Water heater

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, and provides a water heater, a waterway assembly comprises a waterway assembly and a control valve, the waterway assembly comprises a cold water waterway, a water replenishing waterway, a hot water waterway and a mixed waterway, the input end of the control valve is connected with the cold water waterway and the hot water waterway, and the output end of the control valve is connected with the mixed waterway and the water replenishing waterway; the control valve at least comprises a water replenishing state and a constant-temperature state; in the water supplementing state, the control valve controls the cold water way to be communicated with the water supplementing way. In a constant-temperature state, the control valve controls the cold water path, the hot water path and the mixed water path to communicate. By arranging one control valve, the water path assembly is switched and controlled between the water supplementing state and the constant temperature state, compared with the mode that one water path state is independently controlled by multiple control valves, the probability of faults generated when multiple valve bodies are independently controlled is reduced, and the reliability of water path operation of the water heater is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of water heaters, in particular to a water heater. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the waterway system of a water heater, there are usually cold water supply pipes, hot water outlet pipes and possibly drain pipes or water replenishment pipes. Valves are usually arranged on each pipe to control the waterway system.

[0003] With the increase of the functions of the water heater, the waterway structure is increased, and the number of valve bodies is increased, which increases the risk of valve body failure and reduces the reliability of the waterway system. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides a water heater to solve the problem of the increase of the number of valve bodies in the waterway system of the prior art, which increases the risk of valve body failure and reduces the reliability of the waterway system.

[0005] According to the present application, a water heater comprises: a waterway assembly comprising a cold water waterway, a water replenishment waterway, a hot water waterway and a mixed water waterway; a control valve, an input end of the control valve being connected to the cold water waterway and the hot water waterway, an output end of the control valve being connected to the mixed water waterway and the water replenishment waterway, the control valve comprising at least a water replenishment state and a constant temperature state; In the water replenishment state, the control valve controls the cold water waterway to communicate with the water replenishment waterway; In the constant temperature state, the control valve controls the cold water waterway, the hot water waterway and the mixed water waterway to communicate.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present application, when it is detected that the energy storage tank lacks heat exchange medium, the control valve enters the water replenishment state, the control valve controls the cold water waterway to communicate with the water replenishment waterway, and a water replenishment task is performed; After the water replenishment task is completed, the control valve enters the constant temperature state, the control valve controls the cold water waterway, the hot water waterway and the mixed water waterway to communicate, and a constant temperature task is performed.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present application, the waterway assembly further comprises a total water inlet waterway, the total water inlet waterway being connected to the hot water waterway and the cold water waterway respectively, and the total water inlet waterway being adapted to provide cold water to the hot water waterway and the cold water waterway.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present application, the water heater further comprises a main controller, the main controller being signal connected to the control valve, and the main control valve being adapted to control the working state or opening degree of the control valve.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present application, the water heater further comprises a high liquid level sensor and a low liquid level sensor, the low liquid level sensor is arranged at the bottom of the energy storage tank, the high liquid level sensor is arranged at the top of the energy storage tank, the high liquid level sensor and the low liquid level sensor are adapted to detect the liquid level of the energy storage tank, and the high liquid level sensor and the low liquid level sensor are in communication connection with the main controller.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present application, the main controller controls the working state or opening degree of the control valve according to the detection information of the high liquid level sensor and the low liquid level sensor, so as to control the water replenishment flow.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present application, the water heater further comprises: a water inlet temperature sensor, the water inlet temperature sensor is arranged at the total water inlet channel, and the water inlet temperature sensor is adapted to detect the water inlet temperature of the total water inlet channel; a water outlet temperature sensor, the water outlet temperature sensor is arranged at the mixed water channel, and the water outlet temperature sensor is adapted to detect the water outlet temperature of the mixed water channel; an inner container temperature sensor, the inner container temperature sensor is arranged in the energy storage tank, and the inner container temperature sensor is adapted to detect the temperature of the energy storage medium in the energy storage tank.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present application, the water heater further comprises a flow sensor, the flow sensor is arranged at the total water inlet channel, and the flow sensor is adapted to detect the water flow of the total water inlet channel.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present application, the user's situation is determined according to the water flow detected by the flow sensor, and the opening degree of the control valve is adjusted according to the difference between the actual water outlet amount and the preset water outlet amount, so as to control the cold and hot water ratio in the mixed water channel.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present application, the input end of the control valve comprises a cold water input port and a hot water input port, the cold water input port is connected with the cold water channel, and the hot water input port is connected with the hot water channel.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present application, the output end of the control valve comprises a water replenishment outlet and a mixed water outlet, the water replenishment outlet is in communication with the water replenishment channel, and the mixed water outlet is in communication with the mixed water channel.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present application, the water heater further comprises: an energy storage heater, the energy storage heater is arranged in the energy storage tank, and the energy storage heater is adapted to heat the heat exchange medium in the energy storage tank.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present application, at least part of the hot water waterway is arranged corresponding to the energy storage tank and exchanges heat with the energy storage tank.

[0018] The one or more technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application have at least one of the following technical effects: The waterway assembly is switched and controlled between the water replenishing state and the constant temperature state by the control valve, and compared with multiple control valves for controlling one waterway state respectively, the probability of failure of the multiple valves is reduced, and the reliability of the waterway operation of the water heater is improved.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the following description, become apparent from the following description, or be understood through practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the related art, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or the related art description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0021] Figure 1 is a connection relationship schematic diagram of the water heater in the water replenishing state provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0022] Figure 2 is a connection relationship schematic diagram of the water heater in the constant temperature state provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0023] Figure 3 is a connection schematic diagram of the waterway structure.

[0024] Figure 4 is a structure schematic diagram of each waterway in the valve core of the constant temperature valve provided by the present application.

[0025] Figure 5 is an explosion structure schematic diagram of the constant temperature valve provided by the present application.

[0026] Figure 6 is a structure schematic diagram of the valve body in the constant temperature valve provided by the present application.

[0027] REFERENCE SIGNS: 1, waterway assembly; 10, cold water waterway; 11, water replenishing waterway; 12, hot water waterway; 13, mixed waterway; 14, control valve; 140, valve body; 1401, valve body; 14011, valve cavity; 14012, first flow cavity; 14013, second flow cavity; 14014, flow guide plate; 14015, first communication port; 14016, second communication port; 141, cold water inlet; 142, hot water inlet; 143, water replenishment outlet; 144, mixed water outlet; 145, cold water outlet; 146, first cover plate; 147, second cover plate; 148, valve core assembly; 1481, valve core body; 1482, driving component; 1483, fixed cover; 15, total water inlet waterway; 16, main controller; 17, high liquid level sensor; 18, low liquid level sensor; 19, water inlet temperature sensor; 20, water outlet temperature sensor; 21, inner container temperature sensor; 22, flow sensor; 23, supplementary heating heater; 24, heat storage heater; 25, display interaction module; 26, energy storage tank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The embodiments of the present application will be further described below in conjunction with the drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present application, but cannot be used to limit the scope of the present application.

[0029] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only used to facilitate the description of the embodiments of the present application and simplify the description, and therefore cannot be understood as indicating or implying that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected", "connected" should be understood broadly, for example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it can be mechanically connected, or it can be electrically connected; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the first feature is "on" or "under" the second feature, which can be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature can be "above", "over" and "on" the second feature, which can be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or only means that the first feature is higher in horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature can be "under", "below" and "underneath" the second feature, which can be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or only means that the first feature is lower in horizontal height than the second feature.

[0032] In the description of the present application, the description of the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "an example", "a specific example" or "some examples" and the like means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In the present application, the illustrative description of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, the person skilled in the art can combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in the present application and the features of the different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0033] In the waterway system of the water heater, there are usually cold water supply pipes, hot water outlet pipes and possibly drain pipes or makeup pipes. Valves are usually provided on each pipe, and the control of the waterway system is realized through each valve.

[0034] With the increase of the functions of the water heater, the waterway structure increases, and the number of valve bodies increases, which increases the risk of failure of the valve bodies and reduces the reliability of the waterway system.

[0035] The following will be described in detail Figures 1 to 4 by specific embodiments and application scenarios of the water heater provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0036] In the first aspect, as Figure 1 shown, the embodiments of the present application provide a water heater, which comprises a waterway assembly 1 and a control valve 14, an input end of the control valve 14 being connected with the cold water waterway 10 and the hot water waterway 12, an output end of the control valve 14 being connected with the mixed water waterway 13 and the makeup water waterway 11, the control valve 14 at least comprising a makeup water state and a constant temperature state; wherein in the makeup water state, the control valve 14 controls the cold water waterway 10 to communicate with the makeup water waterway 11; in the constant temperature state, the control valve 14 controls the cold water waterway 10, the hot water waterway 12 and the mixed water waterway 13 to communicate.

[0037] When detecting that the energy storage tank 26 lacks heat exchange medium, the control valve 14 enters the water supplement state, the control valve 14 controls the cold water waterway 10 to communicate with the water supplement waterway 11, and the water supplement task is performed; after the water supplement task is completed, the control valve 14 enters the constant temperature state, the control valve 14 controls the cold water waterway 10, the hot water waterway 12 and the mixed waterway 13 to communicate, and the constant temperature task is performed.

[0038] The waterway assembly includes a plurality of waterways capable of realizing the delivery and guidance of cold water and hot water. The waterway assembly 1 includes a cold water waterway 10, a water supplement waterway 11, a hot water waterway 12 and a mixed waterway 13, the cold water waterway 10 is suitable for inputting cold water, the water supplement waterway 11 is suitable for supplementing heat exchange medium to the energy storage tank 26, the hot water waterway 12 is suitable for inputting high-temperature hot water, and the mixed waterway 13 is used for outputting constant-temperature hot water. The cold water waterway 10, the water supplement waterway 11, the hot water waterway 12 and the mixed waterway 13 are all used for guiding the delivery of water, and the specific forming structure of each waterway is not limited, each waterway can be linear, can be curved, or can be a combined special-shaped structure.

[0039] Among them, the cold water waterway 10 is responsible for introducing external cold water into the waterway assembly 1 as a cold source for water supplement or mixed hot water. The water supplement waterway 11 is connected to the energy storage tank 26 (such as a water heater inner tank) for supplementing heat exchange medium (such as water) to the energy storage tank 26 when needed. The hot water waterway 12 introduces high-temperature hot water, usually from a heating element of a water heater or an external heat source. The mixed waterway 13 mixes cold water and hot water in a certain proportion to output constant-temperature hot water for user use.

[0040] Some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the arrows represent the waterway flow direction, blue represents the cold water waterway, red represents the hot water waterway, and purple represents the mixed waterway.

[0041] Specifically, in one embodiment, the waterway assembly can be formed on a shell, the shell includes a first shell body, a second shell body and a water distribution plate, the first shell body is fixedly connected with the second shell body, and the water distribution plate is arranged between the first shell body and the second shell body, and the water distribution plate and the first shell body and the second shell body define a total water inlet waterway 15, a cold water waterway 10, a water supplement waterway 11, a hot water waterway 12 and a mixed waterway 13. The shell body is internally formed with the plurality of waterways described above, and the plurality of waterways are used for realizing the delivery and guidance of water, that is, a plurality of waterway flow channels need to be constructed in the shell body. In the embodiment, the plurality of waterways are formed by the structure connection of the split type, which reduces the complexity of forming each waterway and is beneficial to installation and maintenance.

[0042] In a specific implementation, the first shell, the water distribution plate and the second shell are connected in a stacked manner, specifically, the first shell and the water distribution plate are connected by hot melt welding, and the second shell and the water distribution plate are also connected by hot melt welding, so as to realize the fixed connection of the whole shell and form multiple water paths in the formed shell.

[0043] It can be understood that the water path in the shell is used to guide and transport water, and the structure of the water path needs to be smooth and accurate, otherwise it will affect the transportation of the water. In the embodiment, the shell is arranged in a split connection manner, which can be processed by separate processing and then assembled to form the shell, that is, the first shell, the water distribution plate and the second shell are processed separately and then connected, which reduces the processing difficulty and is beneficial to assembly and later maintenance.

[0044] In a specific implementation, the first shell, the second shell and the water distribution plate are made of the same material, and in a preferred example, PPR material or plastic material is used, so that the shell can play the role of an electric wall and reduce the risk of electric leakage. Of course, the first shell, the second shell and the water distribution plate can also be made of different materials.

[0045] The control valve 14 is the core component of the whole water path assembly 1, which is responsible for switching the water path connection according to the system state. The control valve 14 has at least two states: water replenishment state and constant temperature state.

[0046] In the water replenishment state, the control valve 14 communicates the cold water path 10 with the water replenishment path 11, allowing cold water to flow into the energy storage tank 26 for water replenishment.

[0047] In the constant temperature state, the control valve 14 communicates the cold water path 10, the hot water path 12 and the mixed water path 13, and outputs constant temperature hot water by adjusting the cold and hot water ratio.

[0048] Specifically, when the heat exchange medium in the energy storage tank 26 is insufficient, the system enters the water replenishment state. The control valve 14 adjusts the deflection angle of the valve core structure, so that the cold water can smoothly enter the energy storage tank 26 through the water replenishment path 11 until the preset water level is reached.

[0049] When the heat exchange medium in the energy storage tank 26 is sufficient and the user needs hot water, the system enters the constant temperature state. At this time, the control valve 14 simultaneously connects the cold water path 10 and the hot water path 12 to the mixed water path 13, and accurately controls the mixing ratio of cold and hot water to ensure that the output hot water temperature is constant and meets the user's demand.

[0050] Reference Figures 5 to 6In some embodiments, the control valve 14 comprises a valve body 140 and a valve core assembly 148; wherein the valve body 140 comprises a valve body 1401, the valve body 140 has a valve cavity 14011, a first flow cavity 14012 and a second flow cavity 14013 in the valve body 140, the first flow cavity 14012 and the second flow cavity 14013 are both communicated with the valve cavity 14011, the valve body 140 is provided with a cold water inlet 141, a mixed water outlet 144, a cold water outlet 145, a hot water inlet 142 and a water supplement outlet 143, the cold water inlet 141 and the cold water outlet 145 are both communicated with the first flow cavity 14012, the mixed water outlet 144 is communicated with the second flow cavity 14013, and the hot water inlet 142 and the water supplement outlet 143 are both communicated with the valve cavity 14011; the valve core assembly 148 is arranged in the valve cavity 14011, the valve core assembly 148 is switched between a mixed water position and a water supplement position relative to the valve body 140, the valve core assembly 148 is selectively communicated with the first flow cavity 14012 to form a mixed water path 13, and the valve core assembly 148 is selectively communicated with the water supplement outlet 143 to form a water supplement path 11. The control valve 14 is one of the key components commonly used in the water heater system, which is used to keep the output water temperature of the water heater stable. In this embodiment, in addition to keeping the output water temperature constant, multiple joints are integrated through the cold water outlet 145 and the water supplement outlet 143, which simplifies the pipeline system of the water heater, reduces the number of pipeline system joints, and reduces the risk of joint leakage.

[0051] When specifically arranged, a first communication port 14015 is arranged on the entity part of the valve body 140 connected with the first flow cavity 14012 on one side, as shown in the position in the figure, the first flow cavity 14012 and the valve cavity 14011 are communicated through the first communication port 14015. Figure 5 Similarly, a second communication port 14016 is arranged on the entity part of the valve body 140 connected with the second flow cavity 14013 on the other side, as shown in the position in the figure. Figure 6 The two communication ports are used for the communication of the flow cavity and the valve cavity 14011.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present application, the valve body 140 comprises a valve body 1401, a first cover plate 146 and a second cover plate 147, one side of the valve body 1401 forms a first space, the first cover plate 146 is arranged on the first space and forms the first flow cavity 14012; the other side of the valve body 140 forms a second space, and the second cover plate 147 is arranged on the second space and forms the second flow cavity 14013. This arrangement of the valve body 140 facilitates the machining of the valve body 140, reduces the machining difficulty, improves the quality of the valve body 140, and prevents the risk of water leakage between different spaces.

[0053] It can be understood that the valve body 1401 is integrally formed as a whole, and the first space and the second space are formed on both sides of the valve body 1401 respectively, and both the first space and the second space are used for water flow. In this way, the first space and the second space are independent of each other, which can prevent water from mixing.

[0054] During processing, the connection of the first cover plate 146 and the second cover plate 147 with the valve body 1401 reduces the overall manufacturing difficulty. As known from the foregoing, the flow guide plate 14014 is arranged in the first space and the second space, and the flow guide plate 14014 has a spiral structure, which is beneficial to the overall molding by being covered by the two cover plates.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5 , the valve body 1401, the first cover plate 146 and the second cover plate 147 are separately formed, and then the first cover plate 146 and the second cover plate 147 are connected to the valve body 1401 by welding. In this way, the molding process difficulty of the valve body 1401, the first cover plate 146 and the second cover plate 147 can be reduced, and the preparation efficiency can be improved.

[0056] For example, the valve body 1401 has a guide plate structure on the opposite sides, and the first cover plate 146 and the second cover plate 147 are also provided with corresponding matching structures during molding, so that after the first cover plate 146 and the second cover plate 147 are sealed with the valve body 1401, a sealed spiral passage is formed inside.

[0057] Generally, some typical electric water heaters include a water tank, a heat exchange pipeline and a heating element. The total cold water is communicated with the heat exchange pipeline, and the heating element is used to heat the water or other medium in the water tank, so as to exchange heat with the heat exchange pipeline, thereby achieving the heating of the water in the heat exchange pipeline. The water in the water tank needs to be added after a period of time, and the traditional way is to realize the communication of the water inlet pipeline by arranging a water inlet pipeline, a water inlet valve or other control components outside the water heater. This way causes the pipeline system connected with the water heater to be complex, increases the number of pipeline and joint connections, and the increase in the number of pipeline and joint connection points increases the risk of leakage. In the present example, the valve body 140 integrates a water replenishment outlet 143 and a cold water outlet 145. The cold water can enter the heat exchange pipeline through the cold water outlet 145 to achieve heating of the cold water, and the cold water can be input into the water tank through the water replenishment outlet 143 to replenish water, thereby reducing the connection of the pipeline and the joint and reducing the risk of leakage.

[0058] Similarly, the valve body 140 also has a hot water inlet 142, a first flow cavity 14012 and a second flow cavity 14013 communicated with the valve cavity 14011. Hot water is input through the hot water inlet 142, cold water is input through the first flow cavity 14012, and mixing is achieved in the valve cavity 14011, thereby achieving water temperature adjustment.

[0059] It can be understood that the valve body 140 in the embodiment integrates the water supplementing and water inlet functions, simplifies the pipeline system, reduces the number of nodes connected by pipelines and joints, and reduces the risk of leakage.

[0060] Specifically, in the pipeline system of a water heater, especially an electric water heater, a cold water pipeline 10, a hot water pipeline 12, a water supplementing pipeline 11, a mixed water pipeline 13, and an output water pipeline are usually required. The cold water pipeline 10 is used to provide water for the heat exchange pipeline, the hot water pipeline 12 is used to input heated water into the control valve 14, the water supplementing pipeline is used to supplement water in the water tank, the mixed water pipeline 13 is used to mix cold water and hot water to form mixed hot water, and the output water pipeline is used to output the mixed hot water.

[0061] In the embodiment, the valve core assembly 148 is arranged in the valve cavity 14011, and the first flow cavity 14012 and the second flow cavity 14013 that communicate with the valve cavity 14011. In a specific configuration, the water pipeline that communicates the first flow cavity 14012 with the cold water output port 145 is configured as the cold water pipeline 10, the water pipeline that communicates the valve cavity 14011 with the hot water input port 142 is configured as the hot water pipeline 12, the water pipeline that sequentially communicates the first flow cavity 14012, the valve cavity 14011, and the water supplementing outlet 143 is configured as the water supplementing pipeline 11, the water pipeline that communicates the first flow cavity 14012 with the valve cavity 14011 and the valve cavity 14011 mixed with the hot water pipeline 12 is configured as the mixed water pipeline 13, and the water pipeline that sequentially communicates the mixed water outlet 144, the second flow cavity 14013, and the valve cavity 14011 is configured as the output water pipeline. The valve core assembly 148 can be switched by rotating at different positions to realize different functions. Among them, the cold water pipeline 10 is a normally open water pipeline, that is, cold water can continuously input into the heat exchange pipe for heating and output.

[0062] In the mixed water position, the mixing of cold water and hot water can be realized to achieve the function of water temperature adjustment. At this time, the mixed water pipeline 13 is opened, the cold water enters the valve cavity 14011 from the cold water input port 141 and flows to the valve cavity 14011 through the first flow cavity 14012, and the hot water is input into the valve cavity 14011 through the hot water input port 142, so that the hot water and the cold water are mixed to form mixed hot water, which is output from the outlet after passing through the second flow cavity 14013. That is, in the mixed water position, the hot water pipeline 12, the mixed water pipeline 13, and the output water pipeline are all connected, and the cold water and the hot water are mixed in the valve cavity 14011 and then output, at this time, the water supplementing pipeline 11 is closed.

[0063] In the water replenishing position, the water level in the water tank is lowered, and water replenishing operation is needed. Specifically, the water replenishing waterway 11 is opened, cold water is input through the cold water input port 141, then flows through the first flow cavity 14012 and enters the valve cavity 14011, and then enters the water tank through the water replenishing outlet 143 to achieve water replenishing. In the water replenishing position, the hot water waterway 12, the mixed water waterway 13 and the output waterway are all closed.

[0064] In the closed position, there is no hot water demand and no water replenishing demand, and the control valve 14 is equivalent to a common valve body 140, which can realize the closing of each waterway.

[0065] Specifically, the valve core assembly 148 is similar to a conventional valve core, and each cavity is formed in the valve core assembly 148. When the valve core assembly 148 rotates, each cavity can be connected with one or more corresponding waterways, so as to realize different functions in different positions.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first flow cavity 14012 and the second flow cavity 14013 are both provided with a flow guide plate 14014 to form a spiral waterway channel in the first flow cavity 14012 and the second flow cavity 14013. In an electric water heater, one of the problems to be solved is the problem of electric shock in the electric water heater. In the embodiment, by providing the flow guide plate 14014, a longer waterway channel can be formed to form a water resistance, which plays a role of an electric shock prevention wall. Of course, generally speaking, the water resistance is used as an auxiliary electric shock prevention measure, and the flow guide plate 14014 of the embodiment provides an additional electric shock prevention measure to make the overall safety performance better.

[0067] It can be understood that in general cases, the electric shock prevention of the electric water heater is realized by using insulating materials, leakage protection and the like as an electric shock prevention wall to improve safety. In the embodiment, the flow guide plate 14014 is further used to make the water have a longer waterway when flowing through the first flow cavity 14012 and the second flow cavity 14013 to form a water resistance, which can play a certain electric shock prevention role and improve safety performance.

[0068] Specifically, the flow guide plate 14014 includes a spiral plate structure, and a water passing channel similar to a snake shape is formed between the spiral plate structures, which can increase the water flow path in the first flow cavity 14012 and the second flow cavity 14013.

[0069] In some embodiments, the cold water inlet 141 is arranged at the starting end of the water channel, and the cold water outlet 145 is arranged at the ending end of the water channel. During the process of being heated in the water tank, the cold water is input through the cold water inlet 141, passes through the first flow cavity 14012, and is input into the heat exchange pipe through the cold water outlet 145 for heating. In this embodiment, by arranging the two interfaces at the starting point and the ending point of the entire spiral water channel, the maximum water flow channel path is achieved, and the water resistance effect is improved.

[0070] In some embodiments according to the present application, the valve body 140 is configured as a cuboid column structure, the first flow cavity 14012 and the second flow cavity 14013 are arranged at opposite sides of the valve body 140 respectively, and the valve cavity 14011 is arranged at one end of the valve body 140. By arranging the flow cavities at the two sides respectively and arranging the valve cavity 14011 at the end, the overall structure is more compact, the space occupied by the overall component is smaller, and the connection layout is facilitated.

[0071] Specifically, the first flow cavity 14012 is configured for cold water flow, and the second flow cavity 14013 is configured for mixed hot water flow. By arranging the two flow cavities at the two sides of the valve body 140 respectively, the independence of the two flow spaces can be effectively realized, and the risk of water leakage caused by traditional welding is effectively avoided.

[0072] The valve cavity 14011 arranged at the end can realize effective communication with the flow cavities at the two sides at the same time, make the overall chamber structure more compact, and be independent, which is beneficial to the communication between the two flow cavities and the valve cavity 14011. The arrangement of the cuboid column structure can make the first flow cavity 14012 and the second flow cavity 14013 have a longer water flow path, thereby realizing a larger water resistance and improving the overall safety performance.

[0073] Specifically, the first flow cavity 14012 and the second flow cavity 14013 are arranged at opposite sides of the valve body 140 respectively, the cold water outlet 145 and the hot water inlet 142 are arranged at the other side of the valve body 140 close to the valve cavity 14011, and the other side is adjacent to the first flow cavity 14012 and the second flow cavity 14013. That is, the other side is the side forming the thickness of the valve body 140. This way of structural layout makes the overall structure more compact and the layout more reasonable.

[0074] The present application realizes the switching and control between the water replenishment state and the constant temperature state of the water channel assembly 1 by arranging one control valve 14. Compared with the single control of one water channel state by multiple control valves 14, the probability of failure when multiple valve bodies are controlled independently is reduced, and the reliability of the water channel operation of the water heater is improved.

[0075] In some embodiments, the input end of the control valve 14 includes a cold water input port 141 and a hot water input port 142, the cold water input port 141 being connected to the cold water channel 10, and the hot water input port 142 being connected to the hot water channel 12.

[0076] It can be understood that the cold water input port 141 is an interface of the control valve 14, and the cold water input port 141 is used to connect the cold water channel 10. When the system needs to replenish water or mix cold and hot water, cold water can smoothly enter the control valve 14 from the cold water channel 10 through the cold water input port 141.

[0077] The hot water input port 142 is another interface of the control valve 14, and the hot water input port 142 is used to connect the hot water channel 12. High-temperature hot water can smoothly enter the control valve 14 from the hot water channel 12 through the hot water input port 142 to mix with cold water to produce constant-temperature hot water.

[0078] When the system is in the water replenishment state, the control valve 14 will mainly use the cold water input port 141 to introduce cold water from the cold water channel 10 and deliver it to the energy storage tank 26 through the water replenishment channel 11. At this time, the hot water input port 142 is in a closed or inactive state to ensure the smooth progress of the water replenishment process.

[0079] When the system switches to the constant-temperature state, the control valve 14 will simultaneously open the cold water input port 141 and the hot water input port 142, so that cold water and hot water enter the control valve 14 through their respective input ports. Then, by precisely adjusting the mixing ratio of cold and hot water inside the control valve 14, constant-temperature hot water is finally output from the mixed water channel 13.

[0080] In some embodiments, the output end of the control valve 14 includes a water replenishment outlet 143 and a mixed water outlet 144, the water replenishment outlet 143 being in communication with the water replenishment channel 11, and the mixed water outlet 144 being in communication with the mixed water channel 13.

[0081] It can be understood that the water replenishment outlet 143 is mainly used to deliver cold water processed by the control valve 14 to the water replenishment channel 11. When the system needs to replenish water, it can be quickly and accurately achieved through the water replenishment outlet 143. It ensures that the water flow can smoothly flow from the control valve 14 to the energy storage tank 26.

[0082] The mixed water outlet 144 is mainly used to deliver constant-temperature hot water formed by mixing cold water and hot water inside the control valve 14 to the mixed water channel 13. By precisely controlling the mixing ratio of cold and hot water, the mixed water outlet 144 can output constant-temperature hot water that meets the user's needs.

[0083] When the system needs to replenish water, the control valve 14 will adjust the opening degree of the replenishment outlet 143 according to the current water level or pressure and other parameters, so that the appropriate amount of cold water enters the replenishment water path 11 through the replenishment outlet 143 and is replenished into the energy storage tank 26.

[0084] When the system is in the constant temperature water supply state, the control valve 14 will monitor the flow of cold water and hot water at the same time, and by adjusting the mixing ratio of the two, it can ensure that the water temperature of the mixed water outlet 144 is constant. When the user opens the water point, the constant temperature hot water can flow to the water point through the mixed water path 13.

[0085] Referring to Figure 1 Or Figure 2 In some embodiments, the water path assembly 1 further comprises a total water inlet path 15, which is in communication with the hot water path 12 and the cold water path 10 respectively, and is adapted to provide cold water to the hot water path 12 and the cold water path 10.

[0086] It can be understood that the total water inlet path 15 serves as the cold water supply source of the entire water path assembly 1, and is responsible for providing cold water to the hot water path 12 and the cold water path 10 at the same time. The connection mode of the water source is simplified, and the cold water supply of the entire water path assembly 1 is more centralized and efficient. The total water inlet path 15 is in communication with the hot water path 12 and the cold water path 10 respectively, which ensures that the cold water can flow smoothly to these two water paths.

[0087] When the system is running, the external cold water first enters the total water inlet path 15. Then, according to the demand of the system and the state of the control valve 14, the cold water will be distributed to the hot water path 12 or the cold water path 10.

[0088] For the hot water path 12, the cold water enters and is heated by the heating element, and then flows to the mixed water path 13 after becoming high-temperature hot water.

[0089] For the cold water path 10, the cold water directly flows to the cold water input port 141 of the control valve 14, and according to the switching state of the control valve 14, it is used for replenishment or mixed with hot water to form constant temperature hot water.

[0090] Referring to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the water path assembly 1 further comprises a main controller 16, which is in signal connection with the control valve 14, and is adapted to control the working state or opening degree of the control valve 14.

[0091] It can be understood that the main controller 16 is the core control unit in the waterway assembly 1, which realizes the accurate control of the working state or opening degree of the control valve 14 through the signal connection with the control valve 14. The signal connection between the main controller 16 and the control valve 14 can be an electrical connection (such as through a cable or a bus) or a wireless connection (such as through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other wireless communication technologies). Through the signal connection, the main controller 16 can receive the state information of the control valve 14 in real time and send control instructions to it.

[0092] The main controller 16 can control the working state of the control valve 14, such as opening, closing, water replenishment mode, constant temperature mode, etc. According to the user's needs and system settings, the main controller 16 can automatically switch the working state of the control valve 14 to meet different water demand. In addition to controlling the working state, the main controller 16 can also adjust the opening degree of the control valve 14. By accurately controlling the opening degree of the control valve 14, the main controller 16 can adjust the water flow, thereby realizing accurate control of the water temperature. In the constant temperature water supply system, it can ensure that the user obtains stable and comfortable constant temperature hot water. When the water replenishment state is in the water replenishment state, the height of the energy storage tank 26 can be controlled to control the water replenishment speed and improve the water replenishment efficiency and accuracy.

[0093] Referring to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the waterway assembly 1 further comprises a high liquid level sensor 17 and a low liquid level sensor 18, the low liquid level sensor 18 is arranged at the bottom of the energy storage tank 26, and the high liquid level sensor 17 is arranged at the top of the energy storage tank 26. The high liquid level sensor 17 and the low liquid level sensor 18 are suitable for detecting the water level height of the energy storage tank 26, and the high liquid level sensor 17 and the low liquid level sensor 18 are in communication connection with the main controller 16.

[0094] The main controller 16 controls the working state or opening degree of the control valve 14 according to the detection information of the high liquid level sensor 17 and the low liquid level sensor 18 to control the water replenishment flow.

[0095] It can be understood that the high liquid level sensor 17 is arranged at the top of the energy storage tank 26 and is used to detect whether the water level in the energy storage tank 26 reaches or approaches the upper limit. When the water level approaches or reaches the detection position of the high liquid level sensor 17, the sensor will send a signal to the main controller 16 to prompt that the energy storage tank 26 is about to be full or has been full.

[0096] The low liquid level sensor 18 is arranged at the bottom of the energy storage tank 26 and is used to detect whether the water level in the energy storage tank 26 drops to the lower limit. When the water level is lower than the detection position of the low liquid level sensor 18, the sensor will send a signal to the main controller 16 to prompt that the energy storage tank 26 needs to be replenished.

[0097] The high liquid level sensor 17 and the low liquid level sensor 18 are connected to the main controller 16 through some communication mode, such as electrical signal, digital signal or wireless signal, etc. It is ensured that the sensors can transmit the water level information to the main controller 16 in real time and accurately.

[0098] After receiving the signal from the sensor, the main controller 16 will perform corresponding processing and analysis. According to the preset logic and algorithm, the main controller 16 will judge the water level state of the energy storage tank 26, and control the opening or closing of the control valve 14 or adjust the opening degree of the valve core according to the water level state, so as to realize the functions of automatic water replenishment, water overflow prevention and water replenishment speed control.

[0099] Reference Figure 3 In some embodiments, the waterway assembly 1 further comprises a water inlet temperature sensor 19, a water outlet temperature sensor 20 and an inner container temperature sensor 21. The water inlet temperature sensor 19 is arranged on the total water inlet waterway 15 and is signal connected with the main controller 16. The water outlet temperature sensor 20 is arranged on the mixed waterway 13 and is signal connected with the main controller 16. The inner container temperature sensor 21 is arranged in the energy storage tank 26 and is signal connected with the main controller 16.

[0100] It can be understood that the water inlet temperature sensor 19 is arranged on the total water inlet waterway 15, i.e. on the pipeline before the water source enters the energy storage tank 26. It is used to detect the initial water temperature entering the energy storage tank 26. It is convenient for the system to adjust and control the subsequent water temperature. Different initial water temperature needs different heating time and power. The water inlet temperature sensor 19 is signal connected with the main controller 16, and the detected water temperature information is transmitted to the main controller 16 in real time.

[0101] The water outlet temperature sensor 20 is arranged on the mixed waterway 13, i.e. on the pipeline before the user water point. The mixed waterway 13 is usually used to mix the hot water in the energy storage tank 26 with cold water to achieve the user's set water outlet temperature. It is used to detect the water temperature after mixing to ensure that the water outlet temperature meets the user's set requirements. The water outlet temperature sensor 20 is also signal connected with the main controller 16, and the detected water temperature information is fed back to the main controller 16, so that the main controller 16 can make fine adjustment according to the needs.

[0102] The inner container temperature sensor 21 is arranged inside the energy storage tank 26 to directly measure the temperature of the water in the energy storage tank 26. It is used to monitor the water temperature change in the energy storage tank 26 in real time and provide accurate data support for heating control. The inner container temperature sensor 21 is of great significance to prevent the water temperature from being too high or too low, protect the energy storage tank 26 and prolong the service life. The inner container temperature sensor 21 is signal connected with the main controller 16, so that the main controller 16 can obtain the water temperature information in the energy storage tank 26 in real time.

[0103] The temperature sensor monitors and records the water temperature changes in real time, and the system can accurately control the water temperature to ensure that the outlet water temperature meets the user's set requirements. It can also accurately control the heating time and power, avoiding unnecessary energy waste and improving the energy efficiency ratio of the system. At the same time, real-time monitoring of the water temperature change in the energy storage tank 26 helps to prevent water temperature from being too high or too low, which can damage the energy storage tank 26 and prolong the service life of the equipment.

[0104] Referring to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the waterway assembly 1 further comprises a flow sensor 22 arranged in the total water inlet waterway 15, and the flow sensor 22 is adapted to detect the water flow of the total water inlet waterway 15.

[0105] According to the water flow detected by the flow sensor 22, the user's situation is determined, and the opening degree of the control valve 14 is adjusted according to the difference between the actual outlet water flow and the preset outlet water flow to control the cold and hot water ratio in the mixed water waterway.

[0106] It can be understood that the flow sensor 22 is used to monitor and record the water flow through the pipeline in real time. When the water flow value is greater than the set threshold value, it is determined that the user is using water, and by comparing the difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the set outlet water temperature, the cold and hot water ratio is adjusted by adjusting the valve core angle to realize that the actual outlet water temperature and the set outlet water temperature are close to each other. When the water flow value is less than the set threshold value, it is determined that the user is not using water, and the water heater enters the heat storage and heat preservation state.

[0107] Referring to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the waterway assembly 1 further comprises an energy storage heater arranged in the energy storage tank 26, and the energy storage heater is adapted to heat the heat exchange medium in the energy storage tank 26.

[0108] It can be understood that the energy storage heater is arranged in the energy storage tank 26 to directly heat the heat exchange medium in the energy storage tank 26. The energy storage heater is one of the main heating elements of the system, which is responsible for starting heating when the water temperature in the energy storage tank 26 is lower than the set value, and raising the water temperature to the temperature range required by the user. The working state of the energy storage heater is usually controlled by the main controller 16, and the heating power and time are adjusted according to the feedback signal of the inner tank temperature sensor 21 to realize accurate temperature control.

[0109] In some embodiments, the waterway assembly 1 further comprises a supplementary heater 23, which functions to fine-tune or supplement the heating of the water before the hot water is output. After the water in the heating waterway is preliminarily heated, if the water temperature still does not reach the user's set temperature, the supplementary heater 23 will start heating to ensure that the final output hot water temperature meets the user's requirements.

[0110] In some embodiments, at least part of the hot water channel 12 is arranged in correspondence with the energy storage tank 26 and exchanges heat with the energy storage tank 26.

[0111] It can be understood that, in the present embodiment, at least part of the hot water channel 12 is designed to be adjacent to or in contact with the energy storage tank 26, so that effective heat exchange can be achieved between the two. When cold water passes through this part of the hot water channel 12, it absorbs the heat of the hot water in the energy storage tank 26, thereby increasing its own temperature and reducing the temperature of the hot water in the energy storage tank 26. When the cold water is preheated, the heating time required to reach the required temperature of the user will be reduced, thereby further saving energy and time.

[0112] Referring to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the water channel structure further comprises a display interaction module 25, which is in communication connection with the main controller 16. The display interaction module 25 is mainly used to display key information such as the running state of the system, the water temperature, the water flow, the heating state, etc., and to provide a user interaction interface to allow the user to perform operations such as parameter setting and mode selection.

[0113] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various combinations, modifications or equivalent replacements of the technical solutions of the present application do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present application, and should be covered in the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A water heater, characterized by, The waterway assembly comprises a cold water channel, a make-up water channel, a hot water channel and a mixed water channel. The control valve has an input end connected with the cold water channel and the hot water channel, and an output end connected with the mixed water channel and the make-up water channel. In the make-up water state, the control valve controls the cold water channel to communicate with the make-up water channel. In the constant temperature state, the control valve controls the cold water channel, the hot water channel and the mixed water channel to communicate. When detecting that the energy storage tank lacks heat exchange medium, the control valve enters the make-up water state, and controls the cold water channel to communicate with the make-up water channel to perform a make-up water task.

2. The water heater of claim 1, wherein After the make-up water task is completed, the control valve enters the constant temperature state, and controls the cold water channel, the hot water channel and the mixed water channel to communicate to perform a constant temperature task. The waterway assembly further comprises a total water inlet channel, which is connected with the hot water channel and the cold water channel respectively, and is adapted to supply cold water to the hot water channel and the cold water channel.

3. The water heater of claim 1, wherein The water heater further comprises a main controller, which is connected with the control valve and is adapted to control the working state or opening degree of the control valve.

4. The water heater of claim 1, wherein The water heater further comprises a high liquid level sensor and a low liquid level sensor, the low liquid level sensor is arranged at the bottom of the energy storage tank, and the high liquid level sensor is arranged at the top of the energy storage tank.

5. The water heater of claim 4, wherein, The high liquid level sensor and the low liquid level sensor are adapted to detect the liquid level of the energy storage tank, and are connected with the main controller.

6. The water heater of claim 5, wherein, The main controller controls the working state or opening degree of the control valve according to the detection information of the high liquid level sensor and the low liquid level sensor to control the make-up water flow.

7. The water heater of claim 3, wherein The water heater further comprises: a water inlet temperature sensor, which is arranged in the total water inlet channel and is adapted to detect the water inlet temperature of the total water inlet channel; an outlet water temperature sensor, which is arranged in the mixed water channel and is adapted to detect the outlet water temperature of the mixed water channel; an inner container temperature sensor, which is arranged in the energy storage tank and is adapted to detect the temperature of the energy storage medium in the energy storage tank.

8. The water heater of claim 3, wherein, The water heater further comprises a flow sensor, which is arranged in the total water inlet channel and is adapted to detect the water flow of the total water inlet channel.

9. The water heater of claim 8, wherein, According to the water flow detected by the flow sensor, the user condition is determined, and the opening degree of the control valve is adjusted according to the difference between the actual outlet water amount and the preset outlet water amount to control the cold and hot water ratio in the mixed water channel.

10. The water heater of any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The input end of the control valve comprises a cold water input port and a hot water input port, the cold water input port is connected with the cold water channel, and the hot water input port is connected with the hot water channel.

11. The water heater of any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The output end of the control valve comprises a make-up water outlet and a mixed water outlet, the make-up water outlet communicates with the make-up water channel, and the mixed water outlet communicates with the mixed water channel.

12. The water heater of any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The water heater further comprises: The energy storage heater is arranged in the energy storage tank, and is suitable for heating the heat exchange medium in the energy storage tank.

13. The water heater of any one of claims 1-9, wherein, At least part of the hot water channel is arranged corresponding to the energy storage tank and exchanges heat with the energy storage tank.

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