An integrated multi-channel water flow sensor

Abstract

The application relates to an integrated multi-channel water flow sensor, which comprises a valve body, a water inlet joint, a water outlet joint, a water flow detection device, a shunt cavity, a first shutoff seat, a second shutoff seat, a first electromagnetic valve, a second electromagnetic valve and a shutoff hole isolated from the shunt cavity. The on-off of the two shutoff seats is controlled by the two electromagnetic valves respectively, and four kinds of electrically-controlled flow output modes can be combined by the shutoff hole. After the water flows through the shutoff seat, the water flows through a steady flow core, the stable flow output under wide water pressure is realized, the water flow detection device is arranged at the water inlet end, the total flow is sensed in real time, the response precision is improved, the overall structure is highly integrated, the sealing is reliable, and the water flow sensor is suitable for intelligent bathroom and household water systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water flow detection technology, specifically to the field of integrated multi-channel water flow sensor technology. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there is an increasing demand for precise control and multi-level adjustment of water flow in the fields of sanitary ware, home appliances and water treatment equipment.

[0003] In response, patent CN203309159U discloses a "flow-adjustable switching valve", which uses a disc-type flow valve composed of a follower disc and a stop disc in the valve cavity. By using the flow passage hole on the follower disc and the constant flow or variable flow hole with different flow cross sections on the stop disc to match and cooperate, selective flow and flow regulation of multiple water outlets can be achieved.

[0004] However, although this structure can adapt to different water supply pressures to a certain extent and maintain a small flow rate under high pressure through a constant flow orifice, it relies on manual rotation of the valve core for selective adjustment, cannot achieve electronic automation, and does not have the ability to sense the water flow status (such as flow rate and temperature) in real time.

[0005] However, existing water flow sensors mostly use Hall effect sensors in conjunction with rotors to detect flow velocity, and combine them with temperature sensors to obtain water temperature information. But these sensors are usually used as independent components, separately arranged from the flow regulation actuators mentioned above, which has problems such as response delay and limited control accuracy.

[0006] In summary, although existing technologies have made some progress in flow switching or water flow sensing, it is still difficult to achieve stable and accurate output of multiple flow rates under fluctuating water pressure conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application proposes an integrated multi-channel water flow sensor that, through the coordinated design of a flow-blocking orifice and solenoid valves with different orifice diameters, ensures the stability and consistency of water output at various levels within a wide water pressure range.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present application adopts the following technical solution: This application proposes an integrated multi-channel water flow sensor, including a water inlet connector at the water inlet end of the valve body, a water outlet connector at the water outlet end, and a water flow detection device at the water inlet connector; The water outlet connector is provided with a water outlet hole, and the valve body is also provided with a diversion cavity communicating with the water outlet hole; The upper and lower ends of the diversion cavity are respectively provided with a first intercepting seat and a second intercepting seat. The first intercepting seat and the second intercepting seat are respectively controlled by a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve to control the flow of water introduced by the water inlet connector. The water outlet connector has a flow-cutting hole on the outer periphery of the water outlet hole, which is isolated from the diversion cavity.

[0009] Thus, a flow-diverting chamber 130 connected to the outlet 20 is arranged inside the valve body, and a flow-stopping seat controlled by dual solenoid valves is set at both ends of the chamber. This realizes four flow output modes: flow-stopping orifice, first flow-stopping seat, second flow-stopping seat, and their combinations, thereby stably providing multiple combined flow rates to meet different water usage needs. At the same time, the water flow detection device is arranged close to the inlet end, which can sense the total water inflow status in real time and accurately, significantly improving the response speed and accuracy of flow regulation.

[0010] Furthermore, the functions of water flow detection, diversion, flow control, and water outlet are highly integrated into a single valve body. This not only avoids the leakage risks and signal delays caused by complex pipeline connections in traditional split structures, but also features a compact overall structure, reliable sealing, and convenient assembly. It is particularly suitable for intelligent bathroom, water purification equipment, and household appliance water systems that have high requirements for space, noise, and control precision.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the number of intercepting holes is two, and they are arranged radially symmetrically around the outlet holes.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the flow rate of the second throttle is greater than that of the first throttle.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the water flow detection device is based on the Hall principle and includes a rotor assembly and a Hall element.

[0014] In some possible implementations, a flow stabilizer core disposed within the flow channel of the valve body is also included.

[0015] In some possible implementations, there are two flow stabilizers, one located at the rear end of the flow divider cavity and the other at the rear end of the inlet connector.

[0016] In some possible implementations, a sealing gasket is provided between the flow stabilizing core at the rear end of the diversion cavity and the water outlet.

[0017] In some possible implementations, a temperature sensor capable of detecting the water temperature within the diversion cavity is also included.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the sensing end of the temperature sensor is disposed between the first throttling seat and the second throttling seat.

[0019] In some possible implementations, a buffer seat is also provided at the end of the water outlet connector, with the water outlet direction of the intercepting hole facing the inner end face of the buffer seat. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the integrated multi-channel water flow sensor of this application; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the integrated multi-channel water flow sensor of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the integrated multi-channel water flow sensor of this application; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the valve body and the flow divider cavity in this application; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of a portion of point B in the middle; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the water flow path of the valve body in this application; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of a portion of point C in the middle; Figure 8 This is a front view of the water outlet end in this application; Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the current-stabilizing core in this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the buffer seat in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following examples further illustrate the features of this application and other related features in detail, so as to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art: It should be noted that the terms “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down” used in the following description refer to the directions in the attached diagrams, while the terms “bottom surface,” “top surface,” “inner,” and “outer” refer to the directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component, respectively.

[0022] Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this case based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this application provides an integrated multi-channel water flow sensor, the main frame of which is composed of a valve body 100. The inlet end is connected to an inlet connector 110, and the outlet end is connected to an outlet connector 120. Preferably, the inlet connector 110 and the outlet connector 120 are integrally formed with the valve body 100.

[0024] After water enters the valve body 100 through the inlet connector 110, it first passes through a water flow detection device located there. Then, according to control commands, it selects different outflow paths and finally discharges through the outlet connector 120. Preferably, the water flow detection device is based on the Hall effect principle and includes a rotor assembly 11 that rotates with the water flow and a Hall element 12 fixedly installed on its outer periphery. When the water flow drives the rotor assembly 11 to rotate, the Hall element 12 outputs a pulse signal by sensing changes in the rotor's magnetic poles, thereby calculating the instantaneous flow rate in real time and providing accurate feedback to the subsequent electronic control system.

[0025] Furthermore, the water outlet connector 120 is provided with a water outlet hole 20, and the valve body 100 is also provided with a flow divider chamber 130 communicating with the water outlet hole 20. After passing through the water flow detection device, the water continues to flow and enters the flow divider chamber 130. Please refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 Preferably, the diversion cavity 130 has a hollow cylindrical structure and extends vertically, with a first intercepting seat 131 and a second intercepting seat 132 respectively at its upper and lower ends.

[0026] The first and second intercepting seats 131 and 132 are respectively controlled by the first solenoid valve 210 and the second solenoid valve 220 to open or close the water flow path. Specifically, the solenoid valves are installed on the outside of the valve body 100, with their valve stems 201 extending into the valve body 100 and abutting or moving away from the corresponding intercepting seats, thereby opening or closing the water flow path (see details). Figure 3 and Figure 4 In practice, both the first and second intercepting seats 131 and 132 are provided with water flow channels communicating with the water outlet 20. The water flow can be shut off by lowering the valve stem 201, and the water flow can be opened again when the valve stem 201 is turned off. In the following description, this process will be described using the closing and opening of the intercepting seats by a solenoid valve.

[0027] Thus, when the first solenoid valve 210 closes the first throttling seat 131 and the second solenoid valve 220 closes the second throttling seat 132, there is actually no water flow in the diversion chamber 130, meaning there is no water outlet 20. To address this, the water outlet connector 120 has a throttling hole 140 on the outer periphery of the water outlet 20, which is connected to the diversion chamber 130. That is, as described above, when both the first throttling seat 131 and the second throttling seat 132 are closed, water flows out through the throttling hole 140.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 10In some preferred embodiments, a buffer seat 40 is also provided at the end of the water outlet connector 120, and the water outlet direction D of the intercepting hole 140 is directly opposite the inner end face of the buffer seat 40. In this case, when the water flows out at high speed from the intercepting hole 140, it does not directly enter the downstream pipeline, but instead impacts the closed inner wall of the buffer seat 40, forming turbulent diffusion and kinetic energy dissipation. This structure effectively reduces the water flow impact force and operating noise, especially at the minimum flow rate (only the intercepting hole is open), significantly improving the harsh whistling problem caused by traditional direct-jet water outlets. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, two intercepting holes 140 are provided, symmetrically distributed radially along the water outlet 20 (see...). Figure 8 This allows the impact forces of the water flow to cancel each other out, further improving the stability of the water output and the balance of structural forces.

[0029] The specific application modes are described in detail below. After water enters the valve body 100 through the inlet connector 110, it can select different outflow paths according to control commands, thereby realizing four stable and differentiated flow output modes. When both the first solenoid valve 210 and the second solenoid valve 220 are closed, the water can only flow out directly through the choke hole 140, which is located on the outlet connector 120 and isolated from the diversion chamber 130. At this time, the shape of the choke hole 140 is not limited to any shape such as circular, square, or triangular; its size is optimized to provide the minimum basic flow rate, constituting the first flow mode.

[0030] When the first solenoid valve 210 is opened and the second solenoid valve 220 remains closed, in addition to passing through the intercepting hole 140, the water flow can also enter the diversion chamber 130 through the first intercepting seat 131, and be discharged from the outlet hole 20 to merge with the water flow of the intercepting hole 140, forming a second set of flow patterns.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the flow rate of the second interceptor seat 132 is greater than that of the first interceptor seat 131. At this time, when the second solenoid valve 220 is open and the first solenoid valve 210 is closed, because the flow rate of the second interceptor seat 132 is greater than that of the first interceptor seat 131 (specifically, the outlet channel diameter of the second interceptor seat 132 is larger), this path can provide a greater additional flow rate, which, when superimposed with the interceptor orifice 140, constitutes a third flow pattern.

[0032] When the first solenoid valve 210 and the second solenoid valve 220 are opened simultaneously, the two controllable water flows converge into the diversion chamber 130 and are output together with the direct water flow from the intercepting hole 140, forming the fourth mode with the maximum flow rate.

[0033] Thus, a flow-diverting chamber 130 connected to the outlet hole 20 is arranged inside the valve body 100, and a flow-stopping seat controlled by dual solenoid valves is set at both ends of the chamber. This realizes four flow output modes of the flow-stopping hole 140, the first flow-stopping seat 131, the second flow-stopping seat 132, and their cooperation, thereby stably providing multiple combined flow rates to meet different water demand. At the same time, the water flow detection device is arranged close to the water inlet end, which can sense the total water inlet status in real time and accurately, significantly improving the response speed and accuracy of flow regulation.

[0034] Furthermore, the functions of water flow detection, diversion, flow control, and water outlet are highly integrated into a single valve body. This not only avoids the leakage risks and signal delays caused by complex pipeline connections in traditional split structures, but also features a compact overall structure, reliable sealing, and convenient assembly. It is particularly suitable for intelligent bathroom, water purification equipment, and household appliance water systems that have high requirements for space, noise, and control precision.

[0035] Please refer to Figures 6 to 9 To improve the flow stability of each gear within a wide water pressure range, a flow stabilizing core 31 is also provided in the flow channel of the valve body 100. Preferably, there are two flow stabilizing cores 31. One is located at the rear end of the inlet connector 110 for pre-stabilizing the initial inlet water flow. The other is located at the rear end of the diversion chamber 130, near the outlet hole 20, for final pressure stabilization of the mixed multi-flow water. Each flow stabilizing core 31 consists of a flow stabilizing seat 311, a flow stabilizing rotor 312, and a buffer pad 313. The flow stabilizing rotor 312 can undergo a slight axial displacement relative to the flow stabilizing seat 311 under water pressure, automatically adjusting the flow cross-sectional area to achieve pressure-adaptive flow stabilization. This structure effectively overcomes the problems of insufficient flow under low pressure and excessive flow under high pressure in traditional fixed-aperture flow restrictors, significantly improving the consistency of flow at each gear.

[0036] To further ensure sealing reliability, a sealing gasket 32 ​​is provided between the flow stabilizing core 31 at the rear end of the diversion cavity 130 and the water outlet 20. Preferably, the sealing gasket 32 ​​adopts a double-ear snap ring structure, with symmetrical lugs on both sides, which can be embedded in the corresponding groove of the valve body 100 to achieve axial positioning. At the same time, it relies on elastic deformation to form a reliable seal in the assembled state, preventing water from leaking from the gap between the flow stabilizing core 31 and the water outlet connector 120, and ensuring functional isolation between the flow channels.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6 It also includes a temperature sensing function. The temperature sensor 21 is installed inside the valve body 100, and its sensing end is precisely positioned between the first throttling seat 131 and the second throttling seat 132, at the confluence area of ​​the two controllable water flows, which can accurately detect the actual water temperature after mixing. Specifically, it is fixed to the outside of the valve body 100 and inserted into its interior by a fixing plate 22.

[0038] As stated above, this case protects an integrated multi-channel water flow sensor, and all technical solutions that are the same as or similar to this case should be considered to fall within the protection scope of this case.

Claims

1. An integrated multi-channel water flow sensor, characterized in that, The valve body (100) has an inlet connector (110) at the inlet end and an outlet connector (120) at the outlet end. A water flow detection device is provided at the inlet connector (110). The water outlet connector (120) is provided with a water outlet hole (20), and the valve body (100) is also provided with a diversion cavity (130) communicating with the water outlet hole (20). The upper and lower ends of the diversion cavity (130) are respectively provided with a first intercepting seat (131) and a second intercepting seat (132). The first intercepting seat (131) and the second intercepting seat (132) are respectively controlled by a first solenoid valve (210) and a second solenoid valve (220) to control the flow of water introduced into the water inlet connector (110). The water outlet connector (120) has a cut-off hole (140) on the outer periphery of the water outlet hole (20) that is isolated from the diversion cavity (130).

2. The integrated multi-channel water flow sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of intercepting holes (140) is two, and they are arranged radially symmetrically on the outlet hole (20).

3. An integrated multi-channel water flow sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flow rate of the second cut-off seat (132) is greater than that of the first cut-off seat (131).

4. An integrated multi-channel water flow sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water flow detection device is based on the Hall principle and includes a rotor assembly (11) and a Hall element (12).

5. An integrated multi-channel water flow sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a flow stabilizer (31) disposed in the flow channel of the valve body (100).

6. An integrated multi-channel water flow sensor as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The number of the flow stabilizer cores (31) is two, which are respectively located at the rear end of the flow divider cavity (130) and the rear end of the water inlet connector (110).

7. An integrated multi-channel water flow sensor as described in claim 6, characterized in that, A sealing gasket (32) is provided between the flow stabilizing core (31) at the rear end of the diversion cavity (130) and the water outlet (20).

8. An integrated multi-channel water flow sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensor (21) that can detect the water temperature inside the diversion cavity (130).

9. An integrated multi-channel water flow sensor as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The sensing end of the temperature sensor (21) is disposed between the first throttling seat (131) and the second throttling seat (132).

10. An integrated multi-channel water flow sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a buffer seat (40) disposed at the end of the water outlet connector (120), wherein the water outlet direction (D) of the intercepting hole (140) is directly opposite the inner end face of the buffer seat (40).

Images