Water heater

Abstract

The invention discloses a water heater, and relates to the technical field of water heating equipment. The water heater comprises a heating main machine, a water storage device, a water outlet pipeline and a water inlet pipeline. The water storage device is used for being connected with a water supply pipeline. One end of the water outlet pipeline is communicated with the heating host, and the other end is communicated with the water storage device; the water inlet pipeline comprises a first main pipeline and a first sub-pipeline connected to the first main pipeline in parallel, the first main pipeline is provided with a first valve body, the first sub-pipeline is provided with a second valve body, one end of the first main pipeline is connected and communicated with the heating main machine, and the other end of the first main pipeline is communicated with the water storage device and an external water source. The water inlet pipeline is designed to comprise the first main pipeline and the first sub-pipeline, the first main pipeline can be communicated with the water storage device and the external water source, water inlet control of circulating water inlet and water replenishing of the external water source can be achieved through the first valve body and the second valve body, the pipeline and valve body structures can be simplified, and the production cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of hot water equipment, and in particular to a water heater. Background Art

[0002] This section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] The main function of a water heater is to heat water and provide hot water supply, which is widely used in households, commercial and industrial places. First, it meets the needs of daily life and provides necessary hot water for activities such as bathing, washing and cooking, thereby improving the comfort of living and use. Secondly, the water heater can provide hot water quickly, saving waiting time and improving the use efficiency.

[0004] Take the direct heat circulation heat pump water heater as an example. The direct heat circulation heat pump water heater is a device that uses heat pump technology to heat water. It heats water by absorbing low-temperature heat from the external environment, compressing and heating it, and then releasing high-temperature heat.

[0005] Direct-heating circulation water heaters have two heating modes: circulation heating and direct-heating heating. Usually, they need to be equipped with a water supply pipeline and a circulation pipeline connected to a water storage device to be compatible with different flow designs. In addition, a variety of valve body structures are configured on the water supply pipeline and the circulation pipeline, which makes the water heater pipeline layout and installation complicated and the production cost high. Summary of the invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to at least solve the problem of complicated water heater pipe layout and installation and high production cost. This purpose is achieved through the following technical solutions: The present invention proposes a water heater, comprising a heating main unit, a water storage device, a water outlet pipeline and a water inlet pipeline, wherein the water storage device is used to connect a water supply pipeline; one end of the water outlet pipeline is connected to the heating main unit, and the other end is connected to the water storage device; the water inlet pipeline comprises a first main pipeline and a first sub-pipeline, one end of the first sub-pipeline is connected to a first part of the first main pipeline, and the other end of the first sub-pipeline is connected to a second part of the first main pipeline, the first main pipeline is provided with a first valve body, the first valve body is used to control the flow of the first main pipeline, the first sub-pipeline is provided with a second valve body, the second valve body is used to control the flow of the first sub-pipeline, one end of the first main pipeline is connected and communicated with the heating main unit, and the other end is connected to the water storage device and an external water source, and the first part and the second part are located between one end of the first main pipeline and the other end of the first main pipeline.

[0007] By adopting the above technical scheme, the present invention designs the water inlet pipeline of the water heater to include a first main pipeline and a first sub-pipeline. The first main pipeline can be connected to the water storage device and the external water source respectively, and the circulating water inlet and the external water source water replenishment water inlet control can be realized by controlling the first valve body and the second valve body. Compared with the original method in which the water replenishment pipeline and the circulation pipeline exist at the same time, the pipeline and valve body structure can be simplified and the production cost can be reduced.

[0008] In addition, the water heater provided according to the present invention may also have the following additional technical features: In some embodiments of the present invention, the first valve body is an openable and closable valve body, and the first valve body is configured to be able to move between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the first main line is connected to the heating host, and in the closed state, the first main line is disconnected from the heating host.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the first valve body is designed as an openable and closable valve body. By closing the first valve body, the direct heating water of the first sub-pipeline is prevented from flowing back through the parallel pipe section. Compared with a mechanical one-way valve for one-way conduction, it has better stability.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first valve body is a solenoid valve.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the first valve body is designed as a solenoid valve, which has the characteristics of fast response, precise control, long service life and high safety.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second valve body is an openable and closable valve body, and the second valve body is configured to be able to move between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the first sub-pipeline is connected to the heating main unit, and in the closed state, the first sub-pipeline is disconnected from the heating main unit.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the second valve body is designed as an openable and closable valve body, which can directly close the first sub-pipeline when needed.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second valve body is a temperature regulating valve, and a temperature detection structure is provided inside the temperature regulating valve.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the second valve body is designed as a temperature regulating valve. The temperature regulating valve can control the flow of the first sub-pipeline according to the water temperature information detected by the temperature detection structure. The flow regulation of the first sub-pipeline is used to control the mixing ratio of circulating water and external tap water, thereby controlling the temperature of the water entering the heating body through the entire water inlet pipeline.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature regulating valve also includes a control structure, which is communicatively connected to the temperature detection structure. When the temperature detection structure detects that the water temperature in the first sub-pipeline is greater than a first preset value, the control structure closes the temperature regulating valve.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the control structure is used to directly close the temperature regulating valve when the water temperature is too high to prevent users from being scalded.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the water inlet pipeline also includes a first three-way valve, which is provided with a first interface, a second interface and a third interface, the first interface is connected to the other end of the first main pipeline, the second interface is connected to the water storage device, and the third interface is used to connect to an external water source.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the water inlet pipeline is designed to include a first three-way valve, which can facilitate the water inlet pipeline to connect to the water storage device and the external water source respectively, and the water inlet pipeline and the water storage device and / or the external water source can be connected and disconnected by controlling the opening and closing of each interface of the first three-way valve.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, the water inlet pipeline further includes a liquid pressurizing device, which is connected to the first main pipeline and is located between the first three-way valve and the first sub-pipeline.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the water inlet pipeline is designed to include a liquid pressurizing device, and the liquid pressurizing device is used to pressurize the water in the water inlet pipeline, so as to facilitate the water to enter the heating main unit from the water inlet pipeline.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid pressurizing device includes a booster pump.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the liquid pressurizing device is designed to include a booster pump, which can effectively increase the water pressure and increase the water flow speed.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present invention, the water storage device is provided with a first water return port and a water supply port, the first water return port is connected to the water outlet pipe, the water supply port is used to connect to the water supply pipe, the water storage device comprises an upper part, a middle part and a lower part of equal height from top to bottom, one of the first water return port and the water supply port is located at the upper part of the water storage device, and the other is located at the lower part of the water storage device.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, the first water return port and the water supply port are designed to have a certain height difference, so that the water entering the water storage device from the first water return port can be fully heat exchanged and then provided to the user from the water supply port, thereby reducing the phenomenon of fluctuating water temperature in the water heater in defrost mode and improving user comfort.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present invention, along the height direction of the water storage device, the distance between the first water return port and the water supply port is greater than or equal to half the height of the water storage device.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, the distance between the first water return port and the water supply port is designed to be greater than or equal to half the height of the water storage device, thereby increasing the distance between the first water return port and the water supply port, further reducing the phenomenon of fluctuating water temperature in the water heater in defrost mode, and improving user comfort.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, the water storage device is provided with a second water return port, the second water return port and the water supply port are both located at the upper part of the water storage device, the first water return port is located at the lower part of the water storage device, the water outlet pipeline includes a second main pipeline, a second three-way valve, a second sub-pipeline and a third sub-pipeline, the second three-way valve is provided with a fourth interface, a fifth interface and a sixth interface, the fourth interface is connected to an end of the second main pipeline away from the heating host, the fifth interface is connected to one end of the second sub-pipeline, the other end of the second sub-pipeline is connected to the first water return port, the sixth interface is connected to the third sub-pipeline, and the other end of the third sub-pipeline is connected to the second water return port.

[0029] By adopting the above technical solution, the second three-way valve can be used to facilitate the connection of the water outlet pipeline with the second sub-pipeline and the third sub-pipeline respectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments and are not to be considered as limiting the present invention. Moreover, the same reference numerals are used throughout the accompanying drawings to represent the same components. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of part a; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A magnified view of part b; Figure 4 The structure diagram of another water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of part c; Figure 6The structural diagram of another water heater according to the embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0031] The reference numerals are as follows: 100. Water heater; 10. Heating host; 11. Machine body; 12. Heating structure; 20. Water storage device; 21. The first water return port; 22. Second water return port; 23. Water supply port; 24. Sewage outlet; 25. Pipeline network return port; 30. Water outlet pipe; 31. Second main road; 32, second three-way valve; 321, fourth interface; 322, fifth interface; 323, sixth interface; 33. Second sub-pipeline; 34. The third sub-pipeline; 40. Water inlet pipeline; 41. first main pipeline; 411. parallel pipe section; 412. first valve body; 42. first sub-pipeline; 421. second valve body; 43, first three-way valve; 431, first interface; 432, second interface; 433, third interface; 44. Liquid pressurizing device; 50. Tap water supply pipeline. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided in order to enable a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0033] It should be understood that the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific example embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "an" and "said" as used herein may also be meant to include plural forms. The terms "include", "comprise", "contain", and "have" are inclusive, and therefore specify the existence of stated features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order described or illustrated, unless the execution order is clearly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0034] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used in the text to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence when used in the text. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teaching of the example embodiments.

[0035] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used in the text to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to another element or feature as shown in the figure, such as "inside", "outside", "inner side", "outer side", "below", "below", "above", "above", etc. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" will be subsequently oriented to "above other elements or features" or "above other elements or features". Therefore, the example term "below..." may include both upper and lower orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other directions) and the spatial relative descriptors used in the text are interpreted accordingly.

[0036] In the related art, the water inlet pipeline of the water heater usually includes a circulation pipeline and a direct heating water inlet pipeline. The circulation pipeline is respectively connected to the water heater body and water storage devices such as water tanks, and the direct heating water inlet pipeline is respectively connected to the water heater body and an external water source (such as tap water).

[0037] A one-way valve is provided on the circulation pipeline to prevent the water inlet of the direct heating water inlet pipeline from flowing back into the circulation pipeline through the one-way valve. A solenoid valve and a warm water valve are provided on the direct heating water inlet pipeline. The circulating water in the water tank flows into the machine body through the circulation pipeline, and the replenishing water from the external water source flows into the machine body through the direct heating water inlet pipeline. The inlet water temperature is adjusted by the solenoid valve and the warm water valve.

[0038] The above structure has two sets of water inlet waterways, which makes the pipeline design and assembly more complicated and the production cost high. In addition, a mechanical one-way valve is used to prevent the direct heating water from passing through the circulation pipeline in a one-way manner. The performance stability of the mechanical one-way valve is poor and its non-return function is easily affected by impurities in the waterway.

[0039] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a water heater, which aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems by merging the original two sets of water inlet waterways into one set of water inlet waterway.

[0040] The following is combined with Figure 1-6 The water heater provided in the embodiment of the present application is introduced in detail.

[0041] Combined with Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a water heater 100 , which mainly includes a heating host 10 , a water storage device 20 , a water outlet pipeline 30 and a water inlet pipeline 40 .

[0042] The heating host 10 of this embodiment includes a body 11 and a heating structure 12 located in the body 11. In some embodiments, the heating structure 12 can be similar to the heating principle of an air conditioner. For example, the heating structure 12 includes a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, and a connecting pipe (not shown in the figure), wherein the compressor is respectively connected to the evaporator and the condenser, the condenser is used to heat the connecting pipe, and the connecting pipe is respectively connected to the water inlet pipe 40 and the water outlet pipe 30.

[0043] After the refrigerant absorbs external heat in the evaporator, it is compressed and heated by the compressor. The compressed high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows to the condenser, releasing heat to heat the water in the connecting pipe, so that the water entering the heating host 10 through the water inlet pipe 40 is heated and then flows into the water storage device 20 through the water outlet pipe 30.

[0044] It should be noted that the heating structure 12 of the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the heating structure 12 may also include an electric heating structure 12. Since the main improvement of the heater of the present embodiment lies in the pipeline layout, the present embodiment does not make too much introduction to the heating structure 12 in the heating body 11. Any heating structure 12 of the water heater 100 in the relevant technology can be applied to the water heater 100 of the present embodiment.

[0045] The water storage device 20 of this embodiment can be a water tank structure. In some embodiments, the water tank can be Figure 1 The open water tank in the text means that there is no closed cover on the top of the water tank and it is directly exposed to the external environment. It is easy to clean and maintain, not easy to accumulate dust and dirt, and has good heat dissipation effect. However, it is easily affected by external impurities and needs to be cleaned regularly.

[0046] Of course, the water tank can also be Figure 4 and Figure 6 The closed water tank shown in the figure has a closed cover on the top, which is isolated from the external environment, keeps the water clean, is not easily affected by external pollution, and is more hygienic, but it is slightly difficult to clean and maintain.

[0047] The water storage device 20 is provided with a water supply port 23 and a sewage outlet 24. The sewage outlet 24 is located at the bottom of the water storage device 20. When the water storage device 20 is an open water tank, the water supply port 23 can be located at the lower part of the water storage device 20, and the upper part of the water supply device can also have a pipe network return port 25. When the water storage device 20 is a closed water tank, the water supply port 23 can be located at the upper part or even the top of the water tank.

[0048] The water outlet pipe 30 of this embodiment is used to communicate with the water storage device 20. The water in the water outlet pipe 30 has been heated by the heating host 10 and then directly enters the water storage device 20 for storage. Subsequently, hot water can be provided to the user through the water supply port 23.

[0049] The water inlet pipeline 40 of this embodiment can be partially located in the heating host 10. The water inlet pipeline 40 includes a first main pipeline 41 and a first sub-pipeline 42. One end of the first main pipeline 41 is connected to the heating host 10, and the other end is connected to the water storage device 20 and an external water source. The external water source can be tap water, and the tap water is provided to the water inlet pipeline 40 through the tap water replenishment pipeline 50.

[0050] It should be noted that the “connected” mentioned in this embodiment should be understood in a broad sense, and connected can mean that the two are directly connected and connected, or the two are indirectly connected and connected.

[0051] For example, the tap water supply pipeline 50 can be as follows Figure 1 As shown in FIG. , it is directly connected and communicated with the water inlet pipe 40, or it can be as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The tap water replenishment pipeline 50 shown in the figure is directly connected to the water storage device 20, and the tap water replenishment pipeline 50 is indirectly connected to the water inlet pipeline 40 through the water storage device 20.

[0052] Combined with Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 As shown, the first sub-pipeline 42 of this embodiment is connected in parallel with the first main pipeline 41 . Specifically, the first main pipeline 41 is provided with a parallel pipeline section 411 , and the length of the parallel pipeline section 411 is much smaller than the total length of the first main pipeline 41 .

[0053] In this embodiment, one end of the first sub-pipeline 42 is connected to the first part of the first main pipeline 41, and the other end of the first sub-pipeline 42 is connected to the second part of the first main pipeline 41. The first part and the second part are both located between one end of the first main pipeline 41 and the other end of the first main pipeline 41, so that the length of the parallel pipe section 411 between the first part and the second part is less than the length of the first main pipeline 41.

[0054] Among them, the above-mentioned first part can be understood as one end of the parallel pipe segment 411, and the second part can be understood as the other end of the parallel pipe segment 411. Specifically, one end of the first sub-pipeline 42 of this embodiment is connected and connected to one end of the parallel pipe segment 411, and the other end of the first sub-pipeline 42 is connected and connected to the other end of the parallel pipe segment 411.

[0055] The length of the first sub-pipeline 42 is much smaller than that of the first main pipeline 41. For example, the length of the first sub-pipeline 42 can be one tenth to one half of the length of the first main pipeline 41. Part of the water entering from one end of the first main pipeline 41 close to the water storage device 20 can enter the first sub-pipeline 42, and the other part can enter the parallel pipe section 411 connected in parallel with the first sub-pipeline 42.

[0056] A first valve body 412 is provided on the first main line 41, and the first valve body 412 is used to control the flow of the first main line 41, wherein "controlling the flow of the first main line 41" should be understood in a broad sense, that is, the first valve body 412 is used to control at least one of the opening and closing, flow direction and flow of the first main line 41.

[0057] Specifically, when the first valve body 412 opens the first main passage 41, the flow rate of the first main passage 41 is the largest, and when the first valve body 412 closes the first main passage 41, the flow rate of the first main passage 41 is the smallest and zero, so it can also be regarded as the flow rate control of the first main passage 41 by the first valve body 412. In addition to opening and closing the first main passage 41, the first valve body 412 can also control the flow rate of the first main passage 41 to be greater than zero and less than its own maximum flow rate, which is also a flow control method.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first valve body 412 can be located on the parallel pipe section 411 of the first main line 41. In this way, the first valve body 412 can only control the flow of the parallel pipe section 411. Compared with the method of setting the first valve body 412 at other positions of the first main line 41 except the parallel pipe section 411, which can only control the flow of the first main line 41 as a whole, only the flow of the parallel pipe section 411 can be controlled, and the control is more accurate and precise.

[0059] A second valve body 421 is provided on the first sub-pipeline 42. The second valve body 421 is used to control the flow of the first sub-pipeline 42. Similar to the aforementioned first valve body 412, the second valve body 421 is used to control the flow of the first sub-pipeline 42, which means that the second valve body 421 can be used to control at least one of the opening and closing, flow direction and flow rate of the first sub-pipeline 42.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first valve body 412 and the second valve body 421 may be located inside the heating host 10 , or the first valve body 412 and the second valve body 421 may be placed outside the heating host 10 .

[0061] The parallel pipe section 411 of the first main pipeline 41 of this embodiment is mainly used to connect the water storage device 20 and the heating host 10 in the circulating water inlet mode of the water heater 100, so that the circulating water in the water storage device 20 can enter the heating host 10 again for heating. A part of the first main pipeline 41 is also used to connect the external water source and the first sub-pipeline 42.

[0062] The first sub-pipeline 42 of the present embodiment is mainly used to connect the external water source and the heating host 10 in the direct heating water inlet mode of the water heater 100, so that the external water source can be directly heated.

[0063] In addition, the first sub-pipeline 42 and the first main pipeline 41 can be opened at the same time to cooperate with each other, so that the circulating water and the external water source can enter the heating main unit 10 for heating at the same time.

[0064] In combination with the above structural description, it can be known that in this embodiment, the water inlet pipeline 40 is designed to include a first main pipeline 41 and a first sub-pipeline 42. The first main pipeline 41 can be connected to the water storage device 20 and the external water source respectively, and the water inlet control of circulating water and external water source replenishment can be realized through the first valve body 412 and the second valve body 421. Compared with the original method in which the replenishment pipeline and the circulation pipeline exist at the same time, the pipeline and valve body structure can be simplified and the production cost can be reduced.

[0065] In some examples, optionally, the first valve body 412 of the present embodiment is an openable and closable valve body, and the first valve body 412 is used to open or close the connection between the first main line 41 and the heating host 10 .

[0066] In order to prevent external water from entering the direct heating pipeline from backflowing through the circulation pipeline in the related art, a one-way valve is usually configured on the circulation pipeline to allow water to flow only from the circulation pipeline to the heating host 10, while preventing water from flowing from the heating host 10 to the circulation pipeline.

[0067] However, the one-way valve is a mechanical diaphragm structure. After long-term use, the presence of impurities in the water can easily affect the opening and closing of the mechanical diaphragm, causing the one-way valve to lose part or even all of its one-way conduction function, making it impossible to completely prevent the backflow of external water entering the direct heating pipeline through the circulation pipeline.

[0068] The parallel pipe section 411 of the first main pipeline 41 in this embodiment has a function similar to that of the circulation pipeline in the related art. In order to achieve the one-way conduction function while reducing the complexity and cost of the structure, the first valve body 412 originally connected in series with the warm water valve is directly transferred to the parallel pipe section 411, and only the second valve body 421 is configured on the first sub-pipeline 42.

[0069] The first valve body 412 is configured to be switchable between an open state and a closed state. When the water heater 100 is in a circulating water inlet mode and water needs to flow from the parallel pipe section 411 to the heating host 10, the first valve body 412 of this embodiment is opened, and under the action of water pressure, water can only flow from the first main pipe 41 to the heating host 10.

[0070] When the water heater 100 is in the direct heating water inlet mode, the parallel pipe section 411 needs to be closed to prevent the direct heating water of the first sub-pipeline 42 from flowing back through the parallel pipe section 411. At this time, the first valve body 412 of this embodiment can be closed, so that the water can only enter the heating host 10 through the first sub-pipeline 42, and will not return to the first main pipeline 41 and the water tank from the parallel pipe section 411.

[0071] In some examples, optionally, the first valve body 412 of this embodiment is a solenoid valve.

[0072] The solenoid valve can be communicatively connected to the control device (not shown) of the water heater 100, and the communication connection method includes line connection or wireless signal connection, so that the solenoid valve can be controlled by the main control component and open and close the solenoid valve when the main control component switches the mode.

[0073] The solenoid valve acts on the opening and closing of the control pipeline, and its advantages include: a. Fast response: The solenoid valve has a fast response speed and can complete the switching action in a very short time to achieve rapid control of the pipeline.

[0074] b. Precision control: The solenoid valve can be precisely controlled through electrical signals, which can achieve automation and remote control, and improve the accuracy and stability of the system.

[0075] c. No additional energy required: The solenoid valve only requires electrical signal control when working, and does not require additional compressed air or hydraulic energy, saving energy costs.

[0076] d. Long life: The solenoid valve has a simple structure and few parts, so it has a long service life and high reliability.

[0077] e. High safety: The solenoid valve is relatively simple to operate and does not require direct manual contact, which reduces operational risks and improves safety.

[0078] That is to say, compared with achieving one-way conduction through a one-way valve, the solenoid valve used in this embodiment has the advantages of fast response, precise control, energy saving, long life, safety and reliability, and the stability of the one-way conduction function is significantly better than the one-way valve in the related technology.

[0079] Of course, the openable and closable first valve body 412 of the present embodiment is not limited to a solenoid valve, but may also be a manual valve that is manually operated to control opening and closing by a manual knob, handle or bolt, or a butterfly valve that uses a valve disc as an opening and closing element, or a ball valve that is composed of a valve body, a valve stem and a valve core and achieves rapid opening and closing operations by rotating the valve core, or a gate valve that lifts or lowers a valve plate or a valve disc, etc. These are not listed one by one in the present embodiment, and the valve body structures that can achieve pipeline opening and closing in the relevant technology are all within the optional range of the first valve body 412 of the present embodiment.

[0080] In some examples, optionally, the second valve body 421 is a regulating valve, which is used to open or close the connection between the first sub-pipeline 42 and the heating host 10 and to adjust the water flow of the first sub-pipeline 42 .

[0081] The regulating valve has two functions, one of which is to open and close the first sub-pipeline 42, and the other is to adjust the water flow of the first sub-pipeline 42. Therefore, when the water is replenished by an external water source in the circulating water supply mode, the flow regulation is used to control the ratio of the circulating water and the external tap water when mixed, thereby controlling the temperature of the water entering the heating body 11 through the water supply pipeline 40 as a whole.

[0082] In some embodiments, the regulating valve may be a throttle valve, a stop valve, the above-mentioned butterfly valve, a ball valve, etc., which are not listed one by one in this embodiment.

[0083] In order to better control the temperature, in some embodiments, optionally, in this embodiment, the second valve body 421 is selected as a temperature regulating valve, and a temperature detection structure (not shown in the figure) is provided in the temperature regulating valve.

[0084] The temperature regulating valve can be understood in the same way as the warm water valve mentioned above. The warm water valve is used to control the mixing ratio of cold and hot water in the direct heating system of the water heater 100 to achieve a set hot water temperature.

[0085] The structure of the temperature regulating valve mainly includes valve body, valve cover, valve core and other parts (not shown in the figure). The valve body is usually made of copper material with good high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance to ensure long-term stable and reliable use.

[0086] The temperature detection structure is located in the valve body. The temperature detection structure can be a temperature sensing element such as a temperature sensor. These elements can sense the water temperature signal according to the preset temperature requirements.

[0087] In some examples, optionally, the temperature regulating valve also includes a control structure (not shown in the figure), which is communicatively connected to the temperature detection structure. When the temperature detection structure detects that the water temperature in the first sub-pipeline is greater than a first preset value, the control structure closes the temperature regulating valve.

[0088] The first preset value may be a value set by a control system of the water heater 100 itself or manually set by a user, and may specifically be 30° C.-100° C.

[0089] The control structure is used to control the opening and closing degree of the regulating valve core, thereby controlling the mixing ratio of circulating hot water and external cold water. By reasonably adjusting the mixing ratio of hot and cold water, the warm water valve can accurately control the temperature of the outlet water, ensuring that users get a comfortable water temperature experience when using hot water.

[0090] Specifically, the control structure may include an electric actuator (not shown in the figure), which receives a signal from the temperature control system or a user setting, and then receives the temperature information detected by the temperature detection structure. The temperature information detected by the temperature detection structure is processed and compared through the control system of the water heater 100 itself or the control unit of the temperature regulating valve itself (such as a microprocessor, PLC, MCU and other control circuits), and then the electric actuator automatically adjusts the opening and closing state of the valve by driving the movement of the valve core.

[0091] The electric actuator may specifically include a motor and a transmission structure (such as gears, etc.), and the motor drives the transmission structure to rotate, thereby driving the valve core to open and close.

[0092] The role of the warm water valve is mainly reflected in the following aspects: a. Controlling water temperature: By adjusting the opening and closing degree of the first sub-pipeline 42, the mixing ratio of external cold water and circulating hot water is controlled, so that the water temperature meets the preset temperature requirement.

[0093] b. Energy saving: by precisely controlling the hot water temperature, energy waste is avoided, the working efficiency of the water heater 100 is improved, and energy consumption is reduced.

[0094] c. Improve user experience: Ensure that users will not be affected by water temperatures that are too high or too low when using hot water, thereby improving user comfort and safety.

[0095] The warm water valve plays a vital role in the hot water supply system. It ensures that the temperature of the hot water is stable and meets the requirements by accurately controlling the mixing ratio of cold and hot water, providing users with a comfortable hot water experience.

[0096] In addition, in some embodiments, the temperature regulating valve also has a flow detection structure (not shown in the figure), which can be communicated with the control system of the water heater 100 itself or the control unit of the temperature regulating valve itself, so as to accurately control the flow of the first sub-pipeline 42.

[0097] When the water heater 100 of this embodiment is in direct heating mode, the first valve body 412 can be closed and the second valve body 421 can be opened. At this time, the water in the water storage device 20 cannot enter the heating host 10 through the first main pipe 41, and only external water can enter the heating host 10 through the first sub-pipeline 42 for direct heating.

[0098] When the water heater 100 of this embodiment is in the circulating water inlet mode, the first valve body 412 and the second valve body 421 can be opened at the same time to control and adjust the water inlet temperature through the warm water valve, or only the first valve body 412 can be opened and the second valve body 421 can be closed. Both of these can enable the circulating hot water in the water storage device 20 to return to the heating host 10 for heating again, which is energy-saving and environmentally friendly.

[0099] Combined with Figure 1 and attached Figure 3 As shown, when the tap water replenishment pipeline 50 of this embodiment is directly connected to and communicated with the water inlet pipeline 40, instead of Figure 4 When the tap water replenishment pipeline 50 is directly connected to and communicated with the water storage device 20, in order to facilitate the connection between the tap water replenishment pipeline 50 and the water storage device 20, in some examples, optionally, the water inlet pipeline 40 of this embodiment also includes a first three-way valve 43.

[0100] The first three-way valve 43 includes a valve body, a valve core (not shown in the figure) located in the valve body, and an operating structure (not shown in the figure) for controlling the movement of the valve core.

[0101] The valve body can be a T-shaped or Y-shaped structure, and the valve body has a first interface 431, a second interface 432, and a third interface 433 connected to the internal valve cavity of the valve body, and the first interface 431, the second interface 432, and the third interface 433 can be a tube structure with one end open. The valve core is used to control the opening and closing of the first interface 431, the second interface 432, and the third interface 433.

[0102] The operating structure may be a manual operating structure, an electric actuator or a pneumatic actuator, which are not listed one by one in this embodiment.

[0103] The first interface 431 of this embodiment is connected and communicated with the other end of the first main pipeline 41, the second interface 432 is connected and communicated with the water storage device 20, and the third interface 433 can be connected and communicated with the aforementioned tap water replenishment pipeline 50 to connect to the external water source.

[0104] The first three-way valve 43 controls the opening and closing of the tap water replenishment pipeline 50 and the connection between the water storage device 20 and the water inlet pipeline 40 by adjusting the position of its own valve core. For example, the first three-way valve 43 can open the first interface 431 and the second interface 432 while closing the third interface 433, or open the first interface 431 and the third interface 433 while closing the second interface 432, etc.

[0105] The first three-way valve 43 of the present embodiment controls the opening and closing of different pipelines by adjusting the position of its own valve core, and can accurately control the flow ratio of the fluid to meet the process and system requirements.

[0106] In addition, the first three-way valve 43 facilitates maintenance and replacement of pipelines without affecting the operation of the entire system; it saves energy and avoids unnecessary fluid circulation.

[0107] Moreover, the first three-way valve 43 can be used to achieve flexible pipeline layout, so that the water inlet pipeline 40 can be connected with the external water source and the water storage device 20 at the same time, which can adapt to different system requirements and can be used to adjust the mixing ratio of cold and hot water to achieve water temperature regulation.

[0108] Since the structure of the three-way valve is well known to those skilled in the art, this embodiment does not describe the first three-way valve 43 and the second three-way valve 32 described below in detail.

[0109] In addition, in the related art, it is necessary to configure a pressurizing device such as a booster pump on both the circulation pipeline and the direct heating pipeline to achieve the transportation and circulation of the incoming water.

[0110] However, this structure undoubtedly increases the structural complexity and cost of the water heater 100, and is not conducive to early installation and subsequent maintenance. In view of this, the present embodiment further improves the water heater 100.

[0111] In some examples, optionally, the water inlet pipeline 40 further includes a liquid pressurizing device 44 , which is connected to the first main pipeline 41 and is located between the first three-way valve 43 and the first sub-pipeline 42 .

[0112] When the above-mentioned first interface 431, second interface 432 and third interface 433 are all in an open state, the liquid pressurizing device 44 can pressurize the liquid in the water inlet pipe 40, so that the water in the water storage device 20 and the water in the tap water replenishment pipe 50 can stably and quickly enter the heating host 10.

[0113] Similarly, when the first interface 431 and the second interface 432 are opened and the third interface 433 is closed, the liquid pressurizing device 44 can pressurize the liquid in the water inlet pipeline 40, so that the water in the water storage device 20 can stably and quickly enter the heating host 10. Or when the first interface 431 and the third interface 433 are opened and the second interface 432 is closed, the liquid pressurizing device 44 can pressurize the liquid in the tap water replenishment pipeline 50, so that the tap water can be stably and quickly replenished into the heating host 10.

[0114] Based on the water heater 100 of this embodiment, it only has one water inlet pipe 40. Therefore, a pressurizing device can be directly arranged on the water inlet pipe 40 to drive the water inlet of the tap water replenishment pipe 50 and the water storage device 20. Compared with the related art in which a pressurizing device is arranged on both the direct heating pipe and the circulation pipe, the water heater 100 of this embodiment only needs one liquid pressurizing device 44, which can reduce the cost and structural complexity and facilitate assembly and subsequent maintenance.

[0115] In some examples, the liquid pressurizing device 44 optionally includes a booster pump.

[0116] A booster pump is a device used to increase the pressure of a fluid. The booster pump mechanically draws the fluid from a low-pressure area (such as a water storage device 20 and a tap water supply pipeline), and then pushes the fluid to a high-pressure area (such as a heating body 11) through compression and pushing.

[0117] The booster pump can provide the required additional pressure for the water system to ensure that the water can flow smoothly in the water inlet pipe 40 and enter the heating host 10 through the water inlet pipe 40.

[0118] Combined with Figure 1 , Attachment Figure 4 And attached Figure 6 As shown, in some examples, optionally, the water storage device 20 is provided with a first water return port 21 and a water supply port 23, and the water supply port 23 is used to connect to a water supply pipeline to supply water to the user.

[0119] The first water return port 21 is used to be connected to the water outlet pipe 30. The heated water in the water outlet pipe 30 can enter the water storage device 20 through the water outlet pipe 30 and the first water return port 21 for storage and subsequent circulation.

[0120] In some examples, optionally, one of the first water return port 21 and the water supply port 23 is located at an upper portion of the water storage device 20 , and the other is located at a lower portion of the water storage device 20 .

[0121] The reason for adopting the above design is to reduce the cold water directly supplied to the user when the water heater 100 is in the defrosting mode.

[0122] The defrost mode mainly refers to a special operation mode adopted by the water heater 100 to prevent ice from forming and maintain normal working state when operating in a low temperature environment. When the ambient temperature is too low and ice forms on the surface of the condenser or evaporator, the defrost mode will be activated to eliminate the ice and restore the normal operation of the device.

[0123] In the defrost mode, the temperature of the water entering the water storage device 20 through the first water return port 21 is relatively low. If the distance between the first water return port 21 and the water supply port 23 is too close, it is easy for the defrost cold water to enter the water storage device 20 and be delivered to the user through the water supply pipeline without sufficient heat exchange, causing the user to experience alternating hot and cold water when using the water.

[0124] Therefore, in this embodiment, one of the first water return port 21 and the water supply port 23 is arranged to be located at the upper part (including the top) of the water storage device 20, and the other is arranged to be located at the lower part (including the bottom) of the water storage device 20, so that the first water return port 21 and the water supply port 23 have a certain height difference, so that the defrost cold water can be provided to the user after heat exchange and temperature rise, thereby avoiding the user from feeling uncomfortable under the alternation of cold and hot water.

[0125] The above technical solution includes three implementation modes, one of which is as follows: Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first water return port 21 is located at the upper part of the water storage device 20, and the water supply port 23 is located at the lower part of the water storage device 20. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. , the first water return port 21 is located at the lower part of the water storage device 20 , and the water supply port 23 is located at the upper part of the water storage device 20 .

[0126] The "upper part" can be understood as dividing the height of the water storage device 20 into three equal parts from top to bottom, the part located at the top is the upper part, and the upper part includes the top. Similarly, the part located at the bottom is the lower part, and the part between the upper part and the lower part is the middle part.

[0127] Based on the above-mentioned design of the positions of the first water return port 21 and the water supply port 23 , in some examples, optionally, along the height direction of the water storage device 20 , the distance between the first water return port 21 and the water supply port 23 of this embodiment is greater than or equal to half the height of the water storage device 20 .

[0128] In this embodiment, the distance between the first water return port 21 and the water supply port 23 is greater than or equal to half the height of the water storage device 20, so that there is a larger distance between the first water return port 21 and the water supply port 23, so that the defrost cold water can fully exchange heat after entering through the first water return port 21, thereby reducing the situation where the defrost cold water is directly supplied to the user.

[0129] Combined with Figure 4 , Attachment Figure 5 and attached Figure 6 As shown, the water storage device 20 of this embodiment is further provided with a second water return port 22 , the second water return port 22 and the water supply port 23 are both located at the top of the water storage device 20 , and the first water return port 21 is located at the bottom of the water storage device 20 .

[0130] Attached Figure 4 The water heater 100 of the second embodiment of the present invention is attached. Figure 5 The water heater 100 of the third embodiment of the present invention is a water heater 100, wherein the water heater 100 of the second embodiment and the water heater 100 of the third embodiment are respectively Figure 1 The difference between the water heater 100 of the first embodiment is that: The water storage device 20 of the first water heater 100 is an open water tank with an open top. The end of the water inlet pipe 40 facing away from the heating host 10 is directly connected to the water storage device 20 and the tap water replenishment pipe 50. The first return water port 21 and the network pipe return water port are located at the top of the water storage device 20, and the water supply port 23 is located at the bottom of the water storage device 20. A certain height difference is formed between the first return water port 21 and the water supply port 23 in the vertical direction.

[0131] The water storage device 20 of the second water heater 100 is a closed water tank, the end of the water inlet pipe 40 away from the heating host 10 is directly connected to the water storage device 20, the tap water replenishment pipe 50 is directly connected to the lower part of the water storage device 20, the second return water port 22 and the water supply port 23 are located at the top of the water storage device 20, and the first return water port 21 is located at the lower part of the water storage device 20, so that a certain height difference is formed between the first return water port 21 and the water supply port 23 in the vertical direction.

[0132] The water storage device 20 of the third type of water heater 100 is also a closed water tank. The end of the water inlet pipe 40 that is away from the heating host 10 is directly connected to the water storage device 20 and the tap water replenishment pipe 50. The second return water port 22 and the water supply port 23 are located at the top of the water storage device 20, and the first return water port 21 is located at the bottom of the water storage device 20, so that a certain height difference is formed between the first return water port 21 and the water supply port 23 in the vertical direction.

[0133] In order to facilitate the connection and communication between the first water return port 21 , the second water return port 22 and the water outlet pipeline 30 , the water outlet pipeline 30 is designed in this embodiment to include a second main pipeline 31 , a second three-way valve 32 , a second sub-pipeline 33 and a third sub-pipeline 34 .

[0134] Among them, the second three-way valve 32 has the same or similar structure as the aforementioned first three-way valve 43. In some embodiments, the second three-way valve 32 of this embodiment also includes a valve body structure, and a valve core and an operating structure are also provided in the valve body (not shown in the figure).

[0135] The valve body is provided with a fourth interface 321, a fifth interface 322 and a sixth interface 323. The fourth interface 321 is connected to the end of the second main pipeline 31 away from the heating host 10, the fifth interface 322 is connected to one end of the second sub-pipeline 33, the other end of the second sub-pipeline 33 is connected to the first return water port 21, the sixth interface 323 is connected to the third sub-pipeline 34, and the other end of the third sub-pipeline 34 is connected to the second return water port 22.

[0136] In this way, the water outlet pipe 30 forms two water outlet branches. When the water heater 100 is in the defrost mode, the sixth interface 323 can be closed so that the third sub-pipeline 34 and the second return water port 22 cannot supply defrost water to the top of the water storage device 20. The defrost water only enters the lower part of the water storage device 20 through the second sub-pipeline 33 and the first return water port 21, so that the defrost water can flow out from the water supply port 23 located at the upper part of the water storage device 20 for user use only after heat exchange, thereby reducing the problem of alternating hot and cold water supply when the user uses it, and improving the user experience.

[0137] In addition, the water heater 100 of this embodiment may also include a control device (not shown in the figure), which can be communicated with the aforementioned solenoid valve, the first three-way valve 43 and the second three-way valve 32. The control device can control the solenoid valve, the first three-way valve 43 and the second three-way valve 32 so that the water heater 100 of this embodiment can be in direct heating mode, circulation heating mode and defrost mode.

[0138] In some embodiments, the control device may include any control structure such as a PLC control circuit, an MCU control circuit, and a processor, and the control device may send control instructions to the valve bodies such as the above-mentioned solenoid valve, the first three-way valve 43, and the second three-way valve 32.

[0139] In addition, the control device can communicate with detection elements such as temperature sensors for detecting water temperature and pressure sensors for detecting water pressure to monitor the working parameters of the water heater 100, and can also put the water heater 100 in a reasonable working mode through feedback from the detection elements.

[0140] In the direct heating mode, the first valve body 412 (solenoid valve) is closed, and the first interface 431 and the third interface 433 of the first three-way valve 43 are opened, so that the water in the tap water replenishment pipeline 50 can enter the heating host 10 for heating.

[0141] In the circulation heating mode, the first valve body 412 (solenoid valve) is opened, and the first interface 431 and the second interface 432 of the first three-way valve 43 are opened, so that the water in the water storage device 20 can enter the heating host 10 for heating.

[0142] In the defrost mode, the fourth interface 321 and the fifth interface 322 of the second three-way valve 32 are opened, and the sixth interface 323 is closed, so that the defrost cold water can only enter the water storage device 20 through the second sub-pipeline 33 and the first return water port 21, and the third sub-pipeline 34 and the second return water port 22 do not flow into the water storage device 20. When the defrost mode ends, the fourth interface 321 can be opened, and at least one of the fifth interface 322 and the sixth interface 323 can be opened, so that the first return water port 21 and / or the second return water port 22 can flow in water.

[0143] Regarding the structures of other parts of the water heater 100 of this embodiment, please refer to the prior art, and this application will not elaborate on them here.

[0144] The above is only a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A water heater, characterized in that: include: Heating host; A water storage device for connecting a water supply pipeline; A water outlet pipeline, one end of which is connected to the heating main unit, and the other end of which is connected to the water storage device; as well as A water inlet pipeline comprises a first main pipeline and a first sub-pipeline, wherein one end of the first sub-pipeline is connected to a first part of the first main pipeline, and the other end of the first sub-pipeline is connected to a second part of the first main pipeline, the first main pipeline is provided with a first valve body, and the first valve body is used to control the flow of the first main pipeline, the first sub-pipeline is provided with a second valve body, and the second valve body is used to control the flow of the first sub-pipeline, one end of the first main pipeline is connected and connected to the heating host, and the other end is connected to the water storage device and an external water source, and the first part and the second part are located between one end of the first main pipeline and the other end of the first main pipeline.

2. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first valve body is an openable and closable valve body, and the first valve body is configured to be able to move between an open state and a closed state. When the first valve body is in the open state, the first main line is connected to the heating host, and when the first valve body is in the closed state, the first main line is disconnected from the heating host.

3. The water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first valve body is a solenoid valve.

4. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second valve body is an openable and closable valve body, and the second valve body is configured to be able to move between an open state and a closed state. When the second valve body is in the open state, the first sub-pipeline is connected to the heating main unit; when the second valve body is in the closed state, the first sub-pipeline is disconnected from the heating main unit.

5. The water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second valve body is a temperature regulating valve, and a temperature detection structure is arranged inside the temperature regulating valve.

6. The water heater according to claim 5, characterized in that: The temperature regulating valve also includes a control structure, which is in communication with the temperature detection structure. When the temperature detection structure detects that the water temperature in the first sub-pipeline is greater than a first preset value, the control structure closes the temperature regulating valve.

7. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water inlet pipeline also includes a first three-way valve, which is provided with a first interface, a second interface and a third interface. The first interface is connected to the other end of the first main pipeline, the second interface is connected to the water storage device, and the third interface is used to connect to an external water source.

8. The water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that: The water inlet pipeline also includes a liquid pressurizing device, which is connected to the first main pipeline and is located between the first three-way valve and the first sub-pipeline.

9. The water heater according to claim 8, characterized in that: The liquid pressurizing device comprises a booster pump.

10. The water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The water storage device is provided with a first water return port and a water supply port, the first water return port is connected to the water outlet pipe, the water supply port is used to connect to the water supply pipe, the water storage device includes an upper part, a middle part and a lower part of equal height from top to bottom, one of the first water return port and the water supply port is located at the upper part of the water storage device, and the other is located at the lower part of the water storage device.

11. The water heater according to claim 10, characterized in that Along the height direction of the water storage device, the distance between the first water return port and the water supply port is greater than or equal to half the height of the water storage device.

12. The water heater according to claim 11, characterized in that The water storage device is provided with a second water return port, the second water return port and the water supply port are both located at the upper part of the water storage device, the first water return port is located at the lower part of the water storage device, the water outlet pipeline includes a second main pipeline, a second three-way valve, a second sub-pipeline and a third sub-pipeline, the second three-way valve is provided with a fourth interface, a fifth interface and a sixth interface, the fourth interface is connected to the end of the second main pipeline away from the heating host, the fifth interface is connected to one end of the second sub-pipeline, the other end of the second sub-pipeline is connected to the first water return port, the sixth interface is connected to the third sub-pipeline, and the other end of the third sub-pipeline is connected to the second water return port.

Images