Thermostatic valve and water heater

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of water heaters, and provides a thermostatic valve and a water heater, the thermostatic valve comprises a valve body and a valve core assembly, a valve cavity, a first overflowing cavity and a second overflowing cavity are arranged in the valve body, and the first overflowing cavity and the second overflowing cavity are both communicated with the valve cavity. The valve body is provided with a cold water input port, a mixed water output port, a cold water output port, a hot water input port and a water supplementing connector, the cold water input port and the cold water output port are both communicated with the first overflowing cavity, the mixed water output port is communicated with the second overflowing cavity, and the hot water input port and the water supplementing connector are both communicated with the valve cavity; the valve element assembly is arranged in the valve cavity, and the valve element assembly is switched between the water mixing position and the water supplementing position relative to the valve body. According to the thermostatic valve, the cold water output port and the water replenishing connector are integrated on the thermostatic valve, so that the number of connectors can be reduced, the overall structure is more compact, the connecting structure of a waterway system is simplified, and installation and maintenance are facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A water heater is a common household water heater that uses electricity or gas to heat tap water or other water of suitable quality to a set temperature for daily use. To facilitate temperature regulation, a thermostatic valve is typically installed on the water heater. This valve adjusts the water temperature for convenient use.

[0003] Among them, in a more typical solution, the thermostatic valve is usually only used to adjust the water temperature by mixing hot and cold water, so that a separate water supply valve needs to be connected when the water heater is connected. This leads to a large number of overall water connection joints, a high risk of leakage, and a cumbersome overall installation and connection process, which is not conducive to installation and maintenance. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model provides a thermostatic valve and a water heater, which are used to solve the defects of the prior art electric water heater that the volume is too large, resulting in difficulty in installation and inconvenience in transportation.

[0005] The utility model provides a thermostatic valve in a first aspect, comprising: a valve body and a valve core assembly; the valve body is provided with a valve cavity, a first flow cavity and a second flow cavity, the first flow cavity is connected to the valve cavity through a first connecting port, and the second flow cavity is connected to the valve cavity through a second connecting port, the valve body is provided with a cold water inlet, a mixed water outlet, a cold water outlet, a hot water inlet and a water replenishing interface, the cold water inlet and the cold water outlet are both connected to the first flow cavity, the mixed water outlet is connected to the second flow cavity, and the hot water inlet and the water replenishing interface are both connected to the valve cavity; the valve core assembly is arranged in the valve cavity, the valve core assembly switches between a water mixing position and a water replenishing position relative to the valve body, the valve core assembly can selectively connect the hot water inlet with the first flow cavity, so that hot water passing through the hot water inlet and cold water passing through the first flow cavity are mixed and enter the second flow cavity through the second connecting port; and the valve core assembly can selectively connect the first flow cavity with the water replenishing interface.

[0006] According to the thermostatic valve provided by the present invention, guide plates are provided in both the first flow chamber and the second flow chamber to form spiral water channels in the first flow chamber and the second flow chamber.

[0007] According to the thermostatic valve provided by the present invention, the cold water inlet is arranged at the starting end of the water channel, and the cold water outlet is arranged at the tail end of the water channel.

[0008] According to the thermostatic valve provided by the present invention, the valve body is constructed as a rectangular columnar structure, the first flow cavity and the second flow cavity are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the valve body, and the valve cavity is arranged at one end of the valve body.

[0009] According to the thermostatic valve provided by the present invention, the valve body includes a valve body, a first cover plate and a second cover plate. One side of the valve body cooperates with the valve body to form the first flow chamber; the other side of the valve body cooperates with the second cover plate to form the second flow chamber.

[0010] According to the thermostatic valve provided by the present invention, the cold water inlet is provided at the bottom of the first cover plate in the length direction; and / or the mixed water outlet is provided at the bottom of the second cover plate in the length direction.

[0011] According to the thermostatic valve provided by the present invention, the valve core assembly includes a valve core body and a driving component. The valve core body is arranged in the valve cavity. The driving component is connected to the valve body and is transmission-connected to the valve core body to drive the valve core body to move.

[0012] According to the thermostatic valve provided by the present invention, the valve core assembly further includes a fixing cover, the fixing cover is arranged between the driving component and the valve body, and the driving component is arranged on the fixing cover.

[0013] According to the thermostatic valve provided by the present invention, a water inlet passage, a water supply passage, a hot water passage and a mixed water passage are provided on the valve core body; wherein the water supply passage and the mixed water passage are both connected to the water inlet passage, and the hot water passage is connected to the mixed water passage.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention provides a water heater, comprising: an energy storage tank, a heat exchanger, and a thermostatic valve as described in any one of the above items; the energy storage tank is used to store a heating medium; the heat exchanger is arranged in the energy storage tank, and the heat exchanger is used to heat the input water; the cold water input port is connected to the input end of the heat exchanger, the hot water input port is connected to the output end of the heat exchanger, and the water replenishment interface can be connected to the cold water input interface and the energy storage tank.

[0015] According to any of the above embodiments, a thermostatic valve and a water heater are provided, and the present utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0016] The utility model provides a thermostatic valve, which integrates the cold water outlet and the water supply interface into the thermostatic valve, thereby simplifying the number of joints, making the overall structure more compact, simplifying the connection structure of the water system, and facilitating installation and maintenance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present invention or the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 This is one of the exploded structural diagrams of the thermostatic valve provided by the utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is the second exploded structural diagram of the thermostatic valve provided by the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the valve body in the thermostatic valve provided by the utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 This is one of the flow structure diagrams of the water path in the thermostatic valve provided by the utility model.

[0022] Figure 5 This is the second schematic diagram of the water flow structure in the thermostatic valve provided by the utility model.

[0023] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of various water channels of the valve core in the thermostatic valve provided by the utility model.

[0024] Reference numerals:

[0025] 10. Valve body; 11. Valve main body; 111. Valve chamber; 112. First flow chamber; 113. Second flow chamber; 114. Guide plate; 115. First communication port; 116. Second communication port; 12. First cover plate; 13. Second cover plate; 14. Cold water inlet; 15. Mixed water outlet; 16. Cold water outlet; 17. Hot water inlet; 18. Water supply port;

[0026] 20. Valve core assembly; 21. Valve core body; 22. Driving component; 23. Fixed cover;

[0027] 30. Flow sensor assembly; 31. Water flow rotor; 32. Rotating fixed ring; 33. Hall element;

[0028] 40. Temperature sensing assembly; 41. Temperature sensor; 42. Sensor pressure plate; 43. Sealing ring.

[0029] 50. Energy storage box; 60. Heat exchanger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clear, the following will be combined with the accompanying drawings to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0034] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples, unless they are contradictory.

[0035] An electric water heater is a common household water heater that uses electricity to heat tap water or other water of suitable quality to a set temperature for daily use. It typically consists of a water tank and one or more heating elements. The heating elements heat the water in the tank to achieve this. To facilitate temperature regulation, a thermostatic valve is typically installed on the water heater, allowing for convenient water delivery.

[0036] In related technologies, thermostatic valves are used to mix cold and hot water, adjusting the outlet water temperature by controlling the amount of cold and hot water entering. This approach complicates the piping system connected to the water tank, requiring multiple joints. This increases the risk of leaks at these joints, hindering subsequent maintenance.

[0037] Regarding the problems in related technologies, such as Figure 1-Figure 3As shown, the utility model provides a thermostatic valve, including a valve body 10 and a valve core assembly 20; the valve body 10 is provided with a valve cavity 111, a first flow cavity 112 and a second flow cavity 113, the first flow cavity 112 is communicated with the valve cavity 111 through a first communicating port 115, and the second flow cavity 113 is communicated with the valve cavity 111 through a second communicating port 116, and the valve body 10 is provided with a cold water input port 14, a mixed water output port 15, a cold water output port 16, a hot water input port 17 and a water supply interface 18, the cold water input port 14 and the cold water output port 16 are both communicated with the first flow cavity 112, the mixed water output port 15 is communicated with the second The flow chamber 113 is connected, and the hot water inlet 17 and the water supply interface 18 are both connected to the valve chamber 111. The valve core assembly 20 is disposed in the valve chamber 111. The valve core assembly 20 switches between a water mixing position and a water supply position relative to the valve body 10. The valve core assembly 20 can selectively connect the hot water inlet 17 with the first flow chamber 112, so that hot water passing through the hot water inlet 17 and cold water passing through the first flow chamber 112 mix and enter the second flow chamber 113 through the second connecting port. In addition, the valve core assembly 20 can selectively connect the first flow chamber 112 with the water supply interface 18. The thermostatic valve is one of the key components commonly used in water heater systems. It is used to maintain the stability of the water temperature output by the water heater. In this embodiment, in addition to the commonly used function of maintaining a constant output water temperature, multiple joints are integrated through the cold water outlet 16 and the water supply interface 18, simplifying the water heater's piping system, reducing the number of joints in the piping system, and reducing the risk of joint leakage.

[0038] Generally speaking, some typical electric water heaters include a water tank, a heat exchange pipeline and a heating element. The total cold water is connected to the heat exchange pipeline, and the heating element is used to heat the water or other medium in the water tank, thereby exchanging heat with the heat exchange pipeline and heating the water in the heat exchange pipeline. The water in the water tank needs to be refilled after a period of time. The traditional method is to set a water inlet pipeline, a water inlet valve or other control components on the outside of the water heater to achieve the connection of the water inlet pipeline. This method makes the pipeline system connected to the water heater complicated and increases the number of connections between the pipeline and the joint. The increase in the number of connection points between the pipeline and the joint will correspondingly increase the risk of leakage. In this example, the valve body 10 is integrated with a water supply interface 18 and a cold water outlet 16. The cold water outlet 16 can be used to allow cold water to enter the heat exchange pipeline to achieve the heating of the cold water. The water supply interface 18 can be used to input cold water into the water tank for water supply, which reduces the connection between the pipeline and the joint and reduces the risk of leakage.

[0039] Similarly, the valve body 10 is also provided with a hot water inlet 17, and a first flow chamber 112 and a second flow chamber 113 connected to the valve chamber 111. Hot water can be input through the hot water inlet 17, and cold water can be input through the first flow chamber 112, so that mixing is achieved in the valve chamber 111, thereby achieving water temperature regulation.

[0040] It can be understood that the valve body 10 in this embodiment integrates the water replenishment and water inlet functions, simplifies the piping system, reduces the number of nodes connecting the pipeline and the joint, and reduces the risk of leakage.

[0041] Specifically, in the piping system of a water heater, especially an electric water heater, it is usually required to have a cold water inlet passage, a hot water passage, a water replenishment passage, a water mixing passage and an output passage; the cold water inlet passage is used to provide water for the heat exchange pipeline, the hot water passage is used to input the heated water into the thermostatic valve, the water replenishment passage is used to replenish the water in the water tank, the water mixing passage is used to mix cold water and hot water to form mixed hot water, and the output passage is used to output the mixed hot water.

[0042] In the specific configuration, a first communication port 115 is provided on the solid portion of the valve body 10 connected to the first flow chamber 112. Figure 2 At the position shown in FIG. 1 , the first flow chamber 112 is connected to the valve chamber 111 through the first communication port 115. Similarly, a second communication port 116 is provided on the solid portion of the other side of the valve body 10 connected to the second flow chamber 113. Figure 3 The two communication ports are used for communicating with the corresponding flow chamber and the valve chamber 111 .

[0043] In this embodiment, the valve core assembly 20 is disposed within the valve cavity 111, and the first flow chamber 112 and the second flow chamber 113 communicate with the valve cavity 111. Specifically, the passage connecting the first flow chamber 112 and the cold water outlet 16 is configured as a cold water inlet passage, the passage connecting the valve cavity 111 and the hot water inlet 17 is configured as a hot water passage, the passage connecting the first flow chamber 112, the valve cavity 111, and the water supply interface 18 in sequence is configured as a water supply passage, the passage connecting the first flow chamber 112 and the valve cavity 111 and the valve cavity 111 mixed with the hot water passage is configured as a mixed water passage, and the passage connecting the mixed water outlet 15, the second flow chamber 113, and the valve cavity 111 in sequence is configured as an output passage. The valve core assembly 20 can be switched to different positions by rotating to achieve different functions. The cold water inlet passage is a normally open passage, meaning that cold water can be continuously input into the heat exchange tube for heating before being output.

[0044] In the water mixing position, cold water and hot water can be mixed, thereby achieving the purpose of water temperature regulation. At this time, the water mixing passage is open, cold water enters through the cold water inlet 14 and flows through the first flow chamber 112 into the valve chamber 111. At the same time, hot water is input into the valve chamber 111 through the hot water inlet 17, thereby mixing the hot and cold water to form mixed hot water. The mixed hot water passes through the second flow chamber 113 and is output from the water outlet. In other words, in the water mixing position, the hot water passage, the water mixing passage, and the output passage are all connected, and the cold and hot water are mixed in the valve chamber 111 before being output. At this time, the water supply passage is closed.

[0045] In the refill position, the water level in the water tank drops, requiring refilling. Specifically, the refill passage opens, allowing cold water to enter through the cold water inlet 14, then flow through the first flow chamber 112 and into the valve chamber 111. Finally, it enters the water tank through the refill port 18, completing the refill process. In the refill position, the hot water passage, mixed water passage, and output passage are all closed.

[0046] In the closed position, there is no demand for hot water or replenishing water. At this time, the thermostatic valve is equivalent to an ordinary valve body 10 and can close all passages.

[0047] In the specific setting, the valve core assembly 20 is similar to a conventional valve core, and various cavities are formed inside the device. When the valve core assembly 20 rotates, each chamber can be connected to one or several corresponding passages, thereby realizing different functions at different positions.

[0048] In some embodiments, deflectors 114 are provided within both the first flow chamber 112 and the second flow chamber 113 to form a spiral water channel within the first flow chamber 112 and the second flow chamber 113. One aspect of electric water heaters that requires protection against electrical shock is the provision of deflectors 114. In this embodiment, the provision of deflectors 114 creates a longer water channel, forming a water resistor that acts as a barrier against electrical shock. While water resistors are generally used as auxiliary protection against electrical shock, the deflectors 114 in this embodiment provide an additional measure to enhance overall safety.

[0049] It is understood that, in general, electric water heaters are protected against electric shock by using insulating materials, leakage protection, and other means as a barrier to improve safety. In this embodiment, the guide plate 114 is further used to ensure that water has a longer path when flowing through the first flow chamber 112 and the second flow chamber 113, thereby forming a water resistor, thereby providing a certain degree of protection against electric shock and improving safety performance.

[0050] In the specific setting, the guide plate 114 includes a spiral plate structure, and a snake-like water channel is formed between the spiral plate structures. In this way, the water flow path in the first flow chamber 112 and the second flow chamber 113 can be increased.

[0051] In some embodiments, the cold water inlet 14 is located at the beginning of the waterway, and the cold water outlet 16 is located at the end of the waterway. During the heating process, cold water is introduced into the water tank through the cold water inlet 14, passes through the first flow chamber 112, and then is delivered to the heat exchange tubes through the cold water outlet 16 for heating. In this embodiment, by locating the two ports at the beginning and end of the entire spiral waterway, the water flow path is maximized, enhancing the water resistance and anti-electrical protection effect.

[0052] According to some embodiments provided by the present invention, the valve body 10 is constructed as a rectangular columnar structure, with the first flow chamber 112 and the second flow chamber 113 respectively provided on opposite sides of the valve body 10, and the valve chamber 111 provided at one end of the valve body 10. By providing flow chambers on both sides and the valve chamber 111 at the end, the overall structure can be made more compact, the overall components occupy less space, and the connection layout is facilitated.

[0053] Specifically, the first flow chamber 112 is configured for cold water flow, and the second flow chamber 113 is configured for mixed hot water flow. By arranging the two flow chambers on both sides of the valve body 10, the independence of the two flow spaces can be effectively achieved, effectively avoiding the risk of water cross-contamination caused by traditional welding.

[0054] The provision of the valve chamber 111 at the end enables effective communication with the flow chambers on both sides simultaneously, making the overall chamber structure more compact and independent, facilitating communication between the two flow chambers and the valve chamber 111. Furthermore, the provision of the rectangular columnar structure enables the first flow chamber 112 and the second flow chamber 113 to have a longer water flow path, thereby achieving greater water resistance and improving overall safety performance.

[0055] Specifically, the valve body 10 is provided with a first flow chamber 112 and a second flow chamber 113 on opposite sides thereof. The cold water outlet 16 and the hot water inlet 17 are located on the other side of the valve body 10, near the valve chamber 111. This other side is adjacent to both the first flow chamber 112 and the second flow chamber 113. In other words, the other side forms the thickness of the valve body 10. This structural layout makes the overall structure more compact and the layout more rational.

[0056] In some embodiments, the thickness of the valve body 10 is smaller than the width of the valve body 10 and also smaller than the length of the valve body 10 , which makes the valve body 10 as a whole have a flat structure, reduces space occupation, and facilitates installation and arrangement.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a valve body 10 includes a valve main body 11, a first cover plate 12, and a second cover plate 13. A first space is formed on one side of the valve main body 11. The first cover plate 12 covers the first space and forms a first flow chamber 112. A second space is formed on the other side of the valve body 10. The second cover plate 13 covers the second space and forms a second flow chamber 113. This arrangement facilitates the overall machining of the valve body 10, reduces machining difficulty, improves the quality of the valve body 10, and prevents the risk of water cross-contamination between different spaces.

[0058] It is understood that the valve body 11 is integrally formed, with a first space and a second space formed on both sides of the valve body 11, both of which are for water to flow through. This makes the first space and the second space independent of each other, preventing water from flowing through.

[0059] During processing, the connection between the first cover plate 12 and the second cover plate 13 and the valve body 11 reduces the overall manufacturing difficulty. As mentioned above, the guide plate 114 is provided in the first space and the second space. The guide plate 114 has a spiral structure, and the two cover plates are arranged to facilitate the overall molding.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the valve body 11, the first cover plate 12 and the second cover plate 13 are formed separately, and then the first cover plate 12 and the second cover plate 13 are connected to the valve body 11 by welding. In this way, the difficulty of the molding process of the valve body 11, the first cover plate 12 and the second cover plate 13 can be reduced, and the efficiency of their preparation can be improved.

[0061] For example, guide plate structures are formed on opposite sides of the valve body 11, and corresponding matching structures are also provided when the first cover plate 12 and the second cover plate 13 are formed, so that after the first cover plate 12 and the second cover plate 13 are sealed with the valve body 11, a sealed spiral passage is formed inside.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cold water inlet 14 is provided at the longitudinal bottom of the first cover plate 12, and / or a mixed water outlet 15 is provided at the longitudinal bottom of the second cover plate 13. The cold water inlet 14 is used to receive the total cold water supply. In this embodiment, by providing it at the bottom, it provides a longer flow path within the first flow chamber 112, improving safety, preventing water pressure shock, and mitigating water pressure fluctuations.

[0063] Similarly, the mixed water outlet 15 is located at the bottom of the second cover plate 13 in the longitudinal direction. The mixed water outlet 15 is used to output the mixed hot water, and the mixed water is output from the valve chamber 111. By locating the mixed water outlet 15 at the bottom, it provides a longer flow path within the second flow chamber 113, improving safety, preventing water pressure shock, and mitigating water pressure fluctuations.

[0064] In the specific setting, the starting port of the spiral water channel in the first flow chamber 112 is located at the bottom of the valve body 10 in the longitudinal direction. By setting the cold water inlet 14 at the bottom, a water channel with a longer path can be provided, thereby increasing the water resistance and improving safety performance.

[0065] The terminal end of the spiral water channel in the second flow chamber 113 is located at the bottom of the valve body 10 in the longitudinal direction. By arranging the mixed water output port 15 at the bottom of the second cover plate 13 in the longitudinal direction, a longer water path can also be provided, thereby increasing the water resistance and improving safety performance.

[0066] In a specific embodiment, to facilitate constant temperature control, a flow sensing assembly 30 and a temperature sensing assembly 40 are provided on the first cover plate 12 at the cold water inlet 14 to control the amount of cold water input and sense the temperature. The flow sensing assembly 30 includes a water flow rotor 31, a rotating fixed ring 32, and a Hall element 33. The rotating fixed ring 32 is used to define the position of the water flow rotor 31. The water flow rotor 31 can rotate after water flows into it. The Hall element 33 can sense the rotation of the water flow rotor 31, thereby sensing the flow rate of the input water flow. The temperature sensing assembly 40 includes a temperature sensor 41, a sensor pressure plate 42, and a sealing ring 43. The sensing end of the temperature sensor 41 is raised into the passage. The sensor pressure plate 42 is used to fix and stabilize the sensor, and the sealing ring 43 is used to seal the hole for installing the sensor.

[0067] Furthermore, a temperature sensing assembly 40 is also provided on the second cover plate 13 at the mixed water outlet 15 , and its assembly method is consistent with that on the first cover plate 12 .

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, both the hot water inlet 17 and the cold water outlet 16 are provided with a slot for engaging with a retaining spring. The hot water inlet 17 and the cold water outlet 16 need to be connected to piping during installation. In this embodiment, the slot and retaining spring facilitate easy assembly and disassembly.

[0069] It will be appreciated that both the hot water inlet pipe and the cold water outlet pipe are connected to the water tank of the water heater, that is, to the heat exchange piping within the water tank. One pipe is connected to the heat exchange piping's input port (cold water outlet 16), and the other pipe is connected to the heat exchange piping's output port (hot water inlet 17). In this embodiment, a quick-release connection is achieved by providing a retaining groove and retaining spring at the connection locations.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the valve core assembly 20 includes a valve core body 21 and a drive component 22. The valve core body 21 is disposed within the valve cavity 111. The drive component 22 is connected to the valve body 10 and is in transmission connection with the valve core body 21 to drive the valve core body 21. The valve core body 21 is used to switch between different waterways. In this embodiment, by controlling the rotation of the drive component 22, the valve core assembly 20 is driven to rotate relative to the valve cavity 111, thereby achieving switching between different pathways.

[0071] Generally speaking, the valve core body 21 is provided with different chambers, each of which can connect to one or more water flow paths, thereby enabling switching between different paths. In this embodiment, the valve core body 21 is driven by the driving component 22 to switch between the mixing position and the replenishing position, thereby enabling connection between different paths. For details, please refer to the detailed description of the mixing position and the replenishing position paths.

[0072] In some embodiments, the valve core assembly 20 further includes a fixed cover 23, which is disposed between the drive component 22 and the valve body 10. The drive component 22 is disposed on the fixed cover 23. The drive component 22 is required to drive the entire valve core to rotate, and the rotation of the valve core can switch between different passages. In this embodiment, the fixed arrangement provides a more stable connection between the drive component 22 and the valve core.

[0073] In the specific setting, the driving component 22 is a driving motor, and a connecting shaft is provided on the valve core, which is connected to the output end of the driving motor. The valve core can be rotated under the drive of the driving motor, thereby realizing the connection between different chambers on the valve core body 21.

[0074] It can be understood that the driving component 22 can improve the overall degree of automation and facilitate the switching of the valve core to open and close different passages.

[0075] Specifically, a flange connection is provided along the edge of the valve chamber 111. The valve core is entirely disposed within the valve chamber 111. The fixed cover 23 is connected to the flange connection via bolts, and a sealing ring 43 is provided to achieve a seal between the two. The fixed cover 23 has a bolt column and a through hole in the middle of the fixed cover 23. The driving component 22 is connected to the bolt column, and its output end is connected to the connecting shaft of the valve core through the through hole, thereby driving the valve core to rotate. The driving component 22 is connected to the fixed cover 23 to seal the through hole.

[0076] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 、 Figure 6 As shown, Figure 5 and Figure 6 Arrows indicate water flow directions, with blue representing the cold water path, red representing the hot water path, and purple representing the mixed water path. The valve core body 21 is provided with an inlet water path 211, a replenishing water path 214, a hot water path 212, and a mixed water path 213. The replenishing water path 214 and the mixed water path 213 are both connected to the inlet water path 211, while the hot water path 212 is connected to the mixed water path 213. The replenishing water path 214 and the mixed water path 213 are isolated from each other, preventing them from communicating with each other.

[0077] Specifically, the valve core body 21 selectively opens different waterways during rotation, enabling different operations. For example, during water replenishment, cold water selectively passes through the valve core and is then fed into the water replenishment port 18 into the water tank for replenishment. For water mixing, cold and hot water are simultaneously introduced into the valve core to mix the water. The mixed water is then output through the second flow chamber 113 and the mixed water output port 15.

[0078] It can be understood that, in the specific process of switching the water circuits, the valve core body 21 is controlled to rotate to different positions, thereby achieving selective connection of different water circuits, thereby achieving switching of various water circuits and realizing different functions.

[0079] like Figure 4 As shown, the present invention also provides a water heater, including an energy storage tank 50, a heat exchanger 60 and a thermostatic valve as described above; the energy storage tank 50 is used to store a heating medium; the heat exchanger 60 is arranged in the energy storage tank 50, and the heat exchanger 60 is used to heat the input water; the cold water input port 14 is connected to the input end of the heat exchanger 60, the hot water input port 17 is connected to the output end of the heat exchanger 60, and the water supply interface 18 is connected to the energy storage tank 50.

[0080] Specifically, in the electric water heater, the energy storage tank 50 is used to store water, so it can also be called a water tank. The heat exchanger 60 is composed of a spiral heat exchange pipeline. A heating element is provided in the energy storage tank 50. The heating element is used to heat water and the water in the heat exchange pipeline, thereby achieving effective heating of the water in the heat exchange pipeline (heat exchanger 60).

[0081] In this embodiment, the specific structure of the water heater should not be limited. As long as it is provided with the above-mentioned thermostatic valve, it should fall within the scope of the description of this embodiment. The water heater should have all the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned thermostatic valve, which will not be described one by one here.

[0082] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that in each embodiment, by integrating the cold water inlet 14, mixed water outlet 15, cold water outlet 16, hot water inlet 17, and water replenishment port 18 into the valve body 10, water temperature regulation is achieved while also enabling continuous water inflow and replenishment. This simplifies the piping system, reduces the number of connection points between joints and pipes in the piping system, and reduces the risk of leakage. Furthermore, the layout of the valve body 11 and the first and second flow chambers 112, 113 makes the overall structure more compact, occupying less space.

[0083] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermostatic valve, characterized in that: include: A valve body, wherein the valve body comprises a valve cavity, a first flow cavity, and a second flow cavity, the first flow cavity being in communication with the valve cavity via a first communicating port, and the second flow cavity being in communication with the valve cavity via a second communicating port, the valve body being provided with a cold water inlet, a cold water outlet, a mixed water outlet, a hot water inlet, and a water replenishment interface, the cold water inlet and the cold water outlet both being in communication with the first flow cavity, the mixed water outlet being in communication with the second flow cavity, and the hot water inlet and the water replenishment interface both being in communication with the valve cavity; A valve core assembly is provided in the valve cavity. The valve core assembly switches between a water mixing position and a water replenishing position relative to the valve body. The valve core assembly can selectively connect the hot water input port with the first flow cavity, so that the hot water passing through the hot water input port and the cold water passing through the first flow cavity are mixed and enter the second flow cavity through the second connecting port; and the valve core assembly can selectively connect the first flow cavity with the water replenishing interface.

2. The thermostatic valve according to claim 1, characterized in that Guide plates are provided in the first flow chamber and the second flow chamber to form spiral water channels in the first flow chamber and the second flow chamber.

3. The thermostatic valve according to claim 2, characterized in that The cold water inlet is arranged at the starting end of the water channel, and the cold water outlet is arranged at the tail end of the water channel.

4. The thermostatic valve according to claim 1, characterized in that The valve body is constructed as a rectangular columnar structure, the first flow cavity and the second flow cavity are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the valve body, and the valve cavity is arranged at one end of the valve body.

5. The thermostatic valve according to claim 1, characterized in that The valve body includes a valve main body, a first cover plate and a second cover plate. One side of the valve main body cooperates with the valve main body to form the first flow chamber; the other side of the valve main body cooperates with the second cover plate to form the second flow chamber.

6. The thermostatic valve according to claim 5, characterized in that The cold water inlet is provided at the bottom of the first cover plate in the length direction; And / or, the mixed water outlet is provided at the bottom of the second cover plate in the length direction.

7. The thermostatic valve according to claim 1, characterized in that The valve core assembly includes a valve core body and a driving component. The valve core body is arranged in the valve cavity. The driving component is connected to the valve body and is in transmission connection with the valve core body to drive the valve core body to move.

8. The thermostatic valve according to claim 7, characterized in that The valve core assembly further includes a fixing cover, which is arranged between the driving component and the valve body, and the driving component is arranged on the fixing cover.

9. The thermostatic valve according to claim 8, characterized in that The valve core body is provided with a water inlet channel, a water supply channel, a hot water channel and a mixed water channel; Wherein, the water supply channel and the mixed water channel are both connected to the water inlet channel, and the hot water channel is connected to the mixed water channel.

10. A water heater, characterized in that: include: An energy storage box, wherein the energy storage box is used to store a heating medium; A heat exchanger is provided in the energy storage tank and is used to heat the input water; The thermostatic valve according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cold water inlet is connected to the input end of the heat exchanger, the hot water inlet is connected to the output end of the heat exchanger, and the water replenishment interface can be connected to the cold water inlet and the energy storage tank.

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