A water return device and a hot water system

By designing a water return device, the water temperature is maintained using a water storage tank and heating elements, solving the problem of frequent preheating of water heaters, and achieving a zero-cold-water effect that reduces noise and energy consumption and improves user experience.

CN224353291UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-12GUANGDONG VANWARD NEW ELECTRIC CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GUANGDONG VANWARD NEW ELECTRIC CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-30
Publication Date
2026-06-12

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    Figure CN224353291U_ABST
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Abstract

The utility model discloses a water return device and hot water system, water return device includes cold water pipe, hot water inlet pipe, water storage tank, hot water outlet pipe, bypass pipe, switch valve, heating part and water return controller, and the water inlet of water storage tank is connected with the water outlet end of hot water inlet pipe, and the water inlet of hot water outlet pipe is connected with the water outlet of water storage tank, and the water outlet end of hot water outlet pipe is used for connecting the hot water inlet end of water equipment, and bypass pipe is set between hot water outlet pipe and cold water pipe, and switch valve is set on bypass pipe, and heating part is set in water storage tank, and water return controller is electrically connected with switch valve and heating part, after one cycle preheating, the water temperature in water storage tank can be maintained in the set temperature range for a long time through the heating of heating part, realizes long time's zero cold water effect, avoids the frequent start of water heater cycle preheating, reduces noise and energy consumption, improves user experience and energy efficiency.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to heating technology, and more particularly to a water return device and a hot water system. Background Technology

[0002] Zero-cold-water technology refers to a water heater that provides instant hot water without requiring users to wait for cold water to flow out. This technology utilizes a circulating pump within the water heater to preheat the water before it is used, circulating cold water back into the heater for further preheating. This ensures the pipes are filled with hot water, thus eliminating the need for the cold water to drain out that is common in traditional water heaters.

[0003] Existing water heaters require frequent activation of the circulating water pump and heating to preheat the water before each use, either manually or wirelessly. This not only increases the number of operations required by the user, causing inconvenience, but also increases noise and energy consumption due to the frequent pump activation and heating, thus reducing the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] One of the technical problems solved by this utility model is to provide a water return device that can avoid frequent start-up of the water heater for preheating, reduce noise and energy consumption, and improve user experience and energy efficiency.

[0005] The second technical problem solved by this utility model is to provide a hot water system that can avoid frequent start-up of the preheating cycle of the water heater, reduce noise and energy consumption, and improve user experience and energy efficiency.

[0006] The first technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution:

[0007] A water return device, comprising:

[0008] The cold water pipe has an inlet end for connecting the cold water inlet end of the water heater and the cold water supply pipe, and an outlet end for connecting the cold water inlet end of the water-using equipment.

[0009] A hot water inlet pipe, wherein the inlet end of the hot water inlet pipe is used to connect to the hot water outlet end of the water heater;

[0010] A water storage tank, wherein the inlet of the water storage tank is connected to the outlet of the hot water inlet pipe;

[0011] A hot water outlet pipe, the inlet end of which is connected to the outlet of the water storage tank, and the outlet end of which is used to connect to the hot water inlet of the water-using equipment;

[0012] A bypass pipe is provided between the hot water outlet pipe and the cold water pipe to connect the hot water outlet pipe and the cold water pipe;

[0013] A switching valve, wherein the switching valve is disposed on the bypass pipe;

[0014] A heating element is disposed inside the water storage tank;

[0015] A return water controller, which is electrically connected to the switching valve and the heating element.

[0016] The water return device provided by this utility model includes a cold water pipe, a hot water inlet pipe, a water storage tank, a hot water outlet pipe, a bypass pipe, a switch valve, a heating element, and a water return controller. The inlet end of the cold water pipe is used to connect to the cold water inlet end of the water heater and the cold water supply pipe. The outlet end of the cold water pipe is used to connect to the cold water inlet end of the water-using equipment. The inlet end of the hot water inlet pipe is used to connect to the hot water outlet end of the water heater. The inlet of the water storage tank is connected to the outlet end of the hot water inlet pipe, and the inlet end of the hot water outlet pipe is connected to the outlet end of the water storage tank. The outlet of the hot water outlet pipe... The hot water inlet is connected to the water-using equipment. The bypass pipe is located between the hot water outlet and the cold water pipe to connect them. The switch valve is located on the bypass pipe. The heating element is located inside the water storage tank. The return water controller is electrically connected to the switch valve and the heating element. After one cycle of preheating, the water temperature in the water storage tank can be maintained within the set temperature range for a long time by the heating element, achieving a long-term zero-cold-water effect. This avoids frequent start-up of the water heater for cycle preheating, reduces noise and energy consumption, and improves user experience and energy efficiency.

[0017] In some embodiments of this utility model, the heating element is disposed at the bottom of the water storage tank.

[0018] In some embodiments of this utility model, the inlet and outlet of the water storage tank are both located at the top of the water storage tank, and the hot water inlet pipe extends from the inlet of the water storage tank into the water storage tank and extends to the bottom of the water storage tank.

[0019] In some embodiments of this utility model, the return water device further includes a one-way valve, which is disposed on the bypass pipe so that the water from the hot water outlet pipe flows unidirectionally to the cold water pipe through the bypass pipe.

[0020] In some embodiments of this utility model, the water return device further includes a temperature sensor, which is disposed in the water storage tank and electrically connected to the water return controller.

[0021] In some embodiments of this utility model, the water return device further includes a first wireless communication module, which is electrically connected to the water return controller, and the water return controller receives a circulating preheating command through the first wireless communication module.

[0022] In some embodiments of this utility model, the water return device further includes a power module, which is electrically connected to the switching valve, the heating element and the water return controller, and supplies power to the switching valve, the heating element and the water return controller.

[0023] In some embodiments of this utility model, the water return device further includes a waterproof housing, the waterproof housing having a receiving cavity, and the water storage tank, the bypass pipe, the switch valve and the water return controller are all disposed within the receiving cavity of the waterproof housing;

[0024] The waterproof housing is provided with a hot water inlet, a hot water outlet, a cold water inlet, and a cold water outlet. The outlet end of the hot water inlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the water storage tank, and the inlet end of the hot water inlet pipe extends outward through the hot water inlet. The inlet end of the hot water outlet pipe is connected to the outlet of the water storage tank, and the outlet end of the hot water outlet pipe extends outward through the hot water outlet. The cold water pipe is installed inside the waterproof housing, and the inlet end of the cold water pipe extends outward through the cold water inlet, and the outlet end of the cold water pipe extends outward through the cold water outlet.

[0025] The second technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution:

[0026] A hot water system includes a water return device as provided in any of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention, and also includes a water heater and at least one water-using device, wherein each water-using device is provided with a corresponding water return device;

[0027] The inlet end of the hot water inlet pipe of the return water device is connected to the hot water outlet end of the water heater, and the outlet end of the hot water outlet pipe of the return water device is connected to the hot water inlet end of the water-using equipment.

[0028] The inlet end of the cold water pipe of the return water device is connected to the cold water inlet end and the cold water supply pipe of the water heater, respectively, and the outlet end of the cold water pipe is connected to the cold water inlet end of the water-using equipment.

[0029] The water heater includes a cold water inlet pipe, a hot water outlet pipe, a circulating water pump, a heating module, an inlet flow sensor, and a hot water controller;

[0030] The inlet of the heating module is connected to the cold water inlet pipe of the water heater, and the outlet of the heating module is connected to the hot water outlet pipe of the water heater.

[0031] Both the circulating water pump and the inlet flow sensor are installed on the cold water inlet pipe;

[0032] The circulating water pump, the inlet flow sensor, and the heating module are all electrically connected to the hot water controller.

[0033] In some embodiments of this utility model, the water heater further includes a second wireless communication module, which is electrically connected to the water heater controller, and the water heater controller receives a cyclic preheating command through the second wireless communication module. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water return device provided by this utility model;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a hot water system provided by the present invention.

[0037] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the technical problems solved by this utility model, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0040] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. Additionally, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no specific meaning.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a water return device provided by this utility model. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a hot water system provided by the present invention. The return water device can be installed on the pipeline close to the water-using equipment, such as... Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the water return device 100 includes:

[0042] The cold water pipe 101 has an inlet end 1011 for connecting the cold water inlet end 201 of the water heater 200 and the cold water supply pipe 202, and an outlet end 1012 for connecting the cold water inlet end 301 of the water-using equipment 300.

[0043] Hot water inlet pipe 102, the inlet end 1021 of hot water inlet pipe 102 is used to connect to the hot water outlet end 203 of water heater 200.

[0044] Water storage tank 103, the inlet of water storage tank 103 is connected to the outlet 1022 of hot water inlet pipe 102.

[0045] Hot water outlet pipe 104, the inlet end 1041 of hot water outlet pipe 104 is connected to the outlet of water storage tank, and the outlet end 1042 of hot water outlet pipe 104 is used to connect to the hot water inlet end 302 of water-using equipment 300.

[0046] A bypass pipe 105 is provided between the hot water outlet pipe 104 and the cold water pipe 101 to connect the hot water outlet pipe 104 and the cold water pipe 101.

[0047] Switch valve 106 is disposed on bypass pipe 105. For example, switch valve 106 may be a solenoid valve.

[0048] Heating element 107 is disposed inside water storage tank 103. For example, heating element 107 can be a resistance heating device, PTC electric heater, etc., and this utility model is not limited thereto.

[0049] The return water controller 108 is electrically connected to the switching valve 106 and the heating element 107.

[0050] For example, during the initial preheating cycle, the water heater 200 starts heating, and the return water controller 108 controls the switch valve 106 to open, connecting the hot water outlet pipe 104 and the cold water pipe 101. The cold water in the storage tank 103 flows back to the water heater 200 through the bypass pipe 105 and the cold water pipe 101. After being heated by the water heater 200, it re-enters the storage tank 103 through the hot water inlet pipe 102. This cycle of preheating continues until the water temperature in the storage tank 103 reaches the set temperature or the cycle time reaches the set time. At this point, the water heater 200 stops heating, and the return water controller 108 controls the switch valve 106 to close. After a preset time, or when the water temperature in the storage tank 103 is lower than the minimum temperature within the set temperature range, the return water controller 108 controls the heating element 107 to start heating, heating the water in the storage tank 103 to maintain the water temperature within the set temperature range. In this way, after one cycle of preheating, the water temperature in the storage tank 103 can be maintained within the set temperature range for a long time by the heating element 107, achieving a long-term zero-cold-water effect, avoiding frequent cycles of preheating by the water heater 200, reducing noise and energy consumption, and improving user experience and energy efficiency.

[0051] The water return device provided by this utility model includes a cold water pipe, a hot water inlet pipe, a water storage tank, a hot water outlet pipe, a bypass pipe, a switch valve, a heating element, and a water return controller. The inlet end of the cold water pipe is used to connect to the cold water inlet end of the water heater and the cold water supply pipe. The outlet end of the cold water pipe is used to connect to the cold water inlet end of the water-using equipment. The inlet end of the hot water inlet pipe is used to connect to the hot water outlet end of the water heater. The inlet of the water storage tank is connected to the outlet end of the hot water inlet pipe, and the inlet end of the hot water outlet pipe is connected to the outlet end of the water storage tank. The outlet of the hot water outlet pipe... The hot water inlet is connected to the water-using equipment. The bypass pipe is located between the hot water outlet and the cold water pipe to connect them. The switch valve is located on the bypass pipe. The heating element is located inside the water storage tank. The return water controller is electrically connected to the switch valve and the heating element. After one cycle of preheating, the water temperature in the water storage tank can be maintained within the set temperature range for a long time by the heating element, achieving a long-term zero-cold-water effect. This avoids frequent start-up of the water heater for cycle preheating, reduces noise and energy consumption, and improves user experience and energy efficiency.

[0052] In some embodiments of this utility model, the heating element 107 is disposed at the bottom of the water storage tank 103. Since the density of hot water is less than that of cold water, the hot water heated by the heating element 107 flows to the top of the water storage tank 103, and the cold water at the top of the water storage tank 103 flows to the bottom of the water storage tank 103, forming an internal circulation within the water storage tank 103. This ensures that the water in the water storage tank 103 is fully mixed, and the water temperature at each location is uniform and stable, avoiding water temperature stratification that could lead to unstable water temperature at the outlet of the water-using device 300 and inaccurate water temperature control.

[0053] In some embodiments of this utility model, the inlet and outlet of the water storage tank 103 are both located at the top of the water storage tank 103, and the hot water inlet pipe 102 extends into the water storage tank 103 from the inlet and extends to the bottom of the water storage tank 103. Since the density of hot water is less than that of cold water, the hot water entering the bottom of the water storage tank 103 through the hot water inlet pipe 102 will flow towards the top of the water storage tank 103, and the cold water at the top of the water storage tank 103 will flow towards the bottom of the water storage tank 103, forming an internal circulation within the water storage tank 103. This ensures that the water in the water storage tank 103 is fully mixed, and the water temperature at each location is uniform and stable, avoiding water temperature stratification that could lead to unstable water temperature at the outlet of the water-using device 300 and inaccurate water temperature control.

[0054] In some embodiments of this utility model, the water return device 100 further includes a temperature sensor 109, which is disposed inside the water storage tank 103 and electrically connected to the water return controller 108. For example, after the preheating cycle is completed, the temperature sensor 109 collects the water temperature in the water storage tank 103 and uploads it to the water return controller 108. When the water return controller 108 determines that the water temperature in the water storage tank 103 is lower than the minimum temperature within the set temperature range, it controls the heating element 107 to start heating, thereby heating the water in the water storage tank 103 and maintaining the water temperature in the water storage tank 103 within the set temperature range.

[0055] In some embodiments of this utility model, the temperature sensor 109 is arranged adjacent to the outlet of the water storage tank 103, and the water temperature collected by the temperature sensor 109 is closer to the outlet water temperature of the water-using device 300, thereby improving the user experience.

[0056] In some embodiments of this utility model, the return water device 100 further includes a one-way valve 110, which is disposed on the bypass pipe 105 to allow water from the hot water outlet pipe 104 to flow unidirectionally to the cold water pipe 101 through the bypass pipe 105, thus preventing cold water in the cold water pipe 101 from flowing back into the water storage tank 103 during the circulating preheating process. It should be noted that in other embodiments of this utility model, if the water pressure in the hot water outlet pipe 104 is greater than the water pressure in the cold water pipe 101, the one-way valve 110 may not be necessary, saving material costs.

[0057] In some embodiments of this utility model, the water return device 100 further includes a first wireless communication module 111, which is electrically connected to the water return controller 108. The water return controller 108 receives a circulation preheating command through the first wireless communication module 111. In response to the circulation preheating command, the water return controller 108 controls the switching valve 106 to open, connecting the hot water outlet pipe 104 and the cold water pipe 101. For example, the first wireless communication module 111 can be a Bluetooth communication module or a WIFI communication module, which is not limited herein.

[0058] In some embodiments of this utility model, the water return device 100 further includes a power module 112, which is electrically connected to the switching valve 106, the heating element 107, and the water return controller 108, and supplies power to the switching valve 106, the heating element 107, and the water return controller 108. The power module 112 can be an external 220V AC power module or a rechargeable battery, which is not limited herein.

[0059] In some embodiments of this utility model, the water return device 100 further includes a waterproof housing 113. The waterproof housing 113 forms a receiving cavity, and the water storage tank 103, bypass pipe 105, switching valve 106, water return controller 108, one-way valve 110, first wireless communication module 111, and power module 112 are all disposed within the receiving cavity of the waterproof housing 113. The waterproof housing 113 has a waterproof function, preventing external moisture from entering the interior of the waterproof housing 113 and causing short circuit faults in the switching valve 106, water return controller 108, first wireless communication module 111, and power module 112. For example, in an embodiment of this utility model, the receiving cavity of the waterproof housing 113 can be filled with foam cotton, which serves to fix the water storage tank 103, bypass pipe 105, switching valve 106, water return controller 108, one-way valve 110, first wireless communication module 111, and power module 112, preventing external vibration from causing the components to loosen. In addition, the foam-wrapped water tank 103 also has a heat preservation function.

[0060] For example, the waterproof housing 113 is provided with a hot water inlet, a hot water outlet, a cold water inlet, and a cold water outlet. The outlet end 1022 of the hot water inlet pipe 102 is connected to the inlet of the water storage tank 103, and the inlet end 1021 of the hot water inlet pipe 102 extends outward through the hot water inlet. The inlet end 1041 of the hot water outlet pipe 104 is connected to the outlet of the water storage tank 103, and the outlet end 1042 of the hot water outlet pipe 104 extends outward through the hot water outlet. The cold water pipe 101 is installed inside the waterproof housing 113, and the inlet end 1011 of the cold water pipe 101 extends outward through the cold water inlet, and the outlet end 1012 of the cold water pipe 101 extends outward through the cold water outlet.

[0061] This utility model also provides a hot water system, see reference. Figure 2 The hot water system includes the return water device 100 provided in any of the aforementioned embodiments, as well as a water heater 200 and at least one water-using device 300, with each water-using device 300 corresponding to a return water device 100.

[0062] The inlet end 1021 of the hot water inlet pipe 102 of the return water device 100 is connected to the hot water outlet end 203 of the water heater 200 via a pipe. The outlet end 1042 of the hot water outlet pipe 104 of the return water device 100 is connected to the hot water inlet end 302 of the water-using equipment 300 via a pipe. The inlet end 1011 of the cold water pipe 101 of the return water device 100 is connected to the cold water inlet end 201 and the cold water supply pipe 202 of the water heater 200 via pipes. The outlet end 1012 of the cold water pipe 101 is connected to the cold water inlet end 301 of the water-using equipment 300 via a pipe.

[0063] The water heater 200 includes a cold water inlet pipe 204, a hot water outlet pipe 205, a circulating water pump 206, a heating module 207, an inlet flow sensor 208, and a hot water controller 209. The inlet end of the heating module 207 is connected to the cold water inlet pipe 204 of the water heater 200, and the outlet end of the heating module 207 is connected to the hot water outlet pipe 205 of the water heater 200. The circulating water pump 206 and the inlet flow sensor 208 are both mounted on the cold water inlet pipe 204. The circulating water pump 206, the inlet flow sensor 208, and the heating module 207 are all electrically connected to the hot water controller 209.

[0064] For example, the water heater 200 can be a gas water heater or an electric water heater. When the water heater 200 is a gas water heater, the heating module 207 can include a burner and a heat exchanger. When the water heater 200 is an electric water heater, the heating module 207 can include the water heater inner tank and an electric heating element.

[0065] For example, the water-using equipment 300 includes a water-using equipment body 303, a temperature regulating valve 304, a first one-way valve 305, a second one-way valve 306, and a switch valve 307. The inlet end of the first one-way valve 305 is connected to the cold water inlet end 301 through a pipe, the outlet end of the first one-way valve 305 is connected to the first inlet end of the temperature regulating valve 304, the inlet end of the second one-way valve 306 is connected to the hot water inlet end 302 through a pipe, the outlet end of the second one-way valve 306 is connected to the second inlet end of the temperature regulating valve 304, the outlet end of the temperature regulating valve 304 is connected to the inlet end of the water-using equipment body 303, and the switch valve 307 is disposed on the pipe between the outlet end of the temperature regulating valve 304 and the inlet end of the water-using equipment body 303. The first one-way valve 305 allows cold water in the cold water pipe 101 to flow unidirectionally to the temperature regulating valve 304, and the second one-way valve 306 allows hot water in the hot water outlet pipe 104 to flow unidirectionally to the temperature regulating valve 304. The user can adjust the ratio of cold water to hot water entering the temperature regulating valve 304 to flexibly adjust the outlet water temperature of the main body of the water-using equipment 303, ensuring that the outlet water temperature meets the user's needs. For example, the temperature regulating valve 304 can be an electrically controlled automatic regulating valve or a mechanical thermostatic valve; this invention is not limited thereto. For example, the main body of the water-using equipment 303 can be a shower head, faucet, etc.; this invention is not limited thereto.

[0066] For example, when the hot water controller 209 receives the circulating preheating command, it controls the circulating water pump 206 and the heating module 207 to start. The cold water in the storage tank 103 flows back to the heating module 207 through the bypass pipe 105, cold water pipe 101, cold water inlet pipe 204, and circulating water pump 206. The heating module 207 heats the cold water and then re-enters the storage tank 103 through the hot water outlet pipe 205 and hot water inlet pipe 102. This cycle continues until the water temperature in the storage tank 103 reaches the set temperature or the circulation time reaches the set time. At this point, the water heater 200 stops heating, and the return water controller 108 controls the switch valve 106 to close.

[0067] In some embodiments of this utility model, the water heater 200 further includes a second wireless communication module 210, which is electrically connected to the water heater controller 209. The water heater controller 209 receives a preheating cycle command through the second wireless communication module 210. In response to the preheating cycle command, the water heater controller 209 controls the circulation pump 206 and the heating module 207 to start for preheating cycle. For example, the second wireless communication module 210 may be a Bluetooth communication module or a WIFI communication module, and this utility model does not limit it.

[0068] In some embodiments of this utility model, the water heater 200 further includes an inlet water temperature sensor 211 and an outlet water temperature sensor 212, both of which are connected to the hot water controller 209. The inlet water temperature sensor 211 is installed on the cold water inlet pipe 204 to collect the inlet water temperature, and the outlet water temperature sensor 212 is installed on the hot water outlet pipe 205 to collect the outlet water temperature.

[0069] In some embodiments of this utility model, the hot water system may further include a wireless remote control device. The wireless remote control device comprises a wireless communication module and a hot water supply time setting module, which are connected via electrical signals. The hot water supply time setting module can set the set temperature and hot water supply time for the water-using equipment. The wireless remote control device can be an application installed on a mobile phone, or a wired display or wired controller installed on the water heater 200. The wireless remote control device is communicatively connected to the hot water controller 209 in the water heater 200 and the return water controller 108 in the return water device 100 to send a circulating preheating command. Since the wireless remote control device is prior art, its structure and working principle will not be described in detail.

[0070] In the description herein, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0071] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0072] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0073] The technical principles of this utility model have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of this utility model without any inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water return device, characterized in that, include: A cold water pipe (101) is provided, the inlet end (1011) of which is used to connect the cold water inlet end (201) of the water heater (200) and the cold water supply pipe (202), and the outlet end (1012) of the cold water pipe (101) is used to connect the cold water inlet end (301) of the water-using equipment (300). Hot water inlet pipe (102), the inlet end (1021) of the hot water inlet pipe (102) is used to connect to the hot water outlet end (203) of the water heater (200). A water storage tank (103) is provided, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet (1022) of the hot water inlet pipe (102). Hot water outlet pipe (104), the inlet end (1041) of the hot water outlet pipe (104) is connected to the outlet of the water storage tank (103), and the outlet end (1042) of the hot water outlet pipe (104) is used to connect to the hot water inlet end (302) of the water-using equipment (300). A bypass pipe (105) is provided between the hot water outlet pipe (104) and the cold water pipe (101) for connecting the hot water outlet pipe (104) and the cold water pipe (101). A switching valve (106) is disposed on the bypass pipe (105); A heating element (107) is disposed inside the water storage tank (103); A return water controller (108) is electrically connected to the switching valve (106) and the heating element (107).

2. The water return device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element (107) is located at the bottom of the water storage tank (103).

3. The water return device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet and outlet of the water storage tank (103) are both located at the top of the water storage tank (103). The hot water inlet pipe (102) extends from the inlet of the water storage tank (103) into the water storage tank (103) and extends to the bottom of the water storage tank (103).

4. The water return device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a one-way valve (110), which is disposed on the bypass pipe (105) so that the water from the hot water outlet pipe (104) flows unidirectionally to the cold water pipe (101) through the bypass pipe (105).

5. The water return device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensor (109), which is located inside the water storage tank (103) and is electrically connected to the return water controller (108).

6. The water return device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first wireless communication module (111), which is electrically connected to the return water controller (108), and the return water controller (108) receives the circulation preheating command through the first wireless communication module (111).

7. The water return device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a power module (112), which is electrically connected to the switching valve (106), the heating element (107) and the return water controller (108) to supply power to the switching valve (106), the heating element (107) and the return water controller (108).

8. The water return device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a waterproof housing (113), which has a receiving cavity, and the water storage tank (103), the bypass pipe (105), the switch valve (106) and the return water controller (108) are all disposed in the receiving cavity of the waterproof housing (113); The waterproof housing (113) is provided with a hot water inlet, a hot water outlet, a cold water inlet, and a cold water outlet. The outlet end (1022) of the hot water inlet pipe (102) is connected to the inlet of the water storage tank (103), and the inlet end (1021) of the hot water inlet pipe (102) extends outward through the hot water inlet. The inlet end (1041) of the hot water outlet pipe (104) is connected to the outlet of the water storage tank (103), and the outlet end (1042) of the hot water outlet pipe (104) extends outward through the hot water outlet. The cold water pipe (101) is installed inside the waterproof housing (113), and the inlet end (1011) of the cold water pipe (101) extends outward through the cold water inlet, and the outlet end (1012) of the cold water pipe (101) extends outward through the cold water outlet.

9. A hot water system, characterized in that, The device includes a water return device (100) as described in any one of claims 1-7, and also includes a water heater (200) and at least one water-using appliance (300), with each water-using appliance (300) corresponding to one of the water return devices (100). The inlet end (1021) of the hot water inlet pipe (102) of the return water device (100) is connected to the hot water outlet end (203) of the water heater (200), and the outlet end (1042) of the hot water outlet pipe (104) of the return water device (100) is connected to the hot water inlet end (302) of the water-using equipment (300). The inlet end (1011) of the cold water pipe (101) of the return water device (100) is connected to the cold water inlet end (201) and the cold water supply pipe (202) of the water heater (200) respectively, and the outlet end (1012) of the cold water pipe (101) is connected to the cold water inlet end (301) of the water-using equipment (300); The water heater (200) includes a cold water inlet pipe (204), a hot water outlet pipe (205), a circulating water pump (206), a heating module (207), an inlet water flow sensor (208), and a hot water controller (209). The water inlet of the heating module (207) is connected to the cold water inlet pipe (204) of the water heater (200), and the water outlet of the heating module (207) is connected to the hot water outlet pipe (205) of the water heater (200). The circulating water pump (206) and the inlet flow sensor (208) are both installed on the cold water inlet pipe (204); The circulating water pump (206), the inlet flow sensor (208), and the heating module (207) are all electrically connected to the hot water controller (209).

10. The hot water system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The water heater (200) also includes a second wireless communication module (210), which is electrically connected to the water heater controller (209). The water heater controller (209) receives the circulating preheating command through the second wireless communication module (210).