Low power remote flow control valve

Abstract

The application relates to the field of water-saving irrigation, and discloses a low-power remote flow control valve which comprises a control valve body; the control valve body comprises a communication pipeline, a piston cavity and a control box body arranged from bottom to top; the communication pipeline comprises a first pipeline and a second pipeline which are blocked by a partition plate; the piston cavity is provided with a reset piece and a piston body; and the control box body is provided with a power supply device, a controller, a first electromagnetic valve and a second electromagnetic valve. The low-power remote flow control valve realizes low-energy consumption and remote flow control through the cooperation between the structures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water-saving irrigation, and more particularly to a low-power remote flow control valve. Background Technology

[0002] Water-saving irrigation technology mainly uses pipelines to transport water to the irrigation area. Different irrigation areas and different crops require different amounts of irrigation, and even the same crop has different water requirements at different growth stages. In practice, water distribution and flow regulation are achieved by adjusting the opening of valves on the pipeline. Valves used for irrigation are generally divided into two types: manual valves and solenoid valves. Manual valves require manual operation, which is labor-intensive and not conducive to automation.

[0003] Currently, the problems with solenoid valves and their controllers are high power consumption, requiring wired or solar power. For valves ranging from tens to hundreds of units, the construction and operating costs are substantial. Furthermore, valve controllers are functionally limited, generally only used for valve on / off control and lacking flow control capabilities. Therefore, there is a need to design a low-power remote flow control valve that can achieve remote wireless flow control using only a small amount of electricity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the above problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a low-power remote flow control valve that achieves low energy consumption and remote flow control.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A low-power remote flow control valve includes a control valve body; the control valve body includes a connecting pipe, a piston chamber, and a control housing arranged from bottom to top.

[0007] The connecting pipe includes a first pipe and a second pipe blocked by a partition; the first pipe and the second pipe are respectively connected to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe; the first pipe has an outlet that is connected to the second pipe;

[0008] The piston cavity is provided with a reset component and a piston body; the piston body moves up and down in the piston cavity; one end of the reset component is connected to the lower surface of the control box, and the other end is connected to the piston body; the lower part of the piston body is engaged with the water outlet.

[0009] The control box is equipped with a power supply device, a controller, a first solenoid valve, and a second solenoid valve; the inlet end of the first solenoid valve is connected to the first pipe, and the outlet end is connected to the piston cavity; the inlet end of the second solenoid valve is connected to the second pipe, and the outlet end is connected to the piston cavity; the power supply device is used to supply power to the controller, the first solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve; both the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are electrically connected to the controller.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the piston cavity is provided with an abutment platform; the piston body has an I-shaped cross-section, and the upper diameter of the piston body is larger than the lower diameter; the upper part of the piston body mates with the abutment platform.

[0011] As a preferred implementation, the control box is provided with a cover plate at the top.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve have the same structure, both including a solenoid valve body; coils are provided at both ends of the solenoid valve body; a solenoid valve core is provided inside the solenoid valve body; a valve body outlet hole is provided on the solenoid valve body; a valve core outlet hole is provided on the solenoid valve core; the solenoid valve core, through the action of the coils, connects or blocks the valve body outlet hole and the valve core outlet hole.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, one end of the solenoid valve core is connected to the coil on the same side via a valve core return spring; and the solenoid valve body is provided with a first limiting hole and a second limiting hole; the solenoid valve core is provided with a limiting bead; the movement of the solenoid valve core causes the limiting bead to engage with the first limiting hole or the second limiting hole.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the limiting bead is mounted on the solenoid valve core via a compression spring; the solenoid valve core has an installation groove, the compression spring is disposed in the installation groove, and the upper end of the compression spring is connected to the limiting bead; when the compression spring is reset, the limiting bead protrudes from the upper surface of the solenoid valve core.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the controller includes a DC power supply circuit for power supply, a SOC system-on-a-chip circuit for control implementation, a solenoid valve drive circuit for driving the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve, and a wireless communication circuit for communication between the controller and the client.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0017] This invention provides a low-power remote flow control valve. By controlling the up and down movement of the piston body, the flow rate can be controlled. The controller enables intelligent control of the first and second solenoid valves, achieving low-energy remote control, automated control, reduced manual labor, improved work efficiency, and precise control. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flow control valve when it is closed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the flow control valve when it is open in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first solenoid valve in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the controller structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the SOC on-chip system circuit structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the DC power supply circuit structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the solenoid valve drive circuit structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the wireless communication circuit structure in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. First pipe; 2. Second pipe; 3. Baffle plate; 4. Inlet pipe; 5. Outlet pipe; 6. Piston cavity; 7. Reset component; 8. Piston body; 9. Control box; 10. Power supply device; 11. Controller; 12. First solenoid valve; 1201. Solenoid valve body; 1202. Coil; 1203. Solenoid valve core; 1204. Valve body outlet; 1205. Valve core outlet; 1206. Valve core reset spring; 1207. Limiting bead; 1208. First limiting hole; 1209. Second limiting hole; 1210. Compression spring; 13. Second solenoid valve; 14. Abutment platform; 15. Cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a low-power remote flow control valve, including a control valve body; the control valve body includes a connecting pipe, a piston chamber 6 and a control housing 9 arranged from bottom to top;

[0030] The connecting pipe includes a first pipe 1 and a second pipe 2 blocked by a partition 3; the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 2 are respectively connected to the inlet pipe 4 and the outlet pipe 5; the first pipe 1 is provided with an outlet that is connected to the second pipe 2;

[0031] The piston cavity 6 is provided with a reset member 7 and a piston body 8; the piston body 8 moves up and down in the piston cavity 6; one end of the reset member 7 is connected to the lower surface of the control box 9, and the other end is connected to the piston body 8; the lower part of the piston body 8 is engaged with the water outlet.

[0032] The control box 9 is equipped with a power supply device 10, a controller 11, a first solenoid valve 12, and a second solenoid valve 13. The inlet of the first solenoid valve 12 is connected to the first pipe 1, and the outlet is connected to the piston cavity 6. The inlet of the second solenoid valve 13 is connected to the second pipe 2, and the outlet is connected to the piston cavity 6. The power supply device 10 is used to supply power to the controller 11, the first solenoid valve 12, and the second solenoid valve 13. The first solenoid valve 12 and the second solenoid valve 13 are both electrically connected to the controller 11.

[0033] A low-power remote flow control valve connects a first pipe 1 and a second pipe 2 in a pipeline to connect an inlet pipe 4 and an outlet pipe 5. The valve controls the opening and closing of the outlet by moving the piston body 8 up and down, and controls the flow rate of the outlet by the displacement of the piston body 8, thereby controlling the flow rate. It is worth noting that a flow chamber is formed between the outlet, the lower part of the piston body 8 and the second pipe 2. By controlling the displacement of the piston body 8, the volume of the flow chamber is controlled, thereby controlling the water volume. Furthermore, both the piston cavity 6 and the control box 9 are hollow cavities. The reset element 7 in the piston cavity 6 is preferably a spring reset element 7, which is used to reset the piston body 8 after displacement. A sealed water storage cavity is formed between the spring reset element 7 and the upper end of the piston body 8. The first solenoid valve 12 and the second solenoid valve 13 are controlled to start and close by the controller 11. The first solenoid valve 12 is used to introduce water from the first pipe 1 into the water storage cavity. When the valve needs to be closed, the controller 11 controls the first solenoid valve 12 to be energized. Since the pressure in the first pipe 1 is greater than the pressure in the water storage cavity, the water in the first pipe 1 flows into the water storage cavity through the water guide pipe and the first solenoid valve 12. The pressure in the water storage cavity increases, pushing the piston body 8 to move downward. As the piston body 8 moves downward, the volume of the water flow cavity decreases, and the water volume is small. When the lower part of the piston body 8 cooperates with the water outlet, the water outlet is closed. At this time, the pressure in the water storage cavity is greater than the pressure in the connecting pipe. When the valve needs to be opened, the controller 11 energizes the second solenoid valve 13. Due to the high pressure in the water storage chamber, water flows from the storage chamber into the second pipe 2 through the second solenoid valve 13. As the water volume in the storage chamber decreases, the water in the first pipe 1 acts on the lower part of the piston body 8 through the outlet, pushing the piston body 8 upward and resetting it, thereby opening the outlet. When the piston body 8 is fully reset, the volume of the water chamber increases to its maximum, and the water flow is at its maximum. This invention uses the controller 11 to realize the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve 12 and the second solenoid valve 13, thereby controlling the water flow. It achieves precise control through intelligence, enables remote operation, and improves work efficiency.

[0034] Example 2

[0035] like Figure 1-3As shown, this embodiment is an expansion based on the above embodiment. Specifically, this embodiment provides a low-power remote flow control valve. The piston cavity 6 has an abutment platform 14 on its inner wall. The piston body 8 has an I-shaped cross-section, and the upper diameter of the piston body 8 is larger than the lower diameter. The upper part of the piston body 8 cooperates with the abutment platform 14. The I-shaped piston body 8 is limited in stroke by the abutment platform 14. Due to the different upper and lower areas of the large and small I-shaped piston bodies 8, the larger area end generates a larger force under the same water pressure. The increased pressure on the upper part of the piston body 8 pushes the piston body 8 down to cooperate with the abutment platform 14. At this time, the lower part of the piston body 8 cooperates with the water outlet, and the flow control valve is closed. As the second solenoid valve 13 opens, it reduces the pressure in the water storage chamber. Under the pressure on the lower surface of the piston body 8, the piston body 8 moves upward, opening the water outlet. The volume of the water chamber gradually increases, and the water flow gradually increases until the elastic reset member 7 is fully reset, the volume of the water chamber increases to the maximum, and the water flow is at its maximum.

[0036] As a preferred implementation, the upper end of the control box 9 is provided with a cover plate, which can be opened to facilitate the inspection and maintenance of the internal structure of the control box 9.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the first solenoid valve 12 and the second solenoid valve 13 have the same structure, both including a solenoid valve body 1201; coils 1202 are provided at both ends of the solenoid valve body 1201; a solenoid valve core 1203 is provided inside the solenoid valve body 1201; a valve body outlet hole 1204 is provided on the solenoid valve body 1201; a valve core outlet hole 1205 is provided on the solenoid valve core 1203; the solenoid valve core 1203, through the action of the coils 1202, connects or blocks the valve body outlet hole 1204 and the valve core outlet hole 1205. By energizing the coils 1202, the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve 12 and the second solenoid valve 13 are controlled, thereby controlling the pressure in the water storage chamber and ultimately controlling the water flow rate.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, one end of the solenoid valve core 1203 is connected to the coil 1202 on the same side via a valve core return spring 1206; the solenoid valve body 1201 has a first limiting hole 1208 and a second limiting hole 1209 inside; the solenoid valve core 1203 is provided with a limiting bead 1207; the movement of the solenoid valve core 1203 causes the limiting bead 1207 to engage with the first limiting hole 1208 or the second limiting hole 1209. Through the engagement of the limiting bead 1207 with the first limiting hole 1208 or the second limiting hole 1209, the solenoid valve core 1203 can maintain its state after the coil 1202 is energized, eliminating the need to continuously energize the coil 1202 to maintain the state of the solenoid valve core 1203, thus achieving low-energy control.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the limiting bead 1207 is mounted on the solenoid valve core 1203 via a compression spring 1210; the solenoid valve core 1203 has an installation groove, the compression spring 1210 is disposed in the installation groove, and the upper end of the compression spring 1210 is connected to the limiting bead 1207; when the compression spring 1210 is reset, the limiting bead 1207 protrudes from the upper surface of the solenoid valve core 1203. When the coil 1202 is energized, it drives the solenoid valve core 1203 to move to one end, which in turn drives the limit bead 1207 installed on the solenoid valve core 1203 to move. The limit bead 1207 is installed in the mounting groove of the solenoid valve core 1203 through the compression spring 1210. When the solenoid valve core 1203 moves to one end, the limit bead 1207 squeezes the compression spring 1210 so that it can move with the solenoid valve core 1203. When the limit bead 1207 is displaced to the first limit hole 1208 or the second limit hole 1209, the compression spring 1210 is reset. The state of the solenoid valve core 1203 is maintained by the limit bead 1207.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the controller 11 includes a DC power supply circuit for power supply, a SOC (System-on-a-Chip) circuit for control, a solenoid valve drive circuit for driving the first solenoid valve 12 and the second solenoid valve 13, and a wireless communication circuit for communication between the controller 11 and the client. It is worth noting that the DC power supply circuit supplies power to the SOC circuit, the solenoid valve drive circuit, and the wireless communication circuit; the SOC circuit controls the solenoid valve drive circuit solely to control the first solenoid valve 12 and the second solenoid valve 13; the SOC circuit communicates with the client via the wireless communication circuit.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, a preferred approach is to use the M-AS605 system-on-a-chip (SoC) circuit. The M-AS605 package contains an STM8L152 low-power MCU chip and a LORAS X1262 low-power modem chip. Pins 9 and 10 of the M-AS605 chip are power supply pins. Pin 9 is grounded, and pin 10 is connected to +3.3V. A 0.1uF capacitor is connected between pins 9 and 10. Pin 8 is connected to the reset circuit. The RESET button and a 103pF capacitor are connected in parallel. After parallel connection, the left side is grounded, and the right side splits into two branches: one connected to pin 8, and the other connected to a 4k resistor and then to +5V. Pin 31 is connected to the interface circuit for downloading and debugging programs. SWIM is a 4-pin terminal block. Pin 1 is connected to +3.3V, pin 2 is connected to pin 31 of the M-AS605 chip, pin 3 is grounded, and pin 4 is connected to pin 8 of the M-AS605 chip.

[0042] like Figure 6As shown, preferably, the DC power supply circuit includes a BatteryBox, a +3.3V step-down circuit, a +5.0V step-down circuit, and a +18.0V boost circuit. The BatteryBox uses four 1.2V AA batteries connected in series. Pin 1 provides 6V, and pin 2 is grounded. The +3.3V step-down circuit uses an ASM1117 voltage regulator chip. Pin 1 is connected to pin 1 of the BatteryBox, pin 2 is grounded, a 10uF polarized capacitor is connected between pin 1 and pin 2, a 22uF polarized capacitor is connected between pin 3 and pin 2, and pin 3 outputs +3.3V. The +5.0V step-down circuit uses an LM2940CT-5.0 voltage regulator chip. Pin 1 is connected to pin 1 of the BatteryBox, pin 2 is grounded, a 47uF polarized capacitor is connected between pin 1 and pin 2, a 220uF polarized capacitor is connected between pin 3 and pin 2, and pin 3 outputs +5.0V. The +18.0V boost circuit uses the MT3608 voltage regulator chip. After shorting pins 4 and 5, the left side is connected to pin 1 of the BatteryBox battery box, and then connected to a 15uF capacitor and grounded. The right side is connected to a 22uH inductor and then to pin 1, and then connected to an SS54 diode. Then it splits into two branches, one connected to a 15uF capacitor and grounded, and the other outputs a +18.0V voltage.

[0043] like Figure 7 As shown, preferably, the solenoid valve drive circuit uses an NPN transistor. One collector of the transistor is connected to pin 2 of terminal J2, and the other is connected to a 10kΩ resistor and then to +18V. The base of the transistor is connected to a 1KΩ resistor and then to pin 23 of M-AS605 GPIO2. The emitter of the transistor is grounded, and pin 1 of terminal J2 is grounded. Pins 1 and 2 of terminal J2 are connected to the negative and positive terminals of the coil 1202 of the pulse solenoid water valve.

[0044] like Figure 8 As shown, preferably, the wireless communication circuit is led out from pin 28 of the M-AS605 (labeled ANT), while pins 27 and 29 of the M-AS605 are grounded. A 100pF capacitor is connected to the lead-out pin 28 of the M-AS605 (labeled ANT), and then connected to the ANT antenna, which needs to be grounded. The two ends of the 100pF capacitor are connected to ground respectively. These two capacitors are not needed when the signal frequency is between 433-470MHz. If the antenna is mismatched, the capacitance value should be determined after measuring the impedance.

[0045] Example 3

[0046] like Figure 1-8 As shown, this embodiment is an expansion based on the above embodiments. Specifically, this embodiment provides a working process for a low-power remote flow control valve:

[0047] In this embodiment, the controller 11 receives the control signal from the client through the antenna and uses a pulse control method to control the opening and closing time of the first solenoid valve 12 and the second solenoid valve 13 to control the volume of water in the water storage chamber, thereby controlling the movement distance of the piston body 8 and adjusting the size of the water flow chamber in the lower passage of the piston body 8 to achieve water volume regulation.

[0048] With the valves fully closed, the right coil 1202 of the first solenoid valve 12 is energized and in the open state, while the left coil 1202 of the second solenoid valve 13 is energized and in the closed state. Water from the inlet pipe 4 enters the water storage chamber through the conduit of the first solenoid valve 12. The pressure on the inlet side is the same, but the upper and lower areas of the piston body 8 are different. The larger area generates a greater force. Under the pressure of the water storage chamber, the piston body 8 moves downward to press down on the outlet, cut off the pipeline, and close the valve.

[0049] With the valves fully open, the left coil 1202 of the first solenoid valve 12 is energized and closed, while the right coil 1202 of the second solenoid valve 13 is energized and open. The water pressure in the water storage chamber is high, and the water flows through the conduit of the second solenoid valve 13 to the outlet pipe 5, causing the water pressure in the water storage chamber to decrease. The water in the inlet pipe 4 pushes the piston body 8 upward through the outlet, connecting the pipeline and opening the valve.

[0050] Working principle of the first solenoid valve 12 and the second solenoid valve 13:

[0051] When the solenoid valve opens: the right coil 1202 is energized, attracting the solenoid valve core 1203 to move to the right, aligning the valve body outlet 1204 of the solenoid valve body 1201 with the valve core outlet 1205 of the solenoid valve core 1203, thus opening the pipeline. At the same time, the limit bead 1207 enters the second limit hole 1209 on the right side. After the coil 1202 is de-energized, it maintains its current position under the action of the limit bead 1207, so that the coil 1202 does not need to be kept energized all the time, thus reducing power consumption.

[0052] When the solenoid valve is closed: the left coil 1202 is energized, attracting the solenoid valve core 1203 to move to the left, causing the valve body outlet 1204 of the solenoid valve body to be misaligned with the valve core outlet 1205 of the solenoid valve core 1203, thus closing the pipeline. At the same time, the limit bead 1207 enters the first limit hole 1208 on the left. After the coil 1202 is de-energized, it maintains its current position under the action of the limit bead 1207, so the coil 1202 does not need to be kept energized all the time, thus reducing power consumption.

[0053] Low power consumption: The solenoid valve only needs a short time of power to open and close, and does not require power to maintain the current state after the action is completed, thus reducing power consumption.

[0054] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A low-power remote flow control valve, characterized in that: Includes a control valve body; the control valve body includes a connecting pipe, a piston chamber (6) and a control box (9) arranged from bottom to top; The connecting pipe includes a first pipe (1) and a second pipe (2) blocked by a partition (3); the first pipe (1) and the second pipe (2) are respectively connected to the inlet pipe (4) and the outlet pipe (5); the first pipe (1) is provided with an outlet connected to the second pipe (2); The piston cavity (6) is provided with a reset member (7) and a piston body (8); the piston body (8) moves up and down in the piston cavity (6); one end of the reset member (7) is connected to the lower surface of the control box (9), and the other end is connected to the piston body (8); the lower part of the piston body (8) is engaged with the water outlet; The control box (9) is equipped with a power supply device (10), a controller (11), a first solenoid valve (12), and a second solenoid valve (13); the inlet end of the first solenoid valve (12) is connected to the first pipe (1), and the outlet end is connected to the piston cavity (6); the inlet end of the second solenoid valve (13) is connected to the second pipe (2), and the outlet end is connected to the piston cavity (6); the power supply device (10) is used to supply power to the controller (11), the first solenoid valve (12), and the second solenoid valve (13); the first solenoid valve (12) and the second solenoid valve (13) are both electrically connected to the controller (11); The first solenoid valve (12) and the second solenoid valve (13) have the same structure, both including a solenoid valve body (1201); both ends of the solenoid valve body (1201) are provided with coils (1202); a solenoid valve core (1203) is provided inside the solenoid valve body (1201); a valve body outlet hole (1204) is opened on the solenoid valve body (1201); a valve core outlet hole (1205) is opened on the solenoid valve core (1203); the solenoid valve core (1203) connects or blocks the valve body outlet hole (1204) and the valve core outlet hole (1205) through the action of the coil (1202); One end of the solenoid valve core (1203) is connected to the coil (1202) on the same side via a valve core return spring (1206); and the solenoid valve body (1201) is provided with a first limiting hole (1208) and a second limiting hole (1209); the solenoid valve core (1203) is provided with a limiting bead (1207); the movement of the solenoid valve core (1203) causes the limiting bead (1207) to engage with the first limiting hole (1208) or the second limiting hole (1209); The limiting bead (1207) is mounted on the solenoid valve core (1203) via a compression spring (1210); the solenoid valve core (1203) has an installation groove, the compression spring (1210) is disposed in the installation groove, and the upper end of the compression spring (1210) is connected to the limiting bead (1207). When the compression spring (1210) is reset, the limiting bead (1207) protrudes from the upper surface of the solenoid valve core (1203).

2. The low-power remote flow control valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The piston cavity (6) has an abutment platform (14) on its inner wall; the piston body (8) has an I-shaped cross section, and the upper diameter of the piston body (8) is larger than the lower diameter; the upper part of the piston body (8) is engaged with the abutment platform (14).

3. The low-power remote flow control valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control box (9) is provided with a cover plate (15) at the upper end.

4. The low-power remote flow control valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller (11) includes a DC power supply circuit for power supply, a SOC on-chip system circuit for control, a solenoid valve drive circuit for driving the first solenoid valve (12) and the second solenoid valve (13) to operate, and a wireless communication circuit for enabling the controller (11) to communicate with the client.

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