Electric water heater

Abstract

The invention discloses an electric water heater, and relates to the technical field of water heaters. The electric water heater comprises a water tank, a heat exchanger, a heater and a driving part. The water tank is provided with a water storage cavity, a water inlet and a water outlet, the heat exchanger is arranged outside the water tank and provided with a first flow channel and a second flow channel which are in heat exchange connection, a first inlet and a first outlet of the first flow channel communicate with the water inlet and the water outlet correspondingly so that the first flow channel and the water storage cavity can form a circulation loop, and a second inlet of the second flow channel is used for being connected with a cold water inlet pipe. A second outlet of the second flow channel is communicated with a hot water outlet pipe; the heater is used for heating water in the circulation loop; and the driving part is configured to drive water in the circulation loop to circularly flow. According to the technical scheme, the electric water heater can improve the heat efficiency while running water is used, the installation difficulty of the heat exchanger is reduced, and the assembly efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, and particularly to an electric water heater. Background Art

[0002] Traditional storage water heaters usually heat the water in the inner tank with a heater and directly supply it to users. This method has problems such as a large volume of the inner tank occupying a lot of space and being prone to bacterial growth.

[0003] In related art, most heat exchange type electric water heaters adopt the method of arranging heat exchange tubes in the inner tank, which has problems such as a long length of the heat exchange tubes and low thermal efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main object of the present invention is to propose an electric water heater, aiming to improve the thermal efficiency while using live water.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the electric water heater proposed by the present invention includes: A water tank provided with a water storage cavity, an inlet and an outlet communicating with the water storage cavity; A heat exchanger externally disposed on the water tank. The heat exchanger has a first flow channel and a second flow channel connected in a heat exchange manner. A first inlet and a first outlet of the first flow channel are respectively communicated with the inlet and the outlet to form a circulation loop between the first flow channel and the water storage cavity. A second inlet of the second flow channel is used for connecting with a cold water inlet pipe, and a second outlet of the second flow channel is used for communicating with a hot water outlet pipe; A heater for heating the water in the circulation loop; and A driving component configured to drive the water in the circulation loop to circulate.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present application, the electric water heater further includes a make-up water pipeline assembly. An inlet end of the make-up water pipeline assembly is connected to the cold water inlet pipe, and an outlet end of the make-up water pipeline assembly is connected to the circulation loop.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present application, the driving component is disposed on the downstream side of the first flow channel; a connection part between the outlet end of the make-up water pipeline assembly and the circulation loop is disposed on the upstream side of the driving component.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present application, the outlet end of the make-up water pipeline assembly is disposed on the upstream side of the first flow channel.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present application, the make-up water pipeline assembly includes: A make-up water pipe connecting the cold water inlet pipe and the circulation loop; A solenoid valve disposed on the make-up water pipe to control the on-off of the make-up water pipe; and A first one-way valve is provided on the make-up water pipe and is located on the downstream side of the solenoid valve for unidirectionally conducting the flow path of the cold water inlet pipe to the circulation loop.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present application, the heater is externally disposed outside the water tank and is located between the water outlet and the first inlet.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present application, the outlet end of the make-up water pipe assembly is located on the upstream side of the heater.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present application, a second one-way valve is provided at the water outlet for unidirectionally conducting the flow path of the water storage cavity to the circulation loop.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present application, the electric water heater further includes a bypass pipe connected between the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe, and a thermostatic valve is provided on the bypass pipe for adjusting the water flow rate of the bypass pipe.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present application, temperature sensors are provided on both the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe; And / or, an inlet pipe assembly and an outlet pipe assembly are provided in the water tank. The inlet pipe assembly is installed at the water inlet, the outlet pipe assembly is installed at the water outlet, and a filtering member is provided on the outlet pipe assembly; And / or, the water tank is an open box body, a cavity is provided at the top of the water storage cavity, and the water tank further includes an overflow exhaust pipe communicated with the cavity.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present application, the electric water heater has a water use mode and a water make-up mode: In the water use mode, the make-up water pipe assembly is closed, the heater and the driving component are turned on, and the water in the water storage cavity sequentially passes through the heater, the first flow channel, and the driving component and then returns to the water storage cavity; the water in the cold water inlet pipe flows through the second flow channel to the hot water outlet pipe; In the water make-up mode, the outlet end of the hot water outlet pipe is closed, the make-up water pipe assembly is opened, and the water in the cold water inlet pipe flows through the make-up water pipe assembly, the heater, and the first flow channel to the water storage cavity.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present application, the heater is turned on in the water make-up mode.

[0017] In the technical solution of the present invention for an electric water heater, by adopting a heat exchanger provided outside the water tank and having a first flow channel and a second flow channel connected in a heat exchange manner, the first flow channel is connected to the water storage cavity to form a circulation loop. The water in the circulation loop is heated by a heater, and the water in the circulation loop is driven to flow cyclically by a driving component, so that the hot water in the circulation loop can heat the cold water flowing in the second flow channel in the heat exchanger when passing through the first flow channel, realizing the function of heating and using live water. In addition, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger is arranged outside the water tank, reducing the installation difficulty and improving the assembly efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] 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 only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the electric water heater of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a schematic water circuit diagram in the water usage mode of the electric water heater of the present invention; Figure 3 It is a schematic water circuit diagram in the water replenishment mode of the electric water heater of the present invention; Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the heat exchanger in the electric water heater of the present invention; Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperative structure of an embodiment of the heat exchanger, cold water inlet pipe, hot water outlet pipe, constant temperature valve and water replenishment pipeline assembly in the electric water heater of the present invention; Figure 6 For Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram after hiding the heat exchanger, constant temperature valve and water replenishment pipeline assembly in the embodiment; Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperative structure of another embodiment of the heat exchanger, cold water inlet pipe, hot water outlet pipe, constant temperature valve and water replenishment pipeline assembly in the electric water heater of the present invention; Figure 8 For Figure 7 It is a sectional view of the embodiment.

[0020] Description of the reference numerals in the drawings:

[0021] The realization of the object, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further described with reference to the embodiments and the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0022] 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. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. 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 if there are directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back,...) involved in the embodiments of the present invention, the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement conditions, etc. between components in a specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0024] At the same time, the meaning of "and / or" or "and / or" appearing throughout the text is that it includes three scenarios. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes the scenario of A, or the scenario of B, or the scenario where A and B are satisfied simultaneously.

[0025] In addition, if there are descriptions such as "first", "second", etc. involved in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In addition, the technical solutions between various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of those of ordinary skill in the art to implement. When the combination of technical solutions results in contradictions or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the protection scope required by the present invention.

[0026] Traditional storage water heaters usually heat the water in the inner tank with a heater and then directly supply it to users for use. However, this method has problems such as a large volume of the inner tank occupying a lot of space and being prone to bacteria growth. To solve the above problems, in related technologies, a heat exchange type electric water heater with heat exchange tubes arranged in the inner tank is adopted to realize the application of live water heating, so that the water use water path is not in direct contact with the water stored in the inner tank, improving the water use quality. However, arranging heat exchange tubes in the inner tank has a greater installation and fixation difficulty, and usually the water in the inner tank is not flowing, and the heat exchange between the water and the heater and the heat exchange tubes is natural convection heat exchange, resulting in a problem of low heat exchange efficiency.

[0027] Therefore, the present invention proposes an electric water heater, aiming to simplify the assembly difficulty and improve the heat exchange efficiency while realizing the use of live water heating.

[0028] In the embodiments of the present invention, as Figures 1 to 3 shown, the electric water heater includes a water tank 1, a heat exchanger 3, a heater 2, and a driving component 4.

[0029] The water tank 1 is provided with a water storage cavity 101, as well as a water inlet 102 and a water outlet 103 that communicate with the water storage cavity 101; the heat exchanger 3 is externally disposed on the water tank 1, and the heat exchanger 3 has a first flow channel 31 and a second flow channel 32 that are in heat exchange connection. The first inlet 301 and the first outlet 302 of the first flow channel 31 are respectively communicated with the water inlet 102 and the water outlet 103 so that the first flow channel 31 and the water storage cavity 101 form a circulation loop. The second inlet 303 of the second flow channel 32 is used to connect to the cold water inlet pipe 81, and the second outlet 304 of the second flow channel 32 is used to communicate with the hot water outlet pipe 82; the heater 2 is used to heat the water in the circulation loop; the driving component 4 is configured to drive the water in the circulation loop to circulate.

[0030] In this embodiment, the water tank 1 is provided with a water inlet 102 and a water outlet 103 that communicate with the water storage cavity 101. The heat exchanger 3 is externally disposed on the water tank 1. The heat exchanger 3 has a first flow channel 31 and a second flow channel 32 that are in heat exchange connection. Among them, the first inlet 301 of the first flow channel 31 is communicated with the water outlet 103, and the first outlet 302 of the first flow channel 31 is communicated with the water inlet 102, so that the first flow channel 31 and the water storage cavity 101 form a circulation loop. By driving the driving component 4 to drive the water in the circulation loop to flow, the function of the water circulation in the water storage cavity 101 is realized. The heater 2 can be externally disposed or internally disposed in the water storage cavity 101 to heat the water in the circulation loop. Optionally, the heater 2 can be an electric heating pipe or a cast aluminum heater 2, etc. The second inlet 303 of the second flow channel 32 is used to connect to the cold water inlet pipe 81, and the second outlet 304 is used to connect to the hot water outlet pipe 82. Thus, the cold water flowing through the second flow channel 32 of the heat exchanger 3 can absorb the heat of the hot water in the first flow channel 31 and become hot water, and then flow out from the hot water outlet pipe 82 to the water-using terminal for the user to use, thereby realizing the function of heating and using live water. Compared with directly using the water heated multiple times in the water storage cavity 101, the water-using quality is effectively improved.

[0031] It should be noted that the heat exchanger 3 in this embodiment is disposed outside the water tank 1. Compared with the method of placing the heat exchange tube inside the water tank 1 in the related art, the installation position and fixing method of this heat exchanger 3 are more flexible and simple. For example, it can be disposed inside the casing of the electric water heater, such as above, below or on the side of the water tank 1, etc.; for example, it can also be disposed outside the casing of the electric water heater, such as near the casing or near the water-using terminal, etc. In this way, the installation and fixing difficulty of the heat exchanger 3 is simplified, and the assembly efficiency is improved. The specific structure of the heat exchanger 3 can be determined according to the actual situation. For example, it can be a plate heat exchanger 3, a shell-and-tube heat exchanger 3 or some other types of heat exchangers 3, etc.

[0032] It can be understood that the specific installation position of the driving component 4 can be determined according to the actual situation. For example, it can be installed on the pipeline outside the water tank 1 in the circulation loop, or at the water inlet 102 or the water outlet 103 of the water tank 1. In actual application, considering the service life of the driving component 4, it can be selected to set the driving component 4 at the downstream position of the heat exchanger 3. In this way, the water temperature flowing through the driving component 4 is lower than the water temperature at the upstream position of the heat exchanger 3, which can avoid the damage of the high-temperature hot water before heat exchange to the driving component 4, thereby extending the service life of the driving component 4. Optionally, the driving component 4 can be a fixed-quota water pump structure or a variable-frequency water pump.

[0033] In summary, in the technical solution of the electric water heater of the present invention, by adopting a heat exchanger 3 provided outside the water tank 1 and having a first flow channel 31 and a second flow channel 32 connected in a heat exchange manner, the first flow channel 31 is connected to the water storage cavity 101 to form a circulation loop, the water in the circulation loop is heated by the heater 2, and the driving component 4 drives the water in the circulation loop to circulate, so that the hot water in the circulation loop can heat the cold water flowing in the second flow channel 32 in the heat exchanger 3 when flowing through the first flow channel 31, realizing the function of heating and using live water; in addition, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger 3 is arranged outside the water tank 1, reducing the installation difficulty and improving the assembly efficiency.

[0034] In actual application, the specific type of the water tank 1 can be determined according to the actual situation. For example, it can be a pressure-bearing box or an open box. In this embodiment, considering factors such as service life and volume shape, as an example, the water tank 1 adopts an open box, a cavity is provided at the top of the water storage cavity 101, and the water tank 1 is also provided with an overflow exhaust pipe 83 communicating with the cavity.

[0035] It can be understood that the water tank 1 is a non-pressure-bearing water tank 1. By providing a cavity at the top of the water storage cavity 101, the water tank 1 realizes the connection between the cavity and the outside through the overflow exhaust pipe 83, providing sufficient heating expansion space for the water inside the water storage cavity 101, so that the water tank 1 does not bear the expansion pressure of the water heated in the water storage cavity 101, and the service life can be effectively improved. In addition, based on this, the shape of the water tank 1 can be determined according to the actual situation. For example, it can be rectangular, square or some other shapes, etc., without being limited to the traditional cylindrical shape. Optionally, the overflow exhaust pipe 83 is installed on the bottom wall of the water tank 1, the inlet end of the overflow exhaust pipe 83 extends upward to the cavity, and the outlet end extends out of the bottom wall of the water tank 1 to communicate with the outside.

[0036] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , in an embodiment of the present application, the electric water heater further includes a makeup water pipeline assembly 5, the inlet end of the makeup water pipeline assembly 5 is connected to the cold water inlet pipe 81, and the outlet end of the makeup water pipeline assembly 5 is connected to the circulation loop.

[0037] After the water heater operates normally for a period of time, the water level in the water storage chamber 101 may be relatively low, resulting in insufficient water volume in the circulation loop, which affects the heat exchange efficiency or causes the problem of dry burning of the heater 2. Based on this, in this embodiment, a water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 connecting the cold water inlet pipe 81 and the circulation loop is provided. In the water replenishing mode, the water inlet in the cold water inlet pipe 81 can flow through the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 into the circulation loop, and then return to the water storage chamber 101 through the circulation loop, realizing the function of replenishing water in the water storage chamber 101. It should be noted that the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 in this embodiment is in a normally closed state during the normal water use operation of the water heater to prevent cross-flow between the circulation loop and the water use water circuit. After the water use mode of the water heater is closed, that is, when the water use terminal is in the closed state and the water storage chamber 101 needs to be replenished with water, the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 will open for water replenishing operation.

[0038] It can be understood that the specific connection position of the outlet end of the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 to the circulation loop may not be specifically limited here. For example, it can be connected to the water inlet 102 / outlet 103 position of the circulation loop close to the water storage chamber 101, or it can be connected to the position of the circulation loop close to the heat exchanger 3, or other positions, etc.

[0039] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , in an embodiment of the present application, the driving component 4 is arranged on the circulation loop; the connection part of the outlet end of the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 to the circulation loop is arranged on the upstream side of the driving component 4.

[0040] It can be understood that in the water use mode, the operation of the driving component 4 can drive the water in the circulation loop to circulate. And in the water replenishing mode, the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 replenishes water into the water storage chamber 101. According to the different connection positions of the outlet end of the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5, the operation state of the driving component 4 is different. When the outlet end of the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 is connected to the water inlet 102 of the water storage chamber 101, the driving component 4 is in a stopped operation state in the water replenishing mode. After the driving component 4 stops operating for a period of time, there may be a cavity at its inlet end. When it is turned on again, there may be an idling phenomenon. Based on this, in this embodiment, the connection part of the outlet end of the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 to the circulation loop is arranged on the upstream side of the driving component 4, so that whether it is the water use mode or the water replenishing mode, it can ensure that there is water flow at the inlet end of the driving component 4, thereby achieving the effect of preventing the driving component 4 from idling.

[0041] Furthermore, the driving component 4 is arranged on the downstream side of the first flow channel 31.

[0042] It can be understood that when in the water usage mode, after the hot water in the first flow channel 31 exchanges heat with the cold water in the second flow channel 32, the water temperature decreases. By arranging the driving component 4 on the downstream side of the first flow channel 31, the water temperature flowing through the driving component 4 is lower than that at the upstream position of the first flow channel 31, which can avoid damage to the driving component 4 caused by high-temperature hot water, thereby prolonging the service life of the driving component 4.

[0043] Optionally, the outlet end of the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 is arranged on the upstream side of the first flow channel 31. In this embodiment, the water flowing into the circulation loop from the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 will first pass through the heat exchanger 3 and then flow to the driving component 4.

[0044] In the embodiment of the present application, the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 includes a water replenishing pipe 51, a solenoid valve 52, and a first check valve 53. The water replenishing pipe 51 communicates the cold water inlet pipe 81 with the circulation loop; the solenoid valve 52 is arranged on the water replenishing pipe 51 to control the on-off of the water replenishing pipe 51; the first check valve 53 is arranged on the water replenishing pipe 51 and is located on the downstream side of the solenoid valve 52 to unidirectionally conduct the flow path from the cold water inlet pipe 81 to the circulation loop.

[0045] In this embodiment, through the combined action of the solenoid valve 52 and the first check valve 53, the operation of smoothly replenishing water into the water tank 1 is realized, and at the same time, the water in the circulation loop can be prevented from flowing back into the cold water inlet pipe 81 or the second flow channel 32. Specifically, the inlet end of the water replenishing pipe 51 is communicated with the cold water inlet pipe 81, which is equivalent to a bypass branch of the cold water inlet pipe 81. The solenoid valve 52 and the first check valve 53 are both arranged on the water replenishing pipe 51, and the first check valve 53 is located on the downstream side of the solenoid valve 52. The solenoid valve 52 controls the on-off of the water path of the water replenishing pipe 51, and the first check valve 53 unidirectionally conducts the water path from the cold water inlet pipe 81 to the circulation loop when the solenoid valve 52 is opened to avoid water backflow. Optionally, the solenoid valve 52 can be a normally closed solenoid valve 52, which is closed during the normal water usage mode of the water heater and opened when the water tank 1 needs to be replenished with water. Such a design has a better anti-water-backflow effect compared to a water replenishing valve that only uses a single control valve to control the on-off.

[0046] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , in an embodiment of the present application, the heater 2 is externally arranged outside the water tank 1 and is located between the water outlet 103 and the first inlet 301.

[0047] In this embodiment, the heater 2 is an external heater 2. Compared with the method of arranging the heater 2 inside the water tank 1, on the one hand, it is more convenient for installation, and on the other hand, it can make the box body structure of the water tank 1 more complete without the need to open an installation opening for the heater 2, simplifying the structure of the water tank 1 and making the forming process of the water tank 1 simpler. Optionally, the heater 2 is a cast aluminum heater, and a heating flow channel communicating with the circulation loop is arranged inside the heater 2.

[0048] By arranging the heater 2 between the water outlet 103 and the first inlet 301, it is ensured that the water flow is heated into hot water before entering the first flow channel 31 of the heat exchanger 3, so that the function of heating the cold water in the second flow channel 32 by the first flow channel 31 can be guaranteed, and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

[0049] Further, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the outlet end of the make-up water pipeline assembly 5 is located on the upstream side of the heater 2.

[0050] With such an arrangement, in the make-up water mode, the cold water flowing into the circulation loop from the make-up water pipeline assembly 5 can first pass through the heater 2 and then enter the heat exchanger 3 and the water tank 1. It can be understood that in this mode, the heater 2 can be turned on or off. When it is turned on, the make-up water entering the water storage cavity 101 can be hot water. Through the heat preservation function of the water tank 1, when using water again, the water flowing out of the water storage cavity 101 has a certain temperature, so that the heating efficiency of the water in the circulation loop can be improved and the hot water preparation time can be shortened. In some embodiments, in the make-up water mode, the heater 2 can also be turned off. At this time, on the one hand, it can avoid heat dissipation when the make-up water passes through the heat exchanger 3, and on the other hand, it can avoid the phenomenon of stop water temperature rise caused by the heating of the water in the second flow channel 32 by the first flow channel 31.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present application, a second one-way valve 7 is provided at the water outlet 103 for unidirectionally conducting the flow path from the water storage cavity 101 to the first flow channel 31.

[0052] With such a design, it can be avoided that in the make-up water mode, the water directly enters the water tank 1 without passing through the heater 2, the heat exchanger 3 and the driving component 4. In this way, the effect of preventing the driving component 4 from idling can be achieved.

[0053] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , in an embodiment of the present application, the electric water heater further includes a bypass pipe 61 connected between the cold water inlet pipe 81 and the hot water outlet pipe 82, and a thermostatic valve 62 is provided on the bypass pipe 61 for adjusting the water flow rate of the bypass pipe 61.

[0054] In this embodiment, by arranging a bypass flow channel connecting the cold water inlet pipe 81 and the hot water outlet pipe 82, the cold water in the cold water inlet pipe 81 can be mixed into the hot water in the hot water outlet pipe 82 to prevent the water temperature flowing out of the hot water outlet of the hot water outlet pipe 82 from being too high, so that the water use temperature is more comfortable. Specifically, a thermostatic valve 62 is provided on the bypass flow channel, which can adjust the water flow rate of the bypass flow channel, that is, adjust the amount of cold water mixed into the hot water outlet pipe 82, and improve the user's water use comfort. Optionally, the thermostatic valve 62 can be a water ratio valve, and the water ratio valve is configured with a stepping motor to achieve adjustment, and the adjustment accuracy is higher.

[0055] Optionally, temperature sensors 91 are provided on both the cold water inlet pipe 81 and the hot water outlet pipe 82. The two temperature sensors 91 are respectively used to detect the temperatures of the inlet water and the outlet water, and transmit the detected temperature signals to the electric control system of the electric water heater. The electric control system controls the operation of the constant temperature valve 62 according to the detected temperature to adjust the water flow rate through the bypass pipe 61, so as to control the outlet water temperature and obtain the outlet water temperature required by the user.

[0056] Optionally, a water flow sensor 92 is provided on the cold water inlet pipe 81 for detecting the cold water inlet flow rate.

[0057] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , in an embodiment of the present application, a water inlet pipe assembly 11 and a water outlet pipe assembly 12 are provided in the water tank 1. The water inlet pipe assembly 11 is installed at the water inlet 102, and the water outlet pipe assembly 12 is installed at the water outlet 103. The water outlet pipe assembly 12 is provided with a filter element 13 to prevent the scale in the water tank 1 from entering the circulation loop and causing blockage. Optionally, the water inlet pipe assembly 11 is arranged in the upper region of the water tank 1, and the water outlet pipe assembly 12 is arranged in the lower region of the water tank 1, so that the water flowing in from the water inlet pipe assembly 11 can squeeze the cold water in the lower region of the water tank 1 out through the water outlet pipe assembly 12 into the circulation loop to be heated by the heater 2, enabling forced convection of the water in the water tank 1 and the water in the circulation loop, improving the heating efficiency of the circulation water path, and further improving the heat exchange efficiency and accelerating the preparation of hot water.

[0058] The working mode of the electric water heater will be described below in the form of embodiments. It can be understood that the electric water heater has a water usage mode and a water replenishment mode. The water usage mode is the mode when the user discharges water at the water usage terminal, and the water replenishment mode is the mode when the water replenishment pipeline assembly 5 is used to replenish water into the water storage cavity 101 of the water tank 1 when the water usage mode is closed.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 2, in the water usage mode, the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 is closed (the solenoid valve 52 is closed, and the first check valve 53 prevents backflow), the heater 2 and the driving component 4 are turned on, and the water in the water storage cavity 101 sequentially passes through the heater 2, the first flow channel 31, and the driving component 4 and then flows back into the water storage cavity 101; the water in the cold water inlet pipe 81 respectively flows through the second flow channel 32 and the bypass pipe 61 to the hot water outlet pipe 82, where they are mixed and then flow out for use. In this mode, the water in the circulation loop circulates under the action of the driving component 4. The water flowing out of the water storage cavity 101 is heated by the heater 2 and then flows into the first flow channel 31 for heat exchange with the cold water in the second flow channel 32, and then flows back into the water storage cavity 101 through the water inlet 102. At the same time, the water in the water storage cavity 101 flows out from the water outlet 103, is heated by the heater 2 again, and then flows into the first flow channel 31 to heat the cold water flowing in the second flow channel 32. At the same time, in the water usage water path, cold water enters from the inlet end of the cold water inlet pipe 81, and then is divided into two paths. One path enters the second flow channel 32, is heated into hot water by the first flow channel 31, and then flows into the hot water outlet pipe 82. The other path enters the hot water outlet pipe 82 through the bypass pipe 61, is mixed with the hot water, and then flows out from the water usage terminal.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 3 , in the water replenishing mode, the outlet end of the hot water outlet pipe 82 is closed (that is, the water usage terminal is closed), the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 is opened (the solenoid valve 52 is opened, and the first check valve 53 prevents backflow), and the water in the cold water inlet pipe 81 flows through the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 and the circulation loop into the water storage cavity 101. In this mode, the water usage water path is in a closed state, the solenoid valve 52 of the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 is opened, the water replenishing pipe 51 is in a conducting state, and the cold water entering from the inlet end of the cold water inlet pipe 81 will directly enter the water replenishing pipe 51, flow through the circulation loop into the water storage cavity 101 for water replenishing operation until the water level in the water storage cavity 101 reaches the preset water level, and then the water replenishing stops. Specifically, taking the example that the outlet end of the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 is connected to the upstream side of the heater 2, in the water replenishing mode, the cold water sequentially passes through the cold water inlet pipe 81, the water replenishing pipe 51 (solenoid valve 52, first check valve 53), the heater 2, the first flow channel 31, and the driving component 4 and then enters the water storage cavity 101.

[0061] In actual application, a water level sensor can be set in the water tank 1 to detect the water level in the water storage cavity 101. This water level sensor can be electrically connected to the electric control system of the electric water heater. When the water level is insufficient, the solenoid valve 52 of the water replenishing pipeline assembly 5 is controlled to be opened through the electric control system to realize the water replenishing operation; when the water level meets the preset water level, the electric control system controls the solenoid valve 52 to be closed and stops the water replenishing.

[0062] It can be understood that in the water replenishing mode, the heater 2 can be turned on or off. Please refer to Figure 3In this embodiment, considering the efficiency of hot water preparation, the heater 2 can be turned on in the water replenishment mode, so that in the water replenishment mode, the cold water is heated to hot water before entering the water tank 1. Through the insulation effect of the water tank 1, when the water is used again, the water flowing out of the water storage chamber 101 has a certain temperature, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the water in the circulation loop and shortening the time for hot water preparation.

[0063] It is understandable that in actual applications, various control valves and pipelines may be distributed more dispersedly, resulting in a larger occupied space and an increase in the overall size of the electric water heater. Figures 4 to 8 In one embodiment of the present application, the relevant pipelines and control valve structures connected to the heat exchanger 3 can be integrated into an integral valve group structure. By directly assembling the integral valve group structure with the heat exchanger 3, the overall structural layout can be simplified, the occupied space in the water heater can be reduced, and the volume of the water heater can be miniaturized. In order to facilitate the description of the position and direction, the installation state of the water heater mounted on the installation wall (such as a wall surface) is taken as an example, wherein the height direction of the water heater is the direction extending upward along the installation wall surface, the width direction of the water heater is the left and right direction when facing the installation wall surface, and the thickness direction of the water heater is the normal direction of the installation wall surface. Optionally, the heat exchanger 3 is a plate heat exchanger 3, one side of the heat exchanger 3 in the thickness direction is installed on one side of the water tank 1 in the width direction, and the cold water inlet pipe 81, the hot water outlet pipe 82, the thermostatic valve 62 and the water supply pipeline assembly 5 are arranged on the side of the heat exchanger 3 away from the water tank 1. In this case, the thickness direction of the heat exchanger 3 is consistent with the width direction of the water heater, the height direction of the heat exchanger 3 is consistent with the height direction of the water heater, and the width direction of the heat exchanger 3 is consistent with the thickness direction of the water heater. The cold water inlet pipe 81 and the hot water outlet pipe 82 are extended along the height direction of the heat exchanger 3, and the bypass pipe 61 extends along the width direction of the heat exchanger 3.

[0064] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, the water supply pipeline assembly 5 is disposed opposite to the side wall of the heat exchanger 3, and the thermostatic valve 62 is disposed opposite to the side wall of the heat exchanger 3. In this way, the lateral space of the water heater can be fully utilized, the height of the water heater can be reduced, and the compactness of the structural layout can be improved.

[0065] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 In one embodiment, the water supply pipeline assembly 5 is disposed in the lower area of ​​the heat exchanger 3, and the thermostatic valve 62 is disposed in the lower area of ​​the heat exchanger 3. In this way, the lower space of the water heater can be fully utilized and the lateral size of the whole machine can be reduced.

[0066] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformation made under the inventive concept of the present invention by using the content of the specification and drawings of the present invention, or any direct / indirect application in other related technical fields, is included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric water heater, characterized in that, Comprising: A water tank, provided with a water storage cavity, an inlet and an outlet communicating with the water storage cavity; A heat exchanger, externally disposed on the water tank, the heat exchanger having a first flow channel and a second flow channel in heat exchange connection, a first inlet and a first outlet of the first flow channel being respectively communicated with the inlet and the outlet so that the water storage cavity and the first flow channel form a circulation loop, a second inlet of the second flow channel being used for connecting with a cold water inlet pipe, and a second outlet of the second flow channel being used for communicating with a hot water outlet pipe; A heater, for heating the water in the circulation loop; And A driving component, configured to drive the water in the circulation loop to circulate.

2. The electric water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric water heater further includes a make-up water pipeline assembly, an inlet end of the make-up water pipeline assembly being connected to the cold water inlet pipe, and an outlet end of the make-up water pipeline assembly being connected to the circulation loop.

3. The electric water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving component is disposed on the downstream side of the first flow channel; A connection part of the outlet end of the make-up water pipeline assembly and the circulation loop is disposed on the upstream side of the driving component.

4. The electric water heater according to claim 3, wherein, The outlet end of the make-up water pipeline assembly is disposed on the upstream side of the first flow channel.

5. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The make-up water pipeline assembly includes: A make-up water pipe, communicating the cold water inlet pipe and the circulation loop; A solenoid valve, disposed on the make-up water pipe, for controlling the on-off of the make-up water pipe; and A first one-way valve, disposed on the make-up water pipe and located on the downstream side of the solenoid valve, for unidirectionally conducting the flow path from the cold water inlet pipe to the circulation loop.

6. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The heater is externally disposed on the water tank and is located between the outlet and the first inlet.

7. The electric water heater according to claim 6, wherein, The outlet end of the make-up water pipeline assembly is located on the upstream side of the heater.

8. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A second one-way valve is provided at the outlet, for unidirectionally conducting the flow path from the water storage cavity to the first flow channel.

9. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The electric water heater further includes a bypass pipe connected between the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe, and a thermostatic valve is provided on the bypass pipe, and the thermostatic valve is used for adjusting the water flow rate passing through the bypass pipe.

10. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Temperature sensors are provided on both the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe; And / or, an inlet pipe assembly and an outlet pipe assembly are provided in the water tank, the inlet pipe assembly is installed at the inlet, the outlet pipe assembly is installed at the outlet, and a filtering member is provided on the outlet pipe assembly; And / or, the water tank is an open box body, a cavity is provided at the top of the water storage cavity, and the water tank further has an overflow exhaust pipe communicating with the cavity.

11. The electric water heater according to claim 7, wherein, The electric water heater has a water usage mode and a make-up water mode: In the water usage mode, the make-up water pipeline assembly is closed, the heater and the driving component are turned on, the water in the water storage cavity sequentially passes through the heater, the first flow channel, the driving component and returns to the water storage cavity; the water in the cold water inlet pipe flows through the second flow channel to the hot water outlet pipe; In the make-up water mode, the outlet end of the hot water outlet pipe is closed, the make-up water pipeline assembly is opened, and the water in the cold water inlet pipe flows through the make-up water pipeline assembly, the heater, and the first flow channel into the water storage cavity.

12. The electric water heater according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the make-up water mode, the heater is turned on.

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