Intelligent control device of gas water heater

Abstract

The utility model discloses an intelligent control device of a gas water heater. The intelligent control device comprises an electromagnetic valve and an intelligent control module; the electromagnetic valve is arranged on a gas pipeline of the water heater body and used for controlling opening, closing and flow adjustment of the gas pipeline. The intelligent control module comprises a water flow monitoring part which is arranged on a waterway pipeline at the water inlet end or the water outlet end of the water heater body and used for monitoring the waterway flow in real time; the PLC is electrically connected with the water flow monitoring part and the electromagnetic valve; the power adapter is electrically connected with the controller and the electromagnetic valve and provides a working power supply for the PLC and the electromagnetic valve; and the PLC can control the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve according to a waterway flow numerical value obtained by the water flow monitoring part. On the basis that the internal structure of the old-fashioned gas water heater is not changed, the technical effect that intelligent control of the old-fashioned gas water heater is transformed and upgraded is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of intelligent control technology for gas water heaters, and more specifically, it relates to an intelligent control device for gas water heaters. Background Technology

[0002] A water heater is a device that uses various physical principles to raise the temperature of cold water to produce hot water within a certain time. Based on different principles, they can be divided into electric water heaters, gas water heaters, solar water heaters, magnetic water heaters, air source heat pump water heaters, and central heating water heaters, etc. Gas water heaters have advantages such as high thermal efficiency, fast heating speed, stable temperature regulation, and the ability to be used continuously by multiple people. In winter, hot water is readily available in the kitchen and bathroom, which is convenient; the water temperature is constant, and the purchase cost is inexpensive. Considering my country's actual conditions and usage habits, gas water heaters remain the first choice for many consumers compared to electric and solar water heaters. The safety of gas water heaters is also a major concern for everyone.

[0003] However, old-fashioned gas water heaters cannot be intelligently controlled. If an old-fashioned gas water heater is to be modified, its internal structure usually needs to be changed, which is difficult and not very applicable. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the issue that older gas water heaters cannot achieve intelligent control, and that retrofitting older gas water heaters typically requires altering their internal structure, this invention aims to provide an intelligent control device for gas water heaters. This intelligent control device includes a solenoid valve and an intelligent control module. The solenoid valve is installed on the gas pipeline of the water heater body and is used to control the opening and closing of the gas pipeline and to regulate the flow rate. The intelligent control module includes: a water flow monitoring unit installed on the water pipeline at the inlet or outlet of the water heater body, used to monitor the water flow rate in real time; a PLC controller electrically connected to the water flow monitoring unit and the solenoid valve; and a power adapter electrically connected to the controller and the solenoid valve, providing power to both the PLC controller and the solenoid valve. The PLC controller can control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve based on the water flow rate value obtained by the water flow monitoring unit.

[0005] Furthermore, the solenoid valve is an integrated combination valve, which includes an electromagnetic self-closing valve and a gas valve. The electromagnetic self-closing valve is located at the end of the gas valve closer to the water heater body. The electromagnetic self-closing valve is connected to the water heater body through a first gas pipeline, and the gas valve is connected to the gas source through a second gas pipeline.

[0006] Furthermore, the water flow monitoring unit is electrically connected to the PLC controller via a first signal line.

[0007] Furthermore, the gas valve is electrically connected to the PLC controller via a second signal line.

[0008] Furthermore, the power adapter is electrically connected to the PLC controller via a power cord.

[0009] Furthermore, the intelligent control device also includes:

[0010] An alarm module, electrically connected to the PLC controller, is used to issue an audible and visual alarm signal when the electromagnetic self-closing valve is closed.

[0011] Furthermore, the power adapter includes a 220V AC to 12V DC module and is equipped with a backup battery.

[0012] Furthermore, the PLC controller integrates a wireless communication module, which supports remote viewing of the working status and setting parameters via a mobile terminal.

[0013] The technical effects and advantages of this utility model are as follows:

[0014] 1. By simply installing an independently controlled and powered water flow sensor on the water pipes of the gas water heater, it is possible to directly determine whether the gas water heater is off or malfunctioning based on the water flow value detected by the water flow sensor. There is no need to install a monitoring module inside the gas water heater, nor is it necessary for the water heater to supply power to the added PLC controller. Thus, it is possible to achieve intelligent control transformation of old gas water heaters without changing the internal structure of the old gas water heater, and the compatibility is stronger. On the other hand, only a few external devices are needed to achieve intelligent upgrade of old gas water heaters, and the cost is lower.

[0015] 2. By triggering a delayed shutdown procedure when the water flow rate is detected to be less than the flow threshold, and then closing the gas valve after the first preset time, the electromagnetic self-closing valve can avoid misjudgment caused by the presence of unextinguished residual flames in the combustion zone inside the water heater, thus avoiding the problem of having to manually open the electromagnetic self-closing valve every time the water heater is turned off. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an intelligent control device for a gas water heater provided by this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the solenoid valve;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the PLC controller and the gas valve and water flow monitoring unit.

[0019] In the picture:

[0020] 100. Solenoid valve; 110. Solenoid self-closing valve; 120. Gas valve; 130. First gas pipeline; 140. Second gas pipeline; 210. Water flow monitoring unit; 220. PLC controller; 221. First signal line; 222. Second signal line; 223. Power cord; 230. Power adapter; 300. Water heater body; 400. Gas source; 500. Water source. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The embodiments of the present invention are given for illustrative and descriptive purposes only, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the disclosed forms. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described to better illustrate the principles and practical applications of the present invention, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the present invention and design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular purpose.

[0022] See Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an intelligent control device for a gas water heater provided by this utility model. Combined with... Figures 1 to 3 The intelligent control device includes, for example, a solenoid valve 100 and an intelligent control module. The solenoid valve 100 is installed on the gas pipeline of the water heater body 100 and is used to control the opening and closing of the gas pipeline and to regulate the flow rate.

[0023] Specifically, the intelligent control module includes, for example: a water flow monitoring unit 210, installed on the water pipe at the inlet or outlet of the water heater, for real-time monitoring of water flow; a PLC controller 220, electrically connected to the water flow monitoring unit and the solenoid valve 100; and a power adapter 230, electrically connected to the controller and the water flow monitoring unit 210, providing power to the PLC controller 220 and the water flow monitoring unit 210. For example, the PLC controller 220 is electrically connected to the water flow monitoring unit 210 via a first signal line 221; the PLC controller 220 is electrically connected to the gas valve 120 of the water flow monitoring unit 210 via a second signal line 222; and the power adapter 230 supplies power to the PLC controller 220 via a power line 223.

[0024] The PLC controller 220 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 100 based on the water flow rate value obtained by the water flow monitoring unit 210. For example, the water flow monitoring unit 210 is a water flow sensor installed on the water pipe at the inlet or outlet of the water heater. In a specific embodiment, the water flow monitoring unit 210 is a Hall effect or turbine flow sensor installed on the outlet pipe of the water heater. It is understood that by using non-contact or mechanical sensors, different water pipe diameters can be accommodated, and the detection accuracy and reliability are high.

[0025] Understandably, older gas water heaters typically have a monitoring module installed in the combustion zone inside the water heater body 300. When the ignition coil senses that the flame has gone out, it generates an electrical signal. The controller receives this signal and controls the solenoid valve 100 to close, thereby cutting off the gas supply 400 from the gas pipeline and ensuring the safety of using older gas water heaters.

[0026] In this application, only an independently controlled and powered water flow sensor needs to be installed on the water pipe of the gas water heater (between the water source 500 and the water heater body 300). The water flow value detected by the water flow sensor can directly determine whether the gas water heater is off or malfunctioning. There is no need to install a monitoring module inside the gas water heater, nor is it necessary for the water heater to supply power to the added intelligent control module. Thus, the intelligent control transformation of the old gas water heater can be achieved without changing the internal structure of the old gas water heater, and the compatibility is stronger. On the other hand, only a few external devices are needed to realize the intelligent upgrade of the old gas water heater, which is cheaper.

[0027] In addition, dual protection can be achieved through the PLC controller 220 to avoid control conflicts between the solenoid valve 100 of the old-fashioned gas water heater and the intelligent control module, further improving the safety performance of the gas water heater.

[0028] Furthermore, the solenoid valve 100 is an integrated combination valve, which includes a solenoid self-closing valve 110 and a gas valve 120. The solenoid self-closing valve 110 is located at the end of the gas valve 120 near the water heater body 300. The solenoid self-closing valve 110 is connected to the water heater body 300 through a first gas pipeline 130, and the gas valve 120 is connected to the gas source 400 through a second gas pipeline 140.

[0029] It is understandable that by configuring the solenoid valve 100 as a combination valve including the solenoid self-closing valve 110 and the gas valve 120, the installation distance between the solenoid self-closing valve 110 and the gas valve 120 can be shortened, ensuring the control response speed of the gas pipeline and minimizing the interference caused by the certain installation distance between the solenoid self-closing valve 110 and the gas valve 120 on the solenoid self-closing valve 110.

[0030] Furthermore, when the pressure difference between the first gas pipeline 130 side and the gas valve 120 side is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the electromagnetic self-closing valve 110 switches from the open state to the closed state.

[0031] In one specific embodiment, when a gas leak occurs in the first gas pipeline 130, the electromagnetic self-closing valve 110 can automatically switch from the open state to the closed state. At this time, even if the electromagnetic valve 100 is opened, the first gas pipeline 130 at the front end will not be supplied with gas, thereby ensuring the safety of the gas water heater.

[0032] Furthermore, the PLC controller 220 is preset with a flow threshold. When the water flow rate is less than the flow threshold, a delayed shutdown procedure is triggered, and the gas valve 120 is closed after a first preset time.

[0033] It should be noted that when there is an unextinguished ember in the combustion zone inside the water heater body 300, the gas on the front end of the first gas pipeline 130 is consumed by the unextinguished ember. This can also cause the pressure difference between the first gas pipeline 130 and the gas valve 120 to be greater than or equal to the first threshold, resulting in the electromagnetic self-closing valve 110 misjudging and automatically closing. This requires manual opening of the electromagnetic self-closing valve 110, causing inconvenience.

[0034] Understandably, by triggering a delayed shutdown procedure when the water flow rate is detected to be less than the flow threshold, and then closing the gas valve 120 after the first preset time, the problem of the electromagnetic self-closing valve 110 misjudging and having to manually open the electromagnetic self-closing valve 110 every time the water heater is turned off can be avoided.

[0035] Furthermore, the first preset duration ranges from 2s to 5s. For example, a preferred value for the first preset duration is 3 seconds. In a specific embodiment, when the water flow sensor detects that the water heater is off, the PLC controller 220 delays for 3 seconds before closing the solenoid valve 100.

[0036] Furthermore, the intelligent control device also includes an alarm module, electrically connected to the PLC controller 220, used to issue an audible and visual alarm signal when the electromagnetic self-closing valve 110 is closed.

[0037] Understandably, by setting up an alarm module electrically connected to the PLC controller 220 in the intelligent control device, an audible and visual alarm signal can be issued in a timely manner when the water flow sensor detects a malfunction in the water heater and closes the electromagnetic self-closing valve 110, prompting the user to have the gas water heater inspected.

[0038] Furthermore, the intelligent control device also includes a temperature sensor, which is located near the combustion chamber of the water heater body 300 and electrically connected to the PLC controller 220; wherein, when the real-time temperature detected by the temperature sensor exceeds the preset safe temperature, the electromagnetic self-closing valve 110 switches from the open state to the closed state, activating the over-temperature protection function.

[0039] Furthermore, the power adapter 230 includes a 220V AC to 12V DC module and is equipped with a backup battery.

[0040] Understandably, by equipping the power adapter 230 with a 220V AC to 12V DC module and a backup battery, it is possible to directly connect to the mains power supply through the power adapter 230 to power the gas valve 120 and PLC controller 220 in the intelligent control module. In the event of a power outage or other emergency, the backup battery can also provide operating power to the PLC controller 220 and the gas valve 120, preventing the risk of gas leakage caused by the accidental opening or closing of the solenoid valve 100, and further improving the safety of the old-style gas water heater.

[0041] Furthermore, the PLC controller 220 integrates a wireless communication module, which supports remote viewing of working status and setting parameters via a mobile terminal.

[0042] Understandably, by integrating a wireless communication module into the PLC controller 220, users can remotely control the parameters and monitor the status of the gas water heater via mobile terminals such as smartphones, thereby improving the user's ease of operation and the intelligence level of the gas water heater.

[0043] In one specific embodiment, the user can view parameters such as the pressure difference between the first gas pipeline 130 side and the gas valve 120 side, the water flow rate obtained by the water flow monitoring unit 210, and the power of the backup battery of the power adapter 230 on the mobile phone. The user can also set and adjust parameters such as the first preset duration, flow threshold, and first threshold on the mobile phone.

[0044] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the indicated orientation or positional relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0045] Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art and related fields based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Structures, devices, and operating methods not specifically described and explained in this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, shall be implemented according to conventional means in the art.

Claims

1. An intelligent control device for a gas water heater, characterized in that, The intelligent control device includes a solenoid valve (100) and an intelligent control module; the solenoid valve (100) is installed on the gas pipeline of the water heater and is used to control the opening and closing of the gas pipeline and the flow rate regulation; the intelligent control module includes: The water flow monitoring unit (210) is installed on the water pipe at the inlet or outlet of the water heater body (300); The PLC controller (220) is electrically connected to the water flow monitoring unit (210) and the solenoid valve (100); The power adapter (230) is electrically connected to the PLC controller (220) and the solenoid valve (100).

2. The intelligent control device for a gas water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solenoid valve (100) is an integrated combination valve, which includes a solenoid self-closing valve (110) and a gas valve (120). The solenoid self-closing valve (110) is located at the end of the gas valve (120) near the water heater body (300). The solenoid self-closing valve (110) is connected to the water heater body (300) through a first gas pipeline (130), and the gas valve (120) is connected to the gas source (400) through a second gas pipeline (140).

3. The intelligent control device for a gas water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water flow monitoring unit (210) is electrically connected to the PLC controller (220) via the first signal line (221).

4. The intelligent control device for a gas water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas valve (120) is electrically connected to the PLC controller (220) via the second signal line (222).

5. The intelligent control device for a gas water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The power adapter (230) is electrically connected to the PLC controller (220) via a power cord (223).

6. The intelligent control device for a gas water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The intelligent control device also includes: An alarm module, electrically connected to the PLC controller (220), is used to issue an audible and visual alarm signal when the electromagnetic self-closing valve (110) is closed.

7. The intelligent control device for a gas water heater according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The power adapter (230) includes a 220V AC to 12V DC module and is equipped with a backup battery.

8. The intelligent control device for a gas water heater according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The PLC controller (220) integrates a wireless communication module, which supports remote viewing of working status and setting parameters via mobile terminal.

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