A foot valve for mixing hot and cold water with flow and temperature regulation functions

Abstract

This utility model proposes a foot-operated valve for mixing hot and cold water with flow and temperature regulation functions. It includes a valve body with two mounting chambers, each housing a valve core. The valve body has two inlet channels communicating with the two mounting chambers, and an outlet channel, with the two mounting chambers connected to the outlet channels. It also includes a pedal with two connecting arms at one end. One connecting arm is hinged to the valve body, and the other connecting arm is rotatably connected to a pressure roller that abuts against the valve core. The side wall of the valve body has an installation port communicating with the inlet channels, where a flow regulating valve is installed. This design directly provides the installation port for the flow regulating valve on the valve body, allowing the flow regulating valve to be directly installed. Compared to existing structures where the flow regulating valve is mounted on other components that are then connected to the valve body, this design solves the problem of leakage from connections between other components and the valve body, which could affect the use of the flow regulating valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of faucet foot pedal valves, specifically to a hot and cold water mixing foot pedal valve with flow and temperature adjustment functions. Background Technology

[0002] The applicant filed a utility model patent application on November 9, 2016, with patent number CN201611013612.X, entitled "A Foot Valve with Flow and Temperature Adjustment Device." It controls the water flow from a faucet by foot operation.

[0003] refer to Figure 1 As shown, the valve body has a mounting cavity. Inside the mounting cavity, from the inside out, are a spring, a plunger, a middle seat, and a pressure cap. The pressure cap is threaded to the mounting cavity. The middle seat is confined between the pressure cap and the valve body. A valve stem is connected to the pressure cap and the middle seat. One end of the valve stem is connected to the plunger, and the other end is connected to the pedal. When the pedal is pressed, the valve stem drives the plunger to move towards the spring, compressing the spring. After the pedal is released, the plunger and valve stem return to their original positions under the action of the spring.

[0004] refer to Figure 1 As shown, the existing foot valve has the following problems:

[0005] Spring A is in direct contact with the bottom of the mounting cavity. Due to friction between the spring and the bottom of the mounting cavity, the spring will erode the bottom of the mounting cavity during long-term use, making the bottom of the mounting cavity uneven. This makes the spring prone to deflection during operation, causing deformation and shortening its service life.

[0006] Flow control valve B was originally located on another component outside the valve body. However, there was a possibility of leakage when connecting the other component to the valve body, which would affect the function of flow control valve A. Utility Model Content

[0007] In view of the problems pointed out in the background art, this utility model proposes a foot pedal valve for mixing hot and cold water with flow and temperature regulation functions to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0008] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0009] A foot pedal valve for mixing hot and cold water with flow and temperature regulation function includes a valve body, which has two mounting cavities and a valve core in each mounting cavity.

[0010] The valve body is provided with two inlet channels that are respectively connected to two mounting cavities, and the valve body is provided with an outlet channel, with the two mounting cavities respectively connected to the outlet channels;

[0011] It also includes a pedal, one end of which forms two connecting arms. One connecting arm is hinged to the valve body, and the other connecting arm is rotatably connected to a pressure roller that abuts against the valve core.

[0012] The valve body has an installation port on its side wall that communicates with the water inlet channel, and a flow regulating valve is installed in the installation port.

[0013] The present invention is further configured such that the flow regulating valve includes a cylindrical regulating core and a pressure cap. The regulating core includes a thicker regulating section and a thinner operating section. The regulating core is inserted into the mounting port. The pressure cap is threadedly connected to the mounting port and restricts the regulating core from coming out. The regulating section is provided with an regulating hole corresponding to the water inlet channel. A water seal is provided between the pressure cap and the regulating core.

[0014] The present invention is further configured such that the valve core includes a spring, a plunger, a middle seat, and a second pressure cover arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside. The second pressure cover is threadedly connected to the mounting cavity. The middle seat is confined between the second pressure cover and the valve body. A valve stem is connected inside the second pressure cover and the middle seat. One end of the valve stem is connected to the plunger, and the other end of the valve stem abuts against the pressure roller. The valve stem can drive the plunger to move. A gasket is provided at the bottom of the mounting cavity. One end of the spring abuts against the plunger, and the other end of the spring abuts against the gasket.

[0015] The present invention is further configured such that the plunger is composed of a sealing section and a water outlet section, the diameter of the sealing section is larger than the diameter of the water outlet section, and the diameter of the sealing section is equal to the inner diameter of the mounting cavity. Under the action of the spring, the sealing section is in a state of blocking the water inlet channel and the middle seat, and the middle seat is provided with a water outlet hole communicating with the water outlet channel.

[0016] The present invention is further configured such that the inlet of the water inlet channel is connected to a water inlet connector.

[0017] The present invention is further configured such that a check valve is connected inside the water inlet connector.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0019] 1. It directly sets the installation port for the flow regulating valve on the valve body, and the flow regulating valve is directly installed on the valve body. Compared with the existing structure where the flow regulating valve is installed on other components and then the other components are connected to the valve body, it solves the problem that leakage may occur due to the connection between other components and the valve body, which may affect the use of the flow regulating valve.

[0020] 2. A gasket made of wear-resistant material is placed at the bottom of the mounting cavity to solve the problem of wear caused by the spring on the bottom of the mounting cavity. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the existing technology.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the foot pedal valve in the closed state of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the two mounting cavities and the water outlet channel of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the two mounting cavities and two water inlet channels of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the foot pedal valve in the open state of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foot pedal valve of this utility model when installed horizontally.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foot valve of this utility model when installed vertically.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a product drawing of the foot pedal valve of this utility model.

[0030] The following are the labels in the attached diagram: Valve body 1, mounting cavity 2, inlet channel 3, outlet channel 4, pedal 5, connecting arm 6, mounting port 7, pressure cap 1 8, adjusting section 9, operating section 10, adjusting hole 11, water seal 12, spring 18, plunger 19, middle seat 20, pressure cap 21, valve stem 22, sealing section 23, outlet section 24, outlet hole 25, inlet connector 26, check valve 27, gasket 28, pressure roller 29. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0032] For reference as follows Figures 1-8The present invention will be described as follows:

[0033] Example: This application is an improvement based on the applicant's prior patent application (CN201611013612.X).

[0034] A foot-operated valve for mixing hot and cold water with flow and temperature regulation functions includes a valve body 1, which has two mounting chambers 2, and a valve core is installed in each mounting chamber 2. The dimensions of the mounting chamber 2 are adapted to the shape of the valve core, providing a stable installation environment for the valve core and ensuring that the valve core can move along a preset trajectory during operation.

[0035] The valve body 1 has two inlet channels 3 that are respectively connected to two mounting chambers 2, and one outlet channel 4. The two mounting chambers 2 are respectively connected to the outlet channel 4. The two mounting chambers 2 are respectively connected to the two inlet channels 3 on the valve body 1 in a one-to-one correspondence. This connection structure allows cold water and hot water to enter the mounting chambers 2 through the corresponding inlet channels 3, forming a direct interaction with the valve core.

[0036] The water outlet channel 4 serves as the output channel for mixed water. One end of it is connected to both installation chambers 2. This connection method allows the cold and hot water flowing out from the two installation chambers 2 to naturally converge in the water outlet channel 4, thereby achieving water temperature mixing and regulation.

[0037] It also includes a pedal 5, one end of which forms two connecting arms 6. One connecting arm 6 is hinged to the valve body 1, and the other connecting arm 6 is rotatably connected to a pressure roller 29 that abuts against the valve core.

[0038] The pressure roller 29, which abuts against the valve core, transmits the force of stepping on the pedal 5 to the valve core, driving it to move. The hinge point connected to the valve body 1 serves as the fulcrum for rotation of the pedal 5, allowing the pedal 5 to move around this point with leverage, reducing the operating force. When the pedal 5 is stepped on, the connecting arm 6 rotates around the hinge point on the valve body 1, thereby pushing the valve core to move within the mounting cavity 2, opening the water inlet channel 3. After the pedal 5 is released, the valve core returns to its initial position under the action of its own reset mechanism, closing the water inlet channel 3.

[0039] The valve body 1 has a mounting port 7 on its side wall that communicates with the water inlet channel 3. A flow regulating valve is installed in the mounting port 7. This design allows the flow regulating valve to be directly installed on the valve body 1, forming a close-range flow control relationship with the water inlet channel 3. The regulating end of the flow regulating valve extends into the water inlet channel 3, and by changing the opening of its own valve core, the inflow of cold and hot water can be precisely controlled.

[0040] Since the two inlet channels 3 correspond to the input of cold water and hot water respectively, the flow ratio of cold water and hot water can be changed by adjusting the two flow regulating valves respectively, thereby achieving precise control of the outlet water temperature. The size of the mounting port 7 matches the mounting end of the flow regulating valve, and it is fixed by means of threaded connection or snap-fit ​​connection to ensure that the flow regulating valve will not loosen due to water flow impact during operation.

[0041] In the initial state, the valve core is in the closed position, blocking the connection between the water inlet channel 3 and the mounting cavity 2. When the pedal 5 is pressed, the pedal 5 rotates around the hinge point with the valve body 1, and the pressure roller 29 pushes the valve core (valve stem) to move within the mounting cavity 2, thus connecting the water inlet channel 3 and the mounting cavity 2. At this time, cold water and hot water flow in through their respective water inlet channels 3, and after the flow rate is regulated by the flow regulating valve, they enter the mounting cavity 2, and then flow from the mounting cavity 2 into the water outlet channel 4, where they are mixed before flowing out.

[0042] When pedal 5 is released, the valve core returns to the closed position under the action of the reset mechanism, cutting off the water flow in inlet channel 3 and stopping the water output. Throughout the process, the flow regulating valve continuously controls the inlet flow in real time, and pedal 5 achieves rapid operation of the valve core through a mechanical linkage structure. The two work together to realize the integrated function of water flow on / off control and flow and temperature regulation.

[0043] In existing technologies, flow control valves are installed via an indirect connection, whereby the valve is first mounted on an additional intermediate component, which then connects to the valve body. This design has an inherent drawback: the connection between the intermediate component and the valve body requires a seal (such as a sealing ring or gasket) to prevent water leakage. However, during long-term use, factors such as water pressure fluctuations, temperature changes, residual stress from installation, and component aging can cause the seal between the intermediate component and the valve body to fail, leading to leakage at the connection point.

[0044] When a leak occurs, it will affect the use of the flow control valve.

[0045] In this invention, the flow control valve is directly connected to the valve body via an mounting port on the side wall, forming an integrated structure. This direct installation method eliminates intermediate components, resulting in only one sealing surface between the flow control valve and the valve body. This sealing surface is achieved through a sealing structure at the connection between the valve body's mounting port and the flow control valve, reducing the number of sealing links. By reducing intermediate connection links, the risk of leakage at the connection between intermediate components and the valve body is fundamentally eliminated, thus avoiding adverse effects on the flow control valve caused by leakage at the connection between intermediate components and the valve body.

[0046] Specifically, with the flow control valve directly installed on the valve body, the connection strength and sealing performance between the valve and the body are more easily guaranteed. The connection structure between the mounting port and the flow control valve can be optimized according to the overall design of the valve body, using a more suitable sealing method (such as threaded seals with sealing rings) to ensure stable sealing performance during long-term use. Even under extreme conditions (such as high water pressure or drastic temperature changes), due to the reduction in connection links, the additional stress on the sealing surface is less, significantly reducing the probability of seal failure.

[0047] Meanwhile, this direct mounting structure makes the flow control valve more stable under stress. During flow regulation, certain axial and radial forces are generated inside the flow control valve. Direct connection to the valve body allows these forces to be transmitted to the fixed foundation of the entire device through the valve body, avoiding deformation of intermediate components due to stress, which would affect the sealing and normal operation of the flow control valve.

[0048] The flow regulating valve includes a cylindrical regulating core and a gland 8. The regulating core is stepped in shape and includes a thicker regulating section 9 and a thinner operating section 10. This structural design is adapted to the internal space of the mounting port 7, which not only ensures the effective cooperation between the regulating section 9 and the water inlet channel 3, but also facilitates the rotation and adjustment of the regulating core through the operating section 10.

[0049] The adjusting core is inserted into the mounting port 7. The pressure cap 8 is threadedly connected to the mounting port 7 and restricts the adjusting core from coming out. The adjusting section 9 is provided with an adjusting hole 11 corresponding to the water inlet channel 3. A water seal 12 is provided between the pressure cap 8 and the adjusting core.

[0050] The gland 8 is a cylindrical structure with internal threads, the thread specification of which matches the external thread of the mounting port 7, and can be fixed to the valve body 1 through threaded connection. The water seal 12 is an annular elastic component, the cross-sectional dimensions of which are adapted to the gap between the gland 8 and the adjusting core, and is used to achieve a seal between the two.

[0051] The installation process of the regulating core is as follows: First, insert the regulating core from the outside of the mounting port 7, so that the regulating section 9 extends into the valve body 1 and corresponds to the water inlet channel 3, while the operating section 10 protrudes from the outside of the mounting port 7. At this time, the outer wall of the regulating section 9 and the inner wall of the mounting port 7 form a clearance fit, ensuring that the regulating core can rotate flexibly without generating excessive friction. Then, put the gland 8 on the operating section 10, connect it to the mounting port 7 through threads, and gradually tighten it until the end face of the gland 8 is in close contact with the stepped surface of the regulating section 9. This connection method restricts the regulating core from axially dislodging along the mounting port 7 through the axial pressure of the gland 8, while providing stable radial support for the regulating core and preventing it from shaking under the impact of water flow.

[0052] The regulating hole 11 on the regulating section 9 is the core structure for flow control. Its position corresponds to the axis of the inlet channel 3, and its diameter is designed according to the preset flow range. When the operating section 10 is rotated, the regulating core rotates around its own axis, causing the overlapping area of ​​the regulating hole 11 and the inlet channel 3 to change: when the regulating hole 11 is completely aligned with the inlet channel 3, the overlapping area is at its maximum, and the inlet flow reaches its maximum value; as the regulating core rotates, the overlapping area gradually decreases, and the inlet flow decreases accordingly; when the regulating hole 11 is completely misaligned with the inlet channel 3, the inlet channel 3 is blocked by the outer wall of the regulating section 9, and the flow is zero. By continuously rotating the regulating core, stepless adjustment of the inlet flow from 0 to its maximum value can be achieved, thereby precisely controlling the input of cold or hot water.

[0053] The water seal 12 is installed between the gland 8 and the adjusting core, specifically in the annular groove formed between the inner wall step of the gland 8 and the outer wall of the adjusting section 9. When the gland 8 is tightened to the mounting port 7, the gland 8 generates an axial compressive force on the water seal 12, causing the water seal 12 to undergo elastic deformation and tightly fit the outer wall of the adjusting core and the inner wall of the gland 8.

[0054] The valve core includes a spring 18, a plunger 19, a middle seat 20, and a pressure cap 21 arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside, with each component distributed along the axial direction of the mounting cavity 2.

[0055] The pressure cap 21 is connected to the inner wall of the mounting cavity 2 via an external thread. After tightening, its end face abuts against one end of the middle seat 20, while the other end of the middle seat 20 contacts the step on the inner wall of the mounting cavity 2 of the valve body 1, thereby axially fixing the middle seat 20 between the pressure cap 21 and the valve body 1. The valve stem 22 passes through the central through hole of the pressure cap 21 and the middle seat 20. One end of it is connected to the plunger 19 via a thread or pin, and the other end extends to the outside of the mounting cavity 2 and abuts against the pressure roller 29, forming a linkage structure that can transmit the operating force of the pedal 5.

[0056] The plunger 19 consists of a sealing section 23 and a water outlet section 24. The diameter of the sealing section 23 is larger than the diameter of the water outlet section 24. The diameter of the sealing section 23 is equal to the inner diameter of the mounting cavity 2. Under the action of the spring 18, the sealing section 23 is in a state of blocking the water inlet channel 3 and the middle seat 20. The middle seat 20 is provided with a water outlet hole 25 that communicates with the water outlet channel 4.

[0057] The sealing section 23 and the outlet section 24 of the plunger 19 are integrally formed stepped structures. The diameter of the sealing section 23 is equal to the inner diameter of the mounting cavity 2, ensuring that the sealing section 23 can slide axially along the mounting cavity 2 and has sealing capability. The diameter of the outlet section 24 is smaller than that of the sealing section 23, and its outer wall forms an annular water flow channel with the inner wall of the middle seat 20. In the natural state of the spring 18, the elastic force of the spring 18 pushes the plunger 19 to move towards the water inlet channel 3, so that the end face of the sealing section 23 simultaneously blocks the outlet of the water inlet channel 3 and the inlet of the middle seat 20: the mating surface of the sealing section 23 and the outlet of the water inlet channel 3 is sealed by precision machining, blocking cold or hot water from entering the mounting cavity 2; at the same time, the mating surface of the sealing section 23 and the inlet of the middle seat 20 forms a secondary seal, preventing water from leaking into the middle seat 20 from the gap between the two.

[0058] When the pedal 5 moves the valve stem 22 into the mounting cavity 2 via the connecting arm 6, the valve stem 22 overcomes the elastic force of the spring 18 and pushes the plunger 19 to move in the opposite direction, causing the sealing section 23 to disengage from the sealing position of the water inlet channel 3 and the middle seat 20. At this time, water in the water inlet channel 3 flows in through the gap between the sealing section 23 and the inner wall of the mounting cavity 2, flows through the annular channel between the water outlet section 24 and the inner wall of the middle seat 20 to the water outlet hole 25 of the middle seat 20, and finally enters the water outlet channel 4. The moving distance of the plunger 19 determines the opening degree of the sealing section 23, thereby affecting the water flow rate and achieving indirect flow control.

[0059] The middle seat 20 is a cylindrical structure, and the water outlet 25 opened on its side wall extends radially through to the inner wall. The position of the water outlet 25 corresponds to the inlet of the water outlet channel 4, ensuring that the water can flow directly into the water outlet channel 4 from the water outlet 25.

[0060] When pedal 5 is not pressed, spring 18 is in a pre-compressed state, and the thrust it generates continuously acts on plunger 19, ensuring that sealing section 23 remains sealed. When pedal 5 is released, the elastic force of spring 18 drives plunger 19 to reset, quickly cutting off the water flow and realizing the automatic closing function of valve core.

[0061] The inlet of the water inlet channel 3 is connected to an inlet connector 26. The inlet connector 26 is a tubular component with threads at both ends. One end is connected to the external thread of the inlet of the water inlet channel 3 through the internal thread, and the other end is used to connect to the external water supply pipeline, serving as a transition and fixing of the pipeline.

[0062] A check valve 27 is connected inside the water inlet connector 26. Its valve core opens under the pressure of the water flow in the forward direction (from the external pipeline to the water inlet channel 3), allowing water to flow through; when reverse pressure occurs (such as a sudden drop in water supply pressure or water outage), the valve core closes under the action of its own spring force or the reverse water flow pressure, blocking the reverse flow of water and preventing water in the installation cavity 2 or water outlet channel 4 from flowing back to the external pipeline, thus avoiding cross-contamination of cold and hot water or contamination of the water source.

[0063] The bottom of the mounting cavity 2 is provided with a gasket 28, one end of the spring 18 abuts against the plunger 19, and the other end of the spring 18 abuts against the gasket 28.

[0064] The gasket 28 at the bottom of the mounting cavity 2 is a sheet-like structure with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the mounting cavity 2, allowing it to be placed stably on the flat surface at the bottom of the mounting cavity 2. One end of the spring 18 abuts against the end face of the sealing section 23 of the plunger 19, while the other end acts directly on the upper surface of the gasket 28, forming a force transmission chain of "plunger 19 - spring 18 - gasket 28 - bottom of mounting cavity 2".

[0065] The gasket 28, made of wear-resistant material, directly contacts the bottom of the mounting cavity 2 with the isolation spring 18, transferring the wear generated by the dynamic action of the spring 18 to itself. It absorbs friction loss by utilizing its wear-resistant properties, thereby protecting the bottom of the mounting cavity 2 from wear, reducing valve core failure caused by wear, and extending the service life of the overall structure.

[0066] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The foot valve of this application can be installed horizontally or vertically.

[0067] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A foot pedal valve for mixing hot and cold water with flow and temperature regulation function, comprising a valve body, wherein the valve body has two mounting cavities and a valve core is disposed in each mounting cavity; The valve body is provided with two inlet channels that are respectively connected to two mounting cavities, and the valve body is provided with an outlet channel, with the two mounting cavities respectively connected to the outlet channels; It also includes a pedal, one end of which forms two connecting arms. One connecting arm is hinged to the valve body, and the other connecting arm is rotatably connected to a pressure roller that abuts against the valve core. Its characteristic is that: The valve body has an installation port on its side wall that communicates with the water inlet channel, and a flow regulating valve is installed in the installation port.

2. A foot valve for mixing hot and cold water with flow and temperature regulation function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The flow regulating valve includes a cylindrical regulating core and a pressure cap. The regulating core includes a thicker regulating section and a thinner operating section. The regulating core is inserted into the mounting port. The pressure cap is threaded to the mounting port and restricts the regulating core from coming out. The regulating section is provided with a regulating hole corresponding to the water inlet channel. A water seal is provided between the pressure cap and the regulating core.

3. The hot and cold water mixing foot valve with flow and temperature regulating function according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The valve core includes a spring, a plunger, a middle seat, and a second pressure plate arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside. The second pressure plate is threadedly connected to the mounting cavity. The middle seat is confined between the second pressure plate and the valve body. A valve stem is connected inside the second pressure plate and the middle seat. One end of the valve stem is connected to the plunger, and the other end of the valve stem abuts against the pressure roller. The valve stem can drive the plunger to move. A gasket is provided at the bottom of the mounting cavity. One end of the spring abuts against the plunger, and the other end of the spring abuts against the gasket.

4. The hot and cold water mixing foot valve with flow and temperature regulating function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plunger consists of a sealing section and a water outlet section. The diameter of the sealing section is larger than the diameter of the water outlet section. The diameter of the sealing section is equal to the inner diameter of the mounting cavity. Under the action of the spring, the sealing section is in a state of blocking the water inlet channel and the middle seat. The middle seat is provided with a water outlet hole that communicates with the water outlet channel.

5. A foot valve for mixing hot and cold water with flow and temperature regulation function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inlet of the water inlet channel is connected to a water inlet connector.

6. The hot and cold water mixing foot valve with flow temperature adjustment function according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inlet connector is equipped with a check valve.

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