Heat exchange system and water heater

Abstract

The invention discloses a heat exchange system and a water heater, and relates to the technical field of water heaters. The heat exchange system comprises a heat exchanger and a valve bank structure, a first flow channel and a second flow channel which are in heat exchange connection are arranged in the heat exchanger, the first flow channel is provided with a first inlet and a first outlet, the second flow channel is provided with a second inlet and a second outlet, and the first inlet and the first outlet are both used for being communicated with a water tank of the water heater. The valve bank structure is provided with a water inlet runner, a water outlet runner, a water inlet, a water outlet and a constant-temperature control assembly, the water inlet runner communicates with the water inlet and the second inlet, the water outlet runner communicates with the second outlet and the water outlet, and the constant-temperature control assembly is configured to adjust the water outlet temperature of the water outlet. According to the technical scheme, the arrangement compactness of the pipeline and the control valve in the water heater can be improved, the occupied space is reduced, and the size miniaturization of the water heater can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, and particularly to a heat exchange system and a water heater. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, a heat exchanger with an independent flow channel is provided to enable the water-using water path and the inner tank water to exchange heat without direct contact, so as to realize the function of heating and using live water; however, in this solution, various pipelines and control valves need to be provided, and the distribution of various control valves and pipelines is relatively scattered, resulting in a large overall space occupied by the water heater. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main object of the present invention is to propose a heat exchange system, aiming to improve the compactness of the pipeline and control valve arrangement in the water heater, reduce the occupied space, and facilitate the miniaturization of the volume of the water heater.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the heat exchange system proposed by the present invention includes: A heat exchanger, which is internally provided with a first flow channel and a second flow channel that are in heat exchange connection. The first flow channel has a first inlet and a first outlet, and the second flow channel has a second inlet and a second outlet. Both the first inlet and the first outlet are used to communicate with the water tank of the water heater; and A valve group structure, which has an inlet water flow channel, an outlet water flow channel, an inlet, an outlet, and a constant temperature control component. The inlet water flow channel connects the inlet with the second inlet, the outlet water flow channel connects the second outlet with the outlet, and the constant temperature control component is configured to adjust the outlet water temperature.

[0005] In an embodiment of the present application, the valve group structure is provided on the side of the heat exchanger.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present application, the valve group structure includes a first valve body and a second valve body arranged at intervals. The first valve body is provided with the inlet water flow channel and the inlet, and the second valve body is provided with the outlet water flow channel and the outlet; The constant temperature control component connects the first valve body and the second valve body and connects the inlet water flow channel and the outlet water flow channel.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present application, both the first valve body and the second valve body extend along the height direction of the heat exchanger, and the first valve body and the second valve body are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the heat exchanger.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present application, the inlet is provided at the lower end of the first valve body, and the outlet is provided at the lower end of the second valve body; The constant temperature control component is located in the lower region of the valve group structure.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present application, in the height direction of the heat exchanger, the constant temperature control assembly is located below the heat exchanger.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present application, the constant temperature control assembly faces the lower surface of the heat exchanger.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present application, the constant temperature control assembly includes: A bypass pipe, connected between the first valve body and the second valve body, to communicate the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel; and A flow control component, provided in the bypass pipe and / or in a portion of the water outlet channel upstream of the bypass pipe.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present application, the heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger; the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the valve group structure are located on one side in the thickness direction of the heat exchanger.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present application, the first inlet and the first outlet are respectively arranged at diagonal positions on the side wall of the heat exchanger, and the second inlet and the second outlet are respectively arranged at diagonal positions on the other side wall of the heat exchanger, wherein the second inlet is located above the first inlet, and the first outlet is located above the second outlet; The water inlet channel extends from below the heat exchanger to be connected to the second inlet, and the water outlet channel extends from below the heat exchanger to be connected to the second outlet.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present application, the valve group structure further includes a water replenishment control component connected to the water inlet channel. The water replenishment control component is provided with a water replenishment port for communicating with the water tank of the water heater, and the water replenishment control component is configured to conduct or block the water inlet channel and the water replenishment port.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present application, the water replenishment control component includes: A water replenishment pipe, provided with the water replenishment port and connected to the water inlet channel; An electromagnetic valve, provided in the water replenishment pipe, for controlling the on-off of the water replenishment pipe; and A second one-way valve, provided in the water replenishment pipe and located on the downstream side of the electromagnetic valve, for unidirectionally conducting the flow channel from the water inlet channel to the water replenishment port.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present application, the water replenishment control component is arranged opposite to the side wall surface of the heat exchanger, or the water replenishment control component is arranged opposite to the lower surface of the heat exchanger.

[0017] To achieve the above object, the present application further provides a water heater, including: Water tank; a heater, used for heating the water in the water tank; and The above-mentioned heat exchange system is arranged on one side of the water tank in the width direction, and the first inlet and the first outlet are both connected to the water tank to form a circulation loop.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present application, one side of the heat exchanger is mounted on the side wall of the water tank, and the valve group structure is arranged on a side of the heat exchanger away from the water tank.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present application, a water inlet pipe assembly and a water outlet pipe assembly are provided in the water tank, the water inlet pipe assembly is located in the upper area of ​​the water tank, and the water outlet pipe assembly is located in the lower area of ​​the water tank; In the height direction, the heat exchanger is located between the water outlet pipe assembly and the water inlet pipe assembly, the first inlet is located at the lower part of the heat exchanger, and the first outlet is located at the upper part of the heat exchanger.

[0020] In the heat exchange system of the technical solution of the present invention, the functional modules of the heat exchanger and the valve group structure are centrally arranged, and the valve group structure integrates the water inlet flow channel, the water outlet flow channel and the constant temperature control component, integrating the functions of heat exchange, water inlet, water outlet and constant temperature control, and can eliminate the redundant space occupied by scattered pipelines and independent valves in related technologies, improve the compactness of the structural layout of the heat exchange system, reduce the occupied space, and is conducive to realizing the miniaturization of the overall volume of the water heater. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying creative work.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a heat exchange system of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A side view of an embodiment; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Another structural diagram of the embodiment from another perspective; Figure 4 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment; Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the valve group structure in the embodiment; Figure 6Schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of the heat exchange system of the present invention; Figure 7 is Figure 6 Schematic structural diagram of another perspective of the embodiment; Figure 8 is Figure 6 Side view of the embodiment; Figure 9 is Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the valve group structure in the embodiment; Figure 10 Schematic structural diagram of yet another embodiment of the heat exchange system of the present invention; Figure 11 is Figure 10 Side view of the embodiment; Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the heat exchanger in the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the water heater of the present invention.

[0023] Explanation of the reference numerals in the drawings:

[0024] The realization, functional characteristics and advantages of the object of the present invention will be further described in conjunction with the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed implementation manners

[0025] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with 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. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0026] 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 and movement conditions between components in a specific posture (as shown in the drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0027] At the same time, the meaning of "and / or" or "and / or" appearing throughout the text is that it includes three solutions. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes solution A, or solution B, or the solution where A and B are satisfied simultaneously.

[0028] In addition, if there are descriptions such as "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, these descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first", "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In addition, the technical solutions between various embodiments may 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 is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0029] Traditional storage water heaters usually heat the water in the inner tank with a heater and 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.

[0030] In related technologies, a heat exchange type electric water heater with a heat exchange tube 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 a heat exchange tube in the inner tank has a relatively large installation and fixation difficulty, and various pipelines and control valves need to be set. Moreover, the distribution of various control valves and pipelines is relatively scattered. For example, various pipelines are separately connected to the heat exchanger, and various control valves are separately arranged at different flow channels, resulting in a large occupied space and an increase in the overall volume of the water heater.

[0031] Therefore, the present invention proposes a heat exchange system 100 applied to a water heater, aiming to integrate the relevant pipelines and control valve structures connected to the heat exchanger 1 into an integrated valve group structure 2. By directly assembling the overall valve group structure 2 with the heat exchanger 1, the overall structural layout can be simplified, the occupied space in the water heater can be reduced, and it is beneficial to realize the miniaturization of the volume of the water heater. Hereinafter, the structure of the heat exchange system 100 will be described by way of embodiments. Among them, the water heater is taken as an example of a heat exchange type water heater, and the water heater is taken as an example of a water heater having a water storage tank 200, and the tank 200 has a tank 200 water inlet and a tank 200 water outlet. For the convenience of position and direction description, the installation state in which the water heater is hung on an installation wall surface (such as a wall surface) is taken as an example. Among them, 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-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.

[0032] As Figures 1 to 4 、 Figures 6 to 8 shown, the heat exchange system 100 includes a heat exchanger 1 and a valve group structure 2.

[0033] The heat exchanger 1 is provided with a first flow channel and a second flow channel which are in heat exchange connection. The first flow channel has a first inlet 101 and a first outlet 102, and the second flow channel has a second inlet 103 and a second outlet 104. Both the first inlet 101 and the first outlet 102 are used for communicating with the water tank 200 of the water heater. The valve group structure 2 has a water inlet flow channel 211, a water outlet flow channel 212, a water inlet 201, a water outlet 202 and a constant temperature control component 23. The water inlet flow channel 211 connects the water inlet 201 and the second inlet 103, the water outlet flow channel 212 connects the second outlet 104 and the water outlet 202, and the constant temperature control component 23 is configured to adjust the water outlet temperature of the water outlet 202.

[0034] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 1 is externally disposed relative to the water tank 200 of the water heater. The first flow channel in the heat exchanger 1 communicates with the inner cavity of the water tank 200 to form a water circulation loop inside the water tank 200. The second inlet 103 of the second flow channel in the heat exchanger 1 communicates with the water inlet flow channel 211 of the valve group structure 2, and the second outlet 104 communicates with the water outlet flow channel 212 of the valve group structure 2. The water inlet 201 of the water inlet flow channel 211 is used for connecting to a cold water inlet pipe (such as a tap water pipe), and the water outlet 202 of the water outlet flow channel 212 is used for connecting to a water using terminal (such as a shower head, a faucet, etc.). That is, the second flow channel in the heat exchanger 1 is a part of the water using water path. Thus, it is possible to achieve non-direct contact heat exchange between the water using water path and the water in the water tank 200, and realize the function of using heated fresh water. Compared with directly using the water heated multiple times in the water tank 200, the water using quality is effectively improved. In addition, since the heat exchanger 1 is externally disposed relative to the water tank 200 of the water heater, compared with the case where the heat exchanger 1 is built into the water tank 200, the installation position and fixing method of the heat exchanger 1 are more flexible and simple. For example, it can be arranged inside the water heater housing, such as above, below or on the side of the water tank 200; for example, it can also be arranged outside the water heater housing, such as near the housing or near the water using terminal. In this way, the installation and fixing difficulty of the heat exchanger 1 is simplified, and the assembly efficiency is improved. Optionally, the heat exchanger 1 can specifically be implemented by using a plate heat exchanger 1 or a shell and tube heat exchanger 1, and the first flow channel and the second flow channel arranged inside it can form a heat conduction interface through metal plates or pipe walls. The connection between the first flow channel and the water tank 200 can be realized by using structures such as flange connection, threaded interface or quick joint, etc., reducing the scattered layout of the external circulation pipelines.

[0035] The valve group structure 2 has a water inlet flow channel 211 connected to the second inlet 103 and a water outlet flow channel 212 connected to the second outlet 104. The water inlet 201 of the water inlet flow channel 211 is used to connect to a cold water inlet pipe (such as a tap water pipe), and the water outlet 202 of the water outlet flow channel 212 is used to connect to a water using terminal (such as a shower head, a faucet, etc.). The constant temperature control component 23 can adjust the water outlet temperature of the water outlet 202 so that the water temperature flowing out from the water using terminal is the temperature required by the user, improving the user's water using comfort. In this embodiment, the valve group structure 2 integrates the functional modules of water inlet, water outlet and constant temperature control. When applied, only the valve group structure 2 needs to be directly installed with the corresponding interfaces in the heat exchanger 1, so that the constant temperature control component 23, the water flow channel and the heat exchanger 1 form a compact layout. Optionally, the water inlet 201 can adopt a quick connector; optionally, the water outlet 202 can adopt a quick connector.

[0036] It can be understood that the specific structure of the constant temperature control component 23 can be determined according to the actual situation. For example, it can be a mixing valve structure with two inlets and one outlet. In this way, both the water inlet flow channel 211 and the water outlet flow channel 212 are communicated with the inlet end of the constant temperature control component 23, and after being mixed into a suitable temperature inside the constant temperature control component 23, it flows out from the outlet end; for another example, it can be a flow control valve structure with one inlet and one outlet. In this way, the cold water in the water inlet flow channel 211 can be introduced into the water outlet flow channel 212 and mixed into a suitable temperature before flowing out.

[0037] In summary, in the technical solution of the present invention, in the heat exchange system 100, the functional modules of the heat exchanger 1 and the valve group structure 2 are centrally arranged. The valve group structure 2 integrates the water inlet flow channel 211, the water outlet flow channel 212 and the constant temperature control component 23, integrating the functions of heat exchange, water inlet, water outlet and constant temperature control. It can eliminate the redundant space occupied by the scattered pipelines and independent valves in the related art, improve the structural layout compactness of the heat exchange system 100, reduce the occupied space, and is beneficial to realizing the miniaturization of the overall volume of the water heater.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 8 and Figure 11 , in an embodiment of the present application, the valve group structure 2 is arranged on the side of the heat exchanger 1.

[0039] It can be understood that the water tank 200 is generally in a rectangular box structure. The water inlet and the water outlet of the water tank 200 are arranged on the side surface in the width direction of the water tank 200. In order to facilitate the connection with the water inlet and the water outlet of the water tank 200, the heat exchanger 1 can be arranged on one side in the width direction of the water tank 200, so as to reduce the height dimension of the water heater, and at the same time, the connection path between the heat exchanger 1 and the water tank 200 can be shortened, improving the compactness.

[0040] In this embodiment, by integrating the valve group structure 2 on the side of the heat exchanger 1, the lateral side space of the heat exchanger 1 can be effectively utilized, and the height occupied space can be reduced. Optionally, the valve group structure 2 can be arranged on the side of the heat exchanger 1 facing away from the water tank 200, or can be arranged on the side of the heat exchanger 1 close to the water tank 200.

[0041] As an example, please refer to Figure 12 , the heat exchanger 1 is a plate heat exchanger 1; the valve group structure 2 is located on one side in the thickness direction of the heat exchanger 1. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the thickness direction of the plate heat exchanger 1 is consistent with the width direction of the water heater. The plate heat exchanger 1 includes a plurality of heat exchange plates stacked along its thickness direction, and a heat exchange flow channel is formed between every two adjacent heat exchange plates. One of the adjacent two heat exchange flow channels is the first flow channel, and the other is the second flow channel. The first flow channel and the second flow channel are alternately arranged along its thickness direction. The first inlet 101, the first outlet 102, the second inlet 103, and the second outlet 104 are located on the side wall in the thickness direction of the plate heat exchanger 1. The valve group structure 2 is located on one side in the thickness direction of the heat exchanger 1, that is, on one side in the width direction of the water heater, which improves the compactness of the structural layout and is more convenient for disassembly, installation and maintenance at the same time.

[0042] Further, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Figure 11 , the first inlet 101, the first outlet 102, the second inlet 103, the second outlet 104 and the valve group structure 2 are located on one side in the thickness direction of the heat exchanger 1.

[0043] In this embodiment, by arranging the first inlet 101, the first outlet 102, the second inlet 103, and the second outlet 104 of the heat exchanger 1 and the valve group structure 2 on the same side of the heat exchanger 1, the distance between the valve group structure 2 and each inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger 1 can be effectively shortened, the connection distance can be shortened, the overall lateral dimension can be made smaller, and the problem of complex overall structure and low space utilization rate caused by the scattered pipeline connections when each inlet and outlet is located on different sides of the heat exchanger 1 can be avoided.

[0044] Specifically, the first inlet 101 and the first outlet 102 are respectively arranged at the diagonal positions of the side wall of the heat exchanger 1, the second inlet 103 and the second outlet 104 are respectively arranged at the other diagonal positions of the side wall of the heat exchanger 1, wherein the second inlet 103 is located above the first inlet 101, and the first outlet 102 is located above the second outlet 104; the water inlet flow channel 211 extends from the lower part of the heat exchanger 1 to be connected to the second inlet 103, and the water outlet flow channel 212 extends from the lower part of the heat exchanger 1 to be connected to the second outlet 104.

[0045] In this embodiment, the central connection line between the first inlet 101 and the first outlet 102 intersects with the central connection line between the second inlet 103 and the second outlet 104. The inlet water flow channel 211 extends in the height direction, and the cold water inlet is located below the heat exchanger 1. The outlet water flow channel 212 extends in the height direction, and the hot water outlet is located below the heat exchanger 1, so as to facilitate the external connection of the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe. Among them, the second inlet 103 is located above the first inlet 101, and the first outlet 102 is located above the second outlet 104. It can be understood that the water in the first flow channel enters from the lower left of the side wall surface of the heat exchanger 1 and flows out from the upper right, and the water in the second flow channel enters from the upper left of the side wall surface of the heat exchanger 1 and flows out from the lower right, so that the water flow direction in the first flow channel and the water flow direction in the second flow channel are arranged in a countercurrent manner, which can effectively improve the heat exchange efficiency and accelerate the preparation of hot water.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figures 3 to 5 In an embodiment of the present application, the valve group structure 2 includes a first valve body 21A and a second valve body 21B arranged at intervals. The first valve body 21A is provided with an inlet water flow channel 211 and a water inlet 201, and the second valve body 21B is provided with an outlet water flow channel 212 and a water outlet 202; the constant temperature control component 23 connects the first valve body 21A and the second valve body 21B and communicates the inlet water flow channel 211 with the outlet water flow channel 212.

[0047] It can be understood that the first valve body 21A can be a hollow pipe structure, the inlet water flow channel 211 is the inner cavity of the first valve body 21A, and the water inlet 201 can be a port of the first valve body 21A. Optionally, the first valve body 21A can be made of a metal pipe or a plastic pipe. The second valve body 21B can be a hollow pipe structure, the outlet water flow channel 212 is the inner cavity of the second valve body 21B, and the water outlet 202 can be a port of the second valve body 21B. Optionally, the second valve body 21B can be made of a metal pipe or a plastic pipe. The first valve body 21A and the second valve body 21B are arranged at intervals. On the one hand, it can separate the inlet water flow channel 211 and the outlet water flow channel 212 to prevent cross-flow and make it inconvenient to control the outlet water temperature. On the other hand, it can better adapt to the flow channel layout of the heat exchanger 1 and facilitate the connection with the second inlet 103 and the second outlet 104. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first valve body 21A and the second valve body 21B are arranged at intervals, and they can be fixed together through a connecting piece to ensure the integration of the valve group structure 2. Optionally, the first valve body 21A and the second valve body 21B can be an integrally formed structure or a split fixed connection structure, which can be realized by injection molding or machining.

[0048] In this embodiment, the constant temperature control component 23 connects the first valve body 21A and the second valve body 21B, and connects the water inlet flow channel 211 and the water outlet flow channel 212. The function of mixing water and discharging water at a constant temperature can be realized by adjusting the amount of cold water mixed from the water inlet flow channel 211 into the water outlet flow channel 212, or the function of mixing water and discharging water at a constant temperature can be realized by adjusting the hot water flow rate entering the mixing section in the water outlet flow channel 212. Structurally, the constant temperature control component 23 connects the first valve body 21A and the second valve body 21B, forming a substantially "H" - shaped structure, which can effectively improve the structural reliability of the valve group structure 2.

[0049] Specifically, please refer to Figures 1 to 7 , the constant temperature control component 23 includes a bypass pipe 231 and a flow control component 232. The bypass pipe 231 is connected between the first valve body 21A and the second valve body 21B, connecting the water inlet flow channel 211 and the water outlet flow channel 212; the flow control component 232 is arranged in the bypass pipe 231 and / or in the part of the water outlet flow channel 212 upstream of the bypass pipe 231.

[0050] In this embodiment, a bypass flow channel 2311 communicating the water inlet flow channel 211 and the water outlet flow channel 212 is configured inside the bypass pipe 231, so that the cold water in the water inlet flow channel 211 can be mixed into the hot water in the water outlet flow channel 212, preventing the water temperature flowing out from the water outlet 202 of the water outlet flow channel 212 from being too high, so as to make the water - using temperature more comfortable. Optionally, the bypass pipe 231 can be integrally formed with the first valve body 21A and / or the second valve body 21B. Among them, when the bypass pipe 231 is integrally formed with one of the first valve body 21A and the second valve body 21B, the port of the bypass pipe 231 can be docked with the other of the first valve body 21A and the second valve body 21B by means of inserting a pipe.

[0051] The flow control component 232 is used to adjust the water flow rate at the pipeline where it is located. In this embodiment, the flow control component 232 can be separately arranged on the bypass pipe 231 to adjust the water flow rate of the bypass flow channel 2311, that is, to adjust the amount of cold water mixed from the water inlet flow channel 211 into the water outlet flow channel 212; or, the flow control component 232 can be separately arranged in the part of the water outlet flow channel 212 upstream of the bypass pipe 231. At this time, the flow control component 232 adjusts the hot water flow rate on the upstream side of the bypass pipe 231 in the water outlet flow channel 212, so that when the adjusted hot water flows to the bypass pipe 231, it can be mixed with the cold water flowing from the bypass pipe 231 and then flow out from the water outlet 202 of the water outlet flow channel 212; or, the flow control component 232 can be arranged on both the bypass pipe 231 and the water outlet flow channel 212 to jointly control the cold water flow rate and the hot water flow rate to achieve constant - temperature water discharge.

[0052] Exemplarily, a mounting seat 2312 is provided on one side of the bypass pipe 231. The flow control component 232 includes a driving part and a control valve core. The driving part is mounted on the mounting seat 2312, and the control valve core is located in the bypass flow channel 2311. The driving part can drive the control valve core to move in the bypass flow channel 2311 to adjust the water flow rate passing through the bypass flow channel 2311. Optionally, the driving part can be a stepping motor.

[0053] Further, please refer to Figure 4 , a first one-way valve 233 is provided in the bypass pipe 231 for unidirectional conduction from the water inlet flow channel 211 to the water outlet flow channel 212. In this way, the hot water in the water outlet flow channel 212 can be prevented from flowing back into the water inlet flow channel 211.

[0054] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 , in order to further improve the layout compactness, in an embodiment of the present application, both the first valve body 21A and the second valve body 21B extend along the height direction of the heat exchanger 1, and the first valve body 21A and the second valve body 21B are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the heat exchanger 1.

[0055] Such a design makes the shape of the valve group structure 2 more regular, which can make full use of the height space of the water heater, reduce the width size of the water heater, and improve the installation adaptability.

[0056] It can be understood that the bypass pipe 231 extends along the width direction of the heat exchanger 1 and is perpendicularly connected to the first valve body 21A and the second valve body 21B, forming a substantially "H" - shaped structure. This can reduce the length of the bypass pipe 231, so that the cold water in the water inlet flow channel 211 can be quickly transported to the water outlet flow channel 212 through the shorter bypass flow channel 2311 to be mixed with the hot water in the water outlet flow channel 212. Thus, a faster bypass response speed and a more accurate bypass ratio can be ensured. Moreover, the shortening of the bypass flow channel 2311 is beneficial to improving the structural stability of the entire valve group structure 2 and avoiding the deformation of the bypass flow channel 2311 after long - term use, which has an adverse impact on the bypass ratio and the bypass response speed. In addition, such a design can further reduce the width size of the water heater.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , in an embodiment of the present application, the valve group structure 2 further includes a first connecting pipe 24 provided at the first inlet 101. The outer wall of the first connecting pipe 24 is fixedly connected to the first valve body 21A, and the inner cavity of the first connecting pipe 24 is used to communicate the first flow channel with the water tank 200.

[0058] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the second inlet 103 is located above the first inlet 101, and the water inlet channel 211 of the first valve body 21A extends along the height direction of the heat exchanger 1. It can be understood that the water inlet channel 211 extends upward from the bottom of the first inlet 101 to the second inlet 103 above it. In this embodiment, by arranging the first connecting pipe 24 at the first inlet 101, the inner cavity of the first connecting pipe 24 is communicated with the first channel, and the outer wall of the first connecting pipe 24 is fixedly connected with the first valve body 21A. On the one hand, it can play a role in strengthening the support of the first valve body 21A and improve the reliability of the integrated structure of the valve group structure 2 and the heat exchanger 1. On the other hand, it can ensure the isolation of the first channel and the water inlet channel 211 to prevent the water channel in the water tank 200 from flowing in series with the water channel. Optionally, the first connecting pipe 24 has two pipe sections connected at an angle, one pipe section is connected to the first inlet 101 perpendicular to the side wall of the heat exchanger 1, and the other pipe section is connected to the end of the previous pipe section away from the first inlet 101 and extends in a direction parallel to the side wall of the heat exchanger 1. The connecting corner of the two pipe sections is fixed to the first valve body 21A. Optionally, the pipe opening of the first connecting pipe 24 is a quick connector.

[0059] See also Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 In some embodiments, a second connecting pipe 25 connected to the first valve body 21A may also be provided at the second inlet 103, and the second connecting pipe 25 connects the second inlet 103 with the water inlet channel 211. Structurally, the second connecting pipe 25 can support and fix the first valve body 21A. Optionally, the supporting effect of the second connecting pipe 25 and the first connecting pipe 24 on the first valve body 21A can make the water inlet channel 211 extend along the height direction of the heat exchanger 1 and be arranged roughly parallel to the side wall surface of the heat exchanger 1, so that the spatial arrangement of the first valve body 21A and the heat exchanger 1 is more regular.

[0060] See also Figures 1 to 5 In one embodiment of the present application, the water inlet 201 is arranged at the lower end of the first valve body 21A, and the water outlet 202 is arranged at the lower end of the second valve body 21B; the constant temperature control component 23 is located in the lower area of ​​the valve group structure 2.

[0061] With this design, when the water heater is installed on a wall, the water inlet 201 and the water outlet 202 at the lower end of the valve group structure 2 are more convenient to connect with the corresponding cold water inlet pipe and outlet pipe, thereby improving assembly efficiency. The thermostatic control component 23 is located in the lower area of ​​the valve group structure 2, which can shorten the flow path length of the bypass pipe 231 and the water outlet 202 in the water outlet flow channel 212, thereby reducing the heat loss when the mixed constant temperature hot water reaches the water outlet 202. In addition, the thermostatic control component 23 is located in the lower area of ​​the valve group structure 2, which is more convenient for staff to inspect and maintain.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figures 6 to 8 In an embodiment of the present application, in the height direction of the heat exchanger 1, the constant temperature control assembly 23 is located below the heat exchanger 1.

[0063] Such a design can make full use of the space below the heat exchanger 1 and reduce the lateral dimension of the whole machine. Optionally, the water inlet flow channel 211 and the water outlet flow channel 212 extend downward and protrude from the lower surface of the heat exchanger 1, and the bypass pipe 231 is connected to the parts of the water inlet flow channel 211 and the water outlet flow channel 212 that are located below the heat exchanger 1. At this time, the constant temperature control assembly 23 is installed on the side of the bypass flow channel 2311 facing directly below the heat exchanger 1 to make full use of the area below the heat exchanger 1.

[0064] Further, please refer to Figures 6 to 8 . The constant temperature control assembly 23 is opposite to the lower surface of the heat exchanger 1. With such a setting, the lateral dimension of the heat exchange system 100 can be further reduced, and the volume of the whole machine can be decreased.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figures 6 to 11 and Figure 13 In an embodiment of the present application, the valve group structure 2 further includes a water replenishment control assembly 22 connected to the water inlet flow channel 211. The water replenishment control assembly 22 is provided with a water replenishment port 203 for communicating with the water tank 200 of the water heater, and the water replenishment control assembly 22 is configured to conduct or block the water inlet flow channel 211 and the water replenishment port 203.

[0066] In this embodiment, the water replenishment control assembly 22 is connected to the water inlet flow channel 211 to control the on-off of the water inlet flow channel 211 and the water replenishment port 203, so as to realize the switching between the water use mode and the water replenishment mode of the water heater: when in the water use mode, the water replenishment control assembly 22 blocks the water inlet flow channel 211 and the water replenishment port 203, and the hot water in the water tank 200 enters the first flow channel through the first inlet 101, exchanges heat with the cold water in the second flow channel, and then returns to the water tank 200 from the first outlet 102; the cold water flowing in from the water inlet 201 can flow through the second flow channel to exchange heat with the hot water in the first flow channel and then flow out from the water outlet 202 to be used at the water use terminal. When in the water replenishment mode, the water use terminal is closed, and the water replenishment control assembly 22 conducts the water inlet flow channel 211 and the water replenishment port 203, so that the water flowing in from the water inlet 201 enters the water tank 200 for water replenishment.

[0067] The water replenishment control component 22 is installed at the water inlet flow channel 211. Its purpose is to be able to control the on-off of the water inlet flow channel 211 and the water replenishment port 203. It can be understood that the water replenishment control component 22 can be a control structure arranged inside the water inlet flow channel 211. At this time, the water replenishment port 203 can be formed on the side wall of the water inlet flow channel 211. In this way, the water replenishment control component 22 can realize the switching between the water replenishment mode and the water usage mode by opening or closing the water replenishment port 203; alternatively, the water replenishment control component 22 can be arranged on the branch of the water inlet flow channel 211. At this time, the water replenishment control component 22 can realize the switching between the water replenishment mode and the water usage mode by controlling the on-off of the branch. In actual application, a three-way structure or a bypass flow channel can be adopted to avoid the space occupation caused by an independent water replenishment pipeline. Optionally, the water replenishment port 203 can adopt an external interface.

[0068] Specifically, the water replenishment control component 22 includes a water replenishment pipe 221, a solenoid valve 222, and a second check valve 223. The water replenishment pipe 221 is provided with a water replenishment port 203 and is communicated with the water inlet flow channel 211; the solenoid valve 222 is arranged on the water replenishment pipe 221 for controlling the on-off of the water replenishment pipe 221; the second check valve 223 is arranged on the water replenishment pipe 221 and is located on the downstream side of the solenoid valve 222 for unidirectionally conducting the flow channel from the water inlet flow channel 211 to the water replenishment port 203.

[0069] In this embodiment, the specific structure of the water replenishment control component 22 is illustrated. Through the combined action of the solenoid valve 222 and the second check valve 223, it is realized that in the water replenishment mode, the water in the water tank 200 is prevented from flowing back into the water inlet flow channel 211. Specifically, the water replenishment pipe 221 is communicated with the water inlet flow channel 211, which is equivalent to a bypass branch of the water inlet flow channel 211. The solenoid valve 222 and the second check valve 223 are both arranged on the water replenishment pipe 221, and the second check valve 223 is located on the downstream side of the solenoid valve 222. The solenoid valve 222 plays a role in controlling the on-off of the water path of the water replenishment pipe 221, and the second check valve 223 plays a role in unidirectionally conducting the water path from the water inlet flow channel 211 to the water replenishment port 203 when the solenoid valve 222 is opened, to avoid water backflow. Optionally, the solenoid valve 222 can be selected as a normally closed solenoid valve 222, which is closed during the normal water usage state of the water heater and opened when the water tank 200 needs to be replenished with water. Such a design has a better anti-water-backflow effect compared with a water replenishment valve that only uses a single control valve to control the on-off.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , in an embodiment of the present application, the water replenishment control component 22 is arranged opposite to the side wall surface of the heat exchanger 1. By arranging the water replenishment control component 22 opposite to the side wall surface of the heat exchanger 1, that is, the water replenishment control component 22 is located directly beside the heat exchanger 1, the space on the side of the heat exchanger 1 can be effectively utilized to achieve the purpose of reducing the overall height dimension of the machine.

[0071] Please refer to Figures 6 to 9, in an embodiment of the present application, the water replenishment control component 22 is disposed opposite to the lower surface of the heat exchanger 1. By arranging the water replenishment control component 22 below the heat exchanger 1, the space below the heat exchanger 1 is fully utilized, and the size of the water replenishment control component 22 protruding laterally from the heat exchanger 1 is reduced, so that the lateral size of the heat exchange system 100 can be shortened, the overall lateral size of the machine is reduced, and thus the lateral occupied space is reduced.

[0072] In an embodiment of the present application, as Figure 13 , a water flow sensor 3 is provided in the water inlet flow channel 211 near the water inlet 201. The water replenishment control component 22 is located downstream of the water flow sensor 3, and the bypass flow channel 2311 is located downstream of the water flow sensor 3.

[0073] In this embodiment, the valve seat serves as the installation carrier of the water flow sensor 3, making the integration degree of the valve group structure 2 higher. By providing the water flow sensor 3 at the water inlet 201, the monitoring of the cold water inlet flow rate can be realized. The water replenishment control component 22 is located downstream of the water flow sensor 3, and the bypass flow channel 2311 is located downstream of the water flow sensor 3, effectively improving the control accuracy of the water replenishment flow rate and the bypass ratio.

[0074] The present invention also proposes a water heater, as Figure 13 , the water heater includes a water tank 200, a heater 400 and a heat exchange system 100. The specific structure of the heat exchange system 100 refers to the above embodiment. Since this water heater adopts all the technical solutions of the above all embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated here one by one. Among them, the heater 400 is used to heat the water in the water tank 200; the heat exchange system 100 is disposed on one side in the width direction of the water tank 200, and both the first inlet 101 and the first outlet 102 are communicated with the water tank 200, so that the first flow channel forms a circulation loop with the inner cavity of the water tank 200.

[0075] It should be noted that the heat exchanger 1 in this embodiment is disposed outside the water tank 200. Compared with the related art in which the heat exchange tube is placed inside the water tank 200, the installation position and fixing method of this heat exchanger 1 are more flexible and simple. For example, it can be disposed inside the electric water heater casing, such as above, below or on the side of the water tank 200, etc.; for example, it can also be disposed outside the electric water heater casing, such as near the casing or near the water using terminal, etc. Thus, the installation and fixing difficulty of the heat exchanger 1 is simplified, and the assembly efficiency is improved.

[0076] Optionally, the heater 400 can be externally or internally disposed in the water tank 200 to heat the water in the water tank 200. The heat exchange system 100 is disposed on one side in the width direction of the water tank 200, and can make full use of the space in the width direction of the water heater to arrange the heat exchanger 1 and the valve group structure 2. The water tank 200 and the first flow channel form a circulation loop, and a driving component (such as a water pump 300) is provided on the circulation loop to realize the circulation flow of driving the water in the water tank 200 to flow back from the water outlet of the water tank 200 to the water inlet of the water tank 200 via the first flow channel; the water inlet flow channel 211 of the valve group structure 2, the second flow channel of the heat exchanger 1, and the water outlet flow channel 212 of the valve group structure 2 are sequentially connected to form the water using water path of the water heater. Through heat exchange between the second flow channel and the first flow channel, the cold water in the water using water path absorbs the heat of the hot water in the first flow channel and then becomes hot water, which flows out from the water outlet 202 to the water using terminal for the user to use, realizing the function of heating and using live water.

[0077] In an embodiment of the present application, one side of the heat exchanger 1 is installed on the side wall of the water tank 200, and the valve group structure 2 is disposed on the side of the heat exchanger 1 away from the water tank 200. With such a setting, the lateral space in the water heater can be fully utilized, and the height dimension can be reduced.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 13 , in an embodiment of the present application, a water inlet pipe assembly 510 and a water outlet pipe assembly 520 are provided in the water tank 200. The water inlet pipe assembly 510 is located in the upper region of the water tank 200, and the water outlet pipe assembly 520 is located in the lower region of the water tank 200; in the height direction, the heat exchanger 1 is located between the water outlet pipe assembly 520 and the water inlet pipe assembly 510, the first inlet 101 is located below the heat exchanger 1, and the first outlet 102 is located above the heat exchanger 1.

[0079] With such a setting, the water flowing in from the water inlet pipe assembly 510 can squeeze the water in the lower region of the water tank 200 out to the circulation loop from the water outlet pipe assembly 520, so that the water in the water tank 200 and the water in the circulation loop are forced to convect, improving the heating efficiency of the circulation water path, and further improving the heat exchange efficiency and accelerating the preparation of hot water. In addition, in this embodiment, the water outlet pipe assembly 520 is in the lower region of the water tank 200, and the first inlet 101 is in the lower position of the heat exchanger 1, effectively shortening the length of the connecting pipe section connecting the water outlet pipe assembly 520 and the first inlet 101, effectively saving the layout space; correspondingly, the water inlet pipe assembly 510 is in the upper region of the water tank 200, and the first outlet 102 is in the upper position of the heat exchanger 1, effectively shortening the length of the connecting pipe section connecting the water inlet pipe assembly 510 and the first outlet 102, effectively saving the layout space.

[0080] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention accordingly. 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. A heat exchange system, characterized in that, Comprising: A heat exchanger, which is internally provided with a first flow channel and a second flow channel that are in heat exchange connection. The first flow channel has a first inlet and a first outlet, and the second flow channel has a second inlet and a second outlet. Both the first inlet and the first outlet are used to communicate with the water tank of the water heater; and A valve group structure, which has an inlet water flow channel, an outlet water flow channel, a water inlet, a water outlet, and a constant temperature control component. The inlet water flow channel communicates the water inlet with the second inlet, the outlet water flow channel communicates the second outlet with the water outlet, and the constant temperature control component is configured to adjust the water temperature of the water outlet.

2. The heat exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve group structure is arranged on the side of the heat exchanger.

3. The heat exchange system according to claim 2, wherein The valve group structure includes a first valve body and a second valve body that are arranged at intervals. The first valve body is provided with the inlet water flow channel and the water inlet, and the second valve body is provided with the outlet water flow channel and the water outlet; The constant temperature control component connects the first valve body and the second valve body and communicates the inlet water flow channel with the outlet water flow channel.

4. The heat exchange system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both the first valve body and the second valve body extend along the height direction of the heat exchanger, and the first valve body and the second valve body are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the heat exchanger.

5. The heat exchange system according to claim 4, wherein The water inlet is arranged at the lower end of the first valve body, and the water outlet is arranged at the lower end of the second valve body; The constant temperature control component is located in the lower region of the valve group structure.

6. The heat exchange system according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the height direction of the heat exchanger, the constant temperature control component is located below the heat exchanger.

7. The heat exchange system according to claim 6, wherein, The constant temperature control component is opposite to the lower surface of the heat exchanger.

8. The heat exchange system according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, The constant temperature control component includes: A bypass pipe, which is connected between the first valve body and the second valve body and communicates the inlet water flow channel with the outlet water flow channel; and A flow control component, which is arranged in the bypass pipe and / or in the part of the outlet water flow channel located upstream of the bypass pipe.

9. The heat exchange system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that The heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger; the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the valve group structure are located on one side in the thickness direction of the heat exchanger.

10. The heat exchange system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first inlet and the first outlet are respectively arranged at the diagonal positions of the side wall of the heat exchanger, and the second inlet and the second outlet are respectively arranged at the other diagonal positions of the side wall of the heat exchanger, wherein the second inlet is located above the first inlet, and the first outlet is located above the second outlet; The inlet water flow channel extends from below the heat exchanger to be connected with the second inlet, and the outlet water flow channel extends from below the heat exchanger to be connected with the second outlet.

11. The heat exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The valve group structure further includes a water replenishment control component connected to the inlet water flow channel. The water replenishment control component is provided with a water replenishment port for communicating with the water tank of the water heater, and the water replenishment control component is configured to conduct or block the communication between the inlet water flow channel and the water replenishment port.

12. The heat exchange system according to claim 11, wherein, The water replenishment control component includes: A water replenishment pipe, which is provided with the water replenishment port and is communicated with the inlet water flow channel; An electromagnetic valve, which is arranged on the water replenishment pipe and is used to control the on-off of the water replenishment pipe; and A second one-way valve, which is arranged on the water replenishment pipe and is located on the downstream side of the electromagnetic valve to unidirectionally conduct the flow channel from the inlet water flow channel to the water replenishment port.

13. The heat exchange system according to claim 11, wherein, The water replenishment control component is disposed opposite to the side wall surface of the heat exchanger, or the water replenishment control component is disposed opposite to the lower surface of the heat exchanger.

14. A water heater, characterized in that, It includes: a water tank; a heater for heating the water in the water tank; and the heat exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which is disposed on one side in the width direction of the water tank, and both the first inlet and the first outlet are communicated with the water tank to form a circulation loop.

15. The water heater according to claim 14, wherein, One side of the heat exchanger is installed on the side wall of the water tank, and the valve group structure is disposed on the side of the heat exchanger away from the water tank.

16. The water heater according to claim 14, characterized in that, An inlet pipe assembly and an outlet pipe assembly are provided in the water tank. The inlet pipe assembly is located in the upper region of the water tank, and the outlet pipe assembly is located in the lower region of the water tank; In the height direction, the heat exchanger is located between the outlet pipe assembly and the inlet pipe assembly. The first inlet is located at the lower part of the heat exchanger, and the first outlet is located at the upper part of the heat exchanger.

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