Flow control structure and thermostatic valve

Abstract

The utility model provides a flow control structure and a thermostatic valve. The flow control structure comprises a valve sleeve, a valve element and a driving piece. The valve sleeve is provided with a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet and an inner cavity communicated with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, and the valve element is arranged in the inner cavity in a sliding mode to block or open the liquid inlet and / or the liquid outlet, so that the flow channel is opened or closed. In the embodiment, the valve element is used for closing or opening the liquid inlet. The driving part is used for driving the valve element to do linear motion in the inner cavity, so that the liquid inlet can be accurately blocked or opened, the structure is simple and direct, and a basis is provided for accurate adjustment of flow. The linear motor serves as the driving part, has the advantages of being high in response speed, high in control precision, compact in structure and the like, and can quickly and accurately drive the valve element to linearly slide, so that the flow is quickly and accurately adjusted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of thermostatic valve technology, and in particular to a flow control structure and a thermostatic valve. Background Technology

[0002] Some new thermostatic valves currently on the market utilize mechanical transmission devices such as motors and gearboxes to automatically regulate the outlet water temperature. These valves use built-in temperature sensors to monitor the outlet water temperature in real time and transmit the signal to the control system. Based on a preset temperature value, the control system drives the gearbox via the motor, which in turn moves the mechanical valve core, adjusting the mixing ratio of hot and cold water to maintain the outlet water temperature within the set range. While this approach achieves a degree of automation in thermostatic valve control, it still has several shortcomings.

[0003] First, the slow adjustment speed is a significant problem. Due to the inherent characteristics of mechanical transmission devices, the motor needs a certain amount of time to drive the valve core to the target position, which results in a slow response speed for the outlet water temperature, making it difficult to meet users' needs for rapid temperature adjustment.

[0004] Secondly, the temperature control accuracy is limited. The adjustment accuracy of mechanical valve cores is limited by their manufacturing precision and the cumulative error of mechanical transmission, making it difficult to accurately control the outlet water temperature within the range desired by the user.

[0005] Furthermore, the adjustment position control is unstable. Due to wear and loosening of components such as gears and bearings in the mechanical transmission device, prolonged use may lead to a decrease in the control accuracy of the valve core position, thereby affecting the stability of the outlet water temperature.

[0006] In addition, the impact of scale cannot be ignored. During long-term use, minerals in the water can easily deposit in the valve core and pipes, forming scale. This not only affects the flexibility and adjustment accuracy of the valve core, but may also increase the failure rate of the thermostatic valve.

[0007] Finally, low total flow rate is also a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Due to the structural limitations of mechanical valve cores, some thermostatic valves are prone to insufficient flow during adjustment, especially when a large flow rate is required. Utility Model Content

[0008] To address the aforementioned problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a temperature-regulating structure for a thermostatic valve. This structure uses a motor to drive the valve core to move within the valve sleeve, thereby adjusting the inlet area of ​​hot and cold water and improving the accuracy of flow regulation.

[0009] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0010] A flow control structure, comprising:

[0011] The valve sleeve has an inlet, an outlet, and an inner cavity connecting the inlet and the outlet;

[0012] The valve core is slidably disposed in the inner cavity to block or open the liquid inlet and / or liquid outlet;

[0013] A driving component is used to drive the valve core to slide linearly within the inner cavity.

[0014] Furthermore, the inlet and outlet are openings formed on the side wall of the valve sleeve, and the sliding path of the valve core is perpendicular to the water inlet direction of the valve sleeve.

[0015] Furthermore, the valve core is provided with at least one through channel, and the two openings of the through channel are respectively located on the two end faces of the valve core in its sliding direction.

[0016] Furthermore, the through channel is parallel to the sliding direction of the valve core;

[0017] It also includes a connector that passes through the through channel, and the connector is detachably or fixedly connected to the drive and the valve core, respectively.

[0018] There is a gap between the outer peripheral wall of the connector and the inner wall of the through channel.

[0019] Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall of the connector is provided with two snap-fit ​​grooves along its circumference, and a limiting ring is fitted on the snap-fit ​​groove. The two limiting rings respectively abut against the two ends of the valve core. The limiting ring is provided with a through hole, and the gap communicates with the inner cavity through the through hole.

[0020] Furthermore, the valve sleeve and the valve core are ceramic structures with a clearance fit.

[0021] Furthermore, the outer wall of the valve sleeve is provided with a groove around the liquid inlet, and a sealing ring is provided in the groove.

[0022] Furthermore, the driving component includes a linear motor and a drive shaft, the linear motor drives the drive shaft to move linearly, and the drive shaft is connected to the valve core.

[0023] A thermostatic valve includes the flow control structure described above, used to control the inlet flow rate of cold water and the inlet flow rate of hot water respectively.

[0024] Furthermore, the thermostatic valve also includes:

[0025] The cold water chamber has a cold water inlet and a cold water outlet, wherein the cold water outlet is aligned with the liquid inlet of one of the valve sleeves;

[0026] The hot water chamber has a hot water inlet and a hot water outlet, wherein the hot water outlet is aligned with the liquid inlet of another valve sleeve;

[0027] The mixing chamber, which connects the outlets of the two valve sleeves, is used to mix cold water and hot water;

[0028] A water outlet valve, wherein at least one water outlet valve is provided and is connected to the mixing chamber;

[0029] Temperature detection devices are respectively installed in the cold water chamber, hot water chamber and mixing chamber to collect cold water temperature signals, hot water temperature signals and mixed water temperature signals;

[0030] The controller is connected to both the drive unit and the temperature detection unit. The controller is used to control the operation of the drive unit based on the received cold water temperature signal, hot water temperature signal, mixed water temperature signal, preset temperature, and preset flow rate.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this utility model and its beneficial effects are as follows:

[0032] (1) The flow control structure of this utility model drives the valve core to make linear motion in the inner cavity through the driving component, thereby accurately blocking or opening the liquid inlet. This structure is simple and direct, providing a basis for achieving precise flow regulation.

[0033] (2) The sliding path of the valve core of this utility model is perpendicular to the water inlet direction of the valve sleeve, so that the water passage area of ​​the valve sleeve and the movement of the valve core are linearly related to each other. Y = K * X, where K is a parameter, Y is the water passage area, and X is the movement distance of the valve core. That is, the movement formed is the simplest linear relationship, which makes the program temperature adjustment simpler and predicts the approximate position of the required temperature through a simple formula, so as to quickly achieve the desired temperature.

[0034] (3) The valve sleeve and valve core of this utility model are ceramic structures with clearance fit, which can ensure smooth sliding of the valve core and valve sleeve when they slide relative to each other, reduce the friction between the valve core and valve sleeve, and enable the two to fit together to achieve maximum sealing and prevent the ceramic valve from leaking.

[0035] (4) The valve core of this utility model is provided with at least one through channel. The two ends of the through channel are located on the two ends of the valve core in its sliding direction, so that the valve core is almost completely immersed in water before and after movement. This allows the valve core to better balance the water pressure during movement, thereby reducing the force required to fix the valve core by the water pressure and improving the stability and reliability of the valve core movement. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow control structure provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the valve sleeve provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the valve sleeve provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model from another perspective;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the valve core provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow control structure provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model (excluding the driving component);

[0041] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the thermostatic valve in the shut-off water state provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the thermostatic valve in its maximum water output state according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0043] Illustration:

[0044] Flow control structure-1;

[0045] Valve sleeve-100; Inlet-101; Outlet-102; Inner cavity-103; Groove-110; Sealing ring-120;

[0046] Valve core - 200; Through passage - 210; Clearance - 211; Connector - 220; Internal thread groove - 221; Snap-fit ​​groove - 222; Limit ring - 230;

[0047] Drive component-300; Drive shaft-310;

[0048] Hot water chamber -400; Hot water inlet -401; Hot water outlet -402;

[0049] Cold water chamber - 500; Cold water inlet - 501; Cold water outlet - 502;

[0050] Mixing chamber - 600;

[0051] Outlet valve -700;

[0052] Temperature sensing element - 800. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0054] Example 1

[0055] See Figures 1 to 5 A flow control structure includes a valve sleeve 100, a valve core 200, and a drive component 300. The valve sleeve 100 has an inlet 101, an outlet 102, and an inner cavity 103 connecting the inlet 101 and the outlet 102. The valve core 200 is slidably disposed within the inner cavity 103 to block or open the inlet 101 and / or the outlet 102, thereby opening or closing the flow channel. In this embodiment, the valve core 200 is used to close or open the inlet 101. The drive component 300 drives the valve core 200 to move linearly within the inner cavity 103, thereby enabling precise blocking or opening of the inlet 101. This simple and direct structure provides a foundation for achieving precise flow regulation. The driving component in this embodiment includes a linear motor and a drive shaft 310. The linear motor drives the drive shaft 310 to move linearly. The drive shaft 310 is connected to the valve core 200. The linear motor has the advantages of fast response speed, high control accuracy and compact structure. It can quickly and accurately drive the valve core to slide linearly, thereby realizing fast and accurate regulation of flow.

[0056] The inlet 101 and outlet 102 are openings formed on the side wall of the valve sleeve 100. The sliding path of the valve core 200 is perpendicular to the water inlet direction of the valve sleeve 100, so that the water passage area of ​​the valve sleeve 100 and the movement of the valve core 200 are linearly related by Y = K * X, where K is a parameter, Y is the water passage area, and X is the movement distance of the valve core. That is, the movement formed is the simplest linear relationship, which makes the program temperature regulation program simpler, and predicts the approximate position of the required temperature through a simple formula, so as to quickly achieve the set temperature.

[0057] More preferably, in this embodiment, the valve sleeve 100 and the valve core 200 are a clearance-fit ceramic structure. Ceramic has excellent wear resistance and extremely low thermal deformation, ensuring the service life and product stability of the valve core and valve sleeve. The ceramic valve core 200 and valve sleeve 100 are precision-polished, making them fit more closely and achieving maximum sealing in their structure. While reducing friction through clearance fit, this maximizes the prevention of leakage from the ceramic valve core. Thanks to the structure and material of the valve core 200 and valve sleeve 100, a silicone waterproof gasket is not required between them, minimizing the friction between the valve core and valve sleeve. This ensures smooth sliding of the valve core and valve sleeve relative to each other, further improving the accuracy of the actuator in controlling the valve core's movement. Furthermore, the high-precision polishing prevents scale from adhering to the surface, and the movement of the valve core 200 and valve sleeve 100 promotes the shedding of scale, thus preventing scale buildup.

[0058] The valve core 200 is provided with at least one through channel 210. The two ends of the through channel 210 are located on the two end faces of the valve core 200 in its sliding direction, so that the valve core is almost completely immersed in water before and after movement. This allows the valve core to better balance the water pressure during movement, thereby reducing the force required to fix the valve core by the water pressure, improving the stability and reliability of the valve core movement, and further improving the accuracy of flow regulation.

[0059] In this embodiment, the through channel 210 is parallel to the sliding direction of the valve core 200. The connector 220 passes through the through channel 210 and is connected to both the drive component 300 and the valve core 200. The connector makes the connection between the valve core and the drive component more reliable. There is a gap 211 between the outer peripheral wall of the connector 220 and the inner wall of the through channel to ensure the conductivity at both ends of the valve core 200 and to balance the water pressure of the valve core during its movement.

[0060] The connection between the connector 220 and the drive component 300 and valve core 200 can be detachable or fixed. The end of the connector 220 facing the drive component 300 has an internal threaded groove 221, and the drive shaft 310 of the drive component 300 has an external thread that matches the internal threaded groove 221. The connector 220 and the drive component 300 are connected by a thread. This connection method is simple and reliable, ensuring a stable connection between the connector and the drive component. The threaded connection also facilitates installation and disassembly, making it convenient for maintenance and replacement of the valve core and drive component.

[0061] The outer peripheral wall of the connector 220 has two snap-fit ​​grooves 222 along its circumference. Limiting rings 230 are fitted onto the snap-fit ​​grooves 222, and the two limiting rings 230 abut against both ends of the valve core 200, thereby limiting the valve core 200 axially with the connector 220. The valve core 200 moves along with the connector 220. It is understood that the limiting rings 230 have through holes (not shown), and the gap 211 communicates with the inner cavity 103 through the through holes, thereby balancing the water pressure at both ends of the valve core 200 and reducing the influence of water pressure on the valve core's movement.

[0062] Example 2

[0063] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 A thermostatic valve, including the flow control structure of Embodiment 1, is used to separately control the inlet flow of cold water and hot water, realizing independent adjustment of the flow rates of cold and hot water, thereby enabling more precise control of the temperature of the mixed water. This thermostatic valve can flexibly adjust the ratio of cold and hot water according to user needs, achieving a more ideal constant temperature effect and improving the practicality and user experience of the thermostatic valve.

[0064] The outer wall of the valve sleeve 100 is provided with a groove 110 around the liquid inlet 101. A sealing ring 120 is provided in the groove 110 to prevent water from seeping out between the valve sleeve 100 and the thermostatic valve housing, thus affecting the other structures of the thermostatic valve.

[0065] The thermostatic valve comprises a cold water chamber 500, a hot water chamber 400, a mixing chamber 600, an outlet valve 700, a temperature sensor 800, and a controller (not shown). The cold water chamber 500 has a cold water inlet 501 and a cold water outlet 502, with the outlet 502 aligned with the inlet of one of its valve sleeves. The hot water chamber 400 has a hot water inlet 401 and a hot water outlet 402, with the outlet 402 aligned with the inlet of another valve sleeve. The mixing chamber connects the outlets of the two valve sleeves to the outlet valve 700, used for mixing cold and hot water. One or more outlet valves 700 can be designed according to usage requirements. Temperature sensors 800 are installed in the cold water chamber, hot water chamber, and mixing chamber, respectively, to collect real-time cold water temperature signals, hot water temperature signals, and mixed water temperature signals, providing accurate temperature data to the controller. Based on these temperature signals, as well as preset temperatures and preset flow rates, the controller precisely controls the action of the drive components, thereby achieving precise control of the outlet water temperature and flow rate.

[0066] When a user requests a specific water temperature, the outlet valve 700 opens, and the temperature sensor 800 provides real-time feedback on the current mixed temperature, cold water temperature, and hot water temperature. When the temperature is too low, the motor controls the hot water valve core to adjust in the direction of increasing flow, while the cold water motor controls the cold water valve core to adjust in the direction of decreasing cold water flow, so that the temperature quickly reaches the set temperature value.

[0067] The foregoing description illustrates and describes preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the present invention through the foregoing teachings or related technical or knowledge. Any modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flow control structure, characterized by, include: The valve sleeve has an inlet, an outlet, and an inner cavity connecting the inlet and the outlet; The valve core is slidably disposed in the inner cavity to block or open the liquid inlet and / or liquid outlet; A driving component is used to drive the valve core to slide linearly within the inner cavity.

2. The flow control structure of claim 1, wherein, The inlet and outlet are openings formed on the side wall of the valve sleeve, and the sliding path of the valve core is perpendicular to the water inlet direction of the valve sleeve.

3. The flow control structure of claim 1, wherein, The valve core is provided with at least one through channel, and the two openings of the through channel are respectively located on the two end faces of the valve core in its sliding direction.

4. A flow control structure according to claim 3, wherein, The through channel is parallel to the sliding direction of the valve core; It also includes a connector that passes through the through channel, and the connector is detachably or fixedly connected to the drive and the valve core, respectively. There is a gap between the outer peripheral wall of the connector and the inner wall of the through channel.

5. A flow control structure according to claim 4, wherein, The outer peripheral wall of the connector has two snap-fit ​​grooves along its circumference, and a limiting ring is fitted on the snap-fit ​​groove. The two limiting rings respectively abut against the two ends of the valve core. The limiting ring is provided with a through hole, and the gap communicates with the inner cavity through the through hole.

6. The flow control structure of claim 1, wherein, The valve sleeve and the valve core are ceramic structures with a clearance fit.

7. The flow control structure of claim 1, wherein, The outer wall of the valve sleeve is provided with a groove around the liquid inlet, and a sealing ring is provided in the groove.

8. The flow control structure of claim 1, wherein, The driving component includes a linear motor and a drive shaft. The linear motor drives the drive shaft to move in a linear motion, and the drive shaft is connected to the valve core.

9. A thermostatic valve characterised in that, It includes two flow control structures as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, for controlling the cold water inlet flow rate and the hot water inlet flow rate respectively.

10. A thermostatic valve according to claim 9, wherein Also includes: The cold water chamber has a cold water inlet and a cold water outlet, wherein the cold water outlet is aligned with the liquid inlet of one of the valve sleeves; The hot water chamber has a hot water inlet and a hot water outlet, wherein the hot water outlet is aligned with the liquid inlet of another valve sleeve; The mixing chamber, which connects the outlets of the two valve sleeves, is used to mix cold water and hot water; A water outlet valve, wherein at least one water outlet valve is provided and is connected to the mixing chamber; Temperature detection devices are respectively installed in the cold water chamber, hot water chamber and mixing chamber to collect cold water temperature signals, hot water temperature signals and mixed water temperature signals; The controller is connected to both the drive unit and the temperature detection unit. The controller is used to control the operation of the drive unit based on the received cold water temperature signal, hot water temperature signal, mixed water temperature signal, preset temperature, and preset flow rate.

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