot water passage through which the hot water flows in a first reference direction; a direct water housing fluidly connected to a direct water supply pipe configured to supply direct water as raw water, the direct water housing configured to form a direct water passage through which the direct water flows; a recirculation housing configured to form a recirculation passage in a second reference direction perpendicular to the first reference direction to fluidly connect the hot water passage and the direct water passage and to allow hot water in the hot water passage to flow into the direct water passage; A water pressure opening and closing body, which is arranged in the direct water housing to close or open the recirculation passage; as well as a bimetal plate which is provided in the recirculation housing and deforms according to the water temperature of the hot water to open or close an inlet passage which is a part of the recirculation passage, wherein the recirculation housing comprises an inlet housing located upstream of the bimetal plate based on the second reference direction, and The inlet housing includes a housing body and a housing locking claw, an inlet passage is formed in the housing body, and the housing locking claw is configured to protrude from the housing body in a direction opposite to the second reference direction and surround the inlet passage.

2. The recirculation valve according to claim 1, wherein: The housing locking claw includes a region configured to overlap the hot water passage in the first reference direction.

3. The recirculation valve according to claim 2, wherein: The housing body does not overlap the hot water passage in the first reference direction.

4. The recirculation valve according to claim 1, wherein: The housing locking claw is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and is open in the second reference direction.

5. The recirculation valve according to claim 1, wherein: The inlet housing further includes an inner protrusion configured to protrude from the housing body in the second reference direction and surround the inlet passage, and Wherein, based on the second reference direction, the length of the inlet passage is formed to be two times or more greater than the length of the housing body.

6. The recirculation valve according to claim 1, wherein: The inlet passage comprises a first inlet passage and a second inlet passage arranged in sequence along the second reference direction, and Wherein, a cross-sectional area obtained by cutting the first inlet channel along a plane perpendicular to the second reference direction is larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second inlet channel.

7. The recirculation valve according to claim 6, wherein: Based on the second reference direction, the length of the first inlet passage is 160% to 260% of the length of the second inlet passage.

8. The recirculation valve according to claim 1, wherein: The housing locking claw includes a first locking claw portion configured to cover a side of the inlet passage facing the first reference direction and a second locking claw portion located in a direction opposite to the first reference direction relative to the first locking claw portion, and The first locking claw portion has a shape that protrudes further than the second locking claw portion in the second reference direction.

9. The recirculation valve according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the first locking claw portion and the second locking claw portion has a semicircular shape when viewed in the second reference direction.

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