A gas valve driving circuit and a gas device

Abstract

This invention discloses a gas valve drive circuit and a gas device. The gas valve drive circuit includes: a separately configured valve-opening power supply and a valve-maintaining power supply, wherein the voltage of the valve-opening power supply is higher than the voltage of the valve-maintaining power supply; a first switching module, one end of which is connected to the valve-opening power supply, and the other end of which is grounded after acting on the gas valve; and a first unidirectional module, the anode of which is connected to the valve-maintaining power supply, and the cathode of which is connected to the other end of the first switching module. With this configuration, this technical solution employs dual power supplies, namely, separately configured valve-opening and valve-maintaining power supplies. During valve maintenance, the power supply is also a DC power supply, keeping the valve-driving current constant, meaning the current flowing through the gas valve is more stable. Moreover, during valve maintenance, since the power supply is also a DC power supply, compared to conventional methods, it only has a DC component, thereby reducing power consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of gas valve technology, specifically to a gas valve drive circuit and a gas device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, for DC gas on / off valves used in gas products (such as gas water heaters), a higher voltage is required to ensure reliable valve engagement, resulting in a larger current flowing through the valve coil. Once the gas valve is engaged, the required voltage can be reduced to maintain its closed position. For example, for a certain gas on / off valve, the opening voltage can be 20V, and the maintenance voltage can be 8V.

[0003] The conventional valve-driving method uses direct current to open the valve, followed by a square wave valve maintenance process. When using a square wave valve, the voltage is composed of a superposition of DC and AC components. During a high square wave level, the valve current increases, and during a low square wave level, the valve current decreases, resulting in voltage and current fluctuations. Furthermore, since both the DC and AC components perform work, the power consumption during valve maintenance is relatively high. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that when using a square wave valve, the voltage and current fluctuate, and the power consumption generated during valve operation is large. The present invention provides a gas valve drive circuit and a gas device.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a gas valve driving circuit, which includes: a separately configured valve opening power supply and a valve maintenance power supply, wherein the voltage of the valve opening power supply is higher than the voltage of the valve maintenance power supply; a first switching module, one end of which is connected to the valve opening power supply, and the other end of which is grounded after the gas valve is connected; and a first unidirectional module, wherein the anode of the first unidirectional module is connected to the valve maintenance power supply, and the cathode of the first unidirectional module is connected to the other end of the first switching module.

[0006] Optionally, the first switch module includes: a first switch tube, the first end of which is connected to the valve opening power supply, and the second end of which is grounded after acting on the gas valve; and a second switch tube, the control terminal of which is adapted to receive a second control signal, the first end of which is connected to the control terminal of the first switch tube via a current-limiting resistor, and the second end of which is grounded.

[0007] Optionally, the gas valve drive circuit further includes a power switch, the first end of which is connected to the other end of the first switch module, and the second end of which is grounded after the gas valve.

[0008] Optionally, the power switch includes:

[0009] The third switch tube has its first end connected to the other end of the first switch module, and its second end is grounded after the gas valve.

[0010] The fourth switch is configured to receive a fourth control signal at its control terminal, and its first terminal is connected to the control terminal of the third switch, while its second terminal is grounded.

[0011] Optionally, the gas valve drive circuit further includes a fuse circuit, one end of which is connected to the control module, and the other end of which is connected to the control terminal of the fourth switching transistor; when the control module is working normally, the fuse circuit provides a conduction signal to the fourth switching transistor.

[0012] Optionally, when the control module malfunctions, the fuse circuit stops providing a conduction signal to the fourth switch, and the fourth switch is disconnected.

[0013] Optionally, the fuse circuit includes: a fifth switch transistor, the first end of which is connected to the control module, the second end of which is grounded via a first resistor and a second resistor in sequence, and the control terminal of which is connected to the control module; the control terminal of the fourth switch transistor is connected between the first resistor and the second resistor; a first capacitor, one end of which is connected to the first end of the fifth switch transistor, and the other end of which is grounded; and a second capacitor, the other end of which is connected to the second end of the fifth switch transistor, and the other end of which is grounded.

[0014] Optionally, the fuse circuit further includes: a second unidirectional module, the anode of the second unidirectional module being connected to the control module, and the cathode of the second unidirectional module being connected to the first end of the fifth switching transistor.

[0015] Optionally, the first unidirectional module and the second unidirectional module are unidirectional diodes.

[0016] Optionally, the gas valve drive circuit further includes:

[0017] A filtering module, one end of which is connected to the other end of the first switching module, and the other end of which is grounded.

[0018] The present invention provides a gas device, which includes a gas valve drive circuit as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0020] 1. An embodiment of the present invention provides a gas valve driving circuit, which includes: a separately configured valve opening power supply and a valve maintenance power supply, wherein the voltage of the valve opening power supply is higher than the voltage of the valve maintenance power supply; a first switching module, one end of which is connected to the valve opening power supply, and the other end of which is grounded after the gas valve; and a first unidirectional module, wherein the anode of the first unidirectional module is connected to the valve maintenance power supply, and the cathode of the first unidirectional module is connected to the other end of the first switching module.

[0021] Compared to conventional technologies, this technical solution employs a dual power supply: a separate power supply for opening the valve and a power supply for maintaining the valve. During valve maintenance, the power supply is also DC, ensuring a constant valve drive current and thus a more stable current flowing through the gas valve. Furthermore, because the power supply is also DC during valve maintenance, compared to conventional methods that use square wave voltage for valve maintenance, this solution only has a DC component, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0022] 2. By incorporating a safety circuit, this invention can prevent the gas valve from being energized when the control module malfunctions or becomes uncontrollable, thereby closing the gas valve and cutting off the gas supply. This ensures that uncontrollable combustion or gas leakage will not occur when the control module malfunctions or becomes uncontrollable, thus improving the safety of the gas product. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the gas valve drive circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the workflow of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] R1, first resistor; R2, second resistor; R3, third resistor; R4, fourth resistor; R5, fifth resistor; R6, current-limiting resistor;

[0028] MCU, control module; I / O1, first port; I / O2, second port;

[0029] Q1, first switching transistor; Q2, second switching transistor; Q3, third switching transistor; Q4, fourth switching transistor; Q5, fifth switching transistor;

[0030] D1, First unidirectional module; D2, Second unidirectional module; C1, First capacitor; C2, Second capacitor; C3, Filter capacitor. Detailed Implementation

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

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can also refer to the internal connection of two components; and they can refer to a wireless connection or a wired connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0035] Currently, for DC gas on / off valves used in gas products (such as gas water heaters), a higher voltage is required to ensure reliable valve engagement, resulting in a larger current flowing through the valve coil. Once the gas valve is engaged, the required voltage can be reduced to maintain its closed position. For example, for a certain gas on / off valve, the opening voltage can be 20V, and the maintenance voltage can be 8V. The conventional valve driving method uses DC current to open the valve, followed by a square wave maintenance valve. When using a square wave maintenance valve, because the square wave voltage is composed of DC and AC components, the valve current rises when the square wave is high and falls when it is low, resulting in voltage and current fluctuations. Simultaneously, since both the DC and AC components perform work, the power consumption during maintenance is relatively high.

[0036] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that when using a square wave valve, the voltage and current fluctuate, and the power consumption generated during valve operation is large. The present invention provides a gas valve drive circuit and a gas device.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a gas valve driving circuit, which includes a power switching circuit, comprising a valve opening power supply, a valve maintenance power supply, a first switching module, and a first unidirectional module D1.

[0039] Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, the valve-opening power supply and the valve-maintaining power supply are separately configured, and the voltage of the valve-opening power supply is higher than the voltage of the valve-maintaining power supply. For example, the valve-opening voltage can be 20V, and the valve-maintaining voltage can be 8V. Further, one end of the first switching module is connected to the valve-opening power supply, and the other end of the first switching module is grounded after the gas valve. The anode of the first unidirectional module D1 is connected to the valve-maintaining power supply, and the cathode of the first unidirectional module D1 is connected to the other end of the first switching module.

[0040] When the first switch module is on, the valve power supply is connected to the gas valve. Due to the unidirectional conduction of the first one-way module D1, the maintenance valve power supply is disconnected from the gas valve. When the first switch module is not on, the first one-way module D1 is forward-biased, and the maintenance valve power supply is connected to the gas valve.

[0041] Compared to conventional technologies, this technical solution employs a dual power supply: a separate power supply for opening the valve and a power supply for maintaining the valve. During valve maintenance, the power supply is also DC, ensuring a constant valve drive current and thus a more stable current flowing through the gas valve. Furthermore, because the power supply is also DC during valve maintenance, compared to conventional methods that use square wave voltage for valve maintenance, this solution only has a DC component, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0042] Further, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first switching module includes a first switching transistor Q1 and a second switching transistor Q2. The first terminal of the first switching transistor Q1 is connected to the valve opening power supply, and the second terminal of the first switching transistor Q1 is grounded after acting on the gas valve. The control terminal of the second switching transistor Q2 is adapted to receive a second control signal through a third resistor R3. The first terminal of the second switching transistor Q2 is connected to the control terminal of the first switching transistor Q1 via a current-limiting resistor R6, and the second terminal of the second switching transistor Q2 is grounded. The second control signal can be output from the first port I / O1 of the control module MCU. Simultaneously, the gas valve drive circuit also includes a filtering module, one end of which is connected to the other end of the first switching module, and the other end of which is grounded. This filtering module can be a filter capacitor C3.

[0043] Specifically, when the second switch Q2 is turned on, the first switch Q1 is also turned on, connecting the valve opening power supply to the gas valve. Due to the unidirectional conduction of the first one-way module D1, the maintenance valve power supply is disconnected from the gas valve. When the second switch Q2 is not turned on, the first switch Q1 is also not turned on, the first one-way module D1 is forward-biased, and the maintenance valve power supply is connected to the gas valve.

[0044] Whether the first switching transistor Q1 is turned on is controlled by the first port I / O1 of the control module MCU through the current-limiting resistor R6, the second switching transistor Q2, and the third resistor R3. When the first port I / O1 outputs a high level, the first switching transistor Q1 is turned on; when the first port I / O1 outputs a low level, the first switching transistor Q1 is not turned on. The filter capacitor C3 maintains the stability and smooth change of the emitter voltage of the second switching transistor Q2.

[0045] Further, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the gas valve drive circuit further includes a power switch, the first end of which is connected to the other end of the first switch module, and the second end of which is grounded after the gas valve. Specifically, in this embodiment of the present invention, the power switch includes a third switch transistor Q3 and a fourth switch transistor Q4. The first end of the third switch transistor Q3 is connected to the other end of the first switch module, and the second end of the third switch transistor Q3 is grounded after the gas valve. The control terminal of the fourth switch transistor Q4 is adapted to receive a fourth control signal. The first end of the fourth switch transistor Q4 is connected to the control terminal of the third switch transistor Q3 through a fifth resistor R5, and the second end of the fourth switch transistor Q4 is grounded.

[0046] In this embodiment of the invention, whether the third switch Q3 is turned on determines whether the gas valve can be energized. The specific working principle is as follows:

[0047] When the third switch Q3 is turned on, the voltage energized to the gas valve is determined by the emitter voltage of the third switch Q3. When the third switch Q3 is not turned on, the gas valve is not energized. Whether the third switch Q3 is turned on is determined by whether the fourth switch Q4 is turned on.

[0048] Furthermore, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the gas valve drive circuit further includes a fuse circuit. One end of the fuse circuit is connected to the control module MCU, and the other end is connected to the control terminal of the fourth switch Q4. When the control module MCU is working normally, the fuse circuit provides a conduction signal to the fourth switch Q4. And when the control module MCU malfunctions, the fuse circuit stops providing a conduction signal to the fourth switch Q4, and the fourth switch Q4 is disconnected.

[0049] In this embodiment of the invention, the fuse circuit includes a fifth switch Q5, a first capacitor C1, and a second capacitor C2. Specifically, the first terminal of the fifth switch Q5 is connected to the control module MCU, the second terminal of the fifth switch Q5 is grounded through a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2, and the control terminal of the fifth switch Q5 is connected to the control module MCU through a fourth resistor R4. The control terminal of the fourth switch is connected between the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2. One end of the first capacitor C1 is connected to the first terminal of the fifth switch Q5, and the other end of the first capacitor C1 is grounded. The other end of the second capacitor C2 is connected to the second terminal of the fifth switch Q5, and the other end of the second capacitor C2 is grounded.

[0050] Furthermore, the fuse circuit also includes a second unidirectional module D2. The anode of the second unidirectional module D2 is connected to the control module MCU, and the cathode of the second unidirectional module D2 is connected to the first terminal of the fifth switching transistor Q5. The first unidirectional module D1 and the second unidirectional module D2 can be unidirectional diodes. The diodes can be asynchronous or synchronous; they can be replaced with synchronous switching transistors.

[0051] The specific working principle of the fuse circuit is as follows:

[0052] Whether the third switch Q3 conducts is controlled by the first resistor R1, the fourth switch Q4, and the second resistor R2, and by whether the second capacitor C2 has a continuous voltage. The second capacitor C2 only has a continuous voltage when the fuse circuit is active. The second resistor R2 is the base-to-ground resistance of the fourth switch Q4.

[0053] Specifically, the fuse circuit can only function properly when the second port I / O2 of the control module MCU outputs a square wave. When the second port I / O2 outputs a high level, the fifth switch Q5 is turned off, and the second port I / O2 charges the first capacitor C1 through the second unidirectional module D2, causing the voltage of the first capacitor C1 to rise.

[0054] Then, the second port I / O2 outputs a low level, the fifth switch Q5 is turned on, the first capacitor C1 stops charging, and discharges to the second capacitor C2, making the voltage of the second capacitor C2 higher. At the same time, the first capacitor C1 drives the fourth switch Q4 through the first resistor R1.

[0055] Then, the second port I / O2 outputs a high level, the fifth switch Q5 is turned off, and the second port I / O2 replenishes the charge to the first capacitor C1 through the second unidirectional module D2. At this time, the second capacitor C2 drives the fourth switch Q4 through the first resistor R1.

[0056] Then, the second port I / O2 outputs a low level, the first capacitor C1 drives the fourth switch Q4 through the first resistor R1, and replenishes the charge to the second capacitor C2.

[0057] This cycle keeps the fourth switch Q4 continuously conducting.

[0058] If the control module MCU crashes midway, the second port I / O2 will continuously output a high level, the fifth switch Q5 will be cut off, the charge of the second capacitor C2 will not be replenished, and it will not be able to continuously drive the fourth switch Q4, causing the fourth switch Q4 to eventually turn off. Alternatively, the second port I / O2 will continuously output a low level, the charge of the first capacitor C1 will not be replenished, and it will also not be able to continuously drive the fourth switch Q4, causing the fourth switch Q4 to eventually turn off. When the fourth switch Q4 turns off, the third switch Q3 of the power switch will also turn off, the gas valve will not be energized, and the gas supply will be cut off to ensure safety.

[0059] This invention, through the inclusion of a safety circuit, prevents the gas valve from being energized when the control module (MCU) malfunctions or becomes uncontrollable, thereby closing the gas valve and cutting off the gas supply. This ensures that uncontrollable combustion or gas leakage does not occur when the control module (MCU) malfunctions or becomes uncontrollable, thus improving the safety of gas products.

[0060] The present invention also provides a gas device including a gas valve drive circuit as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0061] Compared to conventional technologies, this technical solution employs a dual power supply: a separate power supply for opening the valve and a power supply for maintaining the valve. During valve maintenance, the power supply is also DC, ensuring a constant valve drive current and thus a more stable current flowing through the gas valve. Furthermore, because the power supply is also DC during valve maintenance, the square wave voltage contains only a DC component compared to conventional methods, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0062] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A gas valve drive circuit, characterized by include: Separately configured valve opening power supply and valve maintenance power supply, wherein the voltage of the valve opening power supply is higher than the voltage of the valve maintenance power supply; The first switch module has one end connected to the valve opening power supply and the other end acting as ground after the gas valve. The first unidirectional module (D1) has its anode connected to the power supply of the valve and its cathode connected to the other end of the first switch module. The first switch module includes: The first switch (Q1) has its first end connected to the valve opening power supply, and its second end connected to the gas valve and grounded. The second switch (Q2) has a control terminal adapted to receive a second control signal. The first terminal of the second switch (Q2) is connected to the control terminal of the first switch (Q1) via a current-limiting resistor (R6), and the second terminal of the second switch (Q2) is grounded.

2. The gas valve drive circuit of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A power switch, the first end of which is connected to the other end of the first switch module, and the second end of which is grounded after the gas valve.

3. The gas valve drive circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The power switch includes: The third switch (Q3) has its first end connected to the other end of the first switch module, and its second end connected to the ground after the gas valve. The fourth switch (Q4) has a control terminal adapted to receive a fourth control signal. The first terminal of the fourth switch (Q4) is connected to the control terminal of the third switch (Q3), and the second terminal of the fourth switch (Q4) is grounded.

4. The gas valve drive circuit of claim 3, wherein, Also includes: A fuse circuit, one end of which is connected to the control module (MCU), and the other end of which is connected to the control terminal of the fourth switch (Q4); When the control module (MCU) is working normally, the fuse circuit provides a turn-on signal for the fourth switch (Q4).

5. The gas valve drive circuit of claim 4, wherein, When the control module (MCU) malfunctions, the fuse circuit stops providing a conduction signal to the fourth switch (Q4), and the fourth switch (Q4) is turned off.

6. A gas valve drive circuit according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that, The fuse circuit includes: The fifth switch (Q5) has its first terminal connected to the control module (MCU), and its second terminal grounded through a first resistor (R1) and a second resistor (R2) in sequence. The control terminal of the fifth switch (Q5) is connected to the control module (MCU). The control terminal of the fourth switch is connected between the first resistor (R1) and the second resistor (R2). The first capacitor (C1) has one end connected to the first end of the fifth switch (Q5), and the other end of the first capacitor (C1) is grounded. The second capacitor (C2) has its other end connected to the second end of the fifth switch (Q5), and the other end of the second capacitor (C2) is grounded.

7. A gas valve drive circuit according to claim 6, characterised in that, The fuse circuit also includes: The second unidirectional module (D2) has its anode connected to the control module (MCU) and its cathode connected to the first end of the fifth switching transistor (Q5).

8. The gas valve drive circuit of claim 7, wherein, The first unidirectional module (D1) and the second unidirectional module (D2) are unidirectional diodes.

9. A gas valve drive circuit according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Also includes: A filtering module, one end of which is connected to the other end of the first switching module, and the other end of which is grounded.

10. A gas-fired device, characterized in that, include: The gas valve drive circuit as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images