An automatic air-storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets

Abstract

This utility model discloses an automatic air-storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets, including a three-pressure regulating switch. The three-pressure regulating switch is installed on the side of the pipe via a first tee. The three-pressure regulating switch, power supply, and air pump form a closed loop in series. The three-pressure regulating switch controls the start and stop of the air pump based on the internal pressure of the pipe. An air injection pipe is installed on the air pump outlet. The end of the air injection pipe is connected to the connection between the end of the pipe and the faucet via a second tee. A one-way valve is installed on the air injection pipe. The automatic air-storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets provided by this utility model can achieve fully automatic operation without any manual intervention. It has a simple structure and high reliability, completely solving the problem of cracking caused by frozen water inside outdoor water pipes and faucets in winter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an automatic air storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets, belonging to the field of air storage antifreeze technology. Background Technology

[0002] Water is an indispensable resource for human survival, essential for both daily life and production. However, its use can cause various problems, especially for those living in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter brings challenges such as frozen faucets, burst pipes, and clogged outlets. Numerous antifreeze measures have been developed for faucets, including air-filled, evacuation-type, heating, and insulation systems.

[0003] The principle of an air-filled faucet is to manually inflate the faucet with air after the valve is closed to prevent freezing, such as the antifreeze device for faucets disclosed in CN201310453884.1 and an air-filled antifreeze faucet disclosed in CN201820943105.4.

[0004] The technical solutions disclosed in the aforementioned patents, based on practical experience, still have the following technical problems: Inflatable faucets require the faucet to be turned off before inflation. This method relies entirely on human memory and operation. If this is forgotten, there is a risk of the faucet freezing and bursting (especially in emergency shutdown or rushing situations). Residual water can directly lead to the risk of the pipe freezing and bursting.

[0005] There is a problem with repetitive work. Frequent starting and stopping of the faucet requires repeated operation, which will be inconvenient for users in the long run and is not user-friendly for the elderly, children or people with mobility impairments.

[0006] In conclusion, existing technologies clearly have inconveniences and shortcomings in practical use, and none of them have fundamentally solved the problem of antifreeze. Utility Model Content

[0007] This utility model addresses the shortcomings of the prior art by providing an automatic air storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets. It can achieve fully automatic operation without any manual intervention, has a simple structure and high reliability, and completely solves the problem of expansion and cracking of outdoor water pipes and faucets caused by internal water freezing in winter.

[0008] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An automatic air-storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets includes a three-pressure regulating switch, which is installed to the side of the pipe via a first tee. The three-pressure regulating switch, power supply, and air pump are connected in series to form a closed loop. The three-pressure regulating switch controls the start and stop of the air pump based on the internal pressure of the pipe. An air injection pipe is installed on the air pump outlet, and the end of the air injection pipe is connected to the connection between the end of the pipe and the faucet via a second tee. A one-way valve is installed on the air injection pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, the three-pressure regulating switch includes a housing with a hollow threaded mounting port, through which the three-pressure regulating switch is connected to the first tee.

[0010] Furthermore, an intermediate beam is provided in the upper part of the inner cavity of the shell. The intermediate beam is integrally formed with the shell. A first diaphragm and a second diaphragm are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the intermediate beam. The first diaphragm and the second diaphragm form a pressure chamber that communicates with the inner cavity of the pipe between the shell and the first diaphragm.

[0011] Furthermore, the first diaphragm sheet has a first conductive sheet at its bottom, the second diaphragm sheet has a second conductive sheet at its bottom, and an adjustable intermediate conductive sheet is installed between the first and second conductive sheets, which can connect the first and second conductive sheets.

[0012] Furthermore, the first conductive sheet has a contact above the end near the middle conductive sheet, the middle conductive sheet has a contact below the end near the first conductive sheet, the second conductive sheet has a contact below the end near the middle conductive sheet, and the middle conductive sheet has a contact above the end near the second conductive sheet.

[0013] Furthermore, the end of the first conductive sheet furthest from the middle conductive sheet is connected to the first terminal at the bottom of the housing via a wire, and the end of the second conductive sheet furthest from the middle conductive sheet is connected to the second terminal at the bottom of the housing via a wire. The first and second terminals are arranged side by side, and the first and second terminals are connected to the air pump and the power supply via wires.

[0014] Furthermore, the intermediate conductive sheet is installed inside a fixed column made of insulating material. The top of the fixed column is fixed to the bottom of the intermediate beam. A compression spring is sleeved on the upper part of the main body of the fixed column, and an adjusting screw is threadedly connected to the lower part of the main body. The compression spring and the adjusting screw are distributed on the upper and lower sides of the intermediate conductive sheet.

[0015] Furthermore, the fixing post consists of an upper square post and a lower threaded post.

[0016] Furthermore, a sliding adjustment hole is provided on the square column, and two limiting protrusions are respectively provided on both sides of the middle conductive sheet along the length direction. A guide groove is formed between the two limiting protrusions, and the middle conductive sheet can slide up and down along the sliding adjustment hole under the action of the guide groove.

[0017] Furthermore, the threaded column is installed inside the adjusting screw cylinder, which passes through the mounting hole at the bottom of the housing, and the bottom end of the adjusting screw cylinder is provided with a screwing groove.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention, by adopting the above technical solution, has the following advantages: Fully automatic operation: The antifreeze device intelligently senses changes in water and air pressure in the pipeline through a three-pressure regulating switch, and automatically controls the start and stop of the air pump without any manual intervention. The entire process, from closing the valve to injecting air and then stopping, is completed automatically. High reliability: The combination of mechanical pressure sensing and circuit control results in a simple and reliable structure that is less prone to failure. It is more reliable than relying on user memory and safer and more energy-efficient than traditional electric heating.

[0019] Wide adaptability: By adjusting the screw, the height of the intermediate conductive plate can be changed. The same device can be customized with pressure settings according to the local winter cold and the specific pipeline layout to achieve optimal antifreeze effect and avoid frequent start-stop of the air pump. For example, in colder regions, the pressure value for stopping air injection can be increased to make the air lock in the pipeline more secure.

[0020] Energy saving: The air pump works intermittently, only for a short period of time after each faucet is turned off, and then stops working after completing the air filling. The device is in standby mode most of the time, with low power consumption and is very energy-efficient.

[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-pressure regulating switch; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at point AA in section 2; Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a fixed column; Figure 5 This is a top view of the structure of the intermediate conductive sheet.

[0023] In the diagram, 1-pipe; 2-faucet; 3-three-pressure regulating switch; 31-housing; 32-threaded mounting port; 33-intermediate beam; 34-first diaphragm; 35-second diaphragm; 36-first conductive plate; 37-second conductive plate; 38-intermediate conductive plate; 39-fixed post; 310-compression spring; 311-adjusting screw; 312-mounting hole; 313-first terminal; 314-second terminal; 315-sliding adjusting hole; 316-limiting protrusion; 4-first tee; 5-second tee; 6-power supply; 7-air pump; 8-air injection pipe; 9-one-way valve. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this utility model, the specific embodiments of this utility model are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] like Figures 1-5 As shown in the figure, this utility model provides an automatic air storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets, including a three-pressure regulating switch 3. The three-pressure regulating switch 3 is installed to the side of the pipe 1 through a first tee 4. The three-pressure regulating switch 3, power supply 6, and air pump 7 are connected in series to form a closed loop. The three-pressure regulating switch 3 controls the start and stop of the air pump 7 through the internal pressure of the pipe 1. An air injection pipe 8 is installed on the air outlet of the air pump 7. The end of the air injection pipe 8 is connected to the connection between the end of the pipe 1 and the faucet 2 through a second tee 5. A one-way valve 9 is installed on the air injection pipe 8.

[0026] The three-pressure regulating switch 3 includes a housing 31, on which a hollow threaded mounting port 32 is provided. The three-pressure regulating switch 3 is connected to the first tee 4 through the threaded mounting port 32.

[0027] The upper part of the inner cavity of the shell 31 is provided with a middle beam 33, which is integrally formed with the shell 31. A first diaphragm 34 and a second diaphragm 35 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the middle beam 33. The first diaphragm 34 and the second diaphragm 35 form a pressure chamber connected to the inner cavity of the pipe 1 between the shell 31 and the first diaphragm 34 and the second diaphragm 35. The first diaphragm 34 and the second diaphragm 35 have different thicknesses and different pressure thresholds required for deformation.

[0028] The first diaphragm 34 has a first conductive sheet 36 at its bottom, and the second diaphragm 35 has a second conductive sheet 37 at its bottom. An adjustable intermediate conductive sheet 38 is installed between the first conductive sheet 36 and the second conductive sheet 37, which can connect the first conductive sheet 36 and the second conductive sheet 37.

[0029] The first conductive sheet 36 has a contact above the end near the middle conductive sheet 38, the middle conductive sheet 38 has a contact below the end near the first conductive sheet 36, the second conductive sheet 37 has a contact below the end near the middle conductive sheet 38, and the middle conductive sheet 38 has a contact above the end near the second conductive sheet 37.

[0030] The end of the first conductive sheet 36 away from the middle conductive sheet 38 is connected to the first terminal 313 at the bottom of the housing 31 via a wire. The end of the second conductive sheet 37 away from the middle conductive sheet 38 is connected to the second terminal 314 at the bottom of the housing 31 via a wire. The first terminal 313 and the second terminal 314 are arranged side by side. The first terminal 313 and the second terminal 314 are connected to the air pump 7 and the power supply 6 via wires.

[0031] The intermediate conductive sheet 38 is installed inside the insulating fixed post 39. The top of the fixed post 39 is fixed to the bottom of the intermediate beam 33. The upper part of the main body of the fixed post 39 is fitted with a compression spring 310, and the lower part of the main body is fitted with an adjusting screw 311 threadedly connected to it. The compression spring 310 and the adjusting screw 311 are distributed on the upper and lower sides of the intermediate conductive sheet 38.

[0032] The fixed column 39 consists of an upper square column and a lower threaded column.

[0033] The square column is provided with a sliding adjustment hole 315. The middle conductive sheet 38 is provided with two limiting protrusions 316 on both sides along the length direction. A guide groove is formed between the two limiting protrusions 316. The middle conductive sheet 38 can slide up and down along the sliding adjustment hole 315 under the action of the guide groove to adjust its height.

[0034] The threaded column is installed inside the adjusting screw cylinder 311, which passes through the mounting hole 312 at the bottom of the housing 31. The bottom end of the adjusting screw cylinder 311 is provided with a screwing groove. When the adjusting screw cylinder 311 is screwed upward first, the compression spring 310 is compressed, and the intermediate conductive plate 38 rises; when the adjusting screw cylinder 311 is screwed downward first, the compression spring 310 extends, and the intermediate conductive plate 38 falls.

[0035] The specific working principle of this utility model is as follows: The three-pressure regulating switch intelligently controls the start and stop of the air pump based on changes in the pressure inside the pipeline. It uses air pressure to automatically drain the water from the pipeline and push back the water remaining in the pipeline, forming a section of pipeline without water and only containing air. This prevents outdoor water pipes and faucets from bursting in winter due to the freezing of water inside.

[0036] 1. Low pressure state (faucet turned on, normal water use) The faucet is open, and the pipe is filled with flowing water at low pressure. The water pressure in the pipe is transmitted to the pressure chamber of the three-pressure regulating switch through the first three-way valve. At this time, the first conductive piece at the bottom of the first diaphragm is connected to the middle conductive piece, while the second conductive piece at the bottom of the second diaphragm is disconnected from the middle conductive piece. The circuit controlling the air pump is disconnected, and the air pump does not work.

[0037] 2. Medium pressure (faucet closed) When the user turns off the outdoor faucet, the water flow stops, and the water pressure in the pipe rises instantly. When the water pressure rises to a certain preset threshold, the second diaphragm dips downward, and the second conductive piece at the bottom of the second diaphragm is connected to the middle conductive piece, while the first conductive piece at the bottom of the first diaphragm and the middle conductive piece remain connected. The circuit controlling the air pump is connected, and the air pump starts to work.

[0038] 3. High-pressure state (gas storage state) The air pump continuously injects air into the pipe through the air injection pipe, causing the air pressure inside the pipe to rise. When the air pressure rises to a certain preset high threshold, the air pressure pushes the first diaphragm to indent downwards, and the first conductive piece at the bottom of the first diaphragm separates from the middle conductive piece; the circuit controlling the air pump is cut off, and the air pump stops working; at this time, the pipe is filled with compressed air, realizing the air storage state to prevent freezing.

[0039] 4. Standby phase The pipe remains filled with gas until the tap is turned on again.

[0040] After the tap is turned on, the compressed air in the pipe is first expelled, then the water flow returns to normal, the pressure returns to water pressure, and the system enters a new cycle.

[0041] This utility model has a height adjustment mechanism: The height of the intermediate conductive plate can be changed by turning the adjusting screw. Screwing the adjusting screw in compresses the spring and raises the intermediate conductive plate; unscrewing the adjusting screw releases the spring and lowers the intermediate conductive plate. This design allows users to finely adjust the required pressure holding value according to local climatic conditions (freezing line depth) and pipeline characteristics.

[0042] The above description provides examples of the preferred embodiments of this utility model. Any aspects not detailed herein are common knowledge to those skilled in the art. The scope of protection of this utility model is determined by the claims. Any equivalent modifications based on the technical teachings of this utility model are also within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic air-storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets, characterized in that: Includes a three-pressure regulating switch (3), which is installed on the side of the pipe (1) through a first tee (4). The three-pressure regulating switch (3) is connected in series with the power supply (6) and the air pump (7) to form a closed loop. The three-pressure regulating switch (3) controls the start and stop of the air pump (7) through the internal pressure of the pipe (1). An air injection pipe (8) is installed on the air outlet of the air pump (7). The end of the air injection pipe (8) is connected to the connection between the end of the pipe (1) and the faucet (2) through a second tee (5). A one-way valve (9) is installed on the air injection pipe (8).

2. The automatic air-storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The three-pressure regulating switch (3) includes a housing (31), and the housing (31) is provided with a hollow threaded mounting port (32). The three-pressure regulating switch (3) is connected to the first tee (4) through the threaded mounting port (32).

3. The automatic air-storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The upper part of the inner cavity of the shell (31) is provided with a middle beam (33). The middle beam (33) and the shell (31) are integrally formed. The first diaphragm (34) and the second diaphragm (35) are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the middle beam (33). The first diaphragm (34) and the second diaphragm (35) form a pressure chamber that communicates with the inner cavity of the pipe (1) between the shell (31).

4. The automatic air storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The first diaphragm (34) has a first conductive sheet (36) at its bottom, and the second diaphragm (35) has a second conductive sheet (37) at its bottom. An adjustable intermediate conductive sheet (38) is installed between the first conductive sheet (36) and the second conductive sheet (37). The intermediate conductive sheet (38) can connect the first conductive sheet (36) and the second conductive sheet (37).

5. The automatic air-storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The first conductive sheet (36) has a contact above the end of the middle conductive sheet (38), the middle conductive sheet (38) has a contact below the end of the first conductive sheet (36), the second conductive sheet (37) has a contact below the end of the middle conductive sheet (38), and the middle conductive sheet (38) has a contact above the end of the second conductive sheet (37).

6. The automatic air-storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The end of the first conductive piece (36) away from the middle conductive piece (38) is connected to the first terminal (313) at the bottom of the housing (31) via a wire. The end of the second conductive piece (37) away from the middle conductive piece (38) is connected to the second terminal (314) at the bottom of the housing (31) via a wire. The first terminal (313) and the second terminal (314) are arranged side by side. The first terminal (313) and the second terminal (314) are connected to the air pump (7) and the power supply (6) via wires.

7. An automatic air-storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The intermediate conductive sheet (38) is installed inside the insulating fixed column (39). The top of the fixed column (39) is fixed to the bottom of the intermediate beam (33). A compression spring (310) is sleeved on the upper part of the main body of the fixed column (39), and an adjusting screw (311) is sleeved on the lower part of the main body and threadedly connected to it. The compression spring (310) and the adjusting screw (311) are distributed on the upper and lower sides of the intermediate conductive sheet (38).

8. The automatic air storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The fixed column (39) consists of a square column at the top and a threaded column at the bottom.

9. An automatic air-storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets as described in claim 8, characterized in that: A sliding adjustment hole (315) is provided on the square column. Two limiting protrusions (316) are respectively provided on both sides of the middle conductive sheet (38) along the length direction. A guide groove is formed between the two limiting protrusions (316). The middle conductive sheet (38) can slide up and down along the sliding adjustment hole (315) under the action of the guide groove.

10. An automatic air-storage antifreeze device for outdoor faucets as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The threaded column is installed inside the adjusting screw cylinder (311), which is inserted into the mounting hole (312) at the bottom of the housing (31). The bottom end of the adjusting screw cylinder (311) is provided with a screwing groove.

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