Flow adjusting device and water heater

Abstract

The invention discloses a flow adjusting device and a water heater, the flow adjusting device comprises a water path structure, the water path structure comprises a main water path channel, a first bypass channel and a second bypass channel, the first bypass channel and the second bypass channel are arranged in parallel, and the water inlet end of the first bypass channel and the water inlet end of the second bypass channel are both communicated with the main water path channel; and the bypass control valve is used for regulating and controlling the water flow passing through the first bypass channel. When the flow adjusting device is applied to the water heater, the constant temperature performance of the water heater can be improved, and the service life of the water heater can be prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, and in particular to a flow regulating device and a water heater. Background Art

[0002] At present, water heaters on the market are divided into models without bypass pipes and models with bypass pipes. Among them, for water heaters without bypass pipes, the temperature difference between the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe of the heat exchanger is large, and condensation water is easy to generate at the hot water pipe. In the long run, the surrounding area of ​​the hot water pipe will produce thermal fatigue and spread, affecting the overall service life of the heat exchanger. For water heaters with bypass pipes, most of them simply add cold water to the hot water outlet. When the water use environment (such as water temperature, water pressure, etc.) changes, it will affect the constant temperature effect of the water outlet to a certain extent; and some water heaters will have a large temperature rise or drop when they are started and stopped for the second time, and the constant temperature performance is poor, affecting the user experience. Summary of the invention

[0003] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a flow regulating device, which is intended to improve the constant temperature performance and service life of a water heater when applied to the water heater.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the flow regulating device proposed by the present invention comprises:

[0005] A water channel structure, comprising a main water channel, and a first bypass channel and a second bypass channel arranged in parallel, wherein a water inlet end of the first bypass channel and a water inlet end of the second bypass channel are both connected to the main water channel; and

[0006] The bypass control valve is used to regulate the water flow through the first bypass channel.

[0007] In one embodiment, the bypass control valve is used to open or close the first bypass channel to achieve water flow control; and / or, the bypass control valve is used to adjust the flow cross-sectional opening of the first bypass channel in an open state to achieve water flow control.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first bypass channel has a first water outlet, and the bypass control valve is used to open or close the first water outlet.

[0009] In one embodiment, the bypass control valve includes a first driving member, a first push rod and a first sealing member, the first driving member is drivingly connected to the first push rod, the first push rod is extended toward the first water outlet, the first sealing member is connected to one end of the first push rod close to the first water outlet, and the first driving member is used to drive the first push rod to perform telescopic movement to drive the first sealing member to open or close the first water outlet.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second bypass channel has a second water outlet, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second water outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first water outlet.

[0011] In one of the embodiments, the flow regulating device further includes a temperature sensor and a flow sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is used to detect the inlet water temperature of the main water channel, and the flow sensor is used to detect the inlet water flow of the main water channel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the main water channel includes a first main channel and a second main channel arranged in parallel, and the flow regulating device also includes a main control valve arranged in the first main channel, and the main control valve is used to regulate the water flow through the first main channel, and the water inlet end of the first bypass channel and the water inlet end of the second bypass channel are both connected to the second main channel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first main channel has a third water outlet, and the main control valve is used to open or close the third water outlet.

[0014] In one embodiment, the main control valve includes a second driving member, a second push rod and a second sealing member, the second driving member is drivingly connected to the second push rod, the second push rod is extended toward the third water outlet, the second sealing member is connected to one end of the second push rod close to the third water outlet, and the second driving member is used to drive the second push rod to perform telescopic movement to drive the second sealing member to open or close the third water outlet.

[0015] In one embodiment, the flow regulating device further includes a flow stabilizing component, and the flow stabilizing component is located in the second main channel, or the flow stabilizing component is located upstream of the intersection of the water inlet end of the first main channel and the water inlet end of the second main channel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the bypass control valve and / or the main control valve is a solenoid valve.

[0017] In one embodiment, the flow regulating device includes a valve body, the valve body constructs the water channel structure, and the bypass control valve is installed on the valve body.

[0018] The present invention also provides a water heater, comprising the flow regulating device as described above.

[0019] The present invention also provides a water heater, comprising:

[0020] Heat exchangers;

[0021] a water inlet pipe, connected to the water inlet end of the heat exchanger;

[0022] a water outlet pipe connected to the water outlet end of the heat exchanger; and

[0023] As for the flow regulating device as described above, the water outlet end of the main water channel is connected to the heat exchanger via the water inlet pipe, and the water outlet ends of the first bypass channel and the second bypass channel are connected to the water outlet pipe through connecting pipes.

[0024] The flow regulating device of the technical solution of the present invention comprises a main water channel, a first bypass channel and a second bypass channel, the water inlet ends of the first bypass channel and the second bypass channel are both connected to the main water channel, and a bypass control valve for controlling the first bypass channel is also provided. In this way, the first bypass channel is a flow adjustable channel controlled by the bypass control valve, and the second bypass channel is a normally open channel. In this way, the flow control of the bypass water channel formed by the combination of the first bypass channel and the second bypass channel can be realized by only controlling the flow of the first bypass channel through the bypass control valve. When the flow regulating device is applied to a water heater, the water heater can have a bypass water mixing function, and the bypass water mixing flow can also be adjusted, so that the water outlet constant temperature effect of the water heater in the application scenarios such as the fluctuation of the water use environment and the secondary start and stop of the water heater can be effectively improved, and the constant temperature performance of the water heater can be improved; and the flow regulating device can also effectively reduce the temperature difference between the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe of the heat exchanger, reduce the generation of condensed water, and thus improve the service life of the heat exchanger and the water heater. In addition, since the second bypass channel inside the flow regulating device always remains in a normally open state, it can ensure that the water heater has a certain bypass water mixing function in any usage scenario, and it can also avoid the bypass water mixing function from failing when the bypass control valve cannot open the first bypass channel due to a malfunction. In this way, the constant temperature performance of the water heater can be made more stable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying creative work.

[0026] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a flow regulating device of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the waterway structure of the medium flow regulating device;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the medium flow regulating device;

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the middle valve body;

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial enlarged structural diagram of the middle valve body (where a~f~e are the first main channel);

[0031] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A partial enlarged structural diagram of the middle valve body (where a to e are the second main channel);

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 4 A partial enlarged structural diagram of the middle valve body (where a~b~d are the first bypass channel);

[0033] Figure 8 for Figure 4 A partial enlarged structural diagram of the middle valve body (where a~c~d are the second bypass channel);

[0034] Fig. 9 It is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a water heater of the present invention;

[0035] Fig.10 for Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of the water circuit structure of the water heater;

[0036] Fig.11 Schematic diagram of heat exchange between the water heater's heat exchanger and combustion flue gas.

[0037] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0038] Label name Label name 100 Flow regulating device 30 Main control valve 10 Valve body 31 Second driving member 101 Water inlet port 32 Second putt 102 Water outlet port 33 Second support 103 Bypass port 34 Second seal 104 The first water outlet 40 Flow stabilizing components 105 The second water outlet 50 Temperature Sensor 106 The third water outlet 60 Flow Sensors 11 Main waterway 61 Rotor 111 First main road 62 Hall element 112 Second main road channel 1000 Water Heater 12 Bypass waterway 200 Heat Exchanger 121 First bypass channel 210 Heat exchanger 122 Second bypass channel 220 Cold water pipe 20 Bypass control valve 230 Hot water pipe 21 First drive member 300 Water inlet pipe 22 First putt 400 Outlet pipe 23 The first support 500 Connecting pipe 24 First seal

[0039] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components in a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0042] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features limited to "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In addition, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears in the full text, its meaning includes three parallel solutions. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes solution A, solution B, or solutions that satisfy both A and B. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0043] The present invention provides a flow regulating device 100. The flow regulating device 100 can be used in a water heater 1000, wherein the water heater 1000 includes but is not limited to a gas water heater, an electric water heater, a solar water heater, etc. Of course, the flow regulating device 100 can also be applied to other hot water systems that need to realize a bypass water mixing function. The following mainly takes the application of the flow regulating device 100 in the water heater 1000 as an example for description.

[0044] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the water heater 1000 generally includes a heater (not shown), a heat exchanger 200, a water inlet pipe 300 and a water outlet pipe 400. The water inlet pipe 300 is connected to the water inlet end of the heat exchanger 200, and the water outlet pipe 400 is connected to the water outlet end of the heat exchanger 200. The heater is used to generate heat to exchange heat with the water flowing through the heat exchanger 200. When the water heater 1000 is working, cold water can be transported to the heat exchanger 200 through the water inlet pipe 300, and hot water is generated after heat exchange in the heat exchanger 200 and output from the water outlet pipe 400. Fig.11 As shown, taking the gas water heater 1000 as an example, the heater is specifically a burner. The gas is burned by the burner to generate high-temperature flue gas, which diffuses to the surface of the heat exchanger 200 to achieve heat exchange with the water flow inside the heat exchanger 200.

[0045] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow regulating device 100 includes a water channel structure and a bypass control valve 20. The water channel structure includes a main water channel 11, and a first bypass channel 121 and a second bypass channel 122 arranged in parallel, the water inlet end of the first bypass channel 121 and the water inlet end of the second bypass channel 122 are both connected to the main water channel 11; the bypass control valve 20 is used to regulate the water flow through the first bypass channel 121.

[0046] Specifically, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, when the flow regulating device 100 is applied to the above-mentioned water heater 1000, the flow regulating device 100 can be connected between the water inlet pipe 300 and the water outlet pipe 400 of the water heater 1000, wherein the main water channel 11 can be connected to the water inlet end of the heat exchanger 200 via the water inlet pipe 300, the water outlet end of the first bypass channel 121 and the water outlet end of the second bypass channel 122 can be connected to the water outlet pipe 400, and the bypass control valve 20 can be electrically connected to the controller (such as the main control board) of the water heater 1000, and the working state of the bypass control valve 20 is controlled by the controller. In the water channel structure of the flow regulating device 100, the first bypass channel 121 is an adjustable channel (such as the main control board) controlled by the bypass control valve 20. Fig.10 b to d channels shown in FIG), the second bypass channel 122 is a normally open channel (such as Fig.10 Thus, the bypass waterway channel 12 formed by the first bypass channel 121 and the second bypass channel 122 can be controlled by controlling the flow rate of the first bypass channel 121 through the bypass control valve 20 .

[0047] There are many ways to construct the water channel structure of the flow regulating device 100. For example, the flow regulating device 100 may include a single valve body 10, and the main water channel 11, the first bypass channel 121 and the second bypass channel 122 are constructed inside the valve body 10; for another example, the flow regulating device 100 may include two valve bodies 10 arranged separately, one of which has a main water channel 11 (for example, it may include a first main channel 111 and a second main channel 112 arranged in parallel), and the other valve body 10 has a first bypass channel 121 and a second bypass channel 122. The two valve bodies 10 may be connected by port docking or pipes. For another example, the flow regulating device 100 may include a plurality of independent pipe bodies, and corresponding channels (such as the main water channel 11, the first bypass channel 121, the second bypass channel 122, etc.) are formed inside each pipe body, which is not specifically limited here.

[0048] It should be noted that the bypass control valve 20 is used to regulate the water flow through the first bypass channel 121. It should be understood that under the control of the bypass control valve 20, the water flow through the first bypass channel 121 can be changed to a certain extent. The change in water flow here can be a change between no flow and flow, or a change between a large flow and a small flow when there is flow. For example, in this embodiment, the bypass control valve 20 can be used to open or close the first bypass channel 121 to achieve water flow regulation. When the bypass control valve 20 opens the first bypass channel 121, the water in the main waterway channel 11 can be transported to the water outlet pipe 400 via the first bypass channel 121; when the bypass control valve 20 closes the first bypass channel 121, the water in the main waterway channel 11 cannot be transported to the water outlet pipe 400 via the first bypass channel 121. Of course, in some embodiments, the bypass control valve 20 can also be used to adjust the opening of the flow section of the first bypass channel 121 in an open state to achieve water flow control. When the flow of the first bypass channel 121 needs to be increased, the bypass control valve 20 can be used to control the opening of the flow section of the first bypass channel 121 to increase, thereby achieving the adjustment of the water flow in the first bypass channel 121.

[0049] Several application scenarios of the water heater 1000 having the flow regulating device 100 are described below by way of example.

[0050] In application scenarios where the water use environment fluctuates. For example, during the use of the water heater 1000, due to the fluctuations in the user's water inlet pressure and water inlet temperature, the hot water temperature output by the water heater 1000 also fluctuates to a certain extent, affecting the user's water use experience. Based on this poor water use scenario, the flow regulating device 100 can compensate for the fluctuations in its outlet water temperature. Taking the gas water heater 1000 as an example, when the water inlet pressure and water inlet temperature fluctuate, the water inlet pressure can be stabilized by the flow stabilizing component 40 of the water heater 1000. At the same time, the controller collects parameters such as the water inlet temperature and water inlet flow as basic parameters, and then adjusts the opening of the gas proportional valve of the water heater 1000 through logical calculation, so as to achieve a constant water outlet temperature effect. On this basis, when the gas proportional valve opening adjustment reaches the adjustment limit, the water flow through the first bypass channel 121 can also be regulated by the bypass control valve 20 (for example, the bypass control valve 20 controls the first bypass channel 121 to open or close), thereby achieving the regulation of the water flow of the bypass waterway channel 12 formed by the first bypass channel 121 and the second bypass channel 122. In this way, the flow regulating device 100 can make up for the limitations of the gas proportional valve opening adjustment, and the two-pronged approach can effectively improve the conventional water outlet constant temperature performance of the water heater 1000.

[0051] In the application scenario of the water heater 1000 being started and stopped twice. Taking the gas water heater 1000 as an example, when the user turns off the water after using the water heater 1000 and turns on the water again in a short time, the outlet water temperature will rise first because the system has just been ignited and heated, and the heat exchanger 200 has thermal inertia. Later, the controller participates in the calculation and performs certain logical control and adjustment. After the outlet water temperature rises to a certain temperature, it will drop, and then it will tend to a constant temperature (different machines have different degrees of temperature rise and temperature drop). Based on the water use scenario of starting and stopping twice, the flow regulating device 100 can compensate for the fluctuations of temperature rise and temperature drop, so as to improve the user's poor water use experience during the second start and stop period. For example, during the secondary start and stop, the controller of the water heater 1000 collects relevant parameters (including but not limited to water inlet temperature, heat exchanger temperature, water outlet temperature, water inlet flow rate, set temperature, etc.), and the controller controls the bypass control valve 20 through a certain control logic, and regulates the water flow rate through the first bypass channel 121 through the bypass control valve 20. For example, during the short-term temperature rise process of the water outlet pipe 400 of the water heater 1000, the bypass control valve 20 can be used to control the first bypass channel 121 to open, so that the main water channel 11 The cold water in the main water channel 11 can be simultaneously transported to the water outlet pipe 400 through the first bypass channel 121 and the second bypass channel 122 to achieve large-flow water mixing, thereby avoiding excessive temperature rise; when the temperature of the water outlet pipe 400 of the water heater 1000 decreases, the first bypass channel 121 can be controlled to be closed through the bypass control valve 20, so that the cold water in the main water channel 11 can only be transported to the water outlet pipe 400 through the second bypass channel 122 to achieve small-flow water mixing, thereby avoiding excessive temperature drop; in this way, the temperature rise and temperature drop of the hot water can be effectively reduced, and the start-stop constant temperature effect can be achieved.

[0052] In addition, for a conventional gas water heater 1000, as Fig.11 As shown, the heat exchanger 200 includes a heat exchange tube and a heat exchange plate 210 sleeved on the outer periphery of the heat exchange tube. The heat exchange tube includes a cold water pipe 220 and a hot water pipe 230. Due to the large temperature difference between the cold water pipe 220 and the hot water pipe 230 (relatively speaking), condensed water will be generated at the hot water pipe 230 under the action of the high-temperature flue gas generated by combustion. In the long run, the surrounding area of ​​the hot water pipe 230 will produce thermal fatigue and spread, affecting the overall service life of the heat exchanger 200. Based on the mechanism that the large temperature difference between the cold and hot pipes causes condensed water, the water heater 1000 can mix water in the hot water pipe 230 through the bypass water channel 12 of the flow regulating device 100 during use, reduce the temperature difference between the cold and hot pipes, and then reduce the generation of condensed water, thereby improving the service life of the heat exchanger 200. For example, in the cold winter, due to the low inlet water temperature, the bypass control valve 20 can be used to control the first bypass channel 121 to open, thereby increasing the mixed water flow rate and further reducing the risk of condensation water in the heat exchanger 210 and pipelines, thereby further improving the service life of the heat exchanger 200.

[0053] The flow regulating device 100 of the technical solution of the present invention comprises a main waterway channel 11, a first bypass channel 121 and a second bypass channel 122. The water inlet ends of the first bypass channel 121 and the second bypass channel 122 are both connected to the main waterway channel 11, and a bypass control valve 20 is also provided for controlling the first bypass channel 121. In this way, the first bypass channel 121 is a flow adjustable channel controlled by the bypass control valve 20, and the second bypass channel 122 is a normally open channel. In this way, the flow control of the bypass waterway channel 12 formed by the combination of the first bypass channel 121 and the second bypass channel 122 can be realized by only controlling the flow of the first bypass channel 121 through the bypass control valve 20. When the flow regulating device 100 is applied to the water heater 1000, the water heater 1000 can have a bypass water mixing function, and can also adjust the bypass water mixing flow, so as to effectively improve the constant temperature effect of the water outlet of the water heater 1000 in the application scenarios such as the fluctuation of the water use environment and the secondary start and stop of the water heater 1000, and improve the constant temperature performance of the water heater 1000; and the flow regulating device 100 can also effectively reduce the temperature difference between the cold water pipe 220 and the hot water pipe 230 of the heat exchanger 200, reduce the generation of condensed water, and thus improve the service life of the heat exchanger 200 and the water heater 1000. In addition, since the second bypass channel 122 of the flow regulating device 100 is always kept in a normally open state, it can be ensured that the water heater 1000 has a certain bypass water mixing function in any use scenario, and it can also avoid the bypass water mixing function from failing when the bypass control valve 20 fails to open the first bypass channel 121, so that the constant temperature performance of the water heater 1000 can be made more stable.

[0054] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the first bypass channel 121 has a first water port 104, and the bypass control valve 20 is used to open or close the first water port 104. In this way, when the water inlet flow rate remains unchanged, when the bypass mixed water volume needs to be increased, the bypass control valve 20 controls the opening of the first water port 104, and the first bypass channel 121 and the second bypass channel 122 simultaneously carry out water flow transportation, and at this time the overall bypass mixed water volume is large; when the bypass mixed water volume needs to be reduced, the bypass control valve 20 controls the closing of the first water port 104, and only the second bypass channel 122 carries out water flow transportation, and at this time the overall bypass mixed water volume is small. The bypass waterway structure is simple and easy to control. Optionally, the bypass control valve 20 adopts a solenoid valve. For example, the bypass control valve 20 can adopt a normally closed solenoid valve, and the first water port 104 remains closed when the solenoid valve is powered off, and the first water port 104 is opened when the solenoid valve is powered on.

[0055] like Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment, the bypass control valve 20 includes a first driving member 21, a first push rod 22 and a first sealing member 24, the first driving member 21 is drivingly connected to the first push rod 22, the first push rod 22 is extended toward the first water outlet 104, the first sealing member 24 is connected to one end of the first push rod 22 close to the first water outlet 104, and the first driving member 21 is used to drive the first push rod 22 to perform telescopic movement to drive the first sealing member 24 to open or close the first water outlet 104.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first driving member 21 drives the first push rod 22 to perform telescopic movement, and then the first push rod 22 drives the first sealing member 24 to approach or move away from the first water outlet 104, so that the first sealing member 24 can block or open the first water outlet 104. When the first sealing member 24 blocks the first water outlet 104, the first bypass channel 121 is in a closed state, and when the first sealing member 24 opens the first water outlet 104, the first bypass channel 121 is in an open state. The first sealing member 24 is used to block the first water outlet 104, which can achieve good sealing performance. Among them, the first sealing member 24 includes but is not limited to being made of flexible materials with good sealing performance such as rubber and silicone. In order to facilitate the connection between the first sealing member 24 and the first push rod 22, optionally, a first support 23 is provided at one end of the first push rod 22 close to the first water outlet 104, and the first sealing member 24 is connected and fixed to the first support 23.

[0057] There are many ways for the first driving member 21 to drive the first push rod 22 to achieve telescopic movement. For example, in this embodiment, the bypass control valve 20 can adopt a solenoid valve. Accordingly, the first driving member 21 can be the electromagnetic coil of the electromagnetic valve, and the first push rod 22 is the iron core arranged in the electromagnetic coil. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, the iron core is driven to move. Of course, in other embodiments, the first driving member 21 can also adopt other mechanical structures to drive the first push rod 22 to perform telescopic movement. Specifically, the bypass control valve 20 can adopt a normally closed electromagnetic valve. When the bypass control valve 20 is energized, the first push rod 22 of the bypass control valve 20 together with the first support 23 drives the first sealing member 24 to move to the extreme position to open the first water port 104, that is, to meet the requirements of reducing the secondary start-stop temperature rise.

[0058] like Figure 4 and Figure 8As shown, in one embodiment, the second bypass channel 122 has a second water outlet 105, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second water outlet 105 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first water outlet 104. With such a design, when the first water outlet 104 is closed, the second bypass channel 122 can always maintain a relatively small bypass flow, and a certain bypass water mixing function can be achieved in any scenario. When the first water outlet 104 is opened, the bypass water mixing volume can be greatly increased to meet the application scenario that requires large-volume water mixing. In this way, through the cooperation of a normally open channel (the second bypass channel 122) and an adjustable channel (the first bypass channel 121), the bypass water mixing volume can be adjusted within a larger range by simply controlling the opening and closing of the first bypass channel 121 through the bypass control valve 20. The control method is simple and can well meet different application scenarios. Among them, the cross-sectional shapes of the first water outlet 104 and the second water outlet 105 can be designed as circular, square or other special-shaped cross-sections, which are not specifically limited here.

[0059] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the flow regulating device 100 further includes a temperature sensor 50 and a flow sensor 60 , wherein the temperature sensor 50 is used to detect the inlet water temperature of the main water channel 11 , and the flow sensor 60 is used to detect the inlet water flow of the main water channel 11 .

[0060] In this embodiment, when the flow regulating device 100 is applied to the water heater 1000, the temperature sensor 50 and the flow sensor 60 can be respectively used to be electrically connected to the controller of the water heater 1000. When the water heater 1000 is working, the temperature sensor 50 detects the water inlet temperature of the main water channel 11 and feeds it back to the controller, and the flow sensor 60 detects the water inlet flow of the main water channel 11 and feeds it back to the controller. The controller uses the collected water inlet temperature and water inlet flow as basic parameters, and can control the working state of each control valve of the water heater 1000 through logical calculation to ensure constant temperature performance. Taking the gas water heater 1000 as an example, the controller adjusts the opening of the gas proportional valve through logical calculation according to the basic parameters to ensure constant water outlet temperature. On this basis, when the gas proportional valve opening adjustment reaches the adjustment limit, the controller controls the bypass control valve 20 to control the flow of the first bypass channel 121, thereby achieving a better water outlet constant temperature effect in two ways. Among them, the flow sensor 60 can specifically use a rotor 61 and a Hall element 62 to achieve flow detection, or it can also achieve flow detection through other forms of sensors; the temperature sensor 50 can specifically use a thermocouple temperature sensor, or a thermistor temperature sensor, etc., which is not specifically limited here.

[0061] like Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment, the main water channel 11 includes a first main channel 111 and a second main channel 112 arranged in parallel, and the flow regulating device 100 also includes a main control valve 30, and the main control valve 30 is used to regulate the water flow through the first main channel 111, and the water inlet end of the first bypass channel 121 and the water inlet end of the second bypass channel 122 are both connected to the second main channel 112.

[0062] In this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, the water inlet end of the first bypass channel 121 is connected to the second main channel 112 at point b, and the water inlet end of the second bypass channel 122 is connected to the second main channel 112 at point a. Of course, the water inlet end of the first bypass channel 121 and the water inlet end of the second bypass channel 122 can also meet at the same point to connect to the second main channel 112. The main water channel 11 includes two main channels arranged in parallel, one of which is the first main channel 111 (as shown in FIG. 1 ) controlled by the main control valve 30. Fig.10 The other main channel is a normally open channel formed by the second main channel 112 (such as a to f to e channels shown in FIG. Fig.10 In this way, the flow rate of the main water channel 11 formed by the combination of the first main channel 111 and the second main channel 112 can be controlled by only controlling the opening and closing of the first main channel 111 through the main control valve 30. For example, when it is necessary to increase the flow rate of the main water channel 11, the main control valve 30 controls the first main channel 111 to open, and at this time, the first main channel 111 and the second main channel 112 simultaneously carry out water flow transportation; when it is necessary to reduce the flow rate of the main water channel 11, the main control valve 30 controls the first main channel 111 to close, and at this time, only the second main channel 112 carries out water flow transportation. In addition, in this embodiment, the main water channel 11 includes an adjustable channel (i.e., the first main channel 111) controlled by the main control valve 30, and a normally open channel (i.e., the second main channel 112), and the bypass water channel 12 includes an adjustable channel (i.e., the first bypass channel 121) controlled by the bypass control valve 20, and a normally open channel (i.e., the second bypass channel 122), so that the water flow rates of the main water channel and the bypass water channel can be adjusted. By coordinating the control of the main water channel and the bypass water channel, the water heater 1000 can meet more application scenarios and further improve the constant temperature performance of the water heater 1000.

[0063] like Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, the first main channel 111 has a third water port 106, and the main control valve 30 is used to open or close the third water port 106. In this way, when the main waterway flow needs to be increased, the main control valve 30 controls the opening of the third water port 106, and the first main channel 111 and the second main channel 112 simultaneously carry out water flow transmission, and at this time the overall main waterway flow is large; when the main waterway flow needs to be reduced, the main control valve 30 controls the closing of the third water port 106, and only the second main channel 112 carries out water flow transmission, and at this time the overall main waterway flow is small. The main waterway structure is simple and easy to control. Optionally, the main control valve 30 adopts a solenoid valve. For example, the main control valve 30 can adopt a normally open solenoid valve, and the third water port 106 remains open when the solenoid valve is powered off, and the third water port 106 is closed when the solenoid valve is powered on.

[0064] The structure of the main control valve 30 may be similar to that of the bypass control valve 20. Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the main control valve 30 includes a second driving member 31, a second push rod 32 and a second sealing member 34. The second driving member 31 is drivingly connected to the second push rod 32. The second push rod 32 is extended toward the third water outlet 106. The second sealing member 34 is connected to one end of the second push rod 32 close to the third water outlet 106. The second driving member 31 is used to drive the second push rod 32 to perform telescopic movement to drive the second sealing member 34 to open or close the third water outlet 106.

[0065] In this embodiment, the second driving member 31 drives the second push rod 32 to perform telescopic movement, and then the second push rod 32 drives the second sealing member 34 to approach or move away from the third water outlet 106, so that the second sealing member 34 can block or open the third water outlet 106. When the second sealing member 34 blocks the third water outlet 106, the first main road channel 111 is in a closed state, and when the second sealing member 34 opens the third water outlet 106, the first main road channel 111 is in an open state. The second sealing member 34 is used to block the third water outlet 106, which can achieve good sealing performance. Among them, the second sealing member 34 includes but is not limited to being made of flexible materials with good sealing performance such as rubber and silicone. In order to facilitate the connection between the second sealing member 34 and the second push rod 32, optionally, a second support 33 is provided at one end of the second push rod 32 close to the third water outlet 106, and the second sealing member 34 is connected and fixed to the second support 33.

[0066] There are many ways for the second driving member 31 to drive the second push rod 32 to achieve telescopic movement. For example, in this embodiment, the main control valve 30 can adopt a solenoid valve. Accordingly, the second driving member 31 can be the solenoid coil of the solenoid valve, and the second push rod 32 is the iron core arranged in the solenoid coil. When the solenoid coil is energized, the iron core is driven to move. Of course, in other embodiments, the second driving member 31 can also adopt other mechanical structures to drive the second push rod 32 to perform telescopic movement. Specifically, the main control valve 30 can adopt a normally open solenoid valve. When the main control valve 30 is energized, the second push rod 32 of the main control valve 30 together with the second support 33 drives the second sealing member 34 to move to the extreme position to close the third water outlet 106, that is, to meet the hot water temperature requirement.

[0067] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the flow regulating device 100 further includes a flow stabilizing component 40, and the flow stabilizing component 40 is located in the second main channel 112, or the flow stabilizing component 40 is located upstream of the intersection of the water inlet end of the first main channel 111 and the water inlet end of the second main channel 112. Figure 2 As shown, the flow stabilizing component 40 can be set between b and e, or between a and b, or between the cold water inlet end and point a. When the inlet flow rate and inlet temperature fluctuate, the flow stabilizing component 40 first acts to stabilize the pressure, which can play a certain role in stabilizing the flow.

[0068] Considering the convenience of practical application, Figures 1 to 8 As shown, based on the above embodiments, in one embodiment, the flow regulating device 100 includes a valve body 10 , the valve body 10 constructs the water channel structure, and the bypass control valve 20 is installed on the valve body 10 .

[0069] Specifically, in this embodiment, the valve body 10 has a water inlet port 101, a water outlet port 102 and a bypass port 103, and the main waterway channel 11, the first bypass channel 121 and the second bypass channel 122 are constructed inside the valve body 10. The main waterway channel 11 connects the water inlet port 101 and the water outlet port 102, the first bypass channel 121 and the second bypass channel 122 are connected in parallel between the main waterway channel 11 and the bypass port 103, and the bypass control valve 20 is installed on the valve body 10. In this way, the various channels of the waterway structure are integrated into one by a single valve body 10, and the valve body 10 can also be used as a mounting carrier of the bypass control valve 20, and the overall structure is more compact, occupies less space, and is more convenient to assemble with external pipelines.

[0070] In addition, in some embodiments, the main control valve 30, the flow stabilizing component 40, the temperature sensor 50, the flow sensor 60 and other components can be integrated and installed on the valve body 10, and the integration is higher. Figure 1 As shown, the water inlet port 101 and the water outlet port 102 are arranged on opposite sides of the valve body 10 along the first direction, the main control valve 30 and the bypass control valve 20 are arranged on opposite sides of the valve body 10 along the second direction, and the bypass port 103 is arranged on one side of the valve body 10 along the third direction, wherein the first direction, the second direction and the third direction intersect each other. In this way, the arrangement of the ports and control valves of the flow control device 100 is more regular, and the various surfaces of the valve body 10 can be fully utilized, so that the structure of the entire flow control device 100 is more compact, the occupied space is smaller, and it is also convenient for each port to be connected to the external pipeline.

[0071] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the present invention also proposes a water heater 1000, including a flow regulating device 100. The specific structure of the flow regulating device 100 refers to the above embodiment. Since the water heater 1000 adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it at least has all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here. Among them, the water heater 1000 includes but is not limited to a gas water heater, an electric water heater, a solar water heater, etc.

[0072] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the present invention also proposes a water heater 1000, including a heat exchanger 200, a water inlet pipe 300, a water outlet pipe 400 and a flow regulating device 100. The water inlet pipe 300 is connected to the water inlet end of the heat exchanger 200; the water outlet pipe 400 is connected to the water outlet end of the heat exchanger 200; the water outlet end of the main water channel 11 of the flow regulating device 100 is connected to the heat exchanger 200 via the water inlet pipe 300, and the water outlet end of the first bypass channel 121 and the water outlet end of the second bypass channel 122 are connected to the water outlet pipe 400 through a connecting pipe 500. The specific structure of the flow regulating device 100 refers to the above embodiment. Since the water heater 1000 adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here. Among them, the water heater 1000 includes but is not limited to a gas water heater, an electric water heater, a solar water heater, etc.

[0073] Specifically, Fig. 9As shown, in this embodiment, the water outlet end of the first bypass channel 121 and the water outlet end of the second bypass channel 122 meet to form a bypass port 103, and the bypass port 103 can be connected to the water outlet pipe 400 through a connecting pipe 500. Among them, the specific material and connection method of the connecting pipe 500 can be selected according to actual needs. The connecting pipe 500 can be a hard pipe or a hose, and its material can be metal or plastic. In addition, the connecting pipe 500 and the bypass port 103 or the water outlet pipe 400 are connected and fixed by means of, but not limited to, latches, buckles, retaining springs, screws, etc.

[0074] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural changes made by using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or directly / indirectly applied in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flow regulating device, characterized in that: include: A water channel structure, comprising a main water channel, and a first bypass channel and a second bypass channel arranged in parallel, wherein a water inlet end of the first bypass channel and a water inlet end of the second bypass channel are both connected to the main water channel; as well as The bypass control valve is used to regulate the water flow through the first bypass channel.

2. The flow regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bypass control valve is used to open or close the first bypass channel to achieve water flow control; and / or, the bypass control valve is used to adjust the flow cross-sectional opening of the first bypass channel in an open state to achieve water flow control.

3. The flow regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first bypass channel has a first water outlet, and the bypass control valve is used to open or close the first water outlet.

4. The flow regulating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bypass control valve includes a first driving member, a first push rod and a first sealing member. The first driving member is drivingly connected to the first push rod. The first push rod is extended toward the first water outlet. The first sealing member is connected to one end of the first push rod close to the first water outlet. The first driving member is used to drive the first push rod to perform telescopic movement to drive the first sealing member to open or close the first water outlet.

5. The flow regulating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second bypass channel has a second water outlet, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second water outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first water outlet.

6. The flow regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a temperature sensor and a flow sensor. The temperature sensor is used to detect the water inlet temperature of the main water channel, and the flow sensor is used to detect the water inlet flow of the main water channel.

7. The flow regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main water channel includes a first main channel and a second main channel arranged in parallel, and the flow regulating device also includes a main control valve, which is used to regulate the water flow through the first main channel. The water inlet end of the first bypass channel and the water inlet end of the second bypass channel are both connected to the second main channel.

8. The flow regulating device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first main channel has a third water outlet, and the main control valve is used to open or close the third water outlet.

9. The flow regulating device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The main control valve includes a second driving member, a second push rod and a second sealing member. The second driving member is drivingly connected to the second push rod. The second push rod is extended toward the third water outlet. The second sealing member is connected to one end of the second push rod close to the third water outlet. The second driving member is used to drive the second push rod to perform telescopic movement to drive the second sealing member to open or close the third water outlet.

10. The flow regulating device according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a flow stabilizing component, which is located in the second main channel, or the flow stabilizing component is located upstream of the intersection of the water inlet end of the first main channel and the water inlet end of the second main channel.

11. The flow regulating device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bypass control valve and / or the main line control valve are electromagnetic valves.

12. The flow regulating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The flow regulating device comprises a valve body, the valve body constructs the water channel structure, and the bypass control valve is installed on the valve body.

13. A water heater, characterized in that: It comprises a flow regulating device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A water heater, characterized in that: include: Heat exchangers; a water inlet pipe, connected to the water inlet end of the heat exchanger; A water outlet pipe, connected to the water outlet end of the heat exchanger; as well as According to the flow regulating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, the water outlet end of the main water channel is connected to the heat exchanger via the water inlet pipe, and the water outlet ends of the first bypass channel and the water outlet ends of the second bypass channel are connected to the water outlet pipe through connecting pipes.

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