A water age control device for indoor water renewal

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of building water supply and drainage engineering technology, and in particular to a water age control device for indoor water use renewal. It includes: a control component for integration into the water supply pipeline at the end water point within the household to control the flow of the pipeline; a controller for setting and controlling the water renewal time, the controller being communicatively connected to the control component; and a cable with its two ends connected to the control component and the controller, respectively. The controller sends a control signal to the control component according to the preset water renewal time to drive the control component to periodically open and drain water, thus achieving active water renewal within the pipeline. This water age control device can actively intervene during operation to ensure that the water age of all branch pipes within the household does not exceed the 48-hour sanitary threshold. Therefore, it provides an active control mechanism that effectively protects the water quality of the indoor branch pipe network, especially the terminal blind sections, even when the user does not actively use water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of building water supply and drainage engineering technology, specifically to a water age control device for indoor water use renewal. Background Technology

[0002] In the current context of promoting the construction of high-quality, healthy housing, the design of indoor water supply systems is particularly crucial. To reduce dead zones in the pipe network and mitigate the risk of water quality deterioration, existing indoor systems generally employ optimized pipe network designs such as chain-type or ring-type supply systems. While these methods improve hydraulic conditions to some extent, they still have inherent limitations that cannot be overcome, resulting in limitations in ensuring long-term water safety. These limitations are mainly reflected in the following two aspects:

[0003] 1. Problem of blind ends in indoor branch pipes: In residential buildings, branch pipes leading to terminal water points such as bathroom sinks and kitchen sinks inevitably form blind ends. When users are away for extended periods (more than 3 days) or when the frequency of water use at a certain point is extremely low, the water in that branch pipe will be completely stagnant, becoming a typical static stagnant water area, and its water age will far exceed the safety threshold.

[0004] 2. Limitations of passive updates: The water quality updates of the existing system rely entirely on users' random and spontaneous water usage behavior. For residences that are occupied periodically or vacant for a long time, due to the lack of active water demand, the water in the system cannot be effectively replaced, and water quality safety is in an uncontrollable state, posing potential health and safety hazards.

[0005] Therefore, existing technologies lack an active control mechanism that can effectively ensure the water quality safety of indoor branch pipe networks, especially the terminal blind sections, even when users do not actively use water. Thus, a more reasonable technical solution is needed to optimize and improve the current building water supply and drainage structure, enabling it to actively intervene during operation to ensure that the water age of all indoor branch pipes does not exceed the 48-hour sanitary threshold. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water age control device for indoor water supply updates, enabling it to actively intervene during operation to ensure that the water age of all indoor branch pipes does not exceed the 48-hour sanitary threshold. This provides an active control mechanism that effectively protects the water quality of the indoor branch pipe network, especially the terminal blind sections, even when users do not actively use water.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A water age control device for indoor water renewal includes:

[0009] Control components are used to integrate into the water supply lines at indoor end-point water usage points to control the on / off state of the lines.

[0010] A controller for setting and controlling the water body renewal time, the controller being communicatively connected to the control component;

[0011] The controller sends a control signal to the control component according to the preset water renewal time, so as to drive the control component to start draining water at regular intervals and realize the active renewal of water in the pipeline.

[0012] Alternatively, the control component includes a solenoid valve and an infrared sensor communicatively connected to the controller; the infrared sensor is used to detect obstacle information in the water outlet area, and the solenoid valve is used to control the opening and closing of the controller pipeline; the controller controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve accordingly based on the received water outlet status information.

[0013] Alternatively, the working pressure range of the solenoid valve is 0.1-0.6 MPa.

[0014] Alternatively, the controller includes:

[0015] The timing control module is used to set the water age update cycle and send a trigger signal when the set time is reached;

[0016] The flow metering module is used to measure the flow rate during drainage and send a shut-off signal when the set flow rate value is reached;

[0017] A driving circuit is used to receive the trigger signal and / or the shut-off signal, and generate the control signal to drive the control component.

[0018] Alternatively, the controller may further include a communication module configured to receive external control signals;

[0019] The drive circuit is configured to drive the control component in response to the external control signal.

[0020] Alternatively, the external control signals may include liquid level signals from the water seal of the drainage system and / or remote control signals from the smart home system.

[0021] Alternatively, the drive circuit is electrically connected to the timing control module; the drive circuit is electrically connected to the solenoid valve in the control assembly via a cable.

[0022] The flow metering module is installed at the inlet or outlet of the control component and is used to detect the flow rate of water flowing through the control component. The flow metering module is electrically connected to the drive circuit.

[0023] The driving circuit is configured as follows:

[0024] Receives the trigger signal from the timing control module and drives the solenoid valve to open;

[0025] The system receives a shutdown signal from the flow metering module and drives the solenoid valve to close.

[0026] Alternatively, the housing of the controller may be made of engineering plastic.

[0027] Alternatively, the water volume control device can be installed at the most unfavorable end point of the indoor chain or ring water supply system to achieve simultaneous replenishment of hot and cold water.

[0028] Alternatively, the most unfavorable end-water point is the water supply point of the bathroom sink; the controller is wall-mounted on the adjacent side wall.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0030] The above technical solution allows for precise response to controller signals to control pipe flow, directly managing the discharge of stagnant water and the replenishment of fresh water, thus resolving the issue of static water zones at the blind ends of indoor branch pipes. Even if residents are away for extended periods, the control components periodically activate drainage to promptly remove stagnant water from end-use points such as washbasins, preventing water from remaining in the pipes for more than 48 hours and eliminating hygiene hazards from static water zones at the source. Similarly, for vacant homes, automatic updates can be initiated without user intervention, ensuring the water in the pipes is always in a dynamic circulation state, preventing water age from exceeding standards due to prolonged absence of use, and guaranteeing water quality safety during vacancy periods. This device is installed on sanitary ware that mixes hot and cold water, enabling simultaneous updates of the water age in indoor hot and cold water pipes through a single system. Therefore, comprehensive indoor water renewal is particularly suitable for homes that are unoccupied for extended periods or frequently vacant locations. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the exemplary embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be considered as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the location of the indoor water age control device for water renewal provided by this utility model during application;

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the installation structure of the indoor water age control device for water renewal provided by this utility model.

[0034] The attached diagram shows the following labels and corresponding component names: 1-Water age control device, 2-Control component, 3-Controller, 4-Cable. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that while the description of these embodiments is intended to aid in understanding the present invention, it does not constitute a limitation thereof. The specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are only for describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0036] According to a specific embodiment of this disclosure, a water age control device for indoor water renewal is provided. Wherein, Figure 1 and Figure 2 Specific embodiments thereof are shown.

[0037] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the indoor water age control device 1 includes: a control component 2, which is integrated into the water supply pipeline at the indoor terminal water point to control the flow of the pipeline; and a controller 3, which is used to set and control the water renewal time, and is communicatively connected to the control component 2. The controller 3 sends a control signal to the control component 2 according to the preset water renewal time to drive the control component 2 to periodically open and drain water, thereby achieving active water renewal in the pipeline.

[0038] The water age control device 1 operates as follows: Users preset the water renewal cycle (e.g., once every 24 hours, ensuring the water age does not exceed a threshold) via controller 3 according to their water hygiene and safety requirements. Controller 3 stores this preset time parameter, forming a time reference for active renewal. When the preset renewal time is reached, controller 3 sends an electrical signal to control component 2. Upon receiving the signal, control component 2 (integrated into the water supply pipeline at the household terminal water point) immediately opens the pipeline, allowing stagnant water in the pipe to be discharged through the terminal water point. After the drainage continues for a preset duration, control component 2 automatically closes the pipeline, and fresh water replenishes the branch pipe from the main water supply pipe, completing the active renewal of the water in the pipeline.

[0039] Through the above technical solution, the controller 3 signal can be precisely responded to to control the on / off state of the pipeline, directly controlling the discharge of stagnant water and the replenishment of fresh water, thus solving the problem of static water areas at the blind ends of indoor branch pipes. Even if the resident is away for a long time, the control component 2 will periodically start the drainage to promptly discharge stagnant water from end water points such as washbasins, preventing water from remaining in the pipes for more than 48 hours and eliminating the hygiene hazards of static water areas from the source. Similarly, for vacant houses, the system can automatically start updating without user intervention, ensuring that the water in the pipes is always in a dynamic circulation state, preventing the water age from exceeding the standard due to long-term lack of water use, and ensuring water quality safety during vacancy. This device is installed on sanitary ware that mixes hot and cold water, and can realize the synchronous updating of the water age in indoor hot and cold water pipes through a single device. Therefore, comprehensive indoor water updating is especially suitable for houses that are unoccupied for a long time or in high-frequency vacancy scenarios.

[0040] It should be noted that the directional terms used, such as "inner" and "outer," refer to "inner" and "outer" relative to the outline of the component. "Inner" refers to the direction towards the inside of the component, and "outer" refers to the direction away from it. Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms used, such as "first" and "second," are used to distinguish one element from another and do not indicate sequence or importance. Moreover, in the following descriptions with accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element.

[0041] In this disclosure, the control component 2 includes a solenoid valve and an infrared sensor that are communicatively connected to the controller 3; the infrared sensor is used to detect the water outlet status information of the pipeline, and the solenoid valve is used to open and close the pipeline of the controller 3; the controller 3 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve accordingly based on the received water outlet status information.

[0042] As a status detection element, the infrared sensor can collect and detect obstacle information in the water outlet area in real time and feed the information back to the controller 3. The controller 3 then dynamically adjusts the control of the solenoid valve based on the feedback signal (such as determining whether the solenoid valve is open normally and whether the drainage is sufficient), thereby avoiding the problem in traditional open-loop control where "faults such as solenoid valve jamming and pipeline blockage cause drainage failures that cannot be detected". This ensures that each water body update command can be actually implemented, thus guaranteeing the reliability of water age control from a mechanism perspective.

[0043] In scenarios where residents use water for short periods (such as occasional use of the washbasin), the infrared sensor can detect the water output status of the user's active water use. The controller 3 can then determine that "the water body has been updated through user behavior" and automatically skip the preset timed drainage command to avoid repeated drainage. In vacant rooms or long-term unused water use scenarios, if the sensor does not detect the water output signal of the user's active water use, the controller 3 will trigger the solenoid valve to open the drainage at regular intervals to ensure that the water body is actively updated. Thus, water quality safety can be stably guaranteed in various usage scenarios.

[0044] Specifically, the working pressure range of the solenoid valve is 0.1-0.6MPa, thus covering the common pressure fluctuation range in indoor environments. This avoids the risk of water leakage caused by insufficient pressure resistance of the solenoid valve itself, while also preventing increased mechanical wear caused by frequent opening and closing of the solenoid valve under high pressure, extending the service life of the device, and ensuring the overall safety of the indoor water supply system.

[0045] Furthermore, the controller 3 includes: a timing control module for setting the water age update cycle and issuing a trigger signal when the set time is reached; a flow metering module for measuring the flow during drainage and issuing a shut-off signal when the set flow value is reached; and a drive circuit for receiving the trigger signal and / or shut-off signal and generating a control signal to drive the control component 2.

[0046] The core function of the timed control module is to preset the water age update cycle and automatically send a trigger signal when the set time is reached. The metering module can preset corresponding flow values ​​according to the pipe volume of different end water points. When the drainage reaches the specified flow rate, it immediately sends a shut-off signal to ensure that stagnant water is completely discharged while preventing excess fresh water from being drained, thus achieving a balance between hygiene and safety and water and energy conservation. The drive circuit can integrate overcurrent and overvoltage protection functions. When the input signal is abnormal or the control component 2 fails, it can cut off the output signal to prevent circuit burnout and improve the system's anti-interference capability and operational safety.

[0047] Based on the collaborative structure of the three, the controller 3 can adapt to the differences in pipes of different house types and water pressure fluctuations at different times, and operate stably in various usage scenarios to achieve the sanitary goal of water age ≤ 48 hours, while minimizing water consumption and improving the practicality, accuracy and reliability of the water age control device 1.

[0048] For vacant properties that are unoccupied for extended periods or where users are away for long periods, drainage can be triggered periodically without human intervention to ensure that stagnant water in indoor branch pipes (such as the blind end of a washbasin) is refreshed on time, thus avoiding the hygiene risks of water aging exceeding 48 hours from the source. For daily living scenarios, a "double guarantee" can be formed by preset cycles (such as once a day) and active water use by users. Even if users do not use a certain end water point for a short period (such as a secondary bathroom), static water areas can still be eliminated through regular flushing to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

[0049] Specifically, the controller 3 also includes a communication module configured to receive external control signals; and a drive circuit configured to drive the control component 2 in response to the external control signals.

[0050] The communication module receives external control signals (such as commands sent via a mobile app or smart home terminal) to enable on-demand triggering. Users can remotely send control signals to pre-trigger drainage at end-point water points, avoiding the direct use of stagnant water upon returning home and improving the water usage experience. If a user frequently uses a particular water point in a short period, they can pause the automatic update of that point via an external signal to reduce unnecessary drainage waste; conversely, if a water point is suddenly unused for an extended period, the update cycle can be remotely shortened to enhance hygiene. Furthermore, if a user discovers a potential water quality abnormality in a pipe, they can immediately trigger drainage via an external signal to quickly eliminate potential risks. Thus, while ensuring water hygiene and safety, the practicality, convenience, and reliability of the water age control device 1 are improved.

[0051] The water seal of the drainage system (such as floor drains and toilet traps) is the core barrier to prevent sewer odors, harmful gases (such as methane and hydrogen sulfide), and germs from flowing back into the room, and its effectiveness depends on a sufficient water level. The drainage action of the water age control device 1 may indirectly affect the water seal status. In this disclosure, the external control signals include the water level signal from the drainage system water seal and / or the remote control signal from the smart home system. In this way, the water seal water level signal can be incorporated into the external control logic. This way, the external control signals can be concretized into the drainage system water seal water level signal and the smart home remote control signal, which not only strengthens the safety baseline of the pipeline environment through the water seal signal, but also enhances the upper limit of user experience through the smart home signal. Under the core goal of "ensuring hygiene and safety", the water age control device 1 also has system compatibility, scenario adaptability, and ease of operation, ultimately achieving more comprehensive and intelligent drinking water safety protection.

[0052] Remote control signals from smart home systems (such as mobile app commands, voice control, and scene linkage commands) directly connect user needs with device actions, incorporating them into external control logic to achieve more precise personalized and scenario-based management.

[0053] In this disclosure, the drive circuit is electrically connected to the timing control module; the drive circuit is electrically connected to the solenoid valve in the control component 2 via cable 4; the flow metering module is located at the inlet or outlet of the control component 2 and is used to detect the water flow rate through the control component 2, and the flow metering module is electrically connected to the drive circuit. The drive circuit is configured to: receive a trigger signal from the timing control module and drive the solenoid valve to open; receive a shutdown signal from the flow metering module and drive the solenoid valve to close.

[0054] The timed control module sets the water age update cycle. Upon reaching the set time, the drive circuit triggers the solenoid valve to open, forcibly discharging the stagnant old water in the pipes and preventing the growth of microorganisms and water quality degradation caused by prolonged stagnation. Meanwhile, the flow metering module directly detects the amount of water flowing through control component 2, ensuring sufficient old water is discharged regardless of water pressure or pipe length. This precisely balances the need for fresh water with water conservation, avoiding water waste. Thus, while ensuring the freshness of the water in the pipes, it also addresses the needs of water conservation, stability, and adaptability, achieving the dual value of water safety and resource saving.

[0055] In this disclosure, the housing of the controller 3 is made of engineering plastic. Engineering plastics have superior thermal and dimensional stability, and are less prone to cracking, deformation, or embrittlement in environments with large diurnal temperature differences or drastic humidity changes. This ensures the housing effectively protects the internal circuits (such as timing control modules and drive circuits) for a long time, reducing malfunctions caused by environmental factors. Furthermore, engineering plastics do not shield or interfere with the electrical signal transmission of the internal circuits, ensuring accurate and stable signal transmission between the modules within the controller 3, and reducing signal attenuation or false triggering caused by the housing material.

[0056] In this disclosure, the water age control device 1 is installed at the most unfavorable end point of a chain or ring-shaped water supply system in the home. The "most unfavorable end point" is the location in the home water supply system where the water flow is slowest and the water retention time is longest (e.g., the bathroom faucet or the end of the kitchen sink furthest from the main water pipe). Water at these locations, due to long-term stagnation, has a higher water age than other areas of the system, making it prone to problems such as residual chlorine decay, microbial growth, and pipe corrosion buildup, representing the worst water quality risk point for users. Installing the water age control device 1 at this location allows for direct treatment of the stagnant water at that point. For example, by periodically discharging stagnant water or driving water circulation to refresh it, it ensures that the water flowing from this end point is always fresh, addressing the high-age water quality problem most easily encountered by users at its source, thus guaranteeing water safety and taste.

[0057] Furthermore, the most unfavorable end-point water use is the water supply point of the bathroom sink; controller 3 is wall-mounted on the adjacent side wall.

[0058] Bathroom sinks are typical end-point water usage areas prone to stagnant water. Installing water flow control device 1 here allows for periodic drainage and renewal of this high-risk area, ensuring that fresh water flows out every time the user uses the sink. This precisely safeguards hygiene and safety in high-frequency contact scenarios, making it more practical than controlling other low-frequency contact points (such as mop sinks). The device is installed on the hot and cold water mixing pipes, enabling simultaneous renewal of the water age in the indoor hot and cold water pipes through a single system.

[0059] Installing controller 3 on a side wall adjacent to the bathroom (especially on an empty wall next to the sink) keeps it away from highly humid areas such as the shower area, further reducing the risk of moisture damage. At the same time, proximity installation allows controller 3 to form a visually cohesive functional unit with the sink, avoiding the exposed and cluttered pipework that would result from installation in other areas (such as the living room or kitchen), thus balancing practicality and aesthetics.

[0060] In this disclosure, the timing control module is configured as a timer or other device with timing function, as is the case in the prior art; the flow metering module is configured as a flow sensor or flow meter, etc. The controller is configured as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or a Central Processing Unit (CPU). Alternatively, the controller can be configured as a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). This disclosure does not impose any limitations on this, and those skilled in the art can flexibly configure it based on the above-described technical concept.

[0061] The above specific embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solution and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. An indoor water-renewal water age control device characterized by, include: Control components are used to integrate into the water supply lines at indoor end-point water usage points to control the on / off state of the lines. A controller for setting and controlling the water body renewal time, the controller being communicatively connected to the control component; The controller sends a control signal to the control component according to the preset water renewal time, so as to drive the control component to start draining water at regular intervals and realize the active renewal of water in the pipeline.

2. The water age control device for indoor water renewal according to claim 1, characterized by The control component includes a solenoid valve and an infrared sensor that are communicatively connected to the controller; the infrared sensor is used to detect obstacle information in the water outlet area, and the solenoid valve is used to control the opening and closing of the controller pipeline; the controller controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve accordingly based on the received water outlet status information.

3. The water age control device for indoor water renewal according to claim 2, characterized by The working pressure range of the solenoid valve is 0.1-0.6 MPa.

4. The water age control device for indoor water renewal according to claim 1, characterized by The controller includes: The timing control module is used to set the water age update cycle and send a trigger signal when the set time is reached; The flow metering module is used to measure the flow rate during drainage and send a shut-off signal when the set flow rate value is reached; A driving circuit is used to receive the trigger signal and / or the shut-off signal, and generate the control signal to drive the control component.

5. The water age control device for indoor water renewal according to claim 4, characterized by The controller also includes a communication module configured to receive external control signals; The drive circuit is configured to drive the control component in response to the external control signal.

6. The indoor water-renewal water age control apparatus according to claim 5, characterized by The external control signals include liquid level signals from the water seal of the drainage system and / or remote control signals from the smart home system.

7. The water age control device for indoor water renewal according to claim 4, characterized by The drive circuit is electrically connected to the timing control module; the drive circuit is electrically connected to the solenoid valve in the control component via a cable. The flow metering module is installed at the inlet or outlet of the control component and is used to detect the flow rate of water flowing through the control component. The flow metering module is electrically connected to the drive circuit. The driving circuit is configured as follows: Receives the trigger signal from the timing control module and drives the solenoid valve to open; The system receives a shutdown signal from the flow metering module and drives the solenoid valve to close.

8. The water age control device for indoor water renewal according to claim 1, characterized by The controller's housing is made of engineering plastic.

9. The water age control device for indoor water renewal according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by The water age control device is installed at the most unfavorable end point of the indoor chain or ring water supply system to achieve synchronous renewal of hot and cold water.

10. The water age control device for indoor water renewal according to claim 9, characterized by The most unfavorable end-point water supply is the water supply point of the bathroom sink; the controller is wall-mounted on the adjacent side wall.

Images