Valve device and water supply equipment

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of water supply equipment, and particularly discloses a valve device and water supply equipment. A valve body assembly of the valve device is provided with a first port communicated with the hot water channel, a second port communicated with the cold water channel and a valve cavity communicated with the first port and the second port, and a communication port is formed in the valve cavity. The valve element assembly comprises a valve element capable of being axially and movably installed in the valve cavity, a blocking piece and a temperature adjusting piece, wherein the blocking piece and the temperature adjusting piece are both connected to the valve element. The blocking piece is used for opening or blocking the communicating opening. The temperature adjusting piece can change deformation force acting on the valve element according to the fluid temperature of the first port. When the fluid temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the fluid pressure of the first port can enable the valve element to overcome the deformation force so that the communication port can be communicated; when the fluid temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the blocking piece blocks the communicating opening. The valve device has the one-way conduction function and the temperature sensing function, the machining cost is reduced, no complex pipeline system exists, the cost is reduced, and the reliability of water supply equipment is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water supply equipment technology, and more particularly to valve devices and water supply equipment. Background Technology

[0002] The zero-cold-water function of a water heater is a technology that preheats the low-temperature cold water in the hot water pipeline to the temperature set by the user. When the user needs hot water, it can be used "instantly" without waiting for the cold water to drain. This technology saves water and improves user comfort.

[0003] Currently, zero-cold-water functionality is mainly achieved in two ways: one is to install a return pipe in the hot water channel, using a circulation pump to draw residual cold water from the hot water channel back to the heating tank for reheating; the other is to install a return valve structure at a remote water point, connecting the hot water channel and the cold water channel in one direction, using a circulation pump to draw cold water from the hot water channel back to the heating tank for reheating. Existing return valve structures generally include a temperature control element and a check valve. The temperature control element detects the water temperature in the hot water channel; when the water temperature in the hot water channel is too low, it controls the check valve to open, allowing the cooler cold water in the hot water channel to flow into the cold water channel and back to the heating tank for reheating before circulating back into the hot water channel. This type of return valve structure is relatively complex, requiring both a check valve and a temperature control element, resulting in higher costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The first technical problem solved by the present invention is to provide a valve device that can solve the problem that the existing return water valve structure requires the setting of temperature control elements and check valves, resulting in complex structure and high cost.

[0005] The second technical problem solved by the present invention is to provide a water supply device that has a valve device that can solve the problems of complex structure and high cost of existing return water valve structures.

[0006] The first technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution:

[0007] A valve device is provided, comprising:

[0008] A valve body assembly having a first port, a second port, and a valve cavity communicating between the first port and the second port, wherein the first port is used to communicate a hot water channel, the second port is used to communicate a cold water channel, and a through port is provided in the valve cavity;

[0009] A valve core assembly includes a valve core, a sealing element and a temperature regulating element connected to the valve core. The valve core is axially movable within the valve cavity. The sealing element is used to open or close the passage. The temperature regulating element is located at the first port and can change the deformation force acting on the valve core according to the fluid temperature at the first port. When the fluid temperature is lower than a preset temperature, the fluid pressure at the first port enables the valve core to overcome the deformation force and open the passage. When the fluid temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the sealing element closes the passage.

[0010] The valve device of this invention, compared with the prior art, has the following advantages: Under normal conditions, under the deformation force of the temperature regulating element, the sealing element blocks the flow port, preventing water from flowing from the second port to the first port, thus achieving the function of a one-way valve. The temperature regulating element is located at the first port. When the fluid temperature in the hot water channel changes, the deformation force of the temperature regulating element varies. The force on the sealing element is the resultant force of the fluid pressure in the first port and the deformation force applied by the temperature regulating element, and the two are in opposite directions: the fluid pressure direction is from the first port to the second port, and the deformation force is from the second port to the first port. When the fluid temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the deformation force of the temperature regulating element decreases, so that the fluid pressure in the first port is greater than the deformation force of the temperature regulating element, and the flow port is open; when the fluid temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the fluid pressure in the first port is insufficient to overcome the deformation force, so the sealing element blocks the flow port. The valve core assembly has both one-way flow and temperature-controlled valve opening functions, simplifying the structure and reducing processing costs.

[0011] In one embodiment, the temperature regulating element is a memory spring, the stiffness coefficient of which is positively correlated with the fluid temperature. In the initial state, the memory spring is in a compressed state to generate the deformation force, which always has the tendency to drive the valve core to move axially so that the sealing element moves toward sealing the passage.

[0012] In one embodiment, the valve core assembly further includes a base and a baffle. The base is installed inside the valve cavity, the valve core is axially movable through the base, the baffle is fixed on the valve core, the temperature regulating component is fitted onto the valve core and its two ends are respectively connected to the base and the baffle, the baffle and the sealing component are respectively located on both sides of the base, and the base is provided with an axially penetrating water passage hole.

[0013] In one embodiment, the valve core includes an adjusting member and a main shaft body arranged coaxially. One of the adjusting member and the main shaft body has an adjusting screw hole, and the other has a screw section screwed into the adjusting screw hole. There is an adjusting gap between the screw section and the bottom of the adjusting screw hole. The baffle is installed on the adjusting member, the sealing member is installed on the main shaft body, and the main shaft body is axially movable through the base.

[0014] In one embodiment, the valve core is provided with a guide support member, which is axially movable within the valve cavity. The outer periphery of the guide support member abuts against the inner wall of the valve cavity, and the guide support member has a water guiding channel that extends through the valve along the axial direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the valve core is provided with a guide support member, which is axially movable within the valve cavity. The outer periphery of the guide support member abuts against the inner wall of the valve cavity, and the guide support member has a water guiding channel that extends through the valve along the axial direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the valve device further includes a hot water tee and a cold water tee. The hot water tee is used to connect to the hot water channel, and the cold water tee is used to connect to the cold water channel. The hot water tee includes a hot water inlet, a hot water outlet, and a first circulation port that are interconnected. The cold water tee includes a cold water inlet, a cold water outlet, and a second circulation port that are interconnected. Both the hot water tee and the cold water tee are connected to the valve body assembly, and the first port is connected to the first circulation port, and the second port is connected to the second circulation port. The first circulation port and the second circulation port are connected to form the valve cavity.

[0017] In one embodiment, the hot water tee is provided with a first guide groove, and the cold water tee is provided with a second guide groove. The two ends of the valve core are respectively movably inserted into the first guide groove and the second guide groove. When the sealing member opens the passage, the bottom of the second guide groove abuts against the end of the valve core to restrict the axial movement of the valve core.

[0018] In one embodiment, the valve device further includes a resilient reset member fitted outside the valve core, the resilient reset member always having the tendency to drive the valve core to move axially so that the sealing member moves toward sealing the passage.

[0019] The second technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution:

[0020] A water supply device is provided, including a water heater, a hot water channel and a cold water channel respectively connected to the water heater, and a valve device as described above, wherein the hot water channel is connected to a first port of the valve device and the cold water channel is connected to a second port of the valve device.

[0021] The water supply equipment of the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art: The temperature regulating component of its valve device can change the deformation force acting on the valve core according to the fluid temperature change at the first port; when the fluid temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the deformation force of the temperature regulating component decreases, so that the fluid pressure in the first port is greater than the deformation force of the temperature regulating component, and the conduction port is unidirectionally open; when the fluid temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the fluid pressure in the first port is insufficient to overcome the deformation force, therefore the sealing component blocks the conduction port, and water cannot flow from the second port to the first port, thus realizing the one-way valve function. The valve device has both unidirectional conduction and temperature sensing functions, reducing processing costs and eliminating the need for a complex piping system, simplifying the piping structure of the water supply equipment and improving its reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention when closed;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention when it is in operation;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the valve core assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a structural disassembly diagram of the valve core assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a structural disassembly diagram of the valve body assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the valve device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention when closed. Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the valve device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention when it is in operation. Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the valve device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention when closed. Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the valve device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention when it is in operation. Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the valve core assembly provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the knob provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the water supply equipment provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0034] Label Explanation:

[0035] 1. Valve body assembly; 10. Rotation limiting groove; 11. First port; 12. Second port; 13. Valve cavity; 14. Conductor port; 15. First guide groove; 16. Second guide groove; 17. Valve cover; 171. Adjustment hole; 18. First housing; 19. Second housing;

[0036] 2. Valve core assembly; 21. Valve core; 211. Adjusting component; 212. Main shaft; 2121. Adjusting screw hole; 22. Sealing component; 23. Temperature regulating component; 24. Base; 241. Water passage hole; 25. Baffle; 26. Guide support component; 261. Water guide channel;

[0037] 3. Adjusting knob; 31. Mating hole; 4. Hot water tee connector; 41. Hot water inlet; 42. Hot water outlet; 5. Cold water tee connector; 51. Cold water inlet; 52. Cold water outlet; 6. Elastic return element; 7. Snap ring; 8. Sealing ring;

[0038] 100. Hot water channel; 200. Cold water channel; 300. Water heater. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0041] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] like Figures 1-5As shown, this embodiment of the invention first provides a valve device, which includes a valve body assembly 1 and a valve core assembly 2. The valve body assembly 1 has a first port 11, a second port 12, and a valve cavity 13 connecting the first port 11 and the second port 12. The first port 11 is used to connect to a hot water channel 100, and the second port 12 is used to connect to a cold water channel 200. A through port 14 is provided in the valve cavity 13. The valve core assembly 2 includes a valve core 21, a sealing member 22 connected to the valve core 21, and a temperature regulating member 23. The valve core 21 is axially movable in the valve cavity 13. The sealing member 22 is used to open or block the through port 14. When the sealing member 22 opens the through port 14, unidirectional flow occurs between the first port 11 and the second port 12, allowing fluid to flow only from the hot water channel 100 to the cold water channel 200. Temperature regulating element 23 is located at the first port 11. Temperature regulating element 23 can change the deformation force acting on valve core 21 according to the fluid temperature at the first port 11. This deformation force can drive valve core 21 to move axially. Under normal conditions, under the action of the deformation force of temperature regulating element 23, sealing element 22 blocks the passage 14, preventing water from flowing from the second port 12 to the first port 11, thus achieving the one-way valve function. When the fluid temperature in the hot water channel 100 changes, the changing fluid temperature causes temperature regulating element 23 to generate different deformation forces. The force acting on sealing element 22 is the resultant force of the fluid pressure in the first port 11 and the deformation force applied by temperature regulating element 23. The two forces are opposite in direction: the fluid pressure direction is from the first port 11 to the second port 12, and the deformation force direction is from the second port 12 to the first port 11. When the fluid temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the fluid pressure in the hot water channel 100 can overcome the deformation force to open the guide port 14; when the fluid temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the fluid pressure in the hot water channel 100 is insufficient to overcome the deformation force, so the sealing element 22 blocks the guide port 14. The valve device has both unidirectional conduction and temperature sensing functions, simplifies the structure, reduces processing costs, and does not have a complex piping system, making it easy to install.

[0045] The temperature regulating element 23 is a shape memory spring. The spring constant is positively correlated with the fluid temperature. In the initial state, the shape memory spring is compressed to generate deformation force. This deformation force always tends to drive the valve core 21 to move axially, causing the sealing element 22 to move towards the sealing passage 14. The shape memory spring is made of shape memory alloy. Utilizing the characteristics of the shape memory spring, the working state of the temperature regulating element 23 is divided into a soft phase and a hard phase. When the fluid temperature at the first port 11 is low, it is in the soft phase, and the spring constant of the temperature regulating element 23 is small, resulting in small spring forces generated by tension and compression. As the temperature at the first port 11 increases, the shape memory spring gradually changes from the soft phase to the hard phase, the spring constant of the temperature regulating element 23 increases, and the spring force generated by the same amount of compression increases accordingly. This spring force is also the deformation force that drives the valve core 21. In the initial state, the temperature regulating element 23 is compressed, thus the elastic force generated by compression can be used as the deformation force to drive the valve core 21.

[0046] The valve core assembly 2 also includes a base 24 and a baffle 25. The base 24 is installed inside the valve cavity 13, and the valve core 21 is axially movable through the base 24. The baffle 25 is fixed to the valve core 21, and the valve core 21 provides guidance for the temperature regulating component 23. The temperature regulating component 23 is fitted into the valve core 21 and its two ends are respectively connected to the base 24 and the baffle 25. The baffle 25 and the sealing component 22 are located on both sides of the base 24. The baffle 25 and the base 24 restrict the position of the temperature regulating component 23. The base 24 is embedded in the valve cavity 13, and the baffle 25 and the sealing component 22 are located on both sides of the base 24, so that the temperature regulating component 23 is located on one side of the first port 11. The base 24 and the valve cavity 13 can be installed by interference fit, which is relatively simple. The base 24 is provided with an axially penetrating water passage hole 241 to ensure the fluid flow in the valve cavity 13.

[0047] After the base 24 is installed in the valve cavity 13, the memory spring, which acts as the temperature regulating element 23, is always in a compressed state. The initial state is defined as the compression of the memory spring when the sealing element 22 opens the conduction port 14. At this time, the temperature regulating element 23 is in a soft phase with a small deformation force, less than the fluid pressure in the hot water channel 100. Therefore, the sealing element 22 is away from the conduction port 14 and faces the second port 12, and the valve is open. When the fluid temperature in the hot water channel 100 rises, the temperature regulating element 23 changes from a soft phase to a hard phase, and the spring constant of the memory spring gradually increases. Under the same compression, the deformation force of the memory spring gradually increases. When the temperature increases to T1, the deformation force of the memory spring increases sufficiently to overcome the fluid pressure in the hot water channel 100, causing the sealing element 22 to block the conduction port 14, and the valve is closed. This temperature T1 is defined as the preset temperature. Below the preset temperature, the valve is open unidirectionally; above the preset temperature, the valve is closed.

[0048] A guide support 26 is provided on the valve core 21. The guide support 26 is axially movable within the valve cavity 13. The outer periphery of the guide support 26 abuts against the inner wall of the valve cavity 13. The guide support 26 has a water guiding channel 261 that extends through the valve along the axial direction. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. The guide support 26 provides radial support, preventing the valve core 21 from deflecting and jamming during axial movement, thus making the movement of the valve core 21 smoother. The water guide channel 261 ensures the smooth flow of fluid, allowing fluid to flow from the hot water channel 100 through the valve chamber 13 to the cold water channel 200.

[0049] For example, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the guide support 26 in the figure has a plum blossom-shaped structure. The protruding petals are used to abut against the inner wall of the valve cavity 13, and the gap between adjacent petals forms a water guiding channel 261 for fluid to pass through.

[0050] To achieve quick connection with the hot water channel 100 and the cold water channel 200, the valve device also includes a hot water tee connector 4 and a cold water tee connector 5. The hot water tee connector 4 connects to the hot water channel 100, and the cold water tee connector 5 connects to the cold water channel 200. The hot water tee connector 4 includes a hot water inlet 41, a hot water outlet 42, and a first circulation port that are interconnected. The cold water tee connector 5 includes a cold water inlet 51, a cold water outlet 52, and a second circulation port that are interconnected. Both the hot water tee connector 4 and the cold water tee connector 5 are connected to the valve body assembly 1, with the first port 11 connected to the first circulation port and the second port 12 connected to the second circulation port, forming an H-shaped structure. Figure 5 As shown. When the fluid temperature in the hot water channel 100 is low, the valve device opens, and the fluid enters the valve chamber 13 through the first circulation port and flows into the cold water channel 200 through the second circulation port. The liquid in the cold water channel 200 can flow back into the water heater 300, and after preheating, it circulates back into the hot water channel 100.

[0051] To simplify the assembly and processing of the valve device, the valve body assembly 1 includes a first housing 18 and a second housing 19. The first housing 18 and the second housing 19 are detachably connected to form a valve cavity 13. A first port 11 and a through port 14 are located in the first housing 18, and a second port 12 is located in the second housing 19. The first housing 18 and the hot water tee connector 4 are integrally formed; the second housing 19 and the cold water tee connector 5 are integrally formed. The first and second circulation ports are not labeled in the attached drawings because, in the case of integral forming, the first port 11 and the first circulation port are directly connected, and the second port 12 and the second circulation port are directly connected, forming the valve cavity 13. This simplifies the structure and facilitates assembly. The first housing 18 and the hot water tee connector 4, and the second housing 19 and the cold water tee connector 5 are installed from both ends of the valve core 21. While the first housing 18 and the second housing 19 form the valve cavity 13, the sealing member 22 is located on the side of the through port 14 facing the second port 12.

[0052] A first guide groove 15 is provided inside the hot water tee connector 4, and a second guide groove 16 is provided inside the cold water tee connector 5. Both ends of the valve core 21 are movably inserted into the first guide groove 15 and the second guide groove 16, respectively. When the sealing member 22 opens the conduction port 14, the bottom of the second guide groove 16 abuts against the end of the valve core 21 to restrict the axial movement of the valve core 21. The first guide groove 15 and the second guide groove 16 provide guidance for the axial movement of the valve core 21, preventing torsion during its movement and maintaining the smoothness of its movement. In addition, the second guide groove 16 also has an axial limiting function. When the sealing member 22 moves away from the conduction port 14, allowing the valve device to conduct unidirectionally, the end of the valve core 21 can abut against the bottom of the second guide groove 16. This abutment and limiting function of the second guide groove 16 prevents excessive axial movement of the valve core 21 due to high fluid pressure.

[0053] The valve assembly also includes an elastic reset member 6, which is fitted outside the valve core 21. The elastic reset member 6 always tends to drive the valve core 21 to move axially so that the sealing member 22 moves toward the sealing passage 14. For example, the elastic reset member 6 is a compression spring, fitted outside the valve core 21, with one end abutting against the inner wall of the cold water tee connector 5. The elastic reset member 6 applies an elastic force to the valve core 21 from the second port 12 to the first port 11, which can push the valve core 21 to move the sealing member 22 toward the sealing passage 14. Under the action of the elastic reset member 6, reliable closure of the valve assembly can be ensured, preventing the valve from failing to close properly when the deformation of the temperature regulating member 23 is insufficient to overcome the fluid pressure. On the other hand, when the user is using the cold water channel 200 to dispense cold water, if the water pressure in the cold water channel 200 is low and the fluid temperature in the hot water channel 100 is also relatively low, the deformation force of the temperature regulating component 23 is small and insufficient to overcome the fluid pressure in the hot water channel 100. In this case, fluid may easily enter the cold water channel 200 from the hot water channel 100, affecting the normal dispensing of cold water from the cold water channel 200. However, the elastic force of the elastic reset component 6 can prevent this from happening. The elastic force of the elastic reset component 6 and the deformation force of the temperature regulating component 23 are in the same direction, and together they can overcome the fluid pressure in the hot water channel 100, keeping the valve device closed. Of course, when the fluid temperature at the first port 11 drops below the preset temperature, and the hot water channel 100 is dispensing hot water, the fluid pressure at the first port 11 can overcome the elastic force of the elastic reset component 6 and the deformation force of the temperature regulating component 23, allowing the conduction port 14 to be normally open to ensure fluid return. The valve body assembly 1 also includes a valve cover 17. The hot water tee connector 4 has an outlet that connects to the first port 11, and the valve cover 17 is located at the outlet. The valve cover 17 is installed on the hot water tee connector 4 with fasteners. Removing the valve cover 17 allows the valve core assembly 2 to be quickly removed from the valve cavity 13 for maintenance. Correspondingly, a first guide groove 15 is provided on the valve cover 17.

[0054] To ensure the sealing performance of valve body assembly 1, the valve device also includes a retaining ring 7 and a sealing ring 8. The first housing 18 can be inserted into the second housing 19, or the second housing 19 can be inserted into the first housing 18. Exemplarily, the second housing 19 is inserted into the first housing 18, and the sealing ring 8 is fitted over the second housing 19 and located between the second housing 19 and the first housing 18 to seal the gap between them. The retaining ring 7 is used to connect the second housing 19 and the first housing 18, making the assembly relatively simple.

[0055] Example 2

[0056] Embodiment 2 of the present invention provides a valve device, such as Figures 6 to 11As shown, the valve device has the same valve body assembly 1 and valve core assembly 2 as in Embodiment 1. The valve body assembly 1 has a first port 11, a second port 12, and a valve cavity 13 connecting the first port 11 and the second port 12. The first port 11 is used to connect to the hot water channel 100, and the second port 12 is used to connect to the cold water channel 200. A guide port 14 is provided in the valve cavity 13. The valve core assembly 2 includes a valve core 21, a sealing member 22 connected to the valve core 21, and a temperature regulating member 23. The valve core 21 is axially movable in the valve cavity 13. The sealing member 22 is used to open or block the guide port 14. When the sealing member 22 opens the guide port 14, there is unidirectional flow between the first port 11 and the second port 12, allowing fluid to flow only from the hot water channel 100 to the cold water channel 200. Temperature regulating element 23 is located at the first port 11. Temperature regulating element 23 deforms according to the fluid temperature at the first port 11 and drives valve core 21 to move axially via the deformation force. The moving valve core 21 causes sealing element 22 to move towards the sealing port 14. When the fluid temperature in the hot water channel 100 changes, the changing fluid temperature causes temperature regulating element 23 to deform differently, generating different deformation forces. The force acting on sealing element 22 is the resultant force of the fluid pressure applied by the hot water channel 100 and the deformation force applied by temperature regulating element 23. The two forces are opposite in direction: the fluid pressure points from the first port 11 to the second port 12, and the deformation force points from the second port 12 to the first port 11. When the fluid temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the fluid pressure in the hot water channel 100 can overcome the deformation force, allowing the port 14 to be unidirectionally open. When the fluid temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the fluid pressure in the hot water channel 100 is insufficient to overcome the deformation force, therefore sealing element 22 blocks the port 14.

[0057] The difference in this embodiment is that the valve core 21 includes an adjusting member 211 and a main shaft 212 coaxially arranged. One of the adjusting member 211 and the main shaft 212 has an adjusting screw hole 2121, and the other has a screw section. The screw section is screwed into the adjusting screw hole 2121, and there is an adjusting gap between the bottom of the screw section and the adjusting screw hole 2121, allowing for axial relative movement between the screw section and the adjusting screw hole 2121. The baffle 25 is fixed to the adjusting member 211, and the sealing member 22 is installed on the main shaft 212. The main shaft 212 is axially movable and passes through the base 24.

[0058] For example, the main shaft 212 has an adjusting screw hole 2121 at one end facing the first port 11, and the adjusting member 211 has a screw section at one end, which is screwed into the adjusting screw hole 2121. When the base 24 is embedded in the valve cavity 13, rotating the adjusting member 211 causes the baffle 25 to move axially with the adjusting member 211, while the main shaft 212 and the base 24 remain stationary, thus achieving the purpose of adjusting the distance between the baffle 25 and the base 24. The initial deformation degree, i.e., the compression amount, of the temperature regulating member 23 is determined by the distance between the baffle 25 and the base 24. When the distance between the baffle 25 and the base 24 is increased, the initial deformation of the temperature regulating element 23 decreases, that is, the compression of the temperature regulating element 23 decreases. Correspondingly, when the valve device is closed, the compression of the memory spring also decreases. In order for the memory spring to generate the same deformation force to move the sealing element 22 axially to the sealing passage 14, the fluid temperature in the hot water channel 100 needs to be higher, so that the spring constant of the memory spring increases, in order to obtain the same elastic force. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the distance between the baffle 25 and the base 24 before adjustment is illustrated; Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown in the figure, the distance between the baffle 25 and the base 24 is increased.

[0059] Therefore, adjusting the distance between the baffle 25 and the base 24 adjusts the preset temperature of the valve device. Furthermore, the greater the distance between the baffle 25 and the base 24, the higher the preset temperature of the valve device. This satisfies different user water temperature requirements. When a higher outlet water temperature is needed for the zero-cold-water function, increasing the distance between the baffle 25 and the base 24 reduces the compression of the memory spring; conversely, when a lower outlet water temperature is needed for the zero-cold-water function, decreasing the distance between the baffle 25 and the base 24 increases the compression of the memory spring.

[0060] The valve body assembly 1 also includes a valve cover 17. A hot water tee connector 4 has an outlet connecting to the first port 11, and the valve cover 17 is located at the outlet. The valve cover 17 has a through adjustment hole 171. The valve device also includes an adjustment knob 3. One end of the adjustment knob 3 is connected to the adjustment member 211, and the other end rotatably passes through the adjustment hole 171 to extend outside the valve cavity 13. This allows the user to adjust the preset temperature from the outside of the valve device using the adjustment knob 3. The end of the adjustment knob 3 located inside the valve cavity 13 has a mating hole 31. The valve body assembly 1 also has a limiting groove 10 inside the valve cavity 13. The end of the adjustment member 211 away from the main shaft 212 is inserted into the mating hole 31, and the adjustment knob 3 is configured to drive the adjustment member 211 to rotate. The end of the main shaft 212 away from the adjustment member 211 is axially movable and inserted into the limiting groove 10. The limiting groove 10 is configured to constrain the main shaft 212 to rotate around its own axis. In this way, when the adjusting knob 3 drives the adjusting component 211 to rotate, the main shaft 212 is constrained by the rotation limiting groove 10 and cannot rotate, ensuring that the main shaft 212 will not rotate. This allows the screw section to rotate within the adjusting screw hole 2121, thus realizing the axial position change between the adjusting component 211 and the main shaft 212.

[0061] To improve the reliability of the adjustment knob 3 and the adjustment component 211, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the end of the adjusting member 211 is a hexagonal prism, and the other end of the main shaft 212 away from the adjusting member 211 is also a hexagonal prism. The cross-sectional shape of the mating hole 31 is adapted to the hexagonal prism, and the cross-sectional shape of the rotation limiting groove 10 is also adapted to the hexagonal prism. The hexagonal prism of the adjusting member 211 is inserted into the mating hole 31 of the adjusting knob 3, and the hexagonal prism of the main shaft 212 is inserted into the rotation limiting groove 10. Moreover, there is a clearance between the hexagonal prism of the adjusting member 211 and the bottom of the mating hole 31. In this way, the knob 3 is turned to adjust the adjusting member 211, while the main shaft 212 remains stationary under the constraint of the rotation limiting groove 10. The screw section and the adjusting screw hole 2121 rotate relative to each other, realizing the axial movement of the adjusting member 211. Furthermore, the hexagonal prism at the end of the adjusting member 211 and the mating hole 31 of the adjusting knob 3 are non-interference fit. While the adjusting member 211 is rotating, it can move axially within the mating hole 31. The accommodating gap provides space for the axial movement of the adjusting member 211. In this way, the adjusting knob 3 only needs to be rotated and will not produce axial position movement, thus avoiding excessive protrusion of the valve body assembly 1, reducing the axial space occupied, and not being constrained by the narrow space.

[0062] In other embodiments, the end of the adjusting member 211 and the other end of the main shaft 212 can also be set as prisms with other cross-sectional shapes, such as triangular prisms, quadrangular prisms, etc., as long as the mating hole 31 is adapted to the end of the adjusting member 211 and the rotation limiting groove 10 is adapted to the other end of the main shaft 212, without being limited to the drawings of this embodiment.

[0063] Example 3

[0064] The present invention also provides a water supply device, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the water supply equipment includes a water heater 300, a hot water channel 100 and a cold water channel 200 connected to the water heater 300, and a valve device as described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 above. The hot water channel 100 is connected to the first port 11 of the valve device, and the cold water channel 200 is connected to the second port 12 of the valve device. A guide port 14 is provided in the valve cavity 13. The valve core assembly 2 includes a valve core 21, a sealing member 22 and a temperature regulating member 23 both connected to the valve core 21. The valve core 21 is axially movable in the valve cavity 13. The sealing member 22 is used to open or block the guide port 14. When the sealing member 22 opens the guide port 14, unidirectional flow occurs between the first port 11 and the second port 12, allowing fluid to flow only from the hot water channel 100 to the cold water channel 200. Temperature regulating element 23 is located at the first port 11. Temperature regulating element 23 can generate different deformation forces according to the fluid temperature change at the first port 11, driving valve core 21 to move axially. The moving valve core 21 can drive sealing element 22 to move towards the sealing passage 14. When the fluid temperature in the hot water channel 100 changes, the changing fluid temperature causes temperature regulating element 23 to undergo different deformations, generating different deformation forces. The force on sealing element 22 is the resultant force of the fluid pressure applied by the hot water channel 100 and the deformation force applied by temperature regulating element 23. The two forces are in opposite directions: the fluid pressure direction is from the first port 11 to the second port 12, and the deformation force direction is from the second port 12 to the first port 11. Under normal conditions, under the deformation force of the temperature regulating element 23, the sealing element 22 blocks the passage 14, preventing water from flowing from the second port 12 to the first port 11, thus achieving the function of a one-way valve. When the fluid temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the fluid pressure in the hot water channel 100 can overcome the deformation force, allowing the passage 14 to be opened unidirectionally. When the fluid temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the fluid pressure in the hot water channel 100 is insufficient to overcome the deformation force, therefore the sealing element 22 blocks the passage 14. The valve device combines unidirectional opening and temperature sensing functions, reducing processing costs and eliminating the need for a complex piping system, simplifying the piping structure of the water supply equipment and improving its reliability.

[0065] In the specific implementation of the above embodiments, the technical features can be combined in any non-contradictory way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the above technical features are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features is not contradictory, it should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0066] The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A valve device, characterized in that, include: A valve body assembly (1) has a first port (11), a second port (12) and a valve cavity (13) connecting the first port (11) and the second port (12). The first port (11) is used to connect a hot water channel (100), and the second port (12) is used to connect a cold water channel (200). A through port (14) is provided in the valve cavity (13). A valve core assembly (2) includes a valve core (21), a sealing member (22) connected to the valve core (21), and a temperature regulating member (23). The valve core (21) is axially movable and installed in the valve cavity (13). The sealing member (22) is used to open or block the passage (14). The temperature regulating member (23) is located at the first port (11). The temperature regulating member (23) can change the deformation force acting on the valve core (21) according to the fluid temperature at the first port (11). When the fluid temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the fluid pressure at the first port (11) enables the valve core (21) to overcome the deformation force and open the guide port (14); when the fluid temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the sealing member (22) blocks the guide port (14).

2. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature regulating component (23) is a memory spring. The stiffness coefficient of the memory spring is positively correlated with the fluid temperature. In the initial state, the memory spring is in a compressed state to generate the deformation force. The deformation force always has the tendency to drive the valve core (21) to move axially so that the sealing component (22) moves toward blocking the guide port (14).

3. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The valve core assembly (2) further includes a base (24) and a baffle (25). The base (24) is installed in the valve cavity (13). The valve core (21) is axially movable through the base (24). The baffle (25) is fixed on the valve core (21). The temperature regulating component (23) is fitted onto the valve core (21) and its two ends are respectively connected to the base (24) and the baffle (25). The baffle (25) and the sealing component (22) are respectively located on both sides of the base (24). The base (24) is provided with an axially penetrating water passage hole (241).

4. The valve device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve core (21) includes an adjusting member (211) and a main shaft (212) arranged coaxially. One of the adjusting member (211) and the main shaft (212) has an adjusting screw hole (2121), and the other has a screw section. The screw section is screwed into the adjusting screw hole (2121). There is an adjusting gap between the screw section and the bottom of the adjusting screw hole (2121). The baffle (25) is installed on the adjusting member (211), and the sealing member (22) is installed on the main shaft (212). The main shaft (212) is axially movable through the base (24).

5. The valve device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The valve device further includes an adjustment knob (3), which is rotatably passed through the valve body assembly (1) so that one end extends outside the valve cavity (13). The adjustment knob (3) is provided with a mating hole (31) at one end inside the valve cavity (13). The valve body assembly (1) is also provided with a limiting groove (10) inside the valve cavity (13). The end of the adjusting member (211) away from the main shaft (212) is inserted into the mating hole (31). The adjustment knob (3) is configured to drive the adjusting member (211) to rotate. The end of the main shaft (212) away from the adjusting member (211) is axially movable and inserted into the limiting groove (10). The limiting groove (10) is configured to constrain the main shaft (212) to rotate around its own axis.

6. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve core (21) is provided with a guide support (26), which is axially movable in the valve cavity (13). The outer periphery of the guide support (26) abuts against the inner wall of the valve cavity (13). The guide support (26) has a water guiding channel (261) that extends through the valve along the axial direction.

7. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve device further includes a hot water tee connector (4) and a cold water tee connector (5). The hot water tee connector (4) is used to connect the hot water channel (100), and the cold water tee connector (5) is used to connect the cold water channel (200). The hot water tee connector (4) includes a hot water inlet (41), a hot water outlet (42), and a first circulation port that are interconnected. The cold water tee connector (5) includes a cold water inlet (51), a cold water outlet (52), and a second circulation port that are interconnected. Both the hot water tee connector (4) and the cold water tee connector (5) are connected to the valve body assembly (1), and the first port (11) is connected to the first circulation port, and the second port (12) is connected to the second circulation port. The first circulation port and the second circulation port are connected to form the valve cavity (13).

8. The valve device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The hot water tee connector (4) is provided with a first guide groove (15), and the cold water tee connector (5) is provided with a second guide groove (16). The two ends of the valve core (21) are respectively movably inserted into the first guide groove (15) and the second guide groove (16). When the sealing member (22) opens the guide port (14), the bottom of the second guide groove (16) abuts against the end of the valve core (21) to restrict the axial movement of the valve core (21).

9. The valve device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The valve device also includes an elastic reset member (6), which is fitted outside the valve core (21). The elastic reset member (6) always has the tendency to drive the valve core (21) to move axially so that the blocking member (22) moves toward blocking the passage (14).

10. A water supply device, comprising a water heater (300), and a hot water passage (100) and a cold water passage (200) respectively connected to said water heater (300), characterized in that, It also includes a valve device as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the hot water passage (100) is connected to a first port (11) of the valve device, and the cold water passage (200) is connected to a second port (12) of the valve device.

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