A control system for a gas-fired heater which automatically adjusts the size of the flame

Abstract

The application discloses a gas heater control system capable of automatically adjusting the size of a flame, comprising a main controller, an infrared sensing device, a gas control valve, a burner and an ambient temperature sensor and the like. The infrared sensing device senses the presence state, distance and height information of a human body, and the ambient temperature sensor monitors the ambient temperature; the main controller generates a multi-stage or continuous gas flow instruction based on the above information, controls the gas control valve to adjust the size of the flame, and can also adjust the total flow according to the number of human bodies. The system is equipped with a lifting device, which can automatically adjust the height of the burner according to the sitting or standing posture of the human body; a wind speed sensor is arranged, and when the flame is extinguished, the wind speed is combined to judge whether to delay ignition; multiple protections such as a tilt switch, an audible and visual alarm and the like are arranged, and an auxiliary illuminating lamp is started to enhance the sensing performance in weak light. The system realizes intelligent and accurate temperature control, improves the safety and scene adaptability, is energy-saving and convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of household gas appliance technology, specifically relating to a gas heater control system that automatically adjusts the flame size. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of gas heating equipment, as users' demands for heating comfort and energy efficiency increase, traditional gas heaters that rely on manual flame adjustment are no longer sufficient to meet these needs. These products cannot automatically adapt their output power based on changes in ambient temperature and the presence of people, resulting in either excessive heat leading to energy waste or insufficient heat affecting heating efficiency. Even when some products introduce basic automatic control functions, they often rely solely on a single temperature signal for adjustment, failing to consider key factors such as the distance and number of people in the room. This leads to low temperature control accuracy and an inability to provide personalized and intelligent heating.

[0003] Existing gas heaters with basic intelligent control still have significant shortcomings in safety protection and scene adaptability. In terms of safety, while most products are equipped with basic flameout protection, they do not consider the impact of external factors such as wind speed on the safety of reignition, and blindly restarting can easily lead to gas leaks. At the same time, the lack of safety warnings and protection mechanisms for people approaching too closely increases the risk of burns. Regarding scene adaptability, they cannot adjust the height of the device according to differences in sitting and standing postures, the accuracy of the sensors decreases in low-light environments, and they lack the ability to dynamically distribute gas flow in multi-person scenarios, making it difficult to adapt to the actual needs of diverse usage scenarios such as homes and offices.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention proposes a gas heater control system that automatically adjusts the flame size to at least partially solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology, this invention provides a gas heater control system that automatically adjusts the flame size, solving the problem that existing devices cannot identify the number and location of users in multi-user scenarios and dynamically allocate gas flow on demand, resulting in energy waste or poor heating effect.

[0006] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solution: a gas heater control system for automatically adjusting flame size, comprising a main controller, an infrared sensing device, a gas control valve, a burner, and an ambient temperature sensor; the infrared sensing device is used to sense the presence and distance information of a human body within a preset area and send a signal to the main controller; the ambient temperature sensor is used to monitor the ambient temperature and send data to the main controller; the main controller is configured to: integrate the human body distance information and the ambient temperature data to generate a multi-level or continuously changing gas flow control command, and control the gas control valve according to the command to adjust the flame size of the burner.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the infrared sensing device is an array-type infrared sensing device, and the main controller is further configured to: identify the number of human bodies in a preset area based on the signal from the array-type infrared sensing device, and comprehensively adjust the total gas flow rate by combining the human body distance information and ambient temperature data.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main controller is further configured to: trigger an audible and visual alarm device and control the gas control valve to reduce the gas flow rate to a preset minimum safety level when the distance between the human body and the burner is detected to be less than a preset safety threshold.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a lifting device for adjusting the vertical height of the burner; the main controller is further configured to: determine whether the user is in a sitting or standing position based on the human body height information sensed by the infrared sensor, and automatically control the lifting device to adjust the height of the burner to a preset optimal heating position.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a flame sensing needle, an ignition needle, and a wind speed sensor; the main controller is further configured to: when the flame sensing needle detects that the flame has been extinguished, read the data from the wind speed sensor; if the wind speed is higher than a preset threshold, delay for a preset time or wait for the wind speed to decrease before controlling the ignition needle to ignite again; if it still cannot be ignited within a preset number of times, control the gas control valve to close to cut off the gas supply.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flame sensing needle is a flame ion sensing needle, which determines the presence of a flame by detecting the ion concentration in the flame.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a tilt switch is also included; when the heater tilts or tipes over, the tilt switch is triggered and sends a signal to the main controller, and the main controller immediately controls the gas control valve to close upon receiving the signal.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an auxiliary lighting lamp is also included; the main controller is further configured to activate the auxiliary lighting lamp when insufficient ambient light is detected, so as to enhance the detection performance of the infrared sensing device in low light environment.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a power switch; the power switch is connected to the main controller and is used to manually turn the power supply of the entire control system on or off.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a pressure reducing valve, a gas pipe, and a nozzle connected to the gas control valve and the burner, for forming a complete gas delivery path.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By generating multi-level or continuous gas flow commands through the main controller, which integrates data on human distance, number, and ambient temperature, precise and intelligent adjustment of flame size is achieved, ensuring heating effect while avoiding energy waste and achieving energy saving and consumption reduction; The array-type infrared sensor, in conjunction with auxiliary lighting, can accurately identify human status even in low-light environments; The lifting device can automatically adjust the burner height according to the human sitting or standing posture, greatly improving scene adaptability and user comfort; In terms of safety protection, it integrates multiple mechanisms such as audible and visual alarms, tilt switch, and wind speed-linked ignition control, which can promptly warn of the risk of human proximity, immediately cut off gas when the equipment tilts, and reasonably judge the re-ignition timing based on wind speed, effectively avoiding safety hazards such as gas leakage and burns; At the same time, the complete gas delivery path design combined with the manual power switch takes into account both system operation stability and operational flexibility, meeting the usage needs of diverse scenarios such as home and office. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wiring principle of the control system of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control system of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall controller structure of the present invention.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Main controller; 2. Infrared sensor; 3. Gas control valve; 4. Burner; 5. Tilting switch; 6. Flame sensor needle; 7. Ignition needle; 8. Pressure reducing valve; 9. Gas pipe; 10. Nozzle; 11. Lifting device; 12. Auxiliary lighting; 13. Power switch. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, is provided.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] Please see Figures 1-4 This embodiment provides a gas heater control system that automatically adjusts the flame size. The system aims to achieve an intelligent, safe, and energy-efficient heating experience.

[0026] like Figure 1 The wiring diagram of the control system shown is illustrated. The core of the system is the main controller 1, which electrically connects and manages all functional modules. The gas delivery path consists of a pressure reducing valve 8, a gas control valve 3, a gas pipe 9, and a nozzle 10, ultimately delivering the gas to the burner 4. The burner 4 is equipped with an ignition needle 7 for ignition and a flame sensing needle 6 for monitoring the flame status. The safety system includes a tilt switch 5, used to cut off the gas supply when the equipment is tilted.

[0027] like Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the control system shown illustrates the signal flow and control logic. The main controller 1 receives signals from the sensing system (including the infrared sensor 2), the flame sensor 6, and the power switch 13, and outputs control commands to the gas control valve 3 and the ignition needle 7. The entire system is powered by a DC power supply.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, the heater includes an adjustable height lifting device 11, used to adjust the vertical position of the burner 4 according to the user's posture to achieve the best heating effect. Figure 4 As shown, the physical interface of the main controller 1 includes an auxiliary lighting lamp 12 for enhancing sensing and a manual power switch 13.

[0029] One of the core innovations of this invention lies in its intelligent flame adjustment capability, which replaces traditional manual adjustment and enables on-demand heating. The module mainly consists of a main controller 1, an infrared sensing device 2, an ambient temperature sensor, and a gas control valve 3.

[0030] Infrared sensing device 2: used to sense the presence of human bodies within a preset area in real time, their distance from the heater, and even their height. In a preferred embodiment, this device is an array-type infrared sensing device 2, capable of identifying the number of human bodies within the area.

[0031] Ambient temperature sensor: continuously monitors the ambient temperature around the heater and sends the data to the main controller 1.

[0032] Main Controller 1: As the system's control center, it comprehensively analyzes information on human distance, number, and height from infrared sensor 2, as well as data from the ambient temperature sensor. Based on a built-in intelligent algorithm, Main Controller 1 generates a multi-level or continuously varying gas flow control command. For example, when a person is detected approaching and the ambient temperature is low, the controller instructs the gas valve to increase its opening; when the person leaves or the ambient temperature reaches a comfortable level, it decreases the opening, or even switches to a low-heat preservation mode, thereby maximizing energy savings while ensuring comfort.

[0033] To enhance user experience and device adaptability to different environments, the system integrates scene adaptation functionality.

[0034] Automatic height adjustment of burner 4: Based on the height information of the human body sensed by infrared sensor 2, the main controller 1 can determine whether the user is standing or sitting. Subsequently, the controller drives the lifting device 11 to automatically adjust the burner 4 to the preset optimal heating height, ensuring that heat can be transferred to the user most effectively.

[0035] Low-light environment compensation: In nighttime or low-light environments, the accuracy of infrared sensing may decrease. Therefore, when the main controller 1 detects insufficient ambient light, it automatically activates the auxiliary lighting 12. This lighting provides necessary supplementary light for infrared sensing, ensuring accurate detection of personnel movement under any lighting conditions, thereby guaranteeing the sensitivity and accuracy of flame adjustment.

[0036] Safety is of paramount importance for gas products. This system is designed with multiple, proactive safety protection mechanisms.

[0037] Tilt protection: The device has a built-in tilt switch 5. When the heater tilts beyond a preset angle or accidentally tipes over, the switch closes or opens, sending an emergency signal to the main controller 1. Upon receiving the signal, the main controller 1 will immediately execute the highest priority safety command, namely, controlling the gas control valve 3 to close instantly, cutting off the gas supply and preventing gas leaks and fire risks at the source.

[0038] Flameout protection and intelligent re-ignition: The system monitors the combustion status in real time via a flame sensing needle 6 (preferably a flame ionization sensing needle that detects flame ion concentration). When an unexpected event causes the flame to go out, the flame sensing needle 6 will not detect the flame and will immediately notify the main controller 1. At this time, the controller will not blindly ignite, but will first read the data from the wind speed sensor. If the wind speed is higher than the safety threshold, the controller will delay ignition and wait for the wind speed to decrease before controlling the ignition needle 7 to attempt re-ignition. If multiple ignition attempts fail, the system will determine that there is an anomaly, automatically shut off the gas valve, and may issue an alarm to prevent the continuous leakage of unburned gas.

[0039] Anti-burn warning: The infrared sensor 2 not only regulates the flame but also serves a safety precaution. When it detects that the distance between a person and the burner 4 is less than a preset safety threshold, the main controller 1 will immediately trigger an audible and visual alarm to remind the user to maintain a safe distance. At the same time, the controller will forcibly reduce the gas flow to a preset minimum safe level, reducing the flame intensity and preventing accidental burns.

[0040] The workflow is as follows: After the user connects the gas and presses the power switch 13, the main controller 1 is powered on and initialized, and performs self-tests on all sensors and actuators. After the self-test is passed, it instructs the gas control valve 3 to release a small amount of gas and drive the ignition needle 7 to generate an electric arc. Once the flame sensing needle 6 detects the flame and confirms successful ignition, the system enters standby or initial working state. Subsequently, the system switches to fully automatic operation mode. The infrared sensor 2 scans the environment. When it senses someone approaching, the main controller 1 calculates the appropriate gas flow rate based on the ambient temperature and adjusts the gas control valve 3 to make the flame turn into a suitable high flame. When it senses that the person has left, it instructs the gas valve to reduce the flow rate and switch to an energy-saving low flame. At the same time, it adjusts the height of the burner 4 through the lifting device 11 based on the height information of the person. During the entire operation, the tilt switch 5, flame sensing needle 6, wind speed sensor, and infrared distance sensor and other safety modules continue to work to deal with emergencies and execute protection programs. When the user presses the power switch 13 again or the system automatically triggers shutdown for safety reasons, the main controller 1 immediately closes the gas control valve 3 to stop combustion, and the system enters the shutdown state.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] This embodiment provides a more specific application configuration and operation process to illustrate the actual operation details of the system of the present invention.

[0043] In this embodiment, the control system consists of a main controller module 1 that integrates sensing and output functions. This module includes two infrared sensors 2, a power switch 13, and a set of auxiliary lighting lamps 12. The main controller 1 is configured with three key output control lines:

[0044] Group 1: Outputs 18V DC voltage to gas control valve 3 for precise control of valve opening, closing, and flow rate.

[0045] The second group outputs a 14kV high-voltage pulse to the ignition needle 7 to generate a powerful electric arc, ensuring reliable ignition.

[0046] The third group serves as a signal input / output channel, connected to the flame sensing needle 6, for real-time monitoring of the flame's ion concentration to determine the combustion status.

[0047] The detailed workflow of this embodiment is as follows:

[0048] Start-up process: After the user connects the gas supply, press the power switch 13. The main controller 1 is activated and immediately issues three parallel commands: First, it outputs 18V voltage to the gas control valve 3 to open it and establish the initial gas passage; second, it outputs 14KV high voltage to the ignition needle 7 to start the arc ignition program and ignite the gas sprayed from the burner 4; finally, it starts signal monitoring of the flame sensing needle 6 to confirm whether the flame has been successfully ignited and continues to burn.

[0049] Automatic Flame Adjustment: After successful ignition, the system enters intelligent monitoring mode. Infrared sensor 2 emits infrared beams, continuously scanning the preset area in front of the heater. When it senses someone entering and approaching the area, the main controller 1 immediately sends a command to the gas control valve 3, opening a high-flow gas output and switching the burner 4 to high-fire mode to quickly raise the ambient temperature. When it senses someone leaving the area, the main controller 1 sends the opposite command, reducing the gas flow to a low-flow level, keeping the burner 4 in low-fire mode, thus achieving the effects of heat preservation and energy saving.

[0050] Low-light environment adaptation: In nighttime or dimly lit environments, to ensure the accuracy of infrared sensing is not affected, the photosensitive element inside the main controller 1 will detect insufficient ambient light. At this time, the main controller 1 will automatically activate the auxiliary lighting 12 to enhance the ambient brightness, ensuring that the infrared sensing system can more accurately capture the movement of people, thereby achieving effective flame size adjustment.

[0051] Safety protection in abnormal situations:

[0052] Tilting Protection: When the heater tilts or tipes over significantly due to external force, the tilt switch 5 will immediately activate, changing its internal circuit state (e.g., from closed to open), thereby cutting off the circuit associated with the flame sensor 6. The main controller 1 detects this signal interruption, identifies it as an emergency tilting event, and immediately outputs a command to close the gas control valve 3, completely cutting off the gas supply and preventing gas leakage.

[0053] Accidental flameout protection: If the flame is extinguished due to sudden events such as strong winds, the flame sensor 6 will lose signal because it cannot detect ions in the flame. Upon receiving this status, the main controller 1 will immediately initiate the reignition procedure. If the flame still cannot be ignited after a preset number of attempts, the system will determine that there may be a persistent abnormality, and will automatically shut off the gas valve and stop ignition attempts to ensure safety.

[0054] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention are within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control system for a gas heater that automatically adjusts the flame size, characterized in that, Includes a main controller, an array of infrared sensors, a gas control valve, a burner, and an ambient temperature sensor; The array-type infrared sensing device is used to sense the presence status, number of people, distance information, and height information of people within a preset area, and sends signals to the main controller. The ambient temperature sensor is used to monitor the ambient temperature and send data to the main controller. The main controller is configured to: integrate human number information, human distance information and ambient temperature data detected by the ambient temperature sensor to generate a multi-level or continuously changing gas flow control command, and control the gas control valve according to the command to adjust the flame size of the burner; It also includes a lifting device for adjusting the vertical height of the burner; the main controller is further configured to: determine whether the user is sitting or standing based on the human body height information sensed by the array infrared sensor, and automatically control the lifting device to adjust the height of the burner to the preset optimal heating position. It also includes a flame sensing needle, an ignition needle, and a wind speed sensor; the main controller is further configured to: when the flame sensing needle detects that the flame has been extinguished, read the data from the wind speed sensor; if the wind speed is higher than a preset threshold, delay for a preset time or wait for the wind speed to decrease before controlling the ignition needle to ignite again; if it still cannot be ignited within a preset number of times, control the gas control valve to close to cut off the gas supply.

2. The gas heater control system for automatically adjusting flame size according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main controller is also configured to: trigger an audible and visual alarm device and control the gas control valve to reduce the gas flow to a preset minimum safety level when the distance between the human body and the burner is detected to be less than a preset safety threshold.

3. The gas heater control system for automatically adjusting flame size according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flame sensing needle is a flame ion sensing needle, which determines the presence of a flame by detecting the concentration of ions in the flame.

4. The gas heater control system for automatically adjusting flame size according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a tilt switch; when the heater tilts or tipes over, the tilt switch is triggered and sends a signal to the main controller, and the main controller immediately controls the gas control valve to close after receiving the signal.

5. A gas heater control system for automatically adjusting flame size according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes auxiliary lighting; the main controller is further configured to activate the auxiliary lighting when insufficient ambient light is detected, in order to enhance the detection performance of the infrared sensing device in low-light environments.

6. A gas heater control system for automatically adjusting flame size according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a power switch; the power switch is connected to the main controller and is used to manually turn the power to or off the entire control system.

7. A gas heater control system for automatically adjusting flame size according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a pressure reducing valve, a gas pipe, and a nozzle connected to the gas control valve and the burner, forming a complete gas delivery path.

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