A water supply system with live water function

Abstract

This utility model discloses a water supply system with a circulating water function, including a hot water pipeline, a cold water pipeline, a controller, and several water terminals. Each water terminal has a hot water inlet pipe, a cold water inlet pipe, and at least one outlet pipe. A first electrically controlled valve is connected in series at the connection point of the hot water inlet pipe, the cold water inlet pipe, and the outlet pipe. A second electrically controlled valve is connected in series inside the outlet pipe. The first electrically controlled valve has a first state and a second state. The hot water pipeline is connected to the hot water outlet and the cold water inlet of the water heater, as well as the household tap water pipe. The cold water pipeline is connected to the household tap water pipe. The controller is electrically connected to the first and second electrically controlled valves. This structure solves the problem of stagnant water pollution in the pipeline without modifying the user's existing pipeline structure. It is not only low in cost but also widely applicable, meeting user needs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water supply systems, and in particular to a water supply system with a live water function. Background Technology

[0002] In modern residential and commercial hot water supply systems, the zero-cold-water function has become an important requirement for improving user experience. While traditional zero-cold-water hot water supply systems can achieve the effect of hot water being available immediately upon turning on a tap by using a circulating pump to recirculate and heat the cold water in the pipes, significant technical defects still exist in long-term use. For example, traditional zero-cold-water systems only focus on the circulation and heating of the hot water pipes, neglecting the problem of "stagnant water" in both the cold and hot water pipes. This is especially problematic in large apartments and villas where not all water points are frequently used. When the system is not used for extended periods, the water in the hot and cold water pipes remains stagnant. This stagnant water, remaining in the pipes for too long, not only easily breeds harmful microorganisms such as Legionella and E. coli, but also may deteriorate in water quality due to pipe corrosion and impurity accumulation. Users will directly come into contact with this contaminated water when using it (for washing, drinking, etc.), posing a health hazard.

[0003] The current solution involves adding a bypass pipe to each water point at the water inlet during pipeline installation, and adding water resistance within the pipeline. This causes a pressure difference to occur in the pipelines of other water points when water is used. However, when the system is not in use for extended periods, the water in the pipes remains stagnant and is drained through an independent drain device. This solves the problem of stagnant water in the pipeline. However, this method greatly increases the complexity of the pipeline, is very costly, and is not suitable for users who have already laid pipelines, thus limiting its application. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a water supply system with a flowing water function to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a water supply system with a live water function.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by one embodiment of this utility model to solve its technical problem is: a water supply system with a live water function, including hot water pipes, cold water pipes, a controller and several water terminals; The water terminal has a hot water inlet pipe, a cold water inlet pipe and at least one outlet pipe. A first electrically controlled valve is connected in series at the connection between the hot water inlet pipe, the cold water inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. A second electrically controlled valve is connected in series inside the outlet pipe. The first electrically controlled valve has a first state and a second state. The hot water pipes are connected to the hot water outlet of the water heater, the cold water inlet of the water heater, and the incoming tap water pipe. The cold water pipe is connected to the household's incoming water pipe; The controller is electrically connected to the first and second electrically controlled valves; When the controller receives a live water operation signal, it can perform a first live water process and a second live water process respectively. When performing the first live water process, it controls the first solenoid valve to enter the first state and controls the second solenoid valve to open, so that the water in the hot water pipeline can be discharged through the hot water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe. When performing the second live water process, it controls the first solenoid valve to enter the second state and controls the second solenoid valve to open, so that the water in the cold water pipeline can be discharged through the cold water inlet pipe and the cold water outlet pipe.

[0006] As one of the preferred embodiments of this utility model, a water supply system with a live water function further includes a circulating water pump and a first thermocouple electrically connected to the controller. The circulating water pump is connected in series to the hot water outlet or cold water inlet of the water heater. The first thermocouple is connected in series between the hot water inlet pipe and the first electrically controlled valve. The first electrically controlled valve also has a third state. When the controller receives a zero-cold-water operation signal, it can control the circulating water pump to start, control the first solenoid valve to enter the third state, and control the second solenoid valve to close, so that the cold water in the hot water pipeline enters the cold water pipeline through the hot water inlet pipe, the first solenoid valve, and the cold water inlet pipe, until the first thermocouple detects that the water temperature has reached the preset value. Then the controller controls the circulating water pump to stop and controls the first solenoid valve to be in the first or second state.

[0007] As one of the preferred embodiments of this utility model, a second thermocouple electrically connected to the controller is connected in series in the pipeline between the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve.

[0008] As one of the preferred embodiments of this utility model, a flow meter electrically connected to the controller is connected in series in the pipeline between the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve.

[0009] In one of the preferred embodiments of this utility model, the first electrically controlled valve is configured as a motor valve with proportional adjustment function.

[0010] In one of the preferred embodiments of this utility model, the second electrically controlled valve is configured as a motor valve or a solenoid valve.

[0011] As one of the preferred embodiments of this utility model, the controller includes a first control module and a second control module electrically connected via wireless or wired communication. The first control module is integrated with the water terminal and electrically connected to the first and second electrically controlled valves. The second control module is integrated with the circulating water pump.

[0012] As one of the preferred embodiments of this utility model, the controller includes a first control module and a second control module electrically connected via wireless or wired communication. The first control module is designed separately from the water terminal and is electrically connected to the first and second electrically controlled valves. The second control module is designed separately from the circulating water pump.

[0013] As one of the preferred embodiments of this utility model, the water terminal is set as a faucet, which has a hot water inlet pipe, a cold water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe. A first electric control valve is connected in series at the connection between the hot water inlet pipe, the cold water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe, and a second electric control valve is connected in series inside the water outlet pipe.

[0014] As one of the preferred embodiments of this utility model, the water terminal is set as a shower, which has a hot water inlet pipe, a cold water inlet pipe and multiple outlet pipes. A first electric control valve is connected in series at the connection between the hot water inlet pipe, the cold water inlet pipe and the outlet pipes. An outlet valve is connected in series in the outlet pipes. At least the outlet valve closest to the first electric control valve is composed of a second electric control valve.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: A water supply system with a circulating water function includes a hot water pipe, a cold water pipe, a controller, and several water terminals. Each water terminal has a hot water inlet pipe, a cold water inlet pipe, and at least one outlet pipe. A first electrically controlled valve is connected in series at the connection point of the hot water inlet pipe, the cold water inlet pipe, and the outlet pipe. A second electrically controlled valve is connected in series inside the outlet pipe. The first electrically controlled valve has a first state and a second state. The hot water pipe is connected to the hot water outlet and the cold water inlet of the water heater, as well as the household tap water pipe. The cold water pipe is connected to the household tap water pipe. The controller is electrically connected to the first and second electrically controlled valves. Through the above structure, the problem of stagnant water pollution in the pipes is solved without modifying the user's current pipe structure. It is not only low in cost but also widely applicable, meeting the needs of users. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a water supply system with a live water function. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a water supply system with a live water function under normal water use conditions. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a water supply system with a live water function operating in a zero-cold-water state. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a water supply system with a live water function in the hot water pipeline under live water operation conditions; Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of a water supply system with a live water function in the cold water pipeline under live water operation conditions; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a shower unit as the water-using terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0017] This section will describe in detail the specific embodiments of the present utility model. The preferred embodiments of the present utility model are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the drawings is to supplement the textual description with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and overall technical solution of the present utility model, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0018] In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more; "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number; "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features or their sequential relationship.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0020] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "setting," "installing," and "connecting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral molding; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0021] Reference Figures 1-6 This utility model provides a water supply system with a live water function, including a hot water pipeline 10, a cold water pipeline 20, a controller 40, and several water terminals 50. The water terminal 50 has a hot water inlet pipe 51, a cold water inlet pipe 52 and at least one outlet pipe 53. A first electrically controlled valve 61 is connected in series at the connection between the hot water inlet pipe 51, the cold water inlet pipe 52 and the outlet pipe 53. A second electrically controlled valve 62 is connected in series inside the outlet pipe 53. The first electrically controlled valve 61 has a first state and a second state. The hot water pipe 10 is connected to the hot water outlet 81 of the water heater 80, the cold water inlet 82 of the water heater 80, and the household water supply pipe 90. The cold water pipe 20 is connected to the household water supply pipe 90; The controller 40 is electrically connected to the first solenoid valve 61 and the second solenoid valve 62; When the controller 40 receives a live water operation signal, it can perform a first live water process and a second live water process respectively. When performing the first live water process, it controls the first solenoid valve 61 to enter the first state and controls the second solenoid valve 62 to open, so that the water in the hot water pipe 10 is discharged through the hot water inlet pipe 51 and the outlet pipe 53. When performing the second live water process, it controls the first solenoid valve 61 to enter the second state and controls the second solenoid valve 62 to open, so that the water in the cold water pipe 20 is discharged through the cold water inlet pipe 52 and the outlet pipe 53.

[0022] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: 1) Reference Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a water supply system with a live water function under normal water use conditions. When the second solenoid valve 62 of the water terminal 50 is open and the first solenoid valve 61 partially opens the hot water pipe 10 and the cold water pipe 20, the hot water in the hot water pipe 10 and the cold water in the cold water pipe 20 will mix in the outlet pipe 53 and be discharged for the user. At this time, it is warm water. The water temperature can be adjusted by controlling the opening degree of the hot water pipe 10 and the cold water pipe 20 by controlling the first solenoid valve 61. When the second solenoid valve 62 of the water terminal 50 is open and the first solenoid valve 61 fully opens the hot water pipe 10 and completely closes the cold water pipe 20, the system will be in operation. When pipe 20 is open, the cold water in the cold water pipe 20 will be completely blocked. At this time, only the hot water in the hot water pipe 10 will be discharged through the outlet pipe 53 for the user's use. When the second solenoid valve 62 of the water terminal 50 is opened and the first solenoid valve 61 is completely closed and the cold water pipe 20 is completely opened, the hot water in the hot water pipe 10 will be completely blocked. At this time, only the cold water in the cold water pipe 20 will be discharged through the outlet pipe 53 for the user's use. It should be noted that warm water, hot water, cold water, and temperature adjustment can all be controlled by the corresponding switches on the water terminal 50, which will not be elaborated here.

[0023] 2) Taking the water terminal 50 as a faucet as an example, the principle of the water flow process is explained. The faucet has a hot water inlet pipe 51, a cold water inlet pipe 52, and an outlet pipe 53. A first electric control valve 61 is connected in series at the connection of the hot water inlet pipe 51, the cold water inlet pipe 52, and the outlet pipe 53. A second electric control valve 62 is connected in series in the outlet pipe 53. The first electric control valve 61 has a first state and a second state. When the first electric control valve 61 is in the first state, it will open the hot water inlet pipe 51 and the drain pipe 53 and block the hot water inlet pipe 51 and the cold water inlet pipe 52. When the first electric control valve 61 is in the second state, it will open the cold water inlet pipe 52 and the drain pipe 53 and block the hot water inlet pipe 51 and the cold water inlet pipe 52.

[0024] Reference Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a water supply system with a live water function in the live water operation state of the hot water pipeline. Specifically, the user sends a live water operation signal to the system through the controller 40. When the controller 40 receives the live water operation signal, it will control the first solenoid valve 61 to enter the first state and control the second solenoid valve 62 to open. Since the first solenoid valve 61 is in the second state, it will connect the hot water inlet pipe 51 and the drain pipe 53 and block the hot water inlet pipe 51 and the cold water inlet pipe 52. At the same time, the second solenoid valve 62 is in the open state. In the open state, the water in the hot water pipe 10 will be discharged through the hot water inlet pipe 51 and the outlet pipe 53 under the action of the municipal water supply pressure. In some embodiments, a first thermocouple 71 is connected in series between the hot water inlet pipe 51 and the hot water pipe 10. The water temperature is detected in real time by the first thermocouple 71. When the first thermocouple 71 detects that the water temperature has reached the preset value, it means that the water in the hot water pipe 10 between the water heater 80 and the current water terminal 50 has been discharged, the hot water pipe is running smoothly, and the controller 40 controls the first solenoid valve 61 to enter the normal state.

[0025] Reference Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of a water supply system with a live water function operating in the cold water pipeline under live water operation conditions. Specifically, the user sends a live water operation signal to the system through the controller 40. When the controller 40 receives the live water operation signal, it will control the first solenoid valve 61 to enter the second state and control the second solenoid valve 62 to open. Since the first solenoid valve 61 is in the second state, it will open the cold water inlet pipe 52 and the drain pipe 53 and block the hot water inlet pipe 51 and the cold water inlet pipe 52. At the same time, the second solenoid valve 62 is in the open state, and the water in the cold water pipeline 20 will flow through the cold water inlet pipe 20 under the action of the municipal water supply pressure. Water pipe 52 and water outlet pipe 53 are discharged; it should be noted that since the lengths of the hot water inlet pipe 51 between the hot water inlet pipe 51 and the water heater 80 and the cold water inlet pipe 52 between the cold water inlet pipe 52 and the water heater 80 of the same water terminal 50 will not differ too much, when the hot water pipe is running, the time T can be obtained by recording the start time and end time. When the cold water pipe is running, only the duration of water discharge T is needed to consider that the water in the cold water pipe 20 between the water heater 80 and the current water terminal 50 has been discharged and the cold water pipe running is completed. The controller 4 controls the first electric control valve 61 to enter the normal state.

[0026] Reference Figures 1-6 In some other embodiments, a flow meter 91 electrically connected to the controller 40 is connected in series in the pipeline between the first solenoid valve 61 and the second solenoid valve 62. The flow meter 91 is used to count water consumption and can also be used to calculate the running time of cold water and live water.

[0027] 3) Reference Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a water supply system with a live water function in a zero cold water operation state. Specifically, the water supply system also includes a circulating water pump 30 and a first thermocouple 71 electrically connected to the controller 40. The circulating water pump 30 is connected in series to the hot water outlet 81 or the cold water inlet 82 of the water heater 80. The first thermocouple 71 is connected in series between the hot water inlet pipe 51 and the first solenoid valve 61. The first solenoid valve 61 also has a third state. When the controller 40 receives a zero cold water operation signal, it can control the circulating water pump 30 to start, control the first solenoid valve 61 to enter the third state, and control the second solenoid valve 62 to close, so that the cold water in the hot water pipe 10 enters the cold water pipe 20 through the hot water inlet pipe 51, the first solenoid valve 61, and the cold water inlet pipe 52, until the first thermocouple 71 detects that the water temperature has reached the preset value. Then, the controller 40 controls the circulating water pump 30 to stop and controls the first solenoid valve 61 to be in the first or second state.

[0028] Specifically, the user sends a zero-cold-water operation signal to the system through the controller 40. When the controller 40 receives the zero-cold-water operation signal, it will control the circulating water pump 30 to start, control the first solenoid valve 61 to enter the third state, and control the second solenoid valve 62 to close. Since the first solenoid valve 61 will open the hot water inlet pipe 51 and the cold water inlet pipe 52 when it is in the third state, and the second solenoid valve 62 is in the closed state, the circulating water pump 30 applies pressure to the hot water pipe 10, so that the water in the hot water pipe 10 enters the cold water pipe 20 through the hot water inlet pipe 51 and the cold water inlet pipe 52 for circulation. The first thermocouple 71 detects the temperature of the hot water inlet pipe 51 in real time until it reaches the preset value, indicating that the water temperature of the current water terminal 50 has reached the preset value and the user can use it with confidence. The zero-cold-water operation is completed, and the controller 40 controls the circulating water pump 30 to close and controls the first solenoid valve 61 to enter the normal state.

[0029] 4) Reference Figures 1-6 In some embodiments, a second thermocouple 72 electrically connected to the controller 40 is connected in series in the pipeline between the first solenoid valve 61 and the second solenoid valve 62. The second thermocouple 72 is used to detect the final outlet water temperature and is compared with the temperature of the first thermocouple 71. For example, when the user sets the outlet water temperature to 36°C, the first thermocouple 71 detects a temperature of 36°C, but the second thermocouple 72 detects a temperature of 35°C. Then the controller 40 appropriately increases the proportion of the first solenoid valve 61 opening the hot water inlet pipe 51, so that the outlet water temperature is accurately maintained at 36°C.

[0030] 5) Reference Figures 1-6 In some embodiments, the first solenoid valve 61 is configured as a motor valve with proportional adjustment function; in further embodiments, the second solenoid valve 62 is configured as a motor valve or a solenoid valve.

[0031] 6) Reference Figures 1-6 In some embodiments, the controller 40 includes a first control module 41 and a second control module 42 electrically connected via wireless or wired communication. The first control module 41 is designed separately from the water terminal 50 and is electrically connected to the first solenoid valve 61, the second solenoid valve 62 and the first thermocouple 71. The second control module 42 is designed separately from the circulating water pump 30. Of course, the first control module 41 can also be integrated with the water terminal 50 and electrically connected to the first solenoid valve 61, the second solenoid valve 62 and the first thermocouple 71. The second control module 42 can also be integrated with the circulating water pump 30.

[0032] 7) Reference Figures 1-6In some embodiments, the water terminal 50 is configured as a shower, which has a hot water inlet pipe 51, a cold water inlet pipe 52, and multiple outlet pipes 53. A first electrically controlled valve 61 is connected in series at the connection point of the hot water inlet pipe 51, the cold water inlet pipe 52, and the outlet pipes 53. An outlet valve is connected in series in the outlet pipe 53. The shower usually integrates a shower head, a top spray, a drain, a spray gun, etc. Each function requires an independent outlet valve. Preferably, each outlet valve is configured as a first electrically controlled valve 61, which can achieve complete electronic control. Of course, the outlet valve closest to the first electrically controlled valve 61 can also be configured as a second electrically controlled valve 62, thereby realizing the running water function.

[0033] The advantages of this utility model are: the above structure solves the problem of stagnant water pollution and hygiene in the pipeline without making any changes to the user's current pipeline structure. It is not only low in cost, but also has a wide range of applications and meets the needs of users.

[0034] Of course, this utility model is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of this utility model. All such equivalent modifications and substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A water supply system with a live water function, characterized in that: It includes hot water pipes (10), cold water pipes (20), controllers (40) and several water terminals (50); The water terminal (50) has a hot water inlet pipe (51), a cold water inlet pipe (52) and at least one outlet pipe (53). A first electric control valve (61) is connected in series at the connection point of the hot water inlet pipe (51), the cold water inlet pipe (52) and the outlet pipe (53). A second electric control valve (62) is connected in series inside the outlet pipe (53). The first electric control valve (61) has a first state and a second state. The hot water pipe (10) is connected to the hot water outlet (81) of the water heater (80), the cold water inlet (82) of the water heater (80) and the household water supply pipe (90); The cold water pipe (20) is connected to the household water supply pipe (90); The controller (40) is electrically connected to the first solenoid valve (61) and the second solenoid valve (62); When the controller (40) receives the live water operation signal, it can perform the first live water process and the second live water process respectively. When performing the first live water process, it controls the first electric control valve (61) to enter the first state and controls the second electric control valve (62) to open so that the water in the hot water pipeline (10) is discharged through the hot water inlet pipe (51) and the outlet pipe (53). When the second live water process is carried out, the first solenoid valve (61) is controlled to enter the second state and the second solenoid valve (62) is controlled to open so that the water in the cold water pipeline (20) is discharged through the cold water inlet pipe (52) and the outlet pipe (53).

2. A water supply system with a live water function according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a circulating water pump (30) and a first thermocouple (71) electrically connected to the controller (40). The circulating water pump (30) is connected in series to the hot water outlet (81) or cold water inlet (82) of the water heater (80). The first thermocouple (71) is connected in series between the hot water inlet pipe (51) and the first electric control valve (61). The first electric control valve (61) also has a third state. When the controller (40) receives a zero cold water operation signal, it can control the circulating water pump (30) to start, control the first solenoid valve (61) to enter the third state, and control the second solenoid valve (62) to close, so that the cold water in the hot water pipeline (10) enters the cold water pipeline (20) through the hot water inlet pipe (51), the first solenoid valve (61), and the cold water inlet pipe (52) until the first thermocouple (71) detects that the water temperature reaches the preset value. Then, the controller (40) controls the circulating water pump (30) to stop and controls the first solenoid valve (61) to be in the first state or the second state.

3. A water supply system with a live water function according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second thermocouple (72) electrically connected to the controller (40) is connected in series in the pipeline between the first solenoid valve (61) and the second solenoid valve (62).

4. A water supply system with a live water function according to claim 1, characterized in that: A flow meter (91) electrically connected to the controller (40) is connected in series in the pipeline between the first solenoid valve (61) and the second solenoid valve (62).

5. A water supply system with a live water function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first solenoid valve (61) is configured as a motor valve with proportional adjustment function.

6. A water supply system with a live water function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second electrically controlled valve (62) is configured as a motor valve or a solenoid valve.

7. A water supply system with a live water function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The controller (40) includes a first control module (41) and a second control module (42) electrically connected via wireless or wired communication. The first control module (41) is integrated with the water terminal (50) and electrically connected to the first electric control valve (61) and the second electric control valve (62). The second control module (42) is integrated with the circulating water pump (30).

8. A water supply system with a live water function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The controller (40) includes a first control module (41) and a second control module (42) electrically connected via wireless or wired communication. The first control module (41) is designed separately from the water terminal (50) and is electrically connected to the first electric control valve (61) and the second electric control valve (62). The second control module (42) is designed separately from the circulating water pump (30).

9. A water supply system with a live water function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water terminal (50) is configured as a faucet, which has a hot water inlet pipe (51), a cold water inlet pipe (52) and a water outlet pipe (53). The first electric control valve (61) is connected in series at the connection of the hot water inlet pipe (51), the cold water inlet pipe (52) and the water outlet pipe (53), and the second electric control valve (62) is connected in series inside the water outlet pipe (53).

10. A water supply system with a live water function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water terminal (50) is configured as a shower, which has a hot water inlet pipe (51), a cold water inlet pipe (52) and multiple outlet pipes (53). The first electric control valve (61) is connected in series at the connection of the hot water inlet pipe (51), the cold water inlet pipe (52) and the outlet pipes (53). An outlet valve is connected in series in the outlet pipe (53), and the outlet valve closest to the first electric control valve (61) is composed of the second electric control valve (62).

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