Water heater

Abstract

The utility model discloses a water heater, which relates to the technical field of household equipment and comprises a water tank, a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe, a water inlet valve and a water outlet valve. The water inlet valve comprises a first shell and a first valve element, a first valve hole, a balance cavity, a first water inlet cavity and a first water outlet cavity are formed in the first shell, the first water inlet cavity and the first water outlet cavity are located at the two ends of the first valve hole, and the balance cavity communicates with the first water inlet cavity. The communicating hole is located in the outer wall of the second shell and communicates with the balance cavity through a connecting pipe, and the second valve element is rotationally connected with the lever mechanism. When the water using terminal is in a closed state, the second valve element can move upwards and drive the lever mechanism to rotate to close the communicating hole, and therefore the first valve element moves downwards and keeps closing the first valve hole. When the water tank leaks water, the pressure in the water tank is reduced, but the water inlet valve is always in a closed state, and the water tank cannot replenish water, so that continuous water leakage of the water tank can be inhibited.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of household appliances, in particular to a water heater. Background Art

[0002] Household appliances like electric water heaters and heat pump water heaters have a water tank. The water inlet of the water tank is generally connected to the tap water network, and the water outlet is generally connected to a water terminal with an on / off valve, such as a faucet or shower. When the on / off valve is opened, the on / off valve releases water from the water tank, and the tap water network automatically fills the water tank to replenish the water.

[0003] In the related art water heater, when the water tank leaks, the pressure inside the water tank decreases. At this time, tap water will continue to replenish the water tank, causing the water tank to be in a leaking state all the time, wasting water resources. In addition, when the leakage is serious, there is a risk that the space where the water tank is placed will be soaked by water. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the utility model proposes a water heater that can solve the problem of continuous water leakage when a water tank leaks.

[0005] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the water heater includes: a water tank; a water inlet pipe for connecting a water source and the interior of the water tank; a water outlet pipe for connecting the interior of the water tank and a water use terminal; a water inlet valve installed in the water inlet pipe, the water inlet valve including a first shell and a first valve core, the first shell having a first valve hole, a balancing chamber, and a first water inlet chamber and a first water outlet chamber located at both ends of the first valve hole, the balancing chamber being connected to the first water inlet chamber, the first valve core including a first sealing portion for blocking the first valve hole, the first valve core being configured to move downward to close the first valve hole through the first sealing portion, or to move upward to open the first valve hole. A valve hole; a water outlet valve, installed in the water outlet pipe, the water outlet valve includes a second shell, a second valve core and a lever mechanism, the second shell has a second valve hole and a communicating hole, the communicating hole is located on the outer wall of the second shell, the lever mechanism includes a second sealing portion for sealing the communicating hole, the second valve core is rotatably connected to the lever mechanism, the second valve core is configured to move downward to open the second valve hole and drive the lever mechanism to open the communicating hole, or move upward to drive the second sealing portion to close the communicating hole; a connecting pipe, connecting the water inlet valve and the water outlet valve, the interior of the connecting pipe is connected to the balancing chamber and the communicating hole.

[0006] The water heater according to the embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0007] The invention relates to a water inlet valve provided in the water inlet pipe of a water tank and a water outlet valve provided in the water outlet pipe of the water tank, and a connecting pipe connecting the water inlet valve and the water outlet valve. The water inlet valve comprises a first housing and a first valve core. The first housing has a first valve hole, a balancing chamber, and a first water inlet chamber and a first water outlet chamber located at both ends of the first valve hole. The balancing chamber is connected to the first water inlet chamber. The first valve core is movable in an up-down direction and comprises a first sealing portion for opening or closing the first valve hole. The water outlet valve comprises a second housing, a second valve core, and a lever mechanism. The second housing has a second valve hole and a communicating hole. The communicating hole is located on the outer wall of the second housing. The communicating hole and the balancing chamber are connected by a connecting pipe. The second valve core is rotatably connected to the lever mechanism. The second valve core is movable in an up-down direction and drives the second sealing portion of the lever mechanism to open or close the communicating hole. When the water terminal is in a closed state, the second housing is filled with water and no water flows, allowing the second valve core to move upward and drive the lever mechanism to rotate, thereby keeping the communicating hole closed. The balancing chamber is connected to the first water inlet chamber, balancing the pressure in the first housing cavity. Therefore, the first valve core moves downward and keeps the first valve hole closed. When the water tank leaks, the pressure in the water tank decreases, the pressure in the first water outlet chamber decreases, and the pressure in the first water inlet chamber and the balance chamber remains unchanged. Therefore, the first valve core still keeps the first valve hole closed under the action of water pressure, that is, the water inlet valve is in a closed state, and the water tank cannot be replenished with water through the water inlet pipe. After the water tank leaks some water, the pressure in the water tank is balanced with the atmospheric pressure, and the water tank stops leaking. Therefore, the water heater of this embodiment can effectively suppress the problem of continuous water leakage in the water tank.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second valve core is configured to move downward when water flows out of the water outlet pipe, and to move upward when water stops flowing out of the water outlet pipe.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, the second valve core includes a second float valve and a float ball, the float ball is fixedly connected to the outer peripheral wall of the second float valve, the second float valve includes a second guide part and a second actuating part, the second guide part is connected to the upper end of the second actuating part, the second guide part is provided with a second flow channel for supplying water to enter the interior of the second float valve, the second actuating part is provided at the end of the second flow channel, and the second actuating part is provided with a second water outlet hole on a side wall close to the second flow channel, connecting the second flow channel and the outer peripheral wall of the second actuating part.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second valve hole is located at one end of the movement path of the second float valve, and the starting end of the second flow channel is arranged at the outer peripheral wall of the second float valve; or, the second valve hole is located on the side opposite to at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the second float valve, the starting end of the second flow channel is arranged at one end of the second guide portion away from the second actuating portion, and the outer peripheral wall of the second guide portion is provided with a third water outlet hole capable of connecting the second flow channel and the second valve hole.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the water outlet pipe has a second inlet end located in the water tank, and the upper end surface of the second inlet end is higher than the upper end surface of the float.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the lever mechanism further includes a support and a lever, one end of the lever is hinged to the second actuating portion, and the other end is connected to the second sealing portion, and the support is hinged to the middle portion of the lever.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first valve core is configured to be able to move upward when the communicating hole is opened, and to be able to move downward when the communicating hole is closed.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, the first valve core includes a first float valve, which includes a first guide part and a first actuating part. The first actuating part is connected to the upper end of the first guide part and is located in the balancing chamber. The first guide part is provided with a first flow channel for supplying water to enter the interior of the first float valve. The first actuating part is provided at the end of the first flow channel. The first actuating part is provided with a first water outlet on a side wall close to the first flow channel, which connects the first flow channel and the outer peripheral wall of the first actuating part.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first valve hole is located at one end of the movement path of the first float valve, the first sealing portion is provided at one end of the first float valve close to the first valve hole, the starting end of the first flow channel is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the first float valve, and when the first sealing portion closes the first valve hole, the starting end of the first flow channel is located in the first water inlet chamber.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the first valve core is configured to move upward to an end away from the first valve hole, the starting end of the first flow channel is located in the balancing chamber, and the inner wall of the balancing chamber is provided with a fourth water outlet hole connected to the first water inlet chamber; or, when the first valve core is configured to move upward to an end away from the first valve hole, the starting end of the first flow channel is located in the first water inlet chamber.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the water heater further includes a one-way valve installed in the first water outlet cavity.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the water outlet pipe has a second inlet end located in the water tank, and the second inlet end is arranged upward; and / or the water inlet pipe has a first inlet end located in the water tank, and the first inlet end is arranged downward.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, a water heater includes: a water tank; a water inlet pipe for conveying water from a source into the water tank; a water outlet pipe for conveying water in the water tank to a water use terminal; a water inlet valve installed in the water inlet pipe, the water inlet valve including a first housing and a first valve core, the first housing having a first valve hole, a balancing chamber, and a first water inlet chamber and a first water outlet chamber located at both ends of the first valve hole, the balancing chamber being in communication with the first water inlet chamber, and the first valve core including a first sealing portion for sealing the first valve hole; The outlet valve is installed in the water outlet pipe, and the outlet valve includes a second shell, a second valve core and a lever mechanism, the second shell has a second valve hole and a communicating hole, and the communicating hole is located on the outer wall of the second shell, the lever mechanism includes a second sealing portion for blocking the communicating hole, and the second valve core is rotatably connected to the lever mechanism; a connecting pipe connects the water inlet valve and the water outlet valve, and the interior of the connecting pipe is connected to the balancing chamber and the communicating hole; wherein, when the water terminal is in an open state, the second valve core moves downward under the action of the outgoing water flow to open the second valve hole, and drives the lever mechanism to rotate upward to open the communicating hole, and the first valve core moves upward under the action of the inlet water flow to open the first valve hole; when the water terminal is in a closed state, the second valve core moves upward under the action of buoyancy to close the second valve hole, and drives the lever mechanism to rotate downward to close the communicating hole, and the first valve core moves downward under the action of its own gravity to close the first valve hole.

[0020] The water heater according to the embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0021] When the water terminal is open, the outlet valve can be promptly opened to discharge water, and the inlet valve can also be promptly opened to replenish water to the water tank. When the water terminal is closed, the outlet valve closes the connecting hole under the action of the second valve core and the lever mechanism, so that the first valve core of the inlet valve promptly closes the first valve hole under the action of its own weight, thereby closing the outlet valve and the inlet valve. When the water tank leaks, the pressure in the water tank decreases, the pressure in the first water outlet chamber decreases, and the pressure in the first water inlet chamber and the balance chamber remains unchanged. Therefore, the first valve core remains closed to the first valve hole under the action of the water pressure, that is, the inlet valve is in the closed state, and the water tank cannot be replenished through the water inlet pipe. After the water tank leaks some water, the pressure in the water tank balances with the atmospheric pressure, and the water tank stops leaking. Therefore, the water heater of this embodiment can effectively prevent the problem of continuous water tank leakage.

[0022] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and will become apparent from the following description or learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the switch valve of the water terminal is in a closed state;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a water inlet valve in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of a water inlet valve in an open state according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified structural diagram of the first valve core;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the utility model showing a water inlet valve in a closed state;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the utility model showing a water inlet valve in an open state;

[0030] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram of the first valve core;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of a water outlet valve in an open state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of a water outlet valve in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 10 for Figure 8 A magnified view of the structure of the second valve core;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the utility model in which the water outlet valve is in an open state;

[0035] Figure 12 This is a structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the utility model in which the water outlet valve is in a closed state;

[0036] Figure 13 for Figure 11 A magnified view of the structure of the second valve core;

[0037] Figure 14 This is a structural diagram of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the switch valve of the water terminal is in an open state.

[0038] Figure Number:

[0039] Water tank 100;

[0040] Water inlet pipe 200; first inlet end 220;

[0041] Water outlet pipe 300; water outlet pipe section 310; second inlet end 320;

[0042] Water inlet valve 400; first housing 410; first valve hole 411; balancing chamber 412; fourth water outlet hole 4121; first water inlet chamber 413; first water outlet chamber 414; first guide sleeve 415; upper limit portion 416; first joint 417; first valve core 420; first float valve 421; first flow guide portion 4211; first actuating portion 4212; first water outlet hole 4213; first groove 4214; first protrusion 4215; first guide block 4216; first sealing portion 430; first recess 431; first flow channel 440; first intermediate section 441; one-way valve 450; filter screen 460;

[0043] Water outlet valve 500; second housing 510; second valve hole 511; communicating hole 512; second water inlet chamber 513; second water outlet chamber 514; second protrusion 515; second joint 516; second guide sleeve 517; lower limit portion 518; water storage chamber 519; second valve core 520; second float valve 521; second flow guide portion 5211; second actuating portion 5212; second water outlet hole 5213; second groove 5214; third water outlet hole 5215; float 522; second guide block 523; lever mechanism 530; second sealing portion 531; second recess 5311; support 532; lever 533; second flow channel 540; second intermediate section 541;

[0044] Connecting pipe 600;

[0045] Water pipe 700;

[0046] Water use terminal 800; switch valve 810. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended only to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0048] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that descriptions involving orientation, such as the orientation or positional relationship indicated by up, down, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0049] In the description of this utility model, "a plurality" means more than two. The use of "first" or "second" is solely for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated, or implicitly indicating the order of the technical features indicated.

[0050] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms such as setting, installing, and connecting should be understood in a broad sense, and technicians in the relevant technical field can reasonably determine the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0051] Water heaters include heat pumps, air-source heaters, and electric water heaters. They are commonly used to provide hot water for showers, kitchens, and other household uses. They can also be used for heating, such as floor heating and heated towel racks. A water heater consists of a water tank, the inlet of which is connected to a water source, typically the municipal water network. The outlet of the tank is connected to a water terminal, typically a faucet or showerhead. The terminal has an on / off valve. When the valve is opened, water is released from the tank, and tap water automatically flows into the tank, replenishing the water.

[0052] In the related art, the water tank may leak after long-term use. In order to prevent the water tank from leaking for a long time and causing the space where the water tank is placed to be soaked by water, the embodiment of the present invention provides a water heater. Figure 1 As shown, the water heater of the embodiment of the present invention includes a water tank 100, a water inlet pipe 200 and a water outlet pipe 300. One end of the water inlet pipe 200 is connected to a water source, and the other end of the water inlet pipe 200 is connected to the interior of the water tank 100. The water source replenishes water to the water tank 100 through the water inlet pipe 200. It is understandable that the water source of this embodiment is a tap water network, so that the end of the water inlet pipe 200 close to the water source has a certain water pressure. As an alternative, the water source can also be other forms such as a purified water pool. One end of the water outlet pipe 300 is connected to the water terminal 800, and the other end of the water outlet pipe 300 is connected to the interior of the water tank 100. The water in the water tank 100 is discharged to the water terminal 800 through the water outlet pipe 300.

[0053] Reference Figure 1As shown, the water heater of the present embodiment further includes a water inlet valve 400, a water outlet valve 500, and a connecting pipe 600. The water inlet valve 400 is installed in the water inlet pipe 200, and one end of the water inlet valve 400 can be installed in the water inlet pipe 200 via a pipe thread. In this embodiment, one end of the water inlet pipe 200 is inserted into the water tank 100, and the other end of the water inlet pipe 200 extends outwardly outside the water tank 100. One end of the water inlet valve 400 is connected to the other end of the water inlet pipe 200, and the other end of the water inlet valve 400 is connected to the tap water pipe 700. Alternatively, the water inlet pipe 200 can also include multiple water inlet pipe sections, with the water inlet valve 400 installed between two water inlet pipe sections. The water outlet valve 500 is installed in the water outlet pipe 300, and the water outlet valve 500 can be installed in the water outlet pipe 300 via a pipe thread. In this embodiment, the water outlet pipe 300 includes multiple water outlet pipe sections 310. One end of the water outlet pipe section 310 is inserted into the water tank 100 and extends outward from the water tank 100. Another end of the water outlet pipe section 310 is connected to the water terminal 800. The water outlet valve 500 is installed between the two water outlet pipe sections 310. The connecting pipe 600 is connected between the water inlet valve 400 and the water outlet valve 500. The connecting pipe 600 can be a rigid pipe or a flexible pipe.

[0054] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the water inlet valve 400 includes a first housing 410 and a first valve core 420. The first housing 410 contains a first valve hole 411, a balancing chamber 412, a first water inlet chamber 413, and a first water outlet chamber 414. The first water inlet chamber 413 and the first water outlet chamber 414 are located at both ends of the first valve hole 411. The first water inlet chamber 413 is located at the water inlet end of the first valve hole 411, and the first water outlet chamber 414 is located at the water outlet end of the first valve hole 411. The balancing chamber 412 is connected to the first water inlet chamber 413. The balancing chamber 412 can be formed by protruding outward from the side wall of the first housing 410. The balancing chamber 412 can be directly connected to the first water inlet chamber 413, or indirectly connected to the first water inlet chamber 413 through other components of the water inlet valve 400. The first valve core 420 is configured to be able to move in the up and down directions within the first housing 410. When the first valve core 420 moves downward, the first valve hole 411 is closed, and when the first valve core 420 moves upward, the first valve hole 411 is opened. In order to achieve water sealing of the water inlet valve 400, the lower end of the first valve core 420 is provided with a first sealing portion 430, which is used to block the first valve hole 411. Figure 2 As shown, when the first valve core 420 moves downward to the lower limit position, the first sealing portion 430 seals the first valve hole 411 to close the water inlet valve 400; Figure 3As shown, when the first valve core 420 moves upward, the first sealing portion 430 disengages from the first valve hole 411, thereby opening the water inlet valve 400. It is understood that the first sealing portion 430 can be a sealing plug or a sealing ring, and can be made of sealing materials such as rubber and silicone.

[0055] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the water outlet valve 500 includes a second housing 510, a second valve core 520, and a lever mechanism 530. The second housing 510 defines a second valve hole 511. The second valve core 520 is configured to move vertically within the second housing 510. When the second valve core 520 moves downward, the second valve hole 511 is opened; when the second valve core 520 moves upward, the second valve hole 511 is closed. In this embodiment of the present invention, since the water terminal 800 includes an on-off valve 810, water within the water outlet valve 500 does not flow when the on-off valve 810 is closed. Therefore, the second valve core 520 does not need to seal the second valve hole 511 when closing it. A connecting hole 512 is defined on the outer wall of the second housing 510. The interior of the connecting pipe 600 connects the connecting hole 512 to the balancing chamber 412. The lever mechanism 530 is rotatably connected to the second valve core 520 and includes a second sealing portion 531 for sealing the connecting hole 512. When the second valve core 520 moves upward to the upper limit position, the second valve core 520 drives the lever mechanism 530 to rotate downward, so that the second sealing portion 531 seals the connecting hole 512, and the second shell 510 and the balancing chamber 412 are not connected; when the second valve core 520 moves downward, the second valve core 520 drives the lever mechanism 530 to rotate upward, the second connecting hole 512 is opened, and the second shell 510 and the balancing chamber 412 are connected.

[0056] Reference Figure 1As shown, in the water heater of the present embodiment, when the water terminal 800 is closed, the second housing 510 is filled with water but does not flow, allowing the second valve core 520 to move upward and drive the lever mechanism 530 to rotate, thereby maintaining the closed state of the connecting hole 512. The balancing chamber 412 communicates with the first water inlet chamber 413, balancing the pressure within the first housing 410. As a result, the first valve core 420 moves downward and maintains the closed state of the first valve hole 411, i.e., the water inlet valve 400 is in the closed state. When the water tank 100 leaks, the pressure within the water tank 100 decreases, and the pressure in the first water outlet chamber 414 decreases. The pressure in the first water inlet chamber 413 and the balancing chamber 412 remains unchanged. Therefore, the first valve core 420 remains closed to the first valve hole 411 under the action of the water pressure. Furthermore, due to the increased pressure differential between the first water outlet chamber 414 and the first water inlet chamber 413 (i.e., the increased pressure differential across the first valve hole 411), the first sealing portion 430 provides a more effective squeeze seal on the first valve hole 411. Because the water inlet valve 400 is closed, the water tank 100 cannot be replenished through the water inlet pipe 200. When some water leaks out of the water tank 100, the pressure inside the water tank 100 balances with atmospheric pressure. That is, the pressure inside and outside the leaking hole of the water tank 100 becomes equal, preventing the water in the water tank 100 from leaking out through the leaking hole. At this point, the water tank 100 stops leaking. Therefore, this embodiment of the water heater effectively prevents the problem of continuous water leakage in the water tank 100.

[0057] Reference Figure 14 As shown, in the water heater of the embodiment of the present invention, when the switch valve 810 of the water terminal 800 is opened, water flows out of the water outlet pipe 300, and the water flow in the second shell 510 is driven to flow, so that the second valve core 520 can move downward and drive the lever mechanism 530 to rotate upward, the second valve hole 511 and the connecting hole 512 are opened, and the water in the balance chamber 412 flows into the second shell 510. The water flow in the first water inlet chamber 413 enables the first valve core 420 to move upward, thereby opening the first valve hole 411, that is, the water inlet valve 400 is in the open state, and water is replenished into the water tank 100 through the water inlet valve 400. Moreover, referring to Figure 1 As shown, when the switch valve 810 of the water terminal 800 is closed, the water outlet pipe 300 stops discharging water, the water flow in the second shell 510 stops flowing, the second valve core 520 can move upward and drive the lever mechanism 530 to rotate downward, the second valve hole 511 is closed, and the communicating hole 512 is closed by the second sealing portion 531. The interior of the second shell 510 is not connected to the balancing chamber 412. Since the balancing chamber 412 and the first water inlet chamber 413 are still connected, the pressure of the balancing chamber 412 and the first water inlet chamber 413 is balanced, so that the first valve core 420 can move downward and close the first valve hole 411 through the first sealing portion 430. The water inlet valve 400 is in a closed state, and the water tank 100 cannot be replenished with water through the water inlet pipe 200.

[0058] It will be appreciated that in another embodiment of the water heater of the present invention, when the water terminal 800 is in an open state, the second valve core 520 moves downward under the action of the outgoing water flow to open the second valve hole 511, and the water outlet valve 500 promptly opens to discharge water. The second valve core 520 drives the lever mechanism 530 to rotate upward to open the communication hole 512. The first valve core 420 moves upward under the action of the incoming water flow to open the first valve hole 411, and the water inlet valve 400 is promptly opened to replenish water to the water tank 100. When the water terminal is in a closed state, the second valve core 520 moves upward under the action of buoyancy to close the second valve hole 511. The second valve core 520 drives the lever mechanism 530 to rotate downward to close the communication hole 512. The first valve core 420 moves downward under the action of its own weight to close the first valve hole 411, thereby closing the water outlet valve 500 and the water inlet valve 400. When water tank 100 leaks, the pressure within water tank 100 decreases, and the pressure in first water outlet chamber 414 decreases, while the pressure in first water inlet chamber 413 and balancing chamber 412 remains unchanged. Therefore, under the action of water pressure, first valve core 420 remains closed to first valve hole 411. Furthermore, due to the increased pressure differential between first water outlet chamber 414 and first water inlet chamber 413 (i.e., the increased pressure differential across first valve hole 411), first sealing portion 430 provides a more effective squeeze seal on first valve hole 411. Because water inlet valve 400 is closed, water tank 100 cannot be replenished through water inlet pipe 200. Once some water has leaked from water tank 100, the pressure within tank 100 balances with atmospheric pressure, and the leaking stops. Therefore, the water heater of this embodiment effectively prevents persistent water leakage from water tank 100.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in a water inlet valve 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first valve core 420 includes a first float valve 421, which is in the shape of a strip extending in the vertical direction. The first float valve 421 includes a first flow guide portion 4211 and a first actuating portion 4212, which are arranged in the vertical direction. The first actuating portion 4212 is connected to the upper end of the first flow guide portion 4211 and is located within the balancing chamber 412.

[0060] The first flow guide portion 4211 is provided with a first flow channel 440. The first flow channel 440 allows water to flow into the first float valve 421. Through the first flow channel 440, water in the first water inlet chamber 413 can enter the balancing chamber 412. The first flow channel 440 is provided with a first intermediate section 441 extending in the vertical direction. The first intermediate section 441 is connected to the end of the first flow channel 440. The starting end of the first flow channel 440 can be configured to penetrate the outer peripheral wall of the first flow guide portion 4211, thereby guiding the water in the first water inlet chamber 413 to the first intermediate section 441.

[0061] The first actuating portion 4212 is disposed at the end of the first flow channel 440. After water flows through the first intermediate section 441, it impacts the first actuating portion 4212 at the end of the first flow channel 440, providing a force for the first float valve 421 to move upward. The first actuating portion 4212 is provided with a first water outlet 4213 on a sidewall adjacent to the first flow channel 440. The first water outlet 4213 connects the first flow channel 440 with the outer peripheral wall of the first actuating portion 4212. The first water outlet 4213 allows water from the first flow channel 440 to be discharged along the outer peripheral wall of the first actuating portion 4212. It is understood that a plurality of first water outlets 4213 may be provided, and these multiple first water outlets 4213 may be evenly distributed along the circumference of the first actuating portion 4212 to facilitate force balance on the first float valve 421.

[0062] A first groove 4214 is formed on the side of the first actuating portion 4212 facing the first flow channel 440. The first groove 4214 is aligned with the end of the first flow channel 440. Water flows into the first groove 4214 and then flows out through the first water outlet 4213. This concentrates the force of the water on the first actuating portion 4212, making the force applied to the first float valve 421 more uniform.

[0063] Reference Figure 4 As shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first middle section 441 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the end of the first flow channel 440. The reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow channel 440 is conducive to increasing the impact force of the water flow at the end of the first flow channel 440, thereby increasing the upward movement speed of the first valve core 420.

[0064] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in a water inlet valve 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first valve hole 411 is located at the lower end of the movement path of the first float valve 421. Accordingly, the balancing chamber 412 can be located at the upper end of the movement path of the first float valve 421. A first sealing portion 430 is provided at one end of the first float valve 421 near the first valve hole 411. Therefore, when the first float valve 421 moves downward to the lower limit, the first valve hole 411 can be sealed and closed by the first sealing portion 430. It is understood that the first sealing portion 430 is annular and has a first radially recessed first recess 431 disposed on its inner side. The bottom of the first float valve 421 is provided with a first radially outwardly protruding first portion 4215. The first recess 431 and the first protrusion 4215 cooperate to ensure that the first sealing portion 430 wraps around and stabilizes the first float valve 421.

[0065] The starting point of the first flow channel 440 is located on the outer peripheral wall of the first float valve 421. When the first sealing portion 430 closes the first valve hole 411, the starting point of the first flow channel 440 is located within the first water inlet chamber 413. Therefore, when water flows in the first water inlet chamber 413, the water can quickly enter the first flow channel 440, thereby driving the first float valve 421 upward, thereby opening the first valve hole 411.

[0066] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in a water inlet valve 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the first valve core 420 moves upward to an end away from the first valve hole 411, the starting point of the first flow channel 440 is located within the first water inlet chamber 413. That is, when the first float valve 421 is on any movement path, the first flow channel 440 always connects the first water inlet chamber 413 and the balancing chamber 412. When the first float valve 421 moves upward to the upper limit position and the connecting hole 512 is open, the first sealing portion 430 abuts the upper wall of the first water inlet chamber 413, and the starting point of the first flow channel 440 connects to the first water inlet chamber 413. A portion of the water in the first water inlet chamber 413 flows through the first flow channel 440, the balancing chamber 412, and the connecting pipe 600 and enters the water outlet valve 500. When the connecting hole 512 is closed, water enters the first water inlet chamber 413 through the first flow channel 440 until the pressure is balanced with the balance chamber 412 . At this time, the first float valve 421 moves downward under the action of gravity and closes the first valve hole 411 .

[0067] Reference Figure 2 As shown, a water inlet valve 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first guide sleeve 415 within the first housing 410. The first guide sleeve 415 extends in the vertical direction, and a first float valve 421 is slidably connected within the first guide sleeve 415. The first guide sleeve 415 guides and limits the vertical movement of the first float valve 421, thereby improving the movement stability of the first float valve 421. A first guide block 4216 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the first float valve 421. The first guide block 4216 slidably engages with the inner wall of the first guide sleeve 415, improving the movement reliability of the first float valve 421.

[0068] The first shell 410 also includes an upper limit portion 416. When the first valve core 420 moves upward to an end away from the first valve hole 411, the first sealing portion 430 abuts against the upper limit portion 416, which helps prevent the bottom of the first valve core 420 from colliding with the first shell 410 and causing damage, resulting in a worse sealing effect on the first valve hole 411.

[0069] To facilitate connection of the connecting pipe 600 , the first shell 410 is provided with a first joint 417 . The first joint 417 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the balancing chamber 412 and is located outside the first shell 410 . The interior of the first joint 417 is connected to the balancing chamber 412 .

[0070] Reference Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the structure of the water inlet valve 400 of another embodiment of the present invention is basically the same as that of the water inlet valve 400 of the previous embodiment. It can be understood by referring to the previous embodiment. To avoid repetition, it will not be described here. The difference between the water inlet valve 400 of the other embodiment of the present invention is that when the first valve core 420 moves upward to the end away from the first valve hole 411, the starting end of the first flow channel 440 is located in the balancing chamber 412, that is, the first flow channel 440 cannot connect the first water inlet chamber 413 and the balancing chamber 412. Therefore, in order to connect the first water inlet chamber 413 and the balancing chamber 412, the inner wall of the balancing chamber 412 is provided with a fourth water outlet hole 4121, which is used to maintain the connection between the first water inlet chamber 413 and the balancing chamber 412. When the first valve core 420 moves upward to the upper limit and the communication hole 512 is in the open state, the first sealing portion 430 abuts against the upper wall of the first water inlet chamber 413, and part of the water in the first water inlet chamber 413 flows into the water outlet valve 500 through the fourth water outlet hole 4121, the balancing chamber 412, and the connecting pipe 600. When the communication hole 512 is in the closed state, water enters the first water inlet chamber 413 through the fourth water outlet hole 4121 until the pressure reaches equilibrium with the balancing chamber 412. At this time, the first valve core 420 moves downward under the action of gravity and closes the first valve hole 411.

[0071] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the second valve core 520 of one embodiment of the present invention includes a second float valve 521 and a float ball 522, which are located within the second housing 510. The float ball 522 is annular and fixedly connected to the outer peripheral wall of the second float valve 521. The float ball 522 is used to drive the second valve core 520 to float upward when water in the second housing 510 is not flowing. The second float valve 521 is used to drive the second valve core 520 to move downward when water in the second housing 510 is flowing.

[0072] The second float valve 521 includes a second flow-guiding portion 5211 and a second actuating portion 5212. The second float valve 521 is in the shape of a vertically extending strip. The second flow-guiding portion 5211 and the second actuating portion 5212 are arranged vertically. The second flow-guiding portion 5211 is connected to the upper end of the second actuating portion 5212, and the second sealing portion 531 is connected to the upper end of the second flow-guiding portion 5211. The second flow-guiding portion 5211 defines a second flow channel 540 for allowing water to flow into the second float valve 521. The second flow channel 540 includes a second intermediate section 541 extending vertically. The starting point of the second flow channel 540 can be configured to pass through the upper end of the second flow-guiding portion 5211 or through the outer peripheral wall of the second flow-guiding portion 5211, thereby guiding water flowing within the second housing 510 to the second intermediate section 541.

[0073] The second actuating portion 5212 is located at the end of the second flow channel 540. After flowing through the second intermediate section 541, water impacts the second actuating portion 5212 at the end of the second flow channel 540, providing a force for the second float valve 521 to move downward. The force exerted by the water on the second float valve 521 is greater than the buoyancy of the float ball 522, enabling the second valve core 520 to move downward under the influence of the flowing water. A second water outlet hole 5213 is defined on the outer peripheral wall of the second actuating portion 5212. The second water outlet hole 5213 communicates with the second intermediate section 541 and is used to allow water from the second flow channel 540 to be discharged from the outer peripheral wall of the second actuating portion 5212, allowing water from the second flow channel 540 to flow radially out of the second float valve 521. It is understandable that there may be a plurality of second water outlet holes 5213 , and the plurality of second water outlet holes 5213 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the second actuating portion 5212 , which is beneficial to the force balance of the second float valve 521 .

[0074] A second groove 5214 is formed on the side of the second actuating portion 5212 facing the second flow channel 540. The second groove 5214 is aligned with the end of the second flow channel 540. Water flows into the second groove 5214 and is discharged through the second water outlet 5213. This concentrates the force of the water on the second actuating portion 5212, making the force applied to the second float valve 521 more uniform.

[0075] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 10As shown, in an outlet valve 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second valve hole 511 is located at the upper end of the movement path of the second float valve 521. The ends of the second valve hole 511 respectively form a second water inlet chamber 513 and a second water outlet chamber 514. The upper end of the second float valve 521 is a closed structure (without the second flow channel 540), which serves to close the second valve hole 511. The second flow channel 540 begins at the outer wall of the second float valve 521. Water flows through the outer wall of the second float valve 521 into the second middle section 541 of the second flow channel 540. The second flow channel 540 terminates at the lower end of the second flow guide 5211. When water flows through the water outlet valve 500, the second valve core 520 moves downward under the impact of the water flow. At this time, the second valve hole 511 is opened by the closed structure. Part of the water flows through the second valve hole 511 and flows into the second water outlet chamber 514. The other part of the water flows into the second flow channel 540 and is discharged through the second water outlet hole 5213. The two streams of water converge in the second shell 510 and then discharge from the water outlet valve 500.

[0076] Reference Figure 10 As shown, the lever mechanism 530 of this embodiment of the present invention includes a second sealing portion 531, a support 532, and a lever 533. One end of the lever 533 is hingedly connected to the second actuating portion 5212, while the other end of the lever 533 is connected to the second sealing portion 531. The support 532 is hingedly connected to the middle portion of the lever 533. Therefore, when the second valve core 520 moves upward, the lever 533 drives the second sealing portion 531 to rotate downward; and when the second valve core 520 moves downward, the lever 533 drives the second sealing portion 531 to rotate upward.

[0077] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in the water outlet valve 500 of an embodiment of the present invention, the connecting hole 512 is located at the lower end of the second shell 510, and the lower end of the second sealing portion 531 is provided with a second recess 5311, and the second shell 510 forms a second convex portion 515 at the connecting hole 512. When the second valve core 520 moves upward and drives the second sealing portion 531 to the position of sealing the connecting hole 512, the second recess 5311 and the second convex portion 515 are adapted to each other, thereby improving the sealing effect of the second sealing portion 531 on the connecting hole 512.

[0078] It can be understood that the connecting hole 512 is arranged on the outer wall of the second water inlet chamber 513 or the outer wall of the second water outlet chamber 514, that is, it connects the second water inlet chamber 513 or the second water outlet chamber 514. The specific design can be based on the structure of the actual product and is no longer specifically limited here.

[0079] To facilitate connection of the connecting pipe 600, the second housing 510 is provided with a second joint 516. The second joint 516 is fixedly connected to the outside of the lower end of the second housing 510, and the interior of the second joint 516 is connected to the communication hole 512. Accordingly, the first joint 417 is fixedly connected to the outside of the upper end of the first housing 410, further improving the convenience of connecting the connecting pipe 600 to the first joint 417 and the second joint 516, and facilitating the shortening of the connecting pipe 600, thereby improving the spatial layout of the water inlet valve 400 and the water outlet valve 500.

[0080] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a water outlet valve 500 further includes a second guide sleeve 517 within the second housing 510. The second guide sleeve 517 extends in the vertical direction, and a second float valve 521 is slidably connected within the second guide sleeve 517. The second guide sleeve 517 guides and limits the vertical movement of the second float valve 521, thereby improving the movement stability of the second float valve 521. A second guide block 523 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the second float valve 521. The second guide block 523 slidably engages with the inner wall of the second guide sleeve 517, improving the movement reliability of the second float valve 521.

[0081] Continue to refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the second housing 510 further includes a lower stop 518, which can be fixedly connected to the second guide sleeve 517. When the second valve core 520 moves to one end close to the communication hole 512, the float 522 abuts against the lower stop 518, which helps prevent the bottom of the second valve core 520 from colliding with the second housing 510 and causing damage.

[0082] Reference Figure 8 As shown, the second shell 510 has a downwardly extending water storage chamber 519, which can store a certain amount of water. At least part of the structure of the second valve core 520 is located in the water storage chamber 519, so as to ensure that when the water flow in the second shell 510 stops flowing, the second valve core 520 can rely on the buoyancy of the water in the water storage chamber 519 to move upward to close the connecting hole 512; and when the water tank 100 leaks, the second valve core 520 can also rely on the buoyancy of the water in the water storage chamber 519 to keep the connecting hole 512 closed, thereby suppressing the water tank 100 from continuing to leak.

[0083] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 8As shown, the water outlet pipe 300 has a second inlet end 320 located within the water tank 100. The upper end surface of the second inlet end 320 is higher than the upper end surface of the float 522. Therefore, when the water flow in the water outlet pipe 300 stops, the second valve core 520 can move upward due to the buoyancy of the water in the second housing 510, thereby sealing the communication hole 512. Furthermore, when the water tank 100 leaks, a certain amount of water still remains in the second housing 510. The second valve core 520 can also rely on the buoyancy of the remaining water in the second housing 510 to maintain the sealing of the communication hole 512, thereby preventing the water tank 100 from leaking.

[0084] Reference Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, another embodiment of the present invention shows a water outlet valve 500 having a substantially identical structure to the previous embodiment. The structure of the water outlet valve 500 can be understood with reference to the previous embodiment, and to avoid repetition, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated here. The water outlet valve 500 of this embodiment differs in that a second valve hole 511 is located on a side opposite at least a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the second float valve 521, and the second housing 510 defines a second water inlet chamber 513 and a second water outlet chamber 514 at either end of the second valve hole 511, respectively. The center line of the second flow channel 540 is arranged in the up-down direction, and the second flow channel 540 passes through the second guide part 5211, that is, the starting end of the second flow channel 540 is located at the upper end of the second guide part 5211, and the end of the second flow channel 540 is located at the lower end of the second guide part 5211. The outer peripheral wall of the second guide part 5211 is provided with a third water outlet hole 5215, and the third water outlet hole 5215 is connected to the second middle section 541 of the second guide part 5211. The water flows out of the second valve hole 511 through the third water outlet hole 5215. When water flows through the water outlet valve 500, the second valve core 520 moves downward under the impact of the water flow. At this time, the second valve hole 511 is opened, that is, the third water outlet hole 5215 and the second valve hole 511 are at least partially aligned. After the water flows into the second flow channel 540, part of the water flows out through the third water outlet hole 5215 and the second valve hole 511, and the other part of the water flows out through the second water outlet hole 5213. The two streams of water converge in the second shell 510 and then flow out of the water outlet valve 500.

[0085] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, another embodiment of the water heater of the present invention further includes a one-way valve 450. The one-way valve 450 is configured to allow water to flow from the water inlet valve 400 to the water tank 100 while preventing water from flowing from the water tank 100 to the water inlet valve 400. The one-way valve 450 is installed within the water inlet valve 400, for example, within the first water outlet chamber 414. This effectively prevents the water inlet pipe on the side of the water tank 100 from impacting the water inlet valve 400. Furthermore, integrating the one-way valve 450 within the water inlet valve 400 facilitates installation. Alternatively, the one-way valve 450 may be installed within the water inlet pipe 200, for example, between the water tank 100 and the water inlet valve 400.

[0086] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, another embodiment of the water heater of the present invention further includes a filter 460. Filter 460 is used to filter tap water entering the water inlet valve 400 and water tank 100, thereby increasing the service life of the water inlet valve 400 and water tank 100. Filter 460 is located within the first water inlet chamber 413. Integrating filter 460 with the water inlet valve 400 facilitates installation. Alternatively, filter 460 can be installed within the water inlet pipe near the water inlet end of the water inlet valve 400.

[0087] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in the water heater of the embodiment of the present invention, the water inlet pipe 200 has a first inlet end 220 located in the water tank 100. The first inlet end 220 is set downward, which is beneficial to the heating effect of the water tank 100 on the water and reduces the mixing of hot and cold water.

[0088] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in the water heater of the embodiment of the present invention, the water outlet pipe 300 has a second inlet end 320 located in the water tank 100. The second inlet end 320 is arranged upward, which is beneficial to the heating effect of the water tank 100 on the water, and the water outlet pipe 300 can be kept full of water.

[0089] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes can be made within the scope of knowledge possessed by ordinary technicians in the relevant technical field without departing from the purpose of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water heater, characterized in that: include: water tank; Water inlet pipe, used to connect the water source and the interior of the water tank; a water outlet pipe, used to connect the interior of the water tank and the water terminal; a water inlet valve installed in the water inlet pipe, the water inlet valve comprising a first housing and a first valve core, the first housing having a first valve hole, a balancing chamber, and a first water inlet chamber and a first water outlet chamber located at both ends of the first valve hole, the balancing chamber being in communication with the first water inlet chamber, the first valve core comprising a first sealing portion for sealing the first valve hole, the first valve core being configured to move downward to close the first valve hole via the first sealing portion, or to move upward to open the first valve hole; a water outlet valve installed in the water outlet pipe, the water outlet valve comprising a second housing, a second valve core, and a lever mechanism, the second housing having a second valve hole and a communication hole, the communication hole being located on an outer wall of the second housing, the lever mechanism comprising a second sealing portion for sealing the communication hole, the second valve core being rotatably connected to the lever mechanism, the second valve core being configured to move downward to open the second valve hole and drive the lever mechanism to open the communication hole, or to move upward to drive the second sealing portion to close the communication hole; A connecting pipe connects the water inlet valve and the water outlet valve, and the interior of the connecting pipe communicates with the balancing chamber and the communicating hole.

2. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein: The second valve core is configured to move downward when water flows out of the water outlet pipe, and to move upward when water flows out of the water outlet pipe.

3. The water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second valve core includes a second float valve and a float ball, the float ball is fixedly connected to the outer peripheral wall of the second float valve, the second float valve includes a second guide part and a second actuating part, the second guide part is connected to the upper end of the second actuating part, the second guide part is provided with a second flow channel for supplying water to enter the interior of the second float valve, the second actuating part is provided at the end of the second flow channel, and the second actuating part is provided with a second water outlet hole on a side wall close to the second flow channel, connecting the second flow channel and the outer peripheral wall of the second actuating part.

4. The water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second valve hole is located at one end of the movement path of the second float valve, and the starting end of the second flow channel is located on the outer peripheral wall of the second float valve; or, The second valve hole is located on a side opposite to at least a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the second float valve. The starting end of the second flow channel is arranged at an end of the second guide part away from the second actuating part. The outer peripheral wall of the second guide part is provided with a third water outlet hole capable of connecting the second flow channel and the second valve hole.

5. The water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water outlet pipe has a second inlet end located in the water tank, and the upper end surface of the second inlet end is higher than the upper end surface of the float.

6. The water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lever mechanism further includes a support and a lever, one end of the lever is hinged to the second actuating portion, and the other end is connected to the second sealing portion, and the support is hinged to the middle portion of the lever.

7. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first valve element is configured to be movable upward when the communication hole is opened, and to be movable downward when the communication hole is closed.

8. The water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first valve core includes a first float valve, which includes a first guide portion and a first actuating portion. The first actuating portion is connected to the upper end of the first guide portion and is located in the balancing chamber. The first guide portion is provided with a first flow channel for supplying water to enter the interior of the first float valve. The first actuating portion is provided at the end of the first flow channel. The first actuating portion is provided with a first water outlet on a side wall close to the first flow channel, which connects the first flow channel and the outer peripheral wall of the first actuating portion.

9. The water heater according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first valve hole is located at one end of the movement path of the first float valve, the first sealing portion is provided at one end of the first float valve close to the first valve hole, the starting end of the first flow channel is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the first float valve, and when the first sealing portion closes the first valve hole, the starting end of the first flow channel is located in the first water inlet chamber.

10. The water heater according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first valve core is configured to move upward to an end away from the first valve hole, so that the starting end of the first flow channel is located in the balancing cavity, and the inner wall of the balancing cavity is provided with a fourth water outlet connected to the first water inlet cavity; or, The first valve core is configured such that when it moves upward to an end away from the first valve hole, a starting end of the first flow channel is located in the first water inlet cavity.

11. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water heater further includes a one-way valve installed in the first water outlet cavity.

12. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water outlet pipe has a second inlet end located in the water tank, and the second inlet end is arranged to face upward; and / or, The water inlet pipe has a first inlet end located in the water tank, and the first inlet end is arranged downward.

13. A water heater, characterized in that: include: water tank; A water inlet pipe is used to transport water to the water tank; A water outlet pipe, used to transport the water in the water tank to the water terminal; a water inlet valve installed in the water inlet pipe, comprising a first housing and a first valve core, the first housing having a first valve hole, a balancing chamber, and a first water inlet chamber and a first water outlet chamber located at both ends of the first valve hole, the balancing chamber being in communication with the first water inlet chamber, and the first valve core comprising a first sealing portion for sealing the first valve hole; a water outlet valve installed in the water outlet pipe, the water outlet valve comprising a second housing, a second valve core, and a lever mechanism, the second housing having a second valve hole and a communication hole, the communication hole being located on an outer wall of the second housing, the lever mechanism comprising a second sealing portion for sealing the communication hole, the second valve core being rotatably connected to the lever mechanism; a connecting pipe, connecting the water inlet valve and the water outlet valve, wherein the interior of the connecting pipe is in communication with the balancing chamber and the communicating hole; When the water terminal is in an open state, the second valve core moves downward under the action of the outgoing water flow to open the second valve hole, and drives the lever mechanism to rotate upward to open the communicating hole, and the first valve core moves upward under the action of the incoming water flow to open the first valve hole; When the water terminal is in a closed state, the second valve core moves upward under the action of buoyancy to close the second valve hole, and drives the lever mechanism to rotate downward to close the communicating hole. The first valve core moves downward under the action of its own gravity to close the first valve hole.

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