Hot water supply system, method and water heater

Abstract

The present application relates to a hot water supply system, method and water heater. The system includes: a hot water delivery pipeline and a three-way valve. The hot water delivery pipeline includes a first port for connecting to a first water-using device and a second port for connecting to a second water-using device. The three-way valve includes an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. The inlet of the three-way valve is used to communicate with the water outlet of the hot water system. The first outlet of the three-way valve is communicated with the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline, and the second outlet of the three-way valve is communicated with the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline. The system changes the flow direction of hot water in the hot water delivery pipeline by changing the conduction mode of the three-way valve. It is possible to control whether the hot water flows through the first water-using device or the second water-using device first according to the needs of the user, thereby reducing the flow time of hot water in the pipeline and enabling the user to use hot water faster.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of hot water supply, and particularly to a hot water supply system, method and water heater. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous improvement of people's living standards, the requirements for hot water supply are getting higher and higher. Generally, the water heater in a family is installed on the living balcony, while the bathing water is used in the bathroom. There is a relatively long pipeline between them. When users need to use hot water, they need to drain the cold water existing in the pipeline first, which wastes water and also increases the waiting time. Therefore, it is necessary to make hot water reach the water usage place faster.

[0003] In traditional technologies, a zero - cold - water water heater is adopted. A small - sized circulating water pump is set in the water heater. Before users use hot water, they first start the pump to pump the cold water in the pipeline into the water heater for heating. After the cold water is heated, then turn on the faucet, and at this time, hot water can flow out quickly.

[0004] However, in the methods of traditional technologies, the flow direction of hot water in the circulating pipeline is unchanged, and it can only start from the water heater, flow through the water - using equipment at the near - water end, and flow to the water - using equipment at the far - water end. If users often need to use the water - using equipment at the far - water end, hot water also needs to flow from the water - using equipment at the near - water end to the water - using equipment at the far - water end, and it is impossible to reduce the flow time of hot water in the pipeline. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, in view of the above - mentioned technical problems, it is necessary to provide a hot water supply system, method and water heater that can change the flow direction of hot water in the delivery pipeline.

[0006] A hot water supply system, the system includes: a hot water delivery pipeline, including a first port for connecting to a first water - using device and a second port for connecting to a second water - using device; a three - way valve, including an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. The inlet of the three - way valve is used to communicate with the water outlet of the hot water system. The first outlet of the three - way valve is communicated with the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline, and the second outlet of the three - way valve is communicated with the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline.

[0007] In one embodiment, the system further includes: a first switching valve, including a first port and a second port. The first port of the first switching valve is communicated with the second outlet of the three - way valve, and the second port of the first switching valve is used to communicate with the water inlet of the hot water system; a second switching valve, including a first port and a second port. The first port of the second switching valve is communicated with the first outlet of the three - way valve, and the second port of the second switching valve is used to communicate with the water inlet of the hot water system.

[0008] In one embodiment, the system further includes: a first check valve, including an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet of the first check valve is communicated with the second port of the first switching valve, and the outlet of the first check valve is configured to be communicated with the water inlet of the hot water system; or the inlet of the first check valve is communicated with the second outlet of the three-way valve, and the outlet of the first check valve is communicated with the first port of the first switching valve.

[0009] In one embodiment, the system further includes: a second check valve, including an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet of the second check valve is communicated with the second port of the second switching valve, and the outlet of the second check valve is configured to be communicated with the water inlet of the hot water system; or the inlet of the second check valve is communicated with the second outlet of the three-way valve, and the outlet of the second check valve is communicated with the first port of the second switching valve.

[0010] In one embodiment, the system further includes: a first controller, which is respectively connected to the three-way valve, the first switching valve and the second switching valve, and is configured to control the inlet and the first outlet of the three-way valve to be communicated, the first port and the second port of the first switching valve to be communicated, and the first port and the second port of the second switching valve not to be communicated when a loop is formed between the water inlet and the water outlet of the hot water system, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the first port to the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline; or control the inlet and the second outlet of the three-way valve to be communicated, the first port and the second port of the first switching valve not to be communicated, and the first port and the second port of the second switching valve to be communicated, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the second port to the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline.

[0011] In one embodiment, the system further includes: a second controller, which is connected to the three-way valve, and is configured to control the inlet and the first outlet of the three-way valve to be communicated when a loop is not formed between the water inlet and the water outlet of the hot water system, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the first port to the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline; or control the inlet and the second outlet of the three-way valve to be communicated, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the second port to the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline.

[0012] In one embodiment, the system further includes: a cold water delivery pipeline, which is configured to be respectively communicated with the first water-using device, the second water-using device and the water inlet of the hot water system.

[0013] A water heater, the water heater includes a hot water system and a hot water supply system.

[0014] A hot water supply method, the method comprising: receiving a hot water flow direction instruction; if the hot water flow direction instruction is that the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the first port to the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline, then when the water inlet and the water outlet of the hot water system do not form a loop, controlling the inlet of the three-way valve to communicate with the first outlet; if the hot water flow direction instruction is that the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the second port to the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline, then when the water inlet and the water outlet of the hot water system do not form a loop, controlling the inlet of the three-way valve to communicate with the second outlet; wherein, the hot water delivery pipeline includes a first port for communicating with a first water-using device and a second port for communicating with a second water-using device; the three-way valve includes an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, the inlet of the three-way valve is used for communicating with the water outlet of the hot water system, the first outlet of the three-way valve communicates with the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline, and the second outlet of the three-way valve communicates with the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline.

[0015] In one embodiment, the method further comprises: if the hot water flow direction instruction is that the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the first port to the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline, then when the water inlet and the water outlet of the hot water system form a loop, controlling the inlet of the three-way valve to communicate with the first outlet, the first port and the second port of the first switching valve to communicate, and the first port and the second port of the second switching valve not to communicate; if the hot water flow direction instruction is that the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the second port to the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline, then when the water inlet and the water outlet of the hot water system form a loop, controlling the inlet of the three-way valve to communicate with the second outlet, the first port and the second port of the first switching valve not to communicate, and the first port and the second port of the second switching valve to communicate; wherein, the first switching valve includes a first port and a second port, the first port of the first switching valve communicates with the second outlet of the three-way valve, and the second port of the first switching valve is used for communicating with the water inlet of the hot water system; the second switching valve includes a first port and a second port, the first port of the second switching valve communicates with the first outlet of the three-way valve, and the second port of the second switching valve is used for communicating with the water inlet of the hot water system.

[0016] The above-mentioned hot water supply system, method and water heater are provided with a hot water delivery pipeline including a first port for connecting to a first water-using device and a second port for connecting to a second water-using device, and a three-way valve including an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. The inlet of the three-way valve is used to communicate with the water outlet of the hot water system, the first outlet of the three-way valve is communicated with the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline, and the second outlet of the three-way valve is communicated with the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline. When the inlet of the three-way valve is in communication with the first outlet and not in communication with the second outlet, the hot water output by the hot water system flows in from the inlet of the three-way valve, flows out from the first outlet, and flows from the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline to the second port. When the inlet of the three-way valve is in communication with the second outlet and not in communication with the first outlet, the hot water output by the hot water system flows in from the inlet of the three-way valve, flows out from the second outlet, and flows from the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline to the first port. In this way, the flow direction of the hot water in the hot water delivery pipeline can be changed by changing the conduction mode of the three-way valve, so that it is possible to control whether the hot water flows through the first water-using device or the second water-using device first according to the needs of the user, reducing the flow time of the hot water in the pipeline and enabling the user to use the hot water faster. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a hot water supply system in an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a hot water supply system in another embodiment;

[0020] Figure 3 It is a schematic partial structural diagram of a hot water supply system in an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the hot water flow direction in an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the hot water flow direction in another embodiment;

[0023] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the hot water flow direction in another embodiment;

[0024] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the hot water flow direction in another embodiment

[0025] Figure 8 Schematic structural diagram of a hot water supply system in another embodiment;

[0026] Figure 9 Flowchart of a hot water supply method in one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 10 Flowchart of a hot water supply method in another embodiment.

[0028] Description of reference numerals: 10 - hot water delivery pipeline, 100 - first water - using device, 110 - second water - using device, 20 - three - way valve, 21 - three - way valve inlet, 22 - first outlet of three - way valve, 23 - second outlet of three - way valve, 200 - water outlet of hot water system, 210 - water inlet of hot water system, 30 - first on - off valve, 31 - first port of first on - off valve, 32 - second port of first on - off valve, 40 - second on - off valve, 41 - first port of second on - off valve, 42 - second port of second on - off valve, 50 - first check valve, 60 - second check valve, 70 - first controller, 80 - second controller, 90 - cold water delivery pipeline, 300 - hot water system, 400 - hot water supply system. Detailed implementation manners

[0029] For ease of understanding of this application, the following will describe this application more comprehensively with reference to the relevant drawings. Embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings. However, this application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to make the disclosure of this application more thorough and comprehensive.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this application belongs. The terms used in the description of this application herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application.

[0031] It can be understood that the terms "first", "second", etc. used in this application may be used herein to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0032] It should be noted that when an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or connected to the other element through an intermediate element. In addition, in the following embodiments, "connection", if there is an electrical signal or data transmission between the connected objects, should be understood as "electrical connection", "communication connection", etc.

[0033] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises / comprising", "has / including", etc. specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0034] As described in the background art, in the existing hot water system, when there are multiple water-using devices for a user, the hot water is first delivered to the water-using device at the near-water end closer to the water heater, and then to the water-using device at the far-water end farther from the water heater. If the user needs to frequently use the water-using device at the far-water end, the hot water still needs to flow through the water-using device at the near-water end and then to the far-water end, resulting in a longer flow distance of the hot water in the pipeline, thereby making the heating time of the hot water longer, and the longer distance for delivering the hot water also makes the working time of the circulation pump longer, resulting in more energy consumption. After research, it is found that the reason for this problem is that in the existing hot water delivery system, the flow direction of the hot water in the delivery pipeline is fixed and cannot be changed according to the actual needs of the user.

[0035] For the above reasons, the present invention provides a hot water delivery system that can change the flow direction of the hot water in the circulation pipeline according to the needs of the user, so that when the user needs to use hot water, the hot water can be delivered to the user as soon as possible.

[0036] In one embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, a hot water supply system is provided, which includes: a hot water delivery pipeline 10 and a three-way valve 20. The hot water delivery pipeline 10 includes a first port for communicating with a first water-using device 100 and a second port for communicating with a second water-using device 110. The three-way valve 20 includes an inlet 21, a first outlet 22 and a second outlet 23. The inlet 21 of the three-way valve 20 is used to communicate with the water outlet 200 of the hot water system 300. The first outlet 22 of the three-way valve 20 is communicated with the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline 10, and the second outlet 23 of the three-way valve 20 is communicated with the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline 10.

[0037] Exemplarily, the three-way valve 20 is a diverter valve.

[0038] Exemplarily, the three-way valve 20 is an electric three-way valve.

[0039] In this embodiment, by providing a hot water delivery pipe including a first port for connecting to a first water-using device and a second port for connecting to a second water-using device, and a three-way valve including an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, the inlet of the three-way valve is used to connect to the water outlet of the hot water system, the first outlet of the three-way valve is connected to the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline, and the second outlet of the three-way valve is connected to the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline. When the inlet of the three-way valve is in communication with the first outlet and not in communication with the second outlet, the hot water output by the hot water system flows in from the inlet of the three-way valve, flows out from the first outlet, and flows from the first port of the hot water delivery pipe to the second port. When the inlet of the three-way valve is in communication with the second outlet and not in communication with the first outlet, the hot water output by the hot water system flows in from the inlet of the three-way valve, flows out from the second outlet, and flows from the second port of the hot water delivery pipe to the first port. Thus, the flow direction of the hot water in the hot water delivery pipe can be changed by changing the conduction direction of the three-way valve. It is possible to control whether the hot water first flows through the first water-using device or the second water-using device according to the needs of the user, thereby reducing the flow time of the hot water in the pipe and enabling the user to use hot water faster.

[0040] In one embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, the hot water supply system further includes: a first switching valve 30 and a second switching valve 40. The first switching valve 30 includes a first port 31 and a second port 32. The first port 31 of the first switching valve 30 is connected to the second outlet 23 of the three-way valve 20, and the second port 32 of the first switching valve 30 is used to connect to the water inlet 210 of the hot water system 300. The second switching valve 40 includes a first port 41 and a second port 42. The first port 41 of the second switching valve 40 is connected to the first outlet 22 of the three-way valve 20, and the second port 42 of the second switching valve 40 is used to connect to the water inlet 210 of the hot water system 300.

[0041] Exemplarily, the first switching valve 40 and the second switching valve 41 can be pneumatic switching valves or electric switching valves or other switching valves with a cut-off function, which are used to allow water to flow freely in the switching valve when opened and cut off the flow of water when closed.

[0042] In this embodiment, by providing the first switching valve and the second switching valve, the first port of the first switching valve is connected to the second outlet of the three-way valve, the second port of the first switching valve is connected to the water inlet of the hot water system, the first port of the second switching valve is connected to the first outlet of the three-way valve, and the second port of the second switching valve is connected to the water inlet of the hot water system. In this way, the user can control whether the hot water can flow from the second outlet of the three-way valve to the water inlet of the hot water system by controlling whether the first port and the second port of the first switching valve are in communication, and control whether the hot water can flow from the first outlet of the three-way valve to the water inlet of the hot water system by controlling whether the first port and the second port of the second switching valve are in communication, thereby controlling the flow direction of the hot water.

[0043] In one embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, the hot water supply system further includes: a first check valve 50. The first check valve 50 includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the first check valve 50 is communicated with the second port 32 of the first switching valve 30, and the outlet of the first check valve 50 is used for communicating with the water inlet 210 of the hot water system 300.

[0044] Alternatively, as Figure 2 shown, the inlet of the first check valve 50 is communicated with the second outlet 23 of the three-way valve 20, and the outlet of the first check valve 50 is communicated with the first port 31 of the first switching valve 30.

[0045] Exemplarily, the first check valve 50 can be a direct-flow check valve or a right-angle check valve, which is used to prevent the reverse flow of liquid. The liquid can only flow from the inlet of the check valve to the outlet, and cannot flow from the outlet of the check valve to the inlet.

[0046] In this embodiment, by providing a check valve between the first switching valve and the water inlet of the hot water system, the water cannot flow from the water inlet of the hot water system to the second outlet of the three-way valve. Or by providing a check valve between the three-way valve and the first switching valve, the water can also be prevented from flowing from the water inlet of the hot water system to the second outlet of the three-way valve. Thus, the reverse flow of water is avoided, and while reducing the pressure of the conveyed water, the cold water flowing into the hot water pipeline is also avoided.

[0047] In one embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, the hot water supply system further includes: a second check valve 60. The second check valve 60 includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the second check valve 60 is communicated with the second port 42 of the second switching valve 40, and the outlet of the second check valve 60 is used for communicating with the water inlet 210 of the hot water system 300.

[0048] Alternatively, as Figure 2 shown, the inlet of the second check valve 60 is communicated with the second outlet 23 of the three-way valve 20, and the outlet of the second check valve 60 is communicated with the first port 41 of the second switching valve 40.

[0049] Exemplarily, the second check valve 60 can be a direct-flow check valve or a right-angle check valve, which is used to prevent the reverse flow of liquid. The liquid can only flow from the inlet of the check valve to the outlet, and cannot flow from the outlet of the check valve to the inlet.

[0050] In this embodiment, by providing a check valve between the second switching valve and the water inlet of the hot water system, water is prevented from flowing from the water inlet of the hot water system to the first outlet of the three-way valve. Alternatively, by providing a check valve between the three-way valve and the second switching valve, water can also be prevented from flowing from the water inlet of the hot water system to the first outlet of the three-way valve. This avoids reverse water flow, reduces the pressure of the conveyed water, and also prevents cold water from flowing into the hot water pipeline.

[0051] In one embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown, the hot water supply system further includes: a first controller 70. The first controller 70 is respectively connected to the three-way valve 20, the first switching valve 30, and the second switching valve 40, and is configured to control the connection between the inlet 21 and the first outlet 22 of the three-way valve, the connection between the first port 31 and the second port 32 of the first switching valve 30, and the disconnection between the first port 41 and the second port 42 of the second switching valve 40 when the water inlet 210 and the water outlet 200 of the hot water system 300 form a loop, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system 300 flows from the first port to the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline 10; or, control the connection between the inlet 21 and the second outlet 23 of the three-way valve, the disconnection between the first port 31 and the second port 32 of the first switching valve 30, and the connection between the first port 41 and the second port 42 of the second switching valve 40, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system 300 flows from the second port to the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline 10.

[0052] In this embodiment, when the water inlet and the water outlet of the hot water system form a loop, the first controller respectively connected to the three-way valve, the first switching valve, and the second switching valve controls the connection between the inlet and the first outlet of the three-way valve, the connection between the first port and the second port of the first switching valve, and the disconnection between the first port and the second port of the second switching valve, so that the hot water conveyed by the hot water system can flow from the first port to the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline. Alternatively, the first controller controls the connection between the inlet and the second outlet of the three-way valve, the disconnection between the first port and the second port of the first switching valve, and the connection between the first port and the second port of the second switching valve, so that the hot water conveyed by the hot water system can flow from the second port to the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline. By the first controller to respectively control the conduction conditions of the three-way valve, the first switching valve, and the second switching valve, the flow direction of the hot water in the hot water delivery pipeline is changed. The flow direction of the hot water can be changed according to the actual needs of the user, enabling the user to use hot water faster.

[0053] Wherein, when the water inlet 210 and the water outlet 200 of the hot water system form a loop, the cold water delivery pipeline 90 stops supplying cold water to the hot water system. At this time, the water input at the water inlet 210 of the hot water system is the water output from the water outlet 200 of the hot water system and conveyed to the water inlet 210 of the hot water system after passing through the hot water delivery pipeline 10.

[0054] Exemplarily, as Figure 4 shown, the arrow direction in the figure is the direction of the water flow in the corresponding pipeline. When the inlet 21 of the three-way valve 20 and the first outlet 22 are connected, the first port 31 and the second port 32 of the first switching valve 30 are connected, the first port 41 and the second port 42 of the second switching valve 40 are not connected, and the cold water supply pipeline 90 does not supply cold water, the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the first port of the hot water supply pipeline 10 to the second port.

[0055] Exemplarily, as Figure 5 shown, the arrow direction in the figure is the direction of the water flow in the corresponding pipeline. When the inlet 21 of the three-way valve 20 and the second outlet 23 are connected, the first port 31 and the second port 32 of the first switching valve 30 are not connected, the first port 41 and the second port 42 of the second switching valve 40 are connected, and the cold water supply pipeline 90 does not supply cold water, the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the second port of the hot water supply pipeline 10 to the first port.

[0056] In one embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown, the hot water supply system further includes: a second controller 80. The second controller 80 is connected to the three-way valve 20 and is configured to control the connection between the inlet 21 of the three-way valve 20 and the first outlet 22 when the water inlet 210 and the water outlet 200 of the hot water system 300 do not form a loop, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system 300 flows from the first port of the hot water supply pipeline 10 to the second port; or control the connection between the inlet 21 of the three-way valve 20 and the second outlet 23, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system 300 flows from the second port of the hot water supply pipeline 10 to the first port.

[0057] In this embodiment, when the water inlet and the water outlet of the hot water system do not form a loop, the second controller connected to the three-way valve controls the connection between the inlet of the three-way valve and the first outlet, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system can flow from the first water-using device to the second water-using device. Or the second controller controls the connection between the inlet of the three-way valve and the second outlet, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system can flow from the second water-using device to the first water-using device. This enables the flow direction of the hot water to be changed according to the actual needs of the user, allowing the user to use hot water faster.

[0058] Wherein, when the water inlet 210 and the water outlet 200 of the hot water system do not form a loop, the cold water supply pipeline 90 inputs cold water into the hot water system. At this time, the water input at the water inlet 210 of the hot water system is the water input by the cold water supply pipeline 90 into the hot water system.

[0059] When the water inlet and outlet of the hot water system do not form a loop, cold water is input into the water inlet of the hot water system through the cold water delivery pipeline. At this time, the first switching valve 30 and the second switching valve 40 do not function, and the first port 31 and the second port 32 of the first switching valve 30 are not connected, and the first port 41 and the second port 42 of the second switching valve 40 are not connected.

[0060] Exemplarily, as Figure 6 shown, the arrow direction in the figure is the direction of water flow in the corresponding pipeline. When the inlet 21 and the first outlet 22 of the three-way valve 20 are connected, the first port 31 and the second port 32 of the first switching valve 30 are not connected, and the first port 41 and the second port 42 of the second switching valve 40 are not connected, the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline 10 to the second port, and the cold water provided by the cold water delivery pipeline 90 flows to the first water-using device 100, the second water-using device 110, and the water inlet 210 of the hot water system.

[0061] Exemplarily, as Figure 7 shown, the arrow direction in the figure is the direction of water flow in the corresponding pipeline. When the inlet 21 and the second outlet 23 of the three-way valve 20 are connected, the first port 31 and the second port 32 of the first switching valve 30 are not connected, and the first port 41 and the second port 42 of the second switching valve 40 are not connected, the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline 10 to the first port, and the cold water provided by the cold water delivery pipeline 90 flows to the first water-using device 100, the second water-using device 110, and the water inlet 210 of the hot water system.

[0062] Exemplarily, the first controller 70 and the second controller 80 can be a central processing unit (CPU), or can also be one of other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0063] Specifically, the first controller 70 and the second controller 80 can be the same controller or different controllers.

[0064] Exemplarily, the hot water supply system further includes a circulation pump, which is arranged in the hot water delivery pipeline 10 and is used to make the hot water flow in the pipeline.

[0065] In one embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, the hot water supply system further includes: a cold water delivery pipeline 90. The cold water delivery pipeline 90 is used to communicate with the water inlet 210 of the first water-using device 100, the second water-using device 110, and the hot water system 300 respectively.

[0066] Exemplarily, the inlet of the cold water delivery pipeline is connected to the municipal tap water for receiving external tap water input.

[0067] Exemplarily, a faucet is provided at the inlet of the cold water delivery pipeline for controlling whether cold water enters the cold water delivery pipeline.

[0068] In this embodiment, by providing a cold water delivery pipeline that is respectively communicated with the water inlets of the first water-using device, the second water-using device, and the hot water system, cold water required by the first water-using device and the second water-using device during user use can be provided, and cold water input can be provided for the hot water system, so that the hot water system can heat the cold water into hot water and output it.

[0069] In one embodiment, a water heater is provided. The water heater includes a hot water system 300 and the above-mentioned hot water supply system.

[0070] In this embodiment, a water heater is provided, which includes a hot water system that can heat the input cold water into hot water and then output it to the inlet of the three-way valve. When the water inlet and outlet of the hot water system form a loop, the first controller controls the inlet of the three-way valve to communicate with the first outlet, the first port and the second port of the first switching valve to communicate, and the first port and the second port of the second switching valve not to communicate, so that the hot water delivered by the hot water system can flow from the first water-using device to the second water-using device. Or the first controller controls the inlet of the three-way valve to communicate with the second outlet, the first port and the second port of the first switching valve not to communicate, and the first port and the second port of the second switching valve to communicate, so that the hot water delivered by the hot water system can flow from the first water-using device to the second water-using device. By the first controller to respectively control the conduction conditions of the three-way valve, the first switching valve, and the second switching valve, the flow direction of the hot water in the hot water delivery pipeline is changed. When the water inlet and outlet of the hot water system do not form a loop, through the second controller connected to the three-way valve, the inlet of the three-way valve is controlled to communicate with the first outlet, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system can flow from the first water-using device to the second water-using device. Or the second controller controls the inlet of the three-way valve to communicate with the second outlet, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system can flow from the second water-using device to the first water-using device. Through such a water heater, the flow direction of the hot water can be changed according to the actual needs of the user, enabling the user to use hot water more quickly.

[0071] Specifically, the hot water system 300 and the hot water supply system 400 can be respectively arranged in different casings, or can be integrated in the same casing 500, as Figure 8 shown.

[0072] In this embodiment, the hot water supply system is independently arranged outside the hot water system and combined with a water heater that does not include the hot water supply system, enabling an ordinary water heater to have the function of the hot water supply system. This makes the hot water supply system more flexible in practical applications. Users do not need to install a water heater including the hot water supply system, but can directly externally install the hot water supply system on the existing water heater, saving costs and being more convenient to use.

[0073] In one embodiment, as Figure 9 shown, a hot water supply method is provided, and this method includes:

[0074] Step S100, receiving a hot water flow direction instruction.

[0075] Step S120, if the hot water flow direction instruction is that the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the first port to the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline, then when the water inlet and outlet of the hot water system do not form a loop, control the inlet and the first outlet of the three-way valve to be connected.

[0076] Step S140, if the hot water flow direction instruction is that the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the second port to the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline, then when the water inlet and outlet of the hot water system do not form a loop, control the inlet and the second outlet of the three-way valve to be connected.

[0077] Wherein, the hot water delivery pipeline includes a first port for connecting to a first water-using device and a second port for connecting to a second water-using device; the three-way valve includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet of the three-way valve is used to be connected to the water outlet of the hot water system, the first outlet of the three-way valve is connected to the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline, and the second outlet of the three-way valve is connected to the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the water inlet and outlet of the hot water system do not form a loop, control the inlet and the first outlet of the three-way valve to be connected, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system can flow from the first port to the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline. Or control the inlet and the second outlet of the three-way valve to be connected, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system can flow from the second port to the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline. This enables the flow direction of the hot water to be changed according to the actual needs of the user, allowing the user to use hot water faster.

[0079] In one embodiment, as Figure 10 shown, the hot water supply method further includes:

[0080] Step S200, if the hot water flow direction instruction is that the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the first port to the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline, then when the water inlet and the water outlet of the hot water system form a loop, control the inlet of the three-way valve to communicate with the first outlet, the first port and the second port of the first switching valve to communicate, and the first port and the second port of the second switching valve not to communicate.

[0081] Step S220, if the hot water flow direction instruction is that the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the second port to the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline, then when the water inlet and the water outlet of the hot water system form a loop, control the inlet of the three-way valve to communicate with the second outlet, the first port and the second port of the first switching valve not to communicate, and the first port and the second port of the second switching valve to communicate.

[0082] Among them, the first switching valve includes a first port and a second port. The first port of the first switching valve communicates with the second outlet of the three-way valve, and the second port of the first switching valve is used to communicate with the water inlet of the hot water system; the second switching valve includes a first port and a second port. The first port of the second switching valve communicates with the first outlet of the three-way valve, and the second port of the second switching valve is used to communicate with the water inlet of the hot water system.

[0083] In this embodiment, when the water inlet and the water outlet of the hot water system form a loop, control the inlet of the three-way valve to communicate with the first outlet, the first port and the second port of the first switching valve to communicate, and the first port and the second port of the second switching valve not to communicate, so that the hot water transported by the hot water system can flow from the first water-using device to the second water-using device. Or control the inlet of the three-way valve to communicate with the second outlet, the first port and the second port of the first switching valve not to communicate, and the first port and the second port of the second switching valve to communicate, so that the hot water transported by the hot water system can flow from the second water-using device to the first water-using device. The first controller is used to respectively control the conduction states of the three-way valve, the first switching valve and the second switching valve to change the flow direction of the hot water in the hot water delivery pipeline. So that the flow direction of the hot water can be changed according to the actual needs of the user, enabling the user to use hot water faster.

[0084] It should be understood that although Figure 9 , Figure 10 the steps in the flowchart of Figure 9 , Figure 10At least a part of the steps therein may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily executed and completed at the same moment, but can be executed at different moments. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be executed alternately or in turn with at least a part of other steps or steps or stages in other steps.

[0085] Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be completed by instructing relevant hardware through a computer program. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Among them, any reference to a memory, storage, database, or other medium used in the various embodiments provided in the present application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memories. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, or optical memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can be in various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc.

[0086] In the description of this specification, the description referring to terms such as "some embodiments", "other embodiments", "ideal embodiments", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials, or features described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic description of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0087] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity of description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features does not conflict, it should be considered to be within the scope described in this specification.

[0088] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation manners of the present application. The description is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present application, several modifications and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present application should be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hot water supply system, characterized in that, The system includes: A hot water delivery pipeline (10), including a first port for communicating with a first water-using device (100) and a second port for communicating with a second water-using device (110); A three-way valve (20), including an inlet (21), a first outlet (22), and a second outlet (23). The inlet (21) of the three-way valve (20) is used to communicate with the water outlet (200) of a hot water system (300). The first outlet (22) of the three-way valve (20) is communicated with the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline (10), and the second outlet (23) of the three-way valve (20) is communicated with the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline (10); A first switching valve (30), including a first port (31) and a second port (32). The first port (31) of the first switching valve (30) is communicated with the second outlet (23) of the three-way valve (20), and the second port (32) of the first switching valve (30) is used to communicate with the water inlet (210) of the hot water system (300); A second switching valve (40), including a first port (41) and a second port (42). The first port (41) of the second switching valve (40) is communicated with the first outlet (22) of the three-way valve (20), and the second port (42) of the second switching valve (40) is used to communicate with the water inlet (210) of the hot water system (300); and A first controller (70), respectively connected to the three-way valve (20), the first switching valve (30), and the second switching valve (40), and configured to, when a loop is formed between the water inlet (210) and the water outlet (200) of the hot water system (300), control the inlet (21) and the first outlet (22) of the three-way valve (20) to be communicated, the first port (31) and the second port (32) of the first switching valve (30) to be communicated, and the first port (41) and the second port (42) of the second switching valve (40) not to be communicated, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system (300) flows from the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline (10) to the second port; or control the inlet (21) and the second outlet (23) of the three-way valve (20) to be communicated, the first port (31) and the second port (32) of the first switching valve (30) not to be communicated, and the first port (41) and the second port (42) of the second switching valve (40) to be communicated, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system (300) flows from the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline (10) to the first port.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The system further includes: A first check valve (50), including an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the first check valve (50) is communicated with the second port (32) of the first switching valve (30), and the outlet of the first check valve (50) is used to communicate with the water inlet (210) of the hot water system (300).

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein The system further includes: The first check valve (50) includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the first check valve (50) is communicated with the second outlet (23) of the three-way valve (20), and the outlet of the first check valve (50) is communicated with the first port (31) of the first switching valve (30).

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein The system further includes: A second check valve (60) includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the second check valve (60) is communicated with the second port (42) of the second switching valve (40), and the outlet of the second check valve (60) is for communicating with the water inlet (210) of the hot water system (300); Alternatively, the inlet of the second check valve (60) is communicated with the second outlet (23) of the three-way valve (20), and the outlet of the second check valve (60) is communicated with the first port (41) of the second switching valve (40).

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The system further includes: A second controller (80) is connected to the three-way valve (20) and is configured to control the inlet (21) and the first outlet (22) of the three-way valve (20) to be communicated when the water inlet (210) and the water outlet (200) of the hot water system (300) do not form a loop, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system (300) flows from the first port to the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline (10); or control the inlet (21) and the second outlet (23) of the three-way valve (20) to be communicated, so that the hot water provided by the hot water system (300) flows from the second port to the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline (10).

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The system further includes: A cold water delivery pipeline (90) is configured to be respectively communicated with the first water-using device (100), the second water-using device (110), and the water inlet (210) of the hot water system (300).

7. A water heater, characterized in that, The water heater includes a hot water system (300) and the hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A hot water supply method, characterized in that The hot water supply method is used for the hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the method includes: Receiving a hot water flow direction instruction; If the hot water flow direction instruction is that the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the first port to the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline, then when the water inlet and the water outlet of the hot water system do not form a loop, controlling the inlet and the first outlet of the three-way valve to be communicated; If the hot water flow direction instruction is that the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the second port to the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline, then when the water inlet and the water outlet of the hot water system do not form a loop, controlling the inlet and the second outlet of the three-way valve to be communicated; Wherein, the hot water delivery pipeline includes a first port for communicating with the first water-using device and a second port for communicating with the second water-using device; the three-way valve includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet of the three-way valve is for communicating with the water outlet of the hot water system, the first outlet of the three-way valve is communicated with the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline, and the second outlet of the three-way valve is communicated with the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The method further includes: If the hot water flow direction instruction is that the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the first port to the second port of the hot water delivery pipeline, then when the water inlet and the water outlet of the hot water system form a loop, control the inlet of the three-way valve to communicate with the first outlet, the first port of the first switching valve to communicate with the second port, and the first port of the second switching valve not to communicate with the second port; If the hot water flow direction instruction is that the hot water provided by the hot water system flows from the second port to the first port of the hot water delivery pipeline, then when the water inlet and the water outlet of the hot water system form a loop, control the inlet of the three-way valve to communicate with the second outlet, the first port of the first switching valve not to communicate with the second port, and the first port of the second switching valve to communicate with the second port; Wherein, the first switching valve includes a first port and a second port, the first port of the first switching valve communicates with the second outlet of the three-way valve, and the second port of the first switching valve is used to communicate with the water inlet of the hot water system; the second switching valve includes a first port and a second port, the first port of the second switching valve communicates with the first outlet of the three-way valve, and the second port of the second switching valve is used to communicate with the water inlet of the hot water system.

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