Flow valve and water heater

Abstract

The utility model discloses a flow valve and a water heater, and relates to the technical field of valves, the flow valve comprises a box body, a box cover, a power supply structure and a valve body; the box body is provided with an installation opening, a first power connection end is arranged in the box body, the box cover is detachably installed on the installation opening, the power supply structure comprises a battery bin installed on the box cover, the battery bin is provided with a second power connection end, and the battery bin is used for installing a battery. The battery bin is contained in the box body when the box cover is installed in the installation opening, the second power connection end is in contact conduction with the first power connection end, the valve body comprises a valve body, and the valve body is arranged in the second cavity; according to the flow valve, the battery replacement operation is more convenient and faster.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of valves, in particular to a flow valve and a water heater. Background Art

[0002] The existing flow valve used in the zero cold water circulation system of the water heater needs to be equipped with a power supply structure to power the flow valve so that the flow valve can realize the connection and disconnection function between the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe. The existing power supply method basically uses replaceable batteries for power supply. Since the installation position of the flow valve is often relatively cramped and narrow, and the flow valve itself generally does not move, it is inconvenient to install and replace the battery for the flow valve. There is an urgent need for a portable flow valve with a replaceable battery. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of the utility model is to provide a flow valve and a water heater, aiming to make the flow valve more convenient when performing power replacement operations.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the flow valve proposed in the present invention includes:

[0005] A box body, wherein the box body is provided with an installation opening and a first power connection terminal is provided inside the box body;

[0006] a box cover, detachably mounted on the mounting opening;

[0007] A power supply structure comprising a battery compartment mounted on the box cover, the battery compartment being provided with a second power terminal, the battery compartment being used to mount a battery, the battery compartment being accommodated within the box body when the box cover is mounted on the mounting opening, the second power terminal being in contact and conducting with the first power terminal; and

[0008] The valve body comprises a valve main body, and the valve main body is arranged in the box body.

[0009] In one embodiment, the inner peripheral wall of the box cover is provided with a plurality of first snap-fitting portions arranged at intervals, and the peripheral side of the battery compartment is provided with a plurality of first snap-fitting portions, and the first snap-fitting portions are snap-fitted with the first snap-fitting portions in a one-to-one manner; and / or

[0010] The inner peripheral wall of the box cover is provided with a plurality of second clamping parts arranged at intervals, and the box body is provided with a plurality of second clamping fitting parts, and the second clamping parts are clamped and fitted with each other in a one-to-one manner.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first power connection terminal includes two first sub-power connections arranged at intervals, and the two first sub-power connections are arranged close to the inner wall of one side of the box body. The second power connection terminal includes two second sub-power connections arranged at intervals, and the first sub-power connections are in one-to-one contact and cooperation with the second sub-power connections.

[0012] In one embodiment, the battery compartment includes a compartment body, a first power terminal and a second power terminal, wherein the first power terminal and the second power terminal are arranged on opposite sides of the compartment body, and two second sub-power terminals are provided at both ends of the first power terminal, and the first sub-power terminal and the second sub-power terminal are plugged into each other one-to-one.

[0013] In one embodiment, the box cover is further provided with a first positioning portion, and the battery compartment is provided with a first positioning matching portion that is positioned and matched with the first positioning portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the box body is provided with a first opening and a second opening, the valve body further includes a cold water connector and a hot water connector provided outside the box body, the valve body has a first connection part and a second connection part, the cold water connector is connected to the first connection part through the first opening, and the hot water connector is connected to the second connection part through the second opening.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first connecting portion has a first connecting pipe, and the cold water connector is plug-fitted into the first connecting pipe in a sealing manner; and / or

[0016] The second connecting portion has a second connecting pipe, and the hot water connector is sealed and plugged into the second connecting pipe.

[0017] In one embodiment, the box body has a first installation channel connected to the first opening, and one end of the cold water connector connected to the first connecting portion is sealed in cooperation with the first installation channel; and / or

[0018] The box body has a second installation channel connected to the second opening, and one end of the hot water connector connected to the second connecting portion is sealed and matched with the second installation channel.

[0019] In one embodiment, the valve body is provided with a bypass flow channel connecting the cold water connector and the hot water connector, and the bypass flow channel has at least a first branch flow channel and a second branch flow channel arranged in parallel;

[0020] The valve body further includes a switch valve provided on the valve body, and the switch valve is used to open or close the first branch flow channel.

[0021] In one embodiment, the flow valve also includes a partition that is detachably installed in the box body, and the partition divides the inner cavity of the box body into a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity is connected to the installation port, and the first power connection terminal is provided in the first cavity. The first cavity is used to accommodate the battery compartment, and the second cavity is used to accommodate the valve body.

[0022] In one embodiment, the power supply structure further includes a power supply module, which is disposed in the second cavity and has a power plug interface exposed to the box body; and / or

[0023] An indicator light is also provided on the outside of the box body, and the indicator light is used to display the power status of the battery in the battery compartment.

[0024] The utility model also provides a water heater, comprising the flow valve as described above.

[0025] The technical solution of the present utility model is to set a box body for setting a battery compartment and a valve body, and the battery compartment of the power supply structure is detachably mounted on the box cover, and the box cover is detachably mounted on the mounting opening of the box body. When the box cover is removed from the mounting opening, the battery compartment is removed from the first cavity along with the box cover, which is convenient for replacing the battery in the battery compartment. When the box cover is installed to the mounting opening, the battery compartment is connected to the first power connection end to power the flow valve, thereby making the flow valve more convenient when performing power replacement operations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a flow valve provided by the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of a medium flow valve;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the middle battery compartment at one angle;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the middle box cover at one angle;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the middle box body in the open state;

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view at point A;

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle valve body;

[0034] Figure 8 for Figure 2 Diagram of the internal structure of the middle box;

[0035] Figure 9 for Figure 1 a first cross-sectional view of a medium flow valve;

[0036] Figure 10 for Figure 1 a second cross-sectional view of the medium flow valve;

[0037] Figure 11 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the intermediate cooling water joint.

[0038] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0039] 100, flow valve; 10, box body; 101, first cavity; 102, second cavity; 103, installation port; 104, first installation channel; 104a, second sealing portion; 105, receiving groove; 106, second installation channel; 11, first sub-connector; 111, first elastic card; 112, second elastic card; 12, second snap-fitting portion; 13, first installation position; 14, second installation position; 15, fourth snap-fitting protrusion; 16, fifth snap-fitting protrusion; 20, box cover; 21, first snap-fitting portion; 22, second snap-fitting portion; 23, first positioning portion; 30, power supply structure; 31, battery compartment; 31 1. Chamber; 311a, first snap-fitting portion; 312, first power terminal; 312a, second sub-power terminal; 313, second power terminal; 314, raised portion; 315, first positioning portion; 32, power supply module; 321, power plug interface; 40, valve body; 41, valve body; 411, first connecting pipe; 412, first sealing portion; 412a, first rib; 413, second connecting pipe; 42, cold water connector; 421, first sealing portion; 422, second sealing portion; 43, hot water connector; 44, stopper; 45, on / off valve; 50, sealing ring; 60, partition;

[0040] 200. Battery.

[0041] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components in a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0044] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features limited to "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears in the full text, its meaning includes three parallel schemes. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes scheme A, or scheme B, or a scheme in which A and B are satisfied at the same time. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0045] In the related art, some gas water heaters with zero cold water function are achieved by installing a flow valve at the remote user's water use point (i.e., water-using equipment), connecting the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe of the water heater through the flow valve to form a circulation loop. The water heater is provided with a water pump connected in series in the circulation loop, and the cold water circulation in the pipeline is preheated by heating the water pump and the water heater main unit, so that hot water can be produced when the user turns on the water-using equipment.

[0046] The existing flow valve used in the zero cold water circulation system of the water heater needs to be equipped with a power supply structure to power the flow valve so that the flow valve can realize the on-off function of connecting the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe. The existing power supply method basically uses replaceable batteries for power supply. Since the installation position of the flow valve is often relatively cramped and narrow, and the flow valve itself generally does not move, it is inconvenient to operate when installing and replacing the battery for the flow valve.

[0047] The utility model provides a flow valve for a zero-cold water circulation system of a water heater. By optimizing the disassembly and assembly of a power supply structure of the flow valve, the flow valve can realize a convenient power replenishment function.

[0048] See also Figures 1 to 11As shown, in one embodiment of the present utility model, the flow valve 100 includes a box body 10, a box cover 20, a power supply structure 30 and a valve body 40; the box body 10 is provided with an installation port 103, and a first power connection terminal is provided in the box body 10. The box cover 20 is detachably installed on the installation port 103. The power supply structure 30 includes a battery compartment 31 installed on the box cover 20, and the battery compartment 31 is provided with a second power connection terminal. The battery compartment 31 is used to install a battery 200. The battery compartment 31 is accommodated in the box body 10 when the box cover 20 is installed on the installation port 103. The second power connection terminal is in contact and conductive with the first power connection terminal. The valve body 40 includes a valve body 41, and the valve body 41 is provided in the second cavity 102.

[0049] In the present invention, the flow valve may further include a partition 60, which is detachably installed in the box body 10. The partition 60 separates the inner cavity of the box body 10 into a first cavity 101 and a second cavity 102. The battery compartment may be arranged in the first cavity 101, and the valve body 41 of the valve body 40 may be arranged in the second cavity 102. The two are independently arranged to realize the water-electricity separation function. The box cover 20 is detachably mounted on the mounting opening 103. The box cover 20 can be mounted on the mounting opening 103 by a snap-fit ​​connection, or a threaded column can be provided in the box body 10, and the box cover 20 is mounted on the mounting opening 103 by being threadedly connected to the threaded column. The battery compartment 31 is mounted on the box cover 20. The battery compartment 31 can be integrally connected and fixed with the box cover 20, or the battery compartment 31 can be detachably connected, such as being connected to the box cover 20 by a snap-fit ​​connection, or being connected to the box cover 20 by a threaded connection. The battery 200 installed in the battery compartment 31 can be a dry cell battery or a lithium battery, and there is no specific limitation. The number of batteries 200 can be one or more. The second power terminal is in contact with the first power terminal, and the first power terminal can be snap-fitted with the second power terminal. When the battery compartment 31 is accommodated in the first cavity 101 along with the installation of the box cover 20, the first power terminal and the second power terminal are snap-fitted, thereby achieving docking and conduction.

[0050] Because the battery compartment 31 is connected to the box cover 20, when the box cover 20 is removed from the installation port 103, the battery compartment 31 is removed along with the box cover 20. When replacing the battery for the flow valve 100, it is only necessary to operate on the box cover 20. Alternatively, after the box cover 20 is removed, the battery compartment 31 can be removed from the box cover 20 and the battery can be replaced separately without having to operate inside the box body 10. This makes it more convenient to replace the battery of the flow valve 100. When the box cover 20 is installed to the installation port 103, the battery compartment 31 is accommodated in the first cavity 101 and is connected to the first power terminal for power, so that the flow valve 100 can achieve the function of being powered when the box body 10 is covered.

[0051] The technical solution of the present invention is to set a box body 10 for setting a battery compartment 31 and a valve body 41, and the battery compartment 31 of the power supply structure 30 is detachably mounted on the box cover 20, and the box cover 20 is detachably mounted on the mounting port 103 of the box body 10. When the box cover 20 is removed from the mounting port 103, the battery compartment 31 is removed from the first cavity 101 along with the box cover 20, so that the battery 200 in the battery compartment 31 can be replaced easily. When the box cover 20 is installed to the mounting port 103, the battery compartment 31 is connected to the first power connection end to supply power to the flow valve 100, thereby making the flow valve 100 more convenient to perform power replacement operations.

[0052] The detachable connection between the box cover 20 and the box body 10 can be achieved by a snap connection. Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the inner wall of the box cover 20 is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart second engaging portions 22, and the box body 10 is provided with a plurality of second engaging portions 12. The second engaging portions 22 engage in a one-to-one engaging engagement with the second engaging portions 12. The second engaging portions 22 are configured as third engaging protrusions, and the second engaging portion 12 is configured as first engaging grooves. Regarding the provision of the first engaging groove, the installation opening 103 may be provided with a protrusion extending toward the box cover 20, and the first engaging groove may be provided on the protrusion. When the box cover 20 is buckled onto the installation opening 103, the protrusion is inserted into the box cover 20, and the third engaging protrusion engages with the first engaging groove, thereby enabling the box cover 20 to be installed at the installation opening 103. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the second engaging portion 22 may be configured as a first engaging groove, and the second engaging portion 12 may be configured as a third engaging protrusion. The first engaging groove may be provided on the inner peripheral wall of the box cover 20. When the box cover 20 is buckled onto the mounting opening 103, the third engaging protrusion is inserted into the box cover 20 and snapped into the first engaging groove, thereby achieving the snap-fit ​​assembly of the box cover 20 and the box body 10. This can improve the assembly efficiency of the box cover 20 on the box body 10, thereby further improving the convenience of replacing the battery 200.

[0053] The connection between the battery compartment 31 and the box cover 20 can be an integrated assembly or a detachable connection. When the battery compartment 31 and the box cover 20 are detachably connected, they can be connected in a snap-fit ​​manner. Figure 3 、 Figure 4As shown, the inner circumferential wall of the box cover 20 is provided with a plurality of first engaging portions 21 spaced apart from each other, and the circumferential side of the battery compartment 31 is provided with a plurality of first engaging portions 311a. The first engaging portions 21 engage with the first engaging portions 311a in a one-to-one engagement. The first engaging portions 21 can be configured as first engaging protrusions, and the first engaging portions 311a can be configured as second engaging protrusions. When the battery compartment 31 is installed on the box cover 20, the second engaging protrusions enter the cavity of the box cover 20 and engage in the gap between the first engaging protrusions and the top wall of the box cover 20, thereby achieving the assembly of the battery compartment 31 in the box cover 20. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the first engaging portion 21 may be configured as a second engaging groove, the first engaging portion 311a may be configured as a fourth engaging protrusion 15, and the second engaging groove may be provided on the inner peripheral wall of the box cover 20. When the battery compartment 31 is installed in the box cover 20, the fourth engaging protrusion 15 engages with the second engaging groove, thereby achieving connection and assembly between the battery compartment 31 and the box cover 20. With this arrangement, when the box cover 20 is removed from the box body 10, the battery compartment 31 can also be removed separately to add or replace the battery 200 in the battery compartment 31, thereby further improving the operating experience of replacing the battery 200.

[0054] In the above-mentioned embodiment, by providing a plurality of first clamping portions 21 and a plurality of second clamping portions 22 that are spaced apart, when the box cover 20 is installed on the box body 10 by means of clamping, the plurality of portions that are in contact with the mounting opening 103 can be uniformly stressed, thereby making the installation of the box cover 20 on the box body 10 more stable, and also improving the installation stability of the battery compartment 31 on the box cover 20, which will not be elaborated here.

[0055] When the battery compartment 31 is inserted into the first cavity 101, in order to avoid the positive and negative poles of the battery compartment 31 being connected to the positive and negative poles of the first power terminal in reverse, refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the first power connection terminal includes two first sub-power connection terminals 11 arranged at intervals, and the two first sub-power connection terminals 11 are arranged close to the inner wall of one side of the box body 10, and the second power connection terminal includes two second sub-power connection terminals 312a arranged at intervals, and the two first sub-power connection terminals 11 are in one-to-one contact and cooperation with the two second sub-power connection terminals 312a.

[0056] The two first sub-terminals 11 are respectively a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal, and the two second sub-terminals 312a are respectively a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal. When the first positive terminal is connected to the second negative terminal, and the first negative terminal is connected to the second negative terminal, the battery 200 in the battery compartment 31 can power the flow valve 100. In the above embodiment, since the two first sub-terminals 11 are located near one inner wall of the box body 10, and the second sub-terminals are located near one side of the battery compartment 31, when the box cover 20 is installed upside down at the installation opening 103, when the battery compartment 31 is installed into the box body 10, the second sub-terminals 312a are located on the other inner wall of the box body 10, while the first sub-terminals 11 are located on the other inner wall of the box body 10, and the two sub-terminals cannot be connected. Therefore, when the box cover 20 is installed upside down at the installation opening 103, the battery compartment 31 and the first sub-terminals are prevented from being connected to the wrong positive and negative poles.

[0057] See Figure 3 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the battery compartment 31 includes a compartment body 311, a first electrical connection piece 312, and a second electrical connection piece 313. The first electrical connection piece 312 and the second electrical connection piece 313 are arranged on opposite sides of the compartment body 311. Two second sub-connectors 312a are provided at each end of the first electrical connection piece 312. The first sub-connector 11 has a first insertion position that mates with the second sub-connectors in a one-to-one manner. The second sub-connectors 312a may be formed by extending the first electrical connection piece 312. When the first sub-connector 11 and the second sub-connector 312a are mated, the first sub-connector 11 is inserted into the first insertion position, thereby achieving an electrical connection between the battery compartment 31 and the first electrical connection piece. The first sub-connector 11 may include a symmetrically arranged first elastic clip 111 and a second elastic clip 112. A first insertion position for mating with the second sub-connector 312a is provided between the first elastic clip 111 and the second elastic clip 112. When the second sub-electrical terminal 312 a is inserted, it contacts the first elastic card 111 and the second elastic card 112 to achieve electrical connection.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the first and second power terminals 312 and 313 are used to connect the positive and negative poles of the battery 200. Since the two second sub-power terminals 312 a are located at either end of the first power terminal 312 , when multiple batteries 200 are provided, to ensure that the multiple batteries 200 can be properly positioned within the battery compartment 31 and connected to power via the two second sub-power terminals 312 a, the first power terminal 312 can be separated into two spaced-apart first sub-power terminals. The multiple batteries 200 can then be divided into two groups. Each group of batteries 200 includes a plurality of storage cells, which are connected in parallel via a first sub-power terminal and the second power terminal 313 . The two groups of batteries 200 are then connected in series via the second power terminal 313 . After the two groups of batteries 200 are connected in series, they are then connected to the outside world via the two second sub-power terminals 312 a located on either side of the first power terminal 312 , thereby providing power. Exemplarily, the two battery groups 200 each include three dry cells arranged in parallel. The two battery groups 200 are connected in parallel and then connected in series through the second power terminal 313. The positive and negative poles of the series-connected batteries 200 are then connected to the two first sub-power terminals respectively to achieve connection with the two second sub-power terminals 312a.

[0059] When the battery compartment 31 is installed in the first cavity 101, the present invention further provides a foolproof structure to allow the user to directly detect when the battery compartment 31 is installed upside down and adjust the installation position. In one embodiment, the battery compartment 31 further includes a protrusion 314 on the compartment body 311. The protrusion 314 is provided with one or two. When there is one protrusion 314, the protrusion 314 is provided at one end of the second power contact plate 313 and is arranged opposite to the second sub-power terminal 312a. When there are two protrusions 314, the protrusions 314 are respectively provided at both ends of the second power contact plate 313 and are arranged opposite to the second sub-power terminal 312a. When the box cover 20 is rotated 180 degrees and installed on the box body 10 with the protrusion 314 facing the second sub-power terminal 312a, the protrusion 314 abuts and cooperates with the second sub-power terminal.

[0060] The thickness of the protrusion 314 can be greater than the thickness of the second sub-connection terminal 312a. When the battery compartment 31 is installed upside down, the second sub-connection terminal 312a is located to one side of the first sub-connection terminal 11, and the protrusion 314 is directly opposite the first sub-connection terminal 11. Since the protrusion 314 is thicker than the second sub-connection terminal 312a, the protrusion 314 cannot be inserted into the first insertion position, but instead abuts against the first sub-connection terminal 11, causing the box cover 20 to be unable to be properly installed. At this time, the user can sense that the battery compartment 31 is installed upside down and can adjust the installation position of the battery compartment 31 in time to avoid incorrect installation.

[0061] In the present invention, in order to further improve the foolproof effect of the battery compartment 31 during installation, a foolproof structure can be provided between the battery compartment 31 and the box cover 20 to prevent the battery compartment 31 from being installed in the wrong position on the box cover 20. Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, the box cover 20 is further provided with a first positioning portion 23 , and the battery compartment 31 is provided with a first positioning matching portion 315 that is positioned and matched with the first positioning portion 23 .

[0062] The first positioning portion 23 can be configured as an insert, and the first positioning and fitting portion 315 can be configured as a slot, or the first positioning portion 23 can be configured as a slot, and the first positioning and fitting portion 315 can be configured as an insert. When the first positioning portion 23 and the first positioning and fitting portion 315 are provided, they can be provided on the first clamping portion 21 and the first clamping and fitting portion 311a, respectively. When the battery compartment 31 is mounted on the box cover 20 in the correct position by means of clamping, the first positioning portion 23 and the first positioning and fitting portion 315 can cooperate for positioning. When the battery compartment 31 is mounted on the box cover 20 in the wrong position by means of clamping (for example, the battery compartment 31 is rotated 180 degrees horizontally), the first positioning portion 23 cannot cooperate with the first positioning and fitting portion 315 for positioning, so that the battery compartment 31 cannot be mounted on the box cover 20, thereby avoiding user installation errors.

[0063] When the box cover 20 is closed on the installation opening 103, in order to improve the sealing effect of the first cavity 101 and prevent water from entering the interior, refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 10 As shown, the flow valve 100 further includes a sealing ring 50, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the installation opening 103 and seals with the box cover 20. A circle of receiving grooves 105 can be provided on the outer periphery of the box body 10, and the sealing ring 50 is inserted into the receiving grooves 105. When the box cover 20 is closed on the installation opening 103, the sealing ring 50 abuts against the inner wall of the box cover 20, thereby achieving a sealing effect at the connection between the box cover 20 and the installation opening 103. With this arrangement, when the box cover 20 is installed, the sealing ring 50 is located inside the box cover 20 and is not exposed, thereby making the flow valve 100 more beautiful overall, and increasing the service life of the sealing ring 50 and improving the sealing effect.

[0064] In some usage scenarios, when the battery 200 is a rechargeable dry cell battery, in order to charge the dry cell battery, or when the flow valve 100 is not equipped with a battery 200 and needs to be plugged in for power supply, refer to Figure 7 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10As shown, in one embodiment, the power supply structure 30 further includes a power supply module 32, which is provided in the second cavity 102 and has a plug-in interface 321 exposed to the box body 10. In the present invention, a power supply module installation position can be set in the second cavity 102, and the power supply module 32 is installed in the power supply module installation position. When the power supply module 32 is installed in the power supply module installation position, the plug-in interface 321 is exposed out of the box body 10. When the user needs to charge the dry cell battery and needs to directly power the flow valve 100, the charger can be plugged in through the plug-in interface 321 for use. Among them, the plug-in interface 321 can be set as a type-C interface, a DC interface, a USB interface, etc., and is not specifically limited.

[0065] In one embodiment, an indicator light is further provided on the outside of the box body 10 to display the charge status of the battery 200 in the battery compartment 31. This allows the user to intuitively understand the charge status of the flow valve 100. For example, when the charge of the flow valve 100 is low, the indicator light may turn red to remind the user to replace the battery 200 or charge the battery 200 using the power socket 321.

[0066] The structure of the valve body 40 is described below. Figure 7 、 Figure 9 As shown, the box body 10 is provided with a first opening and a second opening, the valve body 40 also includes a cold water connector 42 and a hot water connector 43 provided outside the box body 10, and the valve body 41 has a first connection part and a second connection part, the cold water connector 42 is connected to the first connection part through the first opening, and the hot water connector 43 is connected to the second connection part through the second opening.

[0067] Among them, the cold water connector 42 is used to connect to the cold water inlet pipe, and the hot water connector 43 is used to connect to the hot water outlet pipe. After installation, the flow valve 100 is located between the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe. The main working structure of the flow valve 100 is connected to the valve body 41. At least one group of internal flow channels connecting the cold water connector 42 and the hot water connector 43 is provided in the valve body 41. In this way, the bypass valve can realize the introduction of the cold water accumulated in the hot water outlet pipe into the cold water inlet pipe through the bypass valve, so that the accumulated cold water can be introduced into the heat exchanger through the cold water inlet pipe for further heating.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow valve 100 is used for a water heater, which has a heat exchanger, and a cold water inlet pipe and a hot water outlet pipe respectively connected to the heat exchanger. The valve body 40 of the flow valve 100 includes a valve body 41 and a switch valve 45. The valve body 41 is provided with a bypass channel for connecting the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe. The bypass channel has at least a first branch channel and a second branch channel arranged in parallel; the switch valve 45 is provided on the valve body 41, for conducting or blocking the first branch channel.

[0069] In this embodiment, the valve body 41 is used to construct an internal flow channel and can also serve as a mounting carrier for other components. When applied to a zero cold water circulation system of a water heater, the flow valve 100 can be installed between the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe, so that the cold water inlet pipe, the heat exchanger, the hot water outlet pipe, and the flow valve 100 are connected end to end to form a zero cold water circulation loop. A water pump can also be provided on the zero cold water circulation loop to provide power for the water to circulate along the zero cold water circulation loop. In the zero cold water mode, the cold water accumulated in the hot water outlet pipe can be transported to the cold water inlet pipe via the bypass flow channel, and then refluxed to the heat exchanger via the cold water inlet pipe for heating, thereby achieving zero cold water in the entire zero cold water circulation loop.

[0070] In order to achieve flow regulation of the flow valve 100, the flow valve 100 also includes a switch valve 45 provided on the valve body 41, and the switch valve 45 is used to conduct or block the first branch channel. When it is necessary to achieve a large flow rate conveyance through the bypass channel of the flow valve 100, the switch valve 45 is opened to conduct the first branch channel. At this time, the first branch channel and the second branch channel are both in a conducting state to allow water to flow through. When it is necessary to achieve a small flow rate conveyance through the bypass channel of the flow valve 100, the switch valve 45 is closed to block the first branch channel. At this time, only the second branch channel is in a conducting state to allow water to flow through. Among them, the switch valve 45 includes but is not limited to a stop valve (such as a solenoid valve) with only two states of open and closed, or a regulating valve (such as a proportional valve) with multiple opening adjustment functions.

[0071] See Figure 9 、 Figure 11 As shown, in one embodiment, the first connecting portion has a first connecting pipe 411 , and the cold water connector 42 is sealed and plugged into the first connecting pipe 411 .

[0072] In the above embodiment, the cold water connector 42 can be configured as a tee, with the end of the tee connected to the first connecting portion being inserted and installed in the first connecting pipe 411. A first sealing portion 412 is provided in the first connecting pipe 411, and a first sealing mating portion 421 is provided at the end of the tee connected to the valve body 41. When the tee is inserted and installed in the first connecting pipe 411, the first sealing portion 412 and the first sealing mating portion 421 are sealed together, thereby achieving a sealed connection between the cold water connector 42 and the first connecting pipe.

[0073] The first sealing portion 412 can be configured as an annular groove provided on the outer peripheral wall of the end of the tee connected to the first connecting pipe 411, and the first sealing fitting portion 421 can be configured as a first sealing gasket provided on the inner peripheral wall of the first connecting pipe 411. When the end of the tee connected to the first connecting pipe 411 is inserted into the first connecting pipe 411, the first sealing gasket abuts against the annular groove, thereby forming a seal between the tee and the first connecting pipe 411. Of course, in order to further improve the sealing effect between the first sealing portion 412 and the first sealing fitting portion 421, the first sealing portion 412 can be configured as a plurality of annular grooves, the plurality of annular grooves being spaced apart on the outer peripheral wall of the end of the tee connected to the first connecting pipe 411, and the first sealing fitting portion 421 can be configured as a plurality of first sealing gaskets, with the plurality of first sealing gaskets being matched one-to-one with the plurality of annular grooves, so that the tee can achieve multiple seals when connected to the first connecting pipe 411, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0074] When the first sealing portion 412 is actually provided, in order to avoid providing an annular groove on the outer peripheral wall of the tee, which would result in a deterioration in the structural strength of the tee, the present invention can further provide a plurality of first ribs 412a spaced apart along the axial direction of the tee on the outer peripheral wall of the tee. The annular groove is formed by enclosing adjacent first ribs 412a. When the first sealing mating portion 421 is configured as a first sealing gasket, a sealing mating effect can be formed with the annular groove. The relevant settings are as follows, see Figure 10 、 Figure 11 As shown, in one embodiment, the first sealing fitting portion 421 includes a plurality of first ribs 412a arranged around the outer wall of the tee pipe, the plurality of first ribs 412a are arranged at intervals, and the first sealing portion 412 includes a first sealing gasket.

[0075] Continue reading Figure 9 、 Figure 11 In one embodiment, the box body 10 has a second installation channel 106 connected to the second opening, and the end of the hot water connector 43 connected to the first connecting portion is sealed with the second installation channel 106.

[0076] Similar to the above-mentioned cooperation method between the cold water connector 42 and the first connecting pipe, the hot water connector 43 can also be set as a tee pipe, and another set of first sealing parts 412 and first sealing cooperation parts 421 are set to achieve the sealed plug-in cooperation between the cold water connector 42 and the second connecting pipe 413, which will not be described in detail.

[0077] During the actual use of the flow valve 100, when a large amount of water instantly flows into the valve body 41, that is, when the instantaneous water pressure in the bypass flow channel of the valve body 41 is large, the cold water connector 42 and the hot water connector 43 installed at both ends of the valve body 41 may be flushed open, resulting in water leakage in the flow valve 100. The present invention also provides a corresponding limiting structure. When the three-way pipe serving as the cold water connector 42 and the hot water connector 43 are installed in place in the first connecting pipe 411, the three-way pipe is limited and locked by the limiting structure. Figure 9 、 Figure 10 As shown, in one embodiment, the valve body 40 also includes a limit member 44 movably mounted on the first connecting pipe 411 and the second connecting pipe 413, and the limit member 44 is used to abut against the side of the first rib 412a away from the valve body 41 to limit the movement of the three-way pipe in a direction away from the valve body 41.

[0078] Among them, the limiter 44 can be configured as a U-shaped frame, which is slidably arranged in the radial direction of the first connecting pipe 411. When the tee pipe serving as the cold water connector 42 and the hot water connector 43 is installed in place, the U-shaped frame slides radially along the first connecting pipe 411, is inserted into the gap between the outer wall of the tee pipe and the inner wall of the first connecting pipe 411, and abuts against the side of the first rib 412a away from the valve body 41. When the tee pipe is subjected to a large impact force in the direction away from the valve body 41, the limiter 44 can abut against the first rib 412a to prevent the tee pipe from loosening.

[0079] When installing the cold water joint 42 and the hot water joint 43, in order to further improve the sealing effect at the joint, a sealing structure can be added to the portion where the cold water joint 42 is connected to the box body 10 to prevent foreign matter in the external environment where the flow valve 100 is located from entering the box body 10. Figure 8 、 Figure 9 As shown, the box body 10 has a first installation channel 104 communicating with the first opening, and one end of the cold water joint 42 connected to the second connection portion is sealed and matched with the first installation channel 104 .

[0080] Among them, a second sealing part 104a can be set in the first installation channel 104, and a second sealing matching part 422 can be set at one end where the cold water joint 42 is connected to the first installation channel. When the cold water joint 42 is installed to the first connection part, the second sealing part 104a is sealed and matched with the second sealing part 104a.

[0081] Among them, the second sealing portion 104a can be configured as a second sealing gasket, and the second sealing matching portion 422 can be configured as at least two second ribs arranged around the outer wall of the cold water connector 42, and at least two adjacent second ribs can construct a second annular groove. When the cold water connector 42 is installed in place at the first connection portion, the second sealing gasket is inserted into the second annular groove, so that sealing is achieved between the tee pipe and the box body 10.

[0082] Furthermore, the hot water connector 43 and the second opening may be sealed in a manner similar to the sealing engagement between the cold water connector 42 and the first opening, such as by employing another set of second sealing portions 104a and second sealing engagement portions 422. The details are omitted for clarity. Optionally, the housing 10 may include a second mounting channel 106 communicating with the second opening, with the end of the hot water connector 43 connected to the second connection portion sealingly engaging with the second mounting channel 106.

[0083] When the valve body 41 is installed in the box body 10, in order to ensure that the valve body 41 can be installed in the correct position, a first installation station 13 can be set in the second cavity 102 of the box body 10. The first installation station 13 has a first installation groove that matches the outer periphery of the valve body 41. The first installation groove is used to install and position the valve body 41. In this way, when the valve body 41 is installed in the second cavity 102, the valve body 41 can be installed in the specified position so that the first connection portion and the second connection portion of the valve body 41 can be arranged relative to the corresponding first connection pipe 411 on the box body 10, so that the cold water connector 42 can be inserted from the first connection pipe 411 into the second cavity 102 and correctly connected to the first connection portion, and the hot water connector 43 can be inserted from the first connection pipe 411 into the second cavity 102 and correctly connected to the second connection portion.

[0084] In addition, in order to reduce the number of installation openings 103 on the box body 10 and improve the sealing effect of the box body 10, in the present invention, the valve body 41 and the power supply module 32 can be installed through the installation openings 103. To this end, the box body 10 further includes a partition 60, which is detachably installed in the box body 10 to separate the inner cavity of the box body 10 into a first cavity 101 and a second cavity 102. A fourth latching protrusion 15 and a fifth latching protrusion 16 can be provided on the inner peripheral wall of the box body 10. The fourth latching protrusion 15 and the fifth latching protrusion 16 can be provided in plurality and spaced around the inner peripheral wall of the box body 10. The fourth latching protrusion 15 and the fifth latching protrusion 16 are used to engage and install the partition 60.

[0085] When assembling the flow valve 100, the partition 60 may not be installed in the box body 10 first. First, the valve body 41 is installed in the first installation position 13, and then the power supply module 32 is installed in the second installation position 14. Then, the cold water connector 42 and the hot water connector 43 are respectively inserted into the valve body 41 through the corresponding installation channels 104, and then the partition 60 is clamped and installed. Finally, the battery compartment 31 installed on the box cover 20 is installed with the box cover 20 and installed in the first cavity 101, and connected to the first power terminal to power on, thereby completing the assembly of the entire flow valve 100.

[0086] The second mounting position 14 can be configured as a plurality of spaced baffles, which, together with the inner wall of the box body 10, enclose the second mounting position 14. At least one of the baffles is provided with a third rib. When the power supply module 32 is installed in the second mounting position 14, the power supply module 32 can slide along the baffle into the second mounting position 14. When the portion of the power supply module 32 provided with the power interface 321 is moved toward the inner wall of the box body 10 and the power interface 321 is installed in the correct position, the power supply module 32 abuts against the third rib, thereby limiting the installation position of the power supply module 32.

[0087] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flow valve, characterized in that: include: A box body, wherein the box body is provided with an installation opening and a first power connection terminal is provided inside the box body; a box cover, detachably mounted on the mounting opening; A power supply structure comprising a battery compartment mounted on the box cover, the battery compartment being provided with a second power terminal, the battery compartment being used to mount a battery, the battery compartment being accommodated within the box body when the box cover is mounted on the mounting opening, the second power terminal being in contact and conducting with the first power terminal; and The valve body comprises a valve main body, and the valve main body is arranged in the box body.

2. The flow valve according to claim 1, wherein: The inner peripheral wall of the box cover is provided with a plurality of first clamping parts arranged at intervals, and the peripheral side of the battery compartment is provided with a plurality of first clamping fitting parts, and the first clamping parts are clamped and fitted with the first clamping fitting parts one by one; and / or The inner peripheral wall of the box cover is provided with a plurality of second clamping parts arranged at intervals, and the box body is provided with a plurality of second clamping fitting parts, and the second clamping parts are clamped and fitted with each other in a one-to-one manner.

3. The flow valve according to claim 2, characterized in that The first power connection terminal includes two first sub-power connections arranged at intervals, and the two first sub-power connections are arranged close to the inner wall of one side of the box body. The second power connection terminal includes two second sub-power connections arranged at intervals, and the first sub-power connections are in one-to-one contact and cooperation with the second sub-power connections.

4. The flow valve according to claim 3, wherein: The battery compartment includes a compartment body, a first power terminal and a second power terminal. The first power terminal and the second power terminal are arranged on two sides of the compartment body opposite to each other. Two second sub-power terminals are provided at both ends of the first power terminal. The first sub-power terminal and the second sub-power terminal are plugged into each other one-to-one.

5. The flow valve according to claim 2, wherein: The box cover is further provided with a first positioning portion, and the battery compartment is provided with a first positioning matching portion that is positioned and matched with the first positioning portion.

6. The flow valve according to claim 1, wherein: The box body is provided with a first opening and a second opening, the valve body also includes a cold water connector and a hot water connector arranged outside the box body, the valve body has a first connection part and a second connection part, the cold water connector is connected to the first connection part through the first opening, and the hot water connector is connected to the second connection part through the second opening.

7. The flow valve according to claim 6, wherein: The first connecting portion has a first connecting pipe, and the cold water connector is plugged and matched with the first connecting pipe in a sealing manner; and / or The second connecting portion has a second connecting pipe, and the hot water connector is sealed and plugged into the second connecting pipe.

8. The flow valve according to claim 6, wherein: The box body has a first installation channel connected to the first opening, and one end of the cold water connector connected to the first connecting portion is sealed in cooperation with the first installation channel; and / or The box body has a second installation channel connected to the second opening, and one end of the hot water connector connected to the second connecting portion is sealed and matched with the second installation channel.

9. The flow valve according to claim 6, wherein: The valve body is provided with a bypass flow channel connecting the cold water connector and the hot water connector, and the bypass flow channel has at least a first branch flow channel and a second branch flow channel arranged in parallel; The valve body further includes a switch valve provided on the valve body, and the switch valve is used to open or close the first branch flow channel.

10. The flow valve according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The flow valve also includes a partition that can be detachably installed in the box body, and the partition divides the inner cavity of the box body into a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity is connected to the installation port, and the first power terminal is provided in the first cavity. The first cavity is used to accommodate the battery compartment, and the second cavity is used to accommodate the valve body.

11. The flow valve according to claim 10, wherein: The power supply structure further includes a power supply module, which is disposed in the second cavity and has a power plug interface exposed to the box body; and / or An indicator light is also provided on the outside of the box body, and the indicator light is used to display the power status of the battery in the battery compartment.

12. A water heater, characterized in that: The method comprises the flow valve according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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