Intelligent tail end water return device and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an intelligent tail end water return device and a control method thereof.The intelligent tail end water return device comprises a booster pump, a temperature sensor, a water flow sensor, a first electromagnetic valve, a second electromagnetic valve and a control module, and the booster pump comprises an inlet end, a fluid channel and an outlet end; the first electromagnetic valve is a normally open electromagnetic valve, the second electromagnetic valve is a normally closed electromagnetic valve, and an inlet of the first electromagnetic valve and an inlet of the second electromagnetic valve are both communicated with the outlet end of the booster pump; the water flow sensor and the temperature sensor are both arranged on a fluid channel of the booster pump; the booster pump, the water flow sensor, the temperature sensor, the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve are all electrically connected with the control module. According to the technical scheme, the full-automatic water return function can be achieved when a user starts hot water, water resources are saved, operation is easy, manual intervention is not needed, the user experience is greatly improved, and great convenience and economic benefits are truly brought to the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hot water circulation, particularly to the field of household hot water circulation, and specifically to an intelligent terminal return water device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most urban households use gas water heaters or air source water heaters as their heat source for hot water. Regardless of whether it's a gas water heater or an air source water heater, the installation location is usually some distance from the point of use. However, the vast majority of households do not have a return water pipe installed. Therefore, when using hot water by turning on the tap or shower, it often takes half a minute to several minutes for cold water to flow before hot water comes out. This is especially true for larger homes with two or more bathrooms, where the amount of cold water that needs to be discharged from the point of use is even greater, and the waiting time is even longer. Neither gas water heater manufacturers nor air source water heater manufacturers have a good solution to this problem.

[0003] For solutions without a return water pipe, see applications numbered 202021265019.6 and 202022064292.9. Publicly available technical solutions reveal that most current solutions use H-valve to connect the hot and cold water pipes at the end-user point. Return water is then achieved using a zero-cold-water water heater with a built-in return pump or by adding a return pump to the inlet and outlet pipes of the heat source. H-valve options include ordinary H-valve and thermostatic H-valve. While ordinary H-valve has a check function, preventing cold water from flowing into hot water, it cannot prevent hot water from flowing into cold water. Thermostatic H-valve, on the other hand, uses the thermal expansion effect of a temperature sensing element to open and close the valve. The valve automatically closes when the temperature is reached and reopens as the temperature drops. However, the return pump cannot obtain a temperature signal. In actual use, cold and hot water are often connected, failing to effectively solve the cross-contamination problem. Furthermore, the temperature detection points in existing technologies are all located at the heat source. Using the temperature at the heat source as a substitute for the temperature at the end-user point easily leads to a mismatch between the two temperatures, causing false triggering of the return water function.

[0004] Patent application number 202322657521.1 discloses a water return device and a water heater, which uses a solenoid valve, a temperature probe and a water return pump to achieve zero cold water. The disclosed document does not show how the communication between the water return device and the water heater is achieved, but it can be inferred from the description of the technical solution that, due to the limitation of installation distance, it is highly likely that wireless communication is used between the two. If wireless communication is used, not only are there requirements for the communication signal strength, but also requirements for the user's installation site. If there are multiple partitions in the house, communication may be unsuccessful and the desired effect may not be achieved.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, patent application number 201922143684.1 discloses a zero-cold-water circulation device and system, patent application number 201920927771.3 discloses a circulating return water device and an instant hot water circulation system, and patent application number 202322642209.5 discloses a zero-cold-water terminal circulation device. All of these prior technologies utilize direct installation of a return water device at the point of use to achieve a household zero-cold-water supply. Regardless of the specific solution, users need to pre-set or manually issue a circulating heating command to achieve the return water effect. While pre-setting a circulating heating command can achieve instant hot water, it also increases energy consumption during non-water usage periods. Manually issuing a circulating heating command requires external buttons, wireless communication buttons, or a Wi-Fi communication interface, increasing both equipment costs and user operation steps, potentially causing inconvenience, especially for the elderly or children, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides an intelligent terminal water return device and its control method to solve the problem of how to realize the fully automatic return function of cold water in hot water pipes, which has water-saving function, and at the same time solves the needs of users without return water pipes for zero cold water and instant hot water.

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides an intelligent end-point water return device, comprising a booster pump, a temperature sensor, a water flow sensor, and a control module. The booster pump includes an inlet end, a fluid channel, and an outlet end. It also includes a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve, wherein the first solenoid valve is a normally open solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve is a normally closed solenoid valve. The inlets of both the first and second solenoid valves are connected to the outlet end of the booster pump. Both the water flow sensor and the temperature sensor are located on the fluid channel of the booster pump; The booster pump, the water flow sensor, the temperature sensor, the first solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve are all electrically connected to the control module.

[0008] Furthermore, the booster pump has a dual outlet, which is connected to the inlet of the first solenoid valve and the inlet of the second solenoid valve, respectively.

[0009] Furthermore, the two outlets of the booster pump are perpendicular to each other and are connected to the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve respectively via quick-connect fitting.

[0010] Furthermore, the second solenoid valve is a pilot-operated solenoid valve, and a check valve is provided in the outlet channel of the pilot-operated solenoid valve.

[0011] Furthermore, the water flow sensor is located near the inlet end of the booster pump.

[0012] Furthermore, the temperature sensor is located near the outlet end of the booster pump.

[0013] Furthermore, the control module also includes a wireless communication module.

[0014] The intelligent terminal water return device also includes a housing, and the control module can be fixed on the housing of the booster pump or on the inner wall of the housing.

[0015] The control method for the above-mentioned intelligent terminal water return device includes the following steps: Step 1: Is there a water flow signal? If yes, proceed to Step 2; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 2: Compare whether the current temperature value is less than the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to Step 3; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 3: Start the water return process and proceed to Step 4; Step 4: Compare whether the current temperature value has reached the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to step 5; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 5: Stop the backflow and proceed to Step 6; Step Six: Monitor the water flow signal and proceed with Step One.

[0016] Preferably, the control method for the intelligent end-point water return device specifically includes the following steps: Step 1: Is there a water flow signal? If yes, proceed to Step 2; otherwise, proceed to Step 7. Step 2: Compare whether the current temperature value is less than the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to Step 3; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 3: Start the water return process and proceed to Step 4; Step 4: Compare whether the current temperature value has reached the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to step 5; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 5: Stop the backflow and proceed to Step 6; Step Six: Monitor the water flow signal and proceed with Step One; Step 7: Has the preset time period been entered? If yes, proceed to Step 2; otherwise, proceed to Step 1.

[0017] More preferably, the control method for the intelligent end-of-pipe water return device includes a wireless communication module, specifically comprising the following steps: Step 1: Is there a water flow signal? If yes, proceed to Step 2; otherwise, proceed to Step 7. Step 2: Compare whether the current temperature value is less than the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to Step 3; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 3: Start the water return process and proceed to Step 4; Step 4: Compare whether the current temperature value has reached the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to step 5; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 5: Stop the backflow and proceed to Step 6; Step Six: Monitor the water flow signal and proceed with Step One; Step 7: Is there a wireless communication start signal? If yes, proceed to step 2; otherwise, proceed to step 1.

[0018] The intelligent terminal water return device of this invention, through the inclusion of a control module, a water flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a first solenoid valve, and a second solenoid valve, along with a control method, achieves fully automatic water return functionality without manual intervention. When the user uses hot water and the outlet water temperature is lower than a preset temperature, the water flow is automatically shut off, and the water return function is activated. When the outlet water temperature reaches the user's preset temperature, hot water is automatically supplied. Simultaneously, an instant hot water function can be achieved by activating a timed water return mode. This intelligent terminal water return device not only saves water resources but is also simple to operate, achieving fully automatic water return without manual intervention, greatly enhancing the user experience and truly bringing significant convenience and economic benefits to users.

[0019] In summary, this invention features a simple structure, convenient operation, and the ability to automatically return cold water from hot water pipes, which helps save water and provides instant hot water for households without pre-installed return pipes. Furthermore, the intelligent terminal return device control method described in this invention offers high accuracy, rapid response, and features water-saving, energy-saving, scheduled, and remote start functions, meeting the water needs of different user groups. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For users of ordinary skills in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a front structural diagram of an intelligent end-point water return device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an intelligent end-point water return device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connections of the various modules of an intelligent end-point water return device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application example of an intelligent end-point water return device as described in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a logic diagram of the control method for an intelligent end-point water return device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a logic diagram of another control method for an intelligent terminal water return device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a logic diagram of a control method for an intelligent end-of-line water return device with a wireless communication module as described in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0028] Reference numerals: 1. Booster pump; 11. Inlet end; 12. Fluid channel; 13. Outlet end; 2. Temperature sensor; 3. Water flow sensor; 4. Control module; 5. First solenoid valve; 51. First inlet; 52. First outlet; 6. Second solenoid valve; 61. Second inlet; 62. Second outlet; 7. Wireless communication module; 10. Housing; 20. Intelligent water return device body; 21. T-junction; 22. Cold water angle valve; 23. Cold water supply pipe; 24. Hot water angle valve; 25. Hot water supply pipe; 26. Hot water pipe; 27. Cold water pipe; 28. Mixing faucet. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them.

[0030] Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] The purpose of this specific embodiment is to provide an intelligent end-of-pipe water return device and a control method for the intelligent end-of-pipe water return device; the embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments shown below do not conform to the claims. The content of this invention is not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, the entirety of the configurations illustrated in the following embodiments is not limited to those necessary for the solution of the invention as described in the claims. Example 1.

[0032] Combination Figures 1 to 4The intelligent end-point water return device shown includes a booster pump 1, a temperature sensor 2, a water flow sensor 3, and a control module 4. The booster pump 1 includes an inlet end 11, a fluid channel 12, and an outlet end 13. It also includes a first solenoid valve 5 and a second solenoid valve 6. The first solenoid valve 5 is a normally open solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve 6 is a normally closed solenoid valve. The inlets of the first solenoid valve 5 and the second solenoid valve 6 are both connected to the outlet end 13 of the booster pump 1.

[0033] The water flow sensor 3 is installed on the fluid channel 12 of the booster pump 1 and is close to the inlet end 11; the temperature sensor 2 is installed on the fluid channel 12 of the booster pump 1 and is close to the outlet end 13.

[0034] The booster pump 1, the water flow sensor 3, the temperature sensor 2, the first solenoid valve 5, and the second solenoid valve 6 are all electrically connected to the control module 4.

[0035] The intelligent terminal water return device also includes a housing 10, and the control module 4 is installed on the upper part of the inner wall of the housing 10.

[0036] Furthermore, the outlet end 13 of the booster pump 1 is a dual outlet, the first solenoid valve 5 includes a first inlet 51 and a first outlet 52, the second solenoid valve 6 includes a second inlet 61 and a second outlet 62, and the dual outlets of the booster pump 1 are respectively connected to the first inlet 51 and the second inlet 61; the inlet end 11 is used to connect to the hot water supply pipe, the first outlet 52 is used to connect to the hot water point, and the second outlet 62 is used to connect to the cold water supply pipe and the cold water point.

[0037] Furthermore, the two outlets of the booster pump 1 are perpendicular to each other and are connected to the first inlet 51 and the second inlet 61 by quick-connect fitting, respectively.

[0038] Furthermore, the second solenoid valve 6 is a pilot-operated solenoid valve, and a check valve 8 is provided in the outlet channel of the pilot-operated solenoid valve.

[0039] Furthermore, the intelligent end-point water return device also includes a wireless communication module 7, which is communicatively connected to the control module 4, and the wireless communication module 7 is a commercially available standard module.

[0040] The aforementioned intelligent terminal water return device is generally installed at the hot water faucet at the farthest point in the home. The intelligent terminal water return device connects the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe. Under normal conditions, when the user uses hot water, after turning on the hot water faucet, the hot water flows normally from the hot water pipe through the first solenoid valve to the hot water faucet. When the user uses cold water, after turning on the cold water faucet, the cold water flows normally directly from the cold water pipe to the cold water faucet. The hot water and cold water are separated by the second solenoid valve 6.

[0041] The function of the intelligent terminal water return device is to control whether the faucet dispenses water by sensing the water flow when the user uses hot water and monitoring whether the water temperature in the hot water pipe reaches the required level. If the water temperature does not reach the required level, the faucet will shut off the water flow by closing the first solenoid valve 5 and opening the second solenoid valve 6 and the booster pump 1 to start water return.

[0042] according to Figure 4 The diagram shows an installation example of the intelligent terminal water return device. The intelligent terminal water return device 20 is installed below the sink. The inlet 11 is connected to a hot water angle valve 24, which is connected to a hot water supply pipe 25. The first outlet 52 is connected to a hot water pipe 26, and the second outlet 62 is connected to a cold water angle valve 22 and a cold water pipe 27 via a tee 21. The cold water angle valve 22 is connected to a cold water supply pipe 23, and both the cold water pipe 27 and the hot water pipe 26 are connected to a mixing faucet 28. When the user turns on the hot water, the water flows through the water flow sensor 3. The water flow sensor 3 detects a water flow signal and transmits the signal to the control module 4. The control module 4 determines whether to start the water return process based on a comparison between the current temperature and a preset threshold. Starting the water return process means that the control module 4 sends a control signal to close the first solenoid valve 5, open the second solenoid valve 6, and start the booster pump 1. These three control actions can be performed simultaneously or sequentially.

[0043] After the water return is started, the control module 4 continuously monitors the temperature signal detected by the temperature sensor 2. When the current temperature reaches a preset threshold, the water return is stopped. Stopping the water return means that the control module 4 controls the first solenoid valve 5 to open, controls the second solenoid valve 6 to close, and controls the booster pump 1 to stop. The above three control actions can be performed simultaneously or sequentially.

[0044] Preferably, a time period can also be preset. When the preset time period is entered, the control module 4 will determine whether to start the water return process based on the comparison between the current temperature and the preset threshold.

[0045] More preferably, users can remotely start the water return process via the wireless communication module 7 according to their own needs. Example 2.

[0046] Combining Example 1 and Figure 5 As shown, to achieve fully automatic control of the intelligent terminal water return device, this embodiment provides a control method for the intelligent terminal water return device. After the intelligent terminal water return device is powered on, it performs the following steps: Step 1: Is there a water flow signal? If yes, proceed to Step 2; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 2: Compare whether the current temperature value is less than the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to Step 3; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 3: Start the water return process and proceed to Step 4; Step 4: Compare whether the current temperature value has reached the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to step 5; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 5: Stop the backflow and proceed to Step 6; Step Six: Monitor the water flow signal and proceed with Step One. Example 3.

[0047] Combining Example 1 and Figure 6 As shown, to achieve intelligent control of the intelligent terminal water return device, this embodiment provides a control method for the intelligent terminal water return device. After the intelligent terminal water return device is powered on, it performs the following steps: Step 1: Is there a water flow signal? If yes, proceed to Step 2; otherwise, proceed to Step 7. Step 2: Compare whether the current temperature value is less than the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to Step 3; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 3: Start the water return process and proceed to Step 4; Step 4: Compare whether the current temperature value has reached the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to step 5; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 5: Stop the backflow and proceed to Step 6; Step Six: Monitor the water flow signal and proceed with Step One; Step 7: Has the preset time period been entered? If yes, proceed to Step 2; otherwise, proceed to Step 1. Example 4.

[0048] Combining Example 1 and Figure 7 As shown, to achieve intelligent control of the intelligent terminal water return device, this embodiment provides a control method for the intelligent terminal water return device. After the intelligent terminal water return device is powered on, it performs the following steps: Step 1: Is there a water flow signal? If yes, proceed to Step 2; otherwise, proceed to Step 7. Step 2: Compare whether the current temperature value is less than the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to Step 3; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 3: Start the water return process and proceed to Step 4; Step 4: Compare whether the current temperature value has reached the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to step 5; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 5: Stop the backflow and proceed to Step 6; Step Six: Monitor the water flow signal and proceed with Step One; Step 7: Is there a wireless communication start signal? If yes, proceed to step 2; otherwise, proceed to step 1.

[0049] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are that when the water temperature in the hot water pipe is lower than the preset temperature threshold, the user turns on the hot water tap. After the water flows out of the hot water tap, the intelligent terminal return water device will automatically cut off the water flow from the hot water tap and transport the cooled water in the hot water pipe to the cold water pipe and return it to the heat source for recirculation and heating. After the water temperature in the hot water pipe rises to the preset threshold, the intelligent terminal return water device will automatically control the hot water tap to dispense hot water and cut off the connection with the hot and cold water pipes. This achieves a fully automatic return water function when hot water is turned on, which not only avoids wasting energy consumption but also avoids wasting water resources. It does not require manual operation by the user, greatly improves the user experience, and truly brings great convenience and economic benefits to the user.

Claims

1. An intelligent end-point water return device, comprising a booster pump, a temperature sensor, a water flow sensor, and a control module, wherein the booster pump includes an inlet end, a fluid channel, and an outlet end; characterized in that, include, A first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve, wherein the first solenoid valve is a normally open solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve is a normally closed solenoid valve, and the inlets of both the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are connected to the outlet end of the booster pump. Both the water flow sensor and the temperature sensor are located on the fluid channel of the booster pump; The booster pump, the water flow sensor, the temperature sensor, the first solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve are all electrically connected to the control module.

2. The intelligent end-point water return device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The booster pump has a dual outlet, which is connected to the inlet of the first solenoid valve and the inlet of the second solenoid valve, respectively.

3. The intelligent end-point water return device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The booster pump has two outlets that are perpendicular to each other and are connected to the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve respectively via quick-connect fitting.

4. The intelligent end-point water return device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second solenoid valve is a pilot-operated solenoid valve, and a check valve is provided in the outlet channel of the pilot-operated solenoid valve.

5. The intelligent end-point water return device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water flow sensor is located near the inlet of the booster pump.

6. The intelligent end-point water return device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature sensor is located near the outlet end of the booster pump.

7. The intelligent end-point water return device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a wireless communication module, which is communicatively connected to the control module.

8. The control method for the intelligent terminal water return device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps, Step 1: Is there a water flow signal? If yes, proceed to Step 2; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 2: Compare whether the current temperature value is less than the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to Step 3; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 3: Start the water return process and proceed to Step 4; Step 4: Compare whether the current temperature value has reached the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to step 5; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 5: Stop the backflow and proceed to Step 6; Step Six: Monitor the water flow signal and proceed with Step One.

9. The control method for the intelligent terminal water return device according to claim 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Is there a water flow signal? If yes, proceed to Step 2; otherwise, proceed to Step 7. Step 2: Compare whether the current temperature value is less than the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to Step 3; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 3: Start the water return process and proceed to Step 4; Step 4: Compare whether the current temperature value has reached the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to step 5; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 5: Stop the backflow and proceed to Step 6; Step Six: Monitor the water flow signal and proceed with Step One; Step 7: Has the preset time period been entered? If yes, proceed to Step 2; otherwise, proceed to Step 1.

10. The control method for the intelligent terminal water return device according to claim 8, wherein the intelligent terminal water return device includes a wireless communication module, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Is there a water flow signal? If yes, proceed to Step 2; otherwise, proceed to Step 7. Step 2: Compare whether the current temperature value is less than the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to Step 3; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 3: Start the water return process and proceed to Step 4; Step 4: Compare whether the current temperature value has reached the preset threshold. If yes, proceed to step 5; otherwise, maintain the current state. Step 5: Stop the backflow and proceed to Step 6; Step Six: Monitor the water flow signal and proceed with Step One; Step 7: Is there a wireless communication start signal? If yes, proceed to step 2; otherwise, proceed to step 1.

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