An intelligent shut-off valve for a fluid flow channel

Abstract

The present application provides an intelligent shut-off valve for a fluid flow channel, which includes a flow detection device, a flow restriction device, and a control unit, wherein the flow detection device is configured to measure the flow information of the fluid flowing through the flow channel and transmit the flow information to the control unit; the flow restriction device is configured to be activated to restrict the flow of the fluid through the fluid channel; and the control unit receives the flow information from the flow detection device, determines whether there is a fluid leakage feature from the flow information, and activates or closes the flow restriction device according to the judgment result. The intelligent shut-off valve of the present application can detect fluid leakage and automatically close the fluid channel according to the detection result, thereby preventing fluid leakage from occurring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of mechanical equipment, and in particular, relates to an intelligent cut-off valve for a fluid flow channel, wherein the cut-off valve can detect fluid leakage characteristics and cut off the fluid flow accordingly. Background Art

[0002] Fluids are controlled by valves. When the valves fail (or the pipelines are damaged), they often leak out uncontrollably, leading to accidents such as water and gas leaks, which can cause huge losses to people's production and life.

[0003] Taking water leakage as an example, there are several main reasons for the leakage of tap water in enterprises, institutions and households: 1. The faucet opened when the water system is shut down is forgotten to be closed; 2. The faucet is not tightly sealed due to its own reasons; 3. The faucet is frozen and cracked due to low temperature; 4. The faucet is forgotten to be closed after being opened. Once the tap water leaks, it will not only waste resources but also cause certain losses to property.

[0004] In the event of a liquefied gas leak, people’s lives may even be endangered at any time.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a reliable fluid leakage prevention device. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present application provides an intelligent cut-off valve for a fluid flow channel, which can detect leakage characteristics of the fluid and automatically cut off the fluid flow path, thereby overcoming one or more shortcomings existing in the art.

[0007] Specifically, this application includes the following:

[0008] Embodiment 1. An intelligent shut-off valve for a fluid flow channel, comprising a flow detection device, a flow restriction device, and a control unit,

[0009] in,

[0010] The flow detection device is configured to measure flow information of the fluid flowing through the flow channel and transmit the flow information to the control unit;

[0011] The flow restriction device is configured to be actuated to restrict the flow of fluid through the fluid passage; and

[0012] The control unit receives flow information from the flow detection device, determines whether there is a fluid leakage feature based on the flow information, and starts or shuts down the flow restriction device according to the determination result.

[0013] Embodiment 2. The intelligent shut-off valve according to embodiment 1 is characterized in that the flow information includes at least one selected from "whether there is fluid flowing" and "fluid flow speed".

[0014] Embodiment 3. The intelligent shut-off valve according to embodiment 1 or 2 is characterized in that the "fluid leakage characteristics" include one or more of the following situations: continuous fluid flow within a predetermined time; continuous fluid flow reaches a predetermined flow rate; or the fluid flow rate changes little within a predetermined time.

[0015] Embodiment 4. The intelligent shut-off valve according to embodiment 1 or 2 is characterized in that "starting or closing the flow restriction device according to the judgment result" includes: starting the flow restriction device when it is judged that there is a fluid leakage feature, otherwise closing the flow restriction device, that is, controlling the flow restriction device to fully open the flow channel.

[0016] Embodiment 5. The intelligent shut-off valve according to embodiment 1 is characterized in that:

[0017] The flow restriction device has multiple switch gears, and the entire fluid channel is gradually closed by gradually enabling the multiple gears. Each gear corresponds to the control unit performing a "judgment from the flow information whether there is a fluid leakage feature", wherein

[0018] When the control unit determines that "fluid leakage characteristics exist" in multiple consecutive judgments, it gradually activates multiple switch positions of the flow restriction device accordingly until the entire fluid channel is closed; when the control unit determines that "fluid leakage characteristics do not exist" in multiple consecutive judgments, it controls the flow restriction device to completely open the flow channel.

[0019] Embodiment 6. According to the intelligent shut-off valve described in Embodiment 1, it is characterized in that the flow detection device includes: an impeller, which is arranged on the fluid channel and is configured to rotate in response to the flow of the fluid; and a detection element, which is configured to detect the rotation and / or rotation speed information of the impeller, thereby transmitting the information to the control unit.

[0020] Embodiment 7. According to the intelligent shut-off valve described in Embodiment 1, it is characterized in that the flow restricting device includes at least one valve, and the valve includes an electromagnetic coil, a push rod, and a baffle rotating along a rotating shaft or a valve plate connected to the push rod. The control unit can cut off or connect the power supply of the electromagnetic coil, thereby driving the push rod to move, and then controlling the rotation of the baffle or the movement of the valve plate to control the opening and closing of the valve.

[0021] Embodiment 8. The intelligent shut-off valve according to embodiment 1 is characterized in that: the intelligent shut-off valve further comprises a shut-off valve body, the shut-off valve body is mounted on the flow channel, and the flow detection device and the flow restriction device are mounted on the shut-off valve body. There is no restriction on the installation position of the intelligent shut-off valve, as long as it is located on the flow channel. The intelligent shut-off valve may even be placed directly in the fluid pipeline without a shut-off valve body.

[0022] Embodiment 9. The intelligent shut-off valve according to embodiment 1 is characterized in that: the intelligent shut-off valve further comprises a reset device, and when the shut-off valve completely closes the entire flow channel, the flow restriction device is activated to completely open the flow channel. After the intelligent shut-off valve completely cuts off the flow of fluid, since there is no flow of fluid in the flow channel, the shut-off valve will not have any new action, and thus the flow channel will be reliably closed.

[0023] Embodiment 10. The intelligent shut-off valve according to Embodiment 9 is characterized in that: the reset device includes a balancing pipe connecting the upstream and downstream of the flow restriction device, and a balancing pipe switch valve arranged on the balancing pipe. Under normal circumstances, the balancing pipe switch valve is in a closed state. When the balancing pipe switch valve is opened, the upstream and downstream pressures of the flow restriction device reach a balance, so that the flow restriction device fully opens the flow channel and the entire intelligent shut-off valve is reset.

[0024] Embodiment 11. The intelligent shut-off valve of embodiment 3 is characterized in that the "small flow velocity change" means that the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value of the flow velocity within the determined time period is less than a number selected from "1.01 to 1.20".

[0025] Embodiment 12. The intelligent shut-off valve of embodiment 3 is characterized in that the predetermined time is independently selected from a time range of "1 minute to 2 hours" each time it occurs.

[0026] Embodiment 13. The intelligent shut-off valve of embodiment 3 is characterized in that the predetermined flow rate is independently selected from a flow rate of "1 liter to 10 cubic meters" each time it occurs.

[0027] In some more specific embodiments, the above-mentioned fluid leakage characteristics can be mainly reflected by a small change in the fluid flow velocity within a predetermined time.

[0028] Therefore, the present application also provides the following implementation modes:

[0029] Embodiment 14. A smart shut-off valve for a fluid flow channel, comprising a flow detection device, a flow restriction device, and a control unit,

[0030] in,

[0031] The flow detection device is configured to measure the velocity of the fluid flowing through the flow channel and transmit the measured fluid flow velocity as information or signal to the control unit;

[0032] The flow restriction device is configured to be actuated to restrict the flow of fluid through the fluid passage; and

[0033] a control unit, the control unit receiving the detection result from the flow detection device and activating or deactivating the flow restriction device according to the detection result,

[0034] When the flow velocity is detected to be greater than 0, the control unit starts timing and determines the change of the fluid flow velocity within a predetermined time. If it is determined that the flow velocity change is small, the flow restriction device is started, otherwise the flow restriction device is made to fully open the flow channel.

[0035] Embodiment 15. The intelligent shut-off valve according to embodiment 14 is characterized in that the flow detection device comprises:

[0036] an impeller disposed on the fluid passage and configured to rotate in response to the flow of the fluid; and

[0037] A detection element is configured to detect the rotation speed of the impeller, so as to transmit the rotation speed to the control unit as information or a signal.

[0038] Embodiment 16. The intelligent shut-off valve according to embodiment 14 is characterized in that:

[0039] The flow restriction device has two switch positions, namely a first switch position and a second switch position, wherein when the flow restriction device is in the first switch position, the water flow can be reduced, and when the flow restriction device is in the second switch position, the water flow can be cut off.

[0040] The control unit determines the change of the flow speed within a first predetermined time when the flow speed is greater than 0, and activates the first switch gear of the flow restriction device when it is determined that the flow speed changes little within the first predetermined time, and then determines the change of the flow speed within a second predetermined time, and activates the second switch gear of the flow restriction device when it is determined that the flow speed changes little within the second predetermined time, thereby completely closing the entire flow channel;

[0041] During the first predetermined time or the second predetermined time, when it is determined that the flow velocity changes significantly or the flow velocity drops to 0, the flow restriction device is made to fully open the flow channel.

[0042] Embodiment 17. According to the intelligent shut-off valve described in Embodiment 14, it is characterized in that the flow restricting device includes at least one valve, and the valve includes an electromagnetic coil, a push rod and a baffle rotating along a rotating shaft or a valve plate connected to the push rod, and the control unit can cut off or connect the power supply of the electromagnetic coil, thereby driving the push rod to move, and then controlling the rotation of the baffle or the movement of the valve plate to control the opening and closing of the valve.

[0043] Embodiment 18. The intelligent shut-off valve according to embodiment 14 is characterized in that: the intelligent shut-off valve further comprises a shut-off valve body, the shut-off valve body is mounted on the flow channel, and the flow detection device and the flow restriction device are mounted on the shut-off valve body. There is no restriction on the installation position of the intelligent shut-off valve, as long as it is located on the flow channel, and the intelligent shut-off valve may even be placed directly in the fluid pipeline without a shut-off valve body.

[0044] Embodiment 19. The intelligent shut-off valve according to embodiment 14 is characterized in that: the intelligent shut-off valve also includes a reset device, and when the shut-off valve completely closes the entire flow channel, the flow restriction device is activated to completely open the flow channel.

[0045] Embodiment 20. The intelligent shut-off valve according to embodiment 14 is characterized in that: the reset device includes a balancing pipe connected upstream and downstream of the flow restriction device, and a balancing pipe switch valve arranged on the balancing pipe,

[0046] Under normal circumstances, the balancing pipe switch valve is in a closed state. When the balancing pipe switch valve is opened, the upstream and downstream pressures of the flow restriction device are balanced, so that the flow restriction device fully opens the flow channel and the entire intelligent cut-off valve is reset.

[0047] Embodiment 21. The intelligent shut-off valve according to embodiment 14, characterized in that:

[0048] The flow restriction device has a plurality of switch positions, and the entire fluid channel is gradually closed by gradually activating the plurality of switch positions, each of which corresponds to a predetermined time period.

[0049] When the flow velocity is greater than 0, the control unit sequentially and stepwise determines the change of the flow velocity in the predetermined time period corresponding to each gear position, and when it is determined that the flow velocity change in the predetermined time period is small, activates the switch gear position of the flow restriction device, and then determines the change of the flow velocity in the predetermined time period corresponding to the next switch gear position, and when it is determined that the flow velocity change in the next predetermined time period is small, activates the next switch gear position of the flow restriction device, and so on, until all switch gear positions are activated, thereby completely closing the entire flow channel;

[0050] During the predetermined time period corresponding to each gear position, when it is determined that the flow velocity changes significantly or the flow velocity drops to 0, the flow restriction device is caused to fully open the flow channel.

[0051] Embodiment 22. The intelligent shut-off valve of embodiment 14 is characterized in that the "small flow velocity change" means that the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value of the flow velocity within the judged time period is less than a number selected from "1.01 to 1.20".

[0052] Embodiment 23. The intelligent shut-off valve of embodiment 14 is characterized in that the "obvious change in flow velocity" means that the "small change in flow velocity" is not judged.

[0053] The advantages of this technology are: it provides an intelligent cut-off valve that automatically detects fluid leakage, detects the possibility of fluid leakage by detecting the fluid leakage characteristics, and then reminds the user by, for example, reducing the flow rate, and finally can automatically cut off the fluid flow channel. This valve is suitable for various fluid channels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description only relate to some embodiments of the present disclosure, but are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the present application under normal use.

[0056] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of starting the first gear to restrict fluid flow when leakage characteristics are detected according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0057] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of starting the second gear to close the fluid channel when a leakage feature is detected according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0058] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the present application under normal use.

[0059] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of starting the first gear to restrict fluid flow when leakage characteristics are detected according to the second embodiment of the present application.

[0060] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of starting the second gear to close the fluid channel when a leakage feature is detected according to the second embodiment of the present application.

[0061] Description of reference numerals:

[0062] Cut-off valve body 1, control unit 2, first armature and first push rod 3, first shielding cover 4, first electromagnetic coil 5, first valve plate 6, first support shaft 7, first support shaft spring 8, impeller 9, first channel 10, second channel 11, second valve plate 12, second support shaft spring 13, second support shaft 14, Hall element 15, second electromagnetic coil 16, second armature and second push rod 17, second shielding cover 18, reset valve 19, balance pipe 20, first spring 21, second spring 22 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the described embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0064] In the present application, unless otherwise specified or different meanings can be derived from the context, each term has the meaning generally understood in the art.

[0065] Most fluid leakage incidents have some common characteristics, such as long fluid flow time, large continuous fluid loss, and the fluid flow rate remains basically unchanged due to undetected. All of the above characteristics are fluid leakage characteristics. Fluid leakage characteristics refer to characteristics that indicate that the fluid is leaking unexpectedly instead of being used normally, and the specific circumstances include but are not limited to the above.

[0066] The present application adopts an intelligent cut-off valve to detect fluid leakage characteristics and take corresponding measures, thereby effectively solving the problem of unexpected fluid leakage.

[0067] Specifically, this application includes the following:

[0068] An intelligent shut-off valve for a fluid flow channel, comprising a flow detection device, a flow restriction device, and a control unit,

[0069] in,

[0070] The flow detection device is configured to measure flow information of the fluid flowing through the flow channel and transmit the flow information to the control unit;

[0071] The flow restriction device is configured to be actuated to restrict the flow of fluid through the fluid passage; and

[0072] The control unit receives flow information from the flow detection device, determines whether there is a fluid leakage feature from the flow information, and starts or closes the flow restriction device according to the judgment result. The "restricting the flow of fluid through the fluid channel" mentioned in this application means that the flow of fluid in the fluid channel is changed by the flow restriction device, such as: reducing and / or cutting off the flow of fluid through the fluid channel, or causing the fluid to flow through the fluid channel in a specific manner (for example, causing the fluid channel to expand and shrink regularly, so that the fluid flow changes regularly, to remind the water user to respond appropriately through the water valve, for example, closing the water valve will cause the cut-off valve to fully open the fluid channel). The specific flow restriction device can be a valve core of a water valve or a valve core of a multi-speed water valve, etc.

[0073] In some embodiments, the flow information includes at least one selected from “whether there is fluid flowing” and “fluid flow rate”.

[0074] In some embodiments, "fluid leakage characteristics" include one or more of the following: continuous fluid flow within a predetermined time; continuous fluid flow reaches a predetermined flow rate; or the fluid flow rate changes little within a predetermined time. There are many fluid leakage characteristics, not limited to the above three, but according to common understanding, the fluid leakage characteristics in most cases are within the three listed above.

[0075] In some embodiments, "activating or deactivating the flow restriction device according to the judgment result" includes: activating the flow restriction device when it is determined that there is a fluid leakage feature, otherwise deactivating the flow restriction device, that is, controlling the flow restriction device to fully open the flow channel.

[0076] In some embodiments, the flow restriction device has multiple switch gears, and the entire fluid channel is gradually closed by gradually enabling the multiple gears. Each gear corresponds to the control unit performing a "judgment from the flow information whether there is a fluid leakage feature", wherein

[0077] When the control unit determines that "fluid leakage characteristics exist" in multiple consecutive judgments, it gradually activates multiple switch positions of the flow restriction device accordingly until the entire fluid channel is closed; when the control unit determines that "fluid leakage characteristics do not exist" in multiple consecutive judgments, it controls the flow restriction device to completely open the flow channel.

[0078] In a specific embodiment, the intelligent shut-off valve has two switch positions. The first switch position closes most of the fluid channel, thereby significantly limiting the fluid flow rate, and the second switch position closes the entire fluid channel, thereby protecting the fluid from leakage. In this case, when the fluid user feels that the fluid flow rate has significantly decreased, the fluid flow is cut off by closing the valve or other means, and the intelligent shut-off valve is fully opened, and then the fluid can continue to be used normally. After the intelligent shut-off valve is closed, the fluid user needs to reset the shut-off valve to use the fluid normally.

[0079] In some embodiments, the flow detection device includes: an impeller, the impeller is arranged on the fluid channel and is configured to rotate in response to the flow of the fluid; and a detection element, the detection element is configured to detect the rotation and / or rotation speed information of the impeller, thereby transmitting the information to the control unit. This embodiment is a specific example of the flow monitoring device, which can achieve the effect of the present application.

[0080] In some embodiments, the flow restriction device includes at least one valve, the valve includes an electromagnetic coil, a push rod, and a baffle rotating along a rotating shaft or a valve plate connected to the push rod, and the control unit can cut off or connect the power supply of the electromagnetic coil, thereby driving the push rod to move, and then controlling the rotation of the baffle or the movement of the valve plate to control the opening and closing of the valve. This embodiment is a specific example of the flow restriction device, which can achieve the effect of the present application.

[0081] In some embodiments, the smart shut-off valve further includes a shut-off valve body, the shut-off valve body is mounted on the flow channel, and the flow detection device and the flow restriction device are mounted on the shut-off valve body. There is no restriction on the installation position of the smart shut-off valve, as long as it is located on the flow channel. The smart shut-off valve may not even have a shut-off valve body, but be directly placed in the fluid pipeline. In some specific embodiments, the smart shut-off valve may include a shut-off valve body, which is disposed on the fluid channel for connecting the upstream and downstream of the fluid channel, while other components of the smart shut-off valve are at least partially mounted on the shut-off valve body, such as the flow restriction device being mounted inside the shut-off valve body, thereby realizing the function of restricting the flow of the fluid.

[0082] In some embodiments, the intelligent shut-off valve further includes a reset device. When the shut-off valve completely closes the entire flow channel, the flow restriction device is activated to completely open the flow channel. After the intelligent shut-off valve completely cuts off the flow of fluid, since there is no fluid flow in the flow channel, the shut-off valve will not have any new movement, and thus the flow channel will be reliably closed. A reset device is provided, and the reset device is used to manually activate the reset device to reset the intelligent shut-off valve, close the flow restriction device, and reopen the fluid channel.

[0083] In some embodiments, the reset device includes a balance pipe connecting the upstream and downstream of the flow restriction device, and a balance pipe switch valve disposed on the balance pipe. Under normal circumstances, the balance pipe switch valve is in a closed state. When the balance pipe switch valve is opened, the upstream and downstream pressures of the flow restriction device are balanced, so that the flow restriction device completely opens the flow channel, and the entire intelligent shut-off valve is reset. This embodiment is a specific example of the reset device, which can achieve the effect of the present application.

[0084] In some embodiments, the "flow velocity changes slightly" means that the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value of the flow velocity in the determined time period is less than a number selected from "1.01 to 1.20". For example, "the flow velocity changes slightly" means that the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value of the flow velocity in the determined time period is less than 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 1.07, 1.08, 1.09, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, or 1.20. The numerical range may also not be limited to this, depending on the actual situation. For example, "the flow velocity changes slightly" means that the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value of the flow velocity in the determined time period is less than 1.30, 1.40, or 1.50.

[0085] In some embodiments, each occurrence of the predetermined time is independently selected from a time within the range of 1 minute to 2 hours. For example, the scheduled time is independently selected from “1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 11 minutes, 12 minutes, 13 minutes, 14 minutes, 15 minutes, 16 minutes, 17 minutes, 18 minutes, 19 minutes, 20 minutes, 21 minutes, 22 minutes, 23 minutes, 24 minutes, 25 minutes, 26 minutes, 27 minutes, 28 minutes, 29 minutes, 30 minutes, 31 minutes, 32 minutes, 33 minutes, 34 minutes, 35 minutes, 36 minutes, 37 minutes, 38 minutes, 39 minutes, 40 minutes, 41 minutes, 42 minutes, 43 minutes, 44 minutes, 45 minutes, 46 minutes, 47 minutes, 48 ​​minutes, 49 minutes, 50 minutes, 1 hour, 1 hour 10 minutes, 1 hour 20 minutes, 1 hour 30 minutes, 1 hour 40 minutes, 1 hour 50 minutes, 2 hours” each time it appears. The numerical range may not be limited thereto and may depend on the actual situation.

[0086] In some embodiments, the predetermined flow rate is independently selected from a flow rate of "1 liter to 10 cubic meters" each time it occurs. For example, the predetermined flow rate is independently selected from "1 liter, 1.5 liters, 2 liters, 2.5 liters, 3 liters, 3.5 liters, 4 liters, 4.5 liters, 5 liters, 5.5 liters, 6 liters, 6.5 liters, 7 liters, 7.5 liters, 8 liters, 8.5 liters, 9 liters, 10 liters, 11 liters, 12 liters, 13 liters, 14 liters, 15 liters, 16 liters, 17 liters, 18 liters, 19 liters, 20 liters, 21 liters, 22 liters, 23 liters, 24 liters, 25 liters, 26 liters, 27 liters, 28 liters, 29 liters, 30 liters, 31 liters, 32 liters, 33 liters, 34 liters, 35 liters, 36 liters, 37 liters, 38 liters, 39 liters, 40 liters, 41 liters, 42 liters, 43 liters, 44 liters, 45 liters, 46 liters, 47 liters, 48 ​​liters, 49 liters, 50 liters, 51 liters, 52 liters, 53 liters, 54 liters, 55 liters, 56 liters , 57 liters, 58 liters, 59 liters, 60 liters, 61 liters, 62 liters, 63 liters, 64 liters, 65 liters, 66 liters, 67 liters, 68 liters, 69 liters, 70 liters, 71 liters, 72 liters, 73 liters, 74 liters, 75 liters, 76 liters, 77 liters, 78 liters, 79 liters, 80 liters, 81 liters, 82 liters, 83 liters, 84 liters, 85 liters, 86 liters, 87 liters, 88 liters, 89 liters, 90 liters, 91 liters The flow rate can be selected from the group consisting of 1 liter, 92 liters, 93 liters, 94 liters, 95 liters, 96 liters, 97 liters, 98 liters, 99 liters, 100 liters, 200 liters, 300 liters, 400 liters, 500 liters, 600 liters, 700 liters, 800 liters, 900 liters, 1 cubic meter, 2 cubic meters, 3 cubic meters, 4 cubic meters, 5 cubic meters, 6 cubic meters, 7 cubic meters, 8 cubic meters, 9 cubic meters, or 10 cubic meters. The numerical range may not be limited thereto, depending on the actual situation. For example, the numerical range may be completely different when the fluid is water or when the fluid is gas.

[0087] In some more specific embodiments, the above-mentioned fluid leakage characteristics can be mainly reflected by a small change in the fluid flow velocity within a predetermined time.

[0088] Therefore, the present application also provides the following implementation modes:

[0089] An intelligent shut-off valve for a fluid flow channel, comprising a flow detection device, a flow restriction device, and a control unit,

[0090] in,

[0091] The flow detection device is configured to measure the velocity of the fluid flowing through the flow channel and transmit the measured fluid flow velocity as information or signal to the control unit;

[0092] The flow restriction device is configured to be actuated to restrict the flow of fluid through the fluid passage; and

[0093] a control unit, the control unit receiving the detection result from the flow detection device and activating or deactivating the flow restriction device according to the detection result,

[0094] Among them, when it is detected that the flow velocity is greater than 0, the control unit starts timing and determines the change of the fluid flow velocity within a predetermined time. If it is determined that the flow velocity change is small, the flow restriction device is activated, otherwise the flow restriction device is made to fully open the flow channel. The "restricting the flow of fluid through the fluid channel" mentioned in this application means that the flow of the fluid in the fluid channel is changed by the flow restriction device, such as: reducing and / or cutting off the flow of the fluid through the fluid channel, or making the fluid flow through the fluid channel in a specific manner (for example, making the fluid channel regularly expand and shrink, so that the fluid flow changes regularly, to remind the water user to respond appropriately through the water valve, for example, closing the water valve will cause the cut-off valve to fully open the fluid channel). The specific flow restriction device can be a valve core of a water valve or a valve core of a multi-speed water valve, etc.

[0095] In some embodiments, the flow detection device comprises:

[0096] an impeller disposed on the fluid passage and configured to rotate in response to the flow of the fluid; and

[0097] The detection element is configured to detect the rotation speed of the impeller, so as to transmit the rotation speed as information or signal to the control unit. This embodiment is a specific example of the flow monitoring device, which can achieve the effect of the present application.

[0098] In some embodiments, the flow restriction device has two switch positions, namely a first switch position and a second switch position, wherein when the flow restriction device is in the first switch position, the water flow can be reduced, and when the flow restriction device is in the second switch position, the water flow can be cut off, wherein

[0099] The control unit determines the change of the flow speed within a first predetermined time when the flow speed is greater than 0, and activates the first switch gear of the flow restriction device when it is determined that the flow speed changes little within the first predetermined time, and then determines the change of the flow speed within a second predetermined time, and activates the second switch gear of the flow restriction device when it is determined that the flow speed changes little within the second predetermined time, thereby completely closing the entire flow channel;

[0100] During the first predetermined time or the second predetermined time, when it is determined that the flow velocity changes significantly or the flow velocity drops to 0, the flow restriction device is made to fully open the flow channel.

[0101] In some embodiments, the flow restriction device includes at least one valve, and the valve includes an electromagnetic coil, a push rod, and a baffle rotating along a rotating shaft or a valve plate connected to the push rod. The control unit can cut off or connect the power supply of the electromagnetic coil, thereby driving the push rod to move, and then controlling the rotation of the baffle or the movement of the valve plate to control the opening and closing of the valve. In a specific embodiment, a spring is provided on the push rod to keep the valve open. After the shut-off valve is completely closed, the electromagnetic valve is powered off, and the baffle or valve plate and the push rod are kept closed by the upstream and downstream pressure difference to overcome the tension of the spring. After the balancing valve is opened, the upstream and downstream pressures are balanced, and the baffle or valve plate is reset under the action of the spring; on the one hand, it is considered from the perspective of power saving, and on the other hand, once the power is lost, the shut-off valve will not be opened by mistake. In addition, due to the low power consumption during operation, it can be powered by batteries.

[0102] In some embodiments, the smart shut-off valve further includes a shut-off valve body, the shut-off valve body is mounted on the flow channel, and the flow detection device and the flow restriction device are mounted on the shut-off valve body. There is no restriction on the installation position of the smart shut-off valve, as long as it is located on the flow channel. The smart shut-off valve may not even have a shut-off valve body, but be directly placed in the fluid pipeline. In some specific embodiments, the smart shut-off valve may include a shut-off valve body, which is disposed on the fluid channel for connecting the upstream and downstream of the fluid channel, while other components of the smart shut-off valve are at least partially mounted on the shut-off valve body, such as the flow restriction device being mounted inside the shut-off valve body, thereby realizing the function of restricting the flow of the fluid.

[0103] In some embodiments, the intelligent shut-off valve further includes a reset device. When the shut-off valve completely closes the entire flow channel, the flow restriction device is activated to completely open the flow channel. After the intelligent shut-off valve completely cuts off the flow of fluid, since there is no fluid flow in the flow channel, the shut-off valve will not have any new movement, and thus the flow channel will be reliably closed. A reset device is provided, and the reset device is used to manually activate the reset device to reset the intelligent shut-off valve, close the flow restriction device, and reopen the fluid channel.

[0104] In some embodiments, the resetting device includes a balancing pipe connected upstream and downstream of the flow restriction device, and a balancing pipe switch valve disposed on the balancing pipe.

[0105] Under normal circumstances, the balancing pipe switch valve is in a closed state. When the balancing pipe switch valve is opened, the upstream and downstream pressures of the flow restriction device are balanced, so that the flow restriction device completely opens the flow channel and the entire intelligent cut-off valve is reset. This embodiment is a specific example of a reset device, which can achieve the effect of the present application.

[0106] In some embodiments, the flow restriction device has a plurality of switch positions, and the entire fluid channel is gradually closed by gradually enabling the plurality of switch positions, each of which corresponds to a predetermined time period.

[0107] When the flow velocity is greater than 0, the control unit sequentially and stepwise determines the change of the flow velocity in the predetermined time period corresponding to each gear position, and when it is determined that the flow velocity change in the predetermined time period is small, activates the switch gear position of the flow restriction device, and then determines the change of the flow velocity in the predetermined time period corresponding to the next switch gear position, and when it is determined that the flow velocity change in the next predetermined time period is small, activates the next switch gear position of the flow restriction device, and so on, until all switch gear positions are activated, thereby completely closing the entire flow channel;

[0108] During the predetermined time period corresponding to each gear position, when it is determined that the flow velocity changes significantly or the flow velocity drops to 0, the flow restriction device is caused to fully open the flow channel.

[0109] In some embodiments, the "flow velocity changes slightly" means that the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value of the flow velocity in the determined time period is less than a number selected from "1.01 to 1.20". For example, "the flow velocity changes slightly" means that the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value of the flow velocity in the determined time period is less than 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 1.07, 1.08, 1.09, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, or 1.20. The numerical range may also not be limited to this, depending on the actual situation. For example, "the flow velocity changes slightly" means that the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value of the flow velocity in the determined time period is less than 1.30, 1.40 or 1.50.

[0110] In some embodiments, the “obvious change in flow velocity” means that “a small change in flow velocity” is not determined.

[0111] Example

[0112] Example 1

[0113] Figure 1-3 The first specific implementation method according to the present application is shown. Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the present application under normal use. Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of starting the first gear to restrict fluid flow when leakage characteristics are detected according to the first embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of starting the second gear to close the fluid channel when a leakage feature is detected according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0114] Figure 1 It is an intelligent water cut-off valve according to the present application, which consists of a water flow sensing device, a control unit 2 (also called a time or flow setting device) and a water flow cut-off device. It is a valve installed on the main pipeline and cannot be used as a water valve. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the water flow sensing device includes an impeller 9 and a Hall element 15. The water flow cut-off device includes a first switch position consisting of a first armature and a first push rod 3, a first shielding cover 4, a first electromagnetic coil 5, a first valve plate 6, a first support shaft 7, a first support shaft spring 8 and a first spring 21, and a second switch position consisting of a second valve plate 12, a second support shaft spring 13, a second support shaft 14, a second electromagnetic coil 16, a second armature and a second push rod 17, a second shielding cover 18 and a second spring 22. The two switch positions correspond to closing the first fluid channel 10 and the second fluid channel 11, respectively. Working principle: If the maximum time for opening the valve for each water use is set to 2 minutes or the water consumption is 20L (this is the first setting value), when the valve is opened, the water flow sensing device outputs a signal, and the time or flow calculation device starts working. If the faucet is closed within 2 minutes or 20L, the timing will be restarted when the valve is opened next time. If it exceeds 2 minutes or 20L, the large water flow cut-off valve is closed and a smaller water flow remains. If the water flow in the pipeline is closed within the set time or flow (this is the second setting value), the cut-off valve can return to its position. If it is not closed, the cut-off valve will cut off all water flow. If you want to continue using water, you need to manually reset the cut-off valve.

[0115] When water flows through the valve, the impeller 9 is driven to rotate, and the signal is collected by the Hall element 15 and fed back to the control unit 2 to start timing or metering. If the water flow stops within the preset time or flow rate, the timing or metering is automatically reset to zero ( Figure 1 If the first set value is exceeded, the control unit energizes the first electromagnetic coil 5, so that the first armature and the first push rod 3 installed in the first shielding cover 4 move downward to push the first valve plate 6 to rotate around the first support shaft 7, thereby closing the first channel 10. At this time, a small part of the water flows through the second channel 11 and continues to push the impeller 9 to rotate ( Figure 2The state of starting the first gear to limit the flow of fluid as shown), then enter the second set value judgment, if the water flow control unit is turned off within the second set value, the power supply of the first electromagnetic coil 5 will be cut off, and the first armature and the first push rod 3 will be reset under the action of the first spring 21. Due to the pressure balance on both sides of the first valve plate 6, the first valve plate 6 together with the first armature and the first push rod 3 will be opened under the action of the first spring 21. If it exceeds the second set value, the control unit will supply power to the second electromagnetic coil 16 again, so that the second armature and the second push rod 17 installed in the shielding cover 18 push the second valve plate 12 to rotate around the second support shaft 14, thereby closing the second channel 11, and then the first electromagnetic coil 5 and the second electromagnetic coil 16 are de-energized, and the valve plate is kept closed by the pressure difference on both sides ( Figure 3 If you want to restore the water supply, you need to open the reset valve 19, and water flows into the other side of the baffle through the balance pipe 20. When the pressure on both sides is balanced, the first valve plate 6 and the second valve plate 12 are opened under the action of the first spring 21 and the second spring 22.

[0116] The above embodiments illustrate the present application with an intelligent water cut-off valve, which determines the fluid leakage characteristics twice. If the fluid leakage characteristics are continuously detected, the cut-off valve is used to close the fluid channel to protect the fluid from leakage.

[0117] Example 2

[0118] Figure 4-5 A second specific implementation according to the present application is shown. Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the present application under normal use. Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of starting the first gear to restrict fluid flow when leakage characteristics are detected according to the second embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of starting the second gear to close the fluid channel when a leakage feature is detected according to the second embodiment of the present application.

[0119] Figure 3 It is an intelligent water cut-off valve according to the present application, which consists of a water flow sensing device, a control unit 2 (also called a time or flow setting device) and a water flow cut-off device. It is a valve installed on the main pipeline and cannot be used as a water valve. Figure 3In the embodiment, the water flow sensing device includes an impeller 9 and a Hall element 15. The water flow cut-off device includes a first switch position consisting of a first armature and a first push rod 3, a first shielding cover 4, a first electromagnetic coil 5, a first valve plate 6, and a first spring 21, and a second switch position consisting of a second valve plate 12, a second electromagnetic coil 16, a second armature and a second push rod 17, a second shielding cover 18, and a second spring 22. The two switch positions correspond to closing the first fluid channel 10 and the second fluid channel 11, respectively. Working principle: If the maximum time for opening the valve for each water use is set to 2 minutes or the water consumption is 20L (this is the first setting value), when the valve is opened, the water flow sensing device outputs a signal, and the time or flow calculation device starts working. If the faucet is closed within 2 minutes or 20L, the timing will be restarted when the valve is opened next time. If it exceeds 2 minutes or 20L, the large water flow cut-off valve is closed and a smaller water flow remains. If the water flow in the pipeline is closed within the set time or flow (this is the second setting value), the cut-off valve can return to its position. If it is not closed, the cut-off valve will cut off all water flow. If you want to continue using water, you need to manually reset the cut-off valve.

[0120] When water flows through the valve, the impeller 9 is driven to rotate, and the signal is collected by the Hall element 15 and fed back to the control unit 2 to start timing or metering. If the water flow stops within the preset time or flow rate, the timing or metering is automatically reset to zero ( Figure 4 If the first set value is exceeded, the control unit energizes the first electromagnetic coil 5, so that the first armature and the first push rod 3 installed in the first shielding cover 4 move downward to push the first valve plate 6 to close the first channel 10. At this time, a small part of the water flows through the second channel 11 to continue to push the impeller 9 to rotate ( Figure 5 The state of starting the first gear to limit the flow of fluid as shown), at this time, the second set value is determined. If the water flow control unit is turned off within the second set value, the power supply of the first electromagnetic coil 5 will be cut off, and the first armature and the first push rod 3 will be reset under the action of the first spring 21. Due to the pressure balance on both sides of the first valve plate 6, the first valve plate 6 together with the first armature and the first push rod 3 will be opened under the action of the first spring 21. If the second set value is exceeded, the control unit will supply power to the second electromagnetic coil 16 again, so that the second armature and the second push rod 17 installed in the shielding cover 18 push the second valve plate 12 to close the second channel 11, and then the first electromagnetic coil 5 and the second electromagnetic coil 16 are de-energized. At this time, the valve plate relies on the pressure difference on both sides to keep closed ( Figure 6 If you want to restore the water supply, you need to open the reset valve 19, and water flows into the other side of the baffle through the balance pipe 20. When the pressure on both sides is balanced, the first valve plate 6 and the second valve plate 12 are opened under the action of the first spring 21 and the second spring 22.

[0121] The above embodiments illustrate the present application with an intelligent water cut-off valve, which determines the fluid leakage characteristics twice. If the fluid leakage characteristics are continuously detected, the cut-off valve is used to close the fluid channel to protect the fluid from leakage.

[0122] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure. The protection scope of the present disclosure is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An intelligent shut-off valve for a fluid flow channel, comprising a flow detection device, a flow restriction device and a control unit, in, The flow detection device is configured to measure flow information of the fluid flowing through the flow channel and transmit the flow information to the control unit; The flow restriction device is configured to be activated to restrict the flow of fluid through the flow channel, and the flow restriction device has two switch positions, namely a first switch position and a second switch position, wherein when the flow restriction device is in the first switch position, the water flow can be reduced, and when the flow restriction device is in the second switch position, the water flow can be cut off; and The control unit receives flow information from the flow detection device, determines whether there is a fluid leakage feature from the flow information, and starts or shuts down the flow restriction device according to the determination result, wherein the fluid leakage feature includes a small change in the fluid flow velocity within a predetermined time. in, The control unit determines the change of the flow speed within a first predetermined time when the flow speed is greater than 0, and activates the first switch gear of the flow restriction device when it is determined that the flow speed changes little within the first predetermined time, and then determines the change of the flow speed within a second predetermined time, and activates the second switch gear of the flow restriction device when it is determined that the flow speed changes little within the second predetermined time, thereby completely closing the entire flow channel; During the first predetermined time period or the second predetermined time period, when it is determined that the flow velocity changes significantly, the flow restriction device is caused to fully open the flow passage, The obvious change in flow velocity means that the flow velocity change is not judged to be small, wherein the small change in flow velocity means that the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value of the flow velocity in the judged time period is less than a number selected from "1.01 to 1.20".

2. The intelligent shut-off valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent shut-off valve further comprises a shut-off valve body, wherein the shut-off valve body is mounted on the flow channel, and the flow detection device and the flow restriction device are mounted on the shut-off valve body.

3. The intelligent shut-off valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent shut-off valve further comprises a reset device. When the shut-off valve completely closes the entire flow channel, the flow restriction device is activated to completely open the flow channel.

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