A water heater system and a control method thereof

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of hot water supply technology, specifically disclosing a water heater system and its control method. The water heater system includes a water purification module and a water heater module. The water purification module includes a water purification body, a water purification inlet pipe, a water purification outlet pipe, a concentrated water outlet pipe, and a water purification return pipe. The water purification return pipe connects to the water purification outlet pipe and the water purification inlet pipe. The water heater module includes at least a water heater body, a water heater inlet pipe, and a water heater outlet pipe. The concentrated water outlet pipe and the water purification inlet pipe are both connected to the same water supply pipe, and the connection point between the concentrated water outlet pipe and the water supply pipe is upstream of the connection point between the water purification inlet pipe and the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe is the water heater inlet pipe; or the water supply pipe is the water heater outlet pipe; or the water heater module further includes a water heater return pipe, and the water supply pipe is the water heater return pipe. This invention solves the problems of the inability to recycle concentrated water and the short lifespan of filter elements in existing water purifiers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hot water supply technology, and in particular to a water heater system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, water heaters are typically installed together with water purifiers. The water heater provides hot water, while the water purifier provides filtered water. However, while producing purified water, the purifier also generates concentrated wastewater. Although this concentrated wastewater can be used for watering plants or flushing toilets, it's not practical, and most users simply flush it down the drain, resulting in significant waste. Furthermore, after prolonged use, impurities often accumulate on the filter cartridges, shortening their lifespan and significantly increasing operating costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The first technical problem solved by this invention is to provide a water heater system that can effectively solve the technical problems of existing water purifiers, such as the inability to recycle concentrated water and the short service life of filter elements.

[0004] The second technical problem solved by this invention is to provide a control method for a water heater system that can effectively solve the technical problems of the inability to recycle concentrated water and the short service life of filter elements in existing water purifiers.

[0005] The first technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution:

[0006] A water heater system includes a water purification module and a water heater module. The water purification module includes a water purification body, a water purification inlet pipe, a water purification outlet pipe, a concentrated water outlet pipe, and a water purification return pipe. The water purification return pipe connects the water purification outlet pipe and the water purification inlet pipe. The water heater module includes at least a water heater body, a water heater inlet pipe, and a water heater outlet pipe.

[0007] The concentrated water outlet pipe and the purified water inlet pipe are both connected to the same water supply pipe, and the connection point of the concentrated water outlet pipe and the water supply pipe is located upstream of the connection point of the purified water inlet pipe and the water supply pipe.

[0008] The water supply pipeline is the inlet pipeline of the water heater; or the water supply pipeline is the outlet pipeline of the water heater; or

[0009] The water heater module also includes a water heater return pipe, which connects the water heater inlet pipe and the water heater outlet pipe, and the water supply pipe is the water heater return pipe.

[0010] The water heater system of the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0011] First, when the water purification module is working, the concentrated water can flow back to the purification module through the water supply pipe. During this return flow, it mixes with the water entering the water heater module from the water supply pipe, forming the raw water entering the purification module. In other words, the concentrated water is recycled instead of being directly discharged. When the water heater module is working, the concentrated water mixes with the water entering the water heater module from the water supply pipe before entering the water heater module. Since the hot water consumption is much greater than the concentrated water consumption of the purification module, the increase in TDS in the hot water can be kept relatively small during this process, meeting usage requirements while also achieving concentrated water recycling. Second, even when the water heater module is not working, the concentrated water can still be slowly diluted into the water heater module's pipes through molecular motion. This establishes a connection between the concentrated water outlet pipe and the water heater module's pipes, allowing the concentrated water to be recycled through the water heater module's pipes. The system employs a dilution process; furthermore, the water purification module is equipped with a purified water return pipe, which connects to the purified water outlet pipe and the purified water inlet pipe, allowing purified water to flow back to the inlet end, thus rinsing the main body of the water purifier. Finally, when there is a demand for hot water but no demand for purified water, the water heater module operates normally, the water purification module starts, and the purified water outlet pipe is closed. The water flowing out of the concentrated water outlet pipe mixes with the water entering the water supply pipe of the water heater module. Part of the mixture continues to enter the water heater module, while the other part enters the water purification module to rinse the main body of the water purifier. After rinsing, the water purification module is turned off. In other words, this water heater system can use purified water and a mixture of purified and concentrated water to rinse the filter element separately, which helps to extend the service life of the filter element. In summary, the water heater system of this invention does not discharge concentrated water as a whole, and the filter element has a long service life.

[0012] In one embodiment, the water purification module further includes a water storage tank for storing purified water output from the purified water outlet pipe.

[0013] In one embodiment, the diameter of the purified water return pipe is smaller than the diameter of the purified water outlet pipe.

[0014] In one embodiment, a first one-way valve is provided on the purified water return pipe to control the one-way flow of purified water from the purified water outlet pipe to the purified water inlet pipe.

[0015] In one embodiment, a first switching valve and a second check valve are provided on the concentrate outlet pipeline. The first switching valve is used to control the opening and closing of the concentrate outlet pipeline, and the second check valve is used to control the unidirectional flow of concentrate from the concentrate outlet pipeline to the water supply pipeline.

[0016] In one embodiment, a water pump is installed on the water inlet pipe of the water heater; or the water pump is installed on the water outlet pipe of the water heater.

[0017] In one embodiment, the water heater module further includes a water heater return pipe, which connects the water heater inlet pipe and the water heater outlet pipe, and a water pump is installed on the water heater return pipe.

[0018] The second technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution:

[0019] A control method for any of the above-described water heater systems, comprising:

[0020] When there is a demand for purified water, the water purification module is activated. The concentrated water flowing out of the concentrated water outlet pipe mixes with the water in the water heater module that enters the water supply pipe, and then re-enters the water purification module as raw water. Part of the purified water flows out of the purified water outlet pipe, and the other part flows back to the main body of the water purification system through the purified water return pipe to rinse the main body of the water purification system.

[0021] When there is a demand for hot water but no demand for purified water, the water heater module operates normally, the water purification module starts, and the purified water outlet pipe is closed. The water flowing out of the concentrated water outlet pipe mixes with the water entering the water supply pipe in the water heater module. Part of the mixture continues to enter the water heater module, while the other part enters the water purification module to flush the main body of the water purification system. After flushing is completed, the water purification module is turned off.

[0022] The control method for the water heater system described in this invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0023] When there is a demand for purified water, the water purification module starts and outputs purified water normally. At the same time, the purified water can also return to the main water purification unit through the purified water return pipe to complete the flushing. When there is a demand for hot water but no demand for purified water, the concentrated water can be mixed with other water in the water supply pipe to flush the main water purification unit. Both flushing processes extend the service life of the filter element. At the same time, since the concentrated water flowing out of the concentrated water outlet pipe is mixed with other water in the water supply pipe, it can either be used as raw water to re-enter the water purification module or enter the water heater module for heating. Therefore, the concentrated water can be recycled. That is, the control method of the water heater system of the present invention can achieve the goal of not discharging concentrated water as a whole, while extending the service life of the filter element.

[0024] In one embodiment, the control method further includes:

[0025] When the water supply pipeline is the outlet pipeline of the water heater, if the outlet water temperature of the water heater is higher than the first preset temperature, the water purification module is restricted from starting when the water heater module starts working.

[0026] When the water supply pipeline is the return water pipeline of the water heater, if the water temperature of the return water pipeline is higher than the second preset temperature, the water purification module will be restricted from starting when the water heater module starts working.

[0027] In one embodiment, the control method further includes:

[0028] The water heater module also includes a water heater return pipe, which connects the water heater inlet pipe and the water heater outlet pipe. A water pump is installed on the water heater inlet pipe, the water heater outlet pipe, or the water heater return pipe.

[0029] If there is no water demand for an extended period, the water pump will start periodically, and the water in the water heater module will circulate internally, diluting the concentrated water flowing out of the water purification module into the entire water heater module's piping network. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a water heater system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another water heater system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another water heater system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another water heater system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Label Explanation:

[0035] 100. Water purification module;

[0036] 101. Purified water inlet pipe; 102. Purified water outlet pipe; 103. Concentrated water outlet pipe; 104. Purified water return pipe;

[0037] 11. Water purification unit; 12. First check valve; 13. First on / off valve; 14. Second check valve; 15. Second on / off valve; 16. Third check valve; 17. Booster pump; 18. High-pressure switch; 19. Pre-filter assembly;

[0038] 200. Water heater module;

[0039] 201. Water inlet pipe of water heater; 202. Water outlet pipe of water heater; 203. Water return pipe of water heater;

[0040] 21. Water heater body; 22. Water pump; 23. Return water check valve. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0043] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0044] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0045] This embodiment provides a water heater system that can heat water to produce hot water for users, and can also purify and filter water to produce clean water for users.

[0046] Specifically, refer to Figure 1The water heater system includes a water purification module 100 and a water heater module 200. The water purification module 100 includes a water purification body 11, a water purification inlet pipe 101, a water purification outlet pipe 102, a concentrated water outlet pipe 103, and a water purification return pipe 104. The water purification inlet pipe 101 is used to input water to be filtered into the water purification body 11. The purified water produced by the water purification body 11 after filtration is output through the water purification outlet pipe 102 for user use, while the concentrated water produced is output through the concentrated water outlet pipe 103. Specifically, a filter element is installed inside the water purification body 11 to purify water. After prolonged use, impurities will accumulate on the filter element, affecting the subsequent filtration efficiency. Therefore, the water purification module 100 is also equipped with a purified water return pipe 104, which connects the purified water outlet pipe 102 and the purified water inlet pipe 101, so that purified water can flow back to the inlet end of the water purification body 11. This mainly serves to flush the water purification body 11 with purified water to extend the service life of the filter element.

[0047] Optionally, the filter element of the water purification body 11 can be an RO (Reverse Osmosis) filter element, a nano-filter element, or an ultrafiltration filter element. In this embodiment, an RO filter element is selected. Optionally, the filter element of the water purification body 11 can be a single filter element or multiple filter elements.

[0048] The water heater module 200 includes at least a water heater body 21, a water heater inlet pipe 201, and a water heater outlet pipe 202. The water heater inlet pipe 201 is used to supply cold water to be heated to the water heater body 21. After being heated by the water heater body 21, the hot water flows out from the water heater outlet pipe 202 for user use.

[0049] Furthermore, both the concentrated water outlet pipe 103 and the purified water inlet pipe 101 are connected to the same water supply pipe, and the connection point between the concentrated water outlet pipe 103 and the water supply pipe is located upstream of the connection point between the purified water inlet pipe 101 and the water supply pipe. In one embodiment, referring to... Figure 1 The water supply pipeline is the water inlet pipeline 201 of the water heater. The concentrated water outlet pipeline 103 is connected upstream of the water heater inlet pipeline 201, and the purified water inlet pipeline 101 is connected downstream of the water heater inlet pipeline 201. That is, the water purification module 100 is installed on the water heater inlet pipeline 201 of the water heater module 200. The cold water entering the water heater inlet pipeline 201 can be divided into two paths: one path enters the main body 21 of the water heater, and the other path enters the main body 11 of the water purification system through the purified water inlet pipeline 101. In this way, the entire water heater system only needs to be equipped with one main water inlet. By placing the concentrated water outlet pipeline 103 upstream of the water heater inlet pipeline 201 and the purified water inlet pipeline 101 downstream of the water heater inlet pipeline 201, at least the following technical effects are achieved:

[0050] First, when the water purification module 100 is working, the concentrated water can flow back to the water purification module 100 through the water inlet pipe 201 of the water heater and the water purification inlet pipe 101 in sequence. During the return flow, it mixes with the cold water in the water inlet pipe 201 of the water heater to form the raw water entering the water purification module 100. That is, the concentrated water is recycled and reused instead of being directly discharged.

[0051] Secondly, when the water heater module 200 is working, the concentrated water can mix with the cold water in the water heater inlet pipe 201 and enter the water heater body 21. After being heated, it flows out from the water heater outlet pipe 202 for user use. Since the hot water consumption is much greater than the concentrated water consumption of the water purification module 100, the increase in TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) in the hot water can be controlled to be small, generally within 2%. This meets the usage requirements while also completing the recycling of concentrated water.

[0052] Third, even if neither the water heater module 200 nor the water purification module 100 is working, or only the water purification module 100 is working, the concentrated water can still be slowly diluted into the pipes of the water heater module 200 through molecular movement. That is, the concentrated water outlet pipe 103 is connected to the pipes of the water heater module 200, so as to use the pipes of the water heater module 200 for concentrated water dilution treatment.

[0053] In another embodiment, reference Figure 2 The water supply pipe is the water outlet pipe 202 of the water heater. The concentrated water outlet pipe 103 is connected upstream of the water outlet pipe 202 of the water heater, and the purified water inlet pipe 101 is connected downstream of the water outlet pipe 202 of the water heater. That is, the water purification module 100 can also be placed on the water outlet pipe 202 of the water heater module 200. The water flowing out of the water outlet pipe 202 can be divided into two paths. One path flows out for the user's use, and the other path enters the water purification body 11 through the purified water inlet pipe 101 for the use of the water purification module 100.

[0054] refer to Figure 3 The water heater module 200 also includes a water heater return pipe 203, which connects the water heater inlet pipe 201 and the water heater outlet pipe 202; that is, unused hot water can flow back to the water heater inlet pipe 201 through the water heater return pipe 203. When the water heater return pipe 203 is provided, the water purification module 100 can still be placed on the water heater inlet pipe 201 or the water heater outlet pipe 202, that is, the water heater inlet pipe 201 or the water heater outlet pipe 202 can be used as the water supply pipe.

[0055] In another embodiment, reference Figure 4The water supply pipeline is the water heater return pipeline 203. The concentrated water outlet pipeline 103 is connected upstream of the water heater return pipeline 203, and the purified water inlet pipeline 101 is connected downstream of the water heater return pipeline 203. That is, the water purification module 100 can also be placed on the water heater return pipeline 203 of the water heater module 200. The water flowing out of the water heater outlet pipeline 202, after returning to the water heater return pipeline 203, can be divided into two paths. One path continues to flow back to the water heater inlet pipeline 201, and the other path enters the water purification body 11 through the purified water inlet pipeline 101 for use by the water purification module 100.

[0056] Similar to the case where the water purification module 100 is installed on the water inlet pipe 201 of the water heater module 200, the technical effect of installing the water purification module 100 on the water outlet pipe 202 or the water return pipe 203 of the water heater module 200 is the same. The only difference is that the source of the raw water for the water purification module 100 is different. In the latter two cases, the source of the raw water for the water purification module 100 is a mixture of water and concentrated water in the water outlet pipe 202 and a mixture of water and concentrated water in the water return pipe 203, respectively.

[0057] This embodiment also provides a control method for the above-mentioned water heater system, specifically including:

[0058] When there is a demand for purified water, the water purification module 100 is activated. The concentrated water flowing out of the concentrated water outlet pipe 103 mixes with the water in the water heater module 200 that enters the water supply pipe, and then re-enters the water purification module 100 as raw water. Part of the purified water flows out through the purified water outlet pipe 102, and the other part flows back to the water purification body 11 through the purified water return pipe 104 to flush the water purification body 11.

[0059] When there is a demand for hot water but no demand for purified water, the water heater module 200 operates normally, the water purification module 100 starts, and the purified water outlet pipe 102 is closed. The water flowing out of the concentrated water outlet pipe 103 mixes with the water entering the water supply pipe of the water heater module 200. Part of the mixture continues to enter the water heater module 200, while the other part enters the water purification module 100 to flush the main water purification unit 11. After flushing, the water purification module 100 is turned off. Specifically, in this process, the water flowing out of the concentrated water outlet pipe 103 is initially concentrated water. Subsequently, since the purified water outlet pipe 102 has been closed, the concentrated water continuously mixes and dilutes with other incoming water from the water supply pipe until it is completely discharged. Finally, the water in the entire water purification module 100 pipe has the same composition as the water in the water heater inlet pipe 201. At this point, flushing can be considered complete, and the water purification module 100 is turned off.

[0060] This control method achieves zero discharge of concentrated water by controlling the working mode of the water heater system under different water demand conditions, and enables the use of purified water and mixed water containing concentrated water to rinse the filter element separately, thereby extending the service life of the filter element.

[0061] Furthermore, if there is neither a demand for hot water nor a demand for purified water, meaning neither the water heater module 200 nor the water purifier module 100 needs to work, or if there is only a demand for purified water and only the water purifier module 100 is working, since the water purifier module 100 is connected to the water heater module 200, the concentrated water can be slowly diluted into the water heater module 200's pipes through molecular movement. This dilution operation of the concentrated water is achieved. However, when there is a demand for both hot water and purified water, meaning both the water heater module 200 and the water purifier module 100 need to work, the water heater module 200 outputs hot water normally, and the water purifier module 100 outputs purified water normally. At this time, the concentrated water is also output normally and flows into the corresponding water supply pipes. This portion of concentrated water can participate in both the water heater module 200 and the water purifier module 100, so it is not wasted.

[0062] It is understandable that at any given moment, the water heater system is necessarily operating under one type of water demand. Throughout the entire lifespan of the water heater system, multiple water demands will switch between each other and occur at any time. Therefore, it is not difficult to understand that the aforementioned zero discharge of concentrated water and extended filter lifespan refer to the beneficial effects that occur throughout the entire lifespan of the water heater system.

[0063] In one embodiment, reference Figure 1 A water pump 22 is installed on the water inlet pipe 201 of the water heater; or, refer to Figure 2 A water pump 22 is installed on the water outlet pipe 202 of the water heater. The water pump 22 can provide power for the flow of water in the water heater module 200, so it can be placed on the water inlet pipe 201 or the water outlet pipe 202 of the water heater.

[0064] In another embodiment, reference Figure 3 The water heater module 200 also includes a water heater return pipe 203, which connects the water heater inlet pipe 201 and the water heater outlet pipe 202. In this case, the water pump 22 can be installed either on the water heater inlet pipe 201 or the water heater outlet pipe 202. (See reference...) Figure 4 Alternatively, the water pump 22 can be installed on the water return pipe 203 of the water heater to provide power for the water to circulate in the water heater module 200 through the water return pipe 203.

[0065] It is easy to understand that whether the water purification module 100 is placed on the water inlet pipe 201, the water outlet pipe 202, or the water return pipe 203 of the water heater has no necessary relationship with the placement of the water pump 22. The water pump 22 can achieve power drive no matter where it is placed.

[0066] When the water heater module 200 is equipped with a water return pipe 203, and the entire water heater system has no need for hot water or purified water for an extended period, the water pump 22 can be started periodically. The water in the water heater module 200 circulates internally, diluting the concentrated water flowing from the water purification module 100 into the piping network of the entire water heater module 200. Subsequently, when either the water heater module 200 or the water purification module 100 has a water demand, the diluted water can be used. This operation method is also a way to implement concentrated water treatment.

[0067] Furthermore, the control method for the aforementioned water heater system also includes:

[0068] When the water supply pipeline is the water outlet pipeline 202 of the water heater, if the water temperature of the water outlet pipeline 202 is higher than the first preset temperature, the water purification module 100 will be restricted from starting when the water heater module 200 starts working.

[0069] When the water supply pipeline is the water return pipeline 203 of the water heater, if the water temperature of the water return pipeline 203 is higher than the second preset temperature, the water purification module 100 will be restricted from starting when the water heater module 200 starts working.

[0070] This design further limits the operation of the water supply system in different scenarios, specifically addressing whether the water supply line is the water heater outlet line 202 or the water heater return line 203. When the water supply line is the water heater outlet line 202, since the water heater outlet line 202 outputs high-temperature hot water, if the hot water directly enters the water purification module 100, causing the filter element to operate at an excessively high temperature, it will not only affect the filtration effect of the filter element but may also damage the filter element, preventing the water purification module 100 from functioning properly. Therefore, a first preset temperature is set as the critical temperature. As long as the water temperature from the water heater outlet line 202 does not exceed this temperature, the water purification module 100 and the water heater module 200 can operate simultaneously. Conversely, if the temperature exceeds this temperature, the water purification module 100 and the water heater module 200 cannot operate simultaneously, and the operation of the water purification module 100 needs to be restricted when the water heater module 200 is operating.

[0071] Similarly, when the water supply pipe is connected to the water heater return pipe 203, the water in the water heater return pipe 203 is supplied from the water heater outlet pipe 202, so the water temperature is also uncertain. A second preset temperature is set as a critical temperature. As long as the water temperature in the water heater return pipe 203 does not exceed this temperature, the water purification module 100 and the water heater module 200 can work simultaneously. Conversely, if the temperature exceeds this temperature, the water purification module 100 and the water heater module 200 cannot work simultaneously, and the operation of the water purification module 100 needs to be restricted when the water heater module 200 is working. Specifically, the first and second preset temperatures can be set to the same value; here, 38℃ is an option. Of course, the first and second preset temperatures can also be set differently, as long as the normal operation of the water purification module 100 is ensured.

[0072] Furthermore, when the water supply pipe is the water inlet pipe 201 of the water heater, the water heater module 200 and the water purification module 100 can always work simultaneously. That is, since the water entering the water inlet pipe 201 of the water heater is cold water, there is no need to consider the water temperature issue, and the water heater module 200 and the water purification module 100 can work at the same time.

[0073] In one embodiment, the water purification module 100 further includes a water storage tank for storing purified water output from the purified water outlet pipe 102. When the water supply pipe is either the water heater outlet pipe 202 or the water heater return pipe 203, and the water purification module 100 and the water heater module 200 cannot operate simultaneously due to water temperature limitations, but the user has both hot water and purified water needs, the purified water can be supplied first from the water storage tank to meet the user's needs.

[0074] Optionally, the diameter of the purified water return pipe 104 is smaller than the diameter of the purified water outlet pipe 102. The purpose of this setting is to minimize the water flow rate of the purified water return pipe 104, ensuring sufficient purified water to rinse the filter cartridge, without causing a significant drop in the water output of the purified water outlet pipe 102, which would affect the user experience.

[0075] For example, see reference Figure 1-4 A first check valve 12 is installed on the purified water return pipe 104 to control the unidirectional flow of purified water from the purified water outlet pipe 102 to the purified water inlet pipe 101, ensuring that the purified water returns to the inlet end of the purified water body 11. Optionally, the first check valve 12 is a solenoid valve. By using a solenoid valve, the purified water flow rate of the purified water return pipe 104 can be reasonably controlled to balance the flushing demand and the purified water output demand.

[0076] Optionally, a first switching valve 13 and a second check valve 14 are provided on the concentrate outlet pipeline 103. The first switching valve 13 is used to control the opening and closing of the concentrate outlet pipeline 103, and the second check valve 14 is used to control the unidirectional flow of concentrate from the concentrate outlet pipeline 103 to the water supply pipeline. In specific implementation, the first switching valve 13 can control whether the concentrate of the water purification module 100 is discharged according to different working modes, while the second check valve 14 ensures the unidirectional flow of concentrate in the concentrate outlet pipeline 103.

[0077] In this embodiment, the purified water inlet pipe 101 is further equipped with a second switching valve 15, a booster pump 17, a third check valve 16, and a high-pressure switch 18. The second switching valve 15 is used to control the opening and closing of the purified water inlet pipe 101; the booster pump 17 is used to control the water pressure entering the purified water body 11; the third check valve 16 is used to control the unidirectional flow of water from the purified water inlet pipe 101 to the purified water body 11; and the high-pressure switch 18 is used to control the opening and closing of the second switching valve 15. Optionally, the second switching valve 15 is a solenoid valve.

[0078] Optionally, the second switching valve 15, the booster pump 17, the third check valve 16, and the high-pressure switch 18 are sequentially arranged from upstream to downstream on the purified water inlet pipe 101. The control logic of the water purification module 100 during normal operation is as follows: When the user opens the faucet connected to the purified water outlet pipe 102, the pressure of the high-pressure switch 18 drops, detecting that the user has a need for purified water. The second switching valve 15 is then opened, and water begins to enter the purified water inlet pipe 101. Before entering the main water purification unit 11, the water is pressurized by the booster pump 17, allowing it to pass through the dense RO filter. Finally, purified water is output from the purified water outlet pipe 102, and concentrated water flows out from the concentrated water outlet pipe 103. When the user closes the faucet, the booster pump 17 continues to work, the pressure of the high-pressure switch 18 rises, and upon reaching a threshold, it is determined that the user has no need for purified water. The second switching valve 15 is then closed, the booster pump 17 stops working, and the water purification module 100 enters standby mode.

[0079] For example, a pre-filter assembly 19 is also provided on the purified water inlet pipe 101. The pre-filter assembly 19 is located upstream of the purified water body 11 and is used to pre-filter the water entering the purified water inlet pipe 101. Optionally, the pre-filter assembly 19 uses a composite filter element such as PP+C filter element, so there is no need for pre-pressurization. In this case, the pre-filter assembly 19 can be located between the booster pump 17 and the second switch valve 15.

[0080] In specific implementation, the end of the purified water return pipe 104 can be connected to the purified water inlet pipe 101 between the high-pressure switch 18 and the booster pump 17, or to the purified water inlet pipe 101 at the front end of the booster pump 17, or to other locations of the purified water inlet pipe 101. No specific limitations are made here.

[0081] Optionally, refer to Figure 3 When the water heater module 200 is equipped with a water heater return pipe 203, a return one-way valve 23 can be installed on the water heater return pipe 203 to control the one-way flow of water from the water heater outlet pipe 202 to the water heater inlet pipe 201.

[0082] In the specific implementation of the above embodiments, the technical features can be combined in any non-contradictory way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the above technical features are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features is not contradictory, it should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0083] The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control method for a water heater system, characterized in that, The water heater system includes a water purification module (100) and a water heater module (200). The water purification module (100) includes a water purification body (11), a water purification inlet pipe (101), a water purification outlet pipe (102), a concentrated water outlet pipe (103), and a water purification return pipe (104). The water purification return pipe (104) connects the water purification outlet pipe (102) and the water purification inlet pipe (101). The water heater module (200) includes at least a water heater body (21), a water heater inlet pipe (201), and a water heater outlet pipe (202). The concentrated water outlet pipe (103) and the purified water inlet pipe (101) are both connected to the same water supply pipe, and the connection point of the concentrated water outlet pipe (103) and the water supply pipe is located upstream of the connection point of the purified water inlet pipe (101) and the water supply pipe. The water supply pipeline is the inlet pipeline (201) of the water heater; or the water supply pipeline is the outlet pipeline (202) of the water heater; or The water heater module (200) also includes a water heater return pipe (203), which connects the water heater inlet pipe (201) and the water heater outlet pipe (202). The water supply pipe is the water heater return pipe (203). The control method for the water heater system includes: When there is a demand for purified water, the water purification module (100) is activated. The concentrated water flowing out of the concentrated water outlet pipe (103) mixes with the water in the water heater module (200) that enters the water supply pipe, and then re-enters the water purification module (100) as raw water. Part of the purified water flows out from the purified water outlet pipe (102), and the other part flows back to the water purification body (11) from the purified water return pipe (104) to rinse the water purification body (11). When there is a demand for hot water but no demand for purified water, the water heater module (200) operates normally, the water purification module (100) is started, and the purified water outlet pipe (102) is closed. The water flowing out of the concentrated water outlet pipe (103) mixes with the water in the water heater module (200) that enters the water supply pipe. Part of the mixture continues to enter the water heater module (200), and the other part enters the water purification module (100) to flush the main body of the water purification unit (11). After flushing, the water purification module (100) is turned off.

2. The control method for a water heater system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water purification module (100) also includes a water storage tank for storing purified water output from the purified water outlet pipe (102).

3. The control method for a water heater system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the purified water return pipe (104) is smaller than the diameter of the purified water outlet pipe (102).

4. The control method for a water heater system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first check valve (12) is installed on the purified water return pipe (104) to control the unidirectional flow of purified water from the purified water outlet pipe (102) to the purified water inlet pipe (101).

5. The control method for a water heater system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first switching valve (13) and a second check valve (14) are provided on the concentrate outlet pipeline (103). The first switching valve (13) is used to control the opening and closing of the concentrate outlet pipeline (103), and the second check valve (14) is used to control the unidirectional flow of concentrate from the concentrate outlet pipeline (103) to the water supply pipeline.

6. The control method for a water heater system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, A water pump (22) is installed on the water inlet pipe (201) of the water heater; or the water pump (22) is installed on the water outlet pipe (202) of the water heater.

7. The control method for a water heater system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The water heater module (200) also includes a water heater return pipe (203), which connects the water heater inlet pipe (201) and the water heater outlet pipe (202). A water pump (22) is installed on the water heater return pipe (203).

8. The control method for a water heater system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further includes: When the water supply pipeline is the water outlet pipeline (202) of the water heater, if the outlet water temperature of the water outlet pipeline (202) is higher than the first preset temperature, the water purification module (100) is restricted from starting when the water heater module (200) starts working. When the water supply pipeline is the water return pipeline (203) of the water heater, if the water temperature of the water return pipeline (203) is higher than the second preset temperature, the water purification module (100) will be restricted from starting when the water heater module (200) starts working.

9. The control method for a water heater system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water heater module (200) also includes a water heater return pipe (203), which is connected to the water heater inlet pipe (201) and the water heater outlet pipe (202). A water pump (22) is installed on the water heater inlet pipe (201), the water heater outlet pipe (202) or the water heater return pipe (203). If there is no water demand for a long time, the water pump (22) will start at regular intervals, and the water in the water heater module (200) will circulate internally to dilute the concentrated water flowing out of the water purification module (100) into the pipe network of the entire water heater module (200).

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