Water heater system

Abstract

This utility model provides a water heater system, comprising: a water heater and a hot water pipeline. The water heater includes a heat exchange component, and the outlet pipe of the heat exchange component is connected to the hot water pipeline. The water heater system further includes: a circulation component, including a shell and a thermostatic valve assembly. The shell has a hot water interface connected to the hot water pipeline. The thermostatic valve assembly includes a thermostatic valve core and a temperature-sensing deformation element. The thermostatic valve core is pushed away from a first initial position by the water flow to form a first flow channel, and the flow rate of the first flow channel increases as the thermostatic valve core moves away from the first initial position. The temperature-sensing deformation element deforms due to heat, pushing the thermostatic valve core to move closer to the first initial position, thereby reducing the flow rate of the first flow channel. A flow detection module is used to detect changes in the flow rate of the circulation pipeline. A control module is used, with the output of the flow detection module connected to the input of the control module, and the output of the control module electrically connected to a heating component for heating the heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a water heater system. Background Technology

[0002] Semi-pipe circulation is one of the most commonly used circulation modes in the zero-cold-water circulation mode of gas water heaters. The goal of semi-pipe circulation is to heat only the hot water section of the circulation loop, which has better energy-saving effects and a better cold-water user experience compared to traditional full-pipe circulation.

[0003] Existing semi-pipe circulation schemes generally detect the temperature of the circulating return water. A certain temperature increase in the return water temperature indicates that the hot water has circulated once. The time required for the hot water to circulate once is recorded as t. The heating time of the semi-pipe circulation is approximately taken as λ*t, where λ is approximately the ratio of the length of the hot water section to the total length of the circulation pipe, and is generally taken as 0.5 to 1.

[0004] In existing technologies, calculations can only approximate the length of the hot water section and cannot accurately match the user's home piping situation. If the actual ratio λ' to λ' of the user's home hot water section and the total length of the circulation pipe differs significantly, the following problems will occur: if λ' is much greater than λ, the half-pipe circulation heating time is insufficient, and the hot water pipe is not fully heated; if λ' is much less than λ, the half-pipe circulation heating time is too long, resulting in a large section of hot water in the cold water pipe, affecting the user experience and wasting gas.

[0005] In other words, the existing half-pipe circulation heating time is not appropriate, resulting in the cold water section being overheated or the hot water pipes not being fully heated. Utility Model Content

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the defects of the existing technology, such as the unsuitable half-pipe circulation heating time, which causes the cold water section to be overheated or the hot water pipe to be incompletely heated, and to provide a water heater system.

[0007] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0008] A water heater system, characterized in that the system comprises: a water heater and a hot water pipe connecting the water heater and a user terminal; the water heater includes a heat exchange assembly, the heat exchange assembly includes a heat exchanger and an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger; the outlet pipe is connected to the hot water pipe; the water heater system further comprises:

[0009] A circulation assembly is provided, wherein the hot water pipe is connected to the inlet pipe to form a circulation pipeline. The circulation assembly is located near the farthest user end. The circulation assembly includes a housing and a thermostatic valve assembly disposed within the housing. The housing has a hot water interface connected to the hot water pipe. The thermostatic valve assembly is located near the hot water interface and includes a thermostatic valve core and a temperature-sensing deformation element. The thermostatic valve core is pushed away from a first initial position by the water flow, thereby forming a first flow channel between the thermostatic valve core and the inner wall of the housing. As the thermostatic valve core moves away from the first initial position, the flow rate of the first flow channel increases. The temperature-sensing deformation element deforms due to heat, pushing the thermostatic valve core towards the first initial position, thereby reducing the flow rate of the first flow channel.

[0010] A flow detection module, used to detect changes in the flow rate of the circulation pipeline;

[0011] The control module has its output terminal connected to the input terminal of the flow detection module, and its output terminal electrically connected to the heating component used to heat the heat exchanger.

[0012] In this technical solution, a temperature control valve assembly is installed in the circulation component. Specifically, the temperature-sensing deformation element deforms when heated, thereby changing the flow rate of the first flow channel. The flow detection module then checks the flow rate change in the circulation pipeline and transmits the flow rate change signal to the control module. The control module controls the heating component to stop heating the heat exchanger. That is, the flow rate change can determine that the hot water has reached the farthest user end and no further heating is needed. This identifies the timing for stopping the half-pipe circulation, solving the problem in the prior art where the half-pipe circulation heating time is inappropriate, resulting in excessive heating of the cold water section or incomplete heating of the hot water pipeline. This achieves energy saving and improves the hot and cold water experience.

[0013] Preferably, the temperature-sensitive deformation element is an alloy memory spring;

[0014] The temperature control valve core includes a core body and a valve stem. When the temperature control valve core is in the first initial position, the outer wall of the core body abuts against the inner wall of the housing. One end of the valve stem is fixedly connected to the core body, and the alloy memory spring passes through the valve stem, with one end of the alloy memory spring abutting against the core body.

[0015] In this technical solution, the above-mentioned settings provide a specific configuration method for the temperature-sensing deformation element and the temperature control valve core.

[0016] Preferably, the circulation assembly further includes a sealing assembly, which includes a sealing body and a guide ring. The sealing body has a mounting portion on the side facing the temperature control valve assembly, the outer wall of the guide ring is engaged with the mounting portion, and the valve stem is engaged with the guide ring.

[0017] In this technical solution, the valve stem is fixed and supported by setting up a sealing component and its specific structure.

[0018] Preferably, at least a portion of the outer wall of the sealing body is threadedly engaged with the inner wall of the housing.

[0019] In this technical solution, by setting at least a portion of the outer wall of the sealing body to be threadedly engaged with the inner wall of the housing, the sealing body can move relative to the housing, thereby adjusting the position of the valve stem.

[0020] Preferably, the inner wall of the housing is provided with a first limiting portion, which is used to restrict the movement of the sealing body toward the temperature control valve assembly; and / or,

[0021] The sealing assembly further includes a first seal, which is disposed around the outer wall of the sealing body along the circumference of the sealing body, and is used to seal the gap between the inner wall of the housing and the outer wall of the sealing body.

[0022] In this technical solution, a first limiting part is provided on the inner wall of the housing to restrict the movement of the sealing body toward the temperature control valve assembly; a first sealing element is provided to seal the gap between the inner wall of the housing and the outer wall of the sealing body.

[0023] Preferably, the two ends of the alloy memory spring abut against the core and the guide ring, respectively;

[0024] When the temperature control valve core is in the first initial position, the initial length of the alloy memory spring is less than or equal to the natural length of the alloy memory spring.

[0025] In this technical solution, by setting the two ends of the alloy memory spring to abut against the core and the guide ring respectively, it can effectively act on the temperature control valve core. Furthermore, by adjusting the position of the valve stem, the initial length of the alloy memory spring can be adjusted. By setting the initial length of the alloy memory spring to be less than or equal to its natural length when the temperature control valve core is in the first initial position, it is ensured that the alloy memory spring provides an effective force to the temperature control valve core, keeping it in the first initial position.

[0026] Preferably, the inner wall of the housing is provided with a second limiting portion, the second limiting portion being used to restrict the movement of the temperature control valve core toward the hot water interface; and / or,

[0027] The temperature control valve assembly further includes a second seal, which is disposed around the outer wall of the temperature control valve core along the circumference of the temperature control valve core. The second seal is used to seal the gap between the inner wall of the housing and the outer wall of the temperature control valve core.

[0028] In this technical solution, a second limiting part is provided on the inner wall of the housing to restrict the movement of the temperature control valve core towards the hot water interface; a second sealing element is provided to seal the gap between the inner wall of the housing and the outer wall of the temperature control valve core.

[0029] Preferably, the housing is further provided with a first cold water interface and a second cold water interface, the first cold water interface being connected to the water inlet pipe and the second cold water interface being connected to the user terminal.

[0030] In this technical solution, by setting a first cold water interface and a second cold water interface, on the one hand, when the user turns on the tap, cold water can flow out of the tap in sequence through the first cold water interface and the second cold water interface from the inlet pipe connected to the tap water pipe; on the other hand, during the semi-circulation process (when the tap is closed), hot water can flow back to the inlet pipe through the first cold water interface, thereby forming a circulation.

[0031] Preferably, the hot water interface is provided with a one-way valve assembly for preventing water from flowing back from the circulation component to the hot water pipe, and the one-way valve assembly is located downstream of the one-way valve assembly.

[0032] In this technical solution, by setting a one-way valve assembly, water flow can be prevented from flowing back from the circulation assembly to the hot water pipe.

[0033] Preferably, the one-way valve assembly includes:

[0034] The valve body has its outer wall abutting against the inner wall of the housing.

[0035] A valve core is disposed in the valve body. The valve core is pushed away from the second initial position by the water flow, so that a second flow channel is formed between the valve core and the inner wall of the valve body. As the valve core moves away from the second initial position, the flow rate of the second flow channel increases. The valve core returns to the second initial position under the action of the elastic structure.

[0036] In this technical solution, the above-described configuration provides a specific configuration method for a one-way valve assembly.

[0037] The positive and progressive effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0038] This invention, by incorporating a temperature control valve assembly, a flow detection module, and a control module into the circulation component, can determine, based on flow rate changes, that hot water has reached the furthest user end and no further heating is needed. This allows for the identification of when to stop the half-pipe circulation, solving the problem in existing technologies where inappropriate heating time during half-pipe circulation leads to excessive heating of the cold water section or incomplete heating of the hot water pipes. This achieves energy savings and improves the hot and cold water experience. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a water heater system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a circulation component according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the temperature control valve core of the circulation component in a preferred embodiment of the present invention when it is in the first initial position.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the temperature control valve core of the circulation component in the first working state after leaving the first initial position, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the temperature control valve core of the circulation component in the second working state after leaving the first initial position, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram (I) of another usage state of the circulation component of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram (II) showing another usage state of the circulation component according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0047] Water heater system 100

[0048] Water heater 1

[0049] Heat exchange component 11

[0050] Heat exchanger 111

[0051] Water inlet pipe 112

[0052] Inlet 1121

[0053] Water outlet pipe 113

[0054] Outlet 1131

[0055] Heating component 12

[0056] Flow sensor 13

[0057] Circulation pump 14

[0058] Temperature sensor 15

[0059] User Client 2

[0060] Use faucet 21

[0061] Hot water pipe 3

[0062] Loop Component 4

[0063] Casing 41

[0064] Hot water interface 411

[0065] First limiting part 412

[0066] Second limiting part 413

[0067] First cold water inlet 414

[0068] Second cold water inlet 415

[0069] One-way valve assembly 42

[0070] Valve body 421

[0071] Valve core 422

[0072] Elastic structure 423

[0073] Third seal 424

[0074] Fourth seal 425

[0075] Temperature control valve assembly 43

[0076] Temperature control valve core 431

[0077] Core 4311

[0078] Valve stem 4312

[0079] Alloy Memory Spring 432

[0080] Second seal 433

[0081] First flow channel 44

[0082] Blocking component 45

[0083] Blocking Body 451

[0084] Guide ring 452

[0085] First seal 453

[0086] Second flow channel 46

[0087] Circulation pipe 5

[0088] Water pipe 7 Detailed Implementation

[0089] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0090] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "circumferential", "radial", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0091] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0092] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a water heater system 100, which includes a water heater 1 and a hot water pipe 3 connecting the water heater 1 and a user terminal 2. The water heater 1 includes a heat exchange assembly 11, which includes a heat exchanger 111 and an inlet pipe 112 and an outlet pipe 113 respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger 111. The outlet pipe 113 is connected to the hot water pipe 3.

[0093] The water heater system 100 also includes: circulation component 4, flow detection module and control module.

[0094] Hot water pipe 3 is connected to inlet pipe 112 via circulation component 4 to form circulation pipe 5. Circulation component 4 is located near the farthest user end. Circulation component 4 includes housing 41 and thermostatic valve component 43 located inside housing 41. Hot water interface 411 is provided on housing 41 and is connected to hot water pipe 3. Thermostatic valve component 43 is located near hot water interface 411. Thermostatic valve component 43 includes thermostatic valve core 431 and temperature-sensing deformation element. Thermostatic valve core 431 is pushed away from the first initial position by water flow, so that a first flow channel 44 is formed between thermostatic valve core 431 and the inner wall of housing 41. As thermostatic valve core 431 moves away from the first initial position, the flow rate of the first flow channel 44 increases. The temperature-sensing deformation element is heated and deformed, pushing thermostatic valve core 431 to move closer to the first initial position, thereby reducing the flow rate of the first flow channel 44.

[0095] The flow detection module is used to detect changes in the flow rate of the circulation pipeline 5. The output of the flow detection module is connected to the input of the control module, and the output of the control module is electrically connected to the heating component 12 used to heat the heat exchanger 111.

[0096] In this way, by setting a temperature control valve assembly 43 in the circulation assembly 4, specifically, the temperature-sensing deformation element deforms when heated, thereby changing the flow rate of the first flow channel 44. Then, the flow detection module checks the flow rate change of the circulation pipeline 5 and transmits the flow rate change signal to the control module. The control module controls the heating assembly 12 to stop heating the heat exchanger 111. That is, the flow rate change can determine that the hot water has reached the farthest user end 2 and there is no need to continue heating. This identifies the timing of the half-pipe circulation shutdown, solving the problem in the prior art where the half-pipe circulation heating time is inappropriate, resulting in excessive heating of the cold water section or incomplete heating of the hot water pipeline 3. This achieves the effects of energy saving and improving the hot and cold water experience.

[0097] It should be noted that the control module can not only control the heating component 12 to stop heating the heat exchanger 111 based on the flow rate change signal detected by the flow rate detection module, but also control the heating component 12 to adjust the heating intensity and / or time of the heat exchanger 111 based on the flow rate change signal detected by the flow rate detection module. The hot water pipe 3 is connected to the inlet pipe 112 via the circulation component 4 to form a circulation pipe 5. Specifically, when the water tap 21 at the user end 2 is closed, the inlet pipe 112, the outlet pipe 113, the hot water pipe 3, the circulation component 4, and the pipe between the circulation component 4 and the inlet pipe 112 form this closed circulation pipe 5, so that all positions in the circulation pipe 5 are in the same flow rate state.

[0098] The outlet pipe 113 has an outlet 1131 at the end away from the heat exchanger 111, and the outlet 1131 is connected to the hot water pipe 3; the inlet pipe 112 has an inlet 1121 at the end away from the heat exchanger 111, and the inlet 1121 is connected to the circulation component 4, and the inlet 1121 is also connected to the external tap water pipe 7.

[0099] Furthermore, the flow detection module is a flow sensor 13. In this embodiment, the flow sensor 13 is installed on the water inlet pipe 112, that is, inside the water heater 1, which facilitates the installation of the flow sensor 13 and does not occupy external installation space.

[0100] As described above, since the flow rate is the same at all locations in the circulation pipe 5, the flow sensor 13 can be placed at any location in the circulation pipe 5 to detect changes in the flow rate. Therefore, in other embodiments, the flow sensor 13 can also be placed on the hot water pipe 3 or the outlet pipe 113.

[0101] The water heater 1 also includes a temperature sensor 15 and a circulation pump 14. The temperature sensor 15 is located on the inlet pipe 112 and is positioned near the inlet 1121 of the inlet pipe 112. The temperature sensor 15 is used to detect the temperature of the domestic water before heat exchange. The circulation pump 14 is located on the inlet pipe 112.

[0102] Specifically, the temperature-sensitive deformation element is an alloy memory spring 432. However, it is not limited to this; in other embodiments, the temperature-sensitive deformation element may also be other components with temperature-sensitive deformation characteristics.

[0103] The temperature control valve core 431 includes a core body 4311 and a valve stem 4312. When the temperature control valve core 431 is in the first initial position, the outer wall of the core body 4311 abuts against the inner wall of the housing 41. One end of the valve stem 4312 is fixedly connected to the core body 4311. An alloy memory spring 432 passes through the valve stem 4312, and one end of the alloy memory spring 432 abuts against the core body 4311.

[0104] In this embodiment, the circulation assembly 4 further includes a sealing assembly 45, which includes a sealing body 451 and a guide ring 452. The sealing body 451 has a mounting portion on the side facing the temperature control valve assembly 43, and the outer wall of the guide ring 452 is engaged with the mounting portion. The valve stem 4312 is engaged in the guide ring 452. Thus, by setting the sealing assembly 45 and its specific structure, the valve stem 4312 is fixed and supported. The guide ring 452 is coaxially arranged with the valve stem 4312.

[0105] Specifically, at least a portion of the outer wall of the sealing body 451 is threadedly engaged with the inner wall of the housing 41. Thus, by providing this threaded engagement, the sealing body 451 can move relative to the inner wall of the housing 41, thereby allowing adjustment of the position of the valve stem 4312. However, this is not a limitation; in other embodiments, the sealing body 451 and the housing 41 can also achieve relative displacement and fixation through other engagement methods.

[0106] The inner wall of the housing 41 is provided with a first limiting part 412, which is used to restrict the sealing body 451 from moving towards the temperature control valve assembly 43.

[0107] The sealing assembly 45 also includes a first seal 453, which is disposed around the outer wall of the sealing body 451 along the circumference of the sealing body 451. The first seal 453 is used to seal the gap between the inner wall of the housing 41 and the outer wall of the sealing body 451.

[0108] Preferably, the two ends of the alloy memory spring 432 abut against the core 4311 and the guide ring 452, respectively. In this way, by setting the two ends of the alloy memory spring 432 to abut against the core 4311 and the guide ring 452, it can effectively act on the temperature control valve core 431, and the initial length of the alloy memory spring 432 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the valve stem 4312.

[0109] When the temperature control valve core 431 is in the first initial position, the initial length L1 of the alloy memory spring 432 is less than or equal to the natural length of the alloy memory spring 432. This ensures that the alloy memory spring 432 provides an effective force to the temperature control valve core 431 when it is in the first initial position, keeping it in that position. The natural length of the alloy memory spring 432 refers to its length in its natural, uncompressed state.

[0110] The inner wall of the housing 41 is provided with a second limiting part 413, which is used to limit the movement of the temperature control valve core 431 toward the hot water interface 411.

[0111] The temperature control valve assembly 43 also includes a second seal 433, which is disposed around the outer wall of the temperature control valve core 431 along the circumference of the temperature control valve core 431. The second seal 433 is used to seal the gap between the inner wall of the housing 41 and the outer wall of the temperature control valve core 431.

[0112] In this embodiment, the housing 41 is also provided with a first cold water interface 414 and a second cold water interface 415. The first cold water interface 414 is connected to the water inlet pipe 112, and the second cold water interface 415 is connected to the user terminal 2.

[0113] In this way, by setting the first cold water interface 414 and the second cold water interface 415, on the one hand, when the user 2 turns on the water tap 21, cold water can flow out of the water tap 21 through the first cold water interface 414 and the second cold water interface 415 in sequence through the water inlet pipe 112 connected to the tap water pipe 7; on the other hand, during the semi-circulation process (when the water tap 21 is closed), hot water can flow back to the water inlet pipe 112 through the first cold water interface 414, thereby forming a circulation.

[0114] In this embodiment, a one-way valve assembly 42 is provided at the hot water interface 411 to prevent water from flowing back from the circulation assembly 4 to the hot water pipe 3. The one-way valve assembly 42 is located downstream of the one-way valve assembly 42. In this way, by providing the one-way valve assembly 42, water can be prevented from flowing back from the circulation assembly 4 to the hot water pipe 3.

[0115] Preferably, the one-way valve assembly 42 includes a valve body 421 and a valve core 422. The outer wall of the valve body 421 abuts against the inner wall of the housing 41. The valve core 422 is disposed within the valve body 421. The valve core 422 is pushed away from the second initial position by the water flow, thereby forming a second flow channel 46 between the valve core 422 and the inner wall of the valve body 421. As the valve core 422 moves away from the second initial position, the flow rate of the second flow channel 46 increases. The valve core 422 returns to the second initial position under the action of the elastic structure 423. The temperature control valve core 431 and the valve core 422 are coaxially arranged.

[0116] Specifically, the elastic structure 423 is a spring. However, it is not limited to this; in other embodiments, the elastic structure 423 may also be other components with elastic deformation.

[0117] The one-way valve assembly 42 also includes a third seal 424, which is disposed around the outer wall of the valve body 421 along the circumference of the valve body 421. The third seal 424 is used to seal the gap between the inner wall of the housing 41 and the outer wall of the valve body 421.

[0118] The one-way valve assembly 42 also includes a fourth seal 425, which is disposed around the outer wall of the valve core 422 along the circumference of the valve core 422. The fourth seal 425 is used to seal the gap between the inner wall of the valve body 421 and the outer wall of the valve core 422.

[0119] The working principle of the loop component 4 in this embodiment is as follows:

[0120] When the circulation pump 14 of water heater 1 is not started, the one-way valve assembly 42 of circulation component 4 is not open, and no water flows through. At this time, the alloy memory spring 432 of circulation component 4 is not compressed by the water flow, and the initial length L1 of alloy memory spring 432 is less than or equal to the natural length of alloy memory spring 432 (please refer to...). Figure 3That is, the initial length L1 of the alloy memory spring 432 in the first initial position can be either compressed or uncompressed. When the user turns on the preheating, the circulation pump 14 installed in the water heater 1 starts, driving the water flow to push open the one-way valve assembly 42 of the circulation assembly 4. The alloy memory spring 432 of the circulation assembly 4 is compressed. At this time, the first working length of the alloy memory spring 432 in the first working state (compressed state) is L2 (please refer to...). Figure 4 Water flows from the hot water end to the cold water end and returns to the inlet 1121 of the inlet pipe 112. As the heating process continues, hot water continuously flows to the alloy memory spring 432, and the temperature of the alloy memory spring 432 rises above its phase transition temperature. The spring force of the alloy memory spring 432 increases. At this time, the second working length of the alloy memory spring 432 in the second working state (phase transition state) is L3 (please refer to...). Figure 5 In this case, L3 > L2, the opening of the first flow channel 44 decreases, and the flow rate decreases. The change in flow rate indicates that the hot water has reached the furthest point of use, eliminating the need for further heating and achieving a semi-circulation effect.

[0121] It should be noted that when the user's home circulation flow is low, it can only reach the machine's startup flow rate at low water temperatures. When circulation pipe 5 has been heated, and the water temperature inside the pipe exceeds the phase change temperature (deformation temperature) of the alloy memory spring 432, restarting the preheating circulation will not reach the startup temperature. This will cause inconvenience for users.

[0122] To address this issue, another usage state of the circulation component 4 in this embodiment is adopted: the sealing body 451 is rotated to move it away from the hot water interface 411, thereby making the distance d between the core 4311 and the guide ring 452 greater than the natural length L0 of the alloy memory spring 432 (e.g., Figure 6 (As shown). When cold or hot water impacts the thermostatic valve assembly 43, the alloy memory spring 432 has sufficient room for movement (e.g., Figure 7 As shown in the figure, it will not be compressed or the amount of compression is small enough, the pipeline resistance at point 4 of the circulation component remains unchanged, and there will be no change in water flow.

[0123] The water heater system 100 can be controlled by a voice module (not shown in the figure), which is equipped with a controller, a voice receiving module, and a voice parsing module. The voice receiving module receives user commands, and the voice parsing module parses the commands. Based on the parsed commands, the controller controls the water heater system 100 to perform corresponding operations, thereby realizing intelligent control of the water heater system 100 and improving the user experience.

[0124] This embodiment, by setting a temperature control valve assembly 43, a flow detection module, and a control module in the circulation assembly 4, can determine by the flow change that the hot water has reached the farthest user end 2 and no further heating is needed. This allows for the identification of the half-pipe circulation shutdown time, solving the problem in the prior art where the half-pipe circulation heating time is inappropriate, resulting in excessive heating of the cold water section or incomplete heating of the hot water pipe 3. This achieves energy saving and improves the hot and cold water experience.

[0125] While specific embodiments of this utility model have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of this utility model, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water heater system, characterized in that, The water heater system includes: a water heater and a hot water pipe connecting the water heater and a user terminal; the water heater includes a heat exchange assembly, the heat exchange assembly includes a heat exchanger and an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger; the outlet pipe is connected to the hot water pipe; the water heater system further includes: A circulation assembly is provided, wherein the hot water pipe is connected to the inlet pipe to form a circulation pipeline. The circulation assembly is located near the farthest user end. The circulation assembly includes a housing and a thermostatic valve assembly disposed within the housing. The housing has a hot water interface connected to the hot water pipe. The thermostatic valve assembly is located near the hot water interface and includes a thermostatic valve core and a temperature-sensing deformation element. The thermostatic valve core is pushed away from a first initial position by the water flow, thereby forming a first flow channel between the thermostatic valve core and the inner wall of the housing. As the thermostatic valve core moves away from the first initial position, the flow rate of the first flow channel increases. The temperature-sensing deformation element deforms due to heat, pushing the thermostatic valve core towards the first initial position, thereby reducing the flow rate of the first flow channel. A flow detection module, used to detect changes in the flow rate of the circulation pipeline; The control module has its output terminal connected to the input terminal of the flow detection module, and its output terminal electrically connected to the heating component used to heat the heat exchanger.

2. The water heater system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature-sensitive deformation element is an alloy memory spring; The temperature control valve core includes a core body and a valve stem. When the temperature control valve core is in the first initial position, the outer wall of the core body abuts against the inner wall of the housing. One end of the valve stem is fixedly connected to the core body, and the alloy memory spring passes through the valve stem, with one end of the alloy memory spring abutting against the core body.

3. The water heater system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The circulation assembly also includes a sealing assembly, which includes a sealing body and a guide ring. The sealing body has a mounting part on the side facing the temperature control valve assembly. The outer wall of the guide ring is engaged with the mounting part, and the valve stem is engaged with the guide ring.

4. The water heater system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, At least a portion of the outer wall of the sealing body is threadedly engaged with the inner wall of the housing.

5. The water heater system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The inner wall of the housing is provided with a first limiting portion, which is used to restrict the sealing body from moving towards the temperature control valve assembly; and / or, The sealing assembly further includes a first seal, which is disposed around the outer wall of the sealing body along the circumference of the sealing body, and is used to seal the gap between the inner wall of the housing and the outer wall of the sealing body.

6. The water heater system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The two ends of the alloy memory spring abut against the core and the guide ring, respectively; When the temperature control valve core is in the first initial position, the initial length of the alloy memory spring is less than or equal to the natural length of the alloy memory spring.

7. The water heater system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the housing is provided with a second limiting part, which is used to restrict the movement of the temperature control valve core towards the hot water interface; and / or, The temperature control valve assembly further includes a second seal, which is disposed around the outer wall of the temperature control valve core along the circumference of the temperature control valve core. The second seal is used to seal the gap between the inner wall of the housing and the outer wall of the temperature control valve core.

8. The water heater system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is also provided with a first cold water interface and a second cold water interface. The first cold water interface is connected to the water inlet pipe, and the second cold water interface is connected to the user terminal.

9. The water heater system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The hot water interface is provided with a one-way valve assembly to prevent water from flowing back from the circulation component to the hot water pipeline, and the one-way valve assembly is located downstream of the one-way valve assembly.

10. The water heater system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The one-way valve assembly includes: The valve body has its outer wall abutting against the inner wall of the housing. A valve core is disposed in the valve body. The valve core is pushed away from the second initial position by the water flow, so that a second flow channel is formed between the valve core and the inner wall of the valve body. As the valve core moves away from the second initial position, the flow rate of the second flow channel increases. The valve core returns to the second initial position under the action of the elastic structure.

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