Valve assembly and electric water heater

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of electric water heaters. The utility model discloses a valve assembly and an electric water heater. The valve assembly comprises a valve seat body and a water sealing assembly, and the valve seat body is connected with the water sealing assembly; a water inlet channel, a water flow channel, a sealing cavity and a water outlet channel are arranged in the valve seat body. The water sealing assembly comprises an electromagnetic coil, a spring, a movable iron core, a sealing sliding seat, a water retaining disc and a sealing disc, a transverse cavity is formed in the other side of the sealing sliding seat, the movable iron core and the spring are installed in the transverse cavity, one end of the spring is connected to the side wall of the transverse cavity, the other end of the spring is connected with one end of the movable iron core, and a sealing piece is arranged at the other end of the movable iron core; the electromagnetic coil is arranged outside the transverse cavity in a surrounding mode, a pressurizing hole and a pressure relief hole are formed in the water retaining disc, the pressure relief hole horizontally corresponds to the sealing piece, and the water inlet channel is communicated with the water outlet channel through the sealing disc and the step face of the sealing cavity. When the electric water heater leaks electricity, water flowing out of the water outlet of the electric water heater can be blocked through the valve assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of electric water heaters, in particular to a valve assembly and an electric water heater. Background Art

[0002] With the increasing improvement of people's living standards, people's requirements for comfort in family life are also getting higher and higher. Electrical products have facilitated people's lives, and for this reason, various electrical products have entered people's lives. Electric water heaters are widely used electrical appliances. An electric water heater uses electricity as an energy source and transfers heat to the cold water in the inner tank by means of a heating pipe generating heat, so as to prepare hot water as a household appliance. However, after the electric water heater is introduced into the market, due to the damage or unreasonable installation of the ground wire in the user's home, it is easy to leak electricity. When the water heater leaks electricity, if the user is taking a bath at this time, water is a conductor and can easily conduct the current to the human body, thus causing an electric shock accident. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an electric water heater that automatically cuts off water when there is a leakage. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] Based on this, in view of the above technical problems, it is necessary to provide a valve assembly and an electric water heater.

[0004] In a first aspect, a valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve seat body and a water sealing assembly, and the valve seat body and the water sealing assembly are fixedly connected;

[0005] An inlet channel, a water flow channel, a sealing cavity and an outlet channel are arranged in the valve seat body, and the inlet channel and the sealing cavity are communicated through the water flow channel;

[0006] The water sealing assembly includes an electromagnetic coil, a spring, a movable iron core, a sealing slide seat, a water blocking disc and a sealing disc. One side of the sealing slide seat is embedded and installed in the sealing cavity along the side wall of the sealing cavity, and the water blocking disc and the sealing disc are clamped, so that the water blocking disc and the sealing disc are fixed on the opposite side walls of the sealing slide seat in the sealing cavity. The other side of the sealing slide seat is a transverse cavity, and the movable iron core and the spring are horizontally installed in the transverse cavity. One end of the spring is connected to the side wall of the transverse cavity, the other end of the spring is connected to one end of the movable iron core, and a sealing member is arranged at the other end of the movable iron core. The electromagnetic coil is arranged around the outside of the transverse cavity. The water blocking disc and the sealing disc are fixedly connected, and a pressure hole and a pressure relief hole are arranged on the water blocking disc. The inlet channel and the sealing cavity are communicated through the pressure hole, the sealing cavity and the outlet channel are communicated through the pressure relief hole, the pressure relief hole is horizontally corresponding to the sealing member, and the water flow channel is communicated with the outlet channel through the step surface of the sealing disc and the sealing cavity.

[0007] As an alternative implementation, when the electromagnetic coil is de-energized, the spring expands laterally, driving the movable iron core to move axially to the left. The seal blocks the pressure relief hole, and water flows into the sealing cavity through the pressure inlet hole. The water pressure in the sealing cavity pushes the water blocking disc and the sealing disc axially to the left. The sealing disc seals with the step surface of the sealing cavity, blocking the water from flowing from the water flow channel to the water outlet channel.

[0008] As an alternative implementation, when the electromagnetic coil is energized, the spring contracts laterally, driving the movable iron core to move axially to the right. The seal separates from the pressure relief hole, and water flows into the sealing cavity through the pressure inlet hole. The water flows from the sealing cavity to the water outlet channel through the pressure relief hole. The water pressure in the water outlet channel pushes the water blocking disc and the sealing disc axially to the right, causing the step surface between the sealing disc and the sealing cavity to open, and the water flows from the water flow channel to the water outlet channel.

[0009] As an alternative implementation, an intermediate limit post and side limit posts are provided on the water blocking disc. The water blocking disc is connected to the sealing disc through the intermediate limit post and the side limit posts;

[0010] The pressure inlet hole is provided on the side limit post, and the pressure relief hole is provided on the intermediate limit post.

[0011] As an alternative implementation, grooves are provided at both ends of the sealing disc to provide displacement resilience for the left and right movement of the sealing disc and the water blocking disc.

[0012] As an alternative implementation, the valve assembly further includes a leakage inductance and electricity sensing unit. The leakage inductance and electricity sensing unit is provided on the valve seat body and is used to sense whether the valve assembly is leaking electricity.

[0013] As an alternative implementation, the valve assembly further includes an internal thread insert and an external thread insert;

[0014] The internal thread insert is provided at the upper end of the valve seat body, and the external thread insert is provided at the lower end of the valve seat body for fixing the valve assembly.

[0015] In a second aspect, an electric water heater is provided. The electric water heater includes the valve assembly of the first aspect. The electric water heater further includes a water heater body, a control module, a water flow detection unit, an inlet pipe, and an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are provided on the water heater body. The water flow detection unit is provided in the inlet pipe, and the valve assembly is provided in the outlet pipe. The control module is respectively connected to the valve assembly, the water heater body, and the water flow detection unit;

[0016] The water flow detection unit is used to detect the water flow rate entering the water inlet pipe and send the water flow rate to the control module;

[0017] The valve assembly is used to detect whether the water heater body is leaking electricity. When leakage is detected, a leakage signal is sent to the control module, and the valve assembly receives the power-off instruction issued by the control module to control the electromagnetic coil to cut off the power. The spring extends horizontally, pushing the movable iron core axially to the left. The seal blocks the pressure relief hole, and the water pressure in the seal cavity pushes the water blocking disc and the sealing disc axially to the left. The sealing disc seals with the stepped surface of the seal cavity, blocking the water from flowing from the water inlet channel to the water outlet channel and blocking the water outlet of the water heater body;

[0018] The control module is used to receive the water flow rate sent by the water flow detection unit, judge whether the electric water heater is in the water-using state based on the water flow rate, receive the leakage signal sent by the valve assembly, and issue a power-off instruction to the valve assembly based on the leakage signal to control the valve assembly to block the water outlet of the water heater body.

[0019] As an optional implementation manner, the control module includes a processor, a low-voltage power supply module, a display module, a leakage detection module, an execution module, a water flow detection module, a relay module, and a temperature measurement module;

[0020] The processor is respectively connected to the low-voltage power supply module, the display module, the leakage detection module, the execution module, the water flow detection module, the relay module, and the temperature measurement module. The leakage detection module is connected to the leakage induction unit, the water flow detection module is connected to the water flow detection unit, and the execution module is connected to the valve assembly;

[0021] The low-voltage power supply module is used to provide power for the control module;

[0022] The display module is used to display the leakage state and water cut-off state of the water heater body;

[0023] The leakage detection module is used to detect the leakage signal of the water heater body and send the leakage signal to the processor;

[0024] The execution module is used to receive the power-off instruction issued by the processor and control the valve assembly to cut off the power;

[0025] The water flow detection module is used to receive the water flow rate sent by the water flow detection unit. If the electric water heater is in the use state, a water-using signal of the electric water heater is sent to the processor;

[0026] The relay module is used to receive instructions from the processor and cut off the power supply of the electric water heater;

[0027] The temperature measurement module is used to detect the water temperature of the electric water heater and send the water temperature to the processor;

[0028] The processor is used to receive the water temperature, receive the leakage signal sent by the leakage detection module, send a power-off instruction to the valve assembly through the execution module to control the valve assembly to block the water outlet of the electric water heater, and receive the water use signal sent by the water flow detection module to control the disconnection of the water source of the electric water heater.

[0029] The present utility model provides a valve assembly and an electric water heater. The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: By controlling the on-off of the electromagnetic coil, the spring moves left and right, driving the movable iron core to move left and right, and the seal provided at the left end of the movable iron core can block or separate from the pressure relief hole. When the seal blocks the pressure relief hole, the water pressure in the seal cavity pushes the water blocking plate and the seal cavity to the left, and the stepped surface is sealed to block the water from flowing from the water flow channel to the water outlet channel. Thus, it can be realized that the water outlet of the electric water heater is blocked by the valve assembly. In this way, when the leakage detection module detects a leakage situation, the water source of the electric water heater is immediately cut off, eliminating the leakage hidden danger, further ensuring the safety of users, improving the product safety, and then enhancing the user satisfaction.

[0030] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present utility model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a valve assembly provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electric water heater provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 3 It is a flowchart of a water cut-off method for an electric water heater provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0035] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of a control module provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0036] Among them, the reference numerals in the drawings are explained as follows:

[0037] 1. Valve assembly; 11. Valve seat body; 111. Water inlet channel; 112. Water flow channel; 113. Sealing cavity; 114. Water outlet channel; 12. Water sealing assembly; 121. Electromagnetic coil; 122. Spring; 123. Moving iron core; 1231. Sealing member; 124. Sealing slide; 125. Water retaining plate; 1251. Pressurizing hole; 1252. Pressure relief hole; 126. Sealing plate; 1261. Groove; 127. Intermediate limiting post; 128. Side limiting post; 13. Leakage and inductive electricity unit; 14. Internal thread insert; 15. External thread insert; 2. Water heater body; 3. Control module; 31. Processor; 32. Low-voltage power supply module; 33. Display module; 34. Leakage detection module; 35. Execution module; 36. Water flow detection module; 37. Relay module; 38. Temperature measurement module; 4. Water flow detection unit; 5. Water inlet pipe; 6. Water outlet pipe. Detailed implementation manners

[0038] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present utility model.

[0039] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a valve assembly provided by an embodiment of the present utility model. The valve assembly 1 includes a valve seat body 11 and a water sealing assembly 12, and the valve seat body 11 and the water sealing assembly 12 are fixedly connected. Among them, the valve seat body 11 and the water sealing assembly 12 can be fixedly connected by screws.

[0040] The valve seat body 11 is provided with a water inlet channel 111, a water flow channel 112, a sealing cavity 113 and a water outlet channel 114, and the water inlet channel 111 and the sealing cavity 113 are communicated through the water flow channel 112. The sealing cavity 113 and the water outlet channel 114 are communicated. The side wall of the sealing cavity 113 connected to the water flow channel 112 can move left and right. When the side wall is on the left side, the water flow of the valve seat body 11 enters from the water inlet channel 111, flows into the water flow channel 112, and then enters the sealing cavity body 113. When the side wall is on the right side, the water flow of the valve seat body 11 enters from the water inlet channel 111, flows into the water flow channel 112, and flows from the water flow channel 112 to the water outlet channel 114.

[0041] The water sealing component 12 includes an electromagnetic coil 121, a spring 122, a movable iron core 123, a sealing slide 124, a water retaining plate 125 and a sealing plate 126. One side of the sealing slide 124 is embedded and installed in the sealing cavity 113 along the side wall of the sealing cavity 113, and the water retaining plate 125 and the sealing plate 126 are clamped, and the water retaining plate 125 and the sealing plate 126 are fixed on the opposite side walls of the sealing slide 124 in the sealing cavity 113. The other side of the sealing slide 124 is a transverse cavity. The movable iron core 123 and the spring 122 are transversely installed in the transverse cavity. One end of the spring 122 is connected to the side wall of the transverse cavity, and the other end of the spring 122 is connected to one end of the movable iron core 123. A sealing member 1231 is provided at the other end of the movable iron core 123. The electromagnetic coil 121 is disposed around the outside of the transverse cavity. The water retaining plate 125 and the sealing plate 126 are fixedly connected. A pressure hole 1251 and a pressure relief hole 1252 are provided on the water retaining plate 125. The water inlet passage 111 and the sealing cavity 113 are communicated through the pressure hole 1251. The sealing cavity 113 and the water outlet passage 114 are communicated through the pressure relief hole 1252. The pressure relief hole 1252 is horizontally corresponding to the sealing member 1231. The water flow passage 112 is communicated with the water outlet passage 114 through the step surface of the sealing plate 126 and the sealing cavity 113. Among them, the transverse cavity can be a cylindrical cavity. The sealing member 1231 can be a silicone sealing member. The pressure relief hole 1252 is horizontally corresponding to the sealing member 1231. After the movable iron core 123 moves to the left, the sealing member 1231 provided at the left end of the movable iron core 123 can horizontally block the pressure relief hole 1252. The water retaining plate 125 and the sealing plate 126 can be fixedly connected through a limiting hole or a limiting post. The sealing plate 126 is disposed on the right side of the water retaining plate 125.

[0042] Further, when the electromagnetic coil 121 is powered off, the spring 122 extends transversely, driving the movable iron core 123 to move axially to the left. The sealing member 1231 blocks the pressure relief hole 1252. Water flows into the sealing cavity 113 through the pressure hole 1251. The water pressure in the sealing cavity 113 pushes the water retaining plate 125 and the sealing plate 126 axially to the left. The sealing plate 126 and the step surface of the sealing cavity 113 are sealed, blocking the water from flowing from the water flow passage 112 to the water outlet passage 114. In this way, when the electromagnetic coil 121 is powered off, the spring 122 is not affected by the magnetic field of the electromagnetic coil 121 and begins to extend transversely. The spring 122 drives the movable iron core 123 to move to the left. The sealing member 1231 provided at the left end of the movable iron core 123 blocks the horizontally corresponding pressure relief hole 1252. When water flows into the sealing cavity 113 from the pressure hole 1251, the water pressure in the sealing cavity 113 increases and will push the water retaining plate 125 and the sealing plate 126 axially to the left. Since the water flow passage 112 and the water outlet passage 114 are sealed and communicated through the step surface of the sealing plate 126 and the sealing cavity 113, after the water retaining plate 125 and the sealing plate 126 are pushed axially to the left, the step surface is sealed, so that water cannot directly flow from the water flow passage 112 to the water outlet passage 114.

[0043] Further, when the electromagnetic coil 121 is energized, the spring 122 contracts laterally, driving the movable iron core 123 to move axially to the right. The seal 1231 separates from the pressure relief hole 1252, and water flows into the sealing cavity 113 through the pressure hole 1251. The water flows from the sealing cavity 113 to the water outlet channel 114 through the pressure relief hole 1252. The water pressure in the water outlet channel 114 pushes the water retaining disc 125 and the sealing disc 126 axially to the right, causing the stepped surface between the sealing disc 126 and the sealing cavity 113 to open, and water flows from the water flow channel 112 to the water outlet channel 114. Thus, when the electromagnetic coil 121 is energized, under the magnetic field of the electromagnetic coil 121, the spring 122 begins to contract laterally. The contraction of the spring 122 drives the movable iron core 123 to move to the right. Originally, the seal 1231 at the left end of the movable iron core 123 blocked the pressure relief hole 1252. After moving to the right, the seal 1231 separates from the pressure relief hole 1252, and the water in the sealing cavity 113 flows to the water outlet channel 114 through the pressure relief hole 1252. Since the cavity volume of the water outlet channel 114 is larger than that of the sealing cavity 113, the water pressure in the water outlet channel 114 is greater than the water pressure in the sealing cavity 113. Under the action of the water pressure in the water outlet channel 114, the water retaining disc 125 and the sealing disc 126 are pushed axially to the right. The stepped surface between the sealing disc 126 and the sealing cavity 113 opens, a gap appears on the stepped surface, the water flow channel 112 and the water outlet channel 114 are connected through the stepped surface, and water flows from the flowing water channel 112 to the water outlet channel 114.

[0044] Further, an intermediate limit post 127 and a side limit post 128 are provided on the water retaining disc 125. The water retaining disc 125 is connected to the sealing disc 126 through the intermediate limit post 127 and the side limit post 128. Among them, the water retaining disc 125 and the sealing disc 126 can also be fixedly connected through limit holes.

[0045] The pressure hole 1251 is provided on the side limit post 128, and the pressure relief hole 1252 is provided on the intermediate limit post 127.

[0046] Further, grooves 1261 are provided at both ends of the sealing disc 126 for providing displacement resilience for the left and right movement of the sealing disc 126 and the water retaining disc 125.

[0047] Further, the valve assembly 1 further includes a leakage inductance unit 13. The leakage inductance unit 13 is provided on the valve seat body 11. The leakage inductance unit 13 is used to sense whether the valve assembly 1 is leaking. Thus, when the leakage inductance unit 13 detects that the valve assembly 1 is leaking, based on the power-off of the electromagnetic coil 121, the water flow to the water outlet channel 114 is cut off.

[0048] Further, the valve assembly 1 further includes an internal thread insert 14 and an external thread insert 15. The internal thread insert 14 is disposed at the upper end of the valve seat body 11, and the external thread insert 15 is disposed at the lower end of the valve seat body 11 for fixing the valve assembly 1.

[0049] An embodiment of the present application provides a valve assembly. By controlling the energization and de-energization of the electromagnetic coil, the spring moves left and right, driving the movable iron core to move left and right. The seal disposed at the left end of the movable iron core can block or separate from the pressure relief hole. When the seal blocks the pressure relief hole, the water pressure in the seal cavity pushes the water blocking disc and the seal cavity to the left, and the stepped surface is sealed to block the water from flowing from the water flow channel to the water outlet channel. Thus, the water outlet of the electric water heater can be blocked by the valve assembly.

[0050] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electric water heater provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The electric water heater includes a valve assembly 1 as shown in FIG. 1. The electric water heater further includes a water heater body 2, a control module 3, a water flow detection unit 4, a water inlet pipe 5, and a water outlet pipe 6. The water inlet pipe 5 and the water outlet pipe 6 are disposed on the water heater body 2. The water flow detection unit 4 is disposed in the water inlet pipe 5, and the valve assembly 1 is disposed in the water outlet pipe 6. The control module 3 is respectively connected to the valve assembly 1, the water heater body 2, and the water flow detection unit 4.

[0051] The water flow detection unit 4 is configured to detect the water flow rate entering the water inlet pipe 5 and send the water flow rate to the control module 3. In this way, the water flow rate entering the electric water heater can be detected by the water flow detection unit 4, so as to determine whether the electric water heater is in use. Among them, the water flow detection unit 4 can be a Hall effect water flow sensor or other water flow sensors, which is not limited herein.

[0052] The valve assembly 1 is configured to detect whether the water heater body 2 is leaking. When leakage is detected, a leakage signal is sent to the control module 3, and a power-off instruction issued by the control module 3 is received to control the electromagnetic coil 121 to be de-energized. The spring 122 extends laterally, pushing the movable iron core 123 axially to the left. The seal 1231 blocks the pressure relief hole 1252, and the water pressure in the seal cavity 113 pushes the water blocking disc 125 and the seal disc 126 axially to the left. The stepped surface between the seal disc 126 and the seal cavity 113 is sealed to block the water from flowing from the water flow channel 112 to the water outlet channel 114, blocking the water outlet of the water heater body 2. Thus, the water outlet of the electric water heater can be turned on and off by controlling the energization and de-energization of the electromagnetic coil 121 of the valve assembly 1.

[0053] The control module 3 is used to receive the water flow rate sent by the water flow detection unit 4, and determine whether the electric water heater is in a water-using state based on the water flow rate, and receive the leakage signal sent by the valve assembly 1. Based on the leakage signal, it sends a power-off instruction to the valve assembly 1, controlling the valve assembly 1 to block the water outlet of the water heater body 2. In this way, the control module 3 can control the conduction or blocking of the water outlet based on the leakage signal and the valve assembly 1. Therefore, when a leakage is detected, the leakage signal is immediately sent to control the valve assembly 1 to cut off the water supply to the electric water heater. Eliminating the hidden danger of leakage further ensures user safety, improves product safety, and thus improves user satisfaction.

[0054] Furthermore, the control module 3 includes a processor 31 , a low-voltage power supply module 32 , a display module 33 , a leakage detection module 34 , an execution module 35 , a water flow detection module 36 , a relay module 37 and a temperature measurement module 38 .

[0055] The processor 31 is respectively connected to the low-voltage power supply module 32, the display module 33, the leakage detection module 34, the execution module 35, the water flow detection module 36, the relay module 37 and the temperature measurement module 38. The leakage detection module 34 is connected to the leakage inductor unit 13, the water flow detection module 36 is connected to the water flow detection unit 4, and the execution module 35 is connected to the valve assembly 1.

[0056] The low-voltage power supply module 32 is used to provide power to the control module 3 .

[0057] The display module 33 is used to display the leakage state and water outage state of the water heater body 2. In this way, the user can be informed that the electric water heater is in the leakage state and water outage state and the electric water heater can be repaired as soon as possible.

[0058] The leakage detection module 34 is used to detect a leakage signal of the water heater body 2 and send the leakage signal to the processor 31 .

[0059] The execution module 35 is used to receive the power-off instruction sent by the processor 31 and control the valve assembly 1 to be powered off.

[0060] The water flow detection module 36 is used to receive the water flow sent by the water flow detection unit 4, and if the electric water heater is in use, it sends a water use signal of the electric water heater to the processor 31.

[0061] Relay module 37 is configured to receive instructions from processor 31 and disconnect the electric water heater. If the electric water heater signals a leakage current and the electrical signal to solenoid coil 121 of valve assembly 1 is not disconnected, processor 31 sends a command to relay module 37 to disconnect the electric water heater. This ensures that solenoid coil 121 of valve assembly 1 is de-energized, preventing water from flowing out of the water outlet of the electric water heater. Relay module 37 can also be connected to a relay unit in the electric water heater to disconnect the electric water heater through the relay unit.

[0062] The temperature measurement module 38 is used to detect the water temperature of the electric water heater and send the water temperature to the processor 31. In this way, when the user sets to take a bath, it can be measured in real time whether the water temperature reaches the user-set water temperature and sent to the processor 31.

[0063] The processor 31 is used to receive the leakage signal sent by the leakage detection module 34, send a power-off instruction to the valve assembly 1 through the execution module 35 to control the valve assembly 1 to block the water outlet of the electric water heater, and receive the water usage signal sent by the water flow detection module 36 to control the water source of the electric water heater to be disconnected. In this way, the water cut-off function of the electric water heater during leakage can be realized through the valve assembly 1, ensuring that when the user uses water, the water source of the electric water heater is cut off, avoiding the occurrence of electric leakage and ensuring the safe water use of the user.

[0064] Next, in combination with specific embodiments, a water cut-off method for an electric water heater provided by an embodiment of the present application will be described in detail. The water cut-off method of the electric water heater is applied to Figure 2 the electric water heater shown. Figure 3 It is a flowchart of a water cut-off method for an electric water heater provided by an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 3 shown, the specific steps are as follows:

[0065] Step 301, the leakage detection module detects the leakage signal of the water heater body and sends the leakage signal to the processor.

[0066] In implementation, due to the damage or unreasonable installation of the ground wire in the user's home, the electric water heater is prone to electric leakage. When the electric water heater leaks, if the user is taking a bath at this time, water is a conductor and can easily conduct the current to the human body, resulting in an electric shock accident. Then, when the electric water heater leaks, it is necessary to immediately cut off the water source of the electric water heater to ensure the safety of the user. Therefore, during the operation of the electric water heater, it is necessary to detect in real time whether the electric water heater leaks. The leakage detection module of the control module of the electric water heater can be used to detect the leakage signal of the water heater body and send the leakage signal to the processor of the control module of the electric water heater.

[0067] Further, after the electric water heater is turned on, it first enters the standby state. Then, the processor of the control module controls the leakage detection module to perform leakage detection to determine whether the electric water heater leaks.

[0068] Step 302, the processor sends a power-off instruction to the valve assembly through the execution module. The electromagnetic coil of the valve assembly is powered off, the spring extends horizontally, drives the movable iron core to move axially to the left, the seal blocks the pressure relief hole, and the water pressure in the seal cavity pushes the water blocking plate and the seal plate axially to the left. The seal plate and the step surface of the seal cavity are sealed to block the water from flowing from the water flow channel to the water outlet channel.

[0069] In implementation, after the processor receives the leakage signal, it is necessary to cut off the water flow at the water outlet of the water heater body. The processor closes the valve assembly through an execution module. That is to say, the processor sends a power-off instruction to the valve assembly through the execution module. The electromagnetic coil of the valve assembly is powered off, and the spring extends horizontally. The extension of the spring drives the movable iron core to move axially to the left. The seal arranged at the left end of the movable iron core blocks the pressure relief hole. The water pressure in the seal cavity pushes the water blocking disc and the seal disc axially to the left. The seal disc and the step surface of the seal cavity are sealed, blocking the water from flowing from the water flow channel to the water outlet channel. Then the water flow entering the electric water heater is blocked by the valve assembly. Thus, when the electric water heater leaks, the water outlet of the electric water heater is blocked by the valve assembly, eliminating potential safety hazards, ensuring the safety of users, and enhancing the safety of the product.

[0070] Further, to ensure the successful water cut-off of the valve assembly, it is necessary to detect whether the electromagnetic coil of the valve assembly is successfully powered off after powering off the electromagnetic coil. Then, the current signal of the drive circuit of the electromagnetic coil can be detected to determine whether the drive circuit supplies power to the drive coil, thereby determining whether the electromagnetic coil is in the powered-on state.

[0071] Step A, detect the current signal of the drive circuit of the valve assembly. If the current signal is zero, it indicates that the valve assembly is successfully powered off and the water cut-off of the electric water heater is completed.

[0072] In implementation, to ensure the successful water cut-off of the valve assembly, it is necessary to further detect whether the electromagnetic coil of the valve assembly is successfully powered off after powering off the electromagnetic coil. Since the method of controlling the water cut-off of the electric water heater through the valve assembly is to power off the electromagnetic coil of the valve assembly, the state of the electromagnetic coil can be judged by detecting the current signal of the drive circuit of the electromagnetic coil of the valve assembly. Therefore, detect the current signal of the drive circuit of the valve assembly. If the current signal is zero, it indicates that the valve assembly is successfully powered off and the water cut-off of the electric water heater is completed.

[0073] Step B, if the current signal is not zero, the processor cuts off the power supply of the electric water heater through the relay module of the electric water heater.

[0074] In implementation, if the current signal in the drive circuit of the electromagnetic coil is not zero, it indicates that the drive circuit is still supplying power to the electromagnetic coil, driving the electromagnetic coil to operate. At this time, the electromagnetic coil is in an energized state, the spring contracts laterally, and the spring drives the movable iron core to move axially to the right. The seal provided at the right end of the movable iron core is separated from the pressure relief hole. Water flows from the sealed cavity to the water outlet channel through the pressure relief hole, and the water pressure in the water outlet channel pushes the water blocking disc and the sealing disc axially to the right, causing the stepped surface between the sealing disc and the sealed cavity to open, and the water flow channel and the water outlet channel to communicate, and water flows from the water flow channel to the water outlet channel. That is to say, when the electromagnetic coil is in an energized state, water can still flow out of the water outlet of the electric water heater, and the leakage current can easily conduct the current to the human body through the water flow, thus causing an electric shock accident. Therefore, when the valve assembly is not powered off, the processor needs to cut off the power supply of the electric water heater through the relay module of the electric water heater. Only in this way can it be ensured that the valve assembly is powered off, blocking the water outlet of the electric water heater from discharging water.

[0075] Furthermore, after the valve assembly is successfully powered off, the processor controls the display module of the electric water heater to display the leakage state and water cut-off state of the electric water heater.

[0076] In implementation, after the valve assembly is successfully powered off, that is, after the valve assembly blocks the water outlet of the electric water heater from discharging water, the processor can control the display module of the electric water heater to display the leakage state and water cut-off state of the electric water heater, to prompt the user that the electric water heater is in a leakage state, avoid using the electric water heater at this time, and repair it as soon as possible.

[0077] Furthermore, to avoid safety accidents caused by electric water heater leakage, it is necessary to detect in real time whether the electric water heater is leaking. When the electric water heater is not leaking, the processor can control the valve assembly to open through the execution module, and control the valve assembly not to block the water outlet of the electric water heater from discharging water. The specific steps are as follows:

[0078] Step 1, when the leakage signal of the electric water heater is not detected, the processor sends a power-on instruction to the valve assembly, the electromagnetic coil is energized, the spring contracts laterally, drives the movable iron core to move axially to the right, the seal is separated from the pressure relief hole, water flows to the water outlet channel through the drain hole, and the water pressure in the water outlet channel pushes the water blocking disc and the sealing disc axially to the right, causing the stepped surface between the sealing disc and the sealed cavity to open, water flows from the water flow channel to the water outlet channel, and the number of rotations of the water wheel of the electric water heater within a preset time period is detected.

[0079] In implementation, when no electric water heater leakage signal is detected, the processor can control the valve assembly to open and not block the water outlet. The processor sends an energization instruction for the electromagnetic coil to the valve assembly to control the energization of the electromagnetic coil. Under the action of the magnetic field, the spring contracts laterally. The contraction of the spring drives the movable iron core to move axially to the right. The seal provided at the left end of the movable iron core separates from the pressure relief hole, and water flows from the sealed cavity to the water outlet channel through the drain hole. The water pressure in the water outlet channel pushes the water blocking disc and the sealing disc axially to the right, causing the step surface between the sealing disc and the sealed cavity to open, and water flows from the water flow channel to the water outlet channel. In this way, when there is no leakage in the electric water heater or the leakage situation has been repaired, the power supply of the electromagnetic coil can be restored as soon as possible to shorten the heating time when the user uses water next time. At this time, the electric water heater can be used normally and the water outlet is normal. In the normal state of the electric water heater, it is also necessary to determine whether the electric water heater is in use and whether the user is using water. It can be determined by detecting the number of rotations of the water wheel of the water flow detection unit of the electric water heater within a preset time period. Among them, the preset time period can be 1 second, and the water flow detection unit can be a Hall effect water flow sensor. The subsequent steps can determine whether the electric water heater is in use according to the number of rotations of the water wheel.

[0080] Step 2: If the number of rotations is greater than the preset rotation number threshold, indicating that the electric water heater is in use, then execute the step of the leakage detection module to detect the leakage signal of the water heater body.

[0081] In implementation, compare the detected number of rotations with the preset rotation number threshold. If the number of rotations is greater than the preset rotation number threshold, it means that the user is using water and the electric water heater is in use. Then, to avoid leakage of the electric water heater during the user's use, it is necessary to detect the leakage of the water heater body in real time to determine whether the electric water heater has leaked. Among them, the preset rotation number threshold can be 2 rotations. Therefore, if the number of rotations is greater than the preset rotation number threshold, indicating that the electric water heater is in use, then execute the step of the leakage detection module to detect the leakage signal of the water heater body.

[0082] Step 3: If the number of rotations is less than or equal to the preset rotation number threshold, indicating that the electric water heater is in an unoperated state, accumulate the unoperated duration. If the unoperated duration is greater than or equal to the preset unoperated duration, the electric water heater enters the standby state; otherwise, execute the step of detecting the number of rotations of the water wheel of the electric water heater within a preset time period.

[0083] In implementation, the detected number of rotation cycles is compared with a preset number-of-rotation-cycles threshold. If the number of rotation cycles is less than or equal to the preset number-of-rotation-cycles threshold, it indicates that the electric water heater is in an unoperated state and the user is not currently using the electric water heater. At this time, the unoperated duration of the electric water heater can be accumulated. The accumulated unoperated duration is compared with a preset unoperated duration. If the unoperated duration is greater than or equal to the preset unoperated duration, the electric water heater can be controlled to enter the standby state. If the unoperated duration is less than the preset unoperated duration, it means that the unoperated duration of the electric water heater is still short and it is uncertain whether the user will continue to not use the electric water heater. At this time, the number of rotation cycles of the water wheel of the electric water heater within a preset duration can be continuously detected to determine whether the electric water heater is in a used state. Therefore, if the number of rotation cycles is less than or equal to the preset number-of-rotation-cycles threshold, it indicates that the electric water heater is in an unoperated state and the unoperated duration is accumulated. If the unoperated duration is greater than or equal to the preset unoperated duration, the electric water heater enters the standby state. Otherwise, the step of detecting the number of rotation cycles of the water wheel of the electric water heater within a preset duration is executed.

[0084] An embodiment of the present application provides a water cut-off method for an electric water heater. The leakage detection module is used to detect whether the electric water heater is leaking. If there is a leakage, the control valve assembly is used to block the water from flowing out of the water outlet of the electric water heater. In this way, when the leakage detection module detects a leakage situation, the water source of the electric water heater is immediately cut off, eliminating the leakage hazard, further ensuring user safety, improving product safety, and thus enhancing user satisfaction.

[0085] Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be completed by instructing relevant hardware through a computer program. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Among them, any reference to a memory, storage, database, or other medium used in the embodiments provided by the present invention can include non-volatile and / or volatile memories. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in various forms, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), Rambus direct RAM (RDRAM), direct memory bus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and Rambus dynamic RAM (RDRAM), etc.

[0086] It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the term "comprising", "including" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "comprising an..." does not exclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising the element.

[0087] It also needs to be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data for display, data for analysis, etc.) involved in the present invention are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties.

[0088] Each embodiment in this specification is described in a related manner. For the same or similar parts among the embodiments, reference can be made to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. In particular, for the system embodiment, since it is basically similar to the method embodiment, the description is relatively simple, and for the related parts, reference can be made to the description of the method embodiment.

[0089] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity of description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as the scope described in this specification.

[0090] The above-described embodiments only represent several implementation manners of the present utility model. The description is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present utility model, several modifications and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present utility model shall be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A valve assembly, characterized in that, The valve assembly (1) includes a valve seat body (11) and a water sealing assembly (12), and the valve seat body (11) and the water sealing assembly (12) are fixedly connected; An inlet channel (111), a water flow channel (112), a sealing cavity (113) and an outlet channel (114) are provided in the valve seat body (11), and the inlet channel (111) and the sealing cavity (113) are communicated through the water flow channel (112); The water sealing assembly (12) includes an electromagnetic coil (121), a spring (122), a movable iron core (123), a sealing slide (124), a water retaining disc (125) and a sealing disc (126). One side of the sealing slide (124) is embedded and installed in the sealing cavity (113) along the side wall of the sealing cavity (113), and the water retaining disc (125) and the sealing disc (126) are clamped, and the water retaining disc (125) and the sealing disc (126) are fixed on the opposite side walls of the sealing slide (124) in the sealing cavity (113). The other side of the sealing slide (124) is a transverse cavity, and the movable iron core (123) and the spring (122) are horizontally installed in the transverse cavity. One end of the spring (122) is connected to the side wall of the transverse cavity, and the other end of the spring (122) is connected to one end of the movable iron core (123). A sealing member (1231) is provided at the other end of the movable iron core (123). The electromagnetic coil (121) is disposed around the outside of the transverse cavity. The water retaining disc (125) and the sealing disc (126) are fixedly connected. A pressure hole (1251) and a pressure relief hole (1252) are provided on the water retaining disc (125). The inlet channel (111) and the sealing cavity (113) are communicated through the pressure hole (1251). The sealing cavity (113) and the outlet channel (114) are communicated through the pressure relief hole (1252). The pressure relief hole (1252) is horizontally corresponding to the sealing member (1231). The water flow channel (112) is communicated with the outlet channel (114) through the step surface of the sealing disc (126) and the sealing cavity (113).

2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, When the electromagnetic coil (121) is powered off, the spring (122) extends horizontally, driving the movable iron core (123) to move axially to the left. The sealing member (1231) blocks the pressure relief hole (1252), and water flows into the sealing cavity (113) through the pressure hole (1251). The water pressure in the sealing cavity (113) pushes the water retaining disc (125) and the sealing disc (126) axially to the left. The sealing disc (126) and the step surface of the sealing cavity (113) are sealed, blocking the water from flowing from the water flow channel (112) to the outlet channel (114).

3. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, When the electromagnetic coil (121) is energized, the spring (122) contracts laterally, driving the movable iron core (123) to move axially to the right. The seal (1231) separates from the pressure relief hole (1252), and water flows into the sealing cavity (113) through the pressure hole (1251). The water flows from the sealing cavity (113) to the water outlet channel (114) through the pressure relief hole (1252). The water pressure in the water outlet channel (114) pushes the water retaining plate (125) and the sealing plate (126) axially to the right, causing the step surface between the sealing plate (126) and the sealing cavity (113) to open, and water flows from the water flow channel (112) to the water outlet channel (114).

4. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, An intermediate limit post (127) and a side limit post (128) are arranged on the water retaining plate (125). The water retaining plate (125) is fixedly connected to the sealing plate (126) through the intermediate limit post (127) and the side limit post (128). The pressure hole (1251) is arranged on the side limit post (128), and the pressure relief hole (1252) is arranged on the intermediate limit post (127).

5. The valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Grooves (1261) are arranged at both ends of the sealing plate (126) to provide displacement resilience for the left and right movement of the sealing plate (126) and the water retaining plate (125).

6. The valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve assembly (1) further includes a leakage inductance unit (13). The leakage inductance unit (13) is arranged on the valve seat body (11), and the leakage inductance unit (13) is used to sense whether the valve assembly (1) is leaking electricity.

7. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein The valve assembly (1) further includes an internal thread insert (14) and an external thread insert (15). The internal thread insert (14) is arranged at the upper end of the valve seat body (11), and the external thread insert (15) is arranged at the lower end of the valve seat body (11) to fix the valve assembly (1).

8. An electric water heater, characterized in that, The electric water heater includes the valve assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1-7. The electric water heater further includes a water heater body (2), a control module (3), a water flow detection unit (4), a water inlet pipe (5), and a water outlet pipe (6). The water inlet pipe (5) and the water outlet pipe (6) are arranged on the water heater body (2). The water flow detection unit (4) is arranged in the water inlet pipe (5). The valve assembly (1) is arranged in the water outlet pipe (6). The control module (3) is respectively connected to the valve assembly (1), the water heater body (2), and the water flow detection unit (4). The water flow detection unit (4) is used to detect the water flow rate entering the water inlet pipe (5) and send the water flow rate to the control module (3). The valve assembly (1) is used to detect whether the water heater body (2) is leaking electricity. When electricity leakage is detected, it sends an electricity leakage signal to the control module (3), and receives a power-off instruction issued by the control module (3) to control the electromagnetic coil (121) to cut off power. The spring (122) extends horizontally, pushing the movable iron core (123) axially to the left. The seal (1231) blocks the pressure relief hole (1252), and the water pressure in the sealing cavity (113) pushes the water retaining disc (125) and the sealing disc (126) axially to the left. The sealing disc (126) seals with the step surface of the sealing cavity (113) to block the water from flowing from the water flow channel (112) to the water outlet channel (114), blocking the water outlet of the water heater body (2). The control module (3) is used to receive the water flow rate sent by the water flow detection unit (4), judge whether the electric water heater is in a water-using state based on the water flow rate, receive the electricity leakage signal sent by the valve assembly (1), and issue a power-off instruction to the valve assembly (1) based on the electricity leakage signal to control the valve assembly (1) to block the water outlet of the water heater body (2).

9. The electric water heater according to claim 8, wherein The control module (3) includes a processor (31), a low-voltage power supply module (32), a display module (33), an electricity leakage detection module (34), an execution module (35), a water flow detection module (36), a relay module (37), and a temperature measurement module (38). The processor (31) is respectively connected to the low-voltage power supply module (32), the display module (33), the electricity leakage detection module (34), the execution module (35), the water flow detection module (36), the relay module (37), and the temperature measurement module (38). The electricity leakage detection module (34) is connected to the electricity leakage and induction unit (13). The water flow detection module (36) is connected to the water flow detection unit (4). The execution module (35) is connected to the valve assembly (1). The low-voltage power supply module (32) is used to provide power for the control module (3). The display module (33) is used to display the electricity leakage state and water cut-off state of the water heater body (2). The electricity leakage detection module (34) is used to detect the electricity leakage signal of the water heater body (2) and send the electricity leakage signal to the processor (31). The execution module (35) is used to receive the power-off instruction issued by the processor (31) and control the valve assembly (1) to cut off power. The water flow detection module (36) is used to receive the water flow rate sent by the water flow detection unit (4). If the electric water heater is in a use state, it sends a water-using signal of the electric water heater to the processor (31). The relay module (37) is used to receive the instruction of the processor (31) and cut off the power supply of the electric water heater. The temperature measurement module (38) is used to detect the water temperature of the electric water heater and send the water temperature to the processor (31). The processor (31) is configured to receive the water temperature, receive the electric leakage signal sent by the electric leakage detection module (34), send a power-off instruction to the valve assembly (1) through the execution module (35) to control the valve assembly (1) to block the water outlet of the electric water heater, and receive the water usage signal sent by the water flow detection module (36) to control the water source of the electric water heater to be disconnected.

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