A water inlet regulating valve for a water heater

Abstract

The utility model discloses a water inlet regulating valve of water heater, and the valve body is equipped with water inlet, water outlet and valve cavity, and the cylindrical flow regulating seat is integrally formed in the middle part of valve cavity, and the flow regulating seat is separated into first chamber and second chamber through the baffle extending in the axial direction, and the first chamber is communicated with the water outlet to form the first flow channel, the second chamber is isolated with the water outlet, and the baffle is equipped with the water pass-through, and the first chamber and the second chamber are communicated through the overflow channel between the baffle end face and the flow regulating seat end face, and the second flow channel is formed with the water pass-through and the water outlet, and the solenoid valve is pasted or separated with the flow regulating seat end face through the elastic diaphragm, to block or open the first flow channel. The application is formed with the baffle and the flow regulating seat of integral molding to constitute the double channel structure, and the opening and closing of first flow channel are controlled in combination with the solenoid valve, realize the switching of large and small flow, do not need the extra component, simplify the assembly process, and reduce the manufacturing cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of regulating valve technology, specifically to an inlet regulating valve for a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, water heaters are usually equipped with an inlet regulating valve to adjust the water flow rate according to user preferences, thereby improving user comfort.

[0003] Among them, Chinese utility model patent CN 211693540 U discloses a water regulating device and a water heater. A flow stabilizing component is installed inside the casing. The flow stabilizing component has a first water inlet and a second water inlet. The first water inlet connects a first chamber and a second chamber to form a first water channel, and the second water inlet connects the first chamber and the second chamber to form a second water channel. The first and second water channels are connected in parallel. The flow rate can be adjusted according to user needs by regulating the opening and closing of the second or first water channel using a solenoid valve. However, in this solution, the first and second water inlets are located on the flow stabilizing component, resulting in a large number of parts, complex assembly processes, and increased production costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, the present invention aims to provide a water inlet regulating valve for a water heater, thereby resolving the issue that in existing technologies, the first and second water inlets in the large and small water flow control structures are located on the flow stabilizing component, resulting in a large number of parts, complex assembly processes, and increased production costs.

[0005] Therefore, this application proposes an inlet regulating valve for a water heater, including a valve body and a solenoid valve. The valve body has an inlet, an outlet, and a valve chamber. The inlet and outlet are arranged perpendicularly to each other and communicate with the valve chamber. One end of the valve body opposite to the outlet is open, forming an open end. The solenoid valve is fixedly installed on the outer end face of the open end.

[0006] A cylindrical flow regulating seat is integrally formed in the middle of the valve cavity. The flow regulating seat is coaxially arranged with the outlet. An axially extending baffle is provided in the inner cavity, which divides the flow regulating seat into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is connected to the outlet to form a first flow channel. The second chamber is isolated from the outlet. A water passage is provided on the baffle, which connects the inlet and the second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are connected through a flow passage between the end face of the baffle and the end face of the flow regulating seat, and together with the water passage and the outlet, they form a second flow channel.

[0007] The solenoid valve has an elastic diaphragm at one end facing the outlet. The elastic diaphragm moves axially and expands when the solenoid valve is energized or de-energized, and fits or separates from the end face of the flow regulating seat to block or open the first flow channel.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, this utility model has redesigned the large and small flow water outlet structure, eliminating the structure of setting the first and second water inlets on the flow stabilizing component. Instead, a flow regulating seat is integrated into the valve cavity, and a baffle divides the flow regulating seat into a first chamber and a second chamber, thus forming two flow channels. With the help of a solenoid valve to block or open the first flow channel, large and small flow water outlet control can be achieved. The structure is highly integrated, requiring no additional assembly parts, which not only improves the reliability of the overall structure but also greatly simplifies the production and assembly process and effectively reduces manufacturing costs.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the valve body integrates a water flow monitoring device, which includes a vortex tube assembly and a Hall sensor used in conjunction with it; the vortex tube assembly is fixedly disposed on the inner wall of the water inlet, and the Hall sensor is installed on the corresponding position on the outer wall of the valve body.

[0010] Furthermore, a baffle is provided in the downstream area of ​​the water inlet, and multiple water inlet holes are evenly distributed on the baffle for connecting the water inlet and the valve chamber; a pin is provided at the center of the bottom surface of the baffle, and the multiple water inlet holes are arranged around the pin, and an annular baffle is also provided around the water inlet holes; a flat washer is slidably provided on the pin, and the flat washer moves up and down along the axis under the action of water pressure, dynamically adjusting the flow area between it and the annular baffle, effectively buffering the water flow impact and suppressing the initial flow fluctuation.

[0011] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, when the flat pad descends to its limit position, its bottom abuts against the top of the vortex tube assembly to prevent the flat pad from falling off and improve reliability.

[0012] In the above technical solution, preferably, a temperature sensor is fixedly mounted on the valve body, and the temperature sensor's probe extends deep into the valve cavity. This achieves the dual optimization goals of precise temperature control and efficient combustion, thereby improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0013] In the above technical solution, preferably, the solenoid valve is a normally closed solenoid valve, which closes the first flow channel by default when the power is off, adopts a low flow water supply mode, and enhances energy-saving characteristics.

[0014] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the valve cavity of this utility model has an integrally formed flow regulating seat in the middle, which consists of a cylindrical structure and a baffle, creating two channels with large and small flow rates. A solenoid valve is used to open and close the first flow channel, flexibly switching between different water flow modes to meet the diverse flushing water volume needs of users. At the same time, the flow regulating seat and valve body are integrally formed, resulting in a highly integrated structure that eliminates the need for additional assembly parts, simplifying the production and assembly process and reducing production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0015] 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 of this utility model or the prior art will be briefly introduced and explained 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.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the water inlet regulating valve for the water heater provided by this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the water inlet regulating valve of the water heater in low-flow mode.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Side view of the inlet regulating valve of the water heater shown;

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the inlet regulating valve of the water heater in the high-flow-rate mode.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the valve body in this utility model.

[0021] Figures 1-5 The correspondence between the parts is as follows:

[0022] Valve body 10, solenoid valve 20, vortex tube assembly 30, Hall sensor 40, flat gasket 50, temperature sensor 60;

[0023] Inlet 11, outlet 12, valve chamber 13, flow regulating seat 14, baffle 141, first chamber 151, second chamber 152, water outlet 16, flow passage 17, baffle 18, water inlet hole 181, annular enclosure 182, pin 19.

[0024] Elastic diaphragm 21. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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 embodiments described below 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.

[0026] To provide a clearer explanation and description of the technical solution and implementation method of this utility model, several preferred specific embodiments for implementing the technical solution of this utility model are introduced below.

[0027] It should be noted that the directional terms such as "inner" and "outer", "front" and "back" and "left" and "right" in this article are based on the product's usage status. Obviously, the use of these directional terms does not limit the scope of protection of this solution.

[0028] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a water inlet regulating valve for a water heater, comprising a valve body 10 and a solenoid valve 20.

[0029] The valve body 10 has an inlet 11, an outlet 12, and a valve cavity 13. The inlet 11 and outlet 12 are arranged perpendicularly to each other and communicate with the valve cavity 13 of the valve body 10. One end of the valve body 10 opposite to the outlet 12 is open, forming an open end. The solenoid valve 20 is fixedly installed on the outer end face of the open end. Preferably, the outer end face of the open end is equipped with a mounting flange or threaded connection structure to achieve rapid positioning and secure assembly of the solenoid valve 20, improving overall assembly efficiency and sealing reliability.

[0030] A cylindrical flow regulating seat 14 is integrally formed in the middle of the valve cavity 13. The flow regulating seat 14 is coaxially arranged with the outlet 12. A baffle 141 is provided in the inner cavity of the flow regulating seat 14. The baffle 141 extends along the axial direction of the flow regulating seat 14 and divides the flow regulating seat 14 into a first chamber 151 and a second chamber 152. The first chamber 151 is connected to the outlet 12 to form a first flow channel. The second chamber 152 is isolated from the outlet 12. A water passage 16 is provided on the baffle 141. The water passage 16 is connected to the inlet 11 and the second chamber 152. A flow passage 17 is provided between the end of the baffle 141 facing the solenoid valve 20 and the corresponding end face of the flow regulating seat 14. The first chamber 151 and the second chamber 152 are connected through the flow passage 17 and together with the water passage 16 and the outlet 12, form a second flow channel.

[0031] This creates two independent water flow paths: one is a first flow channel consisting of inlet 11, first chamber 151, and outlet 12; the other is a second flow channel consisting of inlet 11, outlet 16, second chamber 152, flow channel 17, first chamber 151, and outlet 12. The design of these two channels enables multi-stage flow regulation to meet different water usage needs.

[0032] An elastic diaphragm 21 is provided at the end of the solenoid valve 20 facing the outlet 12. This elastic diaphragm 21 can extend and retract axially when the solenoid valve 20 is energized or de-energized, thereby achieving the action of contacting or separating from the first end face (i.e., the end facing the outlet 12) of the flow regulating seat 14. When the elastic diaphragm 21 is in contact with the first end face, the first flow channel is blocked, achieving low flow operation; when the elastic diaphragm 21 is detached from the end face, both the first and second flow channels are opened, and the two channels work in parallel to provide maximum water supply capacity, meet different user water needs, and improve comfort while saving energy.

[0033] When the solenoid valve 20 is not energized, the elastic diaphragm 21 adheres tightly to the first end face of the flow regulating seat 14 due to its own elastic restoring force, closing the first flow channel. At this time, the water from the inlet 11 flows to the outlet 12 through the second flow channel, realizing a low-flow water supply mode. This mode consumes less gas, improving the energy-saving performance of the water heater, and is suitable for daily use scenarios with low water demand, such as hand washing and rinsing.

[0034] When the solenoid valve 20 is energized, the electromagnetic force drives the elastic diaphragm 21 to disengage from the first end face of the flow regulating seat 14, causing the first flow channel and the second flow channel to be simultaneously open. At this time, the inlet water flows into the outlet 12 in parallel through the dual channels, greatly improving the water flow capacity and realizing a high-flow water supply mode, fully meeting the user's demand for high flow when showering or using water quickly.

[0035] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the valve body 10 of this application integrates a water flow monitoring device, specifically including a vortex tube assembly 30 and a Hall sensor 40 used in conjunction with it. The vortex tube assembly 30 is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the water inlet 11, while the Hall sensor 40 is installed at a corresponding position on the outer wall of the valve body 10. The two are precisely aligned in space, which can effectively sense the changes in the magnetic field generated during the impeller rotation, thereby capturing the water flow signal in real time. The Hall sensor 40 communicates with the water heater control board through an electrical connection. The control system dynamically adjusts the opening of the gas supply valve according to the actual water flow, fully releasing the potential of gas performance, improving combustion efficiency, and achieving energy-saving operation.

[0036] In some preferred embodiments, the vortex assembly 30 consists of a flow guide housing, a rotor support, and a magnetic impeller. When the water flow drives the impeller to rotate, the magnets embedded inside rotate synchronously, generating an alternating magnetic field. The Hall sensor 40 captures the pulse signal based on this and converts it into a precise flow rate value, thereby achieving a high-precision flow detection function.

[0037] Furthermore, a baffle 18 is provided downstream of the inlet 11, on which multiple inlet holes 181 are evenly distributed. These inlet holes 181 are arranged around the pin 19 to connect the inlet 11 and the valve chamber 13. The pin 19 is located at the center of the bottom surface of the baffle 18, and an annular baffle 182 is provided around the inlet holes 181. A flat washer 50 is slidably mounted on the pin 19, which can move up and down axially under water pressure to dynamically adjust the flow area between it and the annular baffle 182, effectively buffering water flow impact and suppressing initial flow fluctuations. When the flat washer 50 descends to its limit position, its bottom will abut against the top of the vortex tube assembly 30 to prevent the flat washer from falling off and improve reliability.

[0038] This application also includes a temperature sensor 60 fixedly mounted on the valve body 10. Its temperature probe extends deep into the valve cavity 13 to collect the inlet water temperature signal in real time and accurately, transmitting this data to the water heater control board in real time. The control system intelligently adjusts the gas supply based on the current inlet water temperature and the user-set target outlet water temperature: for example, it automatically reduces the gas supply when the inlet water temperature is high in summer to avoid overheating and energy waste; while it increases the gas output accordingly under low-temperature inlet water conditions in winter to ensure rapid heating and maintain a constant outlet water temperature. Through this closed-loop control mechanism based on measured water temperature, the dual optimization goals of precise temperature control and efficient combustion are achieved, further improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0039] Preferably, the solenoid valve 20 adopts a normally closed design, which closes the first flow channel by default when the power is off, leaving only the second flow channel operating, and adopting a low-flow water supply mode. This design significantly enhances the energy-saving characteristics of the system and comprehensively improves the overall energy efficiency performance of the unit.

[0040] In summary, the water inlet regulating valve for water heaters provided by this utility model has the following significant advantages compared to the prior art:

[0041] Firstly, by designing a first flow channel consisting of an inlet, a first chamber, and an outlet, and a second flow channel consisting of an inlet, a through outlet, a second chamber, a flow passage, the first chamber, and an outlet, the elastic diaphragm of the solenoid valve is used to open and close the first flow channel, flexibly switching between different water flow modes to meet diverse user needs. Simultaneously, the flow regulating seat and valve body are integrally molded, resulting in a highly integrated structure that eliminates the need for additional assembly parts. This not only improves the overall structural reliability but also simplifies the production and assembly process, reducing production costs.

[0042] Secondly, it is equipped with a flat pad structure that can slide up and down under water pressure. The distance between the pad and the ring-shaped enclosure is automatically adjusted according to the water pressure, thereby realizing dynamic adaptive control of the water inlet flow, effectively suppressing the water flow impact caused by water pressure fluctuations, and improving the stability and comfort during use.

[0043] Third, it integrates a dual-parameter sensing system for water flow velocity and temperature, supports fully closed-loop intelligent control, provides real-time feedback and precisely adjusts the combustion state, significantly improves the water heater's response sensitivity, combustion efficiency and energy utilization efficiency, further realizes intelligent and energy-saving operation, and comprehensively enhances the user experience.

[0044] Finally, it should be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof as used herein are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0045] This utility model is not limited to the above-described preferred embodiments. Anyone should know that structural changes made under the guidance of this utility model, and any technical solutions that are the same as or similar to this utility model, fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water inlet regulating valve for a water heater, comprising a valve body and a solenoid valve, wherein the valve body has a water inlet, a water outlet, and a valve chamber, the water inlet and the water outlet are arranged perpendicularly to each other and communicate with the valve chamber, one end of the valve body opposite to the water outlet is open, forming an open end, and the solenoid valve is fixedly installed on the outer end face of the open end, characterized in that, A cylindrical flow regulating seat is integrally formed in the middle of the valve cavity. The flow regulating seat is coaxially arranged with the outlet. An axially extending baffle is provided in the inner cavity, which divides the flow regulating seat into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is connected to the outlet to form a first flow channel. The second chamber is isolated from the outlet. A water passage is provided on the baffle, which connects the inlet and the second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are connected through a flow channel between the end face of the baffle and the end face of the flow regulating seat, and together with the water passage and the outlet, they form a second flow channel. The solenoid valve has an elastic diaphragm at one end facing the outlet. The elastic diaphragm moves axially and expands when the solenoid valve is energized or de-energized, and fits or separates from the end face of the flow regulating seat to block or open the first flow channel.

2. The inlet regulating valve of the water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body integrates a water flow monitoring device, which includes a vortex tube assembly and a Hall sensor used in conjunction with it; the vortex tube assembly is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the water inlet, and the Hall sensor is installed on the corresponding position on the outer wall of the valve body.

3. The inlet regulating valve of the water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, A baffle is provided in the downstream area of ​​the water inlet, and multiple water inlet holes are evenly distributed on the baffle to connect the water inlet and the valve chamber; a pin is provided at the center of the bottom surface of the baffle, and multiple water inlet holes are arranged around the pin, and an annular barrier is also provided around the water inlet holes; a flat washer is slidably provided on the pin, and the flat washer moves up and down along the axis under the action of water pressure to dynamically adjust the flow area between it and the annular barrier.

4. The inlet regulating valve of the water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the flat pad descends to its limit position, its bottom abuts against the top of the vortex assembly.

5. The inlet regulating valve of the water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, A temperature sensor is fixedly installed on the valve body, and the temperature sensor probe extends into the valve cavity.

6. The inlet regulating valve of the water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solenoid valve is a normally closed solenoid valve, which closes the first flow channel by default when the power is off.

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