Constant temperature valve, constant temperature waterway device of water heater and water heater
By using a single-component design of the flow guide sleeve and valve core body, combined with a thermostatic element and switching valve, the problems of uneven mixing and unstable temperature in water heater thermostatic valves are solved, achieving more efficient temperature control and a simplified assembly process.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511101583.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-21
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-08-07
AI Technical Summary
The existing thermostatic valves for water heaters have problems such as complex assembly, discontinuous flow channels, uneven mixing, and poor temperature stability.
The design employs a single-component flow guide sleeve, which, in conjunction with the valve core body, enables the mixing of hot and cold water at the upstream position of the outlet chamber. The flow rate is adjusted by sensing water temperature changes using a thermosensitive element, and the switching valve is used to achieve precise mixing and temperature control of hot and cold water.
It improves mixing uniformity and temperature stability, reduces flow resistance and system complexity, adapts to small-space installation requirements, and reduces assembly costs and flow channel discontinuity issues.
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Figure CN120593079B_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of water heaters, and in particular to a thermostatic valve, a thermostatic water circuit device of a water heater and a water heater. BACKGROUND
[0002] With the continuous improvement of people's living standards, the requirement for the quality of life is also getting higher and higher. At present, most residents use water heaters as the source of domestic hot water, but due to the energy storage requirement, the hot water in the tank is usually heated to 65℃ or even higher, and the user is easy to accidentally get scalded. In order to avoid the above accidents, a thermostatic valve is usually provided on the water heater to limit the outlet water temperature.
[0003] However, the mixing water structure of the thermostatic valve in the related art has the following problems: it usually adopts a decentralized design of multiple components splicing, and the mixing water flow channel is composed of multiple independent parts, which not only leads to complicated assembly process and high structural complexity, but also causes the flow channel at the joint of the components to be discontinuous, which is easy to cause local insufficient contact and the mixing ratio to be easily affected by flow fluctuation during the mixing of cold and hot water, and finally the outlet water temperature stability is poor. SUMMARY
[0004] The present application aims to at least solve one of the technical problems in the related art. To this end, the present application provides a thermostatic valve, which has a simple structure and improves the mixing uniformity and temperature stability.
[0005] The present application also provides a thermostatic water circuit device of a water heater.
[0006] The present application also provides a water heater.
[0007] According to the thermostatic valve of the first aspect of the present application, it comprises:
[0008] a valve shell;
[0009] a valve core body, which is slidable relative to the valve shell, and forms a cold water flow path and a hot water flow path between the valve core body and the valve shell;
[0010] a flow guide sleeve installed in the valve shell, a flow guide cavity being formed between the flow guide sleeve and the valve core body, and an outlet water cavity being formed in the flow guide sleeve, the flow guide cavity being used to mix the hot water of the hot water flow path and the cold water of the cold water flow path upstream of the outlet water cavity;
[0011] a temperature sensitive element installed in the outlet water cavity, which is adapted to drive the flow guide sleeve and the valve core body to move in the case of sensing the change of the water temperature in the outlet water cavity, so as to change the flow of the cold water flow path and the flow of the hot water flow path.
[0012] According to the thermostatic valve, the valve shell is provided with a flow guide sleeve matched with the thermal sensitive element, so that cold water and hot water are mixed in the flow guide cavity of the flow guide sleeve at an upstream position before flowing to the outlet cavity. The flow guide sleeve as a single component guides the hot water and the cold water from the corresponding hot water flow path and cold water flow path to contact each other, avoids the superposition of additional components, reduces the system complexity and assembly cost. The upstream mixing advances the contact time of the cold water and the hot water, avoids the outlet water temperature fluctuation caused by uneven mixing, and enables the thermal sensitive element to sense the correct mixed water temperature. In addition, compared with a complex flow channel formed by multiple components, the flow channel formed by the single component can reduce the flow resistance, and the compact structure is easy to adapt to the small space installation requirement.
[0013] According to an embodiment of the present application, the flow guide sleeve is formed with a flow guide surface, and an inner wall of the valve core body is formed with a guide inclined surface corresponding to the flow guide sleeve, and the flow guide surface and the guide inclined surface form the flow guide cavity.
[0014] According to an embodiment of the present application, an included angle between the flow guide surface and the central axis of the flow guide sleeve is a, and an included angle between the guide inclined surface and the central axis of the flow guide sleeve is b, and the included angle a is greater than the included angle b.
[0015] According to an embodiment of the present application, the valve core body is internally formed with a hot water inlet cavity and a cold water inlet cavity, the hot water inlet cavity is communicated with the hot water flow path, the cold water inlet cavity is communicated with the cold water flow path, and one of the hot water inlet cavity and the cold water inlet cavity is provided with the guide inclined surface.
[0016] According to an embodiment of the present application, the valve core body is internally formed with a communication pipeline communicated with the hot water inlet cavity and the cold water inlet cavity, the communication pipeline has a flared section facing the flow guide surface, and an included angle between the flared section and the central axis of the flow guide sleeve is c, and the included angle a is greater than the included angle c.
[0017] According to an embodiment of the present application, the flow guide sleeve comprises:
[0018] The mounting portion is internally formed with the outlet cavity;
[0019] The flow guide table is connected to the mounting portion and located on a side of the mounting portion facing the valve core body, and an outer periphery of the flow guide table is formed with a flow guide surface;
[0020] The flow guide pieces are distributed on the outer periphery of the flow guide table, end portions of the flow guide pieces abut against the valve core body, and the flow guide pieces are used to divide the flow guide cavity to obtain a plurality of flow guide channels.
[0021] According to an embodiment of the present application, the flow guide pieces protrude from an end surface of the flow guide table away from the mounting portion;
[0022] The guide flow platform is formed with a clamping slot at one end of the mounting portion, the thermal sensitive element is a memory alloy spring, the end of the memory alloy spring is fixed in the clamping slot, and a mixing cavity is formed inside the guide flow platform.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the present application, the thermostatic valve further comprises:
[0024] A mounting base is threadedly connected between the valve housing and the first end of the biasing spring, and the second end of the biasing spring is connected to the valve core body.
[0025] According to the thermostatic water path device of the water heater of the second aspect embodiment of the present application, comprising:
[0026] A cold water pipe is formed with a first cold water inlet, a first cold water outlet and a second cold water outlet, the first cold water inlet is used to connect to a water source, and the first cold water outlet is used to connect to a second cold water inlet of an inner container of the water heater;
[0027] A thermostatic assembly comprises an outer pipe and a thermostatic valve inside the outer pipe, the outer pipe is formed with a third cold water inlet, a hot water inlet and a mixed water outlet, the hot water inlet is used to connect to a hot water outlet of an inner container of the water heater, and the thermostatic valve is the thermostatic valve of the first aspect embodiment described above;
[0028] A switching valve comprises an operating portion and a switching valve core, the switching valve core is located inside the cold water pipe, and the operating portion is adapted to drive the switching valve core to switch between a water filling position and a thermostatic position, in the water filling position, the third cold water inlet and the second cold water outlet are disconnected, and in the thermostatic position, the third cold water inlet and the first cold water inlet are connected through the second cold water outlet.
[0029] According to one embodiment of the present application, the outer wall of the valve housing is provided with at least three sealing grooves, a sealing ring is fixed in each of the sealing grooves, the sealing ring is sealed with the inner wall of the outer pipe, a first annular cavity and a second annular cavity are formed between adjacent sealing rings, the first annular cavity is used to connect the hot water inlet and the hot water flow path, and the second annular cavity is used to connect the third cold water inlet and the cold water flow path.
[0030] According to the water heater of the third aspect embodiment of the present application, comprising:
[0031] The tank assembly comprises an inner container;
[0032] The thermostatic water path device of the water heater of the second aspect embodiment;
[0033] The first cold water outlet and the hot water inlet are located on the same side of the constant temperature water path device, and the first cold water inlet and the mixed water outlet are located on the same side of the constant temperature water path device.
[0034] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be made apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0035] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or the prior art description. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can also be obtained by those skilled in the art without any creative effort on the basis of these drawings.
[0036] Figure 1 is the overall structure schematic diagram of the constant temperature water path device provided by the embodiment of the present application.
[0037] Figure 2 is the cross-sectional schematic diagram of the constant temperature water path device provided by the embodiment of the present application.
[0038] Figure 3 is the cross-sectional schematic diagram of the constant temperature water path device provided by the embodiment of the present application.
[0039] Figure 4 is the cross-sectional schematic diagram of the constant temperature water path device provided by the embodiment of the present application.
[0040] Figure 5 is the cross-sectional schematic diagram of the constant temperature water path device provided by the embodiment of the present application.
[0041] Figure 6 is the cross-sectional schematic diagram of the constant temperature water path device provided by the embodiment of the present application.
[0042] Figure 7 is the cross-sectional schematic diagram of the constant temperature water path device provided by the embodiment of the present application.
[0043] Figure 8 is the cross-sectional schematic diagram of the constant temperature water path device provided by the embodiment of the present application.
[0044] Figure 9 is the cross-sectional schematic diagram of the constant temperature water path device provided by the embodiment of the present application.
[0045] Figure 10 is the cross-sectional schematic diagram of the constant temperature water path device provided by the embodiment of the present application.
[0046] Reference signs:
[0047] 100, cold water pipe; 110, first cold water inlet; 120, first cold water outlet; 130, second cold water outlet; 200, thermostatic assembly; 210, outer pipe; 211, third cold water inlet; 212, hot water inlet; 213, mixed water outlet; 220, thermostatic valve; 221, biasing spring; 222, temperature adjusting component; 223, valve housing; 2231, sealing groove; 2232, mounting sealing ring; 223a, first housing; 223a1, water outlet passage; 223b, second housing; 223c, third housing; 224, valve core body; 2241, guide inclined surface; 2242, hot water inlet cavity; 2243, cold water inlet cavity; 2244, communication pipeline; 22441, flared section; 225, flow guide sleeve; 2251, water outlet cavity; 2252, flow guide surface; 2253, mixing cavity; 226, flow guide cavity; 227, temperature sensitive element; 228, mounting base; 2254, mounting portion; 22541, annular protrusion; 2255, flow guide platform; 2256, flow guide sheet; 2257, flow guide passage; 22551, clamping groove;
[0048] 300, switching valve; 310, operation portion; 311, knob; 3111, mark; 320, switching valve core; 321, pipe section; 3211, through hole; 3212, water outlet hole; 330, sealing section; 340, elastic sealing ring;
[0049] 410, first sealing ring; 420, second sealing ring; 430, third sealing ring; A, cold water flow path; B, hot water flow path; C, first annular cavity; D, second annular cavity; O, central axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050] The embodiments of the present application will be further described below in conjunction with the drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present application, but cannot be used to limit the scope of the present application.
[0051] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and therefore cannot be understood as indicating or implying that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" are only for description purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0052] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that unless specifically defined and limited otherwise, the terms "connected", "connected to", "connection" should be interpreted broadly, for example, can be fixed connection, can also be detachable connection, or integral connection; can be mechanical connection, can also be electrical connection; can be directly connected, can also be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0053] In the embodiments of the present application, unless specifically defined and limited otherwise, the first feature is "on" or "under" the second feature can be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature "above", "over" and "on" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or only indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature "below", "under" and "under" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or only indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.
[0054] In the description of the present application, the description of the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example" or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In the present application, the illustrative description of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in the present application and the features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.
[0055] The following will be described in conjunction with Figures 1-10 The thermostatic valve, the thermostatic waterway device of the water heater and the water heater of the embodiments of the present application are described. It can be understood that the water heater comprises a tank assembly and a thermostatic waterway device, and the tank assembly comprises an inner container.
[0056] It can be understood that the thermostatic waterway device of the water heater comprises a cold water pipe 100, a thermostatic assembly 200 and a switching valve 300. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples of the present application, the thermostatic waterway device of the water heater comprises a cold water pipe 100, a thermostatic assembly 200 and a switching valve 300.
[0057] Referring to Figures 1-3In the embodiment, the cold water pipe 100 is formed with a first cold water inlet 110, a first cold water outlet 120 and a second cold water outlet 130, the first cold water inlet 110 is used to connect a water source. The inner container is provided with a second cold water inlet, and the first cold water outlet 120 and the second cold water inlet can be connected by pipeline.
[0058] It should be noted that the cold water pipe 100 is formed with the first cold water inlet 110, the first cold water outlet 120 and the second cold water outlet 130 by integral molding; the type of water source connected outside the first cold water inlet 110 is municipal water supply, water pump, etc.
[0059] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the thermostatic assembly 200 includes an outer pipe 210 and a thermostatic valve 220 located inside the outer pipe 210, and the outer pipe 210 is formed with a third cold water inlet 211, a hot water inlet 212 and a mixed water outlet 213.
[0060] The inner container is also provided with a hot water outlet, and the hot water inlet 212 and the hot water outlet can be connected by pipeline.
[0061] Referring to Figures 1-3 , the switching valve 300 includes an operating part 310 and a switching valve core 320, the switching valve core 320 is located in the cold water pipe 100, and the operating part 310 is suitable for driving the switching valve core 320 to switch between the water filling position and the thermostatic position, in the water filling position, the third cold water inlet 211 and the second cold water outlet 130 are disconnected, and in the thermostatic position, the third cold water inlet 211 and the first cold water inlet 110 are connected through the second cold water outlet 130.
[0062] It should be noted that in some examples of the present application, the above-mentioned switching valve core 320 is movably inserted in the cold water pipe 100, and it can be understood that the movement mode of the switching valve core 320 is rotation, sliding, etc.
[0063] By setting the switching valve 300, the user operates the operation part 310 to drive the switching valve core 320 to switch the working position. When filling water, the switching valve core 320 moves to the water filling position, and the third cold water inlet 211 and the second cold water outlet 130 are disconnected, so as to cut off the pipeline to the thermostat valve 220, and physically block the path of cold water directly flowing to the thermostat valve 220; after the inner container of the water heater is filled with water, the user can drive the switching valve core 320 to move to the thermostat position through the operation part 310, at this time, the third cold water inlet 211 and the first cold water inlet 110 are conducted through the second cold water outlet 130, cold water enters the thermostat valve 220 through the third cold water inlet 211, hot water enters the thermostat valve 220 through the hot water inlet 212, and mixed water outlet 213 is discharged after being mixed to a preset temperature, so as to meet the normal use. Through the design of the structure of the above-mentioned switching valve 300, mechanical isolation and water path reconstruction are realized, which is beneficial to prevent the user from misjudging, thereby avoiding the risk of dry burning caused by the user's initial power-on, and the operation is more convenient.
[0064] It can be understood that, with reference to Figure 3 In some examples of the present application, the above-mentioned switching valve core 320 is rotatably located in the cold water pipe 100. The operation part 310 is moved to drive the switching valve core 320 to rotate, realizing the switching of the water filling position and the thermostat position. The mechanical operation of the switching valve core 320 rotation realizes the quick switching of the water filling mode and the thermostat mode, taking into account the efficiency and comfort.
[0065] With reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some examples of the present application, the operation part 310 includes a knob 311, and the opposite sides of the knob 311 are respectively provided with indications 3111 corresponding to the water filling position and the thermostat position.
[0066] Through the above-mentioned setting, the intuitiveness and accuracy of user operation can be significantly improved. Through visual guidance (such as text, icon or color distinction), the user can quickly identify the current mode and avoid misoperation; at the same time, the symmetrical distribution of the indications 3111 combined with the physical positioning of the knob 311 (such as the “click” feedback when rotating to the position), ensures the accurate and reliable mode switching.
[0067] With reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some examples of the present application, the angle difference of the water filling position and the thermostat position corresponding to the knob 311 is 180°. The indications 3111 of the water filling position and the indications 3111 of the thermostat position can be distributed in parallel and symmetry, and switched by 180 degree rotation. Of course, in other examples, the indications 3111 of the water filling position and the indications 3111 of the thermostat position can also be arranged at an angle of 30 degrees, etc., which is not limited here.
[0068] With reference to Figure 4 andFigure 5 In some examples, the switching valve core 320 includes a pipe segment 321 which is adapted to the inner wall of the cold water pipe 100, the pipe segment 321 is formed with a pair of through holes 3211 which penetrate through the opposite side walls of the pipe segment 321, the through holes 3211 are communicated with the first cold water outlet 120, the side wall of the pipe segment 321 is further formed with a water outlet hole 3212, in the constant temperature position, the first cold water inlet 110, the water outlet hole 3212, the second cold water outlet 130 and the third cold water inlet 211 are sequentially communicated.
[0069] It can be understood that, with reference to Figure 2 , the pipe segment 321 of the switching valve core 320 is rotatably arranged in the inner wall of the cold water pipe 100, in the water injection position, the through holes 3211 are communicated with the first cold water outlet 120, at this time, the water outlet hole 3212 is arranged in a staggered manner with the second cold water outlet 130, the second cold water outlet 130 is in a closed state, at this time, only the inner container is injected with water; after the inner container of the water heater is filled with water, the user can drive the switching valve core 320 to move to the constant temperature position through the operation part 310, the first cold water inlet 110, the water outlet hole 3212, the second cold water outlet 130 and the third cold water inlet 211 are sequentially communicated, realizing the mixing of hot water and cold water, and flowing out through the mixed water outlet 213.
[0070] The water outlet hole 3212 of the pipe segment 321 becomes a key passage in the constant temperature position, after the cold water enters from the first cold water inlet 110, sequentially flows through the water outlet hole 3212 and the second cold water outlet 130, and finally flows to the target position, the third cold water inlet 211, ensuring the constant temperature water flow, the design structure clearly and effectively guides the cold water to flow along the predetermined path, ensuring that the cold water is delivered to the expected destination in the constant temperature mode.
[0071] The pair of through holes 3211 on the pipe segment 321 provides a main and direct flow path for the cold water, which is communicated with the first cold water outlet 120, meaning that after the cold water enters the switching valve core 320 from the first cold water inlet 110, it will directly flow to the first cold water outlet 120 through the pair of through holes 3211; in addition, it helps the water flow to flow symmetrically through the switching valve core 320, reduces the eccentric wear, and ensures the smooth movement.
[0072] With reference to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , in some examples of the present application, along the outer periphery of the pipe segment 321, the angle between the through hole 3211 and the water outlet hole 3212 is ninety degrees, specifically, the axis of the water outlet hole 3212 is vertically arranged with the axis of the pair of through holes 3211, the pair of through holes 3211 and the water outlet hole 3212 are beneficial to ensure that no matter in the water injection or constant temperature state, the cold water will always have a part entering into the inner container through the first cold water outlet 120, which is beneficial to realize the multi-way distribution of flow.
[0073] With reference toFigure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some examples of the present application, the water outlet hole 3212 is closer to the first cold water inlet 110 than the through hole 3211, that is, the water outlet hole 3212 is located between the through hole 3211 and the first cold water inlet 110, and cold water flows into the inner wall of the cold water pipe 100 from the first cold water inlet 110. When the switching valve 300 is in the constant temperature position, part of the cold water enters the third cold water inlet 211 of the thermostatic valve 220 through the water outlet hole 3212 and the second cold water outlet 130, and the other part of the cold water enters the inner container along the first cold water outlet 120 through the through hole 3211. This can effectively balance the pressure fluctuation in the cold water pipe 100, and at the same time, since the flow directions of the two water flows are consistent and far away from the location of the first cold water inlet 110, the setting of the pipeline interface is reduced, and the service life of the system is prolonged.
[0074] Since the water outlet hole 3212 is closer to the first cold water inlet 110, the cold water entering the thermostatic valve 220 is "raw cold water" (the temperature is consistent with the first cold water inlet 110) that has not been heated by the inner container, avoiding the "warm water backflow" problem caused by the traditional design that cold water flows into the inner container and may be heated. The thermostatic valve 220 can accurately adjust based on a more real initial temperature by mixing this part of low-temperature cold water with hot water (or other heat sources), reducing the temperature control error caused by water temperature fluctuation or secondary heating, and improving the accuracy of achieving the target temperature.
[0075] In addition, the short path design of the water outlet hole 3212 closer to the first cold water inlet 110 makes the cold water reach the thermostatic valve 220 in a shorter time (compared to the path that needs to flow through a longer cold water pipe 100 to the through hole 3211). When the system detects that the water temperature needs to be adjusted, the thermostatic valve 220 can quickly obtain cold water and start mixing adjustment, reducing the delay of "waiting for cold water to arrive", and improving the temperature control response speed (such as shortening the time from "perceived temperature" to "output qualified water").
[0076] Of course, in other examples, the through hole 3211 can also be located between the water outlet hole 3212 and the first cold water inlet 110, that is, the through hole 3211 is closer to the first cold water inlet 110 than the water outlet hole 3212.
[0077] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the inner wall of the cold water pipe 100 and the corresponding pipe section 321 form a fitting structure, and when the water outlet hole 3212 and the second cold water outlet 130 are in a misaligned state, cold water is difficult to flow into the second cold water outlet 130 through the small gap between the inner wall of the cold water pipe 100 and the pipe section 321. It should be noted that this state is not absolutely sealed, but a relative blockage based on factors such as gap size and fluid pressure - the existence of the gap theoretically still allows a small amount of fluid to seep, but the flow is extremely low and the flow rate is extremely slow, which can be considered as a basic blockage state in actual application.
[0078] Of course, in other examples, a sealing member can also be provided at the water outlet hole 3212 of the pipe segment 321. When the water outlet hole 3212 is misaligned with the second cold water outlet 130, the sealing member blocks the communication between the water outlet hole 3212 and the second cold water outlet 130.
[0079] It can be understood that, with reference to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , in some examples of the present application, the switching valve 300 further comprises a sealing segment 330 between the operation part 310 and the pipe segment 321, and an elastic sealing ring 340 is arranged between the sealing segment 330 and the inner wall of the cold water pipe 100.
[0080] The switching valve 300 described above adds a sealing segment 330 between the operation part 310 and the pipe segment 321, and an elastic sealing ring 340 is arranged at the contact interface between the sealing segment 330 and the inner wall of the cold water pipe 100. This structural design effectively fills the small fitting gap between the sealing segment 330 and the inner wall of the cold water pipe 100 through the radial extrusion deformation characteristics of the elastic sealing ring 340. When the gap occurs due to factors such as tolerance accumulation, slight deformation of the pipeline, etc. during valve assembly or operation, the elastic sealing ring 340 can adaptively deform with its high resilience, tightly fit the contact surface, and form a multi-dimensional, dead-angle-free sealing barrier. Compared with the traditional rigid sealing structure, it not only can statically block the leakage of cold water, but also can cope with dynamic working conditions such as vibration impact during operation of the operation part 310 of the switching valve 300 and system pressure fluctuation, and continuously maintain a reliable sealing state. Through this design, the risk of cold water leakage can be significantly reduced, avoiding unnecessary waste of water resources, and preventing problems such as excessive moisture of the pipeline and corrosion of components caused by water leakage, effectively improving the overall sealing reliability and long-term operation stability of the switching valve 300.
[0081] It should be noted that the elastic sealing ring 340 can be of pure rubber type, metal and rubber composite type, etc. The elastic sealing ring 340 can be an O-ring, a lip seal ring, etc.
[0082] It should also be noted that the operation part 310 and the pipe segment 321 of the switching valve core 320 are integrally formed, for example, by one-time molding through injection molding, casting or molding process. The integrally formed structure of the operation part 310 and the pipe segment 321 of the switching valve core 320 eliminates the assembly interface, significantly improves the overall structural strength and fatigue resistance reliability; precise mold forming ensures the precision of the fitting surface, effectively optimizes the sealing performance and reduces the risk of leakage; at the same time, it simplifies the production process, reduces the assembly cost, and supports the functional integration (such as limit design) of the operation part 310 and the switching valve core 320, enhances the operation stability and user experience.
[0083] Of course, in other examples, the operation part 310 and the pipe section 321 of the switching valve core 320 are in a split structure, that is, they are independently processed and then assembled, for example, through threaded connection, buckle connection, etc. The split structure design can improve design flexibility and maintenance convenience, and the components can be replaced individually.
[0084] With reference to Figure 1 In some examples of the present application, the pipe section 321 of the switching valve core 320 is provided with an anti-falling groove, the cold water pipe 100 is provided with an anti-falling clamping strip and a fixing clamping hook, the anti-falling clamping strip is detachably inserted into the inside of the cold water pipe 100 and clamped in the anti-falling groove to limit the axial movement of the switching valve core 320 out of the cold water pipe 100, and the fixing clamping hook is located outside the cold water pipe 100 and clamps the side wall of the anti-falling clamping strip to fix the anti-falling clamping strip. When disassembly is required, the anti-falling clamping strip can be separated from the fixing clamping hook and pulled out of the cold water pipe 100, and can be moved away from the switching valve core 320. The structure is simple and the operation is convenient.
[0085] It can be understood that, with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some examples of the present application, the thermostatic valve 220 includes a biasing spring 221, a temperature adjusting component 222, a valve housing 223, a valve core body 224, and a flow guide sleeve 225.
[0086] With reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some examples of the present application, the biasing spring 221 is located inside the outer pipe 210, and the temperature adjusting component 222 at least partially circumscribes the outer pipe 210, and the temperature adjusting component 222 is used to adjust the compression amount of the biasing spring 221 to adjust the water outlet temperature of the thermostatic assembly 200.
[0087] When the user operates the externally connected temperature adjusting component 222, the compression amount of the biasing spring 221 in the outer pipe 210 will change, thereby adjusting the pre-tightening spring force of the biasing spring 221. The increase or decrease of the pre-tightening spring force of the biasing spring 221 will act on the thermostatic assembly 200, so that the internal components of the thermostatic assembly 200 change, realizing the adjustment of the water outlet temperature, that is, realizing the precise control of the hot and cold water ratio of the thermostatic assembly 200.
[0088] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the temperature adjusting component 222 is at least partially connected to the outer tube 210 in a rotating manner, and the rotating manner is screw transmission. The outer wall of the temperature adjusting component 222 is provided with threads, and the inner wall of the outer tube 210 is processed with matching threads. The user rotates the temperature adjusting component 222 to move along the axis of the outer tube 210 (clockwise / counterclockwise), controls the displacement amount through the pitch of the threads, and directly compresses or releases the biasing spring 221. For example, when the temperature adjusting component 222 is screwed into the outer tube 210, the spring compression amount is increased; when it is unscrewed, the spring rebounds, and the compression amount is reduced, meeting the requirements of operation convenience and structural sealing. It should be noted that in some examples, the inner wall of the temperature adjusting component 222 can also be provided with threads, and the outer wall of the outer tube 210 can be processed with matching threads.
[0089] Of course, in some other examples, the temperature adjusting component 222 is a slider or a tab, and the surface of the outer tube 210 is provided with a long strip-shaped guide groove (or a through hole). The user pushes and pulls the slider along the axis of the outer tube 210, the slider is connected with the internal biasing spring 221 through the guide groove, and the biasing spring 221 is pushed to be compressed or released. For example, when the slider is pulled outward, the biasing spring 221 is compressed; when it is pushed inward, the biasing spring 221 relaxes, and the operation is intuitive. Alternatively, the temperature adjusting component 222 can also adopt a rotating disc type lever transmission or a wrench type transmission to cooperate with the outer tube 210 to drive the biasing spring 221. Regardless of which way, the core is to convert the operation force of the user into the change of the compression amount of the biasing spring 221 through the mechanical action (rotation, push-pull, pressing, etc.) of the external component, and finally realize the control of the outlet water temperature of the thermostatic assembly 200.
[0090] Specifically, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 6 In some examples of the present application, the temperature adjusting component 222 and the switching valve 300 are located on the same side of the thermostatic waterway device.
[0091] The above design can reduce the overall volume by concentrating the layout on the same side, avoid the pipeline redundancy (such as cold and hot water pipes, signal lines need to be connected across the side) caused by being placed on two sides, reduce the complexity of the waterway / circuit, improve the internal space utilization of the device, reduce the space redundancy, and improve the compactness.
[0092] When the mold is opened, the parting surface design is simplified, and the complexity of the mold is reduced. The assembly personnel can complete the assembly of the temperature adjusting component 222 and the switching valve 300 on the same side, without the need to turn over the device or operate across multiple sides, thereby reducing the assembly steps and time. The operation is more convenient, and the calibration is more efficient; the user function association is intuitive during operation, and the use is easier, thereby comprehensively improving the space utilization of the device and the user experience, and enhancing the calibration consistency.
[0093] Of course, in some other examples, the temperature adjusting component 222 and the switching valve 300 can also be located on different sides of the thermostatic waterway device.
[0094] It can be understood that, with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 6 in some examples of the present application, the first cold water outlet 120 and the hot water inlet 212 are located on the same side of the thermostatic waterway device, and the first cold water inlet 110 and the mixed water outlet 213 are located on the same side of the thermostatic waterway device.
[0095] The hot water end of the inner container is communicated with the hot water inlet 212, and the third cold water inlet 211 of the inner container is communicated with the first cold water outlet 120. Since the first cold water outlet 120 and the hot water inlet 212 are located on the same side and are arranged close to the inner container, the waterway length is shortened in structure, the pipeline crossing redundancy is reduced, the compactness is improved, the operation is concentrated on the same side during assembly, the water pipes / components are quickly connected, and the assembly efficiency is improved; during operation, the user accesses the interface more easily for maintenance or use, and the use convenience is improved.
[0096] The external water source is communicated with the first cold water inlet 110, and the mixed water outlet 213 is communicated with the external water component (such as a shower head, etc.). The first cold water inlet 110 and the mixed water outlet 213 are located on the same side, which shortens the waterway path in structure, reduces the pipeline crossing redundancy, and improves the internal compactness; during assembly, the water pipe connection is concentrated, which facilitates quick installation and fixation, reduces the assembly difficulty; during operation, the user only needs to operate on the same side to connect the water source or the water component (such as a shower head), reduces the moving steps, and uses more conveniently.
[0097] Specifically, with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 6 in some examples of the present application, the first cold water outlet 120 and the hot water inlet 212 are located on the upper side of the thermostatic waterway device, and the first cold water inlet 110 and the mixed water outlet 213 are located on the lower side of the thermostatic waterway device.
[0098] The first cold water outlet 120 and the hot water inlet 212 are arranged on the upper side, and the first cold water inlet 110 and the mixed water outlet 213 are designed on the lower side, which makes the waterway running orderly in structure, reduces the crossing redundancy, and improves the internal compactness; during mold opening, the interfaces are concentrated on the upper and lower sides, so that a symmetrical parting surface can be designed, the mold structure is simplified, and the manufacturing difficulty is reduced; during assembly, the upper and lower regions are operated, the steps are clear and easy to execute, and the assembly efficiency is improved; during operation, the user connects the water source (lower side) and uses the mixed water (lower side), connects the hot water (upper side) and the auxiliary interface (upper side), which is clear in partition, strong in intuitiveness, and reduces the risk of misconnection.
[0099] More specifically, with reference to Figure 2In some examples of the present application, the cold water pipe 100 comprises a first pipe section, a second pipe section and a third pipe section which are integrally formed and in communication, the axis of the first pipe section is perpendicular to the axis of the second pipe section and the axis of the third pipe section, the first pipe section is provided with a second cold water outlet 130, the first cold water inlet 110 is the lower port of the second pipe section, the first cold water outlet 120 is the upper port of the third pipe section, and the first pipe section is centrally arranged, the second pipe section and the third pipe section extend downward and upward respectively (when arranged vertically), so that the space utilization of the cold water pipe 100 in the height direction is more efficient, and the redundant size in the up-down direction of the device is reduced.
[0100] Of course, in other examples, the angle between the axis of the first pipe section and the axis of the second pipe section and the third pipe section can also be 30 degrees, 120 degrees or even coaxial. It can be understood that the pipe section 321 of the switching valve core 320 is rotatably inserted into the first pipe section, and the length of the pipe section 321 in the first pipe section is less than the length of the first pipe section, so as to avoid the communication position of the second pipe section and the first pipe section.
[0101] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the first pipe section is located in the middle of the length of the cold water pipe 100 in the up-down direction, which avoids excessive detours of the water flow path, shortens the overall length of the cold water pipe 100, simplifies the internal flow channel structure, and reduces water resistance and pressure loss; the centrally arranged first pipe section has high symmetry, the mold is uniformly stressed in each direction during demolding, the mold jamming problem caused by complex local structure is avoided, and the production efficiency is improved. Moreover, the centrally arranged first pipe section facilitates quick positioning of the switching valve 300 during installation, without the need for additional adjustment of the alignment accuracy in the up-down direction, thereby simplifying the assembly process; the pipe section 321 of the switching valve core 320 is inserted into the first pipe section, and the central position balances the operating arm of the switching valve core 320, thereby saving labor for rotation or plugging.
[0102] It should be further noted that, with reference to Figure 1 , the first pipe section is provided with a communication plug pipe corresponding to the second cold water outlet 130, the communication plug pipe is inserted and matched with the third cold water inlet 211 of the outer pipe 210, specifically, the above-mentioned communication plug pipe is provided with a positioning groove, the cold water pipe 100 is provided with a positioning clamping strip and a positioning clamping hook, the positioning clamping strip is detachably inserted into the outer pipe 210 and clamped in the positioning groove, so as to limit the axial movement of the communication plug pipe away from the outer pipe 210, the positioning clamping hook is located outside the outer pipe 210 and clamps the side wall of the positioning clamping strip, so as to fix the positioning clamping strip, and when disassembly is needed, the positioning clamping strip can be separated from the positioning clamping hook and pulled away from the outer pipe 210, and can be moved away from the communication plug pipe, which is simple in structure and convenient to operate.
[0103] It can be understood that, with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7In some examples of the present application, the valve shell 223 is fixed inside the outer pipe 210; the valve core body 224 is slidable relative to the valve shell 223, and the cold water flow path A and the hot water flow path B are formed between the valve core body 224 and the valve shell 223. The relative movement of the sliding valve core body 224 and the valve shell 223 directly separates the cold water flow path A and the hot water flow path B, without the need for additional independent pipes or complex joints, simplifying the water path structure, achieving linear regulation of water flow, and improving the accuracy of temperature control.
[0104] Specifically, referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, the biasing spring 221 abuts with the valve core body 224 to limit the position of the valve core body 224 in the initial state.
[0105] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some examples of the present application, the flow guide sleeve 225 is installed in the valve shell 223, the flow guide cavity 226 is formed between the flow guide sleeve 225 and the valve core body 224, the water outlet cavity 2251 is formed between the flow guide sleeve 225 and the valve shell 223, the water outlet cavity 2251 and the mixed water outlet 213 are sequentially communicated, and the flow guide cavity 226 is used to mix the hot water flow path B and the cold water flow path A upstream of the water outlet cavity 2251.
[0106] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some examples of the present application, the thermosensitive element 227 is installed in the water outlet cavity 2251 and is adapted to drive the flow guide sleeve 225 and the valve core body 224 to move in the case of sensing the change of water temperature in the water outlet cavity 2251, so as to change the flow of the cold water flow path A and the flow of the hot water flow path B.
[0107] The thermosensitive element 227 is installed in the water outlet cavity 2251 of the flow guide sleeve 225, can sense the change of outlet water temperature in real time and convert it into mechanical driving force, drive the flow guide sleeve 225 and the valve core body 224 linkage, dynamically adjust the flow ratio of the cold water flow path A and the hot water flow path B, so as to quickly respond to water temperature fluctuation, automatically maintain the stability of outlet water temperature, avoid overcooling or overheating, and realize intelligent constant temperature control.
[0108] The valve shell 223 of the thermostatic valve 220 is provided with a flow guide sleeve 225 matched with the thermal element 227, so that the cold water and the hot water are mixed in the flow guide cavity 226 of the flow guide sleeve 225 at an upstream position before flowing into the outlet cavity 2251. The flow guide sleeve 225, as a single component, guides the hot water and the cold water from the corresponding hot water flow path B and the cold water flow path A to contact each other, avoids the superposition of additional components, reduces the system complexity and assembly cost, and the upstream mixing advances the contact time of the cold water and the hot water, avoids the outlet temperature fluctuation caused by uneven mixing, and enables the thermal element 227 to sense the correct mixed water temperature. In addition, compared with the complex flow channel formed by multiple components, the flow channel design of the single component of the present application can reduce the flow resistance, and at the same time, the compactness of the structure is improved, and it is easier to adapt to the small space installation requirement.
[0109] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the thermal element 227 is a memory alloy spring. Since the memory alloy spring is a metal temperature sensing component, the temperature sensing is rapid and the operation is fast. Of course, in some examples, the thermal element 227 can also be other, which is not limited here.
[0110] It can be understood that, with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , in some examples of the present application, the flow guide sleeve 225 is formed with a flow guide surface 2252, the inner wall of the valve core body 224 is formed with a guide slope 2241 corresponding to the flow guide sleeve 225, and the flow guide cavity 226 is formed between the guide slope 2241 and the flow guide surface 2252 of the flow guide sleeve 225.
[0111] The guide slope 2241 of the inner wall of the valve core body 224 not only can guide the flow guide sleeve 225 to be accurately positioned or smoothly moved, but also can optimize the liquid flow path by forming the flow guide cavity 226 with the flow guide surface 2252 of the flow guide sleeve 225, so as to realize the full counterflow mixing of the liquid flowing into the cold water flow path A and the hot water flow path B, reduce the flow resistance and improve the stability of the flow path control, thereby enhancing the accuracy and response efficiency of the valve core body 224 in adjusting the cold and hot water flow.
[0112] It should be understood that in the present embodiment, the outlet end of the third cold water inlet 211 corresponds to the position of the flow guide cavity 226, so it can be understood that the flow guide cavity 226 corresponds to the cold water flow path A, and the flow of the cold water flow path A is adjusted by the linkage movement of the valve core body 224 and the flow guide sleeve 225, that is, the gap, the cross-sectional area, etc. between the valve shell 223 and the valve core body 224 corresponding to the cold water flow path A are adjusted. Of course, in some examples, the flow guide cavity 226 can also correspond to the position of the hot water inlet 212, and it can also be understood that the flow guide cavity 226 communicates with the hot water flow path B, which is not limited here.
[0113] It can be understood that, with reference to Figure 6 ,Figure 7 And Figure 10 In some examples of the present application, a mixing cavity 2253 is further formed in the flow guide sleeve 225, which is located upstream of the water outlet cavity 2251.
[0114] It can be understood that the mixing cavity 2253 is a cavity structure formed by a section of the flow guide sleeve 225 that separates the thermal element 227. The flow guide sleeve 225 and the flow guide cavity 226 are in communication, and the flow guide cavity 226 guides the intersection of the cold water flow path A and the hot water flow path B to the mixing cavity 2253, ensuring that the cold and hot water are fully mixed to prevent the thermal element 227 from being in contact with un-mixed water alone, causing false action and water temperature fluctuations.
[0115] Specifically, referring to Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 10 In this embodiment, the mixing cavity 2253 is a straight hollow structure with two open ends and a circular cross-section, which is convenient for mold processing. Of course, in some examples, the mixing cavity 2253 can be a curved structure, and a flow buffering arc surface, a flow disturbing boss, or the like can be further provided on the inner wall of the mixing cavity 2253.
[0116] Specifically, in this embodiment, the thermal element 227 is fixed to the water outlet end of the mixing cavity 2253. The flow rate at the water outlet end of the mixing cavity 2253 is relatively stable, and the thermal element 227 can quickly capture water temperature fluctuations and convert them into mechanical driving force to drive the valve core body 224 to adjust the cold and hot water flow ratio in time, forming a closed-loop control of "precise detection-quick response-dynamic balance", which significantly improves the precision and reliability of constant temperature regulation and effectively avoids the problem of fluctuating water temperature.
[0117] It can be understood that, referring to Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 10 In some examples of the present application, the angle between the flow guide surface 2252 and the central axis O of the flow guide sleeve 225 is a, and the angle between the guide inclined surface 2241 and the central axis O of the flow guide sleeve 225 is b, and the angle a > the angle b.
[0118] With the above arrangement, the included angle a between the flow guide surface 2252 and the center axis O of the flow guide sleeve 225 and the included angle b between the guide inclined surface 2241 and the center axis O of the flow guide sleeve 225 exist reasonable gradient difference, so that the cold water and the hot water construct an effective hedging mixing mechanism before entering the mixing chamber 2253, and the temperature difference of the two liquids is significant, but due to the difference of flow direction and velocity gradient, strong shear disturbance is formed in the intersection area, which increases the contact area and mass transfer efficiency of the two-phase fluid. This pre-arranged structured hedging makes the hot water and the cold water achieve preliminary temperature homogenization through momentum exchange before entering the mixing chamber 2253, which lays a uniform initial state for subsequent deep mixing, effectively improves the overall heat transfer efficiency and mixing uniformity. A multi-level cooperative mechanism of "flow guide chamber 226 preliminary mixing and mixing chamber 2253 deep uniformization" is formed, which effectively reduces the local temperature gradient and ensures that the water flow temperature distribution entering the outlet chamber 2251 is more uniform, providing a more stable fluid basis for subsequent constant temperature control.
[0119] It can be understood that, with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , in some examples of the present application, a hot water inlet chamber 2242 and a cold water inlet chamber 2243 are formed inside the valve core body 224, the hot water inlet chamber 2242 is communicated with the hot water flow path B, and the cold water inlet chamber 2243 is communicated with the cold water flow path A, that is, the hot water inlet chamber 2242 is communicated with the hot water inlet 212 through the hot water flow path B, and the cold water inlet chamber 2243 is communicated with the third cold water inlet 211 through the cold water flow path A.
[0120] In some examples, the cold water inlet chamber 2243 is provided with a guide inclined surface 2241. It can be understood that the cold water is guided to flow into the mixing chamber 2253 along the flow guide chamber 226 formed by the guide inclined surface 2241 and the flow guide surface 2252.
[0121] The valve core body 224 is internally designed in a split chamber structure, and a hot water inlet chamber 2242 and a cold water inlet chamber 2243 are respectively constructed, which are respectively communicated with the hot water flow path B and the cold water flow path A through independent flow channel systems to form precise cold and hot medium input channels. Among them, the inner wall of the cold water inlet chamber 2243 (selected according to the system flow resistance matching requirement) is specially provided with a guide inclined surface 2241, which extends along the cavity axial direction at a specific inclination angle and is naturally connected with the cavity wall. Through the fluid guiding effect of the guide inclined surface 2241, the flow state of the cold and hot water before entering the mixing chamber 2253 is effectively optimized.
[0122] Of course, in some other examples, the hot water inlet chamber 2242 is provided with a guide inclined surface 2241, which is not limited here.
[0123] Specifically, with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7In the embodiment, a communication pipeline 2244 is formed in the valve core body 224 to communicate the hot water inlet cavity 2242 and the cold water inlet cavity 2243, and the communication pipeline 2244 has a flared section 22441 facing the guide surface 2252. An included angle between the flared section 22441 and the central axis O of the guide sleeve 225 is c, and the included angle a is greater than the included angle c.
[0124] The included angle a between the guide surface 2252 and the central axis O of the guide sleeve 225 guides the cold water to enter the communication pipeline 2244 with a large radial component, and the hot water flows along the flat straight section of the communication pipeline 2244 to the flared section 22441. Through the included angle c between the flared section 22441 and the central axis O of the guide sleeve 225, the cold and hot water is fully interlaced in the axial direction, and the mixing is strengthened.
[0125] It can be understood that in some examples, the included angle b and the included angle c can be equal, or the included angle b is less than the included angle c, or the included angle c is less than the included angle b, which is not limited herein.
[0126] Specifically, in the embodiment, the edge of the downstream end of the flared section 22441 can cover the downstream end edge of the guide surface 2252, so as to ensure that the water can flow from the communication pipeline 2244 to the guide surface 2252, and the water between the communication pipeline 2244 and the guide surface 2252 can be fully mixed.
[0127] It can be understood that with reference to Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 , in some examples of the present application, the guide sleeve 225 includes a mounting portion 2254, a guide table 2255 and a guide sheet 2256. The water outlet cavity 2251 is formed in the inside of the mounting portion 2254. The guide table 2255 is connected to the mounting portion 2254 and located on the side of the mounting portion 2254 facing the valve core body 224. The guide surface 2252 is formed on the outer periphery of the guide table 2255. The guide sheet 2256 is distributed on the outer periphery of the guide table 2255. The end of the guide sheet 2256 abuts against the valve core body 224, and the guide sheet 2256 is used to divide the guide cavity 226 into a plurality of guide passages 2257.
[0128] The guide sheet 2256 divides the guide cavity 226 into a plurality of independent guide passages 2257. By controlling the number, angle and spacing (such as symmetrical distribution or gradient distribution) of the guide sheet 2256, the flow area of each passage can be accurately controlled. In the embodiment, for example, the cold water is guided to enter the valve core body 224 through a plurality of guide passages 2257 for mixing, which avoids local turbulence or stratification phenomenon caused by uneven flow rate of a single passage, significantly improves the contact area and mixing uniformity of cold and hot water, and can evenly distribute the water flow in the circumferential direction to eliminate temperature deviation caused by "bias flow".
[0129] The flow guide surface 2252 of the outer periphery of the flow guide platform 2255 and the end of the flow guide fin 2256 abutting the valve core body 224 form a "stepped" guide structure, the flow guide fin 2256 serves as a flow distribution boundary to limit the radial diffusion range of the water flow; the flow guide surface 2252 further converges and adjusts the flow direction of the water flow after being distributed by the flow guide fin 2256, such as converting from radial to axial, so that the water flow completes the transition of "flow distribution-flow regulation" before entering the water outlet cavity 2251, avoiding pressure fluctuations caused by sudden changes in the flow channel.
[0130] The end of the flow guide fin 2256 directly abuts the valve core body 224 to form a "mechanical limiting" structure, which not only fixes the position of the flow guide fin 2256 (to prevent changes in channel size caused by water flow impact deviation), but also enhances the sealing performance through close contact with the valve core body 224 (to reduce the risk of water leakage). In addition, the mounting portion 2254 serves as a "rigid support body" to provide a stable mounting reference for the flow guide platform 2255 and the flow guide fin 2256, avoiding structural deformation caused by external vibration or pressure fluctuations, and ensuring the long-term size accuracy and performance consistency of the flow guide channel 2257.
[0131] Referring to Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 , in some examples of the present application, the flow guide fin 2256 protrudes from the end surface of the flow guide platform 2255 away from the mounting portion 2254. The protrusion of the flow guide fin 2256 from the end surface of the flow guide platform 2255 away from the mounting portion 2254 can expand the flow guide surface 2252 to strengthen multi-directional flow distribution, adjust flow rate distribution to suppress turbulence, enhance structural limiting and sealing, and optimize water outlet direction to promote uniform mixing, ultimately improving temperature control accuracy and operation stability.
[0132] It should be noted that referring to Figure 6 and Figure 10 , in this embodiment, the end of the memory alloy spring is fixed in the clamping groove 22551 formed at one end of the flow guide platform 2255 towards the mounting portion 2254. It can be understood that in this embodiment, the clamping groove 22551 is arranged around the mixing cavity 2253, and the memory alloy spring is inserted into the clamping groove 22551 and covers the mixing cavity 2253.
[0133] The clamping groove 22551 provides a clear mounting position for the memory alloy spring (such as the shape of the groove body matching the end of the memory alloy spring), preventing the memory alloy spring from being radially deviated, twisted or falling off due to water flow impact or vibration, ensuring that the memory alloy spring always stretches in the designed direction (such as axial direction), guaranteeing stable transmission of its elastic force to the flow guide sleeve 225 and the valve core body 224, while improving assembly consistency and structural reliability, ultimately enhancing the long-term performance of the device.
[0134] It can be understood that the thermal sensitive element 227, i.e. the memory alloy spring, is detachably installed on the flow guide sleeve 225, and of course, in some examples, the thermal sensitive element 227, i.e. the memory alloy spring, can also be integrally embedded and fixedly matched with the flow guide sleeve 225.
[0135] It can be understood that, with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , in some examples of the present application, the biasing spring 221 has a first end and a second end, and the thermostatic valve 220 further comprises a mounting base 228 for being fixed with the first end of the biasing spring 221, the mounting base 228 being threadedly connected between the valve housing 223, and the second end of the biasing spring 221 being used for being connected with the valve core body 224.
[0136] By rotating the mounting base 228, the relative position between the mounting base 228 and the valve housing 223 can be accurately adjusted, so as to control the initial compression or stretching amount of the biasing spring 221, and ensure that the valve core body 224 obtains an accurate pre-tightening force or displacement reference in the initial state, so as to control the water outlet temperature.
[0137] This design reduces the sensitivity of the position error during installation, that is, even if there is a slight installation deviation (such as a machining tolerance or an assembly gap of the valve housing 223), the initial position of the valve core body 224 can be accurately positioned by fine-tuning the mounting base 228, and the adjustment failure or temperature deviation caused by inaccurate positioning can be avoided.
[0138] Specifically, with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , in the present embodiment, the outer wall of the mounting base 228 is provided with a thread, and the inner wall of the valve housing 223 is machined with a matching thread. The user rotates the mounting base 228 to move along the valve housing 223 in the axial direction (clockwise / counter-clockwise), and the displacement amount is controlled by the pitch of the thread, and the biasing spring 221 is directly compressed or released.
[0139] It should be noted that, with reference to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , in some examples of the present application, the temperature adjusting component 222 serves as a coarse adjustment execution unit in the system, and the mounting base 228 undertakes the fine adjustment function. In the specific working process: when the temperature adjusting component 222 is rotated, the mechanical movement thereof will synchronously drive the local components of the valve housing 223, the biasing spring 221 and the mounting base 228 to produce linkage through the transmission structure; and when the mounting base 228 is rotated alone, the movement thereof only acts on the biasing spring 221, so as to realize more delicate adjustment operation.
[0140] More specifically, in some examples, the temperature adjustment component 222 is a sleeve, which is sleeved on a part of the valve housing 223 and is in a push-fit manner, and the part of the valve housing 223 is sleeved on the mounting base 228. The sleeve structure of the temperature adjustment component 222 is sleeved on a specific functional section (e.g., an adjustment section) of the valve housing 223 as a core adjustment unit, and motion transmission is achieved through the push-fit manner. Further, the functional section of the valve housing 223 is also sleeved on the mounting base 228 in a sleeving manner, forming a hierarchical sleeving structure of "sleeve-valve housing 223 adjustment section-mounting base 228".
[0141] With reference to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , in some examples of the present application, the outer wall of the valve housing 223 is provided with at least three sealing grooves 2231, and a mounting sealing ring 2232 is fixed in each sealing groove 2231. The mounting sealing ring 2232 is sealed with the inner wall of the outer pipe 210 to form a first annular cavity C and a second annular cavity D between adjacent mounting sealing rings 2232, the first annular cavity C being used for connecting the hot water inlet 212 and the hot water flow path B, and the second annular cavity D being used for connecting the third cold water inlet 211 and the cold water flow path A.
[0142] The axial arrangement of the first annular cavity C and the second annular cavity D (the cavities formed between adjacent mounting sealing rings 2232) enables the hot water and the cold water to enter the inside of the valve core body 224 more uniformly along the circumference of the valve core body 224. The divided-cavity flow guide mode can avoid the cross interference of multiple flow paths, so that the cold and hot water can enter the mixing cavity 2253 stably according to the preset proportion, and the control accuracy of the final outlet water temperature is significantly improved.
[0143] More specifically, with reference to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , in some examples of the present application, the valve housing 223 includes a first housing 223a, a second housing 223b and a third housing 223c, the second housing 223b being located between the first housing 223a and the third housing 223c, the first housing 223a corresponding to the flow guide sleeve 225, the second housing 223b being sleeved on the valve core body 224, and the third housing 223c being sleeved on the mounting base 228 and the biasing spring 221.
[0144] It can be understood that, with reference to Figure 9 and Figure 10In the present example, the installation portion 2254 of the flow guide sleeve 225 is provided with a plurality of annular protrusions 22541, which abut against the inner wall of the first shell 223a to reduce friction between the flow guide sleeve 225 and the first shell 223a, increase water resistance, and reduce overflow of un-mixed water; a first sealing ring 410 is arranged between the second shell 223b and the valve core body 224 to further block the mixing of the hot water flow path B and the cold water flow path A at the outer periphery of the valve core body 224, thereby improving the sealing performance.
[0145] In the present example, the valve shell 223, i.e., the first shell, is provided with a plurality of water outlet channels 223a1 at the water outlet cavity 2251 of the flow guide sleeve 225, which are connected to the water outlet cavity 2251 and the mixed water outlet 213.
[0146] It should be noted that, with reference to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , in the present example, the third shell 223c includes a third outer shell and a third inner shell partially located in the third outer shell, and the third outer shell and the third inner shell are connected by threads, which facilitates disassembly and maintenance, and the sealing between the two is realized by a second sealing ring 420 to avoid liquid leakage, and the part of the third inner shell located outside the third outer shell is used for fitting and installing the temperature adjusting component 222.
[0147] It should also be noted that, with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , in the present example, the third inner shell is sleeved on the mounting base 228 and connected by threads, and the displacement amount is controlled by the pitch of the threads to directly compress or release the biasing spring 221. The mounting base 228 is provided with two mounting grooves along its circumference, and each mounting groove is provided with a third sealing ring 430 to seal the gap between the third inner shell and the bracket of the mounting base 228. Of course, the number of mounting grooves is not limited to two, and can be adjusted according to actual sealing requirements. It should be understood that the position of the above-mentioned mounting groove is between the threaded connection between the third inner shell and the mounting base 228 and the limiting connection between the biasing spring 221 and the mounting base 228. The thread pitch cooperates with the precise design of the position of the third sealing ring 430 to realize linear adjustment of the displacement of the third inner shell, multi-dimensional sealing protection, and dynamic anti-vibration function, thereby significantly improving the adjustment accuracy, sealing reliability, and long-term operation stability of the device.
[0148] It should be pointed out finally that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, but not to limit the same; and although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments can be modified, or some technical features thereof can be replaced equivalently; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.
Claims
1. A thermostatic valve characterized by, The constant temperature valve comprises: a valve shell; a valve core body which is slidable relative to the valve shell and forms a cold water flow path and a hot water flow path between the valve core body and the valve shell; a flow guide sleeve which is installed in the valve shell, forms a flow guide cavity between the flow guide sleeve and the valve core body, and forms a water outlet cavity in the flow guide sleeve, the flow guide cavity being used to mix hot water of the hot water flow path and cold water of the cold water flow path upstream of the water outlet cavity; a thermal element which is installed in the water outlet cavity and is adapted to drive the flow guide sleeve and the valve core body to move in the case of sensing a change in water temperature in the water outlet cavity, so as to change a flow rate of the cold water flow path and a flow rate of the hot water flow path; the flow guide sleeve is formed with a flow guide surface, and an inner wall of the valve core body is formed with a guide inclined surface corresponding to the flow guide sleeve, and the flow guide surface and the guide inclined surface form the flow guide cavity; the flow guide sleeve comprises: a mounting portion which is internally formed with the water outlet cavity; a flow guide platform which is connected to the mounting portion and is located on a side of the mounting portion facing the valve core body, and an outer periphery of the flow guide platform is formed with the flow guide surface; flow guide fins which are distributed on the outer periphery of the flow guide platform, end portions of the flow guide fins abut against the valve core body, and the flow guide fins are used to divide the flow guide cavity to obtain a plurality of flow guide passages.
2. The thermostatic valve according to claim 1, characterized in that An included angle between the flow guide surface and a central axis of the flow guide sleeve is a, and an included angle between the guide inclined surface and the central axis of the flow guide sleeve is b, and the included angle a is greater than the included angle b.
3. The thermostatic valve according to claim 2, characterized in that The valve core body is internally formed with a hot water inlet cavity and a cold water inlet cavity, the hot water inlet cavity is communicated with the hot water flow path, the cold water inlet cavity is communicated with the cold water flow path, and one of the hot water inlet cavity and the cold water inlet cavity is provided with the guide inclined surface.
4. The thermostatic valve according to claim 3, characterized in that The valve core body is internally formed with a communication pipeline which is communicated with the hot water inlet cavity and the cold water inlet cavity, the communication pipeline has a flared section facing the flow guide surface, and an included angle between the flared section and the central axis of the flow guide sleeve is c, and the included angle a is greater than the included angle c.
5. The thermostatic valve according to claim 1, characterized in that The flow guide fins protrude from an end surface of the flow guide platform away from the mounting portion; an end of the flow guide platform facing the mounting portion is formed with a clamping groove, the thermal element is a memory alloy spring, an end portion of the memory alloy spring is fixed in the clamping groove, and the flow guide platform is internally formed with a mixing cavity.
6. The thermostatic valve according to claim 1, characterized in that The constant temperature valve further comprises: a mounting base which is threadedly connected between the valve shell and is used to be fixed with a first end of a biasing spring, and a second end of the biasing spring is used to be connected with the valve core body.
7. A constant temperature water circuit device for a water heater, characterized in that, The constant temperature valve comprises: a cold water pipe which is formed with a first cold water inlet, a first cold water outlet and a second cold water outlet, the first cold water inlet is used to be connected with a water source, and the first cold water outlet is used to be connected to a second cold water inlet of a liner of a water heater; a constant temperature assembly which comprises an outer pipe and a constant temperature valve located inside the outer pipe, the outer pipe is formed with a third cold water inlet, a hot water inlet and a mixed water outlet, the hot water inlet is used to be connected to a hot water outlet of the liner of the water heater, and the constant temperature valve is the constant temperature valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The switching valve comprises an operating part and a switching valve core, the switching valve core is located in the cold water pipe, the operating part is suitable for driving the switching valve core to switch between a water injection position and a constant temperature position, in the water injection position, the third cold water inlet and the second cold water outlet are disconnected, in the constant temperature position, the third cold water inlet and the first cold water inlet are conducted through the second cold water outlet.
8. The thermostatic water circuit device of the water heater according to claim 7, wherein The outer wall of the valve shell is provided with at least three sealing grooves, a sealing ring is fixed in each sealing groove, the sealing ring and the inner wall of the outer pipe are sealed to form a first annular cavity and a second annular cavity between adjacent sealing rings, the first annular cavity is used for connecting the hot water inlet and the hot water flow path, and the second annular cavity is used for connecting the third cold water inlet and the cold water flow path.
9. A water heater, characterized by The water heater comprises: The tank assembly comprises an inner container; The constant temperature water path device of the water heater according to any one of claims 7 to 8; The first cold water outlet and the hot water inlet are located on the same side of the constant temperature water path device, and the first cold water inlet and the mixed water outlet are located on the same side of the constant temperature water path device.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Constant-temperature water mixing valve element
CN211474950U