High-sensitivity and high-flow water flow sensor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a high-sensitivity large-flow water flow sensor in the technical field of water heaters, wherein an empty shell is divided into four chambers by a longitudinal partition and a transverse partition, a first flow hole and a second flow hole are provided on the longitudinal partition, a third flow hole and a fourth flow hole are provided on the transverse partition, the first water chamber is connected to the second water chamber via the first flow hole, the transverse partition is located between the first flow hole and the second flow hole; the third water chamber is connected to the first water chamber via the third flow hole, the third water chamber is connected to the fourth water chamber via the second flow hole, the fourth water chamber is connected to the second water chamber via the fourth flow hole, a water flow baffle is provided in the second water chamber to block the first flow hole, a magnet is provided on the water flow baffle, a magnetic induction element corresponding to the magnet is provided in the shell wall; a spring and a valve core are provided in the fourth water chamber, and the valve core abuts against the mouth of the second flow hole via the spring. The sensor has high sensitivity and large flow rate and can be used in various water heaters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a water flow sensor, in particular to a water flow sensor used for a water heater. Background Art

[0002] Due to the popularization of solar water heating, single-machine and centralized operation are very common. There are other forms of heat source water heaters such as air energy water heaters, but the water tank is on the roof or far away from the water point, and the hot water pipe is long. There will be problems with pipe cold water treatment. The current industry common practice is: constant temperature circulation and temperature difference circulation to achieve pipe circulation constant temperature, generally for 24 hours. The hot water pipe has less heat loss in the insulation state, but there is still heat loss; if the pipeline is long, coupled with low ambient temperature (large temperature difference), the heat loss of circulation constant temperature is relatively large. The main greater heat loss is that there are about 10 hours a day when hot water is not used and it is still circulating constant temperature. If the timing plus constant temperature circulation and temperature difference circulation are used to achieve pipe circulation constant temperature, there may be too much cold water to use at a certain time when the timing is not circulating. How to solve the unification of instant hot water and energy saving is a technical problem.

[0003] In the Chinese patent database, a new type of solar water heater is disclosed, with the publication number: CN205580015U; publication date: 20160914. The device includes a water tank and a control module. The water outlet of the water tank is connected to the hot water valve through the inlet and outlet pipes. It is characterized in that a return pipe, a temperature sensor, and a water flow sensor are provided. The lower end of the return pipe is arranged on the inlet and outlet pipes, and the upper end of the return pipe is connected to the water tank via a solenoid valve. A water pump is provided on the water outlet of the water tank. The temperature sensor, the water pump, the solenoid valve, and the water flow sensor are respectively connected to the control module through control lines. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the inlet and outlet pipes or the return pipes; the water flow sensor is used to detect the water flow information of the water tank outlet. The patent monitors the water flow and temperature change information in the hot water supply pipe through the water flow sensor and the temperature sensor, determines whether the user uses hot water, and then controls the water pump and the solenoid valve to start or stop, so as to achieve the purpose of no cold water or very little cold water when using hot water, hot water pressurization, and antifreeze. Its disadvantage is that the water flow sensor has a small flow volume and a slow flow rate, and the user has a long waiting time. Some people have tried several booster pumps with built-in water flow sensors, but the minimum water pressure requirement for driving the switch is about 1m. Currently, there is a lack of water flow sensors on the market that can be used for hot water for a long time and operate without failure for many years, and that are suitable for solar stand-alone and centralized hot water use with large flow rates. The root cause is that there is a natural contradiction between sensitivity and large flow rates, and existing technologies cannot take both into account. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a high-sensitivity and large-flow water flow sensor, which has high sensitivity and large flow and is suitable for use in hot water of solar single-machine, centralized and other forms of heat source water heaters.

[0005] The objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical scheme: a highly sensitive and large-flow water flow sensor, comprising a hollow shell, a water inlet is provided on one side of the shell, and a water outlet is provided on the other side; a cross-staggered longitudinal partition and a transverse partition are provided in the shell, and the longitudinal partition and the transverse partition divide the shell into four chambers, namely a first water chamber, a second water chamber, a third water chamber and a fourth water chamber; a first flow hole and a second flow hole are provided on the longitudinal partition, and a third flow hole and a fourth flow hole are provided on the transverse partition; the first water chamber is directly connected to the water inlet, the second water chamber is directly connected to the water outlet, and the first water chamber is directly connected to the second water chamber. The water chambers are connected via a first flow hole, and the transverse partition is located between the first flow hole and the second flow hole; the third water chamber is connected to the first water chamber via the third flow hole, the third water chamber is connected to the fourth water chamber via the second flow hole, and the fourth water chamber is connected to the second water chamber via the fourth flow hole. A water flow baffle is provided in the second water chamber to block the opening of the first flow hole, the upper end of the water flow baffle is hinged on the longitudinal partition, a magnet is provided on the water flow baffle, and a magnetic induction element corresponding to the magnet is provided in the shell wall; a spring and a valve core are provided in the fourth water chamber, and the valve core is abutted against the opening of the second flow hole via the spring.

[0006] The device is installed between the water tank and the user's faucet. When the user does not use water, no water flows through the first flow hole, and the water flow baffle is close to the mouth of the first flow hole, so that the first flow hole is closed. When water flows through the first flow hole, the water flow baffle is pushed away from the partition under the action of thrust, and the magnet is moved, so that the magnetic induction element senses the change of magnetic flux, thereby sending a switch signal, and the control device controls the water pump to start. When the water pump flow reaches a certain flow rate and the flow rate of the first flow hole cannot be satisfied, the water flows into the third water cavity through the third flow hole, and then through the second flow hole, pushing the valve core to overcome the spring resistance and move. The water flows into the second water cavity through the fourth flow hole and then leaves from the water outlet, which can increase the water outlet flow rate. If the user's water consumption decreases, the spring will push the valve core to close the flow hole; water flows through the first flow hole for supply. When the user closes the water valve, the flow hole magnetic induction element sends a switch signal again, and the control device controls the water pump to stop. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effect of the present invention is that: through the design of the first flow hole and the water flow baffle, the movement position of the magnet is realized, thereby transmitting the electrical signal, and the large flow of water when using water is not mainly transported through the first flow hole. Therefore, the size of the first flow hole can be minimized, and the weight of the water flow baffle and the magnet can be as small as possible, so that a very small flow can trigger the switch signal of the water pump, thereby improving the sensitivity of the sensor; and the large flow of water is transported through the second flow hole. The device has the advantages of high sensitivity and large flow, and can be used in hot water of solar single-machine, centralized and other forms of heat sources. The water flow can be unlimitedly enlarged to meet the needs of users, and adapt to all working conditions that require pressurization and control of water flow and water pressure. Of course, it is necessary to increase the number of large flow sensors or expand the diameter of the corresponding water cavity and flow hole.

[0007] A further improvement is that the fourth flow hole is provided on the transverse partition plate near the longitudinal partition plate. When the valve core is pushed by the water flow, water can be quickly supplied from the water outlet through the fourth flow hole.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the valve core is mounted on the valve stem, the spring is sleeved on the valve stem, a hollow pressure regulating screw is threadedly connected to the housing, the valve stem is inserted into the pressure regulating screw, and the end of the pressure regulating screw abuts against the end of the spring. The valve stem has a guiding function to ensure that the valve core can move and reset normally, and the valve opening pressure of the valve core can be adjusted through the pressure regulating screw.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, a flow regulating screw is threadedly connected to the shell, and the flow regulating screw is coaxially arranged with the third flow hole. The flow regulating screw extends into the third water chamber. When the flow regulating screw is rotated, the gap between the flow regulating screw and the third flow hole changes. The change in the gap actually changes the effective flow area, so that the flow rate can be changed. There is no need to completely close the gap between the flow regulating screw and the third flow hole. That is, as long as the flow area between the two can be changed, flow regulation can be achieved without completely blocking the water flow. This function can play a role when it is necessary to save water. When it is not necessary to save water, it can be fully opened without adjustment.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the diameter of the first flow hole is less than 12 mm. Using a smaller first flow hole can improve its sensitivity.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, an assembly cover covering the first water chamber is provided on the housing. By opening the assembly cover, the water flow baffle can be inspected and replaced to ensure smooth and flexible movement. During manufacturing, the third flow hole can be conveniently processed, and during assembly, the position of the valve core and its assembly status can be visually seen through the third flow hole.

[0012] A further improvement of the present invention is that the longitudinal sections of the second water chamber and the fourth water chamber are circular, or square. The cavities with circular sections are easy to process.

[0013] A further improvement of the present invention is that the upper part of the water flow baffle is square and the lower part is semicircular. This structure enables the water to flow out stably from the semicircular edge after the water flow pushes the water flow baffle open, and keeps the water flow baffle at a certain opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the high-sensitivity and large-flow water flow sensor of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 AA section view in.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 BB section view in.

[0017] In the figure: 1 water outlet, 2 assembly cover, 3 pin shaft, 4 water flow baffle, 5 shell, 6 longitudinal partition, 7 first water chamber, 8 water inlet, 9 first flow hole, 10 magnetic induction element, 11 magnet, 12 second water chamber, 13 fourth flow hole, 14 third flow hole, 15 second flow hole, 16 flow regulating screw, 17 third water chamber, 18 valve core, 19 valve stem, 20 spring, 21 transverse partition, 22 fourth water chamber, 23 pressure regulating screw. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] like Figure 1-3 As shown, a high-sensitivity large-flow water flow sensor comprises a hollow shell 5, a water inlet 8 is provided on one side of the shell 5, and a water outlet 1 is provided on the other side. A cross-staggered longitudinal partition 6 and a transverse partition 21 are provided in the shell 5, and the longitudinal partition 6 and the transverse partition 21 divide the shell 5 into four chambers, namely a first water chamber 7, a second water chamber 12, a third water chamber 17 and a fourth water chamber 22. The longitudinal partition 6 is provided with a first flow hole 9 and a second flow hole 15, and the transverse partition 21 is provided with a third flow hole 14 and a fourth flow hole 13. The first water chamber 7 is directly connected to the water inlet 8, and the second water chamber 12 is directly connected to the water outlet 1. The first water chamber 7 and the second water chamber 12 are connected via the first flow hole 9. The transverse partition 21 is located at the first Between the flow hole 9 and the second flow hole 15; the third water chamber 17 is connected to the first water chamber 7 through the third flow hole 14, the third water chamber 17 is connected to the fourth water chamber 22 through the second flow hole 15, and the fourth water chamber 22 is connected to the second water chamber 12 through the fourth flow hole 13. A water flow baffle 4 is provided in the second water chamber 12 to block the mouth of the first flow hole 9. The upper part of the water flow baffle 4 is square and the lower part is semicircular. The upper end of the water flow baffle 4 is hinged to the longitudinal partition 6 through the pin shaft 3. A magnet 11 is provided on the water flow baffle 4. A magnetic induction element 10 corresponding to the magnet 11 is provided in the wall of the shell 5; a spring 20 and a valve core 18 are provided in the fourth water chamber 22. The valve core 18 abuts against the mouth of the second flow hole 15 through the spring 20. The fourth flow hole 13 is opened on the transverse partition 21 near the longitudinal partition 6.

[0019] The valve core 18 is installed on the valve stem 19, the spring 20 is sleeved on the valve stem 19, a hollow pressure regulating screw 23 is threadedly connected to the housing 5, the valve stem 19 is inserted into the pressure regulating screw 23, and the end of the pressure regulating screw 23 abuts against the end of the spring 20.

[0020] The shell 5 is threadedly connected with a flow regulating screw 16, which is coaxially arranged with the third flow hole. The flow regulating screw 16 extends into the third water chamber 17. When the flow regulating screw 16 is rotated, the gap between the flow regulating screw 16 and the third flow hole changes.

[0021] The housing 5 is provided with an assembly cover 2 for covering the first water chamber 7. The diameter of the first flow hole 9 is less than 12 mm. The longitudinal sections of the second water chamber 12 and the fourth water chamber 22 are circular.

[0022] The magnetic induction element 10 is connected to the controller through a wire, and the controller is connected to the water pump.

[0023] The water flow baffle 4 in the water flow sensor can be made of metal or non-metal material.

[0024] The highly sensitive water flow sensor can be used for electric water heaters, gas water heaters, non-pressurized solar water heaters and all equipment that need to control water flow and pressure. It can also add peripheral circuits to directly and automatically control water pumps.

[0025] The device is installed between the water tank and the user's faucet. When the user does not use water, no water flows through the first flow hole 9, and the water flow baffle 4 is close to the mouth of the first flow hole 9, so that the first flow hole 9 is closed. When water flows through the first flow hole 9, the water flow baffle 4 leaves the partition under the action of thrust and rotates an angle around the pin 3. The magnet 11 is moved, so that the magnetic induction element 10 senses the change in magnetic flux, thereby sending a switch signal, and the control device controls the water pump to start. When the water pump flow reaches a certain value, the water flow baffle 4 will be turned off. When the flow rate of the first flow hole 9 cannot be met, the water flows through the third flow hole 14 into the third water chamber 17, and then through the second flow hole 15, pushes the valve core 18 to overcome the resistance of the spring 20 and moves, and the water flows through the fourth flow hole 13 into the second water chamber 12, and then leaves from the water outlet 1, which can increase the flow rate of the water outlet 1. If the user's water consumption decreases, the spring 20 will push the valve core 18 to close the second flow hole 15, and the magnetic induction element 10 will send a switch signal again, and the control device will control the water pump to stop the pump. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effect of the present invention is that: through the design of the first flow hole 9 and the water flow baffle 4, the movement position of the magnet 11 is realized, thereby transmitting an electrical signal, and the large flow of water when using water is mainly transported through the second flow hole 15, therefore, the size of the first flow hole 9 can be minimized, and the weight of the water flow baffle 4 and the magnet 11 can be as small as possible, so that a very small flow can trigger the switch signal of the water pump, so that the sensor has high sensitivity; and the large flow of water is transported through the second flow hole 15. This makes the device have the advantages of high sensitivity and large flow rate, and is suitable for hot and cold water from solar stand-alone, centralized and other forms of heat sources, as well as all equipment that requires control of water flow and pressure.

[0026] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. On the basis of the technical solution disclosed in the present invention, technicians in this field can make some substitutions and deformations to some technical features therein according to the disclosed technical content without creative labor, and these substitutions and deformations are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-sensitivity, high-flow water flow sensor, comprising a hollow shell, a water inlet on one side of the shell, and a water outlet on the other side, characterized in that: The shell is provided with a cross-staggered longitudinal partition and a transverse partition, which divide the shell into four chambers, namely a first water chamber, a second water chamber, a third water chamber and a fourth water chamber. The longitudinal partition is provided with a first flow hole and a second flow hole, and the transverse partition is provided with a third flow hole and a fourth flow hole. The first water chamber is directly connected to the water inlet, the second water chamber is directly connected to the water outlet, and the first water chamber and the second water chamber are connected through the first flow hole. The transverse partition is located between the first flow hole and the second flow hole; the third water chamber is connected to the first water chamber through the third flow hole, the third water chamber and the fourth water chamber are connected through the second flow hole, and the fourth water chamber and the second water chamber are connected through the fourth flow hole. A water flow baffle is provided in the second water chamber to block the position of the first flow hole opening, the upper end of the water flow baffle is hinged on the longitudinal partition, a magnet is provided on the water flow baffle, and a magnetic induction element corresponding to the magnet is provided in the shell wall; a spring and a valve core are provided in the fourth water chamber, and the valve core is abutted against the second flow hole opening through the spring.

2. The high-sensitivity and high-flow water flow sensor according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The fourth flow hole is arranged on the transverse partition plate near the longitudinal partition plate.

3. The high-sensitivity and high-flow water flow sensor according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The valve core is installed on the valve stem, the spring is sleeved on the valve stem, a hollow pressure regulating screw is threadedly connected to the shell, the valve stem is inserted into the pressure regulating screw, and the end of the pressure regulating screw abuts against the end of the spring.

4. The high-sensitivity and high-flow water flow sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The shell is threadedly connected with a flow regulating screw, which is coaxially arranged with the third flow hole. The flow regulating screw extends into the third water cavity. When the flow regulating screw is rotated, the gap between the flow regulating screw and the third flow hole changes.

5. The high-sensitivity and high-flow water flow sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The diameter of the first flow hole is less than 12 mm.

6. The high-sensitivity and high-flow water flow sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The shell body is provided with an assembly cover for covering the first water cavity.

7. The high-sensitivity and high-flow water flow sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The longitudinal sections of the second water chamber and the fourth water chamber are circular.

8. The high-sensitivity and high-flow water flow sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The upper part of the water flow baffle is square, and the lower part is semicircular.

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