Water heater connection valve, water heater system and water heater control method

Abstract

This invention discloses a water heater connection valve, a water heater system, and a water heater control method. The water heater connection valve is located in the external circulation water circuit and includes a main piston, a secondary piston, an inlet, an outlet, a first return element, and a second return element. The main piston divides the active space into a first chamber connecting to the inlet, a second chamber connecting to the outlet, and a third chamber, with the outlet unidirectionally connected to the third chamber. The secondary piston divides the active space into a fourth chamber and a fifth chamber, with the third chamber unidirectionally connected to the fourth chamber and the fifth chamber unidirectionally connected to the outlet. The secondary piston has a through hole to connect the fourth and fifth chambers. When the main piston initially moves to the second position, it can be blocked by the secondary piston. The return speed of the secondary piston is less than that of the main piston. In summary, this invention can achieve separate processing of the pressurization function and the circulation function, avoiding the problems of hot water backflow and overheating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heaters, and more particularly to a water heater connection valve, a water heater system, and a water heater control method. Background Technology

[0002] Current water heater technology often uses water pumps to pressurize the incoming water flow, ensuring sufficient water flow for users. For water heaters with a zero-cold-water function, since a water pump is already installed, and the circulation preheating and pressurization processes do not overlap, it is now possible to utilize this circulating water pump to further increase the incoming water pressure.

[0003] However, experiments revealed that adding a water pump booster function without changing the original system structure would cause the following problems:

[0004] When a user uses water under low pressure, the water pump starts to pressurize the system. At this time, the hot water that would normally flow from the water heater will re-enter the water heater's inlet through the circulation loop along with the tap water, and then be heated again. Because the inlet water temperature is relatively high at this point, the outlet water temperature will be even higher. Thus, with the pressurization function activated, the hot water is continuously circulated, potentially causing the water temperature to exceed the safe operating temperature. Simultaneously, the pump's suction force significantly reduces the user's water flow.

[0005] For households without a return water pipe, gas water heater installation typically involves locating the faucet furthest from the main water pipe in the house. The hot and cold water pipes are then connected at this faucet. To prevent cold water from flowing back into the hot water pipe when hot water is needed, a one-way valve is usually installed at this point. This connection method is effective in some households. However, this requires one condition: the water resistance Z1 of the hot water pipe reaching the last faucet must be greater than the water resistance Z2 of the cold water pipe reaching the last faucet. Currently, in many households, the water resistance Z1 of the hot water pipe reaching the last faucet is smaller than the water resistance Z2 of the cold water pipe reaching the last faucet. In this case, when the user turns on the cold water at the last faucet, some water flows from the cold water pipe, and some flows from the hot water pipe. Sometimes, all the water flows from the hot water pipe. This will cause the water heater to start, but the user will receive hot water when they want cold water, causing significant inconvenience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects in the prior art where hot water backflow occurs or the water temperature is higher than the preset value due to circulation when the pump performs both the boosting and circulation functions. The present invention provides a water heater connection valve, a water heater system, and a water heater control method.

[0007] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0008] A water heater connection valve is installed in the external circulation water circuit of the water heater, including a main piston, a secondary piston, a water inlet, a water outlet, a first return element, and a second return element;

[0009] The main piston divides the active space into a first chamber connected to the inlet, a second chamber connected to the outlet, and a third chamber, with the outlet unidirectionally connected to the third chamber.

[0010] The secondary piston divides the active space into a fourth chamber and a fifth chamber. The third chamber is unidirectionally connected to the fourth chamber, and the fifth chamber is unidirectionally connected to the outlet.

[0011] The secondary piston is provided with a through hole to connect the fourth chamber and the fifth chamber;

[0012] The main piston travels through a first position that blocks the inlet and outlet and a second position that connects the inlet and outlet. The secondary piston travels through a third position that blocks the main piston and a fourth position that allows the main piston to pass through. The main piston can be blocked by the secondary piston when it first moves toward the second position.

[0013] The secondary piston returns from the fourth position to the third position under the action of the second return member, and the main piston returns from the second position to the first position under the action of the first return member;

[0014] The recovery speed of the secondary piston is less than that of the primary piston.

[0015] The operating principle of the water heater connection valve is as follows: when a pressurization operation is required or the pressure at the hot water end is much higher than the pressure at the cold water end, the hot water end of the circulating water circuit applies pressure to the main piston, causing the main piston to move from the first position to the second position.

[0016] During the operation of the main piston, the volume of the third chamber decreases, forcing the water in the third chamber into the fourth chamber. The volume of the fourth chamber increases, causing the secondary piston to move from the third position to the fourth position.

[0017] Since the main piston is moving towards the second position for the first time, it will be blocked by the secondary piston, preventing the main piston from reaching the second position and keeping the external circulation water circuit closed.

[0018] Therefore, even when the pressure at the hot water end of the circulating water circuit is higher than the pressure at the cold water end in pressurization mode, the external circulating water circuit can still remain closed, preventing hot water backflow or overheating caused by hot water participating in the circulation.

[0019] When a cyclic operation is required, the control pump starts intermittently, and the main piston initially moves toward the second position and is blocked by the secondary piston.

[0020] At this time, the pump is turned off, and the main piston returns to the first position under the action of the first return element, and the secondary piston returns to the third position under the action of the second return element.

[0021] Because the main piston's return speed is higher than the secondary piston's return speed, the pump restarts before the secondary piston has fully returned to the third position, pushing the main piston to move towards the second position again. At this time, the secondary piston moves towards the fourth position under the action of water pressure.

[0022] Repeating this process multiple times will cause the secondary piston to move to the fourth position. At this point, the main piston can pass over the secondary piston and move to the second position. The circulating water circuit is then open, and circulation can begin.

[0023] In summary, by adopting the water heater connection valve of the present invention, the external circulation water circuit can be closed during daily use and pressurization operation, and the circulation water circuit can be opened during circulation operation, thereby achieving separate processing of pressurization function and circulation function, and avoiding the problems of hot water backflow and overheating.

[0024] Preferably, the water inlet is connected to the hot water end of the external circulation water circuit, and the main piston can move under water pressure;

[0025] Preferably, the outlet is connected to the cold water end of the external circulation water circuit.

[0026] Preferably, the third chamber and the fourth chamber are connected by a pressure water channel, the pressure water channel being provided with a first one-way valve that unidirectionally guides the third chamber to the fourth chamber, and / or, the fifth chamber is connected to the outlet via a drainage channel, the drainage channel being provided with a second one-way valve that unidirectionally guides the fifth chamber to the outlet, and / or, the third chamber is connected to the outlet via a water supply channel, the water supply channel being provided with a third one-way valve that unidirectionally guides the outlet to the third chamber.

[0027] Preferably, the first return element is a first spring disposed in the third cavity, and the second return element is a second spring disposed in the fifth cavity.

[0028] Preferably, the main piston is a double-ended piston, the second chamber is the space between the two pistons of the main piston, and the secondary piston has a rod extending into the second chamber. This configuration, with the main piston being a double-ended piston, the second chamber being the space between the two pistons, and the secondary piston having a rod extending into the second chamber, increases the stroke of the main piston from the first position to its obstruction by the secondary piston. This increases the stroke of the secondary piston towards the fourth position each time, thereby reducing the number of pump restarts required to enter the cyclic mode.

[0029] In this embodiment, when the main piston is in the first position, the inlet and outlet are blocked by the main piston; when the main piston is in the second position, both the inlet and outlet are connected to the first cavity.

[0030] Preferably, the diameter of the through hole is 3mm-5mm.

[0031] The present invention also provides a water heater system, including a water heater body and an external circulation water circuit connected to the water heater body, and further including a water heater connection valve as described above, wherein the water heater connection valve is disposed in the external circulation water circuit.

[0032] The water heater connection valve is located on the side of the external circulation water circuit away from the water heater body.

[0033] This invention also provides a water heater control method applicable to the water heater system described above, wherein the water heater body is equipped with a pump capable of driving the flow of water in the external circulation water circuit, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0034] The pump operates when pressure boosting is required;

[0035] When circulation is required, the pump runs continuously after a preset number of intervals.

[0036] Preferably, the interval between two pump runs is 2-6 seconds, which allows sufficient time to reduce the inertia of the water flow and also meets the system design requirements within the piston's recovery time.

[0037] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:

[0038] In summary, by adopting the water heater connection valve of the present invention, the external circulation water circuit can be closed during daily use and pressurization operation, and the circulation water circuit can be opened during circulation operation, thereby achieving separate processing of pressurization function and circulation function, and avoiding the problems of hot water backflow and overheating. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall water heater system;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the water heater's connection valve in its initial state.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water heater's connection valve under initial water pressure.

[0042] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the primary piston being blocked by the secondary piston when it first moves to the second position;

[0043] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the main piston and secondary piston after reset;

[0044] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the main piston moving to the second position;

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0046] External circulation water system 100

[0047] Hot water outlet 110

[0048] Cold water outlet 120

[0049] Hot water side 130

[0050] Cold water side 140

[0051] Water heater connection valve 200

[0052] Main Piston 210

[0053] First position 211

[0054] Second position 212

[0055] First valve chamber 220

[0056] First cavity 221

[0057] Second cavity 222

[0058] Third cavity 223

[0059] Inlet 224

[0060] Outlet 225

[0061] Secondary piston 230

[0062] Third position 231

[0063] Fourth position 232

[0064] 233 of the pole

[0065] Through hole 234

[0066] Second valve chamber 240

[0067] Fourth cavity 241

[0068] Fifth chamber 242

[0069] 300 water pressure channel

[0070] First check valve 310

[0071] Drainage channel 400

[0072] Second check valve 410

[0073] Water supply channel 500

[0074] Third check valve 510

[0075] First reply 600

[0076] Second reply letter 700

[0077] Pump 800 Detailed Implementation

[0078] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments.

[0079] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention provides a water heater connection valve 200, which is disposed in the external circulation water circuit 100 of the water heater. The external circulation water circuit 100 connects the hot water outlet 110 and the cold water outlet 120 of the water heater, and water can flow from the hot water outlet 110 to the cold water outlet 120 to form a circulation.

[0080] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The water heater connection valve 200 specifically includes a main piston 210, a secondary piston 230, an inlet 224, an outlet 225, a first return component 600, and a second return component 700;

[0081] The main piston 210 is located in the first valve chamber 220 and divides the first valve chamber 220 into a first chamber 221 that connects to the inlet 224, a second chamber 222 that connects to the outlet 225, and a third chamber 223. The outlet 225 is unidirectionally connected to the third chamber 223.

[0082] The piston 230 is located in the second valve chamber 240 and divides the second valve chamber 240 into a fourth chamber 241 and a fifth chamber 242. The third chamber 223 is unidirectionally connected to the fourth chamber 241, and the fifth chamber 242 is unidirectionally connected to the outlet 225.

[0083] The piston 230 is provided with a through hole 234 to connect the fourth chamber 241 and the fifth chamber 242;

[0084] The main piston 210 travels through a first position 211 that blocks the inlet 224 and outlet 225 and a second position 212 that connects the inlet 224 and outlet 225. The secondary piston 230 travels through a third position 231 that blocks the main piston 210 and a fourth position 232 that allows the main piston 210 to pass through. The main piston 210 can be blocked by the secondary piston 230 when it first travels towards the second position 212.

[0085] The second return member is a second spring provided in the fifth cavity 242. The secondary piston 230 can return from the fourth position 232 to the third position 231 under the action of the second return member 700. The first return member is a first spring provided in the third cavity 223. The main piston 210 can return from the second position 212 to the first position 211 under the action of the first return member 600.

[0086] The recovery speed of piston 230 is less than that of main piston 210.

[0087] Combination Figure 3 The operating principle of the water heater connection valve 200 is as follows: when a pressurization operation is required or the pressure at the hot water end is much higher than the pressure at the cold water end, the hot water end of the circulating water circuit applies pressure to the main piston 210, causing the main piston 210 to move from the first position 211 to the second position 212.

[0088] During the operation of the main piston 210, the volume of the third chamber 223 decreases, which forces the water in the third chamber 223 into the fourth chamber 241. The volume of the fourth chamber 241 increases, causing the secondary piston 230 to move from the third position 231 to the fourth position 232.

[0089] Since the main piston 210 is moving toward the second position 212 for the first time, it will be blocked by the secondary piston 230. The main piston 210 cannot reach the second position 212, and the external circulation water passage 100 is in a closed state.

[0090] Therefore, even when the pressure at the hot water end of the circulating water circuit is higher than the pressure at the cold water end in the pressurization mode, the external circulating water circuit 100 can still remain closed, preventing hot water backflow or overheating caused by hot water participating in the circulation.

[0091] When a cyclic operation is required, the control pump is started intermittently, and the main piston 210 initially moves toward the second position 212 and is blocked by the secondary piston 230.

[0092] Combination Figure 4At this time, the pump is turned off, and the main piston 210 returns to the first position 211 under the action of the first return member 600, and the secondary piston 230 returns to the third position 231 under the action of the second return member 700.

[0093] Combination Figure 5 Since the recovery speed of the main piston 210 is higher than that of the secondary piston 230, the pump starts again before the secondary piston 230 has fully recovered to the third position 231, pushing the main piston 210 to move towards the second position 212 again. At this time, the secondary piston 230 moves towards the fourth position 232 under the action of water pressure.

[0094] Combination Figure 6 Repeating this process multiple times will cause the secondary piston 230 to approach the fourth position 232. At this point, the main piston 210 can pass over the secondary piston 230 and move to the second position 212. At this point, the circulating water circuit is open and can perform circulation work.

[0095] In summary, by adopting the water heater connection valve 200 of the present invention, the external circulation water circuit 100 can be closed during daily use and pressurization operation, and the circulation water circuit can be opened during circulation operation, thereby achieving separate processing of pressurization function and circulation function, and avoiding the problems of hot water backflow and overheating.

[0096] In addition, the water heater connection valve 200 of the present invention is a purely mechanical structure, requiring no external power supply or sensor, and also has the advantages of high reliability and long service life.

[0097] In this embodiment, the inlet 224 is connected to the hot water end of the external circulation water circuit 100, and the main piston 210 can move under the water pressure at the hot water end of the external circulation water circuit 100. No additional power equipment is required. The outlet 225 is connected to the cold water end of the external circulation water circuit 100, and the first piston can control the opening and closing of the inlet 224 and the outlet 225, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the external circulation water circuit 100.

[0098] In this embodiment, the third chamber 223 and the fourth chamber 241 are connected by a water pressure channel 300. The water pressure channel 300 is equipped with a first one-way valve 310 that unidirectionally guides the flow from the third chamber 223 to the fourth chamber 241, thereby achieving unidirectional flow between the third chamber 223 and the water pressure channel 300. When the main piston 210 moves to the second position 212, the volume of the third chamber 223 is compressed, allowing water in the third chamber 223 to fall into the fourth chamber 241 through the first one-way valve 310. The volume of the fourth chamber 241 expands, causing the magnetic piston to move in the fourth direction, i.e., in the direction that releases the lock on the main piston 210.

[0099] In this embodiment, the fifth chamber 242 is connected to the outlet 225 via a drainage channel 400. The drainage channel 400 is equipped with a second one-way valve 410 that unidirectionally guides the fifth chamber 242 to the outlet 225. When the secondary piston 230 returns to its original position under the action of the second return member 700, the fifth chamber 242 is compressed, allowing the water in the fifth chamber 242 to be discharged through the drainage channel 400. This enables the secondary piston 230 to smoothly return to the third position 231.

[0100] In this embodiment, the third chamber 223 is connected to the outlet 225 via a water supply channel 500. The water supply channel 500 is equipped with a third one-way valve 510 that unidirectionally guides the outlet 225 to the third chamber 223. When the main piston 210 resets under the action of the first return member, the third chamber 223 expands, allowing water from the outlet 225 to flow into the third chamber 223 through the water supply channel 500. This enables the main piston 210 to smoothly reset to the first position 211.

[0101] In this embodiment, the main piston 210 is a double-ended piston, the second chamber 222 is the space between the two pistons, and the secondary piston 230 has a rod portion 233 extending into the second chamber 222. With this arrangement, the stroke of the main piston 210 from the first position 211 to the point where it is blocked by the secondary piston 230 can be increased, thereby increasing the linkage stroke of the secondary piston 230 towards the fourth position 232 each time, thereby reducing the number of pump restarts required to enter the circulation mode.

[0102] In this embodiment, when the main piston 210 is in the first position 211, the inlet 224 and outlet 225 are blocked by the main piston 210. When the main piston 210 is in the second position 212, both the inlet 224 and outlet 225 are connected to the first chamber 221. The second chamber 222 provides a partition space between the first chamber 221 and the third chamber 223, allowing for independent operation and meeting the operational needs of the entire system.

[0103] In this embodiment, the lower return speed of the secondary piston 230 compared to the return speed of the primary piston 210 is achieved as follows: Since there is a through hole 234 between the fourth chamber 241 and the fifth chamber 242, when the secondary piston 230 performs the return operation, the fifth chamber 242 is compressed, and water flows into the fifth chamber 242 from the through hole 234. Since the diameter of the through hole 234 is small, the flow rate is limited. Also, since water is difficult to compress, the rate at which the fifth chamber 242 decreases depends on the rate at which the water flows out, thereby reducing the return speed of the secondary piston 230.

[0104] The recovery speed of the piston 230 depends on the speed of the water flow, which in turn depends on the diameter of the through hole 234. In this embodiment, the diameter of the through hole 234 can be 3mm-5mm.

[0105] The present invention also provides a water heater system, including a water heater body and an external circulation water passage 100 connected to the water heater body. The water heater connection valve 200, as described above, is disposed in the external circulation water passage 100. This water heater system can avoid the problems of hot water backflow and overheating of water.

[0106] In this embodiment, the water heater connection valve 200 is located on the side of the external circulation water circuit 100 away from the water heater body, thereby enabling the water flow circulation of the entire circulation water circuit.

[0107] The present invention also provides a water heater control method applicable to the water heater system described above, wherein the water heater body is provided with a pump 800 capable of driving the flow of water in the external circulation water circuit 100, and the water heater control method includes the following steps:

[0108] Pump 800 operates when pressure boosting is required.

[0109] When circulation is required, pump 800 runs continuously after a preset number of intervals.

[0110] When the pump runs for a single time, the piston 230 can still block the main piston 210, thus blocking the circulating water path and preventing the water from being overheated due to the pressurization operation.

[0111] When pump 800 is running at intervals, the blockage of piston 230 against main piston 210 is made into contact, and the circulating water circuit is opened, enabling normal water circulation operation.

[0112] The pump 800 operates at least twice per interval. In addition, to avoid the secondary piston 230 from contacting the main piston 210 due to water flow fluctuations during normal operation, the pump 800 preferably operates three or four times per interval.

[0113] The interval between two runs of the pump 800 depends on the return speed of the secondary piston 230 and the inertia of the water flow. In this embodiment, the interval between two runs of the pump 800 is 2 to 6 seconds. This allows sufficient time to reduce the inertia of the water flow while also meeting the system design requirements within the return time of the secondary piston 230.

[0114] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water heater connection valve, installed in the external circulation water circuit of the water heater, characterized in that, Includes main piston, secondary piston, inlet, outlet, first return component, and second return component; The main piston divides the active space into a first chamber connected to the inlet, a second chamber connected to the outlet, and a third chamber, with the outlet unidirectionally connected to the third chamber. The secondary piston divides the active space into a fourth chamber and a fifth chamber. The third chamber is unidirectionally connected to the fourth chamber, and the fifth chamber is unidirectionally connected to the outlet. The secondary piston is provided with a through hole to connect the fourth chamber and the fifth chamber; The main piston travels through a first position that blocks the inlet and outlet and a second position that connects the inlet and outlet. The secondary piston travels through a third position that blocks the main piston and a fourth position that allows the main piston to pass through. The main piston can be blocked by the secondary piston when it first moves toward the second position. The secondary piston returns from the fourth position to the third position under the action of the second return member, and the main piston returns from the second position to the first position under the action of the first return member; The recovery speed of the secondary piston is less than that of the primary piston.

2. The water heater connection valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inlet is connected to the hot water end of the external circulation water circuit, and the main piston can move under water pressure.

3. The water heater connection valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet is connected to the cold water end of the external circulation water circuit.

4. The water heater connection valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The third and fourth chambers are connected by a pressure water channel, which is provided with a first one-way valve that unidirectionally guides the third chamber to the fourth chamber. Alternatively, the fifth chamber is connected to the outlet via a drainage channel, which is provided with a second one-way valve that unidirectionally guides the fifth chamber to the outlet. Or, the third chamber is connected to the outlet via a water supply channel, which is provided with a third one-way valve that unidirectionally guides the outlet to the third chamber.

5. The water heater connection valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first return element is a first spring disposed in the third cavity, and the second return element is a second spring disposed in the fifth cavity.

6. The water heater connection valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The main piston is a double-ended piston, the second chamber is the space between the two pistons of the main piston, and the secondary piston has a rod that extends into the second chamber.

7. The water heater connection valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: When the main piston is in the first position, the inlet and outlet are blocked by the main piston. When the main piston is in the second position, both the inlet and outlet are connected to the first cavity.

8. The water heater connection valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the through hole is 3mm-5mm.

9. A water heater system, comprising a water heater body and an external circulating water circuit connected to the water heater body, characterized in that: It also includes a water heater connection valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the water heater connection valve is located in the external circulation water circuit.

10. The water heater system as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The water heater connection valve is located on the side of the external circulation water circuit away from the water heater body.

11. A water heater control method, applicable to the water heater system as described in claim 9 or 10, wherein the water heater body is provided with a pump capable of driving the flow of water in the external circulation water circuit, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: The pump operates when pressure boosting is required; When circulation is required, the pump runs continuously after a preset number of intervals.

12. The water heater control method as described in claim 11, characterized in that: The interval between two pump runs is 2-6 seconds.

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