Water flow sensor and water heater

Abstract

The utility model discloses water flow sensor and water heater belong to the technical field of home appliances, and the utility model discloses a water flow sensor because the pipe diameter size is improper and can not install etc. problem and designs. The utility model discloses water flow sensor includes: sensor main part, including the pipeline that supplies water flow and is used for monitoring the monitoring device of water flow speed in the pipeline, and at least two joints, and the pipe diameter of all joints is different, and every joint can with sensor main part detachable connection, and the water flow in the pipeline can flow out through the cavity in the middle of joint. The utility model discloses water flow sensor and water heater include at least two pipe diameter different joints, and every joint can with sensor main part detachable connection. Every time, can according to the type and size etc. of the target structure to be connected to select the joint of proper specification when developing new products, need not replace the whole water flow sensor or the target structure to be connected, save the cost, improve product development efficiency, use more convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of home appliance technology, and in particular to a water flow sensor and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] A water heater mainly consists of an inlet pipe, a heating element, and an outlet pipe. Low-temperature water enters through the inlet pipe and reaches the heating element, where it is heated to a set temperature. This high-temperature water is then supplied to the user through the outlet pipe. To stabilize the water temperature and flow rate, some existing water heaters are equipped with a water flow sensor, which monitors the amount of water entering the inlet pipe.

[0003] In addition to the main structures mentioned above, water heaters also contain other structures. As the shape, size, power, and number of internal structures of water heaters change, the models and locations of many of these structures need to be adjusted accordingly.

[0004] The defects of this water heater include: when the model of the water pipe connected to the inlet pipe and / or the water pipe connected to the heating device changes, the water flow sensor may not be able to be installed due to the unsuitable pipe diameter, making it inconvenient to use and resulting in low processing efficiency; if the water pipe or water flow sensor is replaced to adapt to the connection relationship, the parameters of the production mold need to be modified or a new production mold needs to be processed, which leads to increased costs. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to propose a water flow sensor and a water heater, which solves the problem that existing water flow sensors cannot be installed due to unsuitable pipe diameter, making them more convenient to use.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A water flow sensor includes: a sensor body, including a pipe through which water flows and a monitoring device for monitoring the velocity of water flow in the pipe; and at least two connectors, all of which have different pipe diameters, each of which can be detachably connected to the sensor body, and water flow in the pipe can flow out through a cavity in the middle of the connector.

[0008] In one preferred embodiment, the connector includes a detachably connected connector body and a connector that is detachably connected to the sensor body.

[0009] In one preferred embodiment, the connector includes a first connecting pipe, a second connecting pipe, and a mounting base. The first connecting pipe passes through the outlet of the pipe, the second connecting pipe passes through the connector body, and the mounting base is detachably connected to the sensor body.

[0010] In one preferred embodiment, the outer periphery of the second connecting pipe is formed with an external thread, and the connector body is formed with an internal thread that matches the external thread.

[0011] In one preferred embodiment, the outer periphery of the first connecting pipe is provided with at least one groove, and a sealing ring is fitted in the groove.

[0012] In one preferred embodiment, a snap fastener is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connector, the snap fastener including a snap-fit ​​surface facing the center of the connector.

[0013] In one preferred embodiment, two limiting edges are also provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connector, and the two limiting edges are respectively located on opposite sides of the buckle.

[0014] In one preferred embodiment, the edge of the limiting stop is an arc-shaped surface.

[0015] In one preferred embodiment, the sensor body further includes a turbine disposed inside the pipe, the turbine being able to rotate under the drive of water flow, and the monitoring device being able to know the water flow rate inside the pipe by monitoring the rotational speed of the turbine.

[0016] On the other hand, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0017] A water heater includes a housing and a heat exchanger disposed within the housing. The housing is provided with a water inlet pipe. The water heater also includes the aforementioned water flow sensor, with a connector connected to the heat exchanger and / or the water inlet pipe.

[0018] The water flow sensor disclosed in this utility model includes at least two connectors with different pipe diameters, each of which can be detachably connected to the sensor body. When developing a new product, a suitable connector can be selected based on the type and size of the target structure to be connected, eliminating the need to replace the entire water flow sensor or the target structure, thus saving costs, improving product development and processing efficiency, and making it more convenient to use.

[0019] The water heater disclosed in this utility model includes the aforementioned water flow sensor. By changing different connectors, the water flow sensor can be connected to devices of various shapes and sizes, making it more convenient to use, with high processing efficiency, wide applicability, and adaptability to various different assembly environments. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the water heater provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water flow sensor provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the water flow sensor provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the water flow sensor after removing the connector body, provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the water flow sensor after removing the connector body, provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the connector provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the water flow sensor after removing the connector body and connecting parts, according to a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0028] In the picture:

[0029] 1. Sensor body; 2. Connector body; 3. Connector; 4. Bolt; 11. Pipe; 12. Monitoring device; 21. Buckle; 22. Limiting stop; 31. First connecting pipe; 32. Second connecting pipe; 33. Mounting base; 34. Sealing ring; 35. Mounting hole; 100. Water flow sensor; 200. Housing; 211. Snap-fit ​​surface; 221. Arc-shaped surface; 300. Heat exchanger; 311. Groove; 400. Inlet pipe; 500. Outlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are 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.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0033] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0036] This embodiment discloses a water flow sensor and a water heater including the water flow sensor, which can heat low-temperature water to a set temperature using electrical energy or heat energy generated by gas combustion. This embodiment uses a gas water heater as an example for explanation; it is understood that water heaters using other heating methods can also use this water flow sensor.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the water heater mainly includes a water flow sensor 100, a housing 200, and a heat exchanger 300. The water flow sensor 100 and the heat exchanger 300 are respectively installed inside the housing 200. The housing 200 is equipped with an inlet pipe 400 and an outlet pipe 500. The inlet pipe 400, water flow sensor 100, heat exchanger 300, and outlet pipe 500 are sequentially connected to form a water flow channel. Low-temperature water passes through the inlet pipe 400 and the water flow sensor 100 before reaching the heat exchanger 300. At the heat exchanger 300, the low-temperature water is heated to a set temperature, and the hot water at the set temperature is provided to the user through the outlet pipe 500.

[0038] The water heater also includes the same structure as existing gas water heaters, such as the fan assembly, burner, and temperature sensor, which will not be described in detail here.

[0039] The water flow sensor 100 can measure the velocity of water flow, and the water flow rate per unit time can be calculated based on the water flow velocity. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the water flow sensor includes a sensor body 1 and at least two connectors. Figure 1 As shown, the connector is connected to the heat exchanger 300 and / or the water inlet pipe 400. The sensor body 1 includes a pipe 11 through which water flows and a monitoring device 12 for monitoring the water flow velocity within the pipe 11.

[0040] All connectors have different pipe diameters, and each connector can be detachably connected to the sensor body 1. A cavity is provided in the middle of the connector, through which water in pipe 11 can flow out. Each time a new product is developed, it can be customized according to the target structure to be connected (e.g., Figure 1 By selecting the appropriate connector based on the type and size of the heat exchanger 300 or the inlet pipe 400, there is no need to replace the entire water flow sensor 100 or the target structure to be connected, saving costs, improving product development efficiency, and making it more convenient to use.

[0041] The specific structure of the connector is not limited, as long as it can be detachably connected to the sensor body 1, allows normal water flow, and provides a stable connection to the target structure. In this embodiment, for example... Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the connector includes a connector body 2 and a connector 3 that are independent of each other. The connector 3 is detachably connected to the sensor body 1, and the connector body 2 is detachably connected to the connector 3.

[0042] Disassembling the connector into a connector body 2 and a connector 3 reduces processing difficulty and improves processing efficiency. The connector 3 connects the connector body 2 to the sensor body 1. The dimensions and shape of the connection point on the sensor body 1 are fixed, so the dimensions and shape of one half of the connector 3 are also fixed. The connector body 2 is used to connect to the target structure. The dimensions and shape of the part of the connector body 2 that connects to the target structure need to be changed, but the dimensions and shape of the part of the connector body 2 that connects to the connector 3 are independent of the target structure. Therefore, the dimensions and shape of the part of the connector body 2 that connects to the connector 3 can be fixed. That is, the dimensions and shape of the other half of the connector 3 are also fixed, reducing the overall processing difficulty of the connector, improving the versatility of the connector 3, making it more convenient to use, and applicable to a wide range of assembly environments.

[0043] The specific structure of the connector body 2 is not limited, as long as it can be stably connected to the target structure. In this embodiment, for example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a snap fastener 21 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connector, and the snap fastener 21 includes a snap-fit ​​surface 211 facing the center of the connector. Correspondingly, a snap-fit ​​portion adapted to the snap fastener 21 is provided on the target structure. After the connector body 2 is connected to the target structure, the snap-fit ​​portion snaps into the snap fastener 21, and the snap-fit ​​surface 211 abuts against the outer wall surface of the snap-fit ​​portion, thereby enhancing the stability of the connection between the connector body 2 and the target structure.

[0044] To ensure a smoother engagement between the snap-fit ​​part and the latch 21, two limiting edges 22 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connector body 2 in this embodiment. These two limiting edges 22 are located on opposite sides of the latch 21. When the connector body 2 and the target structure are brought close together for assembly, if the snap-fit ​​part slightly deviates from the latch 21, the limiting edges 22 can push the snap-fit ​​part towards the latch 21. After the connector body 2 and the target structure come into contact, the snap-fit ​​part engages with the latch 21, resulting in high assembly efficiency.

[0045] To further improve the smoothness of the engagement between the latching part and the buckle 21, in this embodiment, the edge of the limiting stop 22 is an arc-shaped surface 221. When the latching part touches the edge of the limiting stop 22, it can smoothly slide between the two limiting stops 22 along the arc-shaped surface 221, and will not be blocked outside the two limiting stops 22 due to the right-angled edge structure. In addition, the arc-shaped surface 221 can also prevent the limiting stops 22 from having a hard collision with surrounding objects, making it safer to use.

[0046] The specific structure of the connector 3 is not limited, as long as it enables a quick and stable connection between the connector body 2 and the sensor body 1. In this embodiment, for example... Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the connector 3 includes a first connecting pipe 31, a second connecting pipe 32, and a mounting base 33 forming an integral structure. The first connecting pipe 31 is used to pass through the outlet of the pipe 11, and the second connecting pipe 32 is used to pass through the connector body 2. The mounting base 33, which connects the first connecting pipe 31 and the second connecting pipe 32, is detachably connected to the sensor body 1. The first connecting pipe 31, the second connecting pipe 32, and the mounting base 33 have through holes, through which water in the sensor body 1 can flow to the connector body 2.

[0047] The mounting base 33 is a plate-shaped structure with at least two mounting holes 35. The sensor body 1 has holes aligned with the mounting holes 35. The bolt 4 passes through the mounting holes 35 and the holes on the sensor body 1 to fix the mounting base 33 to the sensor body 1. The connection structure is stable and easy to install and remove.

[0048] To prevent water leakage between the connector 3 and the sensor body 1, at least one groove 311 is formed around the outer periphery of the first connecting pipe 31, and a sealing ring 34 is fitted inside the groove 311. After the connector 3 and the sensor body 1 are assembled, the first connecting pipe 31 passes through the water outlet pipe of the sensor body 1, and the sealing ring 34 abuts against the inner wall of the water outlet pipe of the sensor body 1. That is, the sealing ring 34 fills the gap between the outer wall of the first connecting pipe 31 and the inner wall of the water outlet pipe of the sensor body 1, preventing water from seeping out of the sensor body 1 from this gap.

[0049] In this embodiment, along the axial direction of the first connecting pipe 31, two grooves 311 are formed on the outer periphery of the first connecting pipe 31, with the two grooves 311 respectively close to the top and bottom ends of the first connecting pipe 31. Each groove 311 is fitted with an O-ring seal 34. The two seals 34 can ensure that there are no gaps between the outer wall of the first connecting pipe 31 and the inner wall of the water outlet pipe of the sensor body 1, thus improving the anti-leakage effect.

[0050] The specific connection structure between the second connecting pipe 32 and the connector body 2 is not limited. In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the second connecting pipe 32 is formed with external threads, and the connector body 2 is formed with internal threads that are compatible with the external threads. During assembly, the connector body 2 is rotated and connected to the second connecting pipe 32, making assembly and disassembly convenient. To prevent water leakage, before assembly, a material such as PTFE tape that can fill gaps is wrapped around the outer periphery of the second connecting pipe 32, and then the connector body 2 is rotated and connected to the second connecting pipe 32.

[0051] Based on the above structure, such as Figure 8 As shown, the sensor body 1 also includes a turbine disposed within the pipe 11. The turbine rotates under the drive of water flow, and the monitoring device 12 can determine the water flow rate within the pipe 11 by monitoring the turbine's rotational speed. The monitoring device 12 can be, but is not limited to, a Hall sensor, as long as it can detect the rotational speed of the turbine blades during turbine rotation. The water flow velocity and flow rate can be calculated using the rotational speed of the turbine blades, and the calculation method is simple and easy to implement. The specific calculation method for calculating the water flow velocity and flow rate from the rotational speed of the turbine blades is not limited; any formula or method in the prior art that can achieve this purpose can be used.

[0052] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water flow sensor, characterized in that, include: The sensor body (1) includes a pipe (11) through which water flows and a monitoring device (12) for monitoring the water flow velocity within the pipe (11); and, At least two connectors, all of which have different pipe diameters, each of which can be detachably connected to the sensor body (1), and water in the pipe (11) can flow out through the cavity in the middle of the connector.

2. The water flow sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes a detachably connected connector body (2) and a connector (3), the connector (3) being detachably connected to the sensor body (1).

3. The water flow sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector (3) includes a first connecting pipe (31), a second connecting pipe (32) and a mounting base (33). The first connecting pipe (31) passes through the outlet of the pipe (11), the second connecting pipe (32) passes through the connector body (2), and the mounting base (33) is detachably connected to the sensor body (1).

4. The water flow sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the second connecting pipe (32) is formed with an external thread, and the connector body (2) is formed with an internal thread that is compatible with the external thread.

5. The water flow sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the first connecting pipe (31) is provided with at least one groove (311), and a sealing ring (34) is fitted in the groove (311).

6. The water flow sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, A buckle (21) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connector, and the buckle (21) includes a snap-fit ​​surface (211) facing the center of the connector.

7. The water flow sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that, Two limiting edges (22) are also provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connector, and the two limiting edges (22) are located on opposite sides of the buckle (21).

8. The water flow sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that, The edge of the limiting stop (22) is an arc-shaped surface (221).

9. The water flow sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The sensor body (1) also includes a turbine installed in the pipe (11), which can rotate under the drive of water flow, and the monitoring device (12) can know the water flow rate in the pipe (11) by monitoring the rotation speed of the turbine.

10. A water heater, comprising a housing (200) and a heat exchanger (300) disposed within the housing (200), wherein the housing (200) is provided with a water inlet pipe (400), characterized in that, The water heater further includes a water flow sensor (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, with a connector connected to the heat exchanger (300) and / or the inlet pipe (400).

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