Water heater and operation method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a water heater and an operation method thereof. The water heater comprises a heat exchanger. The front end of the cold water pipe is communicated with a tap water pipe outside the water heater, and the rear end of the cold water pipe is communicated with one end of the heat exchanger; the front end of the hot water pipe is connected with the heat exchanger and communicated with the rear end of the cold water pipe, and the rear end of the hot water pipe is communicated with the other end of the water heater; the water inlet valve is mounted on the cold water pipe; the flow meter is mounted on the cold water pipe and located at the rear end of the water inlet valve; the microbubble water device is mounted on the hot water pipe; the liquid level switch is arranged in the microbubble water device and is used for detecting the liquid level in the microbubble water device; the first one-way valve is installed on the hot water pipe and located at the rear end of the microbubble water device, and the water flow direction limited by the first one-way valve is consistent with the water flow direction in the hot water pipe; one end of the bypass water pipe communicates with the hot water pipe and is located between the microbubble water device and the first one-way valve, and the other end of the bypass water pipe communicates with the cold water pipe and is located at the front end of the water inlet valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of home appliance technology, and in particular to a water heater and its operating method. Background Technology

[0002] Nano-microbubble water possesses antibacterial and deep-cleaning properties and does not produce harmful substances, making it a new trend in the hot water equipment industry. Currently, some microbubble water heaters on the market have a dissolved air tank installed in the internal water circuit. After activating the microbubble function and opening the hot water tap, the water supply is cut off using a solenoid valve. Then, a high-pressure air pump or a water pump is used to fill the dissolved air tank. After filling, the solenoid valve is opened to restore the water supply, and the heater is turned on to heat the water. This results in users waiting for hot water for too long, sometimes more than 30 seconds. Furthermore, the high-pressure air pump filling process or the water pump drawing water generates significant noise, affecting the user experience.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a water heater to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a water heater that can start the air filling function when the water heater is in standby mode to pre-fill the water tank, which can effectively save users' waiting time. At the same time, the water pump starts when the water heater is in standby mode, instead of running the water pump after the water heater is turned on and ignited, which can avoid the noise generated by the water pump affecting users and improve the user experience.

[0005] The above objectives are achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A water heater, comprising:

[0007] Heat exchanger;

[0008] The cold water pipe has its front end connected to the tap water pipe outside the water heater, and its rear end connected to one end of the heat exchanger.

[0009] A hot water pipe, the front end of which is connected to the other end of the heat exchanger, and the rear end of which is connected to a hot water pipe outside the water heater;

[0010] The inlet valve is installed on the cold water pipe;

[0011] A flow meter is installed on the cold water pipe and located at the rear end of the inlet valve;

[0012] The microbubble water device is installed on the hot water pipe;

[0013] A level switch is installed in the microbubble water device to detect the liquid level inside the microbubble water device;

[0014] A first one-way valve is installed on the hot water pipe and located at the rear end of the microbubble water device. The water flow direction defined by the first one-way valve is consistent with the water flow direction in the hot water pipe.

[0015] A bypass water pipe, one end of which is connected to the hot water pipe and located between the microbubble water device and the first one-way valve, and the other end of which is connected to the cold water pipe and located in front of the inlet valve;

[0016] A water pump is installed on the bypass water pipe.

[0017] Optionally, the water pump is a one-way diaphragm pump, and the water flow direction defined by the water pump is from the hot water pipe to the cold water pipe, or

[0018] It also includes a second check valve, which is installed on the bypass water pipe and defines the water flow direction from the hot water pipe to the cold water pipe.

[0019] Optionally, the microbubble water device includes:

[0020] A water tank has an inlet port at its upper end and an outlet port at its lower end. The water tank is connected to the hot water pipe through the inlet port and the outlet port. The level switch is installed inside the water tank.

[0021] A flow guide plate is installed inside the water tank and located at the top of the water tank. The opening of the flow guide plate faces upward and is located below the water inlet port. The flow guide plate has multiple diversion holes.

[0022] Optionally, the microbubble water device further includes an air inlet check valve, which is installed on the hot water pipe and located at the front end of the water inlet port. The air inlet check valve defines the air intake direction as entering the interior of the hot water pipe from the outside; or the air inlet check valve is installed on the water tank, and the air intake direction of the air inlet check valve is entering the interior of the water tank from the outside.

[0023] Optionally, the inlet valve is a normally open pilot-operated solenoid valve.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for operating a water heater as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0025] S1: The water heater is in standby mode, and the inlet valve is open;

[0026] S2: Does the user want to activate the microbubble function? If yes, proceed to S3.

[0027] S3: Determine if L1≥L0. If yes, proceed to S8; otherwise, proceed to S4.

[0028] S4: Determine whether the water level in the microbubble water device has reached the preset high water level K1. If yes, proceed to S5; otherwise, return to S1.

[0029] S5: Close the water inlet valve and turn on the water pump;

[0030] S6: Determine whether the water level in the water tank of the microbubble water device has reached the preset low water level K2. If so, proceed to S7.

[0031] S7: Turn off the water pump, open the water inlet valve, and return to S1;

[0032] S8: The water heater is turned on and ignited, and begins operation;

[0033] S9: Determine if L1≥L0. If yes, repeat S9. If no, turn off the water heater and return to S1.

[0034] Wherein, K1 > K2, L1 is the real-time water flow rate detected by the flow meter, and L0 is the preset start-up water flow rate.

[0035] Optionally, in step S6, if the water level in the tank does not reach the preset low water level K2, then proceed to the following steps:

[0036] S61: Determine whether the running time t1 of the water pump exceeds the preset maximum inflation time t2. If yes, proceed to S6 and issue an alarm; otherwise, return to S5.

[0037] Optionally, the preset high water level K1 is located between 1 / 2 and 3 / 4 of the height of the water tank, and the preset low water level K2 is located below 1 / 4 of the height of the water tank.

[0038] Optionally, in step S4, if the water level in the tank reaches a preset high water level K1, then the following steps are performed first:

[0039] Determine whether the duration t3 of the water heater being in standby mode is greater than the preset shielding and charging duration t4. If yes, issue an alarm and proceed to S5; otherwise, return to S1.

[0040] t4 ≥ 3 min.

[0041] Optionally, in S2, if the user has not activated the microbubble function, the following steps will be performed;

[0042] S21: Enter normal shower standby mode;

[0043] S22: Determine if L1≥L0. If yes, proceed to S8; otherwise, return to S21.

[0044] Optionally, in S9, if L1 < L0, then while the water heater is turned off, the duration t3 of the water heater being in standby mode is accumulated.

[0045] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0046] The water heater provided by this invention determines whether there is enough gas in the water tank of the microbubble water device when the water heater is in standby mode, so as to meet the user's need to start the microbubble water function. When the water level in the tank reaches the preset high water level K1, it means that there is not enough gas in the tank. At this time, the inlet valve is closed and the water pump is turned on to force the water in the tank back to the tap water pipe through the bypass water pipe, so that air can be smoothly introduced into the tank until the water level in the tank reaches the preset low water level K2, thereby increasing the amount of air in the tank. When the water heater is in standby mode, the water tank with insufficient air volume is aerated, ensuring that there is enough air to mix with water when the water heater operates the microbubble water function, producing microbubble water that meets the requirements. Compared to the existing technology where users need to start the aeration function after the water heater is turned on and ignited, this effectively saves users' waiting time. At the same time, starting the water pump in standby mode, rather than after the water heater is turned on and ignited, avoids the noise generated by the water pump affecting users, resulting in a better user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of water flow after the water heater is turned on, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of water flow when the water pump runs and aerates the water tank in a specific embodiment of the present invention, while the water heater is in standby mode and the microbubble function is activated.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water heater provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention when the microbubble function is activated and the water pump stops running and the water tank stops being aerated.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the operating steps of a water heater according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] In the picture:

[0052] 1. Outer casing; 11. Heat exchanger; 12. Cold water connector; 13. Hot water connector; 14. Cold water pipe; 15. Hot water pipe; 16. Bypass pipe;

[0053] 2. Inlet valve;

[0054] 3. Flow meter;

[0055] 4. Microbubble water device; 41. Water tank; 411. Water inlet port; 412. Water outlet port; 42. Flow guide plate; 421. Flow divider; 43. Air inlet check valve;

[0056] 5. Thermometer;

[0057] 7. Level switch; 71. Float;

[0058] 8. First check valve;

[0059] 9. Second check valve;

[0060] 10. Water pump; 30. Control panel; 301. Microbubble water function button; 40. Controller;

[0061] 100. Water pipe; 200. Hot water pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The following embodiments illustrate the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Modifications to the specific embodiments of the present invention or equivalent substitutions for some technical features, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, should all be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in the present invention.

[0063] Please refer to Figures 1-3 This invention provides a water heater, including a heat exchanger 11, a cold water pipe 14, a hot water pipe 15, an inlet valve 2, a flow meter 3, a microbubble water device 4, a level switch 7, a first one-way valve 8, a bypass water pipe 16, and a water pump 10. The front end of the cold water pipe 14 is connected to a tap water pipe 100 outside the water heater, and the rear end of the cold water pipe 14 is connected to one end of the heat exchanger 11. The front end of the hot water pipe 15 is connected to the other end of the heat exchanger 11, and the rear end of the hot water pipe 15 is connected to a hot water pipe 200 outside the water heater. The inlet valve 2 is installed on the cold water pipe 14. The flow meter 3 is installed on the cold water pipe 14 and located at the rear end of the inlet valve 2. The microbubble water device 4 is installed on the hot water pipe 15. The level switch 7 is installed in the microbubble water device 4 and is used to detect the liquid level inside the microbubble water device 4. The first one-way valve 8 is installed on the hot water pipe 15 and located at the rear end of the microbubble water device 4. The water flow direction defined by the first one-way valve 8 is consistent with the water flow direction in the hot water pipe 15. One end of the bypass water pipe 16 is connected to the hot water pipe 15 and located between the microbubble water device 4 and the first one-way valve 8. The other end of the bypass water pipe 16 is connected to the cold water pipe 14 and located at the front end of the inlet valve 2. The water pump 10 is installed on the bypass water pipe 16.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 4The water heater operation method provided by the present invention includes the following steps:

[0065] S1: The water heater is in standby mode, and the inlet valve 2 is open;

[0066] S2: Does the user want to activate the microbubble function? If yes, proceed to S3.

[0067] S3: Determine if L1≥L0. If yes, proceed to S8; otherwise, proceed to S4.

[0068] S4: Determine whether the water level in the microbubble water device 4 has reached the preset high water level K1. If yes, proceed to S5; otherwise, return to S1.

[0069] S5: Close inlet valve 2 and turn on water pump 10;

[0070] S6: Determine whether the water level in the water tank 41 of the microbubble water device 4 has reached the preset low water level K2. If so, proceed to S7.

[0071] S7: Turn off water pump 10, open inlet valve 2 and return to S1;

[0072] S8: The water heater is turned on and ignited, starting operation, with water flow according to... Figure 1 Flowing in the direction indicated by the middle arrow A;

[0073] S9: Determine if L1≥L0. If yes, repeat S9. If no, turn off the water heater and return to S1.

[0074] Where K1 > K2, L1 is the real-time water flow rate detected by flow meter 3, and L0 is the preset start-up water flow rate.

[0075] The water heater provided by this invention determines whether there is sufficient gas in the water tank 41 of the microbubble water device 4 when the water heater is in standby mode, thereby meeting the user's need to activate the microbubble water function. When the water level in the water tank 41 reaches the preset high water level K1, it indicates that there is insufficient gas in the water tank 41, and at this time... Figure 2 As shown, close the inlet valve 2, turn on the water pump 10, and forcibly pump the water in the water tank 41 back to the tap water pipe 100 through the bypass water pipe 16 (the water flows along...). Figure 2 (flowing in the direction indicated by arrow B), thereby allowing air to smoothly enter the water tank 41, until... Figure 3As shown, the liquid level in the water tank 41 reaches the preset low water level K2, thereby increasing the amount of air in the water tank 41. When the water heater is in standby mode, the water tank 41, which has insufficient air volume, is aerated, thus ensuring that when the water heater operates the microbubble water function, there is a sufficient amount of air and water in the water tank 41 to mix and produce microbubble water that meets the requirements. Compared with the existing technology, where users need to start the aeration function after the water heater is turned on and ignited, this effectively saves users' waiting time. At the same time, starting the water pump 10 in the water heater standby mode, rather than after the water heater is turned on and ignited, avoids the noise generated by the water pump 10 affecting users, resulting in a better user experience.

[0076] Optionally, in this embodiment, a second one-way valve 9 is also included. The second one-way valve 9 is installed on the bypass water pipe 16, and the water flow direction defined by the second one-way valve 9 is from the hot water pipe 15 to the cold water pipe 14.

[0077] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the water pump 10 is a one-way diaphragm pump, and the water flow direction defined by the water pump 10 is from the hot water pipe 15 to the cold water pipe 14. In this way, the second one-way valve 9 is not required, which has the advantage of simple structure.

[0078] Optionally, the water pressure at the outlet of the water pump 10 is greater than 0.5 MPa, and the water flow rate of the water pump 10 is greater than 3 L / min, so as to overcome the water pressure in the tap water pipe 100 and pump the water in the water tank 41 back into the tap water pipe 100, thereby achieving rapid inflation of the water tank 41.

[0079] Optionally, the microbubble water device 4 includes a water tank 41 and a guide plate 42. The water tank 41 has an inlet port 411 at its upper end and an outlet port 412 at its lower end. The water tank 41 is connected to a hot water pipe 15 through the inlet port 411 and the outlet port 412. A level switch 7 is installed inside the water tank 41. The guide plate 42 is installed inside the water tank 41 and located at its upper part. The opening of the guide plate 42 faces upwards and is located below the inlet port 411. Multiple diversion holes 421 are provided on the guide plate 42. Hot water from the hot water pipe 15 falls into the guide plate 42 through the inlet port 411, impacts the guide plate 42, and then falls into the lower part of the water tank 41 through the diversion holes 421, thus allowing the water flow to fully mix with air to form a sufficient amount of microbubble water.

[0080] Optionally, the periphery of the guide plate 42 contacts the inner wall of the water tank 41, so that the water falling into the water tank 41 through the water inlet port 411 can fall into the guide plate 42, and then fall into the lower part of the water tank 41 through the diversion hole 421, thereby improving the microbubble water generation effect.

[0081] Optionally, the inner wall of the guide plate 42 is a curved surface with a lower center and a higher periphery, and multiple diversion holes 421 are evenly opened on the peripheral sidewall of the guide plate 42 to facilitate the water flow to fall evenly from the peripheral sidewall of the guide plate 42 into the lower part of the water tank 41, thereby improving the uniformity of microbubble water generation.

[0082] Optionally, the microbubble water device 4 also includes an air inlet check valve 43, which is installed on the hot water pipe 15 and located at the front end of the water inlet port 411. The air inlet check valve 43 limits the air intake direction to enter the interior of the hot water pipe 15 from the outside, so that air can only fall into the water tank 41 through the air inlet check valve 43 and the hot water pipe 15 in sequence, preventing the water in the water tank 41 from flowing out of the hot water pipe 15 through the hot water pipe 15 and the air inlet check valve 43 in sequence.

[0083] In other embodiments, the air intake check valve 43 can also be installed on the water tank 41. The air intake direction of the air intake check valve 43 is from the outside of the water tank 41 to the inside of the water tank 41, so that air can enter the water tank 41 through the air intake check valve 43, without causing the water in the water tank 41 to flow out to the outside of the water tank 41 through the air intake check valve 43.

[0084] Optionally, the inlet valve 2 is a normally open pilot-operated solenoid valve. It is only energized and closed when the water pump 10 needs to run; otherwise, it remains normally open, thus saving energy and reducing consumption.

[0085] Optionally, the nominal diameter of the intake check valve 43 and the second check valve 9 is DN8 to DN15, and the nominal diameter of the first check valve 8 is DN20, to ensure sufficient flow area.

[0086] Optionally, a thermometer 5 is also installed in the hot water pipe 15. The thermometer 5 is located at the front end of the water tank 41 and is used to detect the real-time water temperature in the hot water pipe 15.

[0087] Optionally, the level switch 7 is a float level switch 71. The float 71 of the level switch 7 rises or falls with the liquid level in the water tank 41 to determine whether the real-time liquid level in the water tank 41 has reached K1 or K2.

[0088] Optionally, the device also includes a housing 1, a heat exchanger 11, a microbubble water device 4, an inlet valve 2, a flow meter 3, a water pump 10, and a bypass water pipe 16, all of which are housed inside the housing 1.

[0089] Optionally, it also includes a control panel 30 disposed on the housing 1, the control panel 30 being provided with a microbubble water function button 301, which the user can press to select the microbubble water function.

[0090] Optionally, it also includes a controller 40, which is installed inside the housing 1. The control panel 30, heat exchanger 11, level switch 7, water inlet valve 2, flow meter 3, and water pump 10 are all electrically connected to the controller 40.

[0091] Optionally, a cold water connector 12 is provided at the front end of the cold water pipe 14. The cold water connector 12 extends out of the outer casing 1 to facilitate connection with the tap water pipe 100.

[0092] Optionally, a hot water connector 13 is provided at the end of the first one-way valve 8 away from the water tank 41. The hot water connector 13 extends out of the housing 1 to facilitate connection with the hot water pipe 200.

[0093] Optionally, in step S6, if the water level in tank 41 does not reach the preset low water level K2, the following steps are performed:

[0094] S61: Determine whether the running time t1 of water pump 10 exceeds the preset maximum air charging time t2. If yes, it indicates that the water heater has malfunctioned (water circuit blockage, water pump 10 malfunction, water pressure of tap water pipe 100 too high, second one-way valve 9 malfunction, etc.). At this time, enter S6 and issue an alarm. If no, return to S5.

[0095] Optionally, the preset high water level K1 is located between 1 / 2 and 3 / 4 of the height of the water tank 41, and the preset low water level K2 is located below 1 / 4 of the height of the water tank 41.

[0096] Optionally, in step S4, if the water level in tank 41 reaches the preset high water level K1, then proceed to the following steps:

[0097] Determine whether the duration t3 of the water heater being in standby mode is greater than the preset shielding and charging duration t4. If yes, issue an alarm and proceed to S5; otherwise, return to S1.

[0098] t4 ≥ 3 min.

[0099] This is to prevent users from performing the air inflation function on the water tank 41 when the water is briefly turned off, which would affect the water temperature and thus the user experience.

[0100] Optionally, in S2, if the user has not activated the microbubble function, the following steps will be performed;

[0101] S21: Enter normal shower standby mode;

[0102] S22: Determine if L1≥L0. If yes, proceed to S8; otherwise, return to S21.

[0103] Optionally, in S9, if L1 < L0, then while the water heater is turned off, the duration t3 of the water heater being in standby mode is accumulated.

[0104] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water heater, characterized in that, include: Heat exchanger (11); The cold water pipe (14) is connected at its front end to the tap water pipe (100) outside the water heater, and at its rear end to one end of the heat exchanger (11). Hot water pipe (15), the front end of which is connected to the other end of the heat exchanger (11), and the rear end of the hot water pipe (15) is connected to the hot water pipe (200) outside the water heater; The inlet valve (2) is installed on the cold water pipe (14); A flow meter (3) is installed on the cold water pipe (14) and located at the rear end of the inlet valve (2); A microbubble water device (4) is installed on the hot water pipe (15); A liquid level switch (7) is installed in the microbubble water device (4) to detect the liquid level in the microbubble water device (4); A first one-way valve (8) is installed on the hot water pipe (15) and located at the rear end of the microbubble water device (4). The water flow direction defined by the first one-way valve (8) is consistent with the water flow direction in the hot water pipe (15). A bypass water pipe (16) is connected at one end to the hot water pipe (15) and located between the microbubble water device (4) and the first one-way valve (8). The other end of the bypass water pipe (16) is connected to the cold water pipe (14) and located at the front end of the inlet valve (2). A water pump (10) is installed on the bypass water pipe (16).

2. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water pump (10) is a one-way diaphragm pump, and the water flow direction defined by the water pump (10) is from the hot water pipe (15) to the cold water pipe (14), or It also includes a second check valve (9), which is installed on the bypass water pipe (16) and defines the water flow direction from the hot water pipe (15) to the cold water pipe (14).

3. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microbubble water device (4) includes: A water tank (41) is provided with an inlet port (411) at its upper end and an outlet port (412) at its lower end. The water tank (41) is connected to the hot water pipe (15) through the inlet port (411) and the outlet port (412). The liquid level switch (7) is installed inside the water tank (41). A flow guide plate (42) is installed inside the water tank (41) and located at the top of the water tank (3). The opening of the flow guide plate (42) is set upward and located below the water inlet port (411). Multiple diversion holes (421) are opened on the flow guide plate (42).

4. The water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The microbubble water device (4) further includes an air inlet check valve (43), which is installed on the hot water pipe (15) and located at the front end of the water inlet port (411). The air inlet check valve (43) defines the air inlet direction as entering the interior of the hot water pipe (15) from the outside; or the air inlet check valve (43) is installed on the water tank (41), and the air inlet direction of the air inlet check valve (43) is entering the interior of the water tank (41) from the outside.

5. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet valve (2) is a normally open pilot-operated solenoid valve.

6. A method for operating a water heater as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: The water heater is in standby mode and the inlet valve (2) is in the open state; S2: Does the user want to activate the microbubble function? If yes, proceed to S3. S3: Determine if L1≥L0. If yes, proceed to S8; otherwise, proceed to S4. S4: Determine whether the water level in the microbubble water device (4) has reached the preset high water level K1. If yes, proceed to S5; otherwise, return to S1. S5: Close the water inlet valve (2) and turn on the water pump (10); S6: Determine whether the water level in the water tank (41) of the microbubble water device (4) has reached the preset low water level K2. If so, proceed to S7. S7: Turn off the water pump (10), open the water inlet valve (2) and return to S1; S8: The water heater is turned on and ignited, and begins operation; S9: Determine if L1≥L0. If yes, repeat S9. If no, turn off the water heater and return to S1. Wherein, K1 > K2, L1 is the real-time water flow rate detected by the flow meter (3), and L0 is the preset start-up water flow rate.

7. The method for operating a water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that, In S6, if the water level in the water tank (41) does not reach the preset low water level K2, then proceed to the following steps: S61: Determine whether the running time t1 of the water pump (10) exceeds the preset maximum inflation time t2. If yes, proceed to S6 and issue an alarm. If no, return to S5.

8. The method for operating a water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that, The preset high water level K1 is located between 1 / 2 and 3 / 4 of the height of the water tank (41), and the preset low water level K2 is located below 1 / 4 of the height of the water tank (41).

9. The method for operating a water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that, In S4, if the water level in the water tank (41) reaches the preset high water level K1, then proceed to the following steps: Determine whether the duration t3 of the water heater being in standby mode is greater than the preset shielding and charging duration t4. If yes, issue an alarm and proceed to S5; otherwise, return to S1. t4 ≥ 3 min.

10. The method of operating a water heater according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that, In S2, if the user has not activated the microbubble function, proceed to the following steps; S21: Enter normal shower standby mode; S22: Determine if L1≥L0. If yes, proceed to S8; otherwise, return to S21.

11. The method of operating a water heater according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that, In S9, if L1 < L0, then while the water heater is turned off, the duration t3 of the water heater being in standby mode is accumulated.

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