A hot water source switching control device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a hot water source conversion control device in the field of household hot water supply. It includes a solar water heater, an instant heating device, a water-using device, and a controller. The inlet of the solar water heater is connected to a cold water pipe via an inlet pipe, and an inlet valve is installed on the inlet pipe. The hot water outlet of the solar water heater and the outlet of the instant heating device are respectively connected to the water-using device via delivery pipes. A conversion valve is installed on this delivery pipe. Temperature and water level sensors detect the water temperature and water level in the solar water heater's storage tank. The controller controls the opening and closing of the inlet valve and the flow path conversion of the conversion valve based on the detected temperature and water level. This design is convenient to operate, improves the utilization efficiency of the solar water heater, avoids energy waste, and enhances the convenience and comfort of residents. This device has a simple structure, is easy to assemble and connect, and is suitable for use in various water circulation systems in households and other applications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of household hot water source control devices, and in particular to a hot water source conversion control device. Background Technology

[0002] Household hot water typically comes from multiple sources, such as solar water heaters, gas water heaters, air source heat pump water heaters, and electric water heaters. Solar water heaters heat cold water using sunlight, offering significant energy-saving and environmental advantages. However, during prolonged periods of cloudy / rainy weather and cold seasons, their heating efficiency is poor and their hot water storage capacity is low, necessitating the use of other hot water sources. Current technology requires users to manually operate pipe valves to switch to other hot water sources. This necessitates first closing the solar water heater's inlet valve, then turning on the backup hot water source, and adjusting the water temperature. This requires frequent operations during cloudy / rainy weather and is also susceptible to pipe leaks due to incorrect valve switching sequences. Furthermore, to avoid frequent switching, users often abandon solar water heaters altogether and use other hot water sources directly, resulting in waste. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the defects existing in the prior art and provide a hot water source conversion control device. An automatically adjustable conversion valve is installed in the connection pipeline between the solar water heater and other hot water sources. It can automatically adjust the opening and closing of the delivery pipeline according to the outlet water temperature and water storage of the solar water heater. The automatic control is convenient to use, the utilization efficiency of the solar water heater is high, and the convenience and comfort of residents are improved.

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is achieved as follows: A hot water source conversion control device includes a solar water heater, an instant heating device, a water-using device, and a controller. The inlet of the solar water heater is connected to a cold water pipe via an inlet pipe. An inlet valve for controlling the water intake of the solar water heater is provided on the inlet pipe. The hot water outlet of the solar water heater and the outlet of the instant heating device are respectively connected to the water-using device via hot water delivery pipes. The water-using device has a hot water end and a cold water end, with the cold water end connected to a cold water pipe. A conversion valve is provided on the pipe between the hot water outlet of the solar water heater, the outlet of the instant heating device, and the water-using device. The conversion valve includes three connection ports, which are respectively connected to the hot water outlet of the solar water heater and the outlet of the instant heating device. The controller is electrically connected via control lines to the switching valve, the inlet valve, and the sensor inside the solar water heater's storage tank at both the outlet and hot water ends of the equipment. The switching valve includes a valve mounting base, a valve body, and an actuator. The valve mounting base has an opening in the middle for mounting the valve body, which is detachably fitted into the valve mounting base. There are mutually cooperating mounting ramps between the valve body and the valve mounting base. Three connection ports are connected to the valve core position inside the valve body via internal channels provided on the valve body and the valve mounting base. The internal channels pass through the mounting ramps and are sealed between the mounting ramps. The actuator is mounted on the valve body and is drivenly connected to the valve core. The opening and closing of the internal channels is achieved by controlling the position of the valve core.

[0005] In operation, this invention features a switching valve installed between the hot water outlet pipe of the solar water heater, the outlet pipe of the instant heating device, and the inlet pipe of the water-using device. The three connection ports of the switching valve are respectively connected to the hot water outlet of the solar water heater, the outlet of the instant heating device, and the hot water outlet of the water-using device. A temperature sensor and a water level sensor are installed inside the solar water heater's storage tank to monitor the water temperature and water level. When the solar water heater's temperature is low or the water volume is insufficient, the temperature sensor and water level sensor transmit signals to the controller. The controller then controls the opening and closing of the inlet valve and the flow path switching of the switching valve based on the detected temperature and water level. This automatic control provides convenient use, improves the utilization efficiency of the solar water heater, avoids energy waste, and enhances the convenience and comfort of residents.

[0006] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0007] First, when the water level sensor detects that the water level in the solar water heater's storage tank is lower than the preset lower limit, the water level sensor transmits this signal to the controller. The controller then controls the inlet valve to open and allow water to enter the storage tank. When the water level sensor detects that the water level in the storage tank has reached the preset upper limit, the inlet valve closes and stops the water supply. Through the above settings, the solar water heater can automatically fill with water, improving the convenience for users.

[0008] Secondly, during periods of continuous rain or cold weather, the temperature sensor detects that the temperature inside the solar water heater's storage tank is lower than the preset lower limit. The sensor transmits this signal to the controller, which then controls the switching valve to close the channel between the solar water heater and the water-using equipment, while opening the channel between the instant heating device's outlet and the water-using equipment. This allows the instant heating device to provide hot water to the water-using equipment. Conversely, when the temperature inside the solar water heater's storage tank is higher than the preset lower limit, the controller again controls the switching valve to open the channel between the solar water heater and the water-using equipment, while closing the channel between the instant heating device's outlet and the water-using equipment. This allows the solar water heater to provide hot water to the water-using equipment. These settings automatically adjust the on / off and switching of the hot water source pipeline for the water-using equipment, providing convenient automatic control, avoiding frequent manual operation, reducing errors, and improving the utilization efficiency of the solar water heater. This enhances the convenience and comfort of the residents.

[0009] Third, this device has a simple structure. The hot water source pipeline of the water-using equipment can be switched by changing the valve. It is easy to assemble and connect, and is suitable for use in various water circulation pipelines such as those in households.

[0010] Furthermore, the valve core is a ball valve core, and the ball valve core has three holes corresponding to the three internal channels in the valve body. The actuator includes a drive motor, and the output shaft end of the drive motor is connected to the valve stem. The valve stem is connected to the ball valve core. By rotating the valve stem, the ball valve core is rotated, so that the three holes are connected or disconnected from the three internal channels in the valve body.

[0011] Furthermore, the drive motor is mounted against the side of the valve body, and the output end of the drive motor is connected to a drive gear. The drive gear meshes with a driven gear, and the center of the driven gear is fixed to the valve stem.

[0012] Furthermore, the valve mounting base and valve body are integrally housed within a concealed box, which is embedded in the wall. The surface of the concealed box is provided with a removable cover plate, within which an application circuit can be installed. The surface of the cover plate is configured as an operable panel, allowing the valve to be switched on or off by selecting or pressing an operation on the panel.

[0013] Furthermore, the drive motor is located on the outer extension line of the valve stem, and the output end of the drive motor is directly connected to the valve stem for easy operation. The drive motor is located outside the valve body, which is beneficial for motor heat dissipation and ensures safe use.

[0014] Furthermore, the instantaneous heating device includes an electric water heater, a gas water heater, or an air source heat pump water heater.

[0015] Furthermore, the sensor includes a temperature sensor and a water level sensor. The temperature sensor and water level sensor monitor the water temperature and water level in the solar water heater's storage tank, respectively. The controller controls the opening and closing of the inlet valve and the flow channel switching of the switching valve based on the monitored temperature and water level.

[0016] Furthermore, the controller is a microcontroller or a programmable controller, and an application circuit is provided within the controller. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the switching valve.

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the valve mounting base for a switching valve.

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the valve body of the switching valve Figure 1 .

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the valve body of the switching valve Figure 2 .

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the intermediate switching valve.

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0024] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the installation of the intermediate conversion valve inside the wall.

[0025] In the diagram above, 1 is the inlet valve, 2 is the hot water outlet, 3 is the inlet, 4 is the solar water heater, 5 is the sensor, 6 is the controller, 7 is the switching valve, 8 is the instant heating device, and 9 is the water-using device; 11 is the valve mounting base, 12 is the valve body, 13 is the actuator, 14 is the opening, 15 is the mounting slope, 16 is the internal channel, 17 is the valve core, 18 is the drive motor, 19 is the valve stem, 20 is the drive gear, 21 is the driven gear, 22 is the junction box, 23 is the wall, 24 is the cover plate, and 25 is the connection port. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "front", "side", "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" 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 limitations on this utility model.

[0028] like Figures 1-8The hot water source conversion control device shown includes a solar water heater 4, an instant heating device 8, a water-using device 9, and a controller 6. The inlet 3 of the solar water heater 4 is connected to a cold water pipe via an inlet pipe. An inlet valve 1 is installed on the inlet pipe to control the water intake of the solar water heater 4. The hot water outlet 2 of the solar water heater 4 and the outlet of the instant heating device 8 are respectively connected to the water-using device 9 via hot water delivery pipes. The water-using device 9 has a hot water end and a cold water end, with the cold water end connected to a cold water pipe. A conversion valve 7 is installed on the pipe between the hot water outlet 2 of the solar water heater, the outlet of the instant heating device 8, and the water-using device 9. The conversion valve 7 includes three connection ports 25, which are respectively connected to the hot water outlet 2 of the solar water heater 4, the outlet of the instant heating device 8, and the hot water end of the water-using device 9. The controller 6... The control lines are electrically connected to the switching valve 7, the inlet valve 1, and the sensor 5 in the storage tank of the solar water heater 4. The switching valve 7 includes a valve mounting seat 11, a valve body 12, and an actuator 13. The valve mounting seat 11 has an opening 14 in the middle for mounting the valve body 12. The valve body 12 is detachably fitted into the valve mounting seat 11. There are mutually cooperating mounting slopes 15 between the valve body 12 and the valve mounting seat 11. Three connection ports 25 are connected to the valve core 17 in the valve body 12 via internal channels 16 provided on the valve body 12 and the valve mounting seat 11. The internal channels 16 pass through the mounting slopes 15 and are sealed between the mounting slopes 15. The actuator 13 is mounted on the valve body 12 and is drivenly connected to the valve core 17. The opening and closing of the internal channels 16 is realized by controlling the position of the valve core 17.

[0029] The valve core 17 is a ball valve core, and the ball valve core has three holes corresponding to the three internal channels 16 in the valve body 12. The actuator 13 includes a drive motor 18, and the output shaft end of the drive motor 18 is connected to the valve stem 19. The valve stem 19 is connected to the ball valve core. By rotating the valve stem 19, the ball valve core is rotated, so that the three holes are connected or disconnected from the three internal channels 16 in the valve body.

[0030] The drive motor 18 is mounted against the side of the valve body 12. The output end of the drive motor 18 is connected to the drive gear 20. The drive gear 20 is meshed with a driven gear 21. The center of the driven gear 21 is fixed to the valve stem 19.

[0031] The valve mounting base 11 and the valve body 12 are integrally set in the concealed box 22. The concealed box 22 is embedded in the wall 23. The surface of the concealed box 22 is provided with a detachable cover plate 24. The application circuit can be set in the cover plate 24. The surface of the cover plate 24 is set as an operable panel. By selecting operation or pressing operation on the panel, the on and off of the switching valve 7 can be realized.

[0032] The drive motor 18 is located on the outer extension line of the valve stem 19. The output end of the drive motor 18 is directly connected to the valve stem 19, which facilitates operation. The drive motor 18 is located outside the valve body 12, which is beneficial for motor heat dissipation and ensures safe use.

[0033] Instantaneous heating equipment 8 includes electric water heaters, gas water heaters, or air source water heaters; water-using equipment 9 includes multiple water-using terminals such as showers and washbasins.

[0034] Sensor 5 includes a temperature sensor and a water level sensor. The temperature sensor and water level sensor monitor the water temperature and water level in the storage tank of the solar water heater 4, respectively. The controller 6 controls the opening and closing of the inlet valve 1 and the flow channel switching of the switching valve 7 according to the monitored temperature and water level.

[0035] The controller 6 is a microcontroller or a programmable controller, and the controller has application circuitry.

[0036] In operation, this invention includes a switching valve 7 installed between the hot water outlet pipe of the solar water heater 4, the outlet pipe of the instant heating device 8, and the inlet pipe of the water-using device 9. The three connection ports 25 of the switching valve 7 are respectively connected to the hot water outlet 2 of the solar water heater 4, the outlet of the instant heating device 8, and the hot water outlet of the water-using device 9. A temperature sensor and a water level sensor are installed inside the storage tank of the solar water heater 4. These sensors monitor the water temperature and water level in the storage tank. When the solar water heater temperature is low or the water volume is insufficient, the temperature sensor and water level sensor transmit signals to the controller 6. The controller 6 then controls the opening and closing of the inlet valve 1 and the flow path switching of the switching valve 7 based on the detected temperature and water level. Specifically, when the water level sensor detects that the water level in the storage tank of the solar water heater 4 is lower than a preset lower limit, the water level sensor transmits this signal to the controller 6, which then controls the flow path switching of the switching valve 7. When the inlet valve 1 opens, water enters the storage tank. When the water level sensor detects that the water level in the storage tank has reached the preset upper limit, the inlet valve 1 closes to stop water supply. During continuous rainy weather and cold seasons, when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature in the storage tank of the solar water heater 4 is lower than the preset lower limit, the temperature sensor transmits this signal to the controller 6. The controller 6 controls the switching valve 7 to close the channel between the hot water outlet 2 of the solar water heater 4 and the water-using device 9, and to open the channel between the outlet of the instant heating device 8 and the water-using device 9, so that the instant heating device 8 can provide hot water to the water-using device 9. When the temperature in the storage tank of the solar water heater 4 is higher than the preset lower limit, the controller 6 controls the switching valve 7 to open the channel between the hot water outlet 2 of the solar water heater 4 and the water-using device 8, and to close the channel between the outlet of the instant heating device 8 and the water-using device 9, so that the solar water heater 4 can provide hot water to the water-using device 9.

[0037] The valve core 17 of the switching valve 7 is driven by the drive motor 18 of the actuator 13. The output end of the drive motor 18 is directly connected to the valve stem 19, which is connected to the valve core 17. The drive motor 18 drives the valve stem 19 to rotate, which in turn drives the valve core 17 to rotate, so that the hole on the valve core 17 is connected or disconnected from the internal channel 16 of the valve body 12. When the solar water heater 4 is used to supply hot water to the water-using device 9, the valve core 17 is driven to rotate until the hot water supply channel between the switching valve 7 and the hot water outlet 2 of the solar water heater 4 and the water-using device 9 is connected. When the instant heating device 8 is used to supply hot water to the water-using device 9, the valve core 17 is driven to rotate until the hot water supply channel between the switching valve 7 and the outlet of the instant heating device 8 and the water-using device 9 is connected. The valve body 12 of the switching valve 7 is installed into the valve mounting seat 11 through the opening 14 on the valve mounting seat 11. There is a mutually cooperating mounting slope 15 between the valve body 12 and the valve mounting seat 11. After the valve body 12 is installed into the valve mounting seat 11, the three connection ports 25 of the valve mounting seat 11 are connected to the valve core 17 position inside the valve body 12 through the internal channel 16 on the valve body 12 and the valve mounting seat 11. The internal channel 16 passes through the mounting slope 15 and is sealed on the mounting slope 15 to ensure the sealing performance of the switching valve 7.

[0038] In another embodiment of this utility model, the actuator 13 is a handle, which is directly connected to the valve stem 19. By rotating the handle, the position of the valve core 17 is controlled to realize the opening and closing and switching of the internal channel 16.

[0039] In another embodiment of this utility model, the actuator 13 is an electric motor, and the gear is a multi-stage transmission gear. The electric motor drives the multi-stage gear to rotate and transmits the transmission to the valve stem 19, thereby controlling the position of the valve core 17 to realize the opening and closing and switching of the internal channel 16.

[0040] The hot water circulation control device of this utility model can realize automatic water intake of solar water heater. By setting a switching valve between the hot water outlet pipe of solar water heater, the outlet pipe of instant heating equipment and the inlet pipe of water-using equipment, the on-off and switching of hot water source pipe of water-using equipment can be realized automatically. Automatic control is convenient to use, avoids frequent manual operation, reduces errors, and improves the utilization efficiency of solar water heater, improving the convenience and comfort of residents. The device has a simple structure, is easy to assemble and connect, and is suitable for use in various water circulation pipes in households and other places.

[0041] This utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Based on the technical solutions disclosed in this utility model, those skilled in the art can make some substitutions and modifications to some of the technical features without creative labor, and these substitutions and modifications are all within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A hot water source conversion control device, comprising a solar water heater, an instant heating device, a water-using device, and a controller, wherein the inlet of the solar water heater is connected to a cold water pipe via an inlet pipe, an inlet valve for controlling the water intake of the solar water heater is provided on the inlet pipe, the hot water outlet of the solar water heater and the outlet of the instant heating device are respectively connected to the water-using device via hot water delivery pipes, the water-using device having a hot water end and a cold water end, the cold water end being connected to a cold water pipe, characterized in that: A switching valve is installed on the pipeline between the hot water outlet of the solar water heater, the outlet of the instant heating device, and the water-using device. The switching valve includes three connection ports, which are respectively connected to the hot water outlet of the solar water heater and the hot water outlet of the water-using device. The controller is electrically connected to the switching valve, the inlet valve, and the sensor in the solar water heater's storage tank via wiring. The switching valve includes a valve mounting seat, a valve body, and an actuator. The valve mounting seat has an opening in the middle for installing the valve body. The valve body is detachably fitted into the valve mounting seat. There are mutually cooperating mounting ramps between the valve body and the valve mounting seat. The three connection ports are connected to the valve core position inside the valve body through internal channels provided on the valve body and the valve mounting seat. The internal channels pass through the mounting ramps and are sealed between the mounting ramps. The actuator is installed on the valve body and is drivenly connected to the valve core. The opening and closing of the internal channels is realized by controlling the position of the valve core.

2. A hot water supply switching control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve core is a ball valve core, and the ball valve core has three holes corresponding to the three internal channels in the valve body. The actuator includes a drive motor, and the output shaft end of the drive motor is connected to the valve stem. The valve stem is connected to the ball valve core. By rotating the valve stem, the ball valve core is rotated, so that the three holes are connected or disconnected from the three internal channels in the valve body.

3. The hot water source conversion control device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The drive motor is mounted against the side of the valve body. The output end of the drive motor is connected to a drive gear, which meshes with a driven gear. The center of the driven gear is fixed to the valve stem.

4. A hot water supply switching control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The valve mounting base and valve body are integrally housed within a concealed box, which is embedded in the wall and has a removable cover plate on its surface.

5. A hot water supply switching control device according to claim 2, wherein: The drive motor is located on the outer extension line of the valve stem, and the output end of the drive motor is directly connected to the valve stem.

6. A hot water supply switching control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The instantaneous heating device includes an electric water heater, a gas water heater, or an air source heat pump water heater.

7. A hot water supply switching control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensors include a temperature sensor and a water level sensor. The temperature sensor and water level sensor monitor the water temperature and water level in the solar water heater's storage tank, respectively. The controller controls the opening and closing of the inlet valve and the flow channel switching of the switching valve based on the monitored temperature and water level.

8. A hot water supply switching control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller is a microcontroller or a programmable controller, and it contains application circuitry.

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