Heat exchange system, water heater, and control method for water heater

Abstract

The present application discloses a heat exchange system, a water heater, and a control method for the water heater. The heat exchange system comprises a heat exchanger and a flow valve; the heat exchanger is provided with a water inlet pipe section and a water outlet pipe section; the flow valve is arranged on a side edge of the heat exchanger; the flow valve comprises a valve body and a control component arranged on the valve body; the valve body comprises a first pipe body communicated with the water inlet pipe section, a second pipe body communicated with the water outlet pipe section and a bypass pipe body making the first pipe body communicated with the second pipe body; and the control component is used for controlling the water flow rate in the bypass pipe body.

Description

Heat exchange system, water heater, and water heater control method

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202311182031.9 filed on September 13, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of heat exchange technology, and in particular to a heat exchange system, a water heater, and a control method for the water heater. Background Art

[0004] Most traditional water heaters connect a bypass pipe between the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe of the heat exchanger. The cold water in the cold water inlet pipe is transported to the hot water outlet pipe through the bypass pipe to mix with the hot water in the hot water outlet pipe, thereby realizing the bypass water mixing function.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The main purpose of this application is to propose a heat exchange system, a water heater and a control method for the water heater, aiming to enable the heat exchange system to have a bypass water mixing function and to effectively improve the problem of low thermal efficiency of the water heater.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present application proposes a heat exchange system, which includes: a heat exchanger and a flow valve.

[0008] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger has a water inlet pipe section and a water outlet pipe section.

[0009] In one embodiment, the flow valve is disposed on a side of the heat exchanger.

[0010] In one embodiment, the flow valve includes a valve body and a control component provided on the valve body.

[0011] In one embodiment, the valve body includes a first pipe body communicating with the water inlet pipe section, a second pipe body communicating with the water outlet pipe section, and a bypass pipe body connecting the first pipe body and the second pipe body.

[0012] In one embodiment, the control component is used to control the water flow rate of the bypass pipe body.

[0013] In one embodiment, the bypass ratio of the flow valve ranges from 40% to 70%, and the bypass ratio is the ratio of the water flow entering the bypass pipe through the first pipe body to the water flow entering the water inlet pipe section through the first pipe body.

[0014] In one embodiment, the control component is provided on the bypass pipe body, and the control component is used to control the water flow rate of the bypass pipe body according to a preset bypass time and the bypass ratio.

[0015] In one embodiment, the bypass duration ranges from 2 seconds to 4 seconds.

[0016] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger further includes: heat exchange tubes and heat exchange fins.

[0017] In one embodiment, the heat exchange fins are used to perform heat exchange with the heat exchange tubes.

[0018] In one embodiment, the heat exchange fin is sleeved outside the heat exchange tube.

[0019] In one embodiment, on the axial projection surface of the heat exchange tube, the minimum distance between any point on the heat exchange fin and the outer tube wall of the heat exchange tube is no more than 3 mm.

[0020] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger further includes two end plates disposed at intervals and a plurality of heat exchange tubes disposed between the two end plates and arranged at intervals along the first direction.

[0021] In one embodiment, each of the end plates has a plurality of communication portions and a plurality of through holes, and an outer periphery of each of the through holes of the end plates is provided with an annular protrusion extending toward the other end plate.

[0022] In one embodiment, the end of each heat exchange tube is inserted into one of the annular protrusions and sealed with the annular protrusion. The connecting portion has a connecting port connected to the through hole. Every two heat exchange tubes are connected through a connecting port of the connecting portion. A plurality of heat exchange tubes are connected through a plurality of connecting portions to form a heat exchange channel.

[0023] In one embodiment, the communication portion connecting the two heat exchange tubes is defined as a first communication portion.

[0024] In one embodiment, the maximum opening width of the communication port of the first communication portion along the first direction is W1, and the maximum width of the two annular protrusions outside the two heat exchange tubes connected to the first communication portion along the first direction is W2, and W1≤W2.

[0025] In one embodiment, the water inlet pipe section, the water outlet pipe section, the first pipe body, the second pipe body and the bypass pipe body are all located on the same side of the heat exchanger.

[0026] In one embodiment, the length of the bypass tube is no more than 100 mm.

[0027] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger body provided with a water inlet and a water outlet.

[0028] In one embodiment, the water inlet pipe section is connected to the water inlet, and the water outlet pipe section is connected to the water outlet.

[0029] In one embodiment, the distance between the flow valve and the heat exchanger body is not less than 60 mm.

[0030] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger further includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes arranged in sequence and at intervals along the first direction.

[0031] In one embodiment, at least one of the heat exchange tubes is provided with a flow disruptor for disrupting the water flow.

[0032] In one embodiment, the spoiler includes a spoiler body and two supporting parts, the top ends of the two supporting parts are connected to the spoiler body, and the bottom ends of the two supporting parts are spaced apart and respectively supported on the inner wall of the heat exchange tube.

[0033] In one embodiment, the spoiler body is provided with a plurality of spoiler holes, the plurality of spoiler holes are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the heat exchange tube, and the spoiler has a water-facing end.

[0034] In one embodiment, an outwardly inclined spoiler is provided on an edge of each of the spoiler holes away from the water-facing end, and two adjacent spoilers are located on both sides of the spoiler body;

[0035] In one embodiment, a wall of at least one of the flow-disturbing holes is provided with a flow-disturbing ridge extending toward the water-facing end.

[0036] The present application also provides a water heater, which includes the heat exchange system as described above.

[0037] The present application also proposes a water heater control method, which is applied to the water heater described above. The water heater control method includes:

[0038] Get the water usage status of the water heater;

[0039] When it is confirmed that the water heater is in a water-using state within the first preset time, the bypass pipe body is controlled to open according to the preset bypass ratio and to close after the preset bypass time. The preset bypass time ranges from 2 seconds to 4 seconds, and the preset bypass ratio ranges from 40% to 70%. The preset bypass ratio is the ratio of the water flow rate entering the bypass pipe body through the first pipe body to the water flow rate entering the water inlet pipe section through the first pipe body.

[0040] In one embodiment, the water heater control method further includes:

[0041] Get the water inlet flow of the water heater;

[0042] When it is confirmed that the water heater is in a water-off state where the water inlet flow rate is less than or equal to the first preset flow rate, the bypass pipe body is controlled to open;

[0043] When it is confirmed that the water heater is in a water outage state and the water outage time exceeds a second preset time, the bypass pipe body is controlled to close, and the second preset time ranges from 5 minutes to 10 minutes.

[0044] The heat exchange system of the present application includes a heat exchanger and a flow valve. The heat exchanger has an inlet pipe section and an outlet pipe section. The flow valve is arranged on the side of the heat exchanger and includes a valve body and a control component. The valve body includes a first pipe body connected to the inlet pipe section, a second pipe body connected to the outlet pipe section, and a bypass pipe body connecting the first pipe body and the second pipe body. The control component is used to control the water flow rate through the bypass pipe body. With this arrangement, when the heat exchange system is applied to a water heater, the first pipe body can serve as an inlet pipe connected to the cold water input pipe of the water heater, and the second pipe body can serve as an outlet pipe connected to the hot water output pipe of the water heater. The bypass pipe body can be used to transport cold water in the first pipe body to the second pipe body to mix with the hot water in the second pipe body, thereby achieving a bypass water mixing function. The control component is used to be electrically connected to the control system of the water heater. The control system sends corresponding control instructions to the control component according to the working status of the water heater, and then the water flow rate of the bypass pipe can be controlled through the control component, so that the bypass mixed water volume of the water heater can be adjusted according to the actual working conditions, thereby effectively improving the problem of low thermal efficiency of traditional water heaters. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0046] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a heat exchange system of the present application;

[0047] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of the flow valve in FIG1 ;

[0048] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of the structure in FIG2 from another perspective;

[0049] FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of the structure in FIG2 ;

[0050] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the structure after partial decomposition of the structure in FIG1;

[0051] FIG6 is a cross-sectional view of the structure in FIG1 ;

[0052] FIG7 is a partial enlarged view of point A in FIG6;

[0053] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the heat exchange plate in FIG5 ;

[0054] FIG9 is a partial enlarged view of point B in FIG8 ;

[0055] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of the spoiler in FIG5 ;

[0056] FIG11 is a partial enlarged view of point C in FIG10 ;

[0057] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the structure after partial decomposition of the structure in FIG1;

[0058] FIG13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the structure in FIG1 ;

[0059] FIG14 is a partial enlarged view of point D in FIG13;

[0060] FIG15 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the structure in FIG1 ;

[0061] FIG16 is a partial enlarged view of point E in FIG15 ;

[0062] FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a water heater of the present application.

[0063] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0064] The realization of the objectives, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0066] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present application involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0067] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present application, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features limited to "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears in the full text, its meaning includes three parallel schemes. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes scheme A, or scheme B, or a scheme in which A and B are satisfied at the same time. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement it. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by this application.

[0068] Conventional water heaters, especially those with coilless heat exchangers, often suffer from low thermal efficiency.

[0069] The present application proposes a heat exchange system 10 .

[0070] This heat exchange system can be used in water heaters or other hot water systems that require bypass mixing. The following describes the application of this heat exchange system in a water heater as an example. Specifically, the water heater is described using a gas water heater with a coilless heat exchanger 100 as an example.

[0071] The water heater includes a heat exchange system 10, a burner 21, and a fan 22. The heat exchange system 10 comprises a heat exchange tube 140 and heat exchange fins 150 surrounding the heat exchange tube 140. The water inlet end of the heat exchange tube 140 is connected to the water inlet pipe, and the water outlet end of the heat exchange tube 140 is connected to the water outlet pipe. The burner 21 is located below the heat exchange system 10. For a forced-drain gas water heater, the fan 22 is located below the burner 21; for a forced-draft gas water heater, the fan 22 is located above the heat exchange system 10. When the water heater is working, the fan 22 starts, and the mixture of gas and air enters the burner 21 for combustion. The cold water in the external water supply system can enter the heat exchange tube 140 of the heat exchange system 10 through the water inlet pipe. The high-temperature flue gas generated by the burner 21 flows upward to exchange heat with the heat exchange system 10, thereby heating the water in the heat exchange tube 140. The heated hot water can be output to the user end through the water outlet pipe to provide hot water to the user.

[0072] Traditional water heaters typically connect a long bypass pipe between the heat exchanger's water inlet and outlet pipes to achieve bypass water mixing. When the water heater is operating, some of the cold water in the inlet pipe flows through the bypass pipe into the outlet pipe, causing the cold water and hot water to mix. Research has found that water heaters with this bypass structure have at least the following drawbacks:

[0073] (1) When the water heater is burning normally, the flow path in the bypass pipe remains open, so the maximum temperature in the heat exchange tube 140 is higher than the set temperature of the water heater. It reaches the set temperature only after mixing with cold water. In order to solve the temperature rise during water outage, a larger bypass ratio is usually required. If the water heater set temperature is 65°C, the actual temperature in the heat exchange tube 140 will reach 75°C, resulting in severe vaporization noise, affecting the user experience, and shortening the life of the heat exchanger 100.

[0074] (2) If the bypass ratio is too large, severe vaporization noise will be generated and the thermal efficiency of the heat exchanger 100 will be reduced. Generally, the bypass ratio should not be set too high. Since the coilless heat exchanger 100 lacks coil water cooling, the water-off temperature rise is high. A large bypass ratio is required to reduce the water-off temperature rise, which further causes the adverse effects of high vaporization noise and low thermal efficiency.

[0075] (3) Since the bypass pipe is always open and the bypass ratio is fixed, if the bypass ratio is too large, it is easy to cause large overshoot during start-stop in winter; if the bypass ratio is too small, it is easy to cause the outlet water temperature to be too high or the risk of condensation in summer.

[0076] The water shut-off temperature rise / start-stop overshoot refers to the fact that when the water heater is operating normally, the finned tubes (i.e., the heat exchange tubes 140 with the heat exchange fins 150) are at a high temperature. When the water heater stops operating, the heat from the finned tubes is quickly transferred to the stopped water, causing the water temperature to rise. When the water heater is restarted, a section of high-temperature water will flow out, which may seriously burn the user.

[0077] Temperature drop during water shut-off / overshoot during start-stop means that after the water heater stops working, when it is restarted, it needs to perform pre-cleaning and ignition. At this time, a section of cold water will flow out of the heat exchanger before it can be heated to the set temperature.

[0078] The start-stop constant temperature process means that there is a portion of normal temperature hot water in the user's hot water pipeline. After the burner 21 is restarted, it will first experience a normal water temperature, then experience an overshoot (water stop temperature rise) and undershoot (water stop temperature drop), and finally reach the normal set temperature.

[0079] The bypass ratio refers to the ratio of the bypass flow to the main line flow, bypass cold water flow + main line flow = total flow.

[0080] Based on this, the present application proposes a heat exchange system 10, which has a good bypass water mixing function and can effectively improve the problem of low thermal efficiency of the water heater.

[0081] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4. In one embodiment of the present application, the heat exchange system 10 includes a heat exchanger 100 and a flow valve 200. The heat exchanger 100 has an inlet pipe section 110 and an outlet pipe section 120. The flow valve 200 is arranged on the side of the heat exchanger 100. The flow valve 200 includes a valve body 210 and a control component 220 arranged on the valve body 210. The valve body 210 includes a first pipe body 211 connected to the inlet pipe section 110, a second pipe body 212 connected to the outlet pipe section 120, and a bypass pipe body 213 connecting the first pipe body 211 and the second pipe body 212. The control component 220 is used to control the water flow rate of the bypass pipe body 213.

[0082] It is understood that the first tube body 211 has a first water inlet port and a first water outlet port at each end, and the water inlet pipe section 110 is connected to the first water outlet port. The second tube body 212 has a second water inlet port and a second water outlet port at each end, and the water outlet pipe section 120 is connected to the second water inlet port. Cold water enters the first tube body 211 through the first water inlet port and then flows into the water inlet pipe section 110 through the first water outlet port. The cold water in the water inlet pipe section 110 flows into the heat exchange tube 140 of the heat exchanger 100 for heat exchange. After heat exchange, hot water passes through the water outlet pipe section 120 and enters the second tube body 212 through the second water inlet port, and then is output through the second water outlet port.

[0083] In one embodiment, the water inlet pipe section 110 is removably plugged into the first pipe body 211, and the water outlet pipe section 120 is removably plugged into the second pipe body 212. The plug-in assembly facilitates installation and removal of the flow valve 200 and the heat exchanger 100. The control component 220 can be disposed on the peripheral wall of the bypass pipe body 213 and located between the first pipe body 211 and the second pipe body 212. This allows full utilization of the cavity area created by the valve body 210 to accommodate the control component 220, improving space utilization and reducing the overall volume of the flow valve 200.

[0084] Furthermore, the water inlet pipe section 110 and the water outlet pipe section 120 of the heat exchanger 100 can be arranged on different sides of the heat exchanger 100. Of course, the water inlet pipe section 110 and the water outlet pipe section 120 of the heat exchanger 100 can also be arranged on the same side of the heat exchanger 100. According to the direction of the heat exchange channel inside the heat exchanger 100, the water inlet pipe section 110 and the water outlet pipe section 120 can be arranged on the same side of the length direction (such as the left and right direction) of the heat exchanger 100; or the water inlet pipe section 110 and the water outlet pipe section 120 can be arranged on the same side of the width direction (such as the front and back direction) of the heat exchanger 100; or, the water inlet pipe section 110 and the water outlet pipe section 120 can be arranged on the same side of the height direction (such as the up and down direction) of the heat exchanger 100, which is not limited here. When the inlet pipe section 110 and the outlet pipe section 120 are arranged on the same side of the heat exchanger 100, the inlet pipe section 110 and the outlet pipe section 120 are arranged more centrally, so that the flow valve 200 can be connected to both the inlet pipe section 110 and the outlet pipe section 120. The flow valve 200 can be arranged on one side of the heat exchanger 100. Specifically, the flow valve 200 can be arranged on the side of the heat exchanger 100 where the inlet pipe section 110 and the outlet pipe section 120 are arranged, that is, the flow valve 200, the inlet pipe section 110, and the outlet pipe section 120 are all located on the same side of the heat exchanger 100; alternatively, the flow valve 200 can be arranged on the side of the heat exchanger 100 adjacent to the inlet pipe section 110 and the outlet pipe section 120.

[0085] Furthermore, the valve body 210 provides structural support for the installation of the control component 220. The valve body 210 can be made of metal or high-temperature-resistant plastic. When the heat exchange system 10 is in operation, cold water is transported to the heat exchanger 100 via the first pipe 211 and the water inlet pipe section 110 for heat exchange. Hot water in the heat exchanger 100 is output to the second pipe 212 via the water outlet pipe section 120. Simultaneously, the cold water in the first pipe 211 can also be transported to the second pipe 212 via the bypass pipe 213, thereby achieving a bypass water mixing function. It should be noted that the control component 220 controls the water flow rate through the bypass pipe 213. It should be understood that under the control of the control component 220, the water flow rate flowing through the bypass pipe 213 can be varied to a certain extent. The water flow rate variation here can be between no flow and flow, or between high flow and low flow in the presence of flow. The control component 220 includes, but is not limited to, solenoid valves, proportional valves, etc. The control component 220 of the flow valve 200 can be electrically connected to the control system of the water heater via wired or wireless means. The control system sends corresponding control instructions to the control component 220 according to the working status of the water heater, and then the water flow rate of the bypass pipe body 213 can be controlled through the control component 220.

[0086] Traditional water heaters have cold water inlet and hot water outlet pipes located on either side of the water heater's width, with a large gap between them. This typically requires a long bypass pipe, making it difficult to connect and install with the control valve, resulting in high costs and difficulty in ensuring a tight seal. Referring to Figures 1 and 17 , in this embodiment, the inlet pipe section 110 and outlet pipe section 120 of the heat exchange system 10 can be located on the same side of the heat exchanger 100, with a relatively short distance between them, making it suitable for installation of the flow valve 200. This eliminates the need for a long bypass pipe, reducing costs while ensuring a tight seal.

[0087] 1 and 17 , the heat exchange system 10 of the present application is applied to a water heater, and the specific control process of the water heater is described in detail.

[0088] When the water heater is working normally, the control component 220 controls the closing of the bypass pipe body 213. At this time, the highest temperature in the heat exchange tube 140 of the heat exchange system 10 is the set temperature of the water heater. In this way, the risk of gasification noise can be greatly reduced, and the thermal efficiency of the heat exchange system 10 will not be affected. It can also extend the service life of the heat exchange system 10.

[0089] After the water heater is shut off, the control unit 220 opens the bypass pipe 213 and, depending on actual operating conditions, closes it within a few seconds of startup. At this point, some of the cold water in the first pipe 211 is transported through the bypass pipe 213 to the second pipe 212. This cold water mixes with the high-temperature water in the second pipe 212, effectively reducing the temperature rise during the shutdown. Because some of the cold water is diverted from the bypass pipe 213, the flow rate of water from the first pipe 211 to the water inlet pipe section 110 is reduced, thereby minimizing overshoot during startup.

[0090] In addition, it is also possible to determine whether to open the bypass during normal combustion based on the actual working conditions. For example, in winter, when the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water is large and needs to be quickly heated to the set temperature, the control component 220 controls the closure of the bypass pipe body 213. This not only improves the heating speed but also ensures that it can be heated to the set temperature. When the water is stopped and restarted, the bypass time can be reduced, thereby reducing overshoot. When a low-temperature bath is needed in summer, the control component 220 controls the opening of the bypass pipe body 213. At this time, the minimum temperature rise of the water heater can be reduced to prevent the water temperature from being too hot during bathing, and the water temperature in the heat exchange tube 140 can be increased, thereby increasing the flue gas temperature and avoiding the risk of condensation water.

[0091] The bypass tube 213 is relatively short, allowing water to flow quickly through it. This ensures a faster bypass response and a more precise bypass ratio, effectively improving the low thermal efficiency and other issues inherent in conventional water heaters. In this embodiment, the bypass flow rate is the water flow entering the bypass tube 213 through the first tube 211, and the main line flow rate is the water flow entering the water inlet pipe section 110 through the first tube 211. In other words, the bypass ratio of the flow valve 200 is the ratio of the water flow entering the bypass tube 213 through the first tube 211 to the water flow entering the water inlet pipe section 110 through the first tube 211.

[0092] The heat exchange system 10 of the present application includes a heat exchanger 100 and a flow valve 200. The heat exchanger 100 has an inlet pipe section 110 and an outlet pipe section 120. The flow valve 200 is arranged on the side of the heat exchanger 100. The flow valve 200 includes a valve body 210 and a control component 220. The valve body 210 includes a first pipe body 211 connected to the inlet pipe section 110, a second pipe body 212 connected to the outlet pipe section 120, and a bypass pipe body 213 connecting the first pipe body 211 and the second pipe body 212. The control component 220 is used to control the water flow rate of the bypass pipe body 213. With this configuration, when the heat exchange system 10 is applied to a water heater, the first tube 211 can serve as an inlet pipe connected to the cold water inlet pipe 23 of the water heater, and the second tube 212 can serve as an outlet pipe connected to the hot water outlet pipe 24 of the water heater. The cold water in the first tube 211 can be transported to the second tube 212 via the bypass tube 213 to mix with the hot water in the second tube 212, thereby achieving a bypass water mixing function. The control component 220 is electrically connected to the water heater's control system. The control system issues corresponding control instructions to the control component 220 based on the operating status of the water heater. The control component 220 can then control the water flow rate through the bypass tube 213, allowing the bypass water mixing volume of the water heater to be adjusted according to actual operating conditions, thereby effectively improving the low thermal efficiency of conventional water heaters.

[0093] In one embodiment, the bypass ratio of the flow valve 200 ranges from 40% to 70%, and the bypass ratio is the ratio of the water flow entering the bypass pipe body 213 through the first pipe body 211 to the water flow entering the water inlet pipe section 110 through the first pipe body 211.

[0094] It is understood that when the bypass ratio is too large, during the water heater startup and heating process, excessive water flowing from the bypass pipe 213 into the second pipe 212 will generate severe vaporization noise, reduce the thermal efficiency of the heat exchanger 100, affect the user experience, and shorten the life of the heat exchanger 100. When the bypass ratio is too small, the amount of water flowing from the bypass pipe 213 into the second pipe 212 is too small to neutralize the high-temperature water in the second pipe 212. By limiting the range of the bypass ratio of the flow valve 200, this solution can effectively improve the problems of conventional water heaters such as constant temperature difference between start and stop, high vaporization noise, and low thermal efficiency.

[0095] Specifically, the first tube 211 is connected to the water heater's cold water inlet pipe 23, and the second tube 212 is connected to the water heater's hot water outlet pipe 24. The inner diameter of the first tube 211 is larger than that of the bypass tube 213. This allows the majority of the cold water in the first tube 211 to be delivered to the water inlet pipe section 110, with a smaller portion diverted to the bypass tube 213. This prevents insufficient water from being delivered to the heat exchanger 100 and causing it to directly vaporize, thus affecting hot water production efficiency. It also prevents excessive water from being delivered from the bypass tube 213 to the second tube 212, which could significantly reduce the temperature of the hot water in the second tube 212. Furthermore, by designing the inner diameters of the first tube 211 and the bypass tube 213, a bypass ratio is maintained within a range of 40% to 70%, ensuring a good bypass water mixing effect. The bypass ratio can be 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, etc., without specific limitation. By limiting the bypass ratio to a range of 40% to 70%, compared to a bypass ratio value less than 40% or greater than 70%, this solution can narrow the start-stop temperature fluctuation range (the fluctuation range of temperature overshoot and temperature overshoot when the water heater is restarted), and reduce the constant temperature waiting time (the duration of temperature overshoot and temperature overshoot when the water heater is restarted), thereby achieving better start-stop constant temperature control of the water outlet temperature of the water heater.

[0096] In addition, in order to prevent excessive bypass water volume from causing a large impact and temperature drop on the hot water in the second tube 212 , the inner diameter of the second tube 212 is larger than the inner diameter of the bypass tube 213 .

[0097] In one embodiment, the control component 220 is provided on the bypass tube body 213, and the control component 220 is used to control the water flow rate of the bypass tube body 213 according to a preset bypass time and the bypass ratio. The bypass time ranges from 2 seconds to 4 seconds.

[0098] It is understood that when the bypass time is too long, the water temperature in the heat exchange tube 140 has exceeded the set temperature of the water heater. When the control component 220 controls the closing of the bypass tube 213, the high-temperature water flowing into the second tube 212 from the heat exchange tube 140 cannot mix with the bypassed cold water, which can easily cause overshoot during water shut-off and affect user experience. When the bypass time is too short, the high-temperature water flowing into the second tube 212 from the heat exchange tube 140 stops bypassing before it has completely mixed with the bypassed cold water. When the water heater is restarted, a section of high-temperature water will flow out, which may seriously burn the user. By controlling the bypass time and bypass ratio, this solution can effectively control the water flow rate of the bypass tube 213, thereby precisely controlling the outlet water temperature of the water heater and achieving better start-stop constant temperature control of the water heater outlet temperature. This effectively improves the problems of start-stop constant temperature difference, high vaporization noise, and low thermal efficiency that exist in traditional water heaters. The bypass time can be 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, etc., and is not specifically limited here.

[0099] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, in one embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 further includes a heat exchange tube 140 and a heat exchange fin 150. The heat exchange fin 150 is used to exchange heat with the heat exchange tube 140, and the heat exchange fin 150 is sleeved outside the heat exchange tube 140. On the axial projection surface of the heat exchange tube 140, the minimum distance between any point on the heat exchange fin 150 and the outer tube wall of the heat exchange tube 140 is no more than 3 mm.

[0100] It is understood that there can be multiple heat exchange tubes 140 and multiple heat exchange fins 150. Multiple heat exchange fins 150 can be arranged side by side, and multiple heat exchange tubes 140 are arranged in sequence on each heat exchange fin 150. The multiple heat exchange tubes 140 are connected in sequence to form a heat exchange flow channel. The heat exchange fins 150 are mounted outside the heat exchange tubes 140. The heat exchange fins 150 can be clipped to the heat exchange tubes 140 or welded to them, without limitation. In addition, the heat exchange tubes 140 and the heat exchange fins 150 can be made of copper, but of course other materials are also possible, which will be described in detail later.

[0101] Furthermore, the axial projection of the heat exchange tube 140 can be understood as follows: along a radial cross-section of the heat exchange tube 140, the minimum distance between any point on the heat exchange fin 150 and the outer wall of the heat exchange tube 140 is less than or equal to 3 mm. This ensures that any point on the heat exchange fin 150 is relatively close to the heat exchange tube 140. During operation of the water heater, the heat exchange fin 150, having absorbed heat from the high-temperature flue gas, transfers this heat to the heat exchange tube 140. The relatively close distance between the heat exchange fin 150 and the heat exchange tube 140 improves the heat transfer capacity of the heat exchange fin 150, reduces its volume, and improves its material utilization, thereby ensuring uniform temperature distribution across the heat exchange fin 150. The minimum distance between any point on the heat exchange fin 150 and the outer wall of the heat exchange tube 140 can be 3 mm, 2.5 mm, 2 mm, etc., without limitation herein.

[0102] This solution limits the minimum distance between any point on the heat exchange plate 150 and the outer tube wall of the heat exchange tube 140 to no more than 3 mm. This arrangement makes the distance between any point on the heat exchange plate 150 and the heat exchange tube 140 closer, and the temperature on the heat exchange plate 150 can be quickly transferred to the heat exchange tube 140, thereby improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchange plate 150; it also improves the material utilization rate of the heat exchange plate 150, reduces the temperature difference between the inner side of the heat exchange plate 150 closer to the heat exchange tube 140 and the outer side farther from the heat exchange tube 140, reduces the high-temperature area and the low-temperature area on the heat exchange plate 150, and makes the temperature distribution on the heat exchange plate 150 more uniform. The reduction of high-temperature areas on the heat exchanger plate 150 is beneficial to reducing the heat storage capacity of the heat exchanger plate 150, thereby reducing the temperature rise of the water in the heat exchanger 100 when the water supply is cut off, which is beneficial to reducing the risk of scalding the user by high-temperature water when the user starts the water heater again. In other words, this solution makes the temperature distribution on the heat exchanger plate 150 more uniform, reduces the high-temperature areas on the heat exchanger plate 150, and reduces the temperature rise of the heat exchanger 100 when the water supply is cut off.

[0103] Furthermore, when the water heater operates at a low load, the low-temperature areas on the heat exchanger fins 150 are reduced, which helps to increase the temperature of the heat exchanger fins 150 after heat exchange with the high-temperature flue gas, thereby ensuring a high temperature throughout the heat exchanger fins 150 and reducing the occurrence of condensed water due to localized low temperatures on the heat exchanger fins 150, thereby reducing the risk of condensed water corroding the water heater. In other words, this solution makes the temperature distribution on the heat exchanger fins 150 more uniform, reduces the low-temperature areas on the heat exchanger fins 150, and reduces the risk of condensed water corroding the water heater from the heat exchanger 100. Thus, the technical solution of this solution improves the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 100, reduces the risk of excessive temperature rise in the water in the heat exchanger 100 during water outages, and thus scalding users, and also reduces the risk of condensed water corroding the water heater from the heat exchanger 100.

[0104] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes 140 and a plurality of heat exchange fins 150 arranged side by side. The plurality of heat exchange tubes 140 are sequentially spaced along the length of each heat exchange fin 150, so as to be arranged in a single row on the heat exchange fin 150. It is understood that the heat exchanger 100 in this embodiment includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes 140 arranged in a single row on the heat exchange fin 150. That is, the plurality of heat exchange tubes 140 in this embodiment are single-layer tubes. Single-layer finned tubes (i.e., single-layer heat exchange tubes 140 with heat exchange fins 150) directly contact the high-temperature flue gas. Compared to double-layer finned tubes (i.e., having upper and lower layers of heat exchange tubes 140), single-layer finned tubes have fewer low-temperature zones and avoid the problem of a temperature difference between the upper and lower layers. When the burner 21 of the water heater is operating at a low load, the single-layer finned tubes with fewer low-temperature zones are less likely to produce condensate, thereby reducing the risk of condensate corroding the water heater. Furthermore, the single-layer finned tubes are combined with the aforementioned heat exchange sheet 150 with relatively high heat exchange performance, thereby further improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 100 .

[0105] In one embodiment, the plurality of heat exchange tubes 140 are all elliptical tubes; and / or the plurality of heat exchange tubes 140 are at the same height on the heat exchange fins 150 .

[0106] It can be understood that the heat exchange tube 140 is an elliptical tube. Compared with the conventional circular heat exchange tube 140, the elliptical heat exchange tube 140 is more conducive to the high-temperature flue gas flowing to the back of the heat exchange tube 140 for heat exchange, and the heat exchange area per unit volume of the elliptical tube is larger than that of the circular tube, thereby effectively improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 100.

[0107] In addition, the multiple heat exchange tubes 140 are at the same height on the heat exchange plate 150, and the distance between the multiple heat exchange tubes 140 and the burner 21 is consistent. This is conducive to ensuring that the temperatures of the multiple heat exchange tubes 140 when in contact with the high-temperature flue gas are basically the same, avoiding the situation where there is a large temperature difference on the multiple heat exchange tubes 140 arranged in a single row, which easily generates condensed water, thereby helping to improve the service life of the heat exchanger 100.

[0108] Please refer to Figures 7 to 9. In one embodiment, the heat exchange plate 150 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes 151. The plurality of mounting holes 151 are arranged in a single row and are spaced apart in sequence along the length direction of the heat exchange plate 150. The plurality of heat exchange tubes 140 are correspondingly passed through the plurality of mounting holes 151 of each heat exchange plate 150. It can be understood that the multiple mounting holes 151 on the heat exchange plate 150 are arranged in a single row and spaced apart in sequence, so that the multiple heat exchange tubes 140 are also arranged in a single row after correspondingly passing through the multiple mounting holes 151 on the heat exchange plate 150. The temperature difference of the multiple heat exchange tubes 140 arranged in a single row after contacting the high-temperature flue gas is smaller. Compared with the double-row heat exchange tubes 140, the high-temperature flue gas first passes through the lower heat exchange tubes 140 and then passes through the upper heat exchange tubes 140. There is a temperature difference between the upper heat exchange tubes 140 and the lower heat exchange tubes 140, which makes it easy for the double-row heat exchange tubes 140 to generate condensed water. The multiple mounting holes 151 of this solution are arranged in a single row, and the multiple heat exchange tubes 140 are arranged in a single row, which ensures that the temperature on the multiple heat exchange tubes 140 remains consistent, reduces the risk of the multiple heat exchange tubes 140 generating condensed water and corroding the water heater, and improves the reliability of the heat exchanger 100.

[0109] In one embodiment, the plurality of mounting holes 151 are all elliptical holes; and / or, the plurality of mounting holes 151 on the heat exchange fin 150 are all the same in size and height.

[0110] It can be understood that the multiple mounting holes 151 are all elliptical holes, so that the corresponding heat exchange tubes 140 passing through the multiple mounting holes 151 are also elliptical tubes. The elliptical heat exchange tubes 140 are more conducive to the high-temperature flue gas flowing to the back of the heat exchange tubes 140 for heat exchange, and the heat exchange area per unit volume of the elliptical tubes is larger, which is beneficial to improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 100.

[0111] In addition, the multiple mounting holes 151 on the heat exchange plate 150 are the same in size and height, ensuring the consistency of the multiple mounting holes 151, and also helping to keep the size and height of the multiple heat exchange tubes 140 consistent. This helps to ensure that the temperatures of the multiple heat exchange tubes 140 when in contact with the high-temperature flue gas are basically the same, avoiding the situation where there is a large temperature difference on the multiple heat exchange tubes 140 arranged in a single row, which easily generates condensed water, thereby helping to improve the service life of the heat exchanger 100.

[0112] In one embodiment, a second flange 155 extending outward is provided on the outer periphery of the mounting hole 151. The second flange 155 can have various shapes, such as, but not limited to, a ring shape. The provision of the second flange 155 increases the interfitting area between the heat exchange tube 140 and the heat exchange fin 150, and also helps improve the stability of the connection between the heat exchange tube 140 and the heat exchange fin 150. Furthermore, the provision of the second flange 155 ensures a certain distance between adjacent heat exchange fins 150, facilitating the passage of high-temperature flue gas between the adjacent fins 150, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 100.

[0113] Please refer to Figures 8 and 9. In one embodiment, a baffle bar 152 is provided on the upper edge of the heat exchange plate 150. The middle portion of the baffle bar 152 is recessed downward to form an arc shape. The baffle bar 152 is located between any two adjacent mounting holes 151.

[0114] It is understood that the baffle bar 152 is located between any two adjacent mounting holes 151, with the middle portion of the baffle bar 152 recessed downward. A guide channel is formed between the baffle bar 152 and the heat exchange tube 140 in the adjacent mounting hole 151. The guide channel can concentrate the high-temperature flue gas to flow in the upper half of the heat exchange tube 140, that is, to concentrate the high-temperature flue gas to flow on the back of the heat exchange tube 140; it can also prevent the high-temperature flue gas from flowing directly upward, delaying the separation of the high-temperature flue gas from the heat exchange tube 140, increasing the heat exchange intensity while reducing heat loss, thereby facilitating improved heat exchange efficiency. In this embodiment, the curvature of the baffle bar is consistent with the curvature of the heat exchange tube 140 in the adjacent mounting hole 151, which is conducive to directing the high-temperature flue gas to the back of the heat exchange tube 140 for heat exchange.

[0115] In one embodiment, a guide hole 153 is provided between any two adjacent mounting holes 151 . An annular guide edge 154 is provided on the outer periphery of the guide hole 153 . The guide edge 154 is located directly below the baffle bar 152 .

[0116] It can be understood that the heat is more concentrated below the baffle bar 152. By providing a guide hole 153 directly below the baffle bar 152, local overheating of the position directly below the baffle bar 152 is avoided, which is beneficial to improving the uniformity of temperature distribution on the heat exchange plate 150; and, the outer periphery of the guide hole 153 is provided with a guide edge 154 arranged in a ring shape, and the guide edge 154 guides the gathered high-temperature flue gas to the periphery of the heat exchange tube 140. The provision of the guide edge 154 is beneficial to increasing the heat exchange area and improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0117] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 has a water inlet 11 and a water outlet 12, and the water inlet 11 and the water outlet 12 are located on the same side of the heat exchanger 100; and / or,

[0118] The number of the heat exchange tubes 140 is 6, and the 6 heat exchange tubes 140 are arranged in sequence along the length direction of the heat exchange fins 150 at intervals.

[0119] It will be appreciated that the heat exchanger 100 further includes an inlet pipe section 110 and an outlet pipe section 120. The inlet pipe section 110 is connected to the water inlet 11, and the outlet pipe section 120 is connected to the water outlet 12. The water inlet 11 and the water outlet 12 are located on the same side of the heat exchanger 100, which helps to fully utilize the space on the same side of the heat exchanger 100, improve the compactness of the water heater water circuit layout, reduce the space occupied by the water heater water circuit layout device, and thus help reduce the volume of the water heater.

[0120] In addition, the six heat exchange tubes 140 are arranged in sequence along the length direction of the heat exchange plate 150, so that the six heat exchange tubes 140 are arranged in a single row. The six heat exchange tubes 140 arranged in a single row can ensure that the temperature of the heat exchange tubes 140 when in contact with the high-temperature flue gas remains basically consistent, reducing the risk of condensation water generated by the heat exchange tubes 140 and corroding the water heater, thereby improving the reliability of the heat exchanger 100.

[0121] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 further includes two end plates 160 that are opposite to each other and spaced apart, and the plurality of heat exchange fins 150 are disposed between the two end plates 160 , and the end plates 160 are made of stainless steel.

[0122] And / or, the heat exchange tube 140 is made of stainless steel;

[0123] And / or, the heat exchange fins 150 are made of stainless steel.

[0124] It can be understood that a connecting portion 161 is provided on the end plate 160 , and every two heat exchange tubes 140 are connected through one of the connecting portions 161 . A plurality of heat exchange tubes 140 are connected through a plurality of connecting portions 161 to form a heat exchange channel.

[0125] The end plate 160 in this solution is made of stainless steel, which has good thermal conductivity, high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance. The end plate 160 in this application uses stainless steel, which makes the end plate 160 not easily corroded by condensed water, which is conducive to extending the service life.

[0126] Similarly, the heat exchange tube 140 and / or the heat exchange plate 150 are made of stainless steel, so that the heat exchange tube 140 and / or the heat exchange plate 150 are not easily corroded by condensed water, thereby making the heat exchanger 100 have better corrosion resistance, which is beneficial to improving the service life of the heat exchanger 100.

[0127] In addition, the heat exchange fins 150 and the heat exchange tubes 140 in the heat exchanger 100 are both made of stainless steel. The minimum distance between any point on the heat exchange fin 150 and the outer tube wall of the heat exchange tube 140 is no more than 3 mm, that is, the distance between the heat exchange fin 150 and the heat exchange tube 140 is relatively close. The temperature on the heat exchange fin 150 can be quickly transferred to the heat exchange tube 140, further improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 100.

[0128] It is understandable that when the size of the heat exchanger 100 is constant, a larger tube spacing between adjacent heat exchange tubes 140 will result in a reduction in the number of installed heat exchange tubes 140, thereby affecting the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 100 and the performance of the water heater.

[0129] Please refer to Figures 12 to 16. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 further includes two end plates 160 spaced apart and a plurality of heat exchange tubes 140 disposed between the two end plates 160 and spaced apart along a first direction. Each of the end plates 160 has a plurality of connecting portions 161 and a plurality of through holes 164. The outer periphery of each through hole 164 of the end plate 160 is provided with an annular protrusion 165 extending toward the other end plate 160. The end portion of each heat exchange tube 140 is inserted into one of the annular protrusions 165 and is sealedly connected to the annular protrusion 165. The connecting portion 161 has a connecting port 1611 connected to the through hole 164. Every two heat exchange tubes 140 are connected through the connecting port 1611 of one of the connecting portions 161. The plurality of heat exchange tubes 140 are connected through the plurality of connecting portions 161 to form a heat exchange channel.

[0130] It is understood that the two end plates 160 are arranged opposite each other and spaced apart along a second direction, which intersects the first direction. In this embodiment, the first direction can specifically be the width direction of the heat exchanger 100 (e.g., the front-to-back direction), and the second direction can specifically be the length direction of the heat exchanger 100 (e.g., the left-to-right direction). The two end plates 160 cooperate to support the heat exchanger 100, and the connecting portions 161 on the two end plates 160 also function as water boxes, connecting multiple independent heat exchange tubes 140 in series to form a tortuous heat exchange channel. This arrangement eliminates the need for a bend structure on the outer sides of the two end plates 160 to connect two adjacent heat exchange tubes 140, simplifying the assembly process and improving production efficiency.

[0131] Furthermore, a plurality of through holes 164 are provided on the end plate 160, and an annular protrusion 165 is provided on the outer periphery of the through hole 164. The annular protrusion 165 is provided on the side of the end plate 160 facing the other end plate 160, that is, the annular protrusion 165 is provided on the side of the end plate 160 facing the heat exchange plate 150. This not only facilitates the insertion of the end of the heat exchange tube 140 into the annular protrusion 165, but also facilitates the sealed connection between the heat exchange tube 140 and the annular protrusion 165. The sealing connection method includes but is not limited to: welding sealing, or filling and sealing with a seal 222. In this embodiment, the heat exchange tube 140 is welded and sealed with the annular protrusion 165 sleeved on the outside of its end, which not only simplifies the assembly process but also ensures the stability of the seal.

[0132] Please refer to Figures 15 and 16. In one embodiment, the connecting portion 161 connecting the two heat exchange tubes 140 is defined as a first connecting portion 1612. The maximum opening width of the connecting port 1611 of the first connecting portion 1612 along the first direction is W1. The maximum width of the two annular protrusions 165 on the outside of the two heat exchange tubes 140 connected to the first connecting portion 1612 along the first direction is W2, and W1≤W2.

[0133] It can be understood that the annular protrusion 165 in this solution is arranged on the side of the end plate 160 facing the heat exchange tube 140, and the side of the end plate 160 facing away from the heat exchange tube 140 does not need to be provided with a connecting part adapted to the connecting part 161, that is, the side of the end plate 160 facing away from the heat exchange tube 140 does not need to be provided with an annular protrusion 165 adapted to the connecting part 161, and every two heat exchange tubes 140 are connected through a connecting port 1611 of a connecting part 161, W1 is less than or equal to W2, which means that the annular protrusion 165 in this solution does not occupy the internal space of the connecting port 1611 of the first connecting part 1612, which is conducive to reducing the width dimension of the connecting port 1611 of the first connecting part 1612 along the first direction, and the width dimension of the first connecting part 1612 along the first direction can be reduced, that is, the width dimension of the first connecting part 1612 can be reduced. The reduction in the width of the first connecting portion 1612 is beneficial to reducing the tube spacing between the two heat exchange tubes 140 connected to the first connecting portion 1612, so that the heat exchanger 100 can increase the number of heat exchange tubes 140 within a certain width size range, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 100, that is, improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange system 10.

[0134] It can be seen that W1≤W2, that is, the annular protrusion 165 is connected to the end of the heat exchange tube 140, and the annular protrusion 165 does not occupy the internal space of the communication port 1611 of the first communication portion 1612, thereby reducing the opening width of the communication port 1611 of the first communication portion 1612 along the first direction, that is, reducing the width of the first communication portion 1612 along the first direction, thereby reducing the tube spacing between the two heat exchange tubes 140 connected to the first communication portion 1612. The reduced tube spacing between the two heat exchange tubes 140 is beneficial for arranging more heat exchange tubes 140 in the first direction when the size of the heat exchanger 100 is constant. The increase in the number of heat exchange tubes 140 can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 100. Therefore, the technical solution of the present application is beneficial for reducing the tube spacing between the two heat exchange tubes 140, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 100, that is, improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange system 10.

[0135] Please refer to Figures 1, 5 and 12. In one embodiment, the end plate 160 includes a first plate body 162 and a second plate body 163. The first plate body 162 is provided with the through hole 164, and the second plate body 163 is provided with the connecting portion 161. The second plate body 163 is provided on the side of the first plate body 162 facing away from the heat exchange tube 140 and is sealed with the first plate body 162.

[0136] It is understood that the connecting portion 161 on the second plate 163 can be formed by stamping into a groove. The side of the second plate 163 facing away from the connecting opening 1611 can be flat, or it can be a raised portion. This is not a limitation and will be described in detail later. The connecting opening 1611 of the connecting portion 161 is connected to the through hole 164 on the first plate 162. The heat exchange tube 140 is connected to the through hole 164 on the first plate 162, thereby connecting the heat exchange tube 140 to the connecting portion 161. The second plate 163 is arranged on the side of the first plate 162 facing away from the heat exchange tube 140, so as to facilitate the sealed connection between the second plate 163 and the first plate 162. The second plate 163 and the heat exchange tube 140 do not interfere with each other. The sealing connection method includes but is not limited to: the second plate 163 is welded and sealed with the first plate 162 as a whole, or the whole is filled and sealed through the sealing member 222. This is conducive to simplifying the assembly process. There is no need to configure a bend structure for every two heat exchange tubes 140. The sealing connection is performed through the entire second plate 163, which is conducive to improving assembly efficiency.

[0137] In one embodiment, the second plate body 163 has a first plate surface facing the first plate body 162 and a second plate surface facing away from the first plate body 162. The first plate surface is recessed toward the second plate surface to form the connecting portion 161. With this configuration, the connecting portion 161 is formed by the second plate body 163 being recessed toward the second plate surface into a groove-like shape. This groove-like shape can be formed by stamping. In other words, the connecting portion 161 can be formed by stamping the second body. This makes the connecting portion 161 easier to form, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the end plate 160.

[0138] Referring to Figure 14 , in one embodiment, the second plate surface is raised in a direction away from the first plate surface, so that the communication portion 161 forms a convex bump 166 on the second plate surface. It is understood that when the second plate body 163 is thicker, it is more difficult to form the groove-shaped communication portion 161 by stamping. In this embodiment, the second plate body 163 is thinner, so that when the second plate body 163 is stamped, the convex bump 166 is formed on the second plate surface facing away from the first plate body 162. This convex bump 166 structure not only facilitates the stamping of the communication portion 161, but also helps reduce the material consumption of the second plate body 163, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0139] In one embodiment, the convex bump 166 and the second plate 163 are integrally formed, and the connecting portion 161 and the convex bump 166 are stamped. It will be appreciated that, in contrast to welding the convex bump 166 to the second plate 163, in this embodiment, both the convex bump 166 and the connecting portion 161 are stamped from the second plate 163. This not only enhances the strength of the second plate 163 but also simplifies the manufacturing process of the connecting portion 161, avoiding the problem of a loose seal when sealing the convex bump 166 to the second plate 163 (e.g., by welding), thereby improving the reliability of the second body.

[0140] In one embodiment, one of the plurality of communication portions 161 is provided with a water inlet 11, and another of the communication portions 161 is provided with a water outlet 12. The heat exchanger 100 further includes a water inlet pipe section 110 and a water outlet pipe section 120. The water inlet pipe section 110 is in communication with the water inlet 11, and the water outlet pipe section 120 is in communication with the water outlet 12. The water inlet 11 and the water outlet 12 are located on the same side of the heat exchanger 100. This arrangement facilitates full utilization of the space on the same side of the heat exchanger 100, improves the compactness of the water circuit layout of the water heater, reduces the space occupied by the water circuit layout device of the water heater, and thus helps reduce the volume of the water heater.

[0141] Please refer to Figures 1, 5 and 12. In one embodiment, the periphery of the first plate body 162 is provided with a first flange 1621 extending back to the other end plate 160 and arranged in a ring shape. The first flange 1621 and the first plate body 162 are surrounded to form a receiving groove 167. The second plate body 163 is arranged in the receiving groove 167, and the periphery of the second plate body 163 is sealed with the first plate body 162 and / or the first flange 1621.

[0142] It is understood that a receiving groove 167 is formed on the side of the first plate 162 facing the second plate 163, and the second plate 163 is disposed in the receiving groove 167 to facilitate quick positioning and installation of the second plate 163. The periphery of the second plate 163 can be welded and sealed to the first plate 162, and the periphery of the second plate 163 can also be welded and sealed to the first flange 1621. Of course, the periphery of the second plate 163 can also be welded and sealed at the connection between the first plate 162 and the first flange 1621, and the specific details are not limited here. By sealing the periphery of the second plate 163 with the first plate 162 and / or the first flange 1621, multiple connecting portions 161 are formed on the second plate 163. The connecting portions 161 do not need to be welded to the heat exchange tubes 140. Compared to the need to weld a bend structure for every two heat exchange tubes 140, this solution can simplify the assembly process of the heat exchanger 100 and improve production efficiency.

[0143] When the water heater is working, cold water enters the heat exchange tube 140, and the high-temperature flue gas flows upward. The lowermost end of the heat exchange tube 140 first contacts the high-temperature flue gas. The lowermost end of the heat exchange tube 140 is the fire-facing end. The fire-facing end of the heat exchange tube 140 is prone to local high-temperature vaporization and generates noise, thereby affecting the silent performance index of the water heater.

[0144] In order to reduce the vaporization noise of the heat exchange tube 140, please refer to Figures 7, 10 and 11. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 also includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes 140 arranged in sequence along the first direction. At least one of the heat exchange tubes 140 is provided with a spoiler 170 for disturbing the water flow. The spoiler 170 includes a spoiler body 171 and two support parts 172. The top ends of the two support parts 172 are connected to the spoiler body 171, and the bottom ends of the two support parts 172 are spaced apart and respectively supported on the inner wall of the heat exchange tube 140.

[0145] It is understood that each heat exchange tube 140 may be provided with a spoiler 170. Of course, spoilers 170 may also be provided in only one or a portion of the heat exchange tubes 140 as needed, and the specific embodiment is not limited here. In this embodiment, each heat exchange tube 140 may be provided with a spoiler 170. The spoiler 170 can extend the flow path of the water within the heat exchange tube 140, enhance the turbulent effect, and increase the contact time between the high-temperature flue gas and the water, thereby ensuring more efficient heat exchange between the high-temperature flue gas and the water.

[0146] Furthermore, the spoiler 170 includes a spoiler body 171 and two supporting parts 172. The spoiler body 171 is connected to the top ends of the two supporting parts 172, so that the spoiler 170 is roughly arranged in a "human" shape. The bottom ends of the two supporting parts 172 are arranged at intervals and respectively supported on the inner wall surface of the fire-facing end of the heat exchange tube 140. The two supporting parts 172 increase the contact area with the inner wall surface of the fire-facing end of the heat exchange tube 140, destroy the flow boundary layer of the inner wall surface of the fire-facing end of the heat exchange tube 140, thereby increasing the contact time between the high-temperature flue gas and water, which is beneficial to increasing the temperature of the water flow in the heat exchange tube 140, that is, strengthening the heat transfer inside the fire-facing end of the heat exchange tube 140, thereby reducing the noise generated by local overheating and vaporization at the fire-facing end of the heat exchange tube 140. It can be seen that this solution increases the turbulent effect on water by providing the spoiler 170, destroys the flow boundary layer on the inner wall surface of the fire-facing end of the heat exchange tube 140, and makes the heat exchange between the water flow and the high-temperature flue gas more sufficient, thereby reducing the vaporization noise of the heat exchange tube 140.

[0147] Furthermore, one of the two support portions 172 includes a plurality of first support legs 176, and the other support portion 172 includes a plurality of second support legs 177. The plurality of first support legs 176 and the plurality of second support legs 177 are alternately arranged along the length of the spoiler 170. The plurality of first support legs 176 are tilted toward one side of the spoiler body 171, and the plurality of second support legs 177 are tilted toward the other side of the spoiler body 171. This arrangement allows the plurality of first support legs 176 and the plurality of second support legs 177 to be stably supported on the inner wall of the heat exchange tube 140 and enhance the spoiler effect.

[0148] On the axial projection of the heat exchange tube 140, the first support leg 176 and the second support leg 177 form an acute angle. This arrangement allows the bottom ends of the first support leg 176 and the second support leg 177 to be closer together, and each is closer to the bottommost end of the fire-facing end of the heat exchange tube 140. This facilitates disrupting the flow boundary layer on the inner wall of the fire-facing end of the heat exchange tube 140, enhancing heat transfer inside the fire-facing end of the heat exchange tube 140 and reducing noise generated by localized overheating and vaporization at the fire-facing end of the heat exchange tube 140.

[0149] Of course, in other embodiments, on the axial projection surface of the heat exchange tube 140, the first support leg 176 and the second support leg 177 form an angle, and the angle is a right angle or an obtuse angle, which is not specifically limited here.

[0150] Referring to Figures 10 and 11 , in one embodiment, the spoiler body 171 is provided with a plurality of spoiler holes 173 , which are spaced apart along the length of the heat exchange tube 140 . The spoiler 170 has a water-facing end. An outwardly inclined spoiler 174 is provided on an edge of each spoiler hole 173 away from the water-facing end, with two adjacent spoiler fins 174 located on either side of the spoiler body 171 .

[0151] And / or, a spoiler ridge 175 extending toward the water-facing end is provided on the hole wall of at least one of the spoiler holes 173 .

[0152] It is understood that each spoiler hole 173 is provided with an outwardly inclined spoiler 174, and each spoiler 174 is located at the edge of the spoiler hole 173 away from the water-facing end, which can enhance the flow disturbance effect and prevent water from scaling in the heat exchange tube 140. Two adjacent spoilers 174 are located on both sides of the spoiler body 171, which can further enhance the flow disturbance effect.

[0153] In addition, a spoiler ridge 175 is provided in the spoiler hole 173, and the spoiler ridge 175 extends toward the water-facing end of the spoiler 170. When the water flows through the spoiler hole 173, the spoiler ridge 175 blocks the water flow to extend the flow path of the water flow in the heat exchange tube 140, further enhancing the spoiler effect, thereby further reducing the vaporization noise of the heat exchange tube 140.

[0154] In one embodiment, a spoiler ridge 175 is provided on the top wall and / or the bottom wall of the spoiler hole 173. With such a configuration, when water passes through the spoiler hole 173, the spoiler ridge 175 provided on the top wall of the spoiler hole 173 and / or the spoiler ridge 175 provided on the bottom wall of the spoiler hole 173 increase the spoiler effect of the spoiler 170, so that the heat exchange between the water flow and the high-temperature flue gas is more sufficient, and the vaporization noise of the heat exchange tube 140 is further reduced.

[0155] In one embodiment, the annular protrusion 165 is provided in an elliptical ring shape, and the end of the heat exchange tube 140 passes through the annular protrusion 165 and extends into the through hole 164;

[0156] And / or, the through hole 164 is elliptical in shape.

[0157] It is understood that the annular protrusion 165 is elliptical in shape to facilitate compatibility with the elliptical heat exchange tube 140. When the end of the elliptical heat exchange tube 140 is inserted into the annular protrusion 165, the outer wall of the heat exchange tube 140 can fit tightly against the inner wall of the annular protrusion 165, facilitating a sealed connection between the heat exchange tube 140 and the annular protrusion 165. In addition, the end of the heat exchange tube 140 passes through the annular protrusion 165 and extends into the through hole 164, increasing the contact area between the heat exchange tube 140 and the end plate 160, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the heat exchange tube 140 and the end plate 160.

[0158] In addition, the through hole 164 is elliptical in shape to facilitate adaptation to the elliptical heat exchange tube 140, that is, the end of the elliptical heat exchange tube 140 extends into the through hole 164 and fits tightly with the end plate 160, so that multiple through holes 164 are compactly arranged on the end plate 160, which is conducive to reducing the tube spacing between the two heat exchange tubes 140.

[0159] In one embodiment, the length of the bypass tube 213 is no greater than 100 mm. With this configuration, the bypass tube 213 is relatively short, allowing the cold water in the first tube 211 to be quickly transported through the shorter bypass tube 213 to the second tube 212 for mixing with the hot water in the second tube 212. The control component 220 of the flow valve 200 can easily and precisely control the water flow through the bypass tube 213, thereby ensuring that the heat exchange system 10 has a faster bypass response speed and a more accurate bypass ratio. Furthermore, the shorter length of the bypass tube 213 helps improve the structural stability of the entire flow valve 200, preventing deformation of the bypass tube 213 due to its length after long-term use, which could affect the bypass ratio and bypass response speed. This improves the stability of the heat exchange system 10. It can be seen that when the heat exchange system 10 of the present application is applied to a water heater, the bypass response speed of the heat exchange system 10 is relatively fast, and the control component 220 of the flow valve 200 can easily accurately control the water flow rate of the bypass pipe body 213, which is beneficial to ensure the stability of the water outlet temperature of the water heater.

[0160] 1 to 4 , in one embodiment, the first tube 211 and the second tube 212 extend in parallel and are spaced apart, and the bypass tube 213 is a straight tube structure with both ends connected to the peripheral wall of the first tube 211 and the peripheral wall of the second tube 212 , respectively.

[0161] It should be understood that the parallel extension of the first tube body 211 and the second tube body 212 means that the axis of the first tube body 211 is parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of the second tube body 212. The bypass tube body 213 is a straight tube structure and is connected between the first tube body 211 and the second tube body 212. This straight tube structure helps shorten the water flow path and improve the smoothness of water flow, and also facilitates the processing of the flow valve 200. The axis of the bypass tube body 213 can be perpendicular to or obliquely intersecting with the axis of the first tube body 211 (or the second tube body 212), so that the valve body 210 generally presents an "H"-shaped valve or "N"-shaped valve structure. This provides a regular overall structure for the valve body 210, making it suitable for connection with the water inlet pipe section 110 and the water outlet pipe section 120 of the heat exchanger 100, which helps shorten the length of the bypass tube body 213 and reduce the overall volume of the water heater. The control component 220 is disposed on the peripheral wall of the bypass tube body 213 to control the bypass flow channel.

[0162] In one embodiment, the axis of the bypass tube 213 is perpendicular to the axes of the first tube 211 and the second tube 212. This arrangement provides the valve body 210 with a generally H-shaped structure. This helps ensure that the length of the bypass tube 213 is less than or equal to 100 mm during manufacturing. Furthermore, the overall structure of the valve body 210 is regular and well-arranged, which reduces the manufacturing difficulty of the valve body 210.

[0163] In one embodiment, the control component 220 is solely a solenoid valve or a proportional valve. Specifically, the control component 220 is solely a solenoid valve, which controls the on / off state of the bypass tube 213, thereby facilitating the miniaturization of the flow valve 200. Alternatively, the control component 220 is solely a proportional valve, which adjusts the water flow rate through the bypass tube 213, thereby adjusting the bypass ratio, thereby facilitating the miniaturization of the flow valve 200. In one embodiment, the control component 220 is solely a solenoid valve, specifically a normally closed solenoid valve.

[0164] Referring to Figure 1 , in one embodiment, the water inlet pipe section 110, the water outlet pipe section 120, the first pipe body 211, the second pipe body 212, and the bypass pipe body 213 are all located on the same side of the heat exchanger 100. This arrangement makes the arrangement of the heat exchanger 100 and the flow valve 200 more compact, ensuring a shorter length of the bypass pipe body 213. This helps to improve the compactness of the water path arrangement of the heat exchange system 10 and reduce the space occupied by the heat exchange system 10. When the heat exchange system 10 is used in a water heater, it helps to reduce the volume of the water heater.

[0165] In one embodiment, the control component 220 is located within the area formed by the heat exchanger 100, the first tube 211, the bypass tube 213, and the second tube 212. Specifically, the two ends of the bypass tube 213 are connected to the middle of the first tube 211 and the middle of the second tube 212, respectively. The flow valve 200 has an H-valve structure, and the control component 220 is located on the peripheral wall of the bypass tube 213 and between the first tube 211 and the second tube 212. This allows the control component 220 to be fully utilized within the cavity created by the flow valve 200 itself to accommodate the control component 220, further improving the overall structure's compactness and reducing space usage. In one embodiment, the control component 220 is located on the side of the bypass tube 213 facing the heat exchanger 100.

[0166] In one embodiment, the centerline of the control component 220 is parallel to the axis of the first tube body 211 and the axis of the second tube body 212, and is perpendicular to the windward surface of the heat exchanger 100. It is understood that the windward surface of the heat exchanger 100 specifically refers to the side of the heat exchanger 100 opposite the burner 21. The centerline of the control component 220 is parallel to the axis of the first tube body 211 and the axis of the second tube body 212. The first tube body 211, the second tube body 212, and the control component 220 extend in the same direction, making the structural layout of the entire flow valve 200 more regular. The extension direction of the control component 220 is perpendicular to the windward surface of the heat exchanger 100, making the arrangement of the flow valve 200 and the heat exchanger 100 more regular, which helps to reduce the occupied space.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, the distance between the centerline of the control component 220 and the axis of the first tube 211 is L1, and the distance between the centerline of the control component 220 and the axis of the second tube 212 is L2, where L1 is smaller than L2. This arrangement allows the control component 220 to be closer to the first tube 211 and farther from the second tube 212. When used in a water heater, the first tube 211 is a cold water pipe for transporting cold water, and the second tube 212 is a hot water pipe for transporting hot water. This allows the control component 220 to be positioned away from the hot water pipe (i.e., the second tube 212), preventing damage to the control component 220 from heat radiated from the hot water pipe. Furthermore, positioning the control component 220 closer to the cold water pipe (i.e., the first tube 211) facilitates heat dissipation within the control component 220, extending its service life.

[0168] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 includes a heat exchanger body 130 having a water inlet 11 and a water outlet 12. The water inlet pipe section 110 is in communication with the water inlet 11, and the water outlet pipe section 120 is in communication with the water outlet 12. The distance between the flow valve 200 and the heat exchanger body 130 is no less than 60 mm. This arrangement ensures sufficient distance between the flow valve 200 and the heat exchanger body 130, preventing damage to the valve body 210 and control component 220 of the flow valve 200 from long-term heat radiation from the heat exchanger body 130, thereby extending the service life of the flow valve 200. For example, the distance between the flow valve 200 and the heat exchanger body 130 can be 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, etc.

[0169] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger body 130 includes two end plates 160 spaced apart and a plurality of heat exchange tubes 140 disposed between the two end plates 160 and spaced apart along a first direction. The two end plates 160 are respectively provided with a connecting portion 161 corresponding to each heat exchange tube 140. The plurality of heat exchange tubes 140 are connected through the plurality of connecting portions 161 to form a tortuous heat exchange channel. The water inlet 11 and the water outlet 12 are both provided on one of the end plates 160, and the heat exchange channel connects the water inlet 11 and the water outlet 12.

[0170] It is understandable that the two end plates 160 are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart along the second direction, and the first direction intersects the second direction. The first direction can specifically be the width direction of the heat exchanger body 130 (for example, the front-to-back direction), and the second direction can specifically be the length direction of the heat exchanger body 130 (for example, the left-to-right direction). The two end plates 160 work together to support the heat exchanger body 130, and the connecting parts 161 on the two end plates 160 also act as a water box to connect multiple independent heat exchange tubes 140 in series to form a tortuous heat exchange channel; in this way, there is no need to set a bend structure on the outside of the two end plates 160 to connect two adjacent heat exchange tubes 140, which can simplify the assembly process and improve production efficiency.

[0171] Specifically, each end plate 160 includes a first plate 162 and a second plate 163 that cooperate with each other, wherein the first plate 162 is located on the side of the second plate 163 facing the heat exchange tube 140. The second plate 163 is recessed in a direction away from the first plate 162 to form the connecting portion 161. The second plate 163 has a first plate surface facing the first plate 162 and a second plate surface facing away from the first plate 162. The second plate surface is raised in a direction away from the first plate surface, so that the connecting portion 161 forms a convex bump 166 on the second plate surface, making the interior of the connecting portion 161 hollow. The first plate 162 is provided with a through hole 164, and the end of the heat exchange tube 140 is inserted into the through hole 164 and connected to the connecting portion 161. Every two heat exchange tubes 140 are connected through a connecting port 1611 of the connecting portion 161. The first plate 162 and the second plate 163 are fixed together, including but not limited to, by welding, screw connection, etc. In one embodiment, the periphery of the first plate body 162 is provided with a flange, and the periphery of the second plate body 163 is provided with a folded edge opposite to the flange of the first plate body 162. The folded edge and the flange are abutted and matched to improve the assembly reliability of the first plate body 162 and the second plate body 163.

[0172] The multiple heat exchange tubes 140 are arranged in a single row of heat exchange tubes 140 along the width direction (e.g., the front-to-back direction) of the heat exchanger body 130. The single row of heat exchange tubes 140 is perpendicular to the direction of flue gas flow. This allows the high-temperature flue gas generated by the burner 21 to flow upward from bottom to top and fully contact the single row of heat exchange tubes 140 for heat exchange, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger body 130 further includes a plurality of heat exchange fins 150 arranged between the two end plates 160. The multiple heat exchange fins 150 are arranged side by side, and each heat exchange tube 140 is inserted into the heat exchange fins 150. The provision of multiple heat exchange fins 150 further increases the heat exchange area and improves heat exchange efficiency.

[0173] In one embodiment, the water inlet 11 and the water outlet 12 are located on the same side of the heat exchanger body 130 in the length direction, and the water inlet 11 and the water outlet 12 are spaced apart along the width direction of the heat exchanger body 130 .

[0174] It is understood that the length direction of the heat exchanger body 130 can specifically be the left-right direction, and the width direction of the heat exchanger body 130 can specifically be the front-to-back direction. The water inlet 11 and the water outlet 12 are located on the same side of the heat exchanger body 130 in the length direction, and the water inlet pipe section 110 and the water outlet pipe section 120 can be arranged on the same side of the heat exchanger body 130 in the length direction. This facilitates full utilization of the space on the same side of the heat exchanger body 130 in the length direction and also facilitates the installation of the flow valve 200. Furthermore, the water inlet 11 and the water outlet 12 are spaced apart along the width direction of the heat exchanger body 130, and the water inlet pipe section 110 and the water outlet pipe section 120 can be arranged side by side along the width direction of the heat exchanger body 130, thereby fully utilizing the space along the width direction of the heat exchanger body 130. In addition, the water inlet 11 and the water outlet 12 are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the heat exchanger body 130, and the distance between the water inlet 11 and the water outlet 12 is as large as possible, so that the length of the heat exchange channel connected between the water inlet 11 and the water outlet 12 can be extended as much as possible, so that the water in the heat exchange channel can fully exchange heat with the high-temperature flue gas generated by the burner 21, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0175] In one embodiment, the first tube body 211 and the second tube body 212 are both extended along the third direction, and the bypass tube body 213 is extended along the fourth direction. The two ends of the bypass tube body 213 are respectively connected to the middle of the first tube body 211 and the middle of the second tube body 212. The bypass tube body 213 is provided with a mounting seat 218 on one side of the third direction for mounting the control component 220; wherein the third direction intersects with the fourth direction.

[0176] In this embodiment, when the heat exchange system 10 is applied to a water heater, since the cold water inlet pipe 23 and the hot water outlet pipe 24 of the water heater extend along the height of the water heater, the third direction is correspondingly the height of the water heater. This allows the first tube 211 and the second tube 212 to form vertical pipes extending along the height of the water heater. This facilitates serial connection of the first tube 211 and the second tube 212 with the cold water inlet pipe 23 and the hot water outlet pipe 24, respectively, and improves the smooth installation of the flow valve 200. The fourth direction can be the thickness direction of the water heater (e.g., the front-to-back direction) or the width direction of the water heater (e.g., the left-to-right direction). The third direction and the fourth direction can be perpendicular to each other or have a certain inclination angle. Since the bypass pipe 213 is relatively short, in one embodiment, the fourth direction is the thickness direction of the water heater, which facilitates full utilization of the space in the thickness direction of the water heater and reduces the width of the water heater.

[0177] Please refer to Figure 4. In one embodiment, the bypass tube body 213 includes a first bypass section 214 and a second bypass section 215 separated from each other. The peripheral wall of the bypass tube body 213 is provided with a first water outlet 216 and a second water outlet 217. The first bypass section 214 connects the first tube body 211 and the first water outlet 216, and the second bypass section 215 connects the second water outlet 217 and the second tube body 212. The control component 220 includes a drive assembly 221 and a seal 222. The drive assembly 221 cooperates with the seal 222 to connect or disconnect the first water outlet 216 and the second water outlet 217.

[0178] In this embodiment, a partition is provided within the bypass tube body 213, dividing the bypass tube body 213 into a first bypass section 214 and a second bypass section 215. A first water outlet 216 and a second water outlet 217 are provided on the peripheral wall of the bypass tube body 213, corresponding to opposite sides of the partition. When the bypass tube body 213 needs to be closed, the driving end of the driving assembly 221 abuts against the sealing member 222. At this point, the driving assembly 221 and the sealing member 222 cooperate to block the first water outlet 216 and the second water outlet 217, thereby ensuring a tight seal. Once water in the first tube body 211 enters the first bypass section 214, it cannot be transported further to the second bypass section 215. When the bypass tube body 213 needs to be opened, the driving component 221 can drive the sealing member 222 away from the peripheral wall of the bypass tube body 213 so that the first water outlet 216 and the second water outlet 217 are connected, or the driving end of the driving component 221 can be moved away from the sealing member 222 so that the sealing member 222 produces a certain displacement or deformation under the water flow pressure so that the first water outlet 216 and the second water outlet 217 are connected. At this time, the first bypass section 214 is connected to the second bypass section 215, thereby realizing the bypass water mixing function.

[0179] In one embodiment, the bypass tube body 213 is provided with a mounting seat 218 for mounting the drive assembly 221. The mounting seat 218 is provided with a recessed groove for accommodating the sealing member 222. The bottom wall of the recessed groove is provided with the first water outlet 216 and the second water outlet 217. The drive assembly 221 includes a drive member and a push rod 223 drivingly connected to the drive member. The drive member blocks the top opening of the recessed groove. The push rod 223 extends toward the sealing member 222, and the drive member is configured to drive the push rod 223 to retract. When the push rod 223 is extended, it abuts against the sealing member 222 to seal the first water outlet 216 and the second water outlet 217. When the push rod 223 is retracted, a water flow channel is defined between the sealing member 222 and the bypass tube body 213, connecting the first water outlet 216 and the second water outlet 217.

[0180] In this embodiment, the driver is fixed to the mounting base 218 and seals the top opening of the trough. The sealing member 222 is located within the sealed cavity defined by the driver and the bypass tube 213, preventing water from leaking out of the bypass tube 213 and potentially damaging the driver. When the bypass tube 213 needs to be closed, the push rod 223 abuts against the sealing member 222 to seal the first and second water inlets 216 and 217. At this point, the push rod 223 exerts a certain amount of pressure on the sealing member 222, preventing the sealing member 222 from shifting under the water pressure and losing its sealing function. The sealing member 222 can be specifically implemented as a flexible diaphragm. When the bypass tube 213 needs to be opened, the push rod 223 retracts and separates from the sealing member 222. Under the pressure of the water flow within the bypass tube 213, the sealing member 222 moves toward a side away from the bypass tube 213 or partially deforms. A water flow channel is formed between the sealing member 222 and the bypass tube 213, connecting the first water port 216 with the second water port 217. There are various ways in which the driver can drive the push rod 223 to achieve telescopic movement. For example, in this embodiment, the control component 220 is simply a solenoid valve, which facilitates miniaturization. Accordingly, the driver can be the solenoid coil of the solenoid valve, and the push rod 223 can be the iron core disposed within the solenoid coil. When the solenoid coil is energized, the iron core is driven to move. Of course, in other embodiments, the driver can also employ other mechanical structures to drive the push rod 223 to achieve telescopic movement.

[0181] In one embodiment, an extension portion 219 is provided on a side of the first tube body 211 away from the bypass tube body 213, and the extension portion 219 is provided with an external port opposite to and connected to the bypass tube body 213. The valve body 210 also includes a sealing plug detachably connected to the extension portion 219, and the sealing plug is used to open or block the external port.

[0182] It is understandable that the extension portion 219 is a hollow cylindrical structure extending from the peripheral wall of the first tube body 211 toward the side away from the bypass tube body 213, and the inner cavity of the extension portion 219 forms an external port. When manufacturing the valve body 210, a drilling tool can be inserted into the valve body 210 through the external port to facilitate processing a bypass flow channel for the bypass tube body 213 inside the valve body 210. When the flow valve 200 is in normal use, the external port is blocked by a sealing plug, which can prevent water in the valve body 210 from leaking from the external port. In addition, the external port can also serve as another connecting port of the valve body 210. When it is necessary to connect to other pipelines, the sealing plug can be removed from the external port to expand the number of connecting ports of the valve body 210.

[0183] In order to ensure the sealing reliability between the sealing plug and the extension part 219, in one embodiment, a sealing ring is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the sealing plug. When the sealing plug blocks the external port, the sealing ring is squeezed and deformed to seal with the inner peripheral surface of the extension part 219.

[0184] In some embodiments, the flow valve 200 also includes a flow sensor provided in the first tube body 211, and the flow sensor is used to detect the water inlet flow of the first tube body 211; and / or, the flow valve 200 also includes a temperature sensor provided in the first tube body 211, and the temperature sensor is used to detect the water inlet temperature of the first tube body 211.

[0185] It is understandable that the first tube body 211 of the flow valve 200 can be used as a mounting carrier for a flow sensor and / or a temperature sensor, making the flow valve 200 more integrated and more versatile. It is no longer necessary to install a flow sensor and / or a temperature sensor on the cold water inlet pipe 23 of the water heater, which is beneficial to reducing the number of parts to be assembled, improving assembly efficiency, and reducing costs. It can also reduce the risk of water leakage caused by the assembly of parts. When the heat exchange system 10 is applied to a water heater, the installation position of the flow valve 200 can be set closer to the water inlet end of the cold water inlet pipe 23 of the water heater (that is, replacing the original installation position of the flow sensor and / or temperature sensor). The flow valve 200 is away from the heat radiation area formed by the burner 21, avoiding damage to the electronic components integrated in the flow valve 200 due to heat radiation, and extending the service life of the flow valve 200.

[0186] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 and the flow valve 200 enclose a housing space for accommodating the burner 21. It will be understood that the heat exchanger 100 includes a heat exchanger body 130 extending laterally, and an inlet pipe section 110 and an outlet pipe section 120 extending downward from the same side of the heat exchanger body 130. The flow valve 200 is connected to the bottom ends of the inlet pipe section 110 and the outlet pipe section 120. The heat exchange system 10 as a whole exhibits an inverted "L"-shaped structure. The heat exchanger 100 and the flow valve 200 enclose a semi-open housing space that can be used to accommodate the burner 21 of the water heater. When the heat exchange system 10 is applied to a water heater, the burner 21 is accommodated in the accommodating space, making the burner 21 and the heat exchange system 10 more compact, which is conducive to full utilization of space and reducing the overall volume of the water heater. At the same time, the high-temperature flue gas generated by the burner 21 flows upward and can fully contact with the heat exchanger body 130 located above for heat exchange, thereby improving heating efficiency.

[0187] In one embodiment, the valve body 210 is provided with a connection portion, which is used to connect and securely attach to the back plate of the water heater. It is understood that when the heat exchange system 10 is applied to a water heater, the heat exchange system 10 is installed within the water heater housing. The water heater housing includes a first side plate, a second side plate, and a back plate connected between the first and second side plates. The back plate is located on the side of the water heater closest to the wall and is used to securely attach the water heater to the wall. The valve body 210 is connected and secured to the back plate via the connection portion, allowing the flow valve 200 to be stably mounted on the back plate, preventing the flow valve 200 from shaking during operation of the water heater, thereby ensuring the operational reliability of the flow valve 200. The connection portion can be provided on the first tube body 211 or the bypass tube body 213, or on both the first tube body 211 and the bypass tube body 213, or on the second tube body 212. The specific location of the connection portion on the valve body 210 is not limited. The connection portion and the back plate are secured using, but not limited to, snap-fit ​​connections or fasteners.

[0188] In one embodiment, the valve body 210 and the connecting portion are integrally formed, and the connecting portion is connected and fixed to the back plate by fasteners; and / or the valve body 210 and the connecting portion are plastic parts. Such an arrangement, i.e., the valve body 210 and the connecting portion are integrally injection-molded, makes the flow valve 200 easy to manufacture and has a stable structure. Furthermore, the connecting portion is integrally injection-molded on one side of the valve body 210 close to the back plate (e.g., the circumferential side of the first tube 211), and corresponding assembly holes for fasteners (e.g., screws, or pins, etc.) are provided on the connecting portion and the back plate. The connecting portion is connected and fixed to the back plate by fasteners, and the assembly is simple, convenient, stable and reliable.

[0189] The present application also proposes a water heater, which includes the aforementioned heat exchange system 10. The specific structure of the heat exchange system 10 refers to the above-mentioned embodiment. Since this water heater adopts all the technical solutions of all the above-mentioned embodiments, it at least has all the effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above-mentioned embodiments, which will not be described one by one here.

[0190] Referring to Figures 1 and 17 , in one embodiment, the water heater includes a heat exchange system 10, a burner 21, a fan 22, a cold water inlet pipe 23, and a hot water outlet pipe 24. The heat exchange system 10 includes a heat exchanger 100 and a flow valve 200 connected to the heat exchanger 100. The burner 21 is disposed below the heat exchanger 100. The fan 22 is disposed below the burner 21. The cold water inlet pipe 23 is connected to the water inlet end of a first pipe body 211 of the flow valve 200. The hot water outlet pipe 24 is connected to the water outlet end of a second pipe body 212 of the flow valve 200. The control component 220 of the flow valve 200 can be electrically connected to the control system of the water heater in a wired or wireless manner. The control system sends corresponding control instructions to the control component 220 according to the working status of the water heater, and then the water flow rate of the bypass pipe body 213 can be controlled through the control component 220, so that the bypass mixed water volume of the water heater can be adjusted according to the actual working conditions to meet different application scenarios, and thus can effectively improve the problems of start-stop constant temperature difference, high vaporization noise, low thermal efficiency, etc. of traditional water heaters.

[0191] For example, when the water heater is operating normally, the control component 220 controls the closure of the bypass pipe body 213. At this time, the highest temperature in the heat exchange tube 140 of the heat exchanger 100 is the set temperature of the water heater. In this way, the risk of vaporization noise can be greatly reduced, and the thermal efficiency of the heat exchanger 100 will not be affected. It can also extend the service life of the heat exchanger 100.

[0192] After the water heater shuts off, the control unit 220 opens the bypass pipe 213 and, depending on actual operating conditions, closes it within a few seconds of startup. At this point, some of the cold water in the first pipe 211 is transported through the bypass pipe 213 to the outlet pipe section 120. This cold water mixes with the high-temperature water in the outlet pipe section 120, effectively reducing the temperature rise during the shutdown. Because some of the cold water is diverted from the bypass pipe 213, the water flow from the first pipe 211 to the heat exchanger 100 is reduced, thereby minimizing overshoot during startup.

[0193] In addition, it is also possible to determine whether to open the bypass during normal combustion based on the actual working conditions. For example, in winter, when the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water is large and needs to be quickly heated to the set temperature, the control component 220 controls the closure of the bypass pipe body 213. This not only improves the heating speed but also ensures that it can be heated to the set temperature. When the water is stopped and restarted, the bypass time can be reduced, thereby reducing overshoot. When a low-temperature bath is needed in summer, the control component 220 controls the opening of the bypass pipe body 213. At this time, the minimum temperature rise of the water heater can be reduced to prevent the water temperature from being too hot during bathing, and the water temperature in the heat exchange tube 140 can be increased, thereby increasing the flue gas temperature and avoiding the risk of condensation water.

[0194] In addition, based on the structure of the above water heater, the present application also proposes a water heater control method, which includes the following steps:

[0195] Step S11, obtaining the water usage status of the water heater;

[0196] Step S12: When it is confirmed that the water heater is in a water-using state within the first preset time, the bypass pipe 213 is controlled to open according to the preset bypass ratio and to close after the preset bypass time. The preset bypass time ranges from 2 seconds to 4 seconds, and the preset bypass ratio ranges from 40% to 70%. The preset bypass ratio is the ratio of the water flow rate entering the bypass pipe 213 through the first pipe 211 to the water flow rate entering the water inlet pipe section 110 through the first pipe 211.

[0197] It is understandable that the water heater is a gas water heater. The water use status of the water heater includes but is not limited to the initial water use status, the second water use status, the water outage status, etc. The second water use status here means that the hot water from the previous water heater has reached the user's water use end, that is, the user has used hot water, or the water heater has undergone a preheating cycle; the second water use status within the first preset time means that, starting from the end of the previous water use state of the water heater, within the first preset time period, the water in the heat exchanger 100 still has a certain temperature due to the previous use. When the water heater is started again and water is used, the hot water retained in the heat exchanger 100 will flow to the user's water use end. Among them, the previous water use state of the water heater can be confirmed based on the shutdown signal sent by the sensor at the user's water outlet end, or it can be confirmed based on the preheating completion signal of the water heater.

[0198] The water re-use state can be confirmed based on the signal sent by the sensor at the user's water outlet, or based on the water inlet detection signal of the water heater, or the water re-inlet signal sent by the water flow sensor. In this way, when it is confirmed that the water heater is in the water re-use state, the bypass pipe 213 will be opened, and the bypass ratio of the flow valve 200 will be in the range of 40% to 70%. The bypass time of the bypass pipe 213 will be 2 seconds to 4 seconds, and then the bypass pipe 213 will be closed. Such operation can reduce the start-stop temperature fluctuation range (the fluctuation range of temperature overshoot and temperature overshoot when the water heater is restarted) and reduce the constant temperature waiting time (the duration of temperature overshoot and temperature overshoot when the water heater is restarted), thereby achieving better start-stop constant temperature control of the water outlet temperature of the water heater. Among them, the value of the bypass ratio can be 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0199] When the bypass ratio is too large, during the process of starting the water heater to heat, too much water will flow from the bypass pipe 213 into the second pipe 212, which will produce severe vaporization noise, reduce the thermal efficiency of the heat exchanger 100, affect the user experience, and affect the life of the heat exchanger 100. When the bypass ratio is too small, the amount of water flowing from the bypass pipe 213 into the second pipe 212 is too small to neutralize the high-temperature water in the second pipe 212, which will cause the water outlet temperature of the water heater to be too high, that is, the water temperature will rise when the water is shut off. When the water heater is restarted, a section of high-temperature water will flow out, which may scald the user. The control method of the water heater of the present application can effectively improve the problems of the start-stop constant temperature difference, high vaporization noise, low thermal efficiency, etc. of traditional water heaters by controlling the bypass ratio and the bypass time.

[0200] In one embodiment, the water heater control method further includes:

[0201] Step S21, obtaining the water inlet flow of the water heater;

[0202] Step S22: When it is confirmed that the water heater is in a water-off state where the water inlet flow rate is less than or equal to the first preset flow rate, the bypass pipe body 213 is controlled to open;

[0203] Step S23: When it is confirmed that the water heater is in a water-off state and the water-off time exceeds a second preset time, the bypass pipe 213 is controlled to close. The second preset time ranges from 5 minutes to 10 minutes.

[0204] It is understood that the water inlet flow rate being less than or equal to the first preset flow rate means that, within the first preset flow rate, the water heater is confirmed to be in a water-off state. The water-off state can be confirmed based on a water inlet detection signal or a water inlet signal emitted by a water flow sensor. When the water heater is in a water-off state, the bypass pipe 213 is opened so that when the water heater is used again, the bypass pipe 213 can immediately transfer the cold water in the first pipe 211 to the second pipe 212 to mix with the hot water in the second pipe 212. That is, before the water heater is used again, the bypass pipe 213 is opened in advance. The bypass pipe 213 does not have a valve opening delay problem, and the voltage of the bypass pipe 213 static valve opening is low, so the start-stop constant temperature effect of the water heater is good.

[0205] If the water heater's water outage duration exceeds the second preset time, it means that the water heater has been out of service for a long time, and the user is determined to be in a water-use-free state. The user will not use the water heater again for a certain period of time. The second preset time can be 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 8 minutes, 10 minutes, etc. In this way, bypass pipe 213 is closed to prevent bypass pipe 213 from being open for a long time, causing heating of the control component, thereby affecting the performance of the control component and, in turn, the reliability of the flow valve. Therefore, this solution is beneficial for improving the service life of the flow valve.

[0206] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present application and does not limit the patent scope of the present application. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present application specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present application, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A heat exchange system, wherein: The heat exchange system comprises: a heat exchanger having a water inlet pipe section and a water outlet pipe section; and A flow valve is arranged on the side of the heat exchanger, and the flow valve includes a valve body and a control component arranged on the valve body. The valve body includes a first pipe body connected to the water inlet pipe section, a second pipe body connected to the water outlet pipe section, and a bypass pipe body connecting the first pipe body and the second pipe body. The control component is used to control the water flow rate of the bypass pipe body.

2. The heat exchange system according to claim 1, wherein: The bypass ratio of the flow valve ranges from 40% to 70%, and the bypass ratio is the ratio of the water flow entering the bypass pipe body through the first pipe body to the water flow entering the water inlet pipe section through the first pipe body.

3. The heat exchange system according to claim 2, wherein: The control component is arranged on the bypass pipe body, and is used to control the water flow rate of the bypass pipe body according to a preset bypass time and the bypass ratio, and the bypass time ranges from 2 seconds to 4 seconds.

4. The heat exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The heat exchanger also includes: heat exchange tubes; and The heat exchange plate is used for heat exchange with the heat exchange tube, and the heat exchange plate is sleeved outside the heat exchange tube; on the axial projection surface of the heat exchange tube, the minimum distance between any point on the heat exchange plate and the outer tube wall of the heat exchange tube is not greater than 3mm.

5. The heat exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The heat exchanger also includes two end plates arranged at intervals and a plurality of heat exchange tubes arranged between the two end plates and arranged at intervals along a first direction, each of the end plates having a plurality of connecting parts and a plurality of through holes, the outer periphery of each of the through holes of the end plates being provided with an annular protrusion extending toward the other end plate, the end of each heat exchange tube being inserted into one of the annular protrusions and sealedly connected to the annular protrusion, the connecting part having a connecting port connected to the through hole, every two heat exchange tubes being connected through a connecting port of one of the connecting parts, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes being connected through a plurality of the connecting parts to form a heat exchange channel.

6. The heat exchange system according to claim 5, wherein: The connecting portion connecting the two heat exchange tubes is defined as a first connecting portion, the maximum opening width of the connecting port of the first connecting portion along the first direction is W1, the maximum width of the two annular protrusions on the outer sides of the two heat exchange tubes connected to the first connecting portion along the first direction is W2, W1≤W2.

7. The heat exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The water inlet pipe section, the water outlet pipe section, the first pipe body, the second pipe body and the bypass pipe body are all located on the same side of the heat exchanger; And / or, the length of the bypass pipe body is not greater than 100 mm; And / or, the heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger body provided with a water inlet and a water outlet, the water inlet pipe section is connected to the water inlet, the water outlet pipe section is connected to the water outlet, and the distance between the flow valve and the heat exchanger body is not less than 60 mm.

8. The heat exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The heat exchanger also includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes arranged in sequence and at intervals along a first direction, at least one of the heat exchange tubes is provided with a spoiler for disturbing the water flow, the spoiler includes a spoiler body and two supporting parts, the top ends of the two supporting parts are connected to the spoiler body, and the bottom ends of the two supporting parts are arranged at intervals and are respectively supported on the inner wall of the heat exchange tube.

9. The heat exchange system according to claim 8, wherein: The spoiler body is provided with a plurality of spoiler holes, which are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the heat exchange tube, and the spoiler has a water-facing end; an edge of each spoiler hole away from the water-facing end is provided with a spoiler blade inclined outward, and two adjacent spoilers are located on both sides of the spoiler body; And / or, a hole wall of at least one of the spoiler holes is provided with a spoiler ridge extending toward the water-facing end.

10. A water heater, wherein: The water heater comprises the heat exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A method for controlling a water heater, applied to the water heater according to claim 10, wherein: The control method of the water heater comprises: Get the water usage status of the water heater; When it is confirmed that the water heater is in a water-using state within the first preset time, the bypass pipe body is controlled to open according to the preset bypass ratio and to close after the preset bypass time. The preset bypass time ranges from 2 seconds to 4 seconds, and the preset bypass ratio ranges from 40% to 70%. The preset bypass ratio is the ratio of the water flow rate entering the bypass pipe body through the first pipe body to the water flow rate entering the water inlet pipe section through the first pipe body.

12. The control method of the water heater according to claim 11, wherein: The control method of the water heater also includes: Get the water inlet flow of the water heater; When it is confirmed that the water heater is in a water-off state where the water inlet flow rate is less than or equal to the first preset flow rate, the bypass pipe body is controlled to open; When it is confirmed that the water heater is in a water outage state and the water outage time exceeds a second preset time, the bypass pipe body is controlled to close, and the second preset time ranges from 5 minutes to 10 minutes.

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