Circulation control method for a water heater

Abstract

The application discloses a circulating control method of a water heater, which comprises the following steps: S1, detecting the outlet water temperature T of the outlet end of the water heater c ; if yes, executing step S2: recording the water flow Q1 of the detection point in the circulating pipeline of the water heater and setting the first flow threshold Q m ; S3, starting the circulating heating; S4, detecting the water flow Q2 of the detection point in the circulating pipeline of the water heater again through a water flow sensor and judging whether the water flow Q2 is less than or equal to the first flow threshold Q m ; if yes, judging that the water heater has been heated to the set temperature T2 and executing step S5; if no, returning to step S3; and S5, stopping the circulating heating. The application can determine whether to close the circulating heating by comparing the size of the water flow Q2 and the first flow threshold Q m , can omit the circulating path from the last detection point to the water inlet of the water heater, and achieves the energy-saving and circulating time reduction target.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of water heater circulation heating, in particular to a circulation control method of a water heater. BACKGROUND

[0002] To achieve the instant heating function, a zero-cold-water water heater needs to form a closed circulation loop with the water heater and the water using point, so that the hot water in the circulation loop maintains a certain range of temperature before using hot water, and hot water can be obtained by opening the water using point. When the zero-cold-water gas water heater is installed without a return water pipe, the cold water pipe is borrowed as the return water pipe, and the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe are connected to form a circulation loop, and the water flows in the circulation pipeline of the circulation loop to be heated.

[0003] In the existing circulation heating, whether to close the circulation heating is judged by judging whether the return water temperature at the water inlet of the water heater reaches the set temperature, resulting in a long overall circulation path and a long circulation heating time, and the user needs to wait for a long time after starting the circulation function. SUMMARY

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to overcome the defect of long circulation heating time of the water heater in the prior art, and to provide a circulation control method of a water heater.

[0005] The present application solves the above technical problems by the following technical scheme:

[0006] A circulation control method of a water heater, comprising:

[0007] Step S1, detecting the outlet water temperature T of the outlet end of the water heater c If yes, step S2 is executed;

[0008] Step S2, starting the circulation water pump, recording the water flow Q1 of the detection point in the circulation pipeline of the water heater through the water quantity sensor, and setting the first flow threshold Q according to the recorded water flow Q1 m ;

[0009] Step S3, starting the circulation heating of the water in the circulation pipeline of the water heater;

[0010] Step S4, detecting the water flow Q2 of the detection point in the circulation pipeline of the water heater again through the water quantity sensor, and judging whether the detected water flow Q2 is less than or equal to the first flow threshold Q m ; if yes, it is judged that the water in the circulation pipeline of the water heater has been heated to the set temperature T2 of the water heater, and step S5 is executed; if not, return to step S3;

[0011] Step S5, stopping the circulation heating.

[0012] In the present scheme, the water flow Q1 at the detection point is recorded before the circulation heating, so as to set the first flow threshold Q m After the circulation heating, the water flow Q2 at the detection point is detected by the water flow sensor in real time, and whether the water in the circulation pipeline of the water heater has been heated to the set temperature T2 of the water heater is determined by comparing the size of the water flow Q2 and the first flow threshold Q m , so as to determine whether to close the circulation heating. Compared with the traditional technology of determining whether to close the circulation heating by detecting whether the backwater temperature at the water inlet of the water heater reaches the set temperature T2 of the water heater, the present scheme determines whether to close the circulation heating by comparing the size of the water flow Q2 and the first flow threshold Q m , which can omit the circulation path from the last detection point to the water inlet of the water heater, so as to achieve the energy saving and reduce the circulation time.

[0013] Preferably, the detection point is provided with a water flow control module, which is configured to adjust the water flow at the detection point according to the water temperature.

[0014] In the present scheme, the water flow at the detection point is adjusted by the water temperature, so as to ensure that the water temperature in the circulation pipeline can reach the set temperature of the water heater.

[0015] Preferably, the detection point is a water use point.

[0016] In the present scheme, the water use point is used as the detection point, so that the water temperature at the water use point can meet the set temperature, thereby meeting the needs of the user.

[0017] Preferably, the water flow control module is a thermal balance valve, which is configured to adjust the opening degree according to the water temperature.

[0018] In the present scheme, the water flow through the thermal balance valve is adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of the thermal balance valve, so as to adjust the water flow at the detection point.

[0019] Preferably, in step S2, the opening degree of the thermal balance valve is maximum.

[0020] In the present scheme, the above setting is used to ensure that the water flow Q1 in step S2 does not reduce the opening degree of the thermal balance valve, so as to improve the first flow threshold Q m set according to the water flow Q1, and further improve the accuracy of the circulation control of the water heater.

[0021] Preferably, step S2 comprises:

[0022] Step S21, continuously record the water flow Q1 at the detection point in the circulation pipeline of the water heater by the water flow sensor for multiple times, and determine whether the difference between any two recorded water flows Q1 is less than or equal to the second flow threshold Q nIf yes, step S22 is performed;

[0023] Step S22, calculating the average value ΔQ1 of the water flow rate Q1;

[0024] Step S23, setting the first flow threshold Q m .

[0025] In the present solution, the above setting is used to ensure that the recorded water flow rate Q1 is in a stable state, so that the first flow threshold Q m set according to the water flow rate Q1 is more accurate.

[0026] Preferably, in step S21, the water flow sensor records the water flow rate Q1 at the detection point in the circulation pipeline of the water heater every 2s.

[0027] In the present solution, the water flow rate Q1 is recorded at the same time interval, so that the recorded data is more accurate.

[0028] Preferably, in step S21, the water flow sensor records the water flow rate Q1 at the detection point in the circulation pipeline of the water heater continuously for more than or equal to three times.

[0029] In the present solution, by recording multiple sets of water flow rate Q1 data, the recorded data is more accurate.

[0030] Preferably, in step S22, the average value ΔQ1 is calculated by selecting the latest three water flow rates Q1 recorded by the water flow sensor.

[0031] In the present solution, the more suitable the latest recorded data is for the current water flow condition in the circulation pipeline, the more the recorded data can be excluded when the water flow rate in the early circulation pipeline is unstable, so that the recorded data is more accurate.

[0032] Preferably, the second flow threshold Q n is less than or equal to 0.2L / min.

[0033] In the present solution, the above setting is used to control the average value ΔQ1 of the water flow rate Q1 within a smaller range, so as to ensure that the recorded water flow rate Q1 is in a stable state.

[0034] Preferably, in step S23, the first flow threshold Q m is calculated in the following manner: Q m ≤2 / 3*ΔQ1.

[0035] In the present solution, a calculation manner of the first flow threshold Q m is provided.

[0036] Preferably, in step S4, the water flow sensor records the water flow Q2 at the detection point in the circulation pipeline of the water heater multiple times, and determines whether the average value AQ2 of the multiple water flows Q2 is less than or equal to the first flow threshold Q m .

[0037] In the present solution, the above setting is used to avoid misjudgment caused by unstable single water flow Q2, and improve the accuracy of the circulation control of the water heater.

[0038] Preferably, in step S4, the water flow sensor records the water flow Q2 at the detection point in the circulation pipeline of the water heater every 1s.

[0039] In the present solution, the water flow Q2 is recorded at the same time interval, so that the recorded data is more accurate.

[0040] Preferably, in step S4, the water flow sensor records the water flow Q2 at the detection point in the circulation pipeline of the water heater more than or equal to three times.

[0041] In the present solution, by recording multiple sets of water flow Q2 data, the recorded data is more accurate.

[0042] Preferably, in step S4, the average value AQ2 is calculated by selecting the latest three water flows Q2 recorded by the water flow sensor.

[0043] In the present solution, the latest recorded data is more suitable for the water flow condition in the current circulation pipeline, and the data recorded when the water flow in the early circulation pipeline is unstable can be excluded, so that the recorded data is more accurate.

[0044] Preferably, the preheating temperature T1 satisfies: T1

[0045] In the present solution, the above setting is used to prevent the water heater from frequently starting the circulation heating, and plays a role in energy saving.

[0046] The positive progress effect of the present application is that, before the circulation heating, the water flow Q1 at the detection point is recorded to set the first flow threshold Q m . After the circulation heating, the water flow Q2 at the detection point is detected in real time by the water flow sensor, and by comparing the size of the water flow Q2 and the first flow threshold Q m , it is determined whether the water in the circulation pipeline of the water heater has been heated to the set temperature T2 of the water heater, so as to decide whether to turn off the circulation heating. Compared with the traditional technology of determining whether to turn off the circulation heating by detecting whether the backwater temperature at the water inlet of the water heater reaches the set temperature T2 of the water heater, the present application compares the water flow Q2 and the first flow threshold Q mThe size between the last detection point and the water inlet of the water heater is determined to decide whether to close the circulating heating, the circulating path from the last detection point to the water inlet of the water heater can be omitted, and the energy saving and the circulating time length can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 The structure diagram of the circulating control system of the water heater of an embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0048] Figure 2 The flow chart of the circulating control method of the water heater of an embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0049] Figure 3 Another flow chart of the circulating control method of the water heater of an embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0050] Figure 4 The three-dimensional structure diagram of the thermal balance valve of an embodiment 2 of the present application.

[0051] Figure 5 The internal structure diagram of the thermal balance valve of an embodiment 2 of the present application.

[0052] Figure 6 The internal structure diagram of the one-way valve of an embodiment 2 of the present application.

[0053] Figure 7 The structure diagram of the cooperation between the bimetallic strip and the water passing hole of an embodiment 2 of the present application.

[0054] Figure 8 Another structure diagram of the cooperation between the bimetallic strip and the water passing hole of an embodiment 2 of the present application.

[0055] Figure 9 The structure diagram of the bimetallic strip completely covering the water passing hole of an embodiment 2 of the present application.

[0056] Explanation of reference signs:

[0057] Water heater 1

[0058] Second hot water outlet 11

[0059] Second cold water inlet 12

[0060] Hot water pipe 21

[0061] Cold water pipe 22

[0062] Water point 3

[0063] Hot water end 31

[0064] Cold water end 32

[0065] Thermal balance valve 4

[0066] Casing 41

[0067] Hot water inlet 411

[0068] First hot water outlet 412

[0069] First cold water inlet 413

[0070] Cold water outlet 414

[0071] Municipal water supply terminal 5

[0072] One-way valve 6

[0073] Valve body 61

[0074] Water flow channel 611

[0075] Inlet 612

[0076] Outlet 613

[0077] Valve seat 614

[0078] Valve core 62

[0079] Valve core body 621

[0080] Valve stem 622

[0081] Elastic element 63

[0082] Water-blocking component 64

[0083] Water passage 641

[0084] Bimetallic strip 65 Detailed Implementation

[0085] 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 described herein.

[0086] Example 1

[0087] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a circulation control system for a water heater 1, including a water heater 1, a hot water pipe 21, a cold water pipe 22, and a water point 3. The water heater 1, hot water pipe 21, cold water pipe 22, and water point 3 are connected to form a circulation control loop for the water heater 1. The pipes in the circulation control loop, such as the hot water pipe 21 and cold water pipe 22, are the circulation pipelines of the water heater 1. In this embodiment, the water heater 1 is a zero-cold-water gas water heater.

[0088] like Figure 1As shown, the water heater 1 has a second hot water outlet 11 and a second cold water inlet 12. The second cold water inlet 12 is connected to the municipal water supply terminal 5 through a cold water pipe 22 to obtain tap water. The cold water obtained by the second cold water inlet 12 is heated by the water heater 1 and discharged from the water heater 1 through the second hot water outlet 11 to provide water to the water point 3 in need.

[0089] like Figure 1 As shown, water point 3 has a hot water end 31 and a cold water end 32. The hot water end 31 is connected to the second hot water outlet 11 of the water heater 1 to obtain hot water heated by the water heater 1. The cold water end 32 is connected to the second cold water inlet 12 of the water heater 1 to obtain cold water that has not been heated by the water heater 1. Alternatively, the cold water end 32 of water point 3 can also directly obtain cold water from the municipal water supply end 5. In this embodiment, water point 3 can specifically be a faucet, etc.

[0090] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment also provides a circulation control method for water heater 1, including:

[0091] Step S1: Detect the outlet water temperature T at the outlet of water heater 1. c Is it less than the preheating temperature T1? If so, proceed to step S2.

[0092] Step S2: Start the circulating water pump and record the water flow rate Q1 at the detection point in the circulation pipeline of water heater 1 through the water flow sensor, and set the first flow rate threshold Q based on the recorded water flow rate Q1. m ;

[0093] Step S3: Start the circulation heating of water in the circulation pipe of water heater 1;

[0094] Step S4: Detect the water flow rate Q2 at the detection point in the circulation pipe of water heater 1 again using the water flow sensor, and determine whether the detected water flow rate Q2 is less than or equal to the first flow rate threshold Q. m If yes, then determine that the water in the circulation pipe of water heater 1 has been heated to the set temperature T2 of water heater 1, and execute step S5; if no, return to step S3.

[0095] Step S5: Stop the circulating heating.

[0096] Specifically, in step S1, the outlet end of water heater 1 refers to one end of the second hot water outlet 11 of water heater 1, which is used to output hot water heated by water heater 1. The preheating temperature T1 refers to the temperature at which water heater 1 can start circulating heating, that is, it is necessary to determine the outlet water temperature T after being heated by water heater 1. c Is the temperature lower than the temperature at which water heater 1 starts circulating heating? If yes, then start the circulation; if no, then do not continue with the subsequent steps.

[0097] When initially determining the outlet water temperature T c When the temperature is below the preheating temperature T1, an initial cycle learning is required, i.e., proceeding to step S2. In step S2, the circulating water pump is started, causing water to begin flowing in the circulation control loop of water heater 1. However, the water in the circulation pipes is not yet heated, and the water temperature in the circulation pipes remains constant. The water flow rate Q1 at the detection point is recorded first to set the first flow rate threshold Q. m This is for later comparison.

[0098] The preheating temperature T1 should satisfy the condition: T1 < T2 - 5, meaning the preheating temperature T1 is at least 5°C lower than the set temperature of water heater 1. This prevents water heater 1 from frequently switching on and off for cyclic heating, thus saving energy. Preferably, the temperature difference between the preheating temperature T1 and the set temperature T2 of water heater 1 should not be too large, ensuring that the heating time for a single cycle of water heater 1 is not too long, improving the user experience. In other alternative embodiments, the preset temperature T1 can also be designed according to actual needs.

[0099] Waiting for the first flow threshold Q m After the settings are completed, the water heater 1 is turned on for circulating heating. The water temperature in the circulating pipe gradually rises. At this point, step S4 is initiated, where the water flow rate Q2 at the detection point is detected in real time by the water flow sensor. The water flow rate Q2 is then compared with the first flow rate threshold Q. m The value between the two values ​​is used to determine whether the water in the circulation pipe of water heater 1 has been heated to the set temperature T2 of water heater 1, and thus decide whether to turn off the circulation heating.

[0100] Compared to traditional technologies that determine whether to shut off circulating heating by detecting whether the return water temperature at the second cold water inlet 12 of the water heater 1 reaches the set temperature T2 of the water heater 1, this embodiment compares the water flow rate Q2 with the first flow rate threshold Q. m The size of the interval determines whether to turn off the circulating heating, which can omit the circulation path from the last detection point to the water inlet of water heater 1, thus achieving the goals of energy saving and reducing circulation time.

[0101] The circulation control system of water heater 1 also includes a water flow control module. The water flow control module is set at the detection point and is configured to adjust the water flow at the detection point according to the water temperature, so as to ensure that the water temperature in the circulation pipe can reach the set temperature of water heater 1.

[0102] Specifically, in this embodiment, the detection point is water point 3, ensuring that the water temperature at water point 3 meets the set temperature, thereby satisfying the user's needs. In other alternative embodiments, the detection point can also be selected at other locations in the circulation control loop of the water heater 1, such as between the second hot water outlet of the water heater 1 and water point 3, or between the second cold water inlet of the water heater 1 and water point 3.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water flow control module is a thermal balancing valve 4. The thermal balancing valve 4 is configured to adjust its opening degree according to the water temperature, thereby regulating the water flow rate through the thermal balancing valve 4 and achieving water flow rate regulation at the detection point. The opening degree of the thermal balancing valve 4 is a conventional term in the art and will not be elaborated upon here. The structure in the thermal balancing valve 4 used to control the opening degree can be a temperature-sensing structure, such as a bimetallic strip, which can deform according to changes in water temperature.

[0104] Preferably, in step S2, the opening degree of the thermal balancing valve 4 is at its maximum, ensuring that the water flow rate Q1 in step S2 does not reduce the opening degree of the thermal balancing valve 4, thereby increasing the first flow rate threshold Q set according to the water flow rate Q1. m This improves the accuracy of the water heater 1's circulation control. Furthermore, the opening degree of the thermal balancing valve 4 can exist in only two states: fully open and fully closed. When the thermal balancing valve 4 is fully open, the opening degree is at its maximum, meaning the water flow is at its maximum. When the thermal balancing valve 4 is fully closed, the opening degree is at its minimum, meaning the water flow is at its minimum. It should be noted that the opening degree of the thermal balancing valve 4 referred to in this embodiment only refers to the part of the thermal balancing valve 4 that changes due to water temperature.

[0105] Step S2 includes:

[0106] Step S21: Continuously record the water flow rate Q1 at the detection point in the circulation pipe of water heater 1 multiple times using a water flow sensor, and determine whether the difference between any two recorded water flow rates Q1 is less than or equal to the second flow threshold Q. n If so, proceed to step S22;

[0107] Step S22: Calculate the average value ΔQ1 of multiple water flow rates Q1;

[0108] Step S23: Set the first flow threshold Q based on the average value ΔQ1. m .

[0109] Specifically, recording multiple sets of water flow rate Q1 data is to avoid misjudgments caused by the instability of a single water flow rate Q1, making the recorded data more accurate and thus improving the accuracy of the water heater 1's circulation control. The difference between any two recorded water flow rates Q1 must be less than or equal to the second flow rate threshold Q. n This means that the flow rate values ​​between the recorded multiple water flow rates Q1 fluctuate little, and the water flow rate is in a stable state. Therefore, the calculated average value ΔQ1 is the data calculated under the condition that the water flow rate at the detection point is stable, avoiding the impact of an excessively high or low water flow rate Q1 on the accuracy of the average value ΔQ1.

[0110] It should be noted that the difference between any two recorded water flow rates Q1 is a positive number.

[0111] Furthermore, in step S21, the water flow sensor records the water flow rate Q1 at the detection point in the circulation pipe of the water heater 1 every 2 seconds. Recording the water flow rate Q1 at the same time interval makes the recorded data more accurate. In other alternative embodiments, the recording time interval of the water flow sensor can be designed according to actual needs.

[0112] In step S21, the water flow sensor continuously records the water flow rate Q1 at the detection point in the circulation pipe of water heater 1 at least three times. Further, in step S22, the average value ΔQ1 is calculated from the three most recently recorded water flow rates Q1, ensuring that the difference between any two of the three most recently recorded water flow rates Q1 is less than or equal to a second flow threshold Q. n In other words, in the three most recent records, the differences between the first and second recorded water flow rates Q1, the differences between the second and third recorded water flow rates Q1, and the differences between the first and third recorded water flow rates Q1 all satisfy a condition less than or equal to the second flow rate threshold Q. n Prior to this, the difference between the water flow rates Q1 recorded by the water flow sensor could be greater than the second flow threshold Q. n The more recently recorded data is applicable to the current water flow conditions in the circulation pipe, the more accurate the data will be, as it can exclude data recorded when the water flow in the circulation pipe was unstable in the past.

[0113] In step S21, the difference between any two water flow rates Q1 is less than or equal to the second flow rate threshold Q. n The next step is to ensure that the recorded water flow rate Q1 remains stable, thereby enabling the first flow rate threshold Q, which is set based on the water flow rate Q1, to be met. m More precise. Among them, the second flow threshold Q... nThe flow rate can be less than or equal to 0.2 L / min, thereby controlling the average value ΔQ1 of the control water flow rate Q1 within a small range and ensuring that the recorded water flow rate Q1 is in a stable state.

[0114] In step S23, the first flow threshold Q m The calculation method is as follows: Q m ≤2 / 3*ΔQ1. In other alternative implementations, the first flow threshold Q m It can also be designed according to actual needs.

[0115] In step S4, the water flow rate Q2 at the detection point in the circulation pipe of water heater 1 is recorded multiple times by the water flow sensor, and it is determined whether the average value ΔQ2 of the multiple water flow rates Q2 is less than or equal to the first flow rate threshold Q. m .

[0116] Specifically, recording multiple sets of water flow rate Q2 data is to avoid misjudgments caused by the instability of a single water flow rate Q2, making the recorded data more accurate and thus improving the accuracy of the water heater 1's circulation control. In step S4, the water flow sensor records the water flow rate Q2 at the detection point in the circulation pipe of the water heater 1 every 1 second. Recording the water flow rate Q2 at the same time interval makes the recorded data more accurate. In other alternative embodiments, the recording time interval of the water flow sensor can be designed according to actual needs.

[0117] In step S4, the water flow sensor records the water flow rate Q2 at the detection point in the circulation pipe of water heater 1 at least three times. Further, in step S4, the average value ΔQ2 is calculated from the three most recently recorded water flow rates Q2. The most recently recorded data is more relevant to the current water flow conditions in the circulation pipe, and it can exclude data recorded when the water flow rate in the circulation pipe was unstable in the early stages, making the recorded data more accurate.

[0118] Example 2

[0119] This embodiment provides a specific structure for a thermal balance valve based on embodiment 1.

[0120] like Figure 1 , Figures 4-6As shown, the thermal balancing valve 4 includes a housing 41 and a one-way valve 6 disposed inside the housing 41. The housing 41 includes a hot water inlet 411, a first hot water outlet 412, a first cold water inlet 413, and a cold water outlet 414. One end of the hot water pipe 21 is connected to the second hot water outlet of the water heater 1, and the other end of the hot water pipe 21 is connected to the hot water inlet 411 of the housing 41. The first hot water outlet 412 of the housing 41 is connected to the hot water end 31 of the water point 3. One end of the cold water pipe 22 is connected to the second cold water inlet 12 of the water heater 1, and the other end of the cold water pipe 22 is connected to the first cold water inlet 413 of the housing 41. The cold water outlet 414 of the housing 41 is connected to the cold water end 32 of the water point 3. In this embodiment, the thermal balancing valve 4 connects the water heater 1, the hot water pipe 21, the cold water pipe 22, and the water point 3 into a circulation control loop for the water heater 1.

[0121] like Figures 6-9 As shown, the one-way valve 6 includes a valve body 61, a valve core 62, an elastic element 63, a water-blocking element 64, and a bimetallic strip 65.

[0122] like Figures 5-9 As shown, the valve body 61 is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 41 of the thermal balance valve 4. The valve body 61 has a water flow channel 611 inside, which communicates with the interior of the housing 41 to supply water flow. The two ports of the water flow channel 611 along the axial direction of the one-way valve 6 are the inlet 612 and outlet 613 of the valve body 61, respectively. Water flows into the one-way valve 6 from the inlet 612 of the valve body 61 and flows out of the one-way valve 6 from the outlet 613 of the valve body 61. The hot water inlet 411 and the first hot water outlet 412 of the housing 41 are both located on one side of the inlet 612 of the one-way valve 6. Figure 5 On the left side of the one-way valve 6), the first cold water inlet 413 and the cold water outlet 414 of the housing 41 are both located on one side of the outlet 613 of the one-way valve 6. Figure 5 (Right side of check valve 6).

[0123] like Figure 6 and Figure 9As shown, both the valve core 62 and the elastic element 63 are disposed within the water flow channel 611. The elastic element 63 is used to bias the valve core 62 so that the valve core 62 engages with the valve seat 614 of the valve body 61 to close the one-way valve 6. Specifically, the valve core 62 includes a valve core body 621 and a valve stem 622. The valve core body 621 is located at one end of the valve core 62 near the inlet 612 of the valve body 61, and is used to abut against the valve seat 614 of the valve body 61 to open or close the one-way valve 6. The valve stem 622 is located at one end of the valve core 62 near the outlet 613 of the valve body 61. The elastic element 63 is sleeved on the valve stem 622 and abuts against the valve core body 621 to apply a force to the valve core body 621 in the direction of the valve seat 614 of the valve body 61, thereby closing the one-way valve 6. In this embodiment, the elastic element 63 is a spring. In other alternative embodiments, the elastic element 63 may also be other elastic elements capable of achieving the above-described functions.

[0124] like Figures 6-9 As shown, the water baffle 64 is disposed within the water flow channel 611 and fixed to the inner wall of the valve body 61 to ensure the stability of the positions of the water baffle 64 and the valve body 61. The water baffle 64 is provided with several water passage holes 641, which are connected at both ends in the axial direction of the one-way valve 6, so that water can flow through the water passage holes to the outlet 613 of the valve body 61.

[0125] like Figures 6-9 As shown, one end of the bimetallic strip 65 is connected to the water-blocking member 64, and the other end of the bimetallic strip 65 extends obliquely away from the water-blocking member 64, and is configured to move towards or away from the water passage 641 according to the water temperature. The bimetallic strip 65 has the characteristic of deforming due to different temperatures, so the bimetallic strip 65 can deform according to the change of water temperature in the water flow channel 611, and the degree of deformation of the bimetallic strip 65 is related to the temperature it is subjected to.

[0126] In this embodiment, the bimetallic strip 65 has only two states: a fully open state and a fully closed state. Specifically, Figure 6 The bimetallic strip 65 shown is in the fully open state, and the other end of the bimetallic strip 65 is furthest from the water-blocking member 64. Figure 9 The bimetallic strip 65 shown is in a fully closed state, and the other end of the bimetallic strip 65 is closest to the water-blocking member 64.

[0127] When the water temperature rises to a level greater than or equal to the operating temperature of the bimetallic strip 65, the bimetallic strip 65 can move towards the water passage 641, switching from a fully open state to a fully closed state. The bimetallic strip 65 completely covers the water passage 641, preventing the inlet 612 and outlet 613 of the one-way valve 6 from being connected. Since the hot water inlet 411 and the first hot water outlet 412 of the housing 41 of the thermal balancing valve 4 are both located on one side of the inlet 612 of the one-way valve 6, and the first cold water inlet 413 and the cold water outlet 414 of the housing 41 are both located on one side of the outlet 613 of the one-way valve 6, the hot water section and the cold water section of the thermal balancing valve 4 are not connected to each other. This ensures that the hot water pipe 21 is filled with hot water and prevents the cold water in the cold water pipe 22 from being heated, reducing heat waste.

[0128] When the water temperature drops below the operating temperature of the bimetallic strip 65, the deformation of the bimetallic strip 65 gradually disappears, and the bimetallic strip 65 can move away from the water passage 641, opening the water passage 641. The bimetallic strip 65 then switches from a completely closed state to a completely open state. In this embodiment, the opening of the water passage 641 refers to the increased distance between the bimetallic strip 65 and the water passage 641 due to the movement of the bimetallic strip 65 away from the water passage 641. This reduces the water flow resistance in the area of ​​the water passage 641, resulting in a larger water flow rate.

[0129] The operating temperature of the bimetallic strip 65 can be selected according to the characteristics of the water point.

[0130] In this embodiment, a water flow sensor (not shown in the figure) for detecting the water flow at the water passage 641 can be further installed on the water heater 1. The water flow at the water passage 641 is detected to determine whether the water temperature has reached the preset temperature, thereby turning off the circulating heating in time and saving energy.

[0131] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship of the device or component shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0132] 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 circulation control method of a water heater, characterized by, Comprise: Step S1, detecting the outlet water temperature T of the outlet end of the water heater c whether it is less than the preheating temperature T1; if yes, step S2 is executed; Step S2, start the circulating water pump, and record the water flow rate Q1 of the detection point in the circulating pipeline of the water heater through the water flow sensor, and set the first flow threshold value Q according to the recorded water flow rate Q1 m ; Step S3, start circulating heating of water in the circulating pipeline of the water heater; Step S4, the water flow rate Q2 at the detection point in the circulation pipeline of the water heater is detected again by the water flow sensor, and it is judged whether the detected water flow rate Q2 is less than or equal to the first flow threshold value Q m ; if yes, it is judged that the water in the circulation pipeline of the water heater has been heated to the set temperature T2 of the water heater, and step S5 is executed; if no, it is returned to step S3; Step S5, stop circulating heating; The detection point is provided with a water quantity control module, which is configured to adjust the water flow of the detection point according to the water temperature; The water quantity control module is a thermal balance valve, which is configured to adjust the opening degree according to the water temperature; In step S2, the opening degree of the thermal balance valve is maximum; Step S2 comprises: Step S21, continuously record the water flow rate Q1 at the detection point in the circulating pipeline of the water heater by the water flow sensor, and determine whether the difference between any two recorded water flow rates Q1 is less than or equal to the second flow threshold value Q n ; if yes, execute step S22; Step S22, calculating the average value ΔQ1 of multiple water flow Q1; Step S23, setting a first flow threshold value Q according to the average value AQ1 m ; In step S23, the first flow threshold Q m is calculated as follows: Q m ≤ 2 / 3 * ΔQ1; The preheating temperature T1 satisfies: T1 < T2-5.

2. The circulation control method of a water heater according to claim 1, wherein The detection point is a water use point.

3. The circulation control method of a water heater according to claim 1, wherein In step S21, the water quantity sensor records the water flow Q1 of the detection point in the circulating pipeline of the water heater every 2s.

4. The circulation control method of a water heater according to claim 1, wherein In step S21, the water quantity sensor continuously records the water flow Q1 of the detection point in the circulating pipeline of the water heater for more than or equal to three times.

5. The circulation control method of a water heater according to claim 4, wherein In step S22, the average value ΔQ1 is calculated by selecting the latest three water flows Q1 recorded by the water quantity sensor.

6. The circulation control method of a water heater according to claim 1, wherein Second flow threshold Q n Less than or equal to 0.2 L / min.

7. The circulation control method of a water heater according to claim 1, wherein In step S4, the water flow rate Q2 at the detection point in the circulation line of the multiple water heater is recorded by the water amount sensor, and it is determined whether the average value AQ2 of the multiple water flow rates Q2 is less than or equal to the first flow rate threshold value Q m .

8. The circulation control method of a water heater according to claim 7, wherein In step S4, the water quantity sensor records the water flow Q2 of the detection point in the circulating pipeline of the water heater every 1s.

9. The circulation control method of a water heater according to claim 7, wherein In step S4, the water quantity sensor records the water flow Q2 of the detection point in the circulating pipeline of the water heater for more than or equal to three times.

10. The circulation control method of a water heater according to claim 9, wherein In step S4, the average value ΔQ2 is calculated by selecting the latest three water flows Q2 recorded by the water quantity sensor.

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