Valve assembly and water heater

Abstract

The utility model provides a valve assembly and a water heater. The valve assembly comprises a valve body, a valve element and a memory alloy spring, the valve body comprises a water inlet, a backflow opening and a water using opening, water flows in from the water inlet and flows out from different openings, and a circulation loop and a water using loop are formed respectively; a baffle located at the joint of the circulation loop and the water using loop is arranged in the valve body, and the backflow port and the water using port are both located on the downstream of the baffle. The valve element partially extends into the water port, a water channel is arranged in the valve element, the baffle is provided with a water through hole, and the water through hole, the water channel and the water port are sequentially communicated to form a partial water loop. The valve element and part of the baffle are oppositely arranged, the memory alloy spring drives the valve element to move relative to the baffle under the influence of the temperature, and the gap between the valve element and the baffle is reduced till the valve element abuts against and closes the circulation loop. By means of the mechanical structure valve assembly without electricity, waste caused when hot water enters a water heater circulation loop to be heated again in the pressurized state is reduced, and the use experience of a user is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of water heaters, in particular to a valve assembly and water heater. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the continuous improvement of people's quality of life, water heaters have become one of the indispensable household appliances in modern families.

[0003] Among them, the technology of circulating and shunting during water heater pressurization combined with the technology of zero-cold water half-pipe circulation has been widely used in recent years to improve the efficiency and comfort of hot water supply.

[0004] However, the existing water heater circulating and shunting during pressurization usually relies on solenoid valves to control the switching of waterways, and the operation of solenoid valves requires power support, i.e. the water heater must be connected to a power socket to work normally. However, many users do not have a socket in their use scenario, which brings great inconvenience. Moreover, such technology also requires the water heater to be linked with intelligent devices such as smartphones or smart home systems through wireless networks, which improves the level of intelligence but significantly increases the cost.

[0005] Therefore, it is urgent to develop a new technical solution to solve the above problems. INVENTION CONTENTS

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to overcome the defects that the existing water heater pressurization circulating and shunting needs to rely on solenoid valve assembly and needs to use electricity, and to provide a valve assembly and water heater.

[0007] The utility model solves the above technical problems by the following technical solutions:

[0008] A valve assembly for a water heater, the valve assembly comprising a valve body, a valve core and a memory alloy spring, the valve body comprising a water inlet, a backflow port and a water outlet, the water flow entering the backflow port from the water inlet to form a circulating loop, the water flow entering the water outlet from the water inlet to form a water use loop; the valve body is provided with a baffle, the baffle being located at the junction of the circulating loop and the water use loop; and the backflow port and the water outlet are both located downstream of the baffle;

[0009] Part of the valve core extends into the water outlet, and the valve core is arranged opposite to part of the baffle; the memory alloy spring acts on the valve core to move the valve core relative to the baffle, and the memory alloy spring is affected by temperature to drive the valve core to move relative to the baffle; part of the valve core extends into the water outlet, and the valve core is provided with a water use channel, the baffle is provided with a water passage hole, the water passage hole, the water use channel and the water outlet are sequentially connected and form part of the water use loop;

[0010] The valve core is arranged opposite to the partial baffle, and the memory alloy spring acts on the valve core and drives the valve core to move relative to the baffle under the influence of temperature, so that the valve core can abut against the baffle and close the circulation loop.

[0011] In the scheme, the baffle is located at the intersection of the circulation loop and the water using loop, and the valve core can abut against the baffle, so that the on-off of the circulation loop can be controlled. Moreover, the water using passage in communication with the water using port is arranged in the valve core, and the water using port in communication with the water using passage is arranged in the baffle, so that the water flow can flow out of the water using port without affecting the normal use of the water using port. Thus, the normal water outlet and the on-off control of the circulation loop are realized. In addition, the movement of the valve core is affected by the memory alloy spring, and the memory alloy spring is affected by the temperature. When the water temperature does not need to be circulated and heated, the flow of the circulation loop is reduced until the circulation loop is closed. When the water temperature needs to be circulated and heated or pressurized, the force of the water pressure pushing the valve core is greater than the force of the memory alloy spring, and there is a distance between the valve core and the baffle, forming a gap for the circulation of the circulation loop. Through the arrangement of the above mechanical structure, the flow regulation can be realized according to the temperature of the water flow, the opening and closing of the circulation loop can be controlled without affecting the use of the water using loop, and the waste of energy caused by the repeated heating of the water heater when the water flow temperature in the pipeline does not need to be circulated and heated but still enters the return port is avoided.

[0012] Preferably, a valve seat is arranged in the valve body, and the valve seat is located in the water using port, and the valve core can slide in the water using port along the axial direction of the water using port.

[0013] When the valve core moves towards the water using port, the valve core approaches the valve seat until the valve core abuts against the valve seat. When the valve core moves towards the baffle, the valve core moves away from the valve seat until the valve core abuts against the baffle, and the circulation loop is closed.

[0014] In the scheme, the valve seat is arranged in the water using port, and the valve core abuts against the baffle to limit the movement range of the valve core relative to the baffle.

[0015] Preferably, the valve core comprises an end wall and a side wall, the end wall is provided with a first hollow cylindrical structure, the valve seat is provided with a second hollow cylindrical structure, and the first hollow cylindrical structure is coaxial with the second hollow cylindrical structure. The side wall is in contact with the inner side surface of the valve body, and a cavity for accommodating the memory alloy spring is formed between the side wall and the first hollow cylindrical structure.

[0016] In the present scheme, the valve core comprises the structure of end wall and side wall, the hollow part in the first hollow cylindrical structure arranged on the end wall is the water channel, and the second hollow cylindrical structure arranged on the valve seat forms part of the water circuit together. The first hollow cylindrical structure and the second hollow cylindrical structure are coaxial, thereby better ensuring the smoothness and stability of the water flow in the water circuit. The side wall of the valve core and the inner side of the valve body are in contact and fit, thereby limiting the valve core and enabling the valve core to move axially along the water outlet, and the cavity between the side wall and the first hollow cylindrical structure is used for accommodating the memory alloy spring,

[0017] Preferably, the valve seat comprises at least an abutting portion extending from the valve body to the water outlet axis, and the memory alloy spring is sleeved outside the first hollow cylindrical structure and the second hollow cylindrical structure and connected to the end wall and the abutting portion at two ends respectively.

[0018] In the present scheme, the valve seat comprises an abutting portion for abutting with the valve core, and the memory alloy spring is sleeved and connected to the end wall and the abutting portion at two ends respectively, i.e. connected to the valve core and the valve seat, so that the elastic force of the memory alloy spring acts on the movable valve core to enable the valve core to move relative to the baffle; this connection mode can also fix the first hollow cylindrical structure and the second hollow cylindrical structure in the middle.

[0019] Preferably, the end wall and the valve seat are provided with corresponding through holes of the same shape and size, so that the water flow in the water circuit passes through the through holes and fully contacts the memory alloy spring.

[0020] In the present scheme, by arranging the through holes on the end wall and the valve seat, the water flow in the water circuit can enter the through holes and then flow through the cavity in the valve core and the through holes on the valve seat to the water outlet. On the one hand, such a structure increases the flow of the water channel, reduces the influence of the valve assembly structure arranged on the water outlet on the flow of the water outlet, and also enables the water flowing through the valve core to fully contact the memory alloy spring accommodated in the cavity, so that the memory alloy spring is more likely to exert the function affected by temperature.

[0021] Preferably, the inner diameter of the first hollow cylindrical structure is smaller than the diameter of the water passage hole, so that when the end wall abuts against the baffle, the water flow can enter the through hole arranged on the end wall.

[0022] In the present scheme, the inner diameter of the first hollow cylindrical structure is smaller than the diameter of the water passage hole, so that when the end wall abuts against the baffle, the water flow can enter the through hole arranged on the end wall and then enter the valve core, thereby maintaining the flow of the water outlet and contacting the memory alloy spring.

[0023] Preferably, when the side wall abuts against the abutting portion, a gap is left between the first hollow cylindrical structure and the second hollow cylindrical structure.

[0024] In the present scheme, by leaving a gap between the first hollow cylindrical structure and the second hollow cylindrical structure when the side wall abuts against the abutting portion, the water flow through the water channel of the valve core can enter the gap in the valve core through the gap, and the water flow can be in sufficient contact with the memory alloy spring.

[0025] Preferably, the plurality of through holes are arranged at intervals around the axis of the valve core, and each of the plurality of through holes is a waist-shaped hole.

[0026] In the present scheme, by the plurality of through holes, the water flow can better enter the gap in the valve core, the flow and stability of the water circuit are increased, and when the pressure is increased, the water can flow from the through holes into the gap to contact the memory alloy spring.

[0027] Preferably, the baffle includes two extension portions and a bent portion, the extension portions extend from the inner wall of the valve body to the axis of the valve body, the bent portion is opposite to the water outlet and parallel to the direction from the water inlet to the backflow outlet, and a water passage is formed in the bent portion.

[0028] In the present scheme, by the extension portion and the bent portion of the baffle, the structure of the baffle cooperates with the valve core, when the valve core abuts against the baffle, the extension portion of the baffle contacts the side wall of the valve core to form the side of the water circuit, and the gap between the valve core and the baffle disappears to realize the closing of the circulation circuit. The water passage in the bent portion is used to make the water flow through and form the water circuit and / or the circulation circuit. By the position and direction of the baffle opposite to the water outlet, the opening between the extension portion of the baffle and the side wall of the valve core becomes a water flow branch to form the flow channel of the circulation circuit, and the distance between the baffle and the valve core is controlled by the memory alloy spring to control the flow of the circulation circuit and even the opening and closing. The spring force and the direction of the flow of the circulation circuit form an included angle, and do not directly oppose each other, so that when the memory alloy spring is used due to the temperature change, less elastic force is required.

[0029] In another aspect, the utility model adopts the following technical scheme:

[0030] A water heater, the water heater includes the valve assembly as described above, and the valve assembly is arranged at the farthest end of a hot water pipe of the water heater.

[0031] The positive progress effect of the utility model is that:

[0032] In the scheme, the baffle is located at the junction of the circulation loop and the water using loop, and the valve core can abut against the baffle, so that the on-off of the circulation loop can be controlled. Moreover, the valve core is provided with a water using channel communicated with the water using port, and the baffle is provided with a water using port communicated with the water using channel, so that the water flow can flow out of the water using port without affecting the normal use of the water using port. Thus, the normal water outlet can be realized, and the on-off of the circulation loop can be controlled. In addition, the movement of the valve core is affected by the memory alloy spring, and the memory alloy spring is affected by the temperature, so that when the water temperature does not need to be circulated and heated, the flow of the circulation loop is reduced until the circulation loop is closed; and when the water temperature needs to be circulated and heated or pressurized, the force of the water pressure pushing the valve core is greater than the force of the memory alloy spring, and there is a distance between the valve core and the baffle, forming a gap for the circulation of the circulation loop. Through the arrangement of the above mechanical structure, the flow adjustment can be realized according to the temperature of the water flow, the opening and closing of the circulation loop can be controlled without affecting the use of the water using loop, and the waste of energy caused by the repeated heating of the water heater due to the water flow in the pipeline entering the return port when the pressure is increased and the water flow temperature does not need to be circulated and heated is avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 A component schematic view of a valve assembly is provided in the utility model.

[0034] Figure 2 A component schematic view of a valve assembly is provided in the utility model.

[0035] Figure 3 A component schematic view of a valve assembly is provided in the utility model.

[0036] Figure 4 A working state diagram of a valve assembly at low temperature circulation is provided in the utility model.

[0037] Figure 5 A working state diagram of a valve assembly at high temperature circulation is provided in the utility model.

[0038] Figure 6 A working state diagram of a valve assembly at low temperature pressurization is provided in the utility model.

[0039] Figure 7 A working state diagram of a valve assembly at high temperature pressurization is provided in the utility model.

[0040] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] Water flow 10

[0042] Valve body 100

[0043] Water inlet 110

[0044] Return port 120

[0045] water outlet 130

[0046] cold water outlet 140

[0047] valve core 200

[0048] water passage 201

[0049] end wall 210

[0050] cavity 215

[0051] side wall 220

[0052] gap 250

[0053] baffle 300

[0054] water hole 301

[0055] extension 310

[0056] bent portion 320

[0057] through hole 350

[0058] valve seat 400

[0059] abutting portion 410

[0060] outer wall 420

[0061] first hollow cylindrical structure 430

[0062] gap 435

[0063] second hollow cylindrical structure 440

[0064] memory alloy spring 500 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The utility model will be further explained by the way of example below, but the utility model will not be limited in the range of example because of this.

[0066] The embodiment provides a valve assembly for a water heater, which comprises a valve body 100, a valve core 200 and a memory alloy spring 500, the valve body 100 comprises a water inlet 110, a backflow port 120 and a water outlet 130, water flow 10 enters the backflow port 120 from the water inlet 110 to form a circulation loop, the water flow 10 enters the water inlet 110 and flows out of the water outlet 130 to form a water using loop; the valve body 100 is provided with a baffle 300, the baffle 300 is located at the intersection of the circulation loop and the water using loop; and the backflow port 120 and the water outlet 130 are both located downstream of the baffle 300.

[0067] The valve core 200 partially extends into the water outlet 130, and the valve core 200 is arranged opposite to the partial baffle 300; the memory alloy spring 500 acts on the valve core 200 to move the valve core 200 relative to the baffle 300, and the memory alloy spring 500 is affected by temperature to drive the valve core 200 to move relative to the baffle 300;

[0068] The valve core 200 partially extends into the water outlet 130, and the valve core 200 is provided with a water passage 201, and the baffle 300 is provided with a water passage hole 301, the water passage hole 301, the water passage 201 and the water outlet 130 are sequentially communicated, and form a partial water circulation circuit;

[0069] The valve core 200 is arranged opposite to the partial baffle 300, and the memory alloy spring 500 acts on the valve core 200 and drives the valve core 200 to move relative to the baffle 300 under the influence of temperature, so that the valve core 200 can abut against the baffle 300 and close the circulation circuit.

[0070] As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 and Figure 5 The water inlet 110, the backflow port 120 and the water outlet 130 are separated by arranging the baffle 300 in the valve body 100, the water circulation circuit in the scheme is a water flow circuit that enters from the water inlet 110, passes through the water passage hole 301 arranged on the baffle 300 along the valve body 100, and then flows out from the water outlet 130, the valve core 200 is partially arranged at the water outlet 130, and the water passage 201 is arranged in the valve core 200 and communicated with the water passage hole 301, so that the valve assembly itself serves as the water circulation circuit; the circulation circuit is a circuit that the water flow 10 passes through the water passage hole 301 and then flows back to the backflow port 120 and flows back to the water heater. Through the relative arrangement of the valve core 200 and the baffle 300 and the use of the memory alloy spring 500, when the temperature of the water flow 10 changes, the memory alloy spring 500 drives the valve core 200 to move relative to the baffle 300, thereby changing the opening degree of the circulation circuit flow passage formed by the valve core 200 and the baffle 300, reducing the flow of the circulation circuit when the water temperature does not need to be heated, and closing the circulation circuit; when the water temperature needs to be heated or pressurized, the force of the water pressure pushing the valve core 200 is greater than the force of the memory alloy spring 500, and there is a distance between the valve core 200 and the baffle 300, forming a gap 250 for the circulation circuit.

[0071] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the flow rate can be adjusted according to the temperature of the water flow 10, the opening and closing of the circulation loop can be controlled without affecting the use of the water circuit, the water flow 10 in the pipeline can be prevented from entering the backflow port 120 when the temperature of the water flow 10 does not need to be heated by the circulation, the water heater can be prevented from heating the hot water again to cause waste of energy, and no electromagnetic valve is involved, and no electricity is needed.

[0072] As shown in Figure 2 In this embodiment, the valve body 100 is composed of a hollow cylindrical tube and two pipe openings on the side wall of the cylindrical tube. One end of the valve body 100 is the water inlet port 110, and the other end is the backflow port 120. The pipe opening on the side wall of the cylindrical tube near the water inlet port 110 is the water outlet port 130. The water inlet port 110 and the backflow port 120 are located in the axial direction of the hollow cylindrical tube of the valve body 100, and the water outlet port 130 is perpendicular to the hollow cylindrical tube.

[0073] As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The valve body 100 is provided with a valve seat 400, which is located in the water outlet port 130. The valve core 200 can slide in the water outlet port 130 along the axial direction of the water outlet port 130.

[0074] When the valve core 200 moves towards the water outlet port 130, the valve core 200 approaches the valve seat 400 until the valve core 200 abuts against the valve seat 400. When the valve core 200 moves towards the baffle 300, the valve core 200 moves away from the valve seat 400 until the valve core 200 abuts against the baffle 300, and the circulation loop is closed. The valve seat 400 is arranged in the water outlet port 130 to cooperate with the valve core 200 which moves relative to the baffle 300 to abut against each other, thereby limiting the movement range of the valve core 200 relative to the baffle 300.

[0075] As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the valve core 200 includes an end wall 210 and a side wall 220, the end wall 210 is provided with a first hollow cylindrical structure 430, the valve seat 400 is provided with a second hollow cylindrical structure 440, the first hollow cylindrical structure 430 is coaxial with the second hollow cylindrical structure 440, and the first hollow cylindrical structure 430 and the second hollow cylindrical structure 440 are substantially the same size. The side wall 220 is in contact with the inner side of the valve body 100, and the side wall 220 and the first hollow cylindrical structure 430 have an axial cavity 215 for accommodating the memory alloy spring 500. The valve core 200 includes an end wall 210 and a side wall 220, and the hollow part in the first hollow cylindrical structure 430 provided on the end wall 210 is a water channel 201, which together with the second hollow cylindrical structure 440 provided on the valve seat 400 forms part of the water circuit. The first hollow cylindrical structure 430 and the second hollow cylindrical structure 440 are coaxial, thereby better ensuring the smoothness and stability of the water flow 10 in the water circuit. The side wall 220 of the valve core 200 and the inner side of the valve body 100 are in contact and fit, limiting the movement of the valve core 200, ensuring that it only moves axially along the water inlet 130, and the cavity 215 between the side wall 220 and the first hollow cylindrical structure 430 is used to accommodate the memory alloy spring 500,

[0076] As shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the valve seat 400 includes an abutting portion 410 extending from the valve body 100 to the water inlet 130 axis. In this embodiment, the valve seat 400 is a cylindrical structure, and the outer wall 420 is used to abut on the inner wall of the valve body 100, so that it is fixed in the water inlet 130. In other embodiments, the valve seat 400 can be directly arranged in the water inlet 130, and the abutting portion 410 extends from the valve body 100 to the water inlet 130 axis, that is, the valve seat 400 is built in the valve body 100, and the abutting portion 410 is connected to the end of the outer wall 420 close to the baffle 300 and extends in the radial direction. After the side wall 220 abuts against the abutting portion 410, the first hollow cylindrical structure 430 and the second hollow cylindrical structure 440, the side wall 220, the end wall 210 and the abutting portion 410 form a ring-shaped cavity 215 for accommodating the memory alloy spring 500. The memory alloy spring 500 is sleeved outside the first hollow cylindrical structure 430 and the second hollow cylindrical structure 440, and the two ends are connected with the end wall 210 and the abutting portion 410 respectively. By sleeving the memory alloy spring 500 and connecting the end wall 210 and the abutting portion 410 with the two ends respectively, the valve core 200 and the valve seat 400 are connected, so that the elastic force of the memory alloy spring 500 acts on the movable valve core 200, making it move relative to the baffle 300; this connection mode can also fix the first hollow cylindrical structure 430 and the second hollow cylindrical structure 440 in the middle.

[0077] In the above embodiments, the memory alloy spring is arranged on the side of the valve core away from the baffle. When the temperature rises, the memory alloy spring 500 extends from the abutting portion 410 of the valve seat 400 to push the end wall 210. Since the valve seat 400 is fixed in the water outlet, the valve core 200 is forced to be pushed towards the baffle 300, thereby reducing the gap 250 with the baffle 300 and further reducing the flow to the circulation loop. In other embodiments, the memory alloy spring 500 can also be arranged between the valve core 200 and the baffle 300, one end connected to the bent portion 320 and the other end connected to the end wall 210. When the temperature rises, the memory alloy spring 500 shortens, driving the valve core 200 to approach the baffle 300, thereby reducing the gap 250 to reduce the flow to the circulation loop.

[0078] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 7 , the end wall 210 and the valve seat 400 are provided with corresponding through holes 350 of the same size, so that the water flow 10 in the water circuit can pass through the through hole 350 and fully contact the memory alloy spring 500. By providing through holes 350 on the end wall 210 and the valve seat 400, the water flow 10 in the water circuit can enter the through hole 350 and then flow through the cavity 215 in the valve core 200 and the through hole 350 on the valve seat 400 to the water outlet 130. On the one hand, such a structure increases the flow of the water outlet 201 and reduces the influence of the valve assembly structure arranged on the water outlet 130 on the flow of the water outlet 130. It also allows the water flowing through the valve core 200 to fully contact the memory alloy spring 500 contained in the cavity 215, making it easier to function under the influence of temperature.

[0079] As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 7 , the inner diameter of the first hollow cylindrical structure 430 is smaller than the diameter of the water passage hole 301, so that when the end wall 210 abuts against the baffle 300, the water flow 10 can enter the through hole 350. The water flow 10 can enter the through hole 350 provided on the end wall 210, i.e. enter the valve core 200, thereby maintaining the flow of the water outlet 130 and contacting the memory alloy spring 500. If the inner diameter of the first hollow cylindrical structure 430 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the water passage hole 301, when abutting, the water flow 10 is blocked by the structure formed by the abutting portion or the baffle 300 itself and cannot enter the through hole 350.

[0080] As shown in Figure 2 , when the side wall 220 abuts against the abutting portion 410, the first hollow cylindrical structure 430 and the second hollow cylindrical structure 440 leave a gap 435 therebetween.

[0081] In the above embodiment, when the side wall 220 abuts against the abutting part 410, a gap 435 is left between the first hollow columnar structure 430 and the second hollow columnar structure 440, so that part of the water flow 10 flowing through the water channel 201 through the valve core 200 can enter the cavity 215 inside the valve core 200 through the gap 435, thereby maintaining full contact between the water flow 10 and the shape memory alloy spring 500.

[0082] In the above embodiments, the through hole 350 and the gap 435 can be provided simultaneously in the valve assembly, or only one of them can be provided. Preferably, both are provided. Water flow 10 can flow into the cavity 215 through the through hole 350 and / or the gap 435, and make full contact with the shape memory alloy spring 500.

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, multiple through holes 350 surround the end wall 210 and are arranged at intervals around the axis of the valve core 200, and all of the multiple through holes 350 are waist-shaped.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the arrangement of multiple through holes 350 allows water flow 10 to better enter the gap 435 of valve core 200, increasing the flow rate and stability of the water circuit. When pressurized, water can flow through the through holes 350 and enter the gap 435 to contact the shape memory alloy spring 500.

[0085] like Figure 2 As shown, the baffle 300 includes two extensions 310 and a bend 320. The extensions 310 extend from the inner wall of the valve body 100 toward the axis of the valve body 100. The bend 320 is directly opposite the water inlet 130 and is parallel to the direction from the water inlet 110 to the return port 120. A water passage hole 301 is opened on the bend 320.

[0086] In the above embodiment, by designing an extension 310 and a bend 320 in the baffle 300, the structure of the baffle 300 and the valve core 200 are matched. When the valve core 200 abuts against the baffle 300, the extension 310 of the baffle 300 contacts the side wall 220 of the valve core 200, forming a side 420 of the water circuit. The gap 250 between the valve core 200 and the baffle 300 disappears, thereby closing the circulation circuit. A water passage hole 301 is opened on the bend 320 to allow water flow 10 to pass through and form a water circuit and / or a circulation circuit. By setting the position and direction of the baffle 300 directly opposite the water outlet, the opening between the extension 310 of the baffle 300 and the side wall 220 of the valve core 200 becomes a diversion channel for the water flow 10, forming a flow channel for the circulation circuit. This allows the flow rate of the circulation circuit to be controlled and even opened or closed by controlling the distance between the baffle 300 and the valve core 200 through the shape memory alloy spring 500. The spring force and the direction of the circulating circuit form an angle, which does not directly oppose each other. This means that when the temperature changes cause the shape memory alloy spring 500 to act, less elastic force is required.

[0087] The left extension is flush with the water outlet and can also guide the valve core 200. The horizontal extension length of the bending part 320 is basically the same as the valve core 200. When the valve core 200 abuts against the baffle, i.e. the end wall 210 abuts against the bending part 320, a part of the valve core 200 is located in the water outlet 130, the side wall 220 and the extension 310 abut against each other to form a closed part perpendicular to the direction from the water inlet 110 to the backflow outlet 120.

[0088] The following part is combined with Figures 4-7 to describe different working states of the embodiment.

[0089] As shown in Figure 6 , in the working state of the valve assembly under high temperature and low pressure, the water flow 10 passes through the water passage hole 301 and pushes the valve core 200 to move towards the water outlet 130 by water pressure. The side wall 220 of the valve core 200 abuts against the abutting part 410. At this time, a small part of the water flow 10 can flow back to the backflow outlet 120 through the gap 250, and most of the water flow 10 flows to the water outlet 130 through the through hole 350 and the water passage 201 due to the high pressure.

[0090] As shown in Figure 4 , in the working state of the valve assembly under low temperature and circulation, the circulation function is turned on, and the circulation pump pumps water from the backflow outlet 120 into the valve body 100. Most of the water flow 10 flows to the backflow outlet 120 through the gap 250 due to the circulation, and the circulation loop flow is large. A small part of the water flow 10 flows to the water outlet 130.

[0091] In the above low temperature working state, the memory alloy spring 500 is not affected by the temperature and provides elastic force. The force provided by the water pump is greater than the spring force, so that the valve core 200 moves downward.

[0092] As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 7 , in the working state of the valve assembly under high temperature, the memory alloy spring 500 is affected and acts on the valve core 200, so that the valve core 200 approaches the baffle 300, and the gap 250 is reduced, so that the flow to the circulation loop gradually decreases.

[0093] Until the end wall of the valve core 200 abuts against the bending part 320 of the baffle, the side wall 220 and the extension 310 abut against each other to close the gap 250, and the water flow 10 to the circulation loop disappears. In the high temperature and high pressure state, the water flow 10 flows through the valve core 200 and the valve seat 400 along the water passage 201 and the through hole 350 to enter the water outlet 130.

[0094] The utility model also provides a water heater, the water heater includes the valve assembly as above, the valve assembly sets up in the farthest end of hot -water pipe of water heater.

[0095] Although the specific embodiments of the present application are described above, those skilled in the art should understand that this is only an example, the protection scope of the present application is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present application, but these changes and modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A valve assembly, characterized by The valve assembly comprises a valve body, a valve core and a memory alloy spring, the valve body comprises a water inlet, a backflow port and a water outlet, water flows into the backflow port from the water inlet, forms a circulation loop, water flows into the water outlet from the water inlet, forms a water using loop; the valve body is provided with a baffle, the baffle is located at the intersection of the circulation loop and the water using loop; and the backflow port and the water outlet are both located downstream of the baffle; The valve core partially extends into the water outlet, the valve core is provided with a water using channel, the baffle is provided with a water passing hole, the water passing hole, the water using channel and the water outlet are sequentially communicated and form part of the water using loop; The valve core is arranged opposite to part of the baffle, the memory alloy spring acts on the valve core, and under the influence of temperature, drives the valve core to move relative to the baffle, so that the gap between the valve core and the baffle becomes smaller, until abutting and closing the circulation loop.

2. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein, The valve body is provided with a valve seat, the valve seat is located in the water outlet, and the valve core can slide in the water outlet along the axial direction of the water outlet; When the valve core moves to the water outlet, the valve core approaches the valve seat until the valve core abuts against the valve seat; when the valve core moves to the baffle, the valve core moves away from the valve seat until the valve core abuts against the baffle, and the circulation loop is closed.

3. The valve assembly of claim 2, wherein, The valve core comprises an end wall and a side wall, the end wall is provided with a first hollow cylindrical structure, the valve seat is provided with a second hollow cylindrical structure, the first hollow cylindrical structure is coaxial with the second hollow cylindrical structure, the side wall is in contact with the inner side of the valve body, and the side wall and the first hollow cylindrical structure have a cavity therebetween.

4. The valve assembly of claim 3, wherein, The valve seat comprises an abutting portion extending along the axis of the water outlet from the valve body, and the memory alloy spring is sleeved outside the first hollow cylindrical structure and the second hollow cylindrical structure, and two ends thereof are connected with the end wall and the abutting portion respectively.

5. The valve assembly of claim 4, wherein, Corresponding through holes with the same shape and size are arranged on the end wall and the valve seat.

6. The valve assembly of claim 5, wherein, The inner diameter of the first hollow cylindrical structure is smaller than the diameter of the water passing hole, so that when the end wall abuts against the baffle, water can enter the through hole.

7. The valve assembly of claim 6, wherein, When the side wall abuts against the abutting portion, an axial gap is left between the first hollow cylindrical structure and the second hollow cylindrical structure.

8. The valve assembly of claim 5, wherein, A plurality of through holes are arranged around the axis of the valve core at intervals, and the plurality of through holes are all waist-shaped.

9. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein, The baffle comprises two extension portions and a bending portion, the extension portions extend from the inner wall of the valve body to the axis of the valve body, the bending portion is opposite to the water outlet and parallel to the direction from the water inlet to the backflow port, and the water passing hole is formed in the bending portion.

10. A water heater, characterized by The water heater comprises the valve assembly according to any one of claims 1-9, and the valve assembly is arranged at the farthest end of the hot water pipe of the water heater.

Images