Return water controller, gas hot water supply system and control method of gas hot water supply system

By designing a return water controller in the gas water heater, and using the cooperation of the three-way valve and the electric control panel, independent control of the pipelines of different water use terminals is achieved, which solves the problems of high energy consumption and long heating time when the existing gas water heater is activated in the zero-cold water mode, and improves the user experience.

CN120062828APending Publication Date: 2025-05-30CHONGQING HAIER WATER HEATER +2
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202311640734.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-11-30
Publication Date
2025-05-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When the existing gas water heater starts the zero-cold water mode, the circulating waterways in the entire house are heated, resulting in a long heating time and high energy consumption, which affects the user experience.

Method used

A return water controller is designed to achieve independent control of the pipelines of different water terminals through the coordination of the three-way valve and the electric control panel. The three-way valve is only switched at the water terminal in the use state to make it participate in zero-cold water circulation heating.

Benefits of technology

Through this control method, the time for zero-cold water heating is shortened, energy consumption is reduced, and user experience is improved.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a backwater controller, a fuel gas hot water supply system and a control method of the fuel gas hot water supply system. The backwater controller comprises a mounting shell, wherein a mounting space is formed in the mounting shell; the three-way valve is provided with a water inlet valve port, a first water outlet valve port and a second water outlet valve port, and the water inlet valve port is selectively communicated with the first water outlet valve port or the second water outlet valve port; the three-way valve is arranged in the mounting space, and the water inlet valve port, the first water outlet valve port and the second water outlet valve port extend out of the mounting shell; the electric control board is provided with a wireless communication module, and the wireless communication module is configured to be in wireless communication with the gas water heater; the electric control board is arranged in the mounting space and is connected with the three-way valve; and the power supply module is arranged on the mounting shell and is configured to supply power to the electric control board and the three-way valve. The energy consumption is reduced, and the heating efficiency of the zero-cold-water gas water heater is improved, so that the user experience is improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and particularly relates to a return water controller, a gas water heating system and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Currently, water heaters are commonly used household appliances in people's daily lives. Water heaters are divided into types such as gas water heaters and electric water heaters. Among them, gas water heaters are widely used because of their convenient use. A conventional gas water heater usually consists of components such as a burner, a combustion chamber and a heat exchanger. The burner burns gas in the combustion chamber to heat the water flowing through the heat exchanger.

[0003] In the prior art, gas water heaters with zero cold water function have been widely promoted and used. During the use of a zero cold water gas water heater, after starting the zero cold water mode, it is necessary to heat the whole house's pipeline to meet the circulating heating of the water in the house's pipeline.

[0004] However, in actual use, usually users only need zero cold water treatment at one hot water use point, and the circulating water pipes connected to other hot water use points do not need zero cold water heating. Since after starting the zero cold water mode, the gas water heater will perform zero cold water heating on the overall circulating water circuit in the house, on the one hand, it leads to a longer zero cold water heating time, and on the other hand, it also results in higher energy consumption. In view of this, how to design a technology that reduces energy consumption and improves the zero cold water heating efficiency to improve the user experience is the technical problem to be solved by the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a return water controller, a gas water heating system and a control method thereof, which can reduce energy consumption and improve the heating efficiency of a zero cold water gas water heater to improve the user experience.

[0006] To achieve the above technical purpose, the present invention is realized by the following technical solutions: In one aspect, the present invention provides a return water controller, comprising: An installation shell, in which an installation space is formed; A three-way valve, which has an inlet valve port, a first outlet valve port and a second outlet valve port. The inlet valve port is selectively communicated with the first outlet valve port or the second outlet valve port; the three-way valve is arranged in the installation space, and the inlet valve port, the first outlet valve port and the second outlet valve port extend to the outside of the installation shell; An electronic control board, which has a wireless communication module configured to wirelessly communicate with a gas water heater; the electronic control board is arranged in the installation space and connected to the three-way valve; A power supply module, which is arranged on the installation shell and configured to supply power to the electronic control board and the three-way valve.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present application, the power supply module is a power supply cable, and the power supply cable is connected to the electronic control board and extends outside the installation shell.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present application, the power supply module is a battery mounting bracket, and the battery mounting bracket is configured to mount a storage battery, and the battery mounting bracket is arranged in the installation space.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present application, the installation shell includes a first shell and a second shell, the first shell and the second shell are detachably connected together, the three-way valve and the electronic control board are arranged in the first shell, and the battery mounting bracket is arranged in the second shell.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present application, the first shell and the second shell are snap-fitted together.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present application, a clamping portion and a plugging portion are arranged on the first shell, a clamping mating portion and a plugging mating portion are arranged on the second shell, the plugging portion is inserted into the plugging mating portion, and the clamping portion is snap-fitted with the clamping mating portion.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present application, the first shell includes a first mounting seat and a first cover shell, and the first cover shell is detachably arranged on the first mounting seat; a slot is further arranged on the first mounting seat, and the electronic control board is inserted into the slot; The three-way valve is provided with a positioning hole and a fixing hole, and the first mounting seat is further provided with a positioning post and a fixing post. The positioning post is inserted into the positioning hole, and a screw passes through the fixing hole and is threadedly connected to the fixing post.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present application, the second shell includes a second mounting seat and a second cover shell, and the second cover shell is detachably arranged on the second mounting seat; the battery mounting bracket is arranged on the second mounting seat.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present application, a power supply line is arranged between the first shell and the second shell, and the electronic control board is electrically connected to the power supply module through the power supply line.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present application, a first electrical contact is arranged on the first shell, and a second electrical contact is arranged on the second shell; after the first shell and the second shell are connected together, the first electrical contact is in conductive contact with the second electrical contact, and the electronic control board is electrically connected to the power supply module through the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

[0016] In another aspect, another embodiment of the present application further provides a gas-fired hot water supply system, including a gas water heater and a plurality of water-using terminals, an outlet pipe and a zero-cold water pipe of the gas water heater, the outlet pipe is connected to an external hot water supply pipe, and the zero-cold water pipe is connected to an external return water pipe; it further includes the above-mentioned return water controller, the water-using terminals are configured with corresponding return water controllers, an inlet valve port of the return water controller is connected to the hot water supply pipe, a first outlet valve port of the return water controller is connected to the corresponding water-using terminal, and a second outlet valve port of the return water controller is connected to the return water pipe; the return water controller is communicatively connected to the gas water heater.

[0017] In another aspect, another embodiment of the present application further provides a control method for a gas-fired hot water supply system, including: a zero-cold water mode; When the zero-cold water mode is executed, the return water controller connected to the water-using terminal in the use state receives a control signal sent by the gas water heater, and the return water controller switches the three-way valve to conduct the hot water supply pipe and the return water pipe connected to this water-using terminal, and the water in the hot water supply pipe and the return water pipe between this water-using terminal and the gas water heater circulates into the gas water heater for heating until the first set temperature value T1 is reached.

[0018] By configuring an electronic control board to control the connection state of the three-way valve, installing the return water controller on the corresponding water-using terminal and connecting it between the external hot water supply pipe and the return water pipe, during the use process, when the gas water heater executes the zero-cold water mode, for the return water controller connected to the water-using terminal in the use state, it can switch the connection state when the gas water heater starts the zero-cold water mode, so that the pipeline where this water-using terminal is located participates in the zero-cold water circulation heating. In this way, it is not necessary to heat all the hot water supply pipes in the user's home. On the one hand, the zero-cold water heating time can be shortened, and on the other hand, since it is not necessary to heat the water in all the hot water supply pipes, the energy consumption can be effectively reduced, and the user experience is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 It is one of the structural schematic diagrams of an embodiment of the zero-cold water gas water heater of the present invention; Figure 2 It is the second of the structural schematic diagrams of an embodiment of the zero-cold water gas water heater of the present invention; Figure 3One of the structural schematic diagrams of an embodiment of the zero - cold - water gas water heater of the present invention; Figure 4 Another structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the zero - cold - water gas water heater of the present invention; Figure 5 It is Figure 3 The structural schematic diagram of the first water storage container in Figure 6 It is Figure 3 The cross - sectional view of the first water storage container in Figure 7 It is Figure 3 The structural schematic diagram of the second water storage container in Figure 8 It is Figure 3 The cross - sectional view of the second water storage container in Figure 9 It is Figure 3 The exploded view of the second water storage container in Figure 10 It is Figure 9 The assembly diagram of the electric heating component in Figure 11 The structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the gas - supply hot - water system of the present invention; Figure 12 It is Figure 11 The structural schematic diagram of the return - water controller in Figure 13 It is Figure 12 The exploded view of the return - water controller in Figure 14 It is Figure 13 The structural schematic diagram of the first housing in

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals: 1. Outer shell; 11. Water inlet pipe; 12. Water outlet pipe; 13. Zero - cold water pipe; 14. Servo proportional valve; 15. Gas inlet pipe; 16. Second electric control valve; 2. Combustion chamber; 3. Heat exchanger; 4. Inner - circulation module; 41. Circulation pump; 42. First water storage container; 43. Bypass pipe; 44. First electric control valve; 45. Four - way pipe; 46. Check valve; 421. First connecting pipe; 422. Second connecting pipe; 5. Electric - heating module; 51. Electric - heating component; 52. Second water storage container; 511. Straight pipe section; 512. Spiral section; 521. First connecting pipe; 522. Second connecting pipe; 100. Gas water heater; 200. Water - using terminal; 300. Return - water controller; 310. Installation shell; 311. First housing; 312. Second housing; 3111. First mounting seat; 31112. First cover; 3113. Clamping part; 31114. Insertion part; 3121. Second mounting seat; 3122. Second cover; 3123. Clamping and mating part; 3124. Insertion and mating part; 320. Three-way valve; 321. Inlet valve port; 322. First outlet valve port; 323. Second outlet valve port; 330. Electric control board; 331. Wireless communication module; 340. Power supply module; 400. Hot water supply pipe; 300. Return water pipe. Detailed implementation mode

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Apparently, the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0023] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, the terms indicating directions or positional relationships such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings. This is only for convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0024] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "install", "connect", "couple", "fix", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0025] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or may include the situation where the first and second features are not in direct contact but in contact through additional features therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicating that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "under", "beneath" and "underneath" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicating that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0026] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure of the present invention, components and settings of specific examples are described hereinafter. Of course, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the present invention may repeat reference numerals and / or reference letters in different examples. Such repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity, and in itself does not indicate the relationship between various embodiments and / or settings discussed. Furthermore, the present invention provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art may be aware of the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0027] A gas water heater uses gas as the main energy material, and transfers the high-temperature heat generated by gas combustion to the cold water flowing through the heat exchanger to achieve the purpose of preparing hot water.

[0028] A gas water heater generally includes a housing, and components such as a burner, a heat exchanger, a blower and a wind hood arranged inside the housing.

[0029] Among them, gas is delivered to the burner, and the gas is ignited by an ignition device so that the burner burns the delivered gas, thereby generating heat.

[0030] Heat exchange tubes are arranged in the heat exchanger. One end of the heat exchange tube is communicated with the water supply pipeline, and the other end of the heat exchange tube is communicated with a shower head or a faucet, etc.

[0031] The heat generated by the burner burning gas is used to heat the heat exchange tubes, so that the water temperature in the heat exchange tubes rises to form hot water.

[0032] When the gas water heater is working, the cold water provided by the water supply pipeline flows into the heat exchange tubes, and then is heated into hot water by the heating source generated by the burner, and then flows out from the shower head or the faucet through the hot water valve for the user to use.

[0033] Meanwhile, when the gas water heater is working, the blower is powered on and operates at the same time. Under the action of the blower, the flue gas generated by the burner is discharged to the outside.

[0034] Since the heat generated by burning gas during the operation of the burner will be conducted to the outer shell, in order to reduce heat transfer.

[0035] Example 1, as Figures 11 - 14 shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a gas-fired hot water supply system, including a gas water heater 100 and a plurality of water-using terminals 200. The water outlet pipe and the zero-cold water pipe of the gas water heater 100, the water outlet pipe is connected to the external hot water supply pipe 400, and the zero-cold water pipe is connected to the external return water pipe 300. The hot water heated and output by the gas water heater 100 is transported to each water-using terminal 200 via the hot water supply pipe 400, and when the gas water heater 100 executes the zero-cold water mode, the water in the hot water supply pipe 400 can flow back to the gas water heater 100 via the return water pipe 300 for circulating heating.

[0036] Among them, in order to reduce the heating duration and energy consumption in the zero-cold water mode, the gas-fired hot water supply system further includes a return water controller 300.

[0037] The return water controller 300 includes: An installation shell 310, an installation space is formed in the installation shell 310; A three-way valve 320, the three-way valve 320 has a water inlet valve port 321, a first water outlet valve port 322 and a second water outlet valve port 323, and the water inlet valve port 321 selectively communicates with the first water outlet valve port 322 or the second water outlet valve port 323; the three-way valve 320 is arranged in the installation space, and the water inlet valve port 321, the first water outlet valve port 322 and the second water outlet valve port 323 extend to the outside of the installation shell 310; An electronic control board 330, the electronic control board 330 has a wireless communication module 331, and the wireless communication module 331 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the gas water heater; the electronic control board 330 is arranged in the installation space and is connected to the three-way valve 320; A power supply module 340, the power supply module 340 is arranged on the installation shell 310 and is configured to supply power to the electronic control board 330 and the three-way valve 320.

[0038] Specifically, during actual use and connection, the water-using terminal 200 is configured with a corresponding return water controller 300. The water inlet valve port 321 of the return water controller 300 is connected to the hot water supply pipe 400, the first water outlet valve port 322 of the return water controller 300 is connected to the corresponding water-using terminal 200, and the second water outlet valve port 323 of the return water controller 300 is connected to the return water pipe 300; the return water controller 300 is communicatively connected to the gas water heater 100.

[0039] For the return water controller 300, it is connected between the hot water supply pipe 400 and the return water pipe 300. By means of the return water controller 300, it is possible to control the parts of the hot water supply pipe 400 and the return water pipe 300 connected to the water using terminal 200 at the corresponding position to participate in zero cold water heating.

[0040] During the specific use process, after the gas water heater 100 starts the zero cold water mode, the return water controller 300 at the water using terminal 200 in the use state will receive the control signal sent by the gas water heater 100. After the electronic control board 330 receives the signal through the wireless communication module 331, it controls the three-way valve 320 to switch the connected state, so that the water inlet valve port 321 is communicated with the second water outlet valve port 323. In this way, the parts of the hot water supply pipe 400 and the return water pipe 300 connected to the water using terminal 200 will participate in the zero cold water heating process.

[0041] By configuring the electronic control board 330 to control the connected state of the three-way valve 320, the return water controller 300 is installed on the corresponding water using terminal 200 and connected between the external hot water supply pipe 400 and the return water pipe 300. During the use process, when the gas water heater 100 executes the zero cold water mode, the return water controller 300 connected to the water using terminal 200 in the use state can switch the connected state when the gas water heater 100 starts the zero cold water mode, so that the pipeline where the water using terminal 200 is located participates in the zero cold water circulation heating. In this way, it is not necessary to heat all the hot water supply pipes 400 in the user's home. On the one hand, the zero cold water heating time can be shortened. On the other hand, since it is not necessary to heat the water in all the hot water supply pipes 400, the energy consumption can be effectively reduced, and the user experience is improved.

[0042] In one embodiment, the power supply module 340 is a power supply cable, and the power supply cable is connected to the electronic control board 330 and extends out of the installation shell 310. Alternatively, for the convenience of power supply, the power supply module 340 is a battery mounting rack, and the battery mounting rack is configured to mount a storage battery, and the battery mounting rack is arranged in the installation space.

[0043] Specifically, when the power supply cable is used as the power supply module 340, the power supply cable is connected to the electrical socket in the user's home to realize power supply. For more convenient power supply, the storage battery power supply method can also be adopted. At this time, the battery mounting rack for mounting the storage battery constitutes the power supply module 340.

[0044] In one embodiment, the installation shell 310 includes a first shell 311 and a second shell 312, the first shell 311 and the second shell 312 are detachably connected together, the three-way valve 320 and the electronic control board 330 are arranged in the first shell 311, and the battery mounting rack is arranged in the second shell 312.

[0045] Specifically, the installation shell 310 adopts a split design. The first shell 311 is used to install the electronic control board 330 and the three-way valve 320, and the three-way valve 320 cannot be disassembled after being assembled onto the hot water supply pipe 400 and the return water pipe 300. The second shell 312 is used to place the battery mounting bracket. When the user replaces the storage battery, the second shell 312 can be detached from the first shell 311 to facilitate the replacement of the storage battery.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first shell 311 and the second shell 312 are snap-fitted together.

[0047] Specifically, the first shell 311 is provided with a clamping portion 3113 and a plugging portion 31114, the second shell 312 is provided with a clamping mating portion 3123 and a plugging mating portion 3124. The plugging portion 31114 and the plugging mating portion 3124 are plugged together, and the clamping portion 3113 and the clamping mating portion 3123 are snap-fitted together.

[0048] In another embodiment, for the convenience of the operator for assembly, the first shell 311 includes a first mounting seat 3111 and a first cover 31112. The first cover 31112 is detachably arranged on the first mounting seat 3111. A slot is further provided on the first mounting seat 3111, and the electronic control board 330 is inserted into the slot. The three-way valve 320 is provided with a positioning hole and a fixing hole, and the first mounting seat 3111 is further provided with a positioning post and a fixing post. The positioning post is inserted into the positioning hole, and a screw passes through the fixing hole and is threadedly connected to the fixing post.

[0049] Specifically, in terms of the first shell 311 being assembled by the detachable first mounting seat 3111 and the first cover 31112, during assembly, the operator assembles the three-way valve 320 and the electronic control board 330 onto the first mounting seat 3111, and then, shields and protects them through the first cover 31112.

[0050] In another embodiment, the second shell 312 includes a second mounting seat 3121 and a second cover 3122. The second cover 3122 is detachably arranged on the second mounting seat 3121. The battery mounting bracket is arranged on the second mounting seat 3121.

[0051] Specifically, when the user replaces the storage battery, the second shell 312 is detached from the first shell 311, and then, the second cover 3122 is detached from the second mounting seat 3121, and the storage battery on the battery mounting bracket can be replaced.

[0052] In some embodiments, since the first housing 311 and the second housing 312 are of a split structure, in order to facilitate power supply to the electronic control board 330 and the three-way valve 320 by means of a storage battery, a power supply line is provided between the first housing 311 and the second housing 312, and the electronic control board 330 is electrically connected to the power supply module 340 through the power supply line; alternatively, a first electrical contact is provided on the first housing 311, and a second electrical contact is provided on the second housing 312; after the first housing 311 and the second housing 312 are connected together, the first electrical contact is in conductive contact with the second electrical contact, and the electronic control board 330 is electrically connected to the power supply module 340 through the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

[0053] Based on the above technical solution, optionally, during the actual operation of the gas water heating system, the specific control method includes: zero cold water mode; When the zero cold water mode is executed, the return water controller 300 connected to the water using terminal 200 in the use state receives a control signal sent by the gas water heater 100, and the return water controller 300 switches the three-way valve 320 to conduct the hot water supply pipe 400 and the return water pipe 300 connected to the water using terminal 200, and the water in the hot water supply pipe 400 and the return water pipe 300 between the water using terminal 200 and the gas water heater 100 circulates into the gas water heater 100 for heating until the first set temperature value T1 is reached.

[0054] Specifically, after the gas water heater 100 starts the zero cold water mode, the return water controller 300 at the corresponding position receives a trigger signal, and then controls the internal three-way valve 320 to switch the connected state so that the water inlet valve port 321 is communicated with the water outlet valve port. For the return water controllers 300 at other water using terminals 200 not in the use state, the operation of switching the connection state of the three-way valve 320 is not performed. In this way, zero cold water heating treatment can be performed only on the hot water supply pipe 400 and the return water pipe 300 between the water using terminal 200 in the use state and the gas water heater 100.

[0055] Embodiment 2, as Figures 1 - 8 shown, this embodiment provides a gas water heater, which includes a housing 1 and a combustion chamber 2, a burner and a heat exchanger 3 provided in the housing 1. An inlet water pipe 11, an outlet water pipe 12 and a zero cold water pipe 13 are provided on the housing 1.

[0056] Among them, in order to meet the requirement of reducing the temperature rise of the secondary boiling water to improve the constant water outlet temperature, the gas water heater is configured with an internal circulation module 4. The internal circulation module 4 includes a circulation pump 41, a first water storage container 42 and a bypass pipe 43. The first water storage container 42 is connected between the circulation pump 41 and the bypass pipe 43 to form an internal flow path, and the internal flow path is connected to the heat exchanger 3 to form an internal circulation flow path.

[0057] Specifically, during the user's water usage, when the water supply is briefly turned off, the water in the heat exchanger 3 will be heated by the residual heat in the combustion chamber 2. Then, the circulation pump 41 can be started to make the cold water in the first water storage container 42 circulate into the heat exchanger 3 to absorb the residual heat, so as to meet the requirement that the temperature fluctuation of the hot water output is small the next time the water is turned on.

[0058] In addition, in order to reduce the number of ignition starts of the burner according to the water usage demand during use, so as to reduce energy consumption and noise, the gas water heater is equipped with an electric heating module 5. The electric heating module 5 includes an electric heating component 51 and a second water storage container 52. The electric heating component 51 is arranged on the second water storage container 52 and is configured to electrically heat the water in the second water storage container 52. The second water storage container 52 is connected between the heat exchanger 3 and the water outlet pipe 12.

[0059] Specifically, during use, when the user needs a large amount of hot water such as during bathing, the gas water heater normally starts to burn gas through the burner to heat the water flowing through the heat exchanger 3. When the user uses water in the kitchen and needs a small amount of hot water, on the one hand, the hot water flow rate is small, and on the other hand, the user frequently turns on and off the hot water. At this time, the electric heating module 5 can be started to heat the water in the second water storage container 52 to meet the requirement of instant hot water supply.

[0060] During this process, the burner in the gas water heater does not start. Only the heat generated by the electric heating component 51 in the electric heating module 5 being energized and heated is used to heat the water in the second water storage container 52. The heat generated by the electric heating component 51 in the electric heating module 5 meets the requirement of instant heating with a small water flow rate.

[0061] Among them, in order to meet the requirement of flow rate limiting control, usually, a servo proportional valve 14 is connected in series on the flow path between the water inlet pipe 11 and the heat exchanger 3, and the servo proportional valve 14 is used to automatically adjust the water inlet flow rate of the gas heat exchanger 3.

[0062] And, during the actual control process of the gas water heater, a trigger component for triggering the start of the electric heating module 5 to achieve instant hot water supply can be configured on the gas water heater. During the user's use, when the trigger component is triggered, the electric heating module 5 starts to execute water heating. In this way, after the user turns on the faucet, the electric heating module 5 starts the instant hot water supply mode, and, in the instant hot water supply mode, the water inlet amount is controlled by the servo proportional valve 14.

[0063] Among them, the trigger component can be a changeover switch arranged on the gas water heater, or other components that can trigger the gas water heater to switch modes, which will not be limited and elaborated here.

[0064] For the adjustment of the water inlet volume by the servo proportional valve 14, it is generally servo-adjusted according to the outlet water temperature detected by the temperature sensor configured on the outlet pipe 12. For example, when the outlet water temperature of the outlet pipe 12 is higher than the set outlet water temperature, the servo proportional valve 14 increases the water inlet flow rate; conversely, when the outlet water temperature of the outlet pipe 12 is lower than the set outlet water temperature, the servo proportional valve 14 decreases the water inlet flow rate. Regarding the specific control program, no limitation and elaboration are made here.

[0065] By configuring the internal circulation module 4 and the electric heating module 5, the first water storage container 42 configured in the internal circulation module 4 can meet the requirements for internal circulation when water use is paused. In addition, during use, for the electric heating module 5 configured on the outlet pipe 12, the electric heating component 51 can be used to perform instant heating treatment on the water in the second water storage container 52. In this way, in scenarios with relatively small water consumption such as the kitchen, only the electric heating module 5 needs to be started to supply hot water without frequently starting the burner. On the one hand, it can effectively reduce the large gas consumption caused by frequent starts. On the other hand, since the electric heating component 51 is used to heat the water in the second water storage container 52, silent heating can be achieved to reduce the large noise generated by frequent starts of the burner, thereby reducing energy consumption and noise impact and improving the user experience.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present application, for the installation positions of the relevant components in the housing 1, in order to meet the design requirements of structural compactness and meet the design requirements of the flow path, the following structural design is carried out for the installation positions of the first water storage container 42 and the second water storage container 52.

[0067] The first water storage container 42 is arranged on one side inside the housing 1 and above the water inlet pipe 11, and the second water storage container 52 is arranged on the other side inside the housing 1 and above the outlet pipe 12.

[0068] Specifically, the first water storage container 42 and the second water storage container 52 are arranged below the combustion chamber 2 and make full use of the space on both sides below the combustion chamber 2 in the housing 1 to place the first water storage container 42 and the second water storage container 52. Among them, the first water storage container 42 is adjacent to the water inlet pipe 11 and above the water inlet pipe 11, which is convenient for connecting the water inlet pipe 11 to the first water storage container 42, and realizing the water connection between the water inlet pipe 11 and the heat exchanger 3 through the first water storage container 42.

[0069] In addition, for the second water storage container 52, it is arranged on the other side inside the housing 1 and above the outlet pipe 12. In this way, the outlet pipe 12 can be directly connected to the second water storage container 52 above to facilitate the connection of the pipeline and shorten the length of the water flow path for the water outlet of the second water storage container 52.

[0070] Meanwhile, to meet the requirements of gas supply, a gas inlet pipe 15 is also provided on the outer shell 1 of the gas water heater. The gas inlet pipe 15 is used to supply gas to the burner in the combustion chamber 2 for combustion. To facilitate the routing of the gas supply pipeline inside the outer shell 1, the gas inlet pipe 15 is arranged at a position between the first water storage container 42 and the second water storage container 52, so that the gas inlet pipe 15 can arrange the gas path through the space between the first water storage container 42 and the second water storage container 52.

[0071] Specifically, the first water storage container 42 is arranged on one side of the gas inlet pipe 15, the second water storage container 52 is arranged on the other side of the gas inlet pipe 15, and the gas inlet pipe 15 is located between the first water storage container 42 and the second water storage container 52.

[0072] In another embodiment of the present application, a first connecting pipe 521 and a second connecting pipe 522 are provided on the second water storage container 52. The water outlet of the first connecting pipe 521 is arranged at the bottom of the second water storage container 52, and the water inlet of the second connecting pipe 522 is arranged at the top of the second water storage container 52.

[0073] Specifically, to improve the temperature constancy and hot water output rate of the water output from the second water storage container 52, the water entering the second water storage container 52 is transported to the bottom of the second water storage container 52 through the first connecting pipe 521. After the water output from the first connecting pipe 521 flows into the bottom of the second water storage container 52, the water at the bottom can be heated from the bottom of the second water storage container 52, and by using the principle of hot water rising, the water in the second water storage container 52 can be heated evenly.

[0074] Meanwhile, by arranging the water outlet of the first connecting pipe 521 at the bottom of the second water storage container 52, during the process of heating the water in the heat exchanger 3 by the burner to input hot water into the second water storage container 52 through the first connecting pipe 521. Since there is a certain amount of water stored in the second water storage container 52, in this way, even if the water temperature output by the heat exchanger 3 fluctuates, the water flowing into the second water storage container 52 through the first connecting pipe 521 can be mixed with the water already stored in the second water storage container 52, so as to effectively reduce the fluctuation range of the water temperature of the water outlet pipe 12 and improve the user experience.

[0075] In another embodiment of the present application, a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole are provided at the top of the second water storage container 52. The first connecting pipe 521 is inserted into the first mounting hole, and the lower end of the first connecting pipe 521 extends to the bottom of the second water storage container 52; the water inlet of the second connecting pipe 522 is connected to the second mounting hole.

[0076] Specifically, to facilitate the installation of the first connecting pipe 521 and the second connecting pipe 522, an installation hole is provided on the second water storage container 52 to meet the installation requirements of the connecting pipes. Among them, for the first connecting pipe 521, a first installation hole is provided at the top of the second water storage container 52, and the lower end of the first connecting pipe 521 is inserted into the first installation hole and extends to the bottom of the second water storage container 52. In this way, the upper end of the first connecting pipe 521 is exposed at the top of the second water storage container 52 to facilitate the connection of the pipeline with the heat exchanger 3 at the top. The second connecting pipe 522 is connected to the second installation hole at the top to meet the requirement of the water in the second water storage container 52 being output from the top.

[0077] In another embodiment, in order to improve the electric heating efficiency of the electric heating component to meet the heating requirement of increasing the water flow rate, the electric heating component includes a first electric heating pipe 511 and a second electric heating pipe 512. The first electric heating pipe and the second electric heating pipe are in a spiral structure, and the first electric heating pipe is sleeved outside the second electric heating pipe; Among them, the first electric heating pipe and the second electric heating pipe are arranged in the water storage container, and the connection terminals of the first electric heating pipe and the connection terminals of the second electric heating pipe extend outside the water storage container.

[0078] Specifically, two electric heating pipes in a spiral structure are assembled into an electric heating component 51. The electric heating pipes are in a spiral structure to increase their contact area with water. At the same time, the first electric heating pipe 511 is sleeved outside the second electric heating pipe 512 to meet the requirement of the overall compact design of the electric heating component, and then it can be installed into the water storage container 52.

[0079] Among them, in order to improve the safety and reliability, a protective cover 524 is also provided on the second water storage container 52, and the protective cover covers the connection terminals of the first electric heating pipe 511 and the connection terminals of the second electric heating pipe 512.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first electric heating pipe includes two first straight pipe segments 5112 and a first spiral segment 5111, and the first spiral segment is connected between the two first straight pipe segments; The second electric heating pipe includes two second straight pipe segments 5122 and a second spiral segment 5121, and the second spiral segment is connected between the two second straight pipe segments; Among them, the first spiral segment is sleeved outside the second spiral segment, the first spiral segment and the second spiral segment are located inside the second water storage container, and the first straight pipe segment and the second straight pipe segment extend outside the second water storage container and are respectively provided with connection terminals.

[0081] Specifically, taking the first electric heating tube 511 as an example, the first spiral section 5111 is in a spiral structure to play the main heating role, while the first straight tube section 5112 functions as support and circuit connection.

[0082] To achieve a compact structure design, one of the straight tube sections passes through the space formed by surrounding the second spiral section.

[0083] In another embodiment, the second spiral section and the first spiral tube section are arranged in a staggered manner, and a turbulent flow channel is formed between the second spiral section and the first spiral tube section.

[0084] Specifically, the water in the second water storage container is input through the first connecting pipe and output from the second connecting pipe. To ensure that the water input from the first connecting pipe can be fully and evenly heated by the electric heating component 51 to improve the hot water output rate, the second spiral section 5121 located in the space surrounded by the first spiral tube section 5111 is arranged in a staggered manner. Assuming the water flows along the center line direction of the second water storage container from the first connecting pipe to the second connecting pipe direction, the projections of the first spiral tube section 5111 and the second spiral section 5121 perpendicular to the center line direction of the second water storage container are in an alternating arrangement state.

[0085] In this way, during the process of the water flowing through the first spiral tube section 5111 and the second spiral section 5121, the water flow will be alternately blocked by the first spiral tube section 5111 and the second spiral section 5121, playing the role of turbulent flow, so that the water in the second water storage container 52 can be fully mixed and heated evenly, thereby improving the hot water output rate to meet the requirement of increasing the instant heating water flow rate.

[0086] To achieve sufficient heating uniformity, the second spiral section and the first spiral tube section are located between the water outlet of the first connecting pipe and the water inlet of the second connecting pipe.

[0087] In some embodiments, a switchable sewage discharge pipe 523 is further provided at the bottom of the second water storage container, and the sewage discharge pipe 523 extends to the outside of the housing 1.

[0088] Specifically, by configuring the sewage discharge pipe 523 at the bottom of the second water storage container 52, after the water heater is used for a long time, dirt is likely to accumulate at the bottom of the second water storage container 52, and the dirt in the second water storage container 52 can be cleaned out by opening the sewage discharge pipe 523.

[0089] In another embodiment, to facilitate fixing the second water storage container 52 in the housing 1, an installation bracket 525 is further provided on the second water storage container 5, so as to fix the second water storage container 52 in the housing 1 through the installation bracket 525.

[0090] In another embodiment, for the bypass pipe 43 of the internal circulation module 4, its installation position has at least two methods, and both methods can meet the requirements of internal circulation.

[0091] Method 1, as Figure 2 shown, in an embodiment of the present application, a first three-way pipe is provided on the first connecting pipe 521, and the first three-way pipe is respectively connected to the heat exchanger 3 and the bypass pipe 43.

[0092] Specifically, during internal circulation, the water output from the heat exchanger 3 flows into the bypass pipe 43 through the first three-way pipe and enters the first water storage container 42. During the internal circulation process, the second water storage container 52 does not participate in the work.

[0093] Method 2, as Figure 1 shown, a second three-way pipe is provided on the second connecting pipe 522, and the second three-way pipe is respectively connected to the water outlet pipe 12 and the bypass pipe 43.

[0094] Specifically, during internal circulation, the water output from the heat exchanger 3 first enters the second water storage container 52, and the water in the second water storage container 52 flows into the bypass pipe 43 through the second three-way pipe and then enters the first water storage container 42. During the internal circulation process, the second water storage container 52 participates in the work.

[0095] In another embodiment of the present application, a first connecting pipe 421 and a second connecting pipe 422 are provided on the first water storage container 42. The water outlet of the first connecting pipe 421 is arranged at the bottom of the first water storage container 42, and the water inlet of the second connecting pipe 422 is arranged at the top of the first water storage container 42.

[0096] Specifically, the outlet of the first connecting pipe 421 is arranged at the bottom of the first water storage container 42 to satisfy the first water storage container 42 to enter water from the bottom. Similarly, the inlet of the second connecting pipe 422 is arranged at the top of the first water storage container 42 so that the water at the top of the first water storage container 42 is output from the second connecting pipe 422.

[0097] In one embodiment, the circulation pump 41, the first water storage container 42 and the bypass pipe 43 are connected in sequence, and the circulation pump 41 is connected to the water inlet end of the heat exchanger 3; a first electric control valve 44 is provided on the bypass pipe 43, and the first electric control valve 44 is configured to control the on-off of the bypass pipe 43.

[0098] Specifically, by configuring the first electric control valve 44 in the internal circulation module 4, the on-off of the bypass pipe 43 is controlled by the first electric control valve 44. When the gas water heater performs an internal circulation operation, the first electric control valve 44 opens the bypass pipe 43 so that the water circulates between the heat exchanger 3 and the first water storage container 42 under the action of the circulation pump 41.

[0099] For the first water storage container 42, on the one hand, it needs to meet the requirements of internal circulation flow, and on the other hand, it also needs to serve as a connecting component between the heat exchanger 3 and the water inlet pipe 11. For this purpose, the water inlet pipe 11, the first water storage container 42, the circulation pump 41 and the water inlet end of the heat exchanger 3 are connected in sequence.

[0100] Specifically, the water flowing in through the water inlet pipe 11 first enters the first water storage container 42, and then flows into the heat exchanger 3.

[0101] In the case where the gas water heater has the zero cold water function, a zero cold water pipe 13 is provided on the housing 1. In an embodiment of the present application, a four-way pipe 45 is provided on the first water storage container 42; a second electric control valve 16 is provided on the zero cold water pipe 13, and the second electric control valve 16 is configured to control the on-off of the zero cold water pipe 13; the four-way pipe 45 is respectively connected to the bypass pipe 43, the water inlet pipe 11 and the zero cold water pipe 13.

[0102] Specifically, in the zero cold water mode, it is necessary to realize the heating treatment of the water in the external water pipe by the gas water heater, that is, to perform external circulation. And in the internal circulation mode, it is necessary to realize the circulating heating of the water in the water path inside the housing 1. By configuring a second electric control valve 16 on the zero cold water pipe 13, when performing internal circulation, the second electric control valve 16 will close the zero cold water pipe 13, thereby ensuring that after the circulation pump 41 is started, the water in the external water pipe will not enter the first water storage container 42 through the zero cold water pipe 13, thereby improving the water temperature adjustment efficiency of the internal circulation.

[0103] In another embodiment, a one-way valve 46 is provided on the bypass pipe 43, and the one-way valve 46 is configured to limit the water in the bypass pipe 43 to flow unidirectionally to the first water storage container 42.

[0104] Embodiment Three, refer to Figure 1 , the present invention also provides a control method for a gas water heater, and the gas water heater has a first water use mode and a second water use mode; In the first water use mode, after starting to use water, the electric heating module 5 is powered on and started to heat the water in the second water storage container 52 for instant hot water supply. At this time, the burner is not started; In the second water use mode, after starting to use water, the burner is started to heat the water flowing in the heat exchanger 3.

[0105] Specifically, in the first water usage mode, taking kitchen water usage as an example, in the kitchen water usage scenario, the required temperature and flow rate of hot water are both lower than the requirements for water temperature and water flow rate in the user's bathing water usage. Therefore, the first water usage mode is activated. In this mode, the electric heating module 5 will start running. After the user turns on the faucet, the water flowing in from the water inlet pipe 11 enters the second water storage container 52 through the heat exchanger 3, and the water in the second water storage container 52 is quickly heated by the electric heating component 51 to achieve instant hot water supply, thereby meeting the water usage requirements in water usage scenarios such as the kitchen.

[0106] In the second water usage mode, taking bathing water usage as an example, higher water temperature and water flow rate are required. At this time, the burner is started to burn, and the normal operation of heating water by the gas water heater is carried out.

[0107] In a certain embodiment, in order to meet the user's demand for quick water usage, in the second water usage mode, after the user starts using water, the electric heating module 5 and the burner are started simultaneously, and after the water temperature at the outlet of the heat exchanger 3 reaches the set outlet water temperature value, the electric heating module 5 is powered off and stops running. In this way, the output of cold water at the initial stage when the user starts using water can be reduced to meet the user's requirement for quickly obtaining hot water.

[0108] In another embodiment of the present application, the control method of the gas water heater further includes: zero cold water mode.

[0109] When the zero cold water mode is executed, the bypass pipe 43 is closed and the circulation pump 41 and the electric heating module 5 are started. The water input from the zero cold water pipe 13 sequentially passes through the first water storage container 42, the heat exchanger 3, and the second water storage container 52 and is output from the water outlet pipe 12 to the external circulation pipeline. The electric heating module 5 heats the water flowing through the second water storage container 52 until the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 reaches the first set temperature value T1.

[0110] Specifically, since the gas water heater is equipped with an electric heating module 5, when the zero cold water mode is executed, the heat generated by the electric heating of the electric heating module 5 can be first relied on to circulate and heat the water in the external pipeline. During this process, when the water storage volume and the water temperature increase in the external pipeline are not high, the electric heating module 5 can be used to meet the requirement of heating water in the zero cold water mode. In this way, the burner does not need to be started to reduce the running noise.

[0111] In another embodiment, limited by the heating power of the electric heating module 5, when the water storage volume and the water temperature increase in the external pipeline are relatively high, the electric heating module 5 will not be able to meet the zero cold water heating requirement, and further heating of the water flowing in the heat exchanger 3 by the burner is required.

[0112] Therefore, in the zero cold water mode, if the running duration of the circulation pump 41 is greater than the fifth duration t5 and the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 does not reach the first set temperature value T1, the burner is started until the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 reaches the first set temperature value T1.

[0113] Specifically, the specific control method for the gas water heater to start the burner to execute the zero cold water heating function can refer to the control process of the gas water heater executing the zero cold water mode in the conventional technology, which is not limited here.

[0114] In the execution of the zero cold water mode, the bypass pipe 43 needs to be closed, the circulation pump 41 is started, and the burner and / or the electric heating module 5 are started. The water input from the zero cold water pipe 13 enters the heat exchanger 3 through the first water storage container 42 for heating. The water output from the heat exchanger 3 first enters the second water storage container 52 and then is output to the external circulation pipeline through the water outlet pipe 12.

[0115] After the execution of the zero cold water mode ends and during the normal water use process, there is a situation where the user briefly turns off the water and then restarts it. At this time, in order to avoid the residual heat in the heat exchanger 3 causing the internal water temperature to rise too high, the internal circulation mode can be executed.

[0116] After pausing the water use, the internal circulation mode is executed. In the internal circulation mode, the bypass pipe 43 is opened and the circulation pump 41 is started, so that the water circulates between the heat exchanger 3, the second water storage container 52 and the first water storage container 42 until the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 reaches the second set temperature value T2.

[0117] After the zero cold water gas water heater executes the zero cold water mode, the user can use hot water for bathing. During the user's use of hot water, there is a situation where the water use is temporarily shut off. During this process, since the water temperature at the water inlet pipe 11 is relatively low, the conventional technology will execute the zero cold water mode again. However, at this time, the water temperature in the water outlet pipe 12 and the user's water use terminal pipeline is still relatively high, and frequent startup of the zero cold water mode will cause an increase in energy consumption.

[0118] Therefore, when the user temporarily shuts off the water during the use of hot water, the internal circulation mode can be executed, that is, the bypass pipe 43 is opened and the circulation pump 41 is started, so that the water circulates between the heat exchanger 3 and the first water storage container 42. In this way, the cold water in the first water storage container 42 circulates into the heat exchanger 3 to absorb the residual heat of the heat exchanger 3, thereby avoiding the excessive increase in the residual heat of the heat exchanger 3 causing excessive fluctuations in the outlet water temperature. At the same time, after the user restarts again, since the burner will start after a certain delay, the hot water in the first water storage container 42 can flow into the heat exchanger 3 and be finally output, so as to avoid the excessive fluctuations in the outlet water temperature caused by the cold water entering the heat exchanger 3 not being heated and being output from the water outlet pipe 12 in the conventional technology.

[0119] In the internal circulation mode, if the running duration of the circulation pump 41 is greater than the sixth duration t6 and the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 does not reach the second set temperature value T2, the electric heating component 51 in the electric heating module 5 is started for auxiliary heating. In this way, it is more conducive to ensuring that the water outlet pipe 12 can output constant-temperature hot water after the user uses water again, so as to improve the user experience.

[0120] In some embodiments, in order to avoid frequent start-up of the internal circulation during use, after the user pauses using water, the bypass pipe 43 is opened and the circulation pump 41 is started. Specifically: After the normal water use time exceeds the first set time t1 and the user pauses using water, the bypass pipe 43 is opened and the circulation pump 41 is started.

[0121] Specifically, during the user's water use process, if the water use time exceeds the set first set time t1, at this time, after the user finishes using water and closes the water, the zero-cold water gas water heater will trigger the execution of the internal circulation mode. In this way, it is possible to avoid the waste of additional energy consumption caused by the frequent start-up of the internal circulation mode during the user's frequent start-stop water use process.

[0122] In another embodiment, opening the bypass pipe 43 and starting the circulation pump 41 are specifically as follows: when the running duration of the circulation pump 41 exceeds the second set time t2 and the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 does not reach the second set temperature value T2, the burner is started until the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 reaches the third set temperature value T3, and then, the burner is shut down and the circulation pump 41 continues to run until the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 reaches the second set temperature value T2; where T2>T3.

[0123] Specifically, when the zero-cold water gas water heater is in the internal circulation mode, the end of the internal circulation mode is triggered by judging the running time of the circulation pump 41 and the water temperature of the water outlet of the first water storage container 42, that is, after the circulation pump 41 runs for more than the second set time t2 and the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 exceeds the second set temperature value T2, the internal circulation mode ends and the circulation pump 41 stops running. In this way, it can ensure that the water inside the zero-cold water gas water heater can be fully circulated and mixed evenly.

[0124] Moreover, during the execution of the inner loop mode, when the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 fails to reach the second set temperature value T2 due to a large amount of heat absorbed by the water temperature of the first water storage container 42, in this case, it is necessary to start the burner to assist in heating the heat exchanger 3. After the burner is started, the burner is shut down after detecting that the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 exceeds the third set temperature value T3, and the circulation pump 41 continues to operate to absorb the waste heat of the heat exchanger 3 so that the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 continues to rise until it exceeds the second set temperature value T2, and then the circulation pump 41 is shut down.

[0125] In some other embodiments, during the normal water usage process after the zero cold water mode is executed, if the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 is lower than the set start water temperature value Ts after the water usage is paused for more than the third set time t3, the zero cold water mode is re-executed; wherein, t3>t2; T3>Ts; T1>Ts.

[0126] Specifically, after the user turns off the water, regardless of whether the inner loop mode is executed or not, after the water usage is paused for more than the third set time t3, the temperature drop of the water in the pipeline between the water outlet pipe 12 and the water usage terminal will become larger. In this case, it is necessary to execute the zero cold water mode again.

[0127] In some embodiments, when the burner is shut down and the circulation pump 41 continues to operate until the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 reaches the second set temperature value T2, specifically: During the continuous operation of the circulation pump 41 after the burner is shut down, if the water temperature at the outlet of the heat exchanger 3 is higher than the fourth set temperature value T4 and the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 is higher than T2, first close the bypass pipe 43 and open the flow path between the zero cold water pipe 13 and the circulation pump 41. After the circulation pump 41 starts to operate for a duration greater than the fourth duration t4, then open the bypass pipe 43 and close the flow path between the zero cold water pipe 13 and the circulation pump 41, and the circulation pump 41 continues to operate until the water temperature at the outlet of the heat exchanger 3 is lower than T5 and the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 is higher than T2.

[0128] wherein, t3>t4; T4>T5>T2.

[0129] Specifically, in the internal circulation mode, when the burner is started for auxiliary heating, there may be excessive heat generated by the burner, which may cause the overall water temperature inside to be too high in the internal circulation mode. At this time, a certain amount of cold water can be introduced through the zero-cold water pipe 13 to further reduce the internal water temperature. That is, if the water temperature at the outlet of the heat exchanger 3 is higher than the fourth set temperature value T4 and the water temperature at the outlet of the first water storage container 42 is higher than T2, and the excessive heat generated by the heat exchanger 3 due to the burner heating causes the water temperature to be too high, at this time, the bypass pipe 43 can be closed and the flow path between the zero-cold water pipe 13 and the circulation pump 41 can be opened. Under the action of the circulation pump 41, a certain amount of cold water can be introduced through the zero-cold water pipe 13 to reduce the overall water temperature of the internal circulating water, and finally the water temperature fluctuation at the outlet when the user uses water again is small, thereby improving the user experience.

[0130] Among them, for the specific values of the above set temperature and set time, they can be obtained through experiments according to different models, and are not limited here.

[0131] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, for those of ordinary skill in the art, it is still possible to modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements for some of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions required to be protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A return water controller, characterized in that, it includes: An installation shell, an installation space is formed in the installation shell; A three-way valve, the three-way valve has a water inlet valve port, a first water outlet valve port and a second water outlet valve port, and the water inlet valve port is selectively communicated with the first water outlet valve port or the second water outlet valve port; the three-way valve is arranged in the installation space, and the water inlet valve port, the first water outlet valve port and the second water outlet valve port extend to the outside of the installation shell; An electronic control board, the electronic control board has a wireless communication module, and the wireless communication module is configured to wirelessly communicate with a gas water heater; the electronic control board is arranged in the installation space and connected to the three-way valve; A power supply module, the power supply module is arranged on the installation shell and configured to supply power to the electronic control board and the three-way valve.

2. The return water controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply module is a power supply cable, and the power supply cable is connected to the electronic control board and extends to the outside of the installation shell.

3. The return water controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply module is a battery mounting rack, and the battery mounting rack is configured to mount a storage battery, and the battery mounting rack is arranged in the installation space.

4. The return water controller according to claim 3, characterized in that, The installation shell includes a first shell and a second shell, the first shell and the second shell are detachably connected together, the three-way valve and the electronic control board are arranged in the first shell, and the battery mounting rack is arranged in the second shell.

5. The return water controller according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first shell and the second shell are snap-fitted together.

6. The return water controller according to claim 5, characterized in that, A clamping portion and a plugging portion are arranged on the first shell, a clamping mating portion and a plugging mating portion are arranged on the second shell, the plugging portion and the plugging mating portion are plugged together, and the clamping portion and the clamping mating portion are snap-fitted together.

7. The return water controller according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first shell includes a first mounting seat and a first cover shell, and the first cover shell is detachably arranged on the first mounting seat; a slot is further arranged on the first mounting seat, and the electronic control board is inserted into the slot; A positioning hole and a fixing hole are arranged on the three-way valve, a positioning post and a fixing post are further arranged on the first mounting seat, the positioning post is inserted into the positioning hole, and a screw passes through the fixing hole and is threadedly connected to the fixing post.

8. The return water controller according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second shell includes a second mounting seat and a second cover shell, and the second cover shell is detachably arranged on the second mounting seat; the battery mounting rack is arranged on the second mounting seat.

9. The return water controller according to claim 4, characterized in that, A power supply line is arranged between the first shell and the second shell, and the electronic control board is electrically connected to the power supply module through the power supply line; Alternatively, a first electrical contact is provided on the first housing, and a second electrical contact is provided on the second housing; after the first housing and the second housing are connected together, the first electrical contact is in conductive contact with the second electrical contact, and the electronic control board is electrically connected to the power supply module through the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

10. A gas-fired hot water supply system, comprising a gas water heater and a plurality of water-using terminals, an outlet pipe and a zero-cold water pipe of the gas water heater, the outlet pipe is connected to an external hot water supply pipe, and the zero-cold water pipe is connected to an external return water pipe; Characterized in that it further comprises a return water controller according to any one of claims 1-9, the water-using terminal is configured with a corresponding return water controller, an inlet valve port of the return water controller is connected to the hot water supply pipe, a first outlet valve port of the return water controller is connected to the corresponding water-using terminal, and a second outlet valve port of the return water controller is connected to the return water pipe; the return water controller is communicatively connected to the gas water heater.

11. A control method for a gas-fired hot water supply system Characterized in that it includes: Zero-cold water mode; When the zero-cold water mode is executed, the return water controller connected to the water-using terminal in the use state receives a control signal sent by the gas water heater, and the return water controller switches the three-way valve to conduct the hot water supply pipe and the return water pipe connected to the water-using terminal, and the water in the hot water supply pipe and the return water pipe between the water-using terminal and the gas water heater circulates into the gas water heater for heating until the first set temperature value T1 is reached.