Water heater system and control method of water heater system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a water heater system and a control method for the water heater system. The water heater system includes a water heater, a cold water pipe, a hot water pipe, a mixing valve, a water usage point, and a control valve. The cold water pipe is communicated with the inlet of the water heater; the hot water pipe is communicated with the outlet of the water heater; the hot water inlet of the mixing valve is communicated with the hot water pipe, and the cold water inlet of the mixing valve is communicated with the cold water pipe; the water usage point is communicated with the water outlet of the mixing valve; the control valve is installed on the water outlet side of the mixing valve to conduct and block the water outlet of the mixing valve and the water usage point, and when the control valve blocks the water outlet of the mixing valve and the water usage point, a preheating circulation loop can be formed among the water heater, the hot water pipe, the mixing valve, and the cold water pipe. The water heater system of the present invention simplifies the pipeline structure of the water heater system greatly while realizing the zero cold water function, reduces the installation steps, and can effectively avoid the phenomenon of mis-starting of the water heater, thereby effectively improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, and particularly to a water heater system and a control method for the water heater system. Background Art

[0002] Water heaters on the market, such as gas water heaters, etc., may have a circulating preheating function, which can preheat the water in the circulating pipeline in order to achieve the purpose of getting hot water immediately when the valve is opened during water use, that is, the zero cold water function. However, current zero cold water water heater products usually require an additional return pipe to achieve zero cold water, which makes the installation of the water heater more complicated. When there is no return pipe in the user's home, a four-way pipe is needed, and a one-way valve is installed inside the four-way pipe, or a one-way valve is installed between the hot water pipe and the tap water pipe to build a loop. After using the one-way valve to build a loop, there will be a situation where hot water flows into the cold water pipe through the one-way valve when cold water is turned on, and even when the water flow is too large, the water heater will start when cold water is turned on; at the same time, due to the flushing method of intelligent toilets or squat toilets, the instantaneous water flow is very large, and it is also very easy to cause the water heater to start accidentally.

[0003] The above content is only used to assist in understanding the technical solution of the invention, and does not represent an admission that the above content is prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main object of the present invention is to propose a water heater system, aiming to solve one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the water heater system proposed by the present invention includes a water heater, a cold water pipe, a hot water pipe, a mixing valve, a water use point, and a control valve;

[0006] The cold water pipe is communicated with the inlet of the water heater;

[0007] The hot water pipe is communicated with the outlet of the water heater;

[0008] The hot water inlet of the mixing valve is communicated with the hot water pipe, and the cold water inlet of the mixing valve is communicated with the cold water pipe;

[0009] The water use point is communicated with the water outlet of the mixing valve;

[0010] The control valve is installed on the water outlet side of the mixing valve to conduct and block the water outlet of the mixing valve and the water use point, and when the control valve blocks the water outlet of the mixing valve and the water use point, a preheating circulation loop can be formed among the water heater, the hot water pipe, the mixing valve, and the cold water pipe.

[0011] In one embodiment, the water heater system further includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the control valve. The controller is configured to control the control valve to switch from a state of blocking the water outlet of the mixing valve from the water usage point to a state of conducting the water outlet of the mixing valve to the water usage point when the water temperature at the hot water inlet of the mixing valve reaches a preset temperature or the water heater startup time reaches a preset time.

[0012] In one embodiment, the control valve includes an electronic switch valve and / or a solenoid valve.

[0013] In one embodiment, the water heater system further includes a temperature sensor electrically connected to the controller. The temperature sensor is installed on the mixing valve to detect the water temperature at the hot water inlet of the mixing valve.

[0014] In one embodiment, the control valve is installed at the water outlet end of the mixing valve. The control valve includes a temperature switch valve, which is configured to switch from a state of blocking the water outlet of the mixing valve from the water usage point to a state of conducting the water outlet of the mixing valve to the water usage point when the water temperature at the water outlet of the mixing valve is detected to reach a preset temperature.

[0015] In one embodiment, the control valve is installed at the water outlet end of the mixing valve. The control valve includes a manual switch valve, which is configured to switch from a state of blocking the water outlet of the mixing valve from the water usage point to a state of conducting the water outlet of the mixing valve to the water usage point when the water temperature at the water outlet of the mixing valve is detected to reach a preset temperature, or to send a signal to turn on the hot water.

[0016] In one embodiment, the control valve is installed between the water usage point and the water outlet of the mixing valve, or the control valve is installed at the water outlet of the mixing valve.

[0017] In one embodiment, the mixing valve further includes a water adjustment lever, which has a first state of conducting the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet of the mixing valve. When the water heater system is in the zero cold water mode, the control valve is controlled to block the water outlet of the mixing valve from the water usage point, and the water adjustment lever is adjusted to the first state.

[0018] In one embodiment, the water heater system further includes a water pump, which is installed on the preheating circulation loop. The water pump is configured to drive the water flow on the hot water pipe to flow through the mixing valve to the cold water pipe side.

[0019] In one embodiment, the water heater further includes a water inlet pipe. The water inlet end of the water inlet pipe forms the inlet of the water heater, and the water outlet end of the water inlet pipe is communicated with the outlet of the water heater. When the control valve blocks the water outlet of the mixing valve and the water usage point, a preheating circulation loop can be formed among the water heater, the hot water pipe, the mixing valve, the cold water pipe and the water inlet pipe, and the water pump is installed on the water inlet pipe.

[0020] In one embodiment, there are multiple water usage points, and each water usage point is connected with a mixing valve and a control valve.

[0021] In one embodiment, the water heater system further includes a water return device. The water return device has a first interface and a second interface. The first interface is communicated with the hot water pipe, and the second interface is communicated with the cold water pipe. And on the water return device, the first interface conducts unidirectionally to the second interface; a preheating circulation loop is formed among the water heater, the hot water pipe, the water return device and the cold water pipe.

[0022] The present invention also provides a control method for a water heater system. The control method for the water heater system includes the following steps:

[0023] After the control valve blocks the water outlet of the mixing valve and the water usage point and the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet of the mixing valve are conducted, a signal for entering the zero cold water mode is emitted.

[0024] According to the signal for entering the zero cold water mode, the water pump is turned on, and the water pump is controlled to drive the water in the hot water pipe to flow through the mixing valve to the cold water pipe.

[0025] In one embodiment, after the step of turning on the water pump according to the signal for entering the zero cold water mode and controlling the water pump to drive the water in the hot water pipe to flow through the mixing valve to the cold water pipe, the following steps are further included:

[0026] Detect the water temperature in the mixing valve;

[0027] When it is determined that the water temperature reaches a preset temperature, the control valve is controlled to conduct the water outlet of the mixing valve and the water usage point.

[0028] In the water heater system of the present invention, a control valve is installed on the water outlet side of the mixing valve to conduct and block the water outlet of the mixing valve and the water usage point. When the control valve blocks the water outlet of the mixing valve and the water usage point, a preheating circulation loop can be formed among the water heater, the hot water pipe, the mixing valve, and the cold water pipe. By only setting a control valve on the water outlet side of the mixing valve, it is possible to cleverly utilize the mixing valve as a loop, so there is no need to additionally set a return water pipe. While achieving the zero cold water function, the pipeline structure of the water heater system is greatly simplified, the installation steps are reduced, and compared with forming a preheating circulation loop through structures such as check valves, the phenomenon of mis-starting of the water heater can be effectively avoided, thereby effectively improving the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or 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 invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the water heater system of the present invention, where the water heater system is in the zero cold water mode;

[0031] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the state of the water heater system in the hot water mode;

[0032] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of the water heater system of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a schematic diagram of the state of the water heater system in the hot water mode;

[0034] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the mixing valve in the water heater system of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the control method of the water heater system of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of the control method of the water heater system of the present invention.

[0037] Description of the reference numerals in the drawings:

[0038] Label Name Label Name Label Name 100 Water heater 400 Mixing valve 600 Control valve 110 Inlet 410 Hot water inlet 700 Controller 120 Outlet 420 Cold water inlet 800 Temperature sensor 130 Water inlet pipe 430 Water outlet 900 Water pump 200 Cold water pipe 440 Water regulating lever 300 Hot water pipe 500 Water using point

[0039] The realization, functional features, and advantages of the present invention will be further described in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Embodiments

[0040] It should be noted that if the descriptions such as "first" and "second" are involved in the embodiments of the present invention, these descriptions of "first" and "second" are only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In addition, the meaning of "and / or" appearing throughout the text is that it includes three parallel solutions. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes solution A, or solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously.

[0041] The present invention provides a water heater system.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, as Figures 1 to 4 shown, the water heater system includes a water heater 100, a cold water pipe 200, a hot water pipe 300, a mixing valve 400, a water usage point 500, and a control valve 600. The cold water pipe 200 is connected to the inlet 110 of the water heater 100; the hot water pipe 300 is connected to the outlet 120 of the water heater 100. The hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400 is connected to the hot water pipe 300, and the cold water inlet 420 of the mixing valve 400 is connected to the cold water pipe 200; the water usage point 500 is connected to the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400. The control valve 600 is installed on the water outlet side of the mixing valve 400 to conduct and block the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500. When the control valve 600 blocks the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500, a preheating circulation loop can be formed among the water heater 100, the hot water pipe 300, the mixing valve 400, and the cold water pipe 200.

[0043] In this embodiment, the water heater 100 is specifically a gas water heater 100. Of course, the water heater 100 can also be other types of water heaters 100, which are not specifically limited herein. The water heater 100 includes a water inlet pipe 130 and a water outlet pipe. The water inlet end of the water inlet pipe 130 forms the inlet 110 of the water heater 100, and the water outlet end of the water outlet pipe forms the outlet 120 of the water heater 100. The water outlet end of the water inlet pipe 130 and the water inlet end of the water outlet pipe are interconnected. The heat exchanger inside the water heater 100 is used to heat the cold water flowing in from the water inlet pipe 130 and then flow out through the water outlet pipe. Then the hot water flowing out from the water outlet pipe flows through the outlet 120 of the water heater 100 to the hot water pipe 300, and then flows through the hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400 to the water usage point 500. The cold water pipe 200 can specifically be a tap water pipe. Then the cold water pipe 200 is connected to both the inlet 110 of the water heater 100 and the cold water inlet 420 of the mixing valve 400 to supply cold water to the inlet 110 of the water heater 100 and the cold water inlet 420 of the mixing valve 400, facilitating the user to adjust the temperature of the water usage point 500 through the mixing valve 400. The water usage point 500 can be a shower head, a faucet, a washbasin, a toilet, etc., and is connected to the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 through a pipeline.

[0044] The control valve 600 can specifically be a water solenoid valve, a water proportional valve, an electronic switch valve, a manual switch valve, a temperature switch valve, an electric valve, etc., as long as it can control the on-off of the pipeline where it is located. It can be understood that the control valve 600 is installed on the water outlet side of the mixing valve 400. Then the control valve 600 can specifically be installed at the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400, or on the pipeline between the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500, as long as it can conduct or block the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500. When the control valve 600 is closed, the control valve 600 blocks the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500, so that the side of the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 is blocked. When the control valve 600 is opened, the control valve 600 conducts the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500, enabling the water of the mixing valve 400 to flow into the water usage point 500.

[0045] When the control valve 600 blocks the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500, since one side of the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 is blocked, by opening the mixing valve 400, the cold water inlet 420 and the hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400 can be connected. Thus, a preheating circulation pipeline is constructed between the hot water pipe 300, the cold water pipe 200, and the hot water pipe 300 through the mixing valve 400. In this way, when the control valve 600 blocks the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500, only by opening the mixing valve 400 to connect the cold water inlet 420 and the hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400, a preheating circulation loop can be formed among the water heater 100, the hot water pipe 300, the mixing valve 400, and the cold water pipe 200. It can be understood that opening the mixing valve 400 at this time also means opening the mixing valve 400 to the middle position, fully open.

[0046] Then when the user needs to turn on the hot water, enter the zero cold water mode. First, the control valve 600 blocks the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500. Then, the user opens the mixing valve 400 and starts the water heater 100. The half-pipe of cold water in the hot water pipe 300 flows through the mixing valve 400 into the cold water pipe 200 and returns to the water heater 100 for heating. After a period of time, or when the temperature of the hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400 reaches the preset temperature, the control valve 600 can be opened to allow the hot water to flow to the water usage point 500. By only setting the control valve 600 on the water outlet side of the mixing valve 400, the mixing valve 400 can be cleverly utilized as a preheating circulation loop, eliminating the need for an additional return pipe. While realizing the zero cold water function, the pipeline structure of the water heater system is simplified. And compared with forming a preheating circulation loop through structures such as check valves, the phenomenon of accidental startup of the water heater 100 can be effectively avoided, thus enhancing the user experience.

[0047] In the water heater system of the present invention, the control valve 600 is installed on the water outlet side of the mixing valve 400 to conduct and block the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500. And when the control valve 600 blocks the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500, a preheating circulation loop can be formed among the water heater 100, the hot water pipe 300, the mixing valve 400, and the cold water pipe 200. By only setting the control valve 600 on the water outlet side of the mixing valve 400, the mixing valve 400 can be cleverly utilized as a loop, eliminating the need for an additional return pipe. While realizing the zero cold water function, the pipeline structure of the water heater system is greatly simplified, reducing the installation steps. And compared with forming a preheating circulation loop through structures such as check valves, the phenomenon of accidental startup of the water heater 100 can be effectively avoided, thus effectively enhancing the user experience.

[0048] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 andFigure 2 , the water heater system further includes a controller 600, which is electrically connected to the control valve 600. The controller 600 is configured to control the control valve 600 to switch from a state of blocking the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water use point 500 to a state of conducting the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water use point 500 when the water temperature at the hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400 reaches a preset temperature or the opening time of the water heater 100 reaches a preset time.

[0049] In this embodiment, the controller 600 may specifically be the controller 600 of the water heater 100, or may be a separate controller 600 provided at the control valve 600. The controller 600 is specifically provided with a wireless communication module to be able to receive temperature signals. The preset temperature may be a temperature set at the factory, or it may be a temperature selected and designed by the user according to actual needs, and no specific limitation is made here. Specifically, the water temperature at the hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400 can be detected by a temperature sensor 800 or other structures. It can be understood that when the user needs to turn on the hot water, the control valve 600 is first in a state of blocking the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water use point 500, and then the mixing valve 400 is opened. The initial remaining cold water in the hot water pipe 300 enters the interior of the water heater 100 through the mixing valve 400 and the cold water pipe 200 for preheating circulation. When the water temperature at the hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400 reaches the preset temperature, it indicates that hot water has flowed out after the preheating circulation of the water heater system. At this time, the controller 600 controls the control valve 600 to switch from a state of blocking the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water use point 500 to a state of conducting the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water use point 500. Then, due to the pressure difference, the water flow in the mixing valve 400 flows out from the water outlet 430. In this way, when the user observes that water comes out at the water use point 500 after opening the mixing valve 400, it prompts the user that hot water can be used.

[0050] The specific criterion for the water heater 100 to reach the preset time for startup is that after the user opens the mixing valve 400 at the water usage point 500, hot water can be obtained exactly from the water usage point 500. That is to say, when the zero-cold-water function of the water heater 100 is turned on, if the preheating time of the water heater 100 is less than the preset time, the hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400 is still cold water; if the preheating time of the water heater 100 is greater than the preset time, the hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400 is hot water. It should be understood that this preset time generally includes the time for water to flow through the cold water pipe 200 and the hot water pipe 300. Therefore, this preset time can be obtained according to the lengths of the hot water pipe 300 and the cold water pipe 200. Of course, this preset time can also be obtained by detecting the time when hot water is produced at the hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400 through the temperature sensor 800. In this way, when the water heater 100 turns on the zero-cold-water mode and the mixing valve 400 is opened, after the preset time, it indicates that hot water has flowed out after the preheating cycle of the water heater system. At this time, the control valve 600 is controlled by the controller 600 to switch from the state of blocking the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500 to the state of conducting the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500. Then, due to the pressure difference, the water flow in the mixing valve 400 flows out from the water outlet 430. In this way, when the user observes that water comes out at the water usage point 500 after opening the mixing valve 400, the user is prompted that hot water can be used.

[0051] By making the control valve 600 block the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500 during the preheating process, at this time, no water comes out at the water usage point 500, and after the preheating is completed, the control valve 600 is controlled to conduct the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500, and at this time, water comes out at the water usage point 500. In this way, the user can be prompted that the preheating has ended through the automatic water outlet method. This solves the problem that the current zero-cold-water water heater 100 has no prompt or the prompt sound cannot be heard at all after the preheating is completed or the water usage point 500 can already be used for bathing, improves the interaction effect of the water heater system, and further improves the user experience.

[0052] Specifically, the control valve 600 includes an electronic switch valve and / or a solenoid valve. When the control valve 600 includes only an electronic switch valve or a solenoid valve, the solenoid valve or the electronic switch valve can be simultaneously controlled by the controller 600 to open or close. Of course, the solenoid valve can also be controlled to open only by the control valve 600. At this time, the control valve 600 includes an electronic switch valve and a solenoid valve. In this way, when the user needs to turn on the zero cold water mode, first press the switch of the electronic switch valve to close the solenoid valve, send a signal to the water heater 100 through the wireless communication module to start the zero cold water function, and then open the mixing valve 400. The water heater 100 enters the preheating cycle. After the preheating is completed, the solenoid valve is controlled by the controller 600 to open to realize the water use at the water use point 500. In this way, compared with the method of opening and closing the control valve 600 by the controller 600, the circulation preheating is only started when the user presses the electronic switch valve, that is, when the zero cold water function is required, thereby providing multiple options for the user and improving the user experience.

[0053] In one embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the water heater system further includes a temperature sensor 800 electrically connected to the controller 600. The temperature sensor 800 is installed on the mixing valve 400 to detect the water temperature at the hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400.

[0054] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 800 can be specifically installed at the hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400. In this way, the temperature sensor 800 can accurately detect the water temperature at the hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400. When the temperature sensor 800 detects that the water temperature at the hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400 reaches the preset temperature, it emits a signal to open the control valve 600 to the controller 600, and then the controller 600 controls the control valve 600 to open, conducting the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water use point 500, so that the water flow of the mixing valve 400 can flow out from the water use point 500. Using the temperature sensor 800 plus the controller 600 to realize the control of the control valve 600, the control is more accurate and reliable.

[0055] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the control valve 600 is installed at the water outlet end of the mixing valve 400. The control valve 600 includes a temperature switch valve, and the temperature switch valve is used to switch from the state of blocking the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water use point 500 to the state of conducting the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water use point 500 when the water temperature at the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 is detected to reach the preset temperature.

[0056] In this embodiment, the temperature switch valve is specifically a normally closed temperature switch. When the user needs to turn on the hot water, the temperature switch valve blocks the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500. The user opens the mixing valve 400 to the middle position and adjusts the opening to the maximum. At this time, the cold water inlet 420 and the hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400 are connected, constructing a preheating circulation loop between the cold water pipe 200 and the hot water pipe 300. The water heater 100 starts, and the hot water flows from the hot water pipe 300 through the mixing valve 400 and the cold water pipe 200 back into the water heater 100, and then hot water flows out from the hot water pipe 300. When the hot water flows into the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400, when the temperature switch valve detects that the temperature at the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 reaches the preset temperature, through the principle of thermal expansion and contraction, it can be opened when the preset temperature is reached, thus conducting the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500. Of course, in other embodiments, the temperature switch valve can also be a normally open temperature switch, and it can be set to cut off the water when the temperature is below the preset temperature to achieve the same effect, which will not be specifically described here. By making the control valve 600 include a temperature switch valve, compared with being controlled by the controller 600, its structure is simpler and the cost is lower.

[0057] In another embodiment, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the control valve 600 is installed at the water outlet end of the mixing valve 400. The control valve 600 includes a manual switch valve, and the manual switch valve is used to switch from the state of blocking the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500 to the state of conducting the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500 when it detects that the water temperature at the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 reaches the preset temperature, or, send a signal to turn on the hot water.

[0058] In this embodiment, the manual valve can be various valves that can achieve the function. It can be understood that a temperature-sensitive bulb is also provided inside the manual switch valve. Then, through the temperature-sensitive bulb, the water temperature at the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 can be detected. When the water temperature reaches the preset temperature, the manual switch valve can be switched to the open state or a signal for turning on the hot water can be issued. The signal for turning on the hot water can be one or more of a prompt sound, a prompt light, and vibration. The prompt sound can be a beeping sound, a ticking sound, etc. The prompt light can be a constantly lit light, a flashing light, or a prompt can be made by changing the color of the prompt light. These are not listed one by one here. When the user needs to turn on the zero cold water mode, first manually close the manual switch valve to block the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500, and then open the mixing valve 400 to conduct the cold water inlet 420 and the hot water inlet 410 of the mixing valve 400 for preheating circulation. After the preheating is completed, the manual switch valve is switched to the open state or a signal for turning on the hot water is issued for the user to manually open the manual switch valve. By making the control valve 600 include a manual switch valve, while the zero cold water function can be achieved, the structure is simpler, no additional control circuit needs to be designed, and the cost is lower.

[0059] Actually, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the control valve 600 is installed between the water usage point 500 and the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400, or the control valve 600 is installed at the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400. It can be understood that the water usage point 500 is specifically connected to the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 through a connecting pipeline. Then the control valve 600 can be installed on this connecting pipeline. By making the control valve 600 installed on the connecting pipeline, it is easier to install. Of course, the control valve 600 can also be installed on the mixing valve 400, and specifically can be installed at the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400, which makes the overall structure more compact and reduces the water storage volume on the connecting pipeline. Of course, in other embodiments, the control valve 600 can also be arranged inside the mixing valve 400, and only need to make the mixing valve 400 have an additional state of blocking the water outlet 430 and conducting the cold water inlet 420 and the hot water inlet 410 under the original function.

[0060] In one embodiment, as Figure 5 shown, the mixing valve 400 further includes a water adjustment lever 440. The water adjustment lever 440 has a first state of conducting the hot water inlet 410 and the cold water inlet 420 of the mixing valve 400. When the water heater system is in the zero cold water mode, the control valve 600 is controlled to block the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500, and the water adjustment lever 440 is adjusted to the first state.

[0061] In this embodiment, the water mixing lever 440 further has a second state in which the hot water inlet 410 and the water outlet 430 of the water mixing valve 400 are conducted, a third state in which the cold water inlet 420 and the water outlet 430 of the water mixing valve 400 are conducted, and a closed state in which the hot water inlet 410, the hot water outlet 120, and the water outlet 430 are blocked. When the water mixing lever 440 is in the first state, specifically, the water mixing lever 440 is adjusted to the middle position and opened outward to the maximum extent. When the zero cold water mode needs to be turned on, the control valve 600 blocks the water outlet 430 of the water mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500, and the water mixing lever 440 is adjusted to the first state, that is, the state in which the hot water inlet 410 and the cold water inlet 420 are conducted. After the water heater 100 is turned on, it can drive the water in the hot water pipe 300 to flow into the water heater 100 through the water mixing valve 400 and the cold water pipe 200 for heating, and then hot water flows out of the hot water pipe 300 to the water mixing valve 400. When it is detected that the preheating is completed, the water mixing lever 440 can be adjusted to the second state, that is, the state of turning on the hot water, so that the user can immediately use hot water. When the water mixing lever 440 is adjusted to the third state, that is, the state of turning on the cold water, the water heater 100 will not be started, thereby effectively avoiding the mis-start of the water heater 100.

[0062] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the water heater system further includes a water pump 900. The water pump 900 is installed on the preheating circulation loop, and the water pump 900 is used to drive the water flow on the hot water pipe 300 to flow through the water mixing valve 400 to the cold water pipe 200 side.

[0063] In this embodiment, by setting the water pump 900 on the preheating circulation loop, when the control valve 600 is closed, the water pump 900 can drive the water flow in the hot water pipe 300 to flow through the water mixing valve 400 to the cold water pipe 200 side. Then the flow rate of the water in the hot water pipe 300 flowing to the cold water pipe 200 can be increased, thereby shortening the preheating time. Of course, in other embodiments, other driving components similar to the water pump 900 can also be set on the preheating circulation loop to drive the water flow on the hot water pipe 300 to flow through the water mixing valve 400 to the cold water pipe 200 side.

[0064] Further, the water heater 100 further includes a water inlet pipe 130. The water inlet end of the water inlet pipe 130 forms the inlet 110 of the water heater 100, and the water outlet end of the water inlet pipe 130 is communicated with the outlet 120 of the water heater 100. When the control valve 600 blocks the water outlet 430 of the water mixing valve 400 and the water usage point 500, a preheating circulation loop can be formed among the water heater 100, the hot water pipe 300, the water mixing valve 400, the cold water pipe 200, and the water inlet pipe 130, and the water pump 900 is installed on the water inlet pipe 130.

[0065] In this embodiment, by arranging the water pump 900 on the water inlet pipe 130 of the water heater 100, on the one hand, the water pump 900 can suck the cold water from the water supply pipe into the water heater 100, and on the other hand, it can also drive the water on the hot water pipe 300 to flow through the mixing valve 400 to the cold water pipe 200, and finally flow back to the mixing valve 400 through the hot water pipe 300 after being heated by the water heater 100. In this way, the water pump 900 during preheating circulation and the cold water pump 900 of the water heater 100 can use the same water pump 900, thereby simplifying the structure, saving costs and reducing noise. When the control valve 600 blocks the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water point 500, and the water adjusting lever 440 is adjusted to the first state, the water pump 900 is started. The water pump 900 drives the cold water in the hot water pipe 300 to flow through the mixing valve 400 to the cold water pipe 200, and then flows into the water heater 100 to be heated and then flows back to the mixing valve 400 through the hot water pipe 300, realizing the preheating circulation of the entire water heater system. Subsequently, when it is detected that the preheating is completed, the control valve 600 is opened to realize the water outlet at the water point 500.

[0066] In one embodiment, there are multiple water points 500, and each water point 500 is connected to a mixing valve 400 and a control valve 600. When there are multiple water points 500, by connecting each water point 500 to a mixing valve 400 and a control valve 600, the zero-cold-water mode can be realized for each water point 500, with a simple structure and easy implementation, which can greatly improve the user experience.

[0067] In one embodiment, the water heater system further includes a return water device. The return water device has a first interface and a second interface. The first interface is communicated with the hot water pipe 300, and the second interface is communicated with the cold water pipe 200. And on the return water device, the first interface conducts unidirectionally to the second interface; a preheating circulation loop is formed among the water heater 100, the hot water pipe 300, the return water device, and the cold water pipe 200.

[0068] In this embodiment, the return water state can specifically be an H valve, or a return water pipe plus a one-way valve, or a four-way pipe plus a one-way valve structure. By arranging the return water device, the entire water heater system has two preheating circulation loops. One circulates through the mixing valve 400, and the other circulates through the return water device, thereby further improving the preheating efficiency of the water heater system. And it can also enable users to select different preheating methods to meet different usage requirements.

[0069] As Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the present invention also proposes a control method for a water heater system to control the water heater system in the above embodiment. As Figure 6 shown, the control method of the water heater system in the embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0070] Step S10, after the control valve 600 blocks the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water point 500, and the hot water inlet 410 and the cold water inlet 420 of the mixing valve 400 are connected, a signal for entering the zero cold water mode is transmitted;

[0071] Step S20 , the water pump 900 is turned on according to the signal for entering the zero cold water mode, and the water pump 900 is controlled to drive the water in the hot water pipe 300 to flow to the cold water pipe 200 via the mixing valve 400 .

[0072] In this embodiment, after the control valve 600 blocks the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water point 500, and the hot water inlet 410 and the cold water inlet 420 of the mixing valve 400 are connected, the control valve 600 can transmit a signal to enter the zero cold water mode to the water heater 100. The water heater 100 receives the signal to enter the zero cold water mode, and the signal can be an infrared signal or a wireless radio frequency signal. When the water heater 100 receives the signal to enter the zero cold water mode, it indicates that the user wants to turn on the zero cold water mode. At this time, by turning on the water pump 900, the water pump 900 is controlled to drive the water flow in the water heater 100 to flow from the hot water pipe 300 to the cold water pipe 200 via the mixing valve 400, and then return to the water heater 100 for heating and then flow back to the mixing valve 400 from the hot water pipe 300, completing the preheating cycle of the water heater 100.

[0073] The control method of the water heater system of the present invention starts the water pump 900 according to the signal of entering the zero cold water mode, and controls the water pump 900 to drive the water in the hot water pipe 300 to flow to the cold water pipe 200 through the mixing valve 400. By only setting the control valve 600 on the water outlet side of the mixing valve 400, the mixing valve 400 can be cleverly used as a loop, and the water pump 900 is used to drive the water in the hot water pipe 300 to flow to the cold water pipe 200 through the mixing valve 400, so there is no need to set up a return pipe separately. While realizing the zero cold water function, the piping structure of the water heater system is greatly simplified, the installation steps are reduced, and compared with forming a preheating circulation loop through a one-way valve and other structures, the phenomenon of erroneous start-up of the water heater 100 can be effectively avoided, thereby effectively improving the user experience.

[0074] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 7 After the step of starting the water pump 900 according to the signal of entering the zero cold water mode and controlling the water pump 900 to drive the water in the hot water pipe 300 to flow to the cold water pipe 200 through the mixing valve 400, the method further includes:

[0075] Step S30, detecting the water temperature in the mixing valve 400;

[0076] Step S40 , when it is determined that the water temperature reaches the preset temperature, the control valve 600 is controlled to connect the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 with the water use point 500 .

[0077] In this embodiment, the water temperature in the mixing valve 400 can be detected by the temperature sensor 800 or the temperature sensing package of the control valve 600. When it is determined that the water temperature reaches the preset temperature, it indicates that the preheating is completed, and the hot water outlet 120 of the mixing valve 400 has hot water. At this time, the control valve 600 is controlled to conduct the water outlet 430 of the mixing valve 400 and the water point 500, so that the water can be discharged from the water point 500. Therefore, the user can be reminded by the water discharge that the preheating is completed and hot water can be used, and the interactive effect is good, which greatly improves the user experience.

[0078] The above are only optional embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural changes made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings, or directly / indirectly applied in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water heater system, characterized in that, Comprising: Water heater; Cold water pipe, connected to the inlet of the water heater; Hot water pipe, connected to the outlet of the water heater; Mixer valve, the hot water inlet of the mixer valve is connected to the hot water pipe, and the cold water inlet of the mixer valve is connected to the cold water pipe; Water usage point, the water usage point is connected to the outlet of the mixer valve; Control valve, installed on the outlet side of the mixer valve, for conducting and blocking the outlet of the mixer valve and the water usage point, and when the control valve blocks the outlet of the mixer valve and the water usage point, a preheating circulation loop is formed between the water heater, the hot water pipe, the mixer valve and the cold water pipe, and the preheating circulation loop is formed without passing through a check valve; when the water heater system enters the zero cold water mode, control the control valve to block the outlet of the mixer valve and the water usage point. After the mixer valve is opened and the water heater is started, the half pipe of cold water in the hot water pipe flows through the mixer valve into the cold water pipe and returns to the water heater for heating; the mixer valve further includes a water mixing lever, the water mixing lever has a first state of conducting the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet of the mixer valve. When the water heater system is in the zero cold water mode, control the control valve to block the outlet of the mixer valve and the water usage point, and adjust the water mixing lever to the first state; the water mixing lever further has a second state of conducting the hot water inlet and the outlet of the mixer valve; the water mixing lever further has a third state of conducting the cold water inlet and the outlet of the mixer valve.

2. The water heater system according to claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a controller, the controller is electrically connected to the control valve, and the controller is used to control the control valve to switch from the state of blocking the outlet of the mixer valve and the water usage point to the state of conducting the outlet of the mixer valve and the water usage point when the water temperature at the hot water inlet of the mixer valve reaches a preset temperature or the water heater startup time reaches a preset time.

3. The water heater system according to claim 2, wherein The control valve includes an electronic switch valve and / or a solenoid valve.

4. The water heater system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Further comprising a temperature sensor electrically connected to the controller, the temperature sensor is installed on the mixer valve for detecting the water temperature at the hot water inlet of the mixer valve.

5. The water heater system according to claim 1, wherein The control valve is installed at the outlet end of the mixer valve, and the control valve includes a temperature switch valve, and the temperature switch valve is used to switch from the state of blocking the outlet of the mixer valve and the water usage point to the state of conducting the outlet of the mixer valve and the water usage point when the water temperature at the outlet of the mixer valve is detected to reach a preset temperature.

6. The water heater system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control valve is installed at the outlet end of the mixer valve, and the control valve includes a manual switch valve, and the manual switch valve is used to switch from the state of blocking the outlet of the mixer valve and the water usage point to the state of conducting the outlet of the mixer valve and the water usage point when the water temperature at the outlet of the mixer valve is detected to reach a preset temperature, or issue a signal to turn on the hot water.

7. The water heater system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Further comprising a water pump, the water pump is installed on the preheating circulation loop, and the water pump is used to drive the water flow on the hot water pipe to flow through the mixer valve to the cold water pipe side.

8. The water heater system according to claim 7, wherein The water heater further includes a water inlet pipe. The water inlet end of the water inlet pipe forms the inlet of the water heater, and the water outlet end of the water inlet pipe is communicated with the outlet of the water heater. When the control valve blocks the water outlet of the mixing valve and the water usage point, a preheating circulation loop is formed among the water heater, the hot water pipe, the mixing valve, the cold water pipe and the water inlet pipe, and the water pump is installed on the water inlet pipe.

9. The water heater system according to claim 1, wherein, There are multiple water usage points, and each water usage point is connected with a mixing valve and a control valve.

10. The water heater system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water heater system further includes a water return device, which has a first interface and a second interface. The first interface is communicated with the hot water pipe, and the second interface is communicated with the cold water pipe. And on the water return device, the first interface conducts unidirectionally to the second interface; a preheating circulation loop is formed among the water heater, the hot water pipe, the water return device and the cold water pipe.

11. A control method for a water heater system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The control method of the water heater system includes the following steps: After the control valve blocks the water outlet of the mixing valve and the water usage point, and the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet of the mixing valve are conducted, a signal for entering the zero cold water mode is emitted. According to the signal for entering the zero cold water mode, the water pump is started, and the water pump is controlled to drive the water in the hot water pipe to flow through the mixing valve to the cold water pipe.

12. The control method of the water heater system according to claim 11, characterized in that, After the step of starting the water pump according to the signal for entering the zero cold water mode and controlling the water pump to drive the water in the hot water pipe to flow through the mixing valve to the cold water pipe, the following steps are further included: Detect the water temperature in the mixing valve. When it is determined that the water temperature reaches a preset temperature, the control valve is controlled to conduct the water outlet of the mixing valve and the water usage point.

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