Intelligent stop valve for fluid flow channel

Abstract

The invention provides an intelligent stop valve for a fluid flowing channel, which comprises a flowing detection device, a flowing limiting device and a control unit, and is characterized in that the flowing detection device is configured to be capable of measuring flowing information of fluid flowing through the flowing channel and transmitting the flowing information to the control unit; the flow limiting device is configured to be capable of being started to limit the fluid to flow through the fluid channel; and the control unit receives the flow information from the flow detection device, judges whether fluid leakage characteristics exist or not according to the flow information, and starts or closes the flow limiting device according to a judgment result. The intelligent stop valve can detect fluid leakage and automatically close the fluid channel according to the detection result, so that fluid leakage is prevented.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Valves are used to control fluids. When the valve fails (or the pipeline is damaged), the fluid often leaks uncontrollably, leading to accidents. For example, water leakage and air leakage will cause huge losses to people's production and life.

[0003] Taking water leakage as an example, the main reasons for the running water in enterprises, institutions and households are as follows: 1. The faucet opened during the system water cut-off was forgotten to be closed; 2. The faucet is not tightly sealed due to its own reasons; 3. The faucet is frozen and cracked at low temperature; 4. The faucet was forgotten to be closed after being opened. Once the running water occurs, it will not only waste resources but also cause certain losses to property.

[0004] In the case of liquefied gas leakage, it will even pose a threat to people's life safety at any time.

[0005] Therefore, there has always been a need for a reliable fluid leakage prevention device. Summary of the Invention

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

[0007] Specifically, this application includes the following:

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

[0009] Wherein,

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

[0011] The flow restriction device is configured to be activated to restrict the fluid from flowing through the fluid channel; and

[0012] The control unit receives the flow information from the flow detection device, determines whether there are fluid leakage characteristics from the flow information, and activates or closes the flow restriction device according to the judgment result.

[0013] Embodiment 2. The intelligent cut-off valve according to Embodiment 1, wherein the flow information includes at least one selected from "whether there is fluid flowing" and "fluid flow velocity".

[0014] Embodiment 3. The intelligent cut-off valve according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the "fluid leakage feature" includes one or more of the following situations: continuous fluid flow exists within a predetermined time; the continuous fluid flow reaches a predetermined flow rate; or the fluid flow velocity changes little within a predetermined time.

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

[0016] Embodiment 5. The intelligent cut-off valve according to Embodiment 1, wherein:

[0017] The flow restriction device has multiple switch positions, and the entire fluid channel is gradually closed by gradually enabling multiple positions. Each position corresponds to the control unit making a "judgment on whether there is a fluid leakage feature from this flow information", where

[0018] when the control unit judges "there is a fluid leakage feature" in consecutive multiple judgments, the multiple switch positions of the flow restriction device are gradually enabled accordingly until the entire fluid channel is closed; when the control unit judges "there is no fluid leakage feature" in consecutive multiple judgments, it controls the flow restriction device to fully open the flow channel.

[0019] Embodiment 6. The intelligent cut-off valve according to Embodiment 1, wherein the flow detection device includes: an impeller, which is arranged on the fluid channel and is configured to rotate in response to the fluid flow; and a detection element, which is configured to detect the rotation and / or rotation speed information of the impeller, and thus transmit this information to the control unit.

[0020] Embodiment 7. The intelligent cut-off valve according to Embodiment 1, wherein the flow restriction device includes at least one valve, and the valve includes an electromagnetic coil, a push rod, and a baffle rotating along a rotating shaft or a valve plate connected to the push rod. The control unit can cut off or connect the power supply of the electromagnetic coil, thereby driving the push rod to move, and further controlling the rotation of the baffle or the movement of the valve plate to control the opening and closing of the valve.

[0021] Embodiment 8. The intelligent cut-off valve according to Embodiment 1 is characterized in that: the intelligent cut-off valve further comprises a cut-off valve body which is installed on a flow channel, and the flow detection device and the flow restriction device are installed on the cut-off valve body. There is no limitation on the installation position of the intelligent cut-off valve as long as it is located on the flow channel. The intelligent cut-off valve may even not have a cut-off valve body and be directly placed in a fluid pipeline.

[0022] Embodiment 9. The intelligent cut-off valve according to Embodiment 1 is characterized in that: the intelligent cut-off valve further comprises a reset device. When the cut-off valve completely closes the entire flow channel, the flow restriction device is completely opened to open the flow channel by starting the reset device. After the intelligent cut-off valve completely cuts off the fluid flow, since there is no fluid flow in the flow channel, the cut-off valve will not have new actions, so the flow channel will be reliably closed.

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

[0024] Embodiment 11. For the intelligent cut-off valve of Embodiment 3, it is characterized in that the "relatively small change in flow velocity" means that the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value of the flow velocity within the judged time period is less than a number selected from "1.01 to 1.20".

[0025] Embodiment 12. For the intelligent cut-off valve of Embodiment 3, it is characterized in that each of the predetermined times, when it appears, is independently selected from a time within "1 minute to 2 hours".

[0026] Embodiment 13. For the intelligent cut-off valve of Embodiment 3, it is characterized in that each of the predetermined flow rates, when it appears, is independently selected from a flow rate within "1 liter to 10 cubic meters".

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

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

[0029] Embodiment 14. An intelligent cut-off valve for a fluid flow channel, which comprises a flow detection device, a flow restriction device, and a control unit.

[0030] Wherein,

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

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

[0033] A control unit that receives the detection result from the flow detection device and activates or deactivates the flow restriction device according to the detection result,

[0034] wherein, when the detected flow velocity is greater than 0, the control unit starts timing and determines the change in the fluid flow velocity within a predetermined time. If it is determined that the change in the flow velocity is small, the flow restriction device is activated; otherwise, the flow restriction device fully opens the flow channel.

[0035] Embodiment 15. The intelligent cut-off valve according to Embodiment 14, characterized in that the flow detection device includes:

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

[0037] A detection element configured to detect the rotational speed of the impeller and transmit the rotational speed as information or a signal to the control unit.

[0038] Embodiment 16. The intelligent cut-off valve according to Embodiment 14, characterized in that:

[0039] The flow restriction device has two switch positions, namely a first switch position and a second switch position. When the flow restriction device is in the first switch position, it can reduce the water flow. When the flow restriction device is in the second switch position, it can cut off the water flow, where

[0040] The control unit, when the flow velocity is greater than 0, determines the change in the flow velocity within a first predetermined time. When it is determined that the change in the flow velocity within the first predetermined time is small, the first switch position of the flow restriction device is activated. Then, it determines the change in the flow velocity within a second predetermined time. When it is determined that the change in the flow velocity within the second predetermined time is small, the second switch position of the flow restriction device is activated to completely close the entire flow channel;

[0041] During the first predetermined time period or the second predetermined time period, when it is determined that the change in the flow velocity is significant or the flow velocity drops to 0, the flow restriction device fully opens the flow channel.

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

[0043] Embodiment 18. The intelligent cut-off valve according to Embodiment 14 is characterized in that: the intelligent cut-off valve further includes a cut-off valve body, the cut-off valve body is installed on the flow channel, and the flow detection device and the flow restriction device are installed on the cut-off valve body. There is no restriction on the installation position of the intelligent cut-off valve, as long as it is located on the flow channel. The intelligent cut-off valve can even have no cut-off valve body and be directly placed in the fluid pipeline.

[0044] Embodiment 19. The intelligent cut-off valve according to Embodiment 14 is characterized in that: the intelligent cut-off valve further includes a reset device. When the cut-off valve completely closes the entire flow channel, the flow restriction device is completely opened by starting the reset device to open the flow channel.

[0045] Embodiment 20. The intelligent cut-off valve according to Embodiment 14 is characterized in that: the reset device includes a balance pipe connecting the upstream and downstream of the flow restriction device, and a balance pipe switch valve provided on the balance pipe.

[0046] Under normal circumstances, the balance pipe switch valve is in a closed state. When the balance pipe switch valve is opened, the pressures upstream and downstream of the flow restriction device reach equilibrium, thereby completely opening the flow channel by the flow restriction device, and the entire intelligent cut-off valve is reset.

[0047] Embodiment 21. The intelligent cut-off valve according to Embodiment 14 is characterized in that:

[0048] The flow restriction device has multiple switch gears. By gradually enabling multiple gears, the entire fluid channel is gradually closed. Each gear corresponds to a predetermined time period, where

[0049] When the flow velocity is greater than 0, the control unit sequentially and gradually judges the change in the flow velocity within the predetermined time period corresponding to each gear. When it is judged that the change in the flow velocity within the predetermined time period is small, the switch gear of the flow restriction device is started, and then the change in the flow velocity within the predetermined time period corresponding to the next switch gear is judged. When it is judged that the change in the flow velocity within the next predetermined time period is small, the next switch gear of the flow restriction device is started, and so on, until all switch gears are enabled, thereby completely closing the entire flow channel;

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

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

[0052] Embodiment 23. The intelligent cut-off valve according to Embodiment 14, wherein the "significant change in flow velocity" means that no "small change in flow velocity" is determined.

[0053] The advantages of the present technology are as follows: An intelligent cut-off valve is provided, which automatically detects fluid leakage, detects the possibility of fluid leakage by detecting the characteristics of fluid leakage, then reminds the user to pay attention by means such as reducing the flow rate, and finally can automatically cut off the fluid flow passage. The valve is applicable to various fluid channels. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0054] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description only relate to some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not limit the present disclosure.

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

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

[0057] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of closing the fluid passage in the second gear position when leakage characteristics are detected according to the first embodiment of the present application.

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

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

[0060] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of closing the fluid passage in the second gear position when leakage characteristics are detected according to the second embodiment of the present application.

[0061] Description of Reference Numerals:

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

[0063] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Apparently, the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of the present disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the described embodiments of the present disclosure without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0064] In this application, unless otherwise specified or different meanings can be derived according to the context, each term has the meaning commonly understood in the art.

[0065] Most fluid leakage incidents have some common characteristics, such as long fluid flow time, large continuous fluid loss, and the fluid flow rate remains basically unchanged due to non-detection. The above characteristics all belong to the fluid leakage characteristics. Fluid leakage characteristics refer to the characteristics that imply the fluid is undesirably leaked rather than normally used, and the specific situations include but are not limited to the above enumeration.

[0066] This application uses an intelligent cut-off valve to detect fluid leakage characteristics and take corresponding measures, thus well solving the problem of undesired fluid leakage.

[0067] Specifically, this application includes the following:

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

[0069] Wherein

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

[0071] The flow restriction device is configured to be activated to restrict the fluid from flowing through the fluid channel; and

[0072] The control unit receives flow information from the flow detection device, determines whether there is a fluid leakage feature from the flow information, and starts or closes the flow restriction device according to the determination result. The "restricting the flow of fluid through the fluid passage" described in the present application means that the flow of fluid in the fluid passage is changed by the flow restriction device, for example: reducing and / or cutting off the flow of fluid through the fluid passage, or making the fluid flow through the fluid passage in a specific manner (for example, regularly expanding and contracting the fluid passage, so that the fluid flow changes regularly to remind the water user to make an appropriate response through the water valve. For example, closing the water valve will cause the cut-off valve to fully open the fluid passage). The specific flow restriction device can be the valve core of the water valve or the multi-stage valve core of the water valve, etc.

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

[0074] In some embodiments, the "fluid leakage feature" includes one or more of the following situations: there is continuous fluid flow within a predetermined time; the continuous fluid flow reaches a predetermined flow rate; or the change in fluid flow rate is small within a predetermined time. There are many fluid leakage features, not limited to the above three, but according to common understanding, most of the fluid leakage features are within the above three listed.

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

[0076] In some embodiments, the flow restriction device has multiple switch positions, and the entire fluid passage is gradually closed by gradually enabling multiple positions. Each position corresponds to the control unit making a determination of "whether there is a fluid leakage feature from the flow information" once, where

[0077] When the control unit determines "there is a fluid leakage feature" in multiple consecutive determinations, the multiple switch positions of the flow restriction device are gradually enabled accordingly until the entire fluid passage is closed; when the control unit determines "there is no fluid leakage feature" in multiple consecutive determinations, it controls the flow restriction device to fully open the flow channel.

[0078] In a specific embodiment, the intelligent cut-off valve has two switch positions. The first switch position closes most of the fluid channels, thereby significantly restricting the fluid flow rate. The second switch position closes the entire fluid channel to prevent fluid leakage. In this case, when the fluid user senses a significant decrease in fluid flow, the fluid flow is cut off by closing the valve or other means. The intelligent cut-off valve is fully opened, and then the fluid can be used normally. After the intelligent cut-off valve is closed, the fluid user needs to reset the cut-off valve to use the fluid normally.

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

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

[0081] In some embodiments, the intelligent cut-off valve further includes a cut-off valve body installed on the flow channel. The flow detection device and the flow restriction device are installed on the cut-off valve body. The installation position of the intelligent cut-off valve is not limited as long as it is located on the flow channel. The intelligent cut-off valve may even not have a cut-off valve body and be directly placed in the fluid pipeline. In some specific embodiments, the intelligent cut-off valve may include a cut-off valve body disposed on the fluid channel for connecting the upstream and downstream of the fluid channel, and at least part of the other components of the intelligent cut-off valve are installed on the cut-off valve body. For example, the flow restriction device is installed inside the cut-off valve body to achieve the function of restricting fluid flow.

[0082] In some embodiments, the intelligent cut-off valve further includes a reset device. When the cut-off valve completely closes the entire flow channel, the flow restriction device is fully opened by activating the reset device. After the intelligent cut-off valve completely cuts off the fluid flow, since there is no fluid flow in the flow channel and the cut-off valve will not have new actions, the flow channel will be reliably closed. The reset device is provided to manually activate the reset device to reset the intelligent cut-off valve, close the flow restriction device, and reopen the fluid channel.

[0083] In some embodiments, the reset device includes a balance pipe connecting the upstream and downstream of the flow restriction device, and a balance pipe switching valve provided on the balance pipe. Under normal circumstances, the balance pipe switching valve is in a closed state. When the balance pipe switching valve is opened, the pressures at the upstream and downstream of the flow restriction device reach equilibrium, so that the flow restriction device fully opens the flow channel and the entire intelligent cut-off valve is reset. This embodiment is a specific example of the reset device and can achieve the effects of this application.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0090] Wherein,

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

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

[0093] A control unit that receives the detection result from the flow detection device and actuates or shuts off the flow restriction device according to the detection result,

[0094] wherein when the detected flow velocity is greater than 0, the control unit starts timing and determines the change in the fluid flow velocity within a predetermined time. If it is determined that the change in the flow velocity is small, the flow restriction device is actuated; otherwise, the flow restriction device fully opens the flow passage. The "restricting the flow of fluid through the fluid passage" as described in this application means that the flow of fluid in the fluid passage is changed by the flow restriction device, such as reducing and / or cutting off the flow of fluid through the fluid passage, or causing the fluid to flow through the fluid passage in a specific manner (for example, regularly expanding and contracting the fluid passage so that the fluid flow changes regularly to remind the water user to make an appropriate response through the water valve. For example, closing the water valve will cause the cut-off valve to fully open the fluid passage). The specific flow restriction device can be the valve core of a water valve or a multi-stage water valve core, etc.

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

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

[0097] A detection element configured to detect the rotational speed of the impeller and transmit the rotational speed as information or a signal to the control unit. This embodiment is a specific example of the flow monitoring device and can achieve the effects of this application.

[0098] In some embodiments, the flow restriction device has two switch positions, namely a first switch position and a second switch position. When the flow restriction device is in the first switch position, it can reduce the water flow. When the flow restriction device is in the second switch position, it can cut off the water flow, where

[0099] the control unit, when the flow velocity is greater than 0, determines the change in the flow velocity within a first predetermined time. When it is determined that the change in the flow velocity within the first predetermined time is small, the first switch position of the flow restriction device is actuated. Then, it determines the change in the flow velocity within a second predetermined time. When it is determined that the change in the flow velocity within the second predetermined time is small, the second switch position of the flow restriction device is actuated to completely close the entire flow passage;

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

[0101] In some embodiments, the flow restriction device includes at least one valve. The valve includes an electromagnetic coil, a push rod, and a baffle that rotates along a rotating shaft or a valve disc connected to the push rod. The control unit can cut off or connect the power supply of the electromagnetic coil, thereby driving the movement of the push rod, and further controlling the rotation of the baffle or the movement of the valve disc to control the opening and closing of the valve. In a specific embodiment, a spring is provided on the push rod to keep the valve open. After the shut-off valve is completely closed, the solenoid valve is powered off, and the baffle or valve disc and the push rod are kept closed by the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream, overcoming the tension of the spring. After the balance valve is opened, the pressure between the upstream and downstream is balanced, and the baffle or valve disc is reset under the action of the spring. On the one hand, it is for power saving considerations. On the other hand, once the power is lost, the shut-off valve will not be accidentally opened. Moreover, since the power consumption during operation is small, battery power supply can be used.

[0102] In some embodiments, the intelligent shut-off valve further includes a shut-off valve body, which is installed on the flow channel, and the flow detection device and the flow restriction device are installed on the shut-off valve body. The installation position of the intelligent shut-off valve is not limited as long as it is located on the flow channel. The intelligent shut-off valve can even not have a shut-off valve body and be directly placed in the fluid pipeline. In some specific embodiments, the intelligent shut-off valve may include a shut-off valve body, which is disposed on the fluid channel for connecting the upstream and downstream of the fluid channel, and at least part of the other components of the intelligent shut-off valve are installed on the shut-off valve body. For example, the flow restriction device is installed inside the shut-off valve body to achieve the function of restricting fluid flow.

[0103] In some embodiments, the intelligent shut-off valve further includes a reset device. When the shut-off valve completely closes the entire flow channel, the flow restriction device fully opens the flow channel by starting the reset device. After the intelligent shut-off valve completely cuts off the fluid flow, since there is no fluid flow in the flow channel, the shut-off valve will not have new actions, so the flow channel will be reliably closed. The reset device is provided, and the reset device is used to manually start the reset device to reset the intelligent shut-off valve, close the flow restriction device, and reopen the fluid channel.

[0104] In some embodiments, the reset device includes a balance pipe connecting the upstream and downstream of the flow restriction device, and a balance pipe shut-off valve provided on the balance pipe.

[0105] Under normal circumstances, the balance tube switch valve is in a closed state. When the balance tube switch valve is opened, the upstream and downstream pressures of the flow restriction device reach equilibrium, enabling the flow restriction device to fully open the flow channel and reset the entire intelligent cut-off valve. This embodiment is a specific example of the reset device and can achieve the effects of this application.

[0106] In some embodiments, the flow restriction device has multiple switching positions. By gradually enabling multiple positions, the entire fluid channel is gradually closed. Each position corresponds to a predetermined time period, where

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

[0108] During the predetermined time period corresponding to each position, when it is determined that the change in the flow velocity is significant or the flow velocity drops to 0, the flow restriction device fully opens the flow channel.

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

[0110] In some embodiments, "the change in the flow velocity is significant" means that "the change in the flow velocity is small" is not judged.

[0111] Embodiment

[0112] Embodiment 1

[0113] Figure 1-3 Shows the first specific embodiment according to this application. Among themFigure 1 It is a schematic diagram under normal use according to the first embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of starting the first gear to restrict fluid flow when a leakage feature is detected according to the first embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of starting the second gear to close the fluid passage when a leakage feature is detected according to the first embodiment of the present application.

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

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

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

[0117] Embodiment 2

[0118] Figure 4-5 Shows the second specific implementation manner according to the present application. Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the second implementation manner according to the present application under normal use conditions. Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of starting the first gear to restrict fluid flow in the second implementation manner according to the present application when a leakage characteristic is detected. Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of starting the second gear to close the fluid channel in the second implementation manner according to the present application when a leakage characteristic is detected.

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

[0120] When the water flow passes through the valve and pushes the impeller 9 to rotate, the signal is collected by the Hall element 15 and fed back to the control unit 2 to start timing or metering. If the water flow stops within the preset time or flow, the timing or metering will be automatically cleared ( Figure 4 the normal operating state shown), if it exceeds the first set value, the control unit energizes the first electromagnetic coil 5, causing the first armature and the first push rod 3 installed in the first shielding cover 4 to move downward to push the first valve plate 6 to close the first passage 10. At this time, a small part of the water flow passes through the second passage 11 and continues to push the impeller 9 to rotate ( Figure 5 the state of starting the first gear to limit fluid flow shown), and then the determination of the second set value is entered. If the water flow is cut off within the second set value, the control unit will cut off the power supply of the first electromagnetic coil 5. The first armature and the first push rod 3 will return to their original positions under the action of the first spring 21. Due to the pressure balance on both sides of the first valve plate 6, the first valve plate 6 together with the first armature and the first push rod 3 will open under the action of the first spring 21. If it exceeds the second set value, the control unit supplies power to the second electromagnetic coil 16 again, causing the second armature and the second push rod 17 installed in the shielding cover 18 to push the second valve plate 12 to close the second passage 11. Then the first electromagnetic coil 5 and the second electromagnetic coil 16 are de-energized. At this time, the valve plate remains closed relying on the pressure difference on both sides ( Figure 6 the state of starting the second gear to close the fluid passage shown). If you want to resume water supply, you need to open the reset valve 19, and the water flows into the other side of the baffle through the balance pipe 20. When the pressures on both sides are balanced, the first valve plate 6 and the second valve plate 12 will open under the action of the first spring 21 and the second spring 22.

[0121] The above embodiments exemplify the present application with an intelligent cut-off water valve. If the fluid leakage characteristics are continuously detected through two judgments on the fluid leakage characteristics, the cut-off valve is used to close the fluid passage to protect the fluid from leakage.

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

Claims

1. An intelligent cut-off valve for a fluid flow channel, comprising a flow detection device, a flow restriction device, and a control unit, wherein, the flow detection device is configured to measure the flow information of the fluid flowing through the flow channel and transmit the flow information to the control unit; the flow restriction device is configured to be activated to restrict the flow of fluid through the fluid channel; and the control unit receives the flow information from the flow detection device, determines whether there is a fluid leakage feature from the flow information, and activates or closes the flow restriction device according to the determination result. "Activating or closing the flow restriction device according to the determination result" includes: activating the flow restriction device when it is determined that there is a fluid leakage feature, otherwise closing the flow restriction device, that is, controlling the flow restriction device to fully open the flow channel.

2. The intelligent cut-off valve according to claim 1, characterized in that The flow information includes at least one selected from "whether there is fluid flowing" and "fluid flow velocity".

3. The intelligent cut-off valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, "Fluid leakage feature" includes one or more of the following situations: continuous fluid flow exists within a predetermined time; the continuous fluid flow reaches a predetermined flow rate; or the fluid flow velocity changes little within a predetermined time.

4. The intelligent cut-off valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, "Restricting the flow of fluid through the fluid channel" means making the fluid channel regularly expand and contract, so that the fluid flow changes regularly to remind the user to make an appropriate response.

5. The intelligent cut-off valve according to claim 1, wherein: the flow restriction device has multiple switch positions, and the entire fluid channel is gradually closed by gradually enabling multiple positions. Each position corresponds to the control unit making a determination of "determining whether there is a fluid leakage feature from the flow information". Among them, when the control unit determines "there is a fluid leakage feature" in consecutive multiple determinations, the multiple switch positions of the flow restriction device are gradually enabled accordingly until the entire fluid channel is closed; when the control unit determines "there is no fluid leakage feature" in consecutive multiple determinations, it controls the flow restriction device to fully open the flow channel.

6. The intelligent cut-off valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent cut-off valve further includes a cut-off valve body, the cut-off valve body is installed on the flow channel, and the flow detection device and the flow restriction device are installed on the cut-off valve body.

7. The intelligent cut-off valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent cut-off valve further includes a reset device. When the cut-off valve completely closes the entire flow channel, the flow restriction device is fully opened by activating the reset device.

8. The intelligent cut-off valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, "The fluid flow velocity changes little" means that the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value of the fluid flow velocity within the judged time period is less than a number selected from "1.01 to 1.20".

9. The intelligent cut-off valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each occurrence of the predetermined time is independently selected from a time within "1 minute to 2 hours".

10. The intelligent cut-off valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each occurrence of the predetermined flow rate is independently selected from a flow rate within "1 liter to 10 cubic meters".

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