Pressure reducing inlet valve and bathroom equipment

Abstract

This application relates to a pressure-reducing inlet valve and a bathroom fixture. The pressure-reducing inlet valve includes a valve body and a pressure-reducing mechanism. The valve body has an inlet channel and an outlet channel communicating with the inlet channel. The pressure-reducing mechanism is disposed within the inlet channel and includes a flow-limiting structure and a pressure-reducing structure. The flow-limiting structure is disposed on the inlet side of the pressure-reducing structure. Water flows through the inlet channel between the flow-limiting structure and the pressure-reducing structure. The pressure-reducing structure is configured to move towards the flow-limiting structure when the water pressure in the inlet channel increases. The aforementioned pressure-reducing inlet valve reduces the water flow rate and water pressure through the pressure-reducing mechanism, thereby reducing the impact of water flow on the outlet components of the pressure-reducing mechanism and improving the service life and structural reliability of the pressure-reducing inlet valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of valve technology, and in particular to a pressure-reducing inlet valve and sanitary ware. Background Technology

[0002] Bathroom fixtures are products used in toilets or bathrooms, typically including toilets, squat toilets, washbasins, or bathtubs. To wash items or specific parts of the user's body, or to clean the fixtures themselves, bathroom fixtures generally have water circuits to control water flow and perform the corresponding washing or cleaning functions. The water circuits in bathroom fixtures are usually connected to the water supply network via an inlet valve, and the opening or closing of the inlet valve controls the water intake. However, traditional inlet valves are prone to impact when the water pressure in the supply network increases, which can shorten the lifespan of the inlet valve and water circuit components, reducing the reliability of the inlet valve and bathroom fixtures. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a pressure-reducing inlet valve and sanitary equipment to address the problem that when the water pressure in the water supply network increases, it can easily cause impact on the water circuit of the inlet valve and sanitary equipment, shortening the life of the inlet valve and water circuit components.

[0004] A pressure-reducing inlet valve, comprising:

[0005] The valve body is provided with an inlet channel and an outlet channel that connects to the inlet channel;

[0006] A pressure-reducing mechanism is provided in the water inlet channel. The pressure-reducing mechanism includes a flow-limiting structure and a pressure-reducing structure. The flow-limiting structure is provided on the water inlet side of the pressure-reducing structure. The water flow in the water inlet channel flows between the flow-limiting structure and the pressure-reducing structure. The pressure-reducing structure is configured to move towards the flow-limiting structure when the water pressure in the water inlet channel increases.

[0007] When the water pressure in the water supply network increases, leading to an increase in the water pressure in the inlet channel, the pressure-reducing structure can move towards the flow-limiting structure to reduce the flow between the pressure-reducing structure and the flow-limiting structure. This reduces the water flow through the pressure-reducing mechanism and lowers the water pressure, thereby reducing the impact of water flow on the outlet components of the pressure-reducing mechanism and improving the service life and structural reliability of the pressure-reducing inlet valve.

[0008] In one embodiment, the pressure-reducing structure has a hollow water passage, and the end of the flow-limiting structure near the pressure-reducing structure is opposite to the water passage.

[0009] In one embodiment, the radial dimension of the end face of the flow-limiting structure facing the pressure-reducing structure is smaller than the radial dimension of the water passage.

[0010] In one embodiment, in the direction from which the current limiting structure points to the pressure reducing structure, the radial dimension of the current limiting structure near the end of the pressure reducing structure gradually decreases.

[0011] In one embodiment, the pressure-reducing structure includes a body portion and a pressure-bearing portion, the pressure-bearing portion being circumferentially connected to the body portion, and the radial dimension of the pressure-bearing portion being larger than the radial dimension of the body portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the pressure reducing mechanism further includes a sealing structure that circumferentially seals the water inlet channel at one end of the body portion near the flow limiting structure, the body portion being axially movable relative to the sealing structure.

[0013] In one embodiment, the pressure-reducing mechanism further includes an elastic structure disposed between the sealing structure and the pressure-bearing portion, and abutting against the sealing structure and the pressure-bearing portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the pressure-reducing mechanism further includes a pressure-reducing housing, on which both the sealing structure and the pressure-reducing structure are disposed, and the pressure-reducing housing surrounds the sealing structure and a portion of the body portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the valve body includes a first valve body portion and a water inlet pipe, the pressure reducing mechanism is disposed within the first valve body portion, and the water inlet pipe is connected to the first valve body portion and abuts against the end faces of the first valve body portion and the pressure reducing housing.

[0016] A bathroom fixture includes a pressure-reducing inlet valve as described in any of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure-reducing inlet valve in some embodiments.

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the pressure-reducing inlet valve from another angle.

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the pressure-reducing inlet valve at another angle.

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the pressure-reducing inlet valve along the CC direction.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the pressure-reducing inlet valve in another state in some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 6 This is an exploded schematic diagram of another component of the pressure-reducing inlet valve in some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0024] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0025] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0026] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0028] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0029] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagrams shown below illustrate the structure of the pressure-reducing inlet valve 10 at different angles in some embodiments of this application. The pressure-reducing inlet valve 10 provided in this application can be used in bathroom fixtures, including but not limited to toilets, squat toilets, washbasins, or bathtubs. In this application embodiment, a toilet is used as an example.

[0030] The pressure-reducing inlet valve 10 may include a valve body 11 and a valve structure 13. The valve body 11 is provided with an inlet channel 116 and an outlet channel 117. The valve structure 13 is disposed between the inlet channel 116 and the outlet channel 117 and is used to connect or block the inlet channel 116 and the outlet channel 117. It is understood that when the pressure-reducing inlet valve 10 is installed on a bathroom fixture, the inlet channel 116 can be connected to the water supply network outside the bathroom fixture, and the outlet channel 117 can be connected to one or more water circuits within the bathroom fixture, such as a cleaning water circuit for washing parts of the user's body or a flushing water circuit for flushing the toilet. The valve structure 13 includes, but is not limited to, a solenoid valve. The valve structure 13 can block the water inlet channel 116 and the water outlet channel 117 by means of electromagnetic force to close the pressure reducing inlet valve 10. The valve structure 13 can also be disengaged from the water inlet channel 116 and the water outlet channel 117 to open the water inlet channel 116 and the water outlet channel 117, so that the water flow of the water supply network can flow into the water circuit of the sanitary equipment through the pressure reducing inlet valve 10, thereby opening the pressure reducing inlet valve 10.

[0031] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the pressure-reducing inlet valve 10 further includes a pressure-reducing mechanism 16, which is disposed within the inlet channel 116. The pressure-reducing mechanism 16 includes a flow-limiting structure 161 and a pressure-reducing structure 162. The flow-limiting structure 161 is disposed on the inlet side of the pressure-reducing structure 162. The water flow in the inlet channel 116 flows between the flow-limiting structure 161 and the pressure-reducing structure 162. The pressure-reducing structure 162 is configured to move towards the flow-limiting structure 161 when the water pressure in the inlet channel 116 increases.

[0032] It is understandable that the water flowing into the inlet channel 116 will flow from between the flow-limiting structure 161 and the pressure-reducing structure 162 into the interior of the pressure-reducing structure 162, and then flow out through the interior of the pressure-reducing structure 162, for example, out to the outlet channel 117. Combined with... Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, when the pressure-reducing inlet valve 10 is opened for water intake, if the inlet water pressure increases (i.e., the water pressure in the inlet channel 116 increases), the water flows through the pressure-reducing structure 162 to the outlet side of the pressure-reducing structure 162. On the outlet side of the pressure-reducing structure 162, i.e., on the side of the pressure-reducing structure 162 facing away from the flow-limiting structure 161, a force is applied to the pressure-reducing structure 162 pointing towards the flow-limiting structure 161. In other words, the water pressure drives the pressure-reducing structure 162 to move closer to the flow-limiting structure 161, resulting in a decrease in the distance between the pressure-reducing structure 162 and the flow-limiting structure 161. This reduces the water flow range between the pressure-reducing structure 162 and the flow-limiting structure 161, thus reducing the flow rate of water flowing between them. Consequently, the water flow rate through the pressure-reducing mechanism 16 decreases, and the water pressure drops.

[0033] Therefore, the pressure reducing inlet valve 10 can reduce the pressure of the water flow when the inlet water pressure increases, which helps to reduce the impact of the water flow on the outlet side components of the pressure reducing mechanism 16, thereby improving the service life and structural reliability of the pressure reducing inlet valve 10.

[0034] In some embodiments, the pressure-reducing structure 162 has a hollow water passage 1622, and the end of the flow-limiting structure 161 near the pressure-reducing structure 162 is opposite to the water passage 1622. The radial dimension of the end face of the flow-limiting structure 161 facing the pressure-reducing structure 162 is smaller than the radial dimension of the water passage 1622. Water entering the inlet channel 116 can flow into the water passage 1622 of the pressure-reducing structure 162 through the space between the pressure-reducing structure 162 and the flow-limiting structure 161. The pressure-reducing structure 162 can move towards the flow-limiting structure 161 until the flow-limiting structure 161 enters the water passage 1622, thereby gradually reducing the flow rate between the pressure-reducing structure 162 and the flow-limiting structure 161.

[0035] The setting that the radial dimension of the end face of the flow-limiting structure 161 is smaller than the radial dimension of the water channel 1622 allows the water flow to still pass between the flow-limiting structure 161 and the pressure-reducing structure 162 when the flow-limiting structure 161 extends into the water channel 1622, achieving a better flow-limiting and pressure-reducing effect, which is beneficial for meeting the pressure reduction requirements of high water pressure.

[0036] Understandably, the higher the water pressure in the inlet channel 116, the greater the force exerted by the water flow on the pressure-reducing structure 162 on the side facing away from the flow-limiting structure 161. This causes the pressure-reducing structure 162 to move closer to the flow-limiting structure 161, resulting in a more significant suppression effect on the flow rate between the pressure-reducing structure 162 and the flow-limiting structure 161, thus improving the pressure reduction effect on the water flow. Simultaneously, the pressure of the water flow itself drives the pressure-reducing structure 162 to move relative to the flow-limiting structure 161. This allows the pressure-reducing structure 162 to move with changes in water pressure, adapting to different pressure reduction requirements. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for additional water pressure detection mechanisms and driving components, simplifying the structure of the pressure-reducing inlet valve 10 and reducing its manufacturing cost.

[0037] In some embodiments, in the direction from the flow-limiting structure 161 to the pressure-reducing structure 162, the radial dimension of the end of the flow-limiting structure 161 near the pressure-reducing structure 162 gradually decreases. That is, in the direction from the flow-limiting structure 161 to the pressure-reducing structure 162, the side circumferential surface of the end of the flow-limiting structure 161 near the pressure-reducing structure 162 is inclined inwards towards the flow-limiting structure 161. Therefore, the side circumferential surface of the end of the flow-limiting structure 161 near the pressure-reducing structure 162 can guide the water flow, allowing the water flow to smoothly transition between the pressure-reducing mechanism 16 and the flow-limiting structure 161. This helps to stabilize water pressure changes, reduces the impact of water flow on the pressure-reducing inlet valve 10, suppresses the vibration of the pressure-reducing inlet valve 10, and thus helps to improve the service life and structural reliability of the pressure-reducing inlet valve 10.

[0038] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the pressure-reducing structure 162 includes a body portion 1621 and a pressure-bearing portion 1623. The pressure-bearing portion 1623 is circumferentially connected to the body portion 1621, and the radial dimension of the pressure-bearing portion 1623 is larger than the radial dimension of the body portion 1621. By providing a pressure-bearing portion 1623 with a larger radial dimension, the pressure-bearing portion 1623 can be approximately in the shape of an annular disk. The pressure-bearing portion 1623 can increase the pressure-bearing area on the side of the pressure-reducing structure 162 facing away from the flow-limiting structure 161. This allows the water flow to exert sufficient force on the pressure-reducing structure 162 on the side of the pressure-bearing portion 1623 facing away from the flow-limiting structure 161 when the water pressure in the water inlet channel 116 increases, thereby driving the pressure-reducing structure 162 to move closer to the flow-limiting structure 161 and effectively reducing the water flow between the pressure-reducing structure 162 and the flow-limiting structure 161.

[0039] In some embodiments, the pressure-reducing mechanism 16 further includes a sealing structure 163, which surrounds the outer periphery of the body portion 1621. The sealing structure 163 circumferentially seals the water inlet channel 116 at one end of the body portion 1621 near the flow-limiting structure 161. By sealing the water inlet channel 116 circumferentially with the sealing structure 163, water flow within the water inlet channel 116 will not pass through the pressure-reducing structure 162 from the outer periphery of the body portion 1621. Instead, water flows through the water passage 1622 of the pressure-reducing structure 162 between the flow-limiting structure 161 and the pressure-reducing structure 162. This allows the pressure-reducing effect of the pressure-reducing structure 162 and the flow-limiting structure 161 to effectively act on the water flowing through the water inlet channel 116, fully realizing the pressure-reducing and flow-limiting effect. It is understood that the body portion 1621 can move axially relative to the sealing structure 163 so that the distance between the body portion 1621 and the flow-limiting structure 161 changes with water pressure, achieving the pressure-reducing and flow-limiting effect.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pressure-reducing mechanism 16 further includes an elastic structure 164, which includes, but is not limited to, any suitable element capable of elastic deformation such as a spring. The elastic structure 164 is disposed between the sealing structure 163 and the pressure-bearing portion 1623, and abuts against the sealing structure 163 and the pressure-bearing portion 1623. It is understood that when the water pressure in the inlet channel 116 increases, the water flow drives the pressure-reducing structure 162 to move closer to the flow-limiting structure 161, that is, drives the pressure-bearing portion 1623 to move closer to the sealing structure 163. The pressure-bearing portion 1623 and the sealing structure 163 compress the elastic structure 164, causing the elastic structure 164 to undergo elastic compression deformation. When the water pressure in the inlet channel 116 decreases, the pressure-bearing portion 1623 can move away from the flow-limiting structure 161 under the drive of the elastic force of the elastic structure 164 and reset. In this embodiment, the pressure-bearing part 1623, the elastic structure 164, and the sealing structure 163 form a tight fit. Through a simple structural design, the outer peripheral space of the main body 1621 can be effectively sealed to improve the flow restriction and pressure reduction effect. It also helps to improve the sensitivity of the pressure-reducing structure 162 to water pressure response. In addition, it helps to realize the automatic reset function of the pressure-reducing structure 162, which helps to improve the structural compactness of the pressure-reducing mechanism 16 and reduce the space occupied by the pressure-reducing inlet valve 10.

[0041] In some embodiments, the pressure relief mechanism 16 further includes a pressure relief housing 165, and the sealing structure 163 and the pressure relief structure 162 are both disposed on the pressure relief housing 165. The pressure relief housing 165 surrounds the sealing structure 163 and part of the body portion 1621. That is, the pressure relief structure 162, the elastic structure 164, the sealing structure 163 and the pressure relief housing 165 together form a structural whole.

[0042] In some embodiments, the valve body 11 further includes a water inlet pipe 115, a pressure reducing mechanism 16 is disposed in the first valve body portion 111, the water inlet pipe 115 is connected to the first valve body portion 111 and abuts against the end faces of the first valve body portion 111 and the pressure reducing housing 165, the water inlet channel 116 is formed by the first valve body portion 111 and the water inlet pipe 115, and the flow limiting structure 161 is fixed in the water inlet pipe 115.

[0043] During the assembly of the pressure-reducing inlet valve 10, the pressure-reducing structure 162, the elastic structure 164, the sealing structure 163, and the pressure-reducing housing 165 can be assembled into a single structural unit. Then, this structural unit is installed into the first valve body 111. Finally, an inlet pipe 115 is provided at the opening of the first valve body 111, thus confining the pressure-reducing housing 165 within the inlet channel 116. This effectively reduces the assembly difficulty of the pressure-reducing inlet valve 10, improves structural compactness, and reduces manufacturing costs and structural reliability.

[0044] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0045] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pressure-reducing inlet valve, characterized in that, include: The valve body is provided with an inlet channel and an outlet channel that connects to the inlet channel; A pressure-reducing mechanism is provided in the water inlet channel. The pressure-reducing mechanism includes a flow-limiting structure and a pressure-reducing structure. The flow-limiting structure is provided on the water inlet side of the pressure-reducing structure. The water flow in the water inlet channel flows between the flow-limiting structure and the pressure-reducing structure. The pressure-reducing structure is configured to move towards the flow-limiting structure when the water pressure in the water inlet channel increases.

2. The pressure-reducing inlet valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure-reducing structure has a hollow water passage, and the end of the flow-limiting structure near the pressure-reducing structure is opposite to the water passage.

3. The pressure-reducing inlet valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The radial dimension of the end face of the flow-limiting structure facing the pressure-reducing structure is smaller than the radial dimension of the water passage.

4. The pressure-reducing inlet valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the direction from the current-limiting structure to the pressure-reducing structure, the radial dimension of the current-limiting structure gradually decreases near the end of the pressure-reducing structure.

5. The pressure-reducing inlet valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure-reducing structure includes a body and a pressure-bearing part. The pressure-bearing part is circumferentially connected to the body, and the radial dimension of the pressure-bearing part is larger than the radial dimension of the body.

6. The pressure-reducing inlet valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pressure reducing mechanism also includes a sealing structure, which circumferentially seals the water inlet channel at one end of the body near the flow limiting structure, and the body is axially movable relative to the sealing structure.

7. The pressure-reducing inlet valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pressure-reducing mechanism further includes an elastic structure disposed between the sealing structure and the pressure-bearing part, and abutting against the sealing structure and the pressure-bearing part.

8. The pressure-reducing inlet valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pressure relief mechanism further includes a pressure relief housing, and both the sealing structure and the pressure relief structure are disposed on the pressure relief housing, with the pressure relief housing surrounding the sealing structure and a portion of the main body.

9. The pressure-reducing inlet valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, The valve body includes a first valve body portion and a water inlet pipe. The pressure reducing mechanism is located inside the first valve body portion. The water inlet pipe is connected to the first valve body portion and abuts against the end faces of the first valve body portion and the pressure reducing housing.

10. A bathroom fixture, characterized in that, Includes the pressure-reducing inlet valve as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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