A domestic water supply system and method for a vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of vehicle domestic water supply system and water supply method, belong to vehicle engineering technical field, wherein system includes water storage tank, for storing domestic water, the water storage tank is configured with active heating element;Water faucet is set to water end;Water supply pipeline connects the water storage tank with the water faucet;And power component is set on the water supply pipeline, for driving water flow between the water storage tank and the water faucet flow;Wherein, winter water mode, according to the water temperature condition in water storage tank active heating element is opened, and after water is used, power component empties the stored water in the water supply pipeline and flows back to the water storage tank.In the present application, by integrating active heating and dynamic emptying logic, the freezing paralysis problem of vehicle-mounted waterway in extremely low temperature environment is completely solved, and the instant availability and hardware security of the system in subzero environment are guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of vehicle engineering technology, and in particular relates to a vehicle-mounted domestic water supply system and water supply method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of RV travel and long-distance commercial vehicle transportation, onboard water supply systems have become essential facilities for ensuring the quality of life for drivers and passengers. A typical onboard water supply system consists of a water inlet, a water tank, a water pump, a pressure-stabilizing pump, faucets, and connecting pipes. When the ambient temperature is above freezing, water can flow freely in the pipes to meet needs such as washing and drinking. However, existing onboard water supply systems have the following significant drawbacks when used in northern winters or in extremely cold environments at high altitudes:

[0003] Pipeline and pump freezing and blockage: When the external ambient temperature is below 0℃ (or even below 4℃), the water remaining in the water supply pipeline and pump is very likely to freeze due to the lack of effective antifreeze measures in conventional systems. Once frozen, the ice can not only block the pipeline and cause system failure, but may also crack the pipeline and damage the pump due to the expansion of the water volume after freezing, causing the entire water supply system to malfunction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a vehicle-mounted domestic water supply system and method. By integrating active heating and dynamic drainage logic, it completely solves the problem of freezing and paralysis of the vehicle's water circuit in extremely low temperature environments, ensuring the system's immediate availability and hardware safety in environments below freezing point.

[0005] This invention is implemented as follows: On one hand, it provides a vehicle-mounted domestic water supply system, comprising: A water storage tank is used to store domestic water, and the water storage tank is equipped with an active heating element. A faucet is installed at the point where water is used; A water supply pipeline connects the water storage tank to the faucet; A power component is provided on the water supply pipeline to drive water flow between the water storage tank and the faucet. In winter water use mode, the active heating element is activated according to the water temperature in the water storage tank, and after the water use is completed, the power unit drains the water stored in the water supply pipeline and returns it to the water storage tank.

[0006] Furthermore, the water storage tank is wrapped with a water tank insulation layer, and a water tank heating wire is installed inside the water tank insulation layer; a water tank insulation layer ventilation cavity is provided between the inner wall of the water tank insulation layer and the outer wall of the water storage tank; therefore, the water tank heating wire is turned on or off according to the water temperature in the water storage tank.

[0007] Furthermore, the water supply pipeline includes a water pipe, which is wrapped with a water pipe insulation layer, and a water pipe heating wire is installed inside the water pipe insulation layer; a water pipe insulation layer ventilation cavity is provided between the water pipe insulation layer and the water pipe; the water pipe heating wire is turned on or off according to the water temperature in the water storage tank.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes an air conditioning heating duct, the air inlet of which is connected to the vehicle's air conditioning system, and the air outlet of which is connected to the ventilation cavity of the water pipe insulation layer and the ventilation cavity of the water tank insulation layer, respectively, and returns to the driver's cab through the duct to form hot air heating for the water tank and water pipe. Adjust the heating power of the water tank heating wire and the water pipe heating wire according to the engine coolant temperature.

[0009] Furthermore, the power component includes a water pump, which has a forward water supply mode and a reverse water pumping and emptying mode.

[0010] Furthermore, a pressure-stabilizing pump is installed on the water supply pipeline between the water pump and the faucet to maintain uniform water output.

[0011] Furthermore, the water storage tank is equipped with a water tank temperature sensor for monitoring water temperature, and the temperature sensor controls the opening and closing of the active heating element through a controller.

[0012] On the other hand, a water supply method using any of the above-described vehicle domestic water supply systems is provided, comprising the following steps: Receive a water usage mode selection signal, wherein the water usage mode includes a normal temperature water usage mode and a winter water usage mode; Real-time acquisition of water temperature data in the water storage tank; Based on the water temperature data and the selected water usage mode, control the working status of the water tank heating wire, the active heating element and the water pipe heating wire; When the selected water usage mode is winter water usage mode, after detecting the end of water usage signal, the water pump is controlled to work in reverse to drain the water pipeline system and the residual water in the water pump back to the water storage tank.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes monitoring the engine coolant temperature. Once the engine coolant temperature reaches a stable operating temperature, the output power of the water tank heating wire, active heating element, and water pipe heating wire is gradually reduced, eventually switching to relying solely on the engine's waste heat delivered by the air conditioning heating pipe to maintain the water temperature of the water tank and water supply pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, when the water temperature in the storage tank is detected to be below 0°C, the water tank heating wire, active heating element, and water pipe heating wire are activated for heating; when the water temperature in the storage tank is detected to rise above 4°C, the power unit is allowed to supply water to the faucet normally.

[0015] The advantages and technical effects of this invention are as follows: By adopting the above technical solution and integrating active heating and dynamic venting logic, the problem of freezing and paralysis of vehicle water circuit in extremely low temperature environment is completely solved, ensuring the immediate availability and hardware safety of the system in the environment below freezing point.

[0016] The system monitors the water tank temperature in real time via a controller. When the ambient temperature drops below 0°C and ice forms, the system actively triggers the electric heating element to melt the ice, ensuring the vehicle can still supply domestic water normally even in extremely low winter temperatures. Utilizing the reversible nature of the power components, the system automatically executes a reverse pumping procedure after the user turns off the tap, forcing the water remaining in the pipes, pump, and pressure stabilizing pump back to the protected water tank. This achieves zero-residue antifreeze protection for the pipes and pumps, preventing pipe bursts and pump damage caused by ice expansion, and ensuring that there is no need for lengthy pipe de-icing waiting for the next use. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the water supply pipeline provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the controller panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a control principle diagram of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Faucet; 2. Water pipe; 21. Water pipe insulation layer; 22. Water pipe insulation layer ventilation cavity; 23. Water pipe 2 heating wire; 3. Water pump; 4. Pressure stabilizing pump; 5. Controller panel; 6. Water storage tank; 61. Water tank insulation layer; 62. Water tank insulation layer ventilation cavity; 63. Water tank heating wire; 64. Water tank electric heater; 7. Wastewater tank; 8. Air conditioning heating pipe; 9. Air conditioner; 10. Water inlet. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0023] It should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this application provides a vehicle-mounted domestic water supply system, comprising: Water storage tank 6 is used to store domestic water, and the water storage tank 6 is equipped with an active heating element; Faucet 1, located at the point of use; A water supply pipeline connects the water storage tank 6 to the faucet 1; A power component is provided on the water supply pipeline to drive water flow between the water storage tank 6 and the faucet 1; In winter water use mode, the active heating element is activated according to the water temperature in the water storage tank 6, and after the water use is completed, the power component drains the water stored in the water supply pipeline and returns it to the water storage tank 6.

[0025] It should be noted that the faucet 1 is an electric heating faucet 1, which is an instant heating faucet 1; the active heating element of the water storage tank 6 is a water tank electric heater 64; the water storage tank 6 is also provided with a water inlet 10 for replenishing water to the water storage tank 6. It also includes a wastewater tank 7 for collecting wastewater after use, and the wastewater tank 7 is connected to the water pool through a pipeline.

[0026] Specifically, the power assembly includes a water pump 3, which has a forward water supply mode and a reverse pumping and emptying mode. Preferably, a pressure-stabilizing pump 4 is installed on the water supply pipeline between the water pump 3 and the faucet 1 to maintain uniform water output.

[0027] The active heating element is activated based on the water temperature in the water storage tank 6. Specifically, the water storage tank 6 is equipped with a water tank temperature sensor for monitoring the water temperature. The temperature sensor controls the activation and deactivation of the active heating element through a controller.

[0028] After the water usage is completed, the power unit will drain the water stored in the water supply pipeline and return it to the water storage tank 6. Specifically, after the faucet 1 is closed, a signal is sent to control the power unit through the controller.

[0029] The aforementioned water supply system also includes a controller, wherein the temperature sensor is communicatively connected to the input terminal of the controller, and the active heating element is communicatively connected to the output terminal of the controller.

[0030] The working process is as follows: Water is supplied by a water tank 6 equipped with an active heating element, and the water flows through the water supply pipeline to the faucet 1 via a power component. In winter mode, the system automatically triggers heating based on the water temperature. After the faucet 1 is closed, a water usage end command is issued, and the power component switches to reverse operation to pump the residual water in the water supply pipeline back to the water tank 6.

[0031] Because conventional water supply pipes generally lack insulation, heat is lost too quickly as water flows from the storage tank 6 to the faucet 1. In extremely low temperatures, the water may even gradually freeze during flow, eventually leading to dynamic blockage of the pipes, and the water temperature reaching the user's end often fails to meet the user's hot water needs.

[0032] To address the aforementioned issues, in another embodiment, the water storage tank 6 is further encased in a water tank insulation layer 61, and a water tank heating wire 63 is installed inside the water tank insulation layer 61; a water tank insulation layer ventilation cavity 62 is provided between the inner wall of the water tank insulation layer 61 and the outer wall of the water storage tank 6; therefore, the water tank heating wire 63 is turned on or off according to the water temperature inside the water storage tank 6.

[0033] The water supply pipeline includes a water pipe 2, which is wrapped with a water pipe insulation layer 21. A water pipe heating wire 23 is installed inside the water pipe insulation layer 21. A water pipe insulation layer ventilation cavity 22 is provided between the water pipe insulation layer 21 and the water pipe 2.

[0034] An insulation layer with heating wires and a ventilation cavity is wrapped around the water storage tank 6. The heating wires directly generate heat to heat the water storage tank 6; an insulation layer with heating wires and a ventilation cavity is also wrapped around the water pipe 2. The heating wires directly generate heat to heat the water pipe 2.

[0035] It should be noted that the water tank heating wire 63 and the water pipe heating wire 23 are respectively connected to the output terminal of the controller.

[0036] While some improvement solutions attempt to introduce electric heating elements, relying solely on the vehicle's battery to drive a high-power heater to maintain the temperature of the entire water circuit will result in huge energy consumption, which can easily lead to battery depletion and prevent long-term, energy-saving winter insulation.

[0037] To solve the above problems, in another embodiment, it further includes a heating air duct 8 of the air conditioner 9. The air inlet of the heating air duct 8 of the air conditioner 9 is connected to the vehicle air conditioner 9, and the air outlet of the heating air duct 8 of the air conditioner 9 is connected to the ventilation cavity 22 of the water pipe insulation layer and the ventilation cavity 62 of the water tank insulation layer, respectively, and returns to the driver's cab through the duct to form hot air heating for the water tank 6 and the water pipe 2. Adjust the heating power of the water tank heating wire 63 and the water pipe heating wire 23 according to the engine coolant temperature.

[0038] Specifically, a temperature sensor is installed inside the engine coolant tank to send an engine coolant temperature signal to the controller. A solenoid valve is installed on the heating duct 8 of the air conditioning 9. After the engine coolant temperature stabilizes, the residual heat from the engine causes the hot air blown from the air conditioning 9 to travel through the heating duct 8 to the ventilation chambers of the insulation layer of the water tank 6 and the water pipe insulation layer 21, ultimately returning to the passenger compartment. When the engine reaches its stable operating temperature range, the controller automatically reduces the electric heating power of the water tank heating wire 63 and the water pipe heating wire 23, switching to the air conditioning 9's hot air to maintain the temperature.

[0039] It should be noted that engine combustion generates a lot of heat, but the engine can only burn efficiently at a specific temperature. At this time, the coolant flows through the engine block, carrying away the excess heat. Then, the air conditioner blows air through the coolant, which takes away the heat again, forming hot air.

[0040] During operation, the system can automatically adjust the energy ratio according to the engine status, prioritizing the use of engine waste heat to maintain the temperature by blowing hot air from the air conditioner. While ensuring antifreeze performance, it minimizes the consumption of power from the vehicle's battery, achieving a balance between energy saving and water supply reliability.

[0041] Based on the above structure, as follows Figure 4 As shown, in order to illustrate the control principle and control logic of the controller, a specific description of the controller is given in combination with practical application: The controller can be of model: NXPS32K144HAT0MLLT (automotive-grade ARM Cortex-M4F MCU). The signals acquired at the controller's input terminal include: Water usage mode selection signal: The controller's control panel has a switch for switching between normal temperature water usage mode and winter water usage mode, which is connected to the PTA0 pin of the controller input terminal. Water tank temperature signal: The water tank 6 is equipped with a water tank temperature sensor, which is connected to the PTB0 pin of the controller input terminal for communication. Faucet 1 switch status: Faucet 1 has a built-in micro switch: when it is on, the contact is closed and grounded, and the MCU detects the falling edge to trigger "water use started"; when it is off, the rising edge triggers the initial judgment of "water use ended", and it is connected to the PTA1 pin of the controller input terminal for communication. Engine coolant temperature signal: Access the vehicle CAN bus via TJA1042TCAN transceiver to obtain engine coolant temperature and air conditioning status, and communicate with the PTD6 pin of the controller input.

[0042] The controller's output control includes: Water tank electric heater 64: Communicates with the PTB1 pin of the controller output terminal; Water tank heating wire 63: PWM adjusts the power of water tank heating wire 63 and communicates with the PTB2 pin of the controller output. Water pipe heating wire 23: PWM adjusts the power of water pipe heating wire 23 and communicates with the PTB3 pin of the controller output. Electric heating element of faucet 1: Faucet 1 has an electric heating function, and is an instant faucet 1. It is connected to the PTC0 pin of the controller output terminal for communication. Water pump 3 forward rotation (water supply): Water pump 3 is in forward water supply mode and is connected to the PTD0 pin of the controller output. GPIO → Dual relay module (SRD-05VDC-SL-C): Normally open contact controls the forward rotation circuit of the water pump (24V). Water pump 3 reverse (drain): Water pump 3 operates in reverse mode and communicates with the PTD1 pin of the controller output. Same as the relay module above: another normally open contact controls the reverse circuit. Air Conditioner 9 Heating Air Damper Actuator: Communicates with the PTD2 pin of the controller output terminal. GPIO → Miniature Solenoid Valve (24V) → Controls the opening and closing of the damper: High level conduction, hot air is introduced into the ventilation cavity of the insulation layer.

[0043] On the other hand, a water supply method using any of the above-described vehicle domestic water supply systems is provided, comprising the following steps: The system receives a water usage mode selection signal, which includes a normal temperature water usage mode and a winter water usage mode. In the normal temperature water usage mode: when the tap 1 is turned on, the water pump 3 draws water from the water storage tank 6 through the pressure stabilizing pump 4 and the pipeline, and then transmits the water to the tap 1 through the pipeline. Water flows out of the tap 1 for the user to use. When the user is finished using the water, the tap 1 is turned off, and the water remains in the tap 1, the pipeline, and the water pump 3.

[0044] Real-time acquisition of water temperature data within water storage tank 6; Based on the water temperature data and the selected water usage mode, the working status of the water tank heating wire 63, the active heating element, and the water pipe heating wire 23 is controlled. Specifically, in winter water usage mode, when the water temperature in the storage tank 6 is detected to be below 0°C, the "Winter Water Usage" button needs to be pressed, and the water usage indicator light will turn red. The water tank heating wire 63, the active heating element, and the water pipe heating wire 23 will be activated to heat the water and melt the ice. At the same time, the pipe insulation layer will also start to heat up. When the water temperature in the storage tank 6 is detected to rise above 4°C, the water usage indicator light will turn green, indicating that the water is available and allowing the power unit to supply water to the faucet 1 normally. When the selected water usage mode is winter water usage mode, after detecting the end-of-use signal, the water pump 3 is controlled to work in reverse, emptying the water pipe system 2 and the residual water in the water pump 3 and returning it to the water storage tank 6. Specifically: after the customer finishes using water and closes the faucet 1, the water pump 3 starts the reverse pumping mode, emptying the water in the faucet 1, water pipe 2, water pump 3, and pressure stabilizing pump 4, and returning it to the water storage tank 6.

[0045] Furthermore, the system monitors the engine coolant temperature. Once the engine coolant temperature reaches a stable operating temperature, the output power of the water tank heating wire 63, the active heating element, and the water pipe heating wire 23 is gradually reduced, eventually switching to relying solely on the engine's waste heat delivered by the air conditioning 9's heating duct 8 to maintain the water temperature in the reservoir 6 and the water supply pipes. Specifically, after the engine coolant temperature stabilizes, the engine's waste heat is used to blow hot air from the air conditioning 9 through the air conditioning 9's heating duct 8 into the insulation layer of the reservoir 6 and the pipe insulation layer, ultimately returning the air to the passenger compartment. Based on changes in the water temperature within the reservoir, the electric heating power is gradually reduced until the water temperature is maintained entirely by the hot air from the air conditioning 9, preventing freezing.

[0046] In addition, by setting the water temperature on the controller panel 5 and opening the faucet 1, the controller panel 5 issues a command to start the water pump 3 and the pressure stabilizing pump 4 to draw water from the water storage tank 6. The faucet 1 starts the heating mode, and the water flowing through the faucet 1 is heated to the set temperature and flows out of the faucet 1. By adopting the above technical solution and integrating active heating and dynamic evacuation logic, the problem of freezing and paralysis of the vehicle's water circuit in extremely low temperature environments has been completely solved, ensuring the system's immediate availability and hardware safety in environments below freezing point.

[0047] The system monitors the temperature of the water tank 6 in real time through the controller. When the ambient temperature drops below 0°C and causes freezing, the system actively triggers the electric heating element to melt the ice, ensuring that the vehicle can still supply domestic water normally in extremely low winter temperatures. Utilizing the reversible characteristics of the power components, the system automatically executes a reverse pumping procedure after the user turns off the tap 1, forcibly returning the water remaining in the pipes, water pump 3, and pressure stabilizing pump 4 to the protected water tank 6. This achieves zero-residue antifreeze protection for the pipes and pumps, preventing pipe bursts and pump damage caused by ice expansion, and ensuring that there is no need for a long waiting period for pipe de-icing before the next use.

[0048] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted domestic water supply system, characterized in that, include: A water storage tank is used to store domestic water, and the water storage tank is equipped with an active heating element. A faucet is installed at the point where water is used; A water supply pipeline connects the water storage tank to the faucet; A power component is provided on the water supply pipeline to drive water flow between the water storage tank and the faucet. In winter water use mode, the active heating element is activated according to the water temperature in the water storage tank, and after the water use is completed, the power unit drains the water stored in the water supply pipeline and returns it to the water storage tank.

2. The vehicle-mounted domestic water supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage tank is wrapped with a water tank insulation layer, and a water tank heating wire is installed inside the water tank insulation layer; a water tank insulation layer ventilation cavity is provided between the inner wall of the water tank insulation layer and the outer wall of the water storage tank; therefore, the water tank heating wire is turned on or off according to the water temperature in the water storage tank.

3. The vehicle-mounted domestic water supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water supply pipeline includes a water pipe, which is wrapped with a water pipe insulation layer, and a water pipe heating wire is installed inside the water pipe insulation layer; a water pipe insulation layer ventilation cavity is provided between the water pipe insulation layer and the water pipe; therefore, the water pipe heating wire is turned on or off according to the water temperature in the water storage tank.

4. The vehicle-mounted domestic water supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes an air conditioning heating duct, the air inlet of which is connected to the vehicle's air conditioning system, and the air outlet of which is connected to the ventilation cavity of the water pipe insulation layer and the ventilation cavity of the water tank insulation layer, respectively, and returns to the driver's cab through the duct to form hot air heating for the water tank and water pipe. Adjust the heating power of the water tank heating wire and the water pipe heating wire according to the engine coolant temperature.

5. The vehicle-mounted domestic water supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power unit includes a water pump, which has a forward water supply mode and a reverse water pumping and emptying mode.

6. The vehicle-mounted domestic water supply system according to claim 5, characterized in that, A pressure-stabilizing pump is installed on the water supply pipeline between the water pump and the faucet to maintain uniform water output.

7. The vehicle-mounted domestic water supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage tank is equipped with a water tank temperature sensor for monitoring water temperature. The temperature sensor controls the active heating element to turn on and off via a controller.

8. A water supply method using the vehicle domestic water supply system described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Receive a water usage mode selection signal, wherein the water usage mode includes a normal temperature water usage mode and a winter water usage mode; Real-time acquisition of water temperature data in the water storage tank; Based on the water temperature data and the selected water usage mode, control the working status of the water tank heating wire, the active heating element and the water pipe heating wire; When the selected water usage mode is winter water usage mode, after detecting the end of water usage signal, the water pump is controlled to work in reverse to drain the water pipeline system and the residual water in the water pump back to the water storage tank.

9. The water supply method according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes monitoring the engine coolant temperature. Once the engine coolant temperature reaches a stable operating temperature, the output power of the water tank heating wire, active heating element, and water pipe heating wire is gradually reduced, eventually switching to relying solely on the engine's waste heat delivered by the air conditioning heating pipe to maintain the water temperature of the water tank and water supply pipe.

10. The water supply method according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the water temperature in the storage tank is detected to be below 0°C, the water tank heating wire, active heating element and water pipe heating wire are activated to heat the water; when the water temperature in the storage tank is detected to rise to above 4°C, the power unit is allowed to supply water to the faucet normally.

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