Water heater system and water heater

Abstract

The utility model discloses a water heater system and a water heater, the water heater system comprises a compressor, at least two heat exchange flow paths, a defrosting flow path and a switching device, the compressor is provided with a refrigerant output port and a refrigerant recovery port; the heat exchange flow path is connected between the refrigerant output port and the refrigerant recovery port, a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger are arranged on the heat exchange flow path, and the first heat exchanger is used for exchanging heat with water in the water tank; the defrosting flow path comprises a first defrosting branch which is at least connected with the first heat exchanger of one heat exchange flow path in parallel, one end of the first defrosting branch is connected with one end of the second heat exchanger, and the other end of the first defrosting branch can communicate with a refrigerant output port of the compressor. The switching device is used for at least switching the heat exchange flow path and the first defrosting branch to communicate with the compressor so as to correspondingly form a heat exchange circulation loop and a defrosting circulation loop. According to the technical scheme, fluctuation of the water temperature in the water tank in the defrosting process is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of water heaters, in particular to a water heater system and a water heater. Background Art

[0002] Compared with traditional gas water heaters and electric water heaters, air source heat pump water heaters have an increasing market share due to their high efficiency, energy saving, safety and pollution-free characteristics. However, the evaporator frosting problem when operating in medium temperature and high humidity areas is the main factor affecting the efficiency of heat pump units in winter, which seriously restricts the development of air source heat pump water heaters. Therefore, improving defrosting technology is a necessary condition for promoting the development of air source heat pump water heaters. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of the utility model is to provide a water heater system and a water heater, aiming to improve the defrosting technology of the existing water heater.

[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the utility model proposes a water heater system, comprising:

[0005] A compressor having a refrigerant outlet and a refrigerant recovery outlet; and,

[0006] At least two heat exchange paths, the heat exchange paths are connected between the refrigerant outlet and the refrigerant recovery port, and a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger are arranged on the heat exchange paths, wherein the first heat exchanger is used to perform heat exchange with water in the water tank;

[0007] a defrost flow path, comprising a first defrost branch arranged in parallel with at least the first heat exchanger of one of the heat exchange flow paths, one end of the first defrost branch being connected to one end of the second heat exchanger, and the other end being able to communicate with a refrigerant outlet of the compressor; and

[0008] A switching device is used for switching at least the heat exchange flow path and the first defrost branch to be connected with the compressor, so as to form a heat exchange circulation loop and a defrost circulation loop accordingly.

[0009] Optionally, the at least two heat exchange flow paths include a first heat exchange flow path and a second heat exchange flow path;

[0010] There is at least one defrost flow path, and at least one of the defrost flow paths includes a first defrost flow path, and a first defrost branch of the first defrost flow path is arranged in parallel with a first heat exchanger of the first heat exchange flow path.

[0011] Optionally, the switching device comprises:

[0012] A second four-way valve, wherein two ports thereof are correspondingly connected to the refrigerant outlet and the refrigerant recovery port of the compressor, and the other two ports of the second four-way valve are correspondingly connected to the two ends of the first heat exchange flow path; and

[0013] A third four-way valve, wherein two ports thereof are correspondingly connected to the refrigerant outlet and the refrigerant recovery port of the compressor, and the other two ports of the third four-way valve are correspondingly connected to the two ends of the second heat exchange flow path;

[0014] The first end of the first defrost branch of the first defrost flow path is connected between the first heat exchanger of the first heat exchange flow path and the second heat exchanger, and the second end is connected to the second heat exchange flow path and is located between one end of the first heat exchanger connected to the second heat exchanger and the compressor;

[0015] The switching device also includes a switching control valve arranged in the first defrost branch.

[0016] Optionally, a connection between the second end of the first defrost branch of the first defrost flow path and the second heat exchange flow path is located between one end of the second heat exchanger connected to the second four-way valve and the compressor.

[0017] Optionally, the defrost flow path further includes a second defrost flow path, and a first defrost branch of the second defrost flow path is arranged in parallel with a first heat exchanger of the second heat exchange flow path;

[0018] The first end of the first defrost branch of the second defrost flow path is connected between the first heat exchanger of the second heat exchange flow path and the second heat exchanger, and the second end is connected to the first heat exchange flow path and is located between one end of the second heat exchanger connected to the first four-way valve and the compressor.

[0019] Optionally, a connection point between the second end of the first defrost branch of the first defrost flow path and the second heat exchange flow path is located between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0020] Optionally, the defrost flow path further includes a second defrost flow path, and a first defrost branch of the second defrost flow path is arranged in parallel with a first heat exchanger of the second heat exchange flow path;

[0021] The first end of the first defrost branch of the second defrost flow path is connected to the second heat exchange flow path, and is located between the second end of the first defrost branch of the first defrost flow path and the second heat exchanger, and the second end is connected to the first heat exchange flow path, and is located between the first end of the first defrost branch of the first defrost flow path and the second heat exchanger.

[0022] Optionally, the switching control valve includes:

[0023] The fifth control valve is arranged in the first defrost branch and is used for controlling the on-off of the first defrost branch.

[0024] Optionally, the water heater system further includes an expansion valve disposed in the heat exchange flow path, wherein the expansion valve is located between the first end of the first defrost branch and the second heat exchanger.

[0025] Optionally, the water heater system further comprises a first one-way valve arranged in the heat exchange flow path, the first one-way valve is located between the first heat exchanger and the first end of the first defrost branch, and the conduction direction of the first one-way valve is one-way conduction from the first heat exchanger to the first end of the first defrost branch; and / or,

[0026] A second one-way valve is disposed on the first defrost branch, and the conducting direction of the second one-way valve is one-way conducting from the first end to the second end of the first defrost branch.

[0027] To achieve the above object, the present application provides a water heater, comprising:

[0028] Water tank;

[0029] A water heater system, such as the water heater system described above.

[0030] In the technical solution provided by the utility model, the first defrost branch and the first heat exchanger are connected in parallel, and the switching device is used to at least switch the heat exchange flow path and the first defrost branch to be connected with the compressor, so that during the defrosting process, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor can be selected to be introduced into the first defrost branch or the heat exchange flow path connected in parallel therewith, thereby avoiding the first defrost branch and the heat exchange flow path connected in parallel therewith working at the same time during the defrosting process, thereby causing the water temperature in the water tank to fluctuate over a wide range and reduce the user experience, and two heat exchange flow paths are provided. When one of the heat exchange flow paths is defrosting, the other heat exchange flow path can keep heating, thereby realizing defrosting without stopping. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the utility model 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 utility model. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying creative work.

[0032] Figure 1 A system block diagram of a first embodiment of a water heater system (one heat exchange flow path) provided by the utility model;

[0033] Figure 2A system block diagram of a heat exchange circulation loop of a first embodiment of a water heater system (one heat exchange flow path) provided by the utility model;

[0034] Figure 3 A system block diagram of a defrost circulation circuit of a first embodiment of a water heater system (one heat exchange flow path) provided by the utility model;

[0035] Figure 4 A system block diagram of a second embodiment of a water heater system (two heat exchange paths) provided by the utility model;

[0036] Figure 5 A system block diagram of a heat exchange circulation loop of a second embodiment of a water heater system (two heat exchange flow paths) provided by the utility model;

[0037] Figure 6 A system block diagram of a defrost circulation circuit of a second embodiment of a water heater system (two heat exchange paths) provided by the utility model;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a system block diagram of the third embodiment of the water heater system (two heat exchange paths) provided by the utility model.

[0039] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0040] Label name Label name 100 Water heater system 10 compressor 20 Heat exchange flow path 50 Defrosting flow path 80 Switching device 90 Water tank 51 The first defrost branch 52 Second defrost branch 21 First heat exchanger 22 Second heat exchanger 53 The third heat exchanger 81 First four-way valve 82 Second four-way valve 83 Third four-way valve 84 First control valve 23 The first heat exchange section 24 Second heat exchange section 85 Second control valve 86 The third control valve 87 Fourth control valve 40 Bypass 41 Bypass control valve 25 The first heat exchange path 26 Second heat exchange path 54 First defrost flow path 55 Second defrost flow path 88 Fifth control valve 27 Expansion valve 28 First check valve 56 Second check valve

[0041] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of the utility model will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the utility model to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0043] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back...), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0044] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the utility model, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In addition, the meaning of "and / or" appearing in the full text includes three parallel schemes. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes scheme A, or scheme B, or a scheme that satisfies both A and B. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the utility model.

[0045] Compared with traditional gas water heaters and electric water heaters, air source heat pump water heaters have an increasing market share due to their high efficiency, energy saving, safety and pollution-free characteristics. However, the evaporator frosting problem when operating in medium temperature and high humidity areas is the main factor affecting the efficiency of heat pump units in winter, which seriously restricts the development of air source heat pump water heaters. Therefore, improving defrosting technology is a necessary condition for promoting the development of air source heat pump water heaters.

[0046] In order to solve the above problems, the utility model provides a water heater system and a water heater. Figure 1 A system block diagram of a first embodiment of a water heater system (one heat exchange flow path) provided by the utility model; Figure 2 A system block diagram of a heat exchange circulation loop of a first embodiment of a water heater system (one heat exchange flow path) provided by the utility model; Figure 3 A system block diagram of a defrost circulation circuit of a first embodiment of a water heater system (one heat exchange flow path) provided by the utility model; Figure 4 A system block diagram of a second embodiment of a water heater system (two heat exchange paths) provided by the utility model; Figure 5 A system block diagram of a heat exchange circulation loop of a second embodiment of a water heater system (two heat exchange flow paths) provided by the utility model; Figure 6 A system block diagram of a defrost circulation circuit of a second embodiment of a water heater system (two heat exchange paths) provided by the utility model; Figure 7 This is a system block diagram of the third embodiment of the water heater system (two heat exchange paths) provided by the utility model.

[0047] See also Figures 1 to 7The water heater system 100 includes: a compressor 10, at least one heat exchange flow path 20, a defrost flow path 50 and a switching device 80, wherein the compressor 10 has a refrigerant output port and a refrigerant recovery port; the heat exchange flow path 20 is connected between the refrigerant output port and the refrigerant recovery port, and a first heat exchanger 21 and a second heat exchanger 22 are arranged on the heat exchange flow path 20, wherein the first heat exchanger 21 is used to perform heat exchange with water in a water tank 90; the defrost flow path 50 includes at least a first defrost branch 51 arranged in parallel with the first heat exchanger 21, one end of the first defrost branch 51 is connected to one end of the second heat exchanger 22, and the other end can be connected to the refrigerant output port of the compressor 10; the switching device 80 is used to switch at least the heat exchange flow path 20 and the first defrost branch 51 to be connected with the compressor 10, so as to form a heat exchange circulation loop and a defrost circulation loop correspondingly.

[0048] It should be emphasized that the first heat exchanger 21 is used to perform heat exchange with the water in the water tank 90. ​​It can be used to heat the water in the water tank 90 or to cool it. There is no limitation on this. In the heating mode, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 first flows into the first heat exchanger 21 under the switching of the switching device 80 to heat the water tank 90, and then flows into the second heat exchanger 22. After heat exchange, it flows into the switching device 80 and finally returns to the compressor 10.

[0049] The heat exchange flow path 20 may be provided with only one or more, and each of the heat exchange flow paths 20 is provided with a first heat exchanger 21 and a second heat exchanger 22. The defrost flow path 50 may be provided with only one or more, which is not limited here. The specific implementation method of the switching device 80 is not limited, and may be in the form of multi-pass control or a combination of multiple control valves, etc., which is not limited here.

[0050] It should be noted that the current common defrosting solutions mostly adopt a reverse cycle defrosting solution. The refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 first flows into the outdoor heat exchanger for heat exchange and defrosting, then flows into the indoor heat exchanger for heat exchange with the water tank 90, and finally flows back to the compressor 10. In the existing practice, during the defrosting process of the outdoor heat exchanger, the water tank 90 will absorb heat, thereby causing the water temperature in the water tank 90 to fluctuate greatly, affecting the user experience.

[0051] In the technical solution provided by the utility model, the first defrost branch 51 and the first heat exchanger 21 are connected in parallel, and the switching device 80 is used to at least switch the heat exchange flow path 20 and the first defrost branch 51 to be connected with the compressor 10, so that during the defrosting process, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 can be selected to be introduced into the first defrost branch 51 or the heat exchange flow path 20 connected in parallel therewith, thereby avoiding the first defrost branch 51 and the heat exchange flow path 20 connected in parallel therewith working at the same time during the defrosting process, thereby causing the water temperature in the water tank 90 to fluctuate over a wide range, thereby reducing the user experience.

[0052] It should be explained that, in the defrost mode, the switching device 80 switches the first defrost branch 51 to connect with the compressor 10. At this time, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 flows into the first defrost branch 51 and then flows into the second heat exchanger 22 to defrost the second heat exchanger 22. At this time, the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 can flow directly into the compressor 10 or flow to other heat exchangers for heat exchange, which is not limited here.

[0053] Take a heat exchange flow path as an example, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 directly flows into the compressor 10, which may cause liquid hammer in the compressor 10, thereby causing damage to the compressor 10, and the defrosting efficiency is not high. Therefore, the defrost flow path 50 also includes a second defrost branch 52, one end of the second defrost branch 52 is connected to the other end of the second heat exchanger 22, and the other end of the second defrost branch 52 can be connected to the refrigerant recovery port of the compressor 10, and a third heat exchanger 53 is arranged on the second defrost branch 52.

[0054] In the technical solution of this embodiment, by setting the second defrost branch 52, after the defrosting of the second heat exchanger 22 is completed, the refrigerant flowing out can flow into the third heat exchanger 53 for heat exchange, so that the third heat exchanger 53 is used to exchange heat with the second heat exchanger 22, thereby avoiding the occurrence of liquid hammer in the compressor 10 and improving the defrosting efficiency.

[0055] Specifically, the switching device 80 includes a first four-way valve 81, and the two ports of the first four-way valve 81 are connected to the refrigerant output port and the refrigerant recovery port of the compressor 10 respectively. Among the other two ports of the first four-way valve 81, one port is connected to the heat exchange flow path 20 and one end of the first defrost branch 51, and the other port is connected to the other end of the heat exchange flow path 20 and the second defrost branch 52; the switching device 80 also includes a control valve arranged on the heat exchange flow path 20 and the defrost flow path 50.

[0056] In this embodiment, by setting the first four-way valve 81, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 can be selectively introduced into the first defrost branch 51, so that the second heat exchanger 22 is first defrosted and heat exchanged, and then flows to the second defrost branch 52. At this time, the connection between the first heat exchanger 21 and the second heat exchanger 22 can be disconnected by the control valve, so as to prevent the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 from flowing into the first heat exchanger 21, thereby causing the water temperature in the water tank 90 to fluctuate significantly.

[0057] Of course, in the heating mode, the first four-way valve 81 guides the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 into the first heat exchanger 21 to heat the water tank 90, and then flows into the second heat exchanger 22. After heat exchange, it flows to the first four-way valve 81 and flows back into the compressor 10.

[0058] Furthermore, when it is necessary to defrost the third heat exchanger 53, the first four-way valve 81 first introduces the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 into the second defrost branch 52 to perform heat exchange and defrost the third heat exchanger 53. Then, the refrigerant flows into the second heat exchanger 22 for heat exchange, and then flows back into the compressor 10 through the first four-way valve 81.

[0059] At the same time, the heat exchange flow path 20 includes a first heat exchange section 23 and a second heat exchange section 24 connected between the compressor 10 and the second heat exchanger 22, and the first heat exchanger 21 is arranged in the first heat exchange section 23; the control valve is set to multiple, and the multiple control valves include a first control valve 84 and a second control valve 85. The first control valve 84 is arranged in the first heat exchange section 23 and can control the on and off of the first heat exchange section 23; the second control valve 85 is arranged in the first defrost branch 51 and can control the on and off of the first defrost branch 51.

[0060] In the solution of this embodiment, by setting the first control valve 84, the first heat exchange section 23 can be disconnected in the defrost mode, thereby preventing the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 from flowing into the first heat exchanger 21, thereby causing the water temperature in the water tank 90 to drop.

[0061] By setting the second control valve 85, the on-off of the first defrost branch 51 is controlled by the second control valve 85. When defrosting is required, the second control valve 85 is controlled to open, and the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 is introduced into the second heat exchanger 22 for defrosting. In the heating mode, the second control valve 85 is controlled to close, thereby preventing the refrigerant flowing out of the first four-way valve 81 from flowing into the second heat exchanger 22 through the first defrost branch 51, affecting the heating effect of the water heater system 100.

[0062] The specific implementation of the first control valve 84 and the second control valve 85 is not limited, and can be in the form of a solenoid valve, an on-off valve, an expansion valve 27, etc., which is not limited here.

[0063] Since it is necessary to throttle and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 21 in the heating mode, the first control valve 84 includes a first electronic expansion valve arranged between the first heat exchanger 21 and the second heat exchanger 22. With such an arrangement, in the scheme of this embodiment, the first control valve 84 can not only control the on and off of the first heat exchange section 23, but also throttle and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 21.

[0064] In addition, the multiple control valves also include a third control valve 86 and a fourth control valve 87. The third control valve 86 is arranged in the second heat exchange section 24 to control the on-off of the second heat exchange section 24; the fourth control valve 87 is arranged in the second defrost branch 52 to control the on-off of the second defrost branch 52.

[0065] In the scheme of this embodiment, in the heating mode, the first control valve 84 is opened, the second control valve 85 is closed, the first defrost branch 51 is disconnected, and the refrigerant flowing out of the first four-way valve 81 first flows into the first heat exchanger 21 to heat the water tank 90. ​​At this time, if the second heat exchanger 22 is used for the next heat exchange, at this time, the fourth control valve 87 is disconnected to break the second defrost branch 52, and then the third control valve 86 is opened to allow the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 21 to flow into the second heat exchanger 22 for heat exchange.

[0066] In the defrost mode, the first control valve 84 is closed, thereby disconnecting the first heat exchange section 23, and the second control valve 85 is opened, thereby directing the refrigerant flowing out of the first four-way valve 81 to the second heat exchanger 22 for defrosting. At this time, the third control valve 86 is disconnected, thereby preventing the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 from directly flowing into the compressor 10 through the second heat exchange section 24, thereby avoiding the occurrence of liquid hammer in the compressor 10. The fourth control valve 87 is opened to direct the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 to the third heat exchanger 53 for heat exchange.

[0067] Furthermore, in order to throttle and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing from the second heat exchanger 22 to the third heat exchanger 53, the fourth control valve 87 includes a second electronic expansion valve arranged between the second heat exchanger 22 and the third heat exchanger 53. In this way, the fourth control valve 87 can simultaneously control the on and off of the second defrost branch 52 and throttle and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0068] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the water heater system 100 further includes a bypass branch 40, one end of the bypass branch 40 is connected between the first defrost branch 51 and the second heat exchanger 22, and the other end is connected between the third heat exchanger 53 and the second heat exchanger 22, and a bypass control valve 41 is provided on the bypass branch 40.

[0069] Specifically, by setting the bypass branch 40, in the heating mode, the second control valve 85 is closed and the first control is opened. At this time, if the bypass control valve 41 is opened, the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 21 will be guided to the third heat exchanger 53, thereby sharing the pressure for the second heat exchanger 22. If the third control valve 86 is disconnected at this time, the second heat exchanger 22 can be disconnected, allowing the third heat exchanger to exchange heat for the first heat exchanger 21.

[0070] In the defrost mode, when defrosting the second heat exchanger 22, the bypass control valve 41 can be opened to divert a portion of the refrigerant derived from the first four-way valve 81 to the third heat exchanger 53, thereby controlling and adjusting the defrost capacity of the defrost flow path 50. Of course, the bypass control valve 41 can also be directly closed to allow all the refrigerant derived from the first four-way valve 81 to flow into the second heat exchanger 22, and the second heat exchanger 22 can be defrosted at the maximum rate.

[0071] Of course, the refrigerant port flowing out of the first four-way valve 81 can also be controlled so that the refrigerant flowing out of the first four-way valve 81 first flows into the third heat exchanger 53 and then flows into the second heat exchanger 22, thereby performing heat exchange on the third heat exchanger 53. At this time, the defrost capacity of the defrost flow path 50 can also be adjusted through the bypass branch 40.

[0072] In one embodiment, see Figures 4 to 7 The water heater system 100 includes two heat exchange paths 20, and the two heat exchange paths 20 include a first heat exchange path 25 and a second heat exchange path 26; the defrost path 50 is set to be at least one, and at least one defrost path 50 includes a first defrost path 54, and the first defrost branch 51 of the first defrost path 54 is arranged in parallel with the first heat exchanger 21 of the first heat exchange path 25.

[0073] In the technical solution of this embodiment, the water heater system 100 includes two heat exchange circuits 20. During the defrosting process of the second heat exchanger 22 of one of the heat exchange circuits 20, the other heat exchange circuit 20 can heat the water in the water tank 90, thereby realizing uninterrupted heating of the water tank 90, and the first defrost branch 51 of the first defrost circuit 54 and the first heat exchanger 21 of the first heat exchange circuit 25 are arranged in parallel, so that during the defrosting process of the second heat exchanger 22 of the first defrost circuit 54, heat is not absorbed from the water tank 90, thereby avoiding the temperature drop in the water tank 90 caused by the heat exchanger absorbing heat from the water tank 90 under the defrosting condition, thereby improving user comfort.

[0074] It should be noted that any one of the two heat exchange paths 20 is the first heat exchange path 25 , and at this time, the corresponding other one is the second heat exchange path 26 , which is not limited here.

[0075] The defrost flow path 50 may be provided with only one so as to defrost the second heat exchanger 22 of the first heat exchange flow path 25 , or may be provided with two so as to defrost the second heat exchangers 22 of the two heat exchange flow paths 20 .

[0076] During the heating process, only one heat exchange flow path 20 may be in operation, or both heat exchange flow paths 20 may be in operation, which is not limited here.

[0077] At the same time, the specific implementation form of the switching device 80 is not limited, and it can be a combination of a multi-way valve and a switching control valve, or a combination of two four-way valves and multiple switching control valves, which is not limited here.

[0078] In this embodiment, the switching device 80 includes a second four-way valve 82 and a third four-way valve 83, two ports of the second four-way valve 82 are connected to the refrigerant output port and the refrigerant recovery port of the compressor 10, and the other two ports of the second four-way valve 82 are connected to the two ends of the first heat exchange flow path 25; two ports of the third four-way valve 83 are connected to the refrigerant output port and the refrigerant recovery port of the compressor 10, and the other two ports of the third four-way valve 83 are connected to the two ends of the second heat exchange flow path 26; the first end of the first defrost branch 51 of the first defrost flow path 54 is connected between the first heat exchanger 21 and the second heat exchanger 22 of the first heat exchange flow path 25, and the second end is connected to the second heat exchange flow path 26, and is located between one end of the first heat exchanger 21 connected to the second heat exchanger 22 and the compressor 10; the switching device 80 also includes a switching control valve arranged in the first defrost branch 51.

[0079] In the technical solution of this embodiment, the second four-way valve 82 corresponds to the first heat exchange flow path 25 , and the third four-way valve 83 corresponds to the second heat exchange flow path 26 .

[0080] It should be noted that the two ends of the first heat exchange flow path 25 correspond to the first heat exchanger 21 and the second heat exchanger 22 respectively.

[0081] When the first heat exchange path 25 is needed for heating, the second four-way valve 82 connects the first heat exchanger 21 of the first heat exchange path 25 with the refrigerant output port of the compressor 10, allowing the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 to flow to the first heat exchanger 21, thereby heating the water tank 90, and then after heat exchange through the second heat exchanger 22, flows from the second four-way valve 82 to the refrigerant recovery port of the compressor 10, completing the heating cycle.

[0082] Similarly, when the second heat exchange path 26 is needed for heating, the third four-way valve 83 connects the first heat exchanger 21 of the second heat exchange path 26 with the refrigerant output port of the compressor 10, allowing the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 to flow to the first heat exchanger 21, thereby heating the water tank 90, and then after heat exchange through the second heat exchanger 22, flows from the third four-way valve 83 to the refrigerant recovery port of the compressor 10, completing the heating cycle.

[0083] When it is necessary to defrost the second heat exchanger 22 of the first heat exchange flow path 25, the second four-way valve 82 connects the refrigerant output port of the compressor 10 and the second heat exchanger 22, and guides the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 to the second heat exchanger 22, thereby defrosting the second heat exchanger 22. Since the first end of the first defrost branch 51 of the first defrost flow path 54 is connected between the first heat exchanger 21 of the first heat exchange flow path 25 and the second heat exchanger 22, the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 flows through the first defrost branch 51 of the first defrost flow path 54, flows out from the second end of the first defrost branch 51 of the first defrost flow path 54, flows out to the first heat exchanger 21 of the second heat exchange flow path 26 connected between one end of the second heat exchanger 22 and the compressor 10, flows back to the third four-way valve 83 through the second heat exchange flow path 26, and finally flows back to the compressor 10, completing the defrost cycle.

[0084] It should be noted that the second end of the first defrost branch 51 of the first defrost flow path 54 is connected to the second heat exchange flow path 26, and is located between one end of the first heat exchanger 21 connected to the second heat exchanger 22 and the compressor 10. It can be connected between the first heat exchanger 21 and the second heat exchanger 22, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 of the first heat exchange flow path 25 can flow back to the compressor 10 after heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 22 of the second heat exchange flow path 26. It can also be connected between the second heat exchanger 22 and the compressor 10, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 of the first heat exchange flow path 25 directly flows into the third four-way valve 83 and then flows into the compressor 10. There is no limitation here.

[0085] Specifically, the connection between the second end of the first defrost branch 51 of the first defrost flow path 54 and the second heat exchange flow path 26 is located between one end of the second heat exchanger 22 connected to the third four-way valve 83 and the compressor 10 .

[0086] In the scheme of the present embodiment, when it is necessary to defrost the second heat exchanger 22 of the first heat exchange flow path 25, the second four-way valve 82 connects the refrigerant output port of the compressor 10 and the second heat exchanger 22, and guides the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 to the second heat exchanger 22, thereby defrosting the second heat exchanger 22, and then guides the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 to the second heat exchange flow path 26 through the first defrost branch 51 of the first defrost flow path 54. The second heat exchanger 22 is connected between one end of the third four-way valve 83 and the compressor 10, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 of the first heat exchange flow path 25 directly flows into the third four-way valve 83, and then flows into the compressor 10.

[0087] At the same time, in order to defrost the second heat exchanger 22 of the second heat exchange circuit 26, the defrost circuit 50 also includes a second defrost circuit 55, and the first defrost branch 51 of the second defrost circuit 55 is arranged in parallel with the first heat exchanger 21 of the second heat exchange circuit 26; the first end of the first defrost branch 51 of the second defrost circuit 55 is connected between the first heat exchanger 21 of the second heat exchange circuit 26 and the second heat exchanger 22, and the second end is connected to the first heat exchange circuit 25, and is located between one end of the second heat exchanger 22 connected to the second four-way valve 82 and the compressor 10.

[0088] It should be noted that the first end of the first defrost branch 51 is a refrigerant inflow end, and the second end is a refrigerant outflow end.

[0089] In the scheme of the present embodiment, when it is necessary to defrost the second heat exchanger 22 of the second heat exchange flow path 26, the third four-way valve 83 connects the refrigerant output port of the compressor 10 and the second heat exchanger 22, and guides the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 to the second heat exchanger 22, thereby defrosting the second heat exchanger 22, and then guides the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 to the second heat exchanger 22 of the first heat exchange flow path 25 through the first defrost branch 51 of the second defrost flow path 55. The refrigerant is connected between one end of the third four-way valve 83 and the compressor 10, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 of the second heat exchange flow path 26 directly flows into the second four-way valve 82, and then flows into the compressor 10, thereby realizing the defrosting of the second heat exchanger 22 of the second heat exchange flow path 26.

[0090] It should be noted that when the first defrost flow path 54 is operating, the second heat exchange flow path 26 can be in normal operation, so that a part of the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 can be used to heat the water tank 90, and the other part can be used for defrosting. Of course, the second heat exchange flow path 26 can also be closed, so that all the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 can be used for defrosting, which is not limited here.

[0091] Similarly, when the second defrost flow path 55 is operating, the first heat exchange flow path 25 can be in normal motion, so that a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 can be used to heat the water tank 90, and the other portion can be used for defrosting. Of course, the first heat exchange flow path 25 can also be closed, so that all the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 can be used for defrosting, which is not limited here.

[0092] It should be explained that the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 after defrosting directly flows into the compressor 10. If the defrosting amount is large, it may cause more high-temperature gas to condense, thereby causing liquid hammer phenomenon. The liquid hammer phenomenon will cause irreversible damage to the compressor 10 and reduce the system stability.

[0093] Therefore, the connection between the second end of the first defrost branch 51 of the first defrost flow path 54 and the second heat exchange flow path 26 is located between the first heat exchanger 21 and the second heat exchanger 22 .

[0094] In this embodiment, when it is necessary to defrost the second heat exchanger 22 of the first heat exchange flow path 25, the second four-way valve 82 connects the refrigerant output port of the compressor 10 and the second heat exchanger 22, and guides the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 to the second heat exchanger 22, thereby defrosting the second heat exchanger 22. Then, through the first defrost branch 51 of the first defrost flow path 54, the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 of the first heat exchange flow path 25 after defrosting is guided between the first heat exchanger 21 and the second heat exchanger 22 of the second heat exchange flow path 26, so that it can be heat exchanged again in the second heat exchanger 22 of the second heat exchange flow path 26 and then flow back to the compressor 10 through the third four-way valve 83 to complete the defrost cycle. Since heat exchange is performed in the second heat exchanger 22 of the second heat exchange flow path 26 before flowing back to the compressor 10, the occurrence of liquid hammer can be effectively reduced.

[0095] At the same time, in order to avoid liquid hammer of the compressor 10 during the defrosting of the second heat exchanger 22 of the second heat exchange flow path 26, the defrost flow path 50 also includes a second defrost flow path 55, and the first defrost branch 51 of the second defrost flow path 55 is arranged in parallel with the first heat exchanger 21 of the second heat exchange flow path 26; the first end of the first defrost branch 51 of the second defrost flow path 55 is connected to the second heat exchange flow path 26, and is located between the second end of the first defrost branch 51 of the first defrost flow path 54 and the second heat exchanger 22, and the second end is connected to the first heat exchange flow path 25, and is located between the first end of the first defrost branch 51 of the first defrost flow path 54 and the second heat exchanger 22.

[0096] In this embodiment, when it is necessary to defrost the second heat exchanger 22 of the second heat exchange flow path 20, the third four-way valve 83 connects the refrigerant output port of the compressor 10 and the second heat exchanger 22, and guides the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 to the second heat exchanger 22, thereby defrosting the second heat exchanger 22. Then, through the first defrost branch 51 of the second defrost flow path 55, the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 of the first heat exchange flow path 25 after defrosting is guided between the first heat exchanger 21 and the second heat exchanger 22 of the first heat exchange flow path 25, so that it can be heat exchanged again in the second heat exchanger 22 of the first heat exchange flow path 25 and then flow back to the compressor 10 through the third four-way valve 83 to complete the defrost cycle. Since heat exchange is performed in the second heat exchanger 22 of the second heat exchange flow path 26 before flowing back to the compressor 10, the occurrence of liquid hammer can be effectively reduced.

[0097] Furthermore, in order to control the on-off of the first defrost branch 51, the switching control valve includes a fifth control valve 88, which is arranged in the first defrost branch 51 and is used to control the on-off of the first defrost branch 51. With such a configuration, when the heat exchange flow path 20 needs to be heated, the fifth control valve 88 is controlled to be disconnected, thereby preventing the refrigerant from flowing into the first defrost branch 51 and affecting the heating effect on the water tank 90.

[0098] It should be noted that the water heater system 100 may have only the first defrost flow path 54, in which case only one fifth control valve 88 may be provided; the water heater system 100 may also be provided with both the first defrost flow path 54 and the second defrost flow path 55, in which case two fifth control valves 88 are provided, which are respectively located in the first defrost branches 51 of the first defrost flow path 54 and the second defrost flow path 55.

[0099] In addition, in order to throttle and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant, an expansion valve 27 is provided on the heat exchange flow path 20, and the expansion valve 27 is located between the first heat exchanger 21 and the second heat exchanger 22; the first end of the first defrost branch 51 of the first defrost flow path 54 is connected between the first heat exchanger 21 of the first heat exchange flow path 25 and the expansion valve 27; the defrost flow path 50 also includes a second defrost branch 52 connected in parallel with the first heat exchanger 21 of the second heat exchange flow path 26, and the first end of the first defrost branch 51 of the second defrost flow path 55 is connected between the first heat exchanger 21 of the second heat exchange flow path 26 and the expansion valve 27.

[0100] Specifically, in the present embodiment, two expansion valves 27 are provided, one between the first heat exchanger 21 and the second heat exchanger 22 of the first heat exchange path 25, and the other between the first heat exchanger 21 and the second heat exchanger 22 of the second heat exchange path 26, so that in the heating mode, the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 21 flows into the second heat exchanger 22 for heat exchange after passing through the throttling pressure drop of the expansion valve 27.

[0101] In the defrost mode, when the second heat exchanger 22 of the first heat exchange flow path 25 needs to be defrosted, the first end of the first defrost branch 51 of the first defrost flow path 54 is connected between the first heat exchanger 21 of the first heat exchange flow path 25 and the expansion valve 27. Therefore, after the second heat exchanger 22 of the first heat exchange flow path 25 undergoes heat exchange and defrosting, the refrigerant flowing out first passes through the throttling and pressure reduction of the expansion valve 27, and then flows into the first end of the first defrost flow path 54. When the second heat exchanger 22 of the second heat exchange flow path 26 needs to be defrosted, the first end of the first defrost branch 51 of the second defrost flow path 55 is connected between the first heat exchanger 21 of the second heat exchange flow path 26 and the expansion valve 27. Therefore, after the second heat exchanger 22 of the second heat exchange flow path 26 undergoes heat exchange and defrosting, the refrigerant flowing out first passes through the throttling and pressure reduction of the expansion valve 27, and then flows into the first end of the first defrost flow path 54.

[0102] In order to prevent the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 from flowing into the first heat exchanger 21 in the defrost mode, thereby absorbing the heat in the water tank 90, the water heater system 100 also includes a first one-way valve 28 arranged in the heat exchange flow path 20, and the first one-way valve 28 is located between the first heat exchanger 21 and the first end of the first defrost branch 51, and the conduction direction of the first one-way valve 28 is one-way conduction from the first heat exchanger 21 to the first end of the first defrost branch 51.

[0103] It should be noted that the first one-way valve 28 is located between the first heat exchanger 21 and the first end of the first defrost branch 51. In the first heat exchange flow path 25, the first one-way valve 28 is located between the first heat exchanger 21 of the first heat exchange flow path 25 and the position connected to the first end of the first defrost branch 51. With such a configuration, the first one-way valve 28 can block the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 from flowing into the first heat exchanger 21 in the defrost mode, but will not block it from entering the first end of the first defrost branch 51.

[0104] When the second defrost flow path 55 is provided, in the second heat exchange flow path 26, the first one-way valve 28 is located between the first heat exchanger 21 of the second heat exchange flow path 26 and the position connected to the first end of the first defrost branch 51. In this way, the first one-way valve 28 can block the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 22 from flowing into the first heat exchanger 21 in the defrost mode, but will not block it from entering the first end of the first defrost branch 51.

[0105] Furthermore, a second one-way valve 56 is provided on the first defrost branch 51, and the conduction direction of the second one-way valve 56 is one-way conduction from the first end to the second end of the first defrost branch 51, thereby preventing the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 21 from flowing to other locations through the first defrost branch 51 in the heat exchange mode, thereby ensuring the efficiency of heating the water tank 90.

[0106] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application provides a water heater, comprising: a water tank 90 and a water heater system 100, the water heater system 100 comprising: a compressor 10, at least one heat exchange flow path 20, a defrost flow path 50 and a switching device 80, the compressor 10 having a refrigerant output port and a refrigerant recovery port; the heat exchange flow path 20 is connected between the refrigerant output port and the refrigerant recovery port, and a first heat exchanger 21 and a second heat exchanger 22 are arranged on the heat exchange flow path 20, wherein the first heat exchanger 21 is used for heat exchange with water in the water tank 90; the defrost flow path 50 comprises at least a first defrost branch 51 arranged in parallel with the first heat exchanger 21, one end of the first defrost branch 51 is connected to one end of the second heat exchanger 22, and the other end can be connected to the refrigerant output port of the compressor 10; the switching device 80 is used for switching at least the heat exchange flow path 20 and the first defrost branch 51 to be connected with the compressor 10, so as to form a heat exchange circulation loop and a defrost circulation loop correspondingly.

[0107] In the technical solution provided by the utility model, the first defrost branch 51 and the first heat exchanger 21 are connected in parallel, and the switching device 80 is used to at least switch the heat exchange flow path 20 and the first defrost branch 51 to be connected with the compressor 10, so that during the defrosting process, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 10 can be selected to be introduced into the first defrost branch 51 or the heat exchange flow path 20 connected in parallel therewith, thereby avoiding the first defrost branch 51 and the heat exchange flow path 20 connected in parallel therewith working at the same time during the defrosting process, thereby causing the water temperature in the water tank 90 to fluctuate over a wide range, thereby reducing the user experience.

[0108] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the utility model, and does not limit the patent scope of the utility model. All equivalent structural changes made by using the contents of the utility model specification and drawings under the utility model concept, or directly / indirectly used in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. A water heater system, characterized in that: include: A compressor having a refrigerant outlet and a refrigerant recovery outlet; as well as, At least two heat exchange paths, the heat exchange paths are connected between the refrigerant outlet and the refrigerant recovery port, and a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger are arranged on the heat exchange paths, wherein the first heat exchanger is used to perform heat exchange with water in the water tank; A defrost flow path, comprising a first defrost branch arranged in parallel with at least the first heat exchanger of one of the heat exchange flow paths, one end of the first defrost branch being connected to one end of the second heat exchanger, and the other end being able to communicate with a refrigerant outlet of the compressor; as well as, A switching device is used for switching at least the heat exchange flow path and the first defrost branch to be connected with the compressor, so as to form a heat exchange circulation loop and a defrost circulation loop accordingly.

2. The water heater system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least two heat exchange flow paths include a first heat exchange flow path and a second heat exchange flow path; There is at least one defrost flow path, and at least one of the defrost flow paths includes a first defrost flow path, and a first defrost branch of the first defrost flow path is arranged in parallel with a first heat exchanger of the first heat exchange flow path.

3. The water heater system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The switching device comprises: A second four-way valve, wherein two ports thereof are correspondingly connected to the refrigerant outlet and the refrigerant recovery port of the compressor, and the other two ports of the second four-way valve are correspondingly connected to the two ends of the first heat exchange flow path; and A third four-way valve, wherein two ports thereof are correspondingly connected to the refrigerant outlet and the refrigerant recovery port of the compressor, and the other two ports of the third four-way valve are correspondingly connected to the two ends of the second heat exchange flow path; The first end of the first defrost branch of the first defrost flow path is connected between the first heat exchanger of the first heat exchange flow path and the second heat exchanger, and the second end is connected to the second heat exchange flow path and is located between one end of the first heat exchanger connected to the second heat exchanger and the compressor; The switching device also includes a switching control valve arranged in the first defrost branch.

4. The water heater system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connection point between the second end of the first defrost branch of the first defrost flow path and the second heat exchange flow path is located between one end of the second heat exchanger connected to the third four-way valve and the compressor.

5. The water heater system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The defrost flow path further includes a second defrost flow path, wherein a first defrost branch of the second defrost flow path is arranged in parallel with a first heat exchanger of the second heat exchange flow path; The first end of the first defrost branch of the second defrost circuit is connected between the first heat exchanger of the second heat exchange circuit and the second heat exchanger, and the second end is connected to the first heat exchange circuit and is located between one end of the second heat exchanger connected to the second four-way valve and the compressor.

6. The water heater system according to claim 3, characterized in that: A connection point between the second end of the first defrost branch of the first defrost flow path and the second heat exchange flow path is located between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

7. The water heater system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The defrost flow path further includes a second defrost flow path, wherein a first defrost branch of the second defrost flow path is arranged in parallel with a first heat exchanger of the second heat exchange flow path; The first end of the first defrost branch of the second defrost flow path is connected to the second heat exchange flow path, and is located between the second end of the first defrost branch of the first defrost flow path and the second heat exchanger, and the second end is connected to the first heat exchange flow path, and is located between the first end of the first defrost branch of the first defrost flow path and the second heat exchanger.

8. The water heater system according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that: The switching control valve comprises: The fifth control valve is arranged in the first defrost branch and is used for controlling the on-off of the first defrost branch.

9. The water heater system according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that: An expansion valve is provided on the heat exchange flow path, and the expansion valve is located between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; The first end of the first defrost branch of the first defrost flow path is connected between the first heat exchanger of the first heat exchange flow path and the expansion valve; At least one of the defrost flow paths further includes a second defrost flow path connected in parallel with the first heat exchanger of the second heat exchange flow path, and a first end of a first defrost branch of the second defrost flow path is connected between the first heat exchanger of the second heat exchange flow path and an expansion valve.

10. The water heater system according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that: The water heater system further includes a first one-way valve disposed in the heat exchange flow path, the first one-way valve being located between the first heat exchanger and the first end of the first defrost branch, the conduction direction of the first one-way valve being one-way conduction from the first heat exchanger to the first end of the first defrost branch; and / or, A second one-way valve is disposed on the first defrost branch, and the conducting direction of the second one-way valve is one-way conducting from the first end to the second end of the first defrost branch.

11. A water heater, characterized in that: include: Water tank; A water heater system, a water heater system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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