Drainage control structure, drain valve and control method

Abstract

This invention discloses a drainage control structure, a drainage valve, and a control method. The drainage control structure includes a drive module, an energy storage module, and a sensing module. The drive module is located inside the drainage valve and connected to the water-blocking component of the drainage valve. The energy storage module is connected to both the drive module and the solenoid valve of the drainage valve, providing power to the drive module. The sensing module is located inside the drainage valve and connected to the deformation structure of the drainage valve, detecting whether the deformation structure has deformed. When the sensing module detects deformation of the deformation structure, the drive module drives the water-blocking component to move, thereby opening the drainage valve. This invention can quickly open the drainage valve to drain water when the solenoid valve is de-energized and the temperature is low, preventing pipe rupture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of valve technology, and in particular to a drain control structure, a drain valve, and a control method. Background Technology

[0002] Most equipment or systems with water systems are equipped with drain valves to prevent pipe rupture caused by liquid condensation when the ambient temperature is too low. Traditional drain valves typically control water release after power failure by deforming a structural member. When the ambient temperature drops below a threshold, the structure deforms, opening the valve. However, the temperature drop is generally slow, and the rate of change in the deformable structure is also slow. This results in a slow valve opening, preventing the liquid in the system from draining quickly enough, causing it to condense and potentially rupture the pipes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a drainage control structure, a drainage valve, and a control method, aiming to solve the problem of pipe rupture caused by the inability of existing drainage valves to quickly drain water when the temperature is low after power failure.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a drainage control structure, a drainage valve, and a control method. The drainage control structure includes a drive module, an energy storage module, and a sensing module. The drive module is disposed inside the drainage valve and connected to the water-blocking component of the drainage valve. The energy storage module is connected to both the drive module and the solenoid valve of the drainage valve, and is used to supply power to the drive module. The sensing module is disposed inside the drainage valve and connected to the deformation structure of the drainage valve, and is used to detect whether the deformation structure has deformed. When the sensing module detects that the deformation structure has deformed, the drive module drives the water-blocking component to move to open the drainage valve.

[0005] Furthermore, the drive module is connected to the water-blocking component via an elastic element.

[0006] Furthermore, the sensing module is connected to the deformation structure via the elastic element.

[0007] Furthermore, the elastic element is a spring.

[0008] Furthermore, the sensing module is a pressure sensor.

[0009] Secondly, the present invention also provides a drain valve, the drain valve comprising the drain control structure described in any of the above claims.

[0010] Thirdly, the present invention also provides a control method, the control method being applied to the drain valve described in any of the above claims, the method comprising:

[0011] Confirm whether the solenoid valve of the drain valve is de-energized;

[0012] If the solenoid valve of the drain valve loses power, the energy storage module is controlled to supply power to the drive module, and it is confirmed whether the sensing module has detected effective pressure.

[0013] If the sensing module detects the effective pressure, it controls the driving module to move the water baffle to open the drain valve.

[0014] The water discharge control structure, water discharge valve, and control method provided by this invention can power the drive module through the energy storage module when the water discharge valve is in a de-energized state. Then, when the deformable structure deforms, the drive module can drive the water-blocking part of the water discharge valve to move to open the valve, so that the water discharge valve can start to discharge water. This improves the opening speed and water discharge speed of the water discharge valve and avoids pipe rupture. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a drainage control structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a front view of a drain valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a side view of a drain valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a sub-process of a control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a sub-process of the control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Reference numerals: 10, Drainage control structure; 11, Drive module; 12, Energy storage module; 13, Sensing module; 14, Elastic element; 20, Solenoid valve; 21, Solenoid valve core; 30, Drain outlet; 40, Water baffle; 50, Deformation structure; 60, Air inlet valve; 70, Antifreeze valve; 80, Three-way screw. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of this 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 this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0024] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0025] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes such combinations.

[0026] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the drainage control structure 10 provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the water discharge control structure 10 provided by the present invention includes a drive module 11, an energy storage module 12, and a sensing module 13. The drive module 11 is disposed inside the water discharge valve and connected to the water baffle 40 of the water discharge valve. The energy storage module 12 is connected to the drive module 11 and the solenoid valve 20 of the water discharge valve respectively, and is used to supply power to the drive module 11. The sensing module 13 is disposed inside the water discharge valve and connected to the deformation structure 50 of the water discharge valve, and is used to detect whether the deformation structure 50 has deformed. When the sensing module 13 detects that the deformation structure 50 has deformed, the drive module 11 drives the water baffle 40 to move to open the water discharge valve.

[0027] Specifically, in a traditional drain valve, when energized, the solenoid valve 20 is powered on and can control the valve's opening and closing based on temperature. For example, when the temperature is low, the solenoid valve 20 opens, allowing water to drain. Because the solenoid valve 20 is energized, the valve can open quickly, allowing water in the pipe to flow out rapidly and preventing it from freezing and causing the pipe to rupture. However, when the drain valve is de-energized, the solenoid valve 20 loses power and cannot control the valve's opening and closing. Instead, the valve can only be opened by relying on the deformation structure 50 to control the movement of the baffle 40. Different liquids have different freezing temperatures, and the specific materials of the deformation structure 50 are also different. The temperature at which the deformation structure 50 deforms is also different. Taking water as an example, the freezing temperature of water is 0℃, so the temperature at which the deformation structure 50 deforms is generally slightly higher than 0℃. Taking 2℃ as an example, the deformation structure 50 will only start to deform when the temperature is below 2℃. As the temperature decreases, the change of the deformation structure 50 is greater. However, the rate of change of the deformation structure 50 is relatively slow, which means that even if the temperature reaches 0℃, the drain valve may not be fully open and may remain in a partially open state, preventing the water in the pipe from being completely drained.

[0028] The drain control structure 10 provided by this invention is encapsulated inside a drain valve, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the system mainly includes a drive module 11, an energy storage module 12, and a sensing module 13. The energy storage module 12 is connected to the solenoid valve core 21. When the solenoid valve 20 is energized, the energy storage module 12 stores energy; when the solenoid valve 20 is de-energized, the energy storage module 12 supplies power to the drive module 11. The energy storage module 12 can be a small rechargeable battery or a small power supply circuit. The sensing module 13 can be a pressure sensor used to detect the pressure generated when the deformable structure 50 deforms. Generally, when the temperature is lower than the temperature at which the deformable structure 50 deforms, the volume of the deformable structure 50 increases. The sensing module 13, connected to the deformable structure 50, can detect the pressure generated due to the increased volume of the deformable structure 50. Furthermore, to avoid false alarms, a preset pressure threshold can be set. Only when the pressure detected by the sensing module 13 is greater than the preset pressure threshold is it determined that the deformable structure 50 has deformed; if the pressure detected by the sensing module 13 is lower than the preset pressure threshold, it is considered a false alarm. During use, when the solenoid valve 20 loses power, the energy storage module 12 begins to supply power to the drive module 11. The sensing module 13 can have its own power supply module or be powered by the energy storage module 12. After the solenoid valve 20 loses power, the sensing module 13 detects in real time whether the deformation structure 50 has deformed. When the sensing module 13 detects that the deformation structure 50 has deformed, the drive module 11 drives the water baffle 40 (valve) to move. Figure 1As shown, the drive module 11 can drive the water-blocking component 40 to move to the left, thereby fully opening the drain outlet 30. Water in the pipe flows out through the drain valve, completing the drainage. After drainage is completed, the drive module 11 can control the water-blocking component 40 to close the drain outlet 30. If the solenoid valve 20 is energized, the energy storage module 12 can start charging through the solenoid valve 20 to ensure that it can supply power to the drive module 11 in the event of a power failure. The water-blocking component can be a water-blocking spring.

[0029] As a further embodiment, the drive module 11 is connected to the water-blocking member 40 via the elastic member 14.

[0030] A fixing structure can be set on the outside of the drive module 11. The fixing structure is connected to one end of the elastic member 14, and the other end of the elastic member 14 is connected to the water-blocking member 40. The drive module 11 can drive the elastic member 14 to move, thereby pulling the water-blocking member 40.

[0031] As a further embodiment, the sensing module 13 is connected to the deformation structure 50 via the elastic element 14.

[0032] Among them, the elastic element 14 can detect whether the deformation structure 50 has deformed relatively sensitively. When the deformation structure 50 deforms, it can squeeze the elastic element 14, causing the elastic element 14 to deform. One end of the elastic element 14 is connected to the sensing module 13. The sensing module 13 can detect the pressure generated by the elastic element 14 to confirm the pressure of the deformation structure 50.

[0033] As a further embodiment, the elastic element 14 is a spring.

[0034] Among them, the elastic element 14 can be a spring with a high elastic coefficient. The elastic force of the spring is equal to the elastic coefficient multiplied by the deformation. One end of the spring is connected to the deformation structure 50. The deformation of the spring is equal to the deformation of the deformation structure 50. Therefore, the greater the elastic force of the spring, the greater the pressure detected by the sensing module 13.

[0035] As a further embodiment, the sensing module 13 is a pressure sensor.

[0036] The sensing module 13 can be a pressure sensor, which detects the pressure generated when the deformable structure 50 deforms.

[0037] See Figure 2 and Figure 3The present invention also provides a drain valve, the drain valve including the drain control structure 10 described in any of the above embodiments, the drain control structure 10 including a drive module 11, an energy storage module 12 and a sensing module 13; the drive module 11 is disposed inside the drain valve and connected to the water baffle 40 of the drain valve; the energy storage module 12 is connected to the drive module 11 and the solenoid valve 20 of the drain valve respectively, and is used to supply power to the drive module 11; the sensing module 13 is disposed inside the drain valve and connected to the deformation structure 50 of the drain valve, and is used to detect whether the deformation structure 50 has deformed; wherein, when the sensing module 13 detects that the deformation structure 50 has deformed, the drive module 11 drives the water baffle 40 to move to open the drain valve.

[0038] Specifically, the drain valve may include an air inlet valve 60, an antifreeze valve 70, a solenoid valve 20, and a three-way screw 80. The air inlet valve 60 allows air to enter when drainage is needed; the solenoid valve 20 automatically closes when water enters at low temperatures; the antifreeze valve 70 primarily functions to prevent freezing during drainage at a certain water temperature; and the three-way screw 80 connects different pipes. The drain control structure 10 provided by this invention is encapsulated within the drain valve, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown. The energy storage module 12 of the drain control structure 10 is connected to the valve core 21 of the solenoid valve. It charges when the solenoid valve 20 is energized and supplies power to the drive module 11 when the solenoid valve 20 is de-energized. The drive module 11 is connected to the baffle 40 of the drain valve and can control the movement of the baffle 40, thereby opening or closing the drain outlet 30. The sensing module 13 is used to detect the pressure generated by the deformation structure 50 and to ensure that when the deformation structure 50 deforms, the drive structure can control the movement of the baffle 40 to open the drain outlet 30 to drain water.

[0039] This invention installs a drain control structure 10 inside the drain valve. The energy storage module 12 of the drain control structure 10 supplies power to the drive module 11. The sensing module 13 detects whether the deformation structure 50 has deformed. When the deformation structure 50 deforms, the drive module 11 controls the water baffle 40 to move to open the drain valve and drain water. This avoids the problem of pipe rupture caused by slow water drainage when the solenoid valve 20 is de-energized.

[0040] See Figure 4 The present invention also provides a control method for controlling the drain valve described in any of the above embodiments. This control method can be configured in a device that uses the drain valve described in any of the above embodiments, for example, an air conditioner equipped with a drain valve. The method includes steps S100 to S120.

[0041] S100, confirm whether the solenoid valve of the drain valve is de-energized.

[0042] In this embodiment of the invention, when the drain valve is energized, its solenoid valve is powered on, allowing the valve to open and close according to temperature. For example, when the temperature is low, the solenoid valve opens, allowing water to drain. Because the solenoid valve is energized, the valve opens quickly, allowing water in the pipe to flow out rapidly, preventing it from freezing and causing the pipe to rupture. Therefore, when the solenoid valve is energized, there is no need for the energy storage module to power the drive module. However, when the solenoid valve is de-energized, indicating a potential power outage, the energy storage module needs to power the drive module to ensure timely water drainage when the temperature is low.

[0043] S110, if the solenoid valve of the drain valve is de-energized, the energy storage module is controlled to supply power to the drive module, and it is confirmed whether the sensing module has detected effective pressure.

[0044] In this embodiment of the invention, when the solenoid valve of the drain valve is de-energized, the control energy storage module supplies power to the drive module and confirms whether the sensing module detects effective pressure. The energy storage module is connected to the solenoid valve core, and can store energy when the solenoid valve is energized. The sensing module can be a pressure sensor used to detect the pressure generated when the deformable structure deforms. Generally, when the temperature is lower than the temperature at which the deformable structure deforms, the volume of the deformable structure increases, and the sensing module, connected to the deformable structure, can detect the pressure generated due to the increased volume of the deformable structure. To avoid misjudgment, not all pressures detected by the sensing module are considered effective pressures. A preset pressure threshold can be set according to the material of the deformable structure. Only when the pressure detected by the sensing module is greater than the preset pressure threshold is it considered effective pressure.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, step S110 may include steps S111-S112.

[0046] S111, confirm whether the pressure detected by the sensing module is greater than the preset pressure threshold.

[0047] S112, if the pressure detected by the sensing module is greater than the preset pressure threshold, then the pressure is confirmed as the effective pressure.

[0048] In this embodiment of the invention, the preset pressure threshold is related to the material of the deformable structure and changes with the material of the deformable structure. When the sensing module detects pressure, it checks whether the detected pressure is greater than the preset pressure threshold. If the detected pressure is greater than the preset pressure threshold, the detected pressure is considered valid pressure. If the detected pressure is less than or equal to the preset pressure threshold, the detected pressure is considered invalid pressure.

[0049] S120, if the sensing module detects the effective pressure, it controls the driving module to drive the water baffle to move in order to open the drain valve.

[0050] In this embodiment of the invention, when the sensing module detects effective pressure, it indicates that the deformable structure has deformed and generated pressure. Then, the control drive module drives the water baffle to move, opens the drain outlet, and ensures that all the water in the pipe flows out.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as this embodiment, the control method further includes the following steps: confirming the number of times the sensing module detects the effective pressure within a preset time period, and when the number of times the sensing module detects the effective pressure within the preset time period is greater than a preset number, executing the step of controlling the drive module to drive the water baffle to move to open the drain valve.

[0052] In this embodiment of the invention, the deformation process of the deformable structure is generally a continuous process, which continuously generates pressure. Therefore, when the sensing module detects effective pressure, it should be able to continuously detect effective pressure for a period of time. For example, the preset time can be ten minutes. Within ten minutes, the pressure is detected by the sensing module every two minutes, for a total of five detections. If all five detections result in effective pressure, the water-blocking component is moved to open the drain valve, ensuring that there is no false detection that could lead to leakage.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as this embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, the control method further includes steps S130-S140.

[0054] S130, confirm whether the temperature inside the drain valve is lower than the preset temperature threshold.

[0055] S140, if the temperature inside the drain valve is lower than the preset temperature threshold, then the step of confirming whether the solenoid valve of the drain valve is de-energized is executed.

[0056] In this embodiment of the invention, when the temperature inside the drain valve is greater than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, it indicates that the liquid in the pipeline is unlikely to solidify. Therefore, regardless of whether the solenoid valve is de-energized, there is no risk of pipeline rupture. When the temperature inside the drain valve is lower than the preset temperature threshold, the liquid may solidify, and it is necessary to confirm whether the solenoid valve is de-energized. The energy storage module only begins supplying power to the power supply module when the temperature inside the drain valve is lower than the preset temperature threshold and the solenoid valve is de-energized. This ensures that the energy storage module does not continuously supply power to the power supply module, saving energy consumption.

[0057] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A water release control structure, characterized by, The application is applied to a drain valve, comprising: a driving module arranged in the drain valve and connected with a water blocking part of the drain valve through an elastic member; an energy storage module connected with the driving module and a solenoid valve of the drain valve respectively, for supplying power to the driving module; an induction module arranged in the drain valve and connected with a deformation structure of the drain valve through the elastic member, for detecting whether the deformation structure is deformed; wherein, when the induction module detects that the deformation structure is deformed, the driving module drives the water blocking part to move to open the drain valve.

2. The outfall control structure of claim 1, wherein, The elastic member is a spring.

3. The outfall control structure of claim 1, wherein, The induction module is a pressure sensor.

4. A drain valve characterized by, The application further provides a drain control structure comprising the drain valve.

5. A control method characterized by, The application further provides a method for controlling the drain valve, comprising: confirming whether the solenoid valve of the drain valve is de-energized; if the solenoid valve of the drain valve is de-energized, controlling the energy storage module to supply power to the driving module, and confirming whether the induction module detects an effective pressure; if the induction module detects the effective pressure, controlling the driving module to drive the water blocking part to move to open the drain valve.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The step of confirming whether the induction module detects the effective pressure comprises: confirming whether the pressure detected by the induction module is greater than a preset pressure threshold; if the pressure detected by the induction module is greater than the preset pressure threshold, the pressure is confirmed as the effective pressure.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein, The method further comprises: confirming the number of times that the induction module detects the effective pressure within a preset time, and when the number of times that the induction module detects the effective pressure within the preset time is greater than a preset number of times, the step of controlling the driving module to drive the water blocking part to move to open the drain valve is performed.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein, The method further comprises: confirming whether the temperature in the drain valve is lower than a preset temperature threshold; if the temperature in the drain valve is lower than the preset temperature threshold, the step of confirming whether the solenoid valve of the drain valve is de-energized is performed.

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