Flow valve and control method therefor, zero-cold-water circulation system of water heater, and water heater

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a flow valve and a control method therefor, a zero-cold-water circulation system of a water heater, and a water heater. The flow valve (100) is used for a zero-cold-water circulation system of a water heater. The zero-cold-water circulation system of the water heater comprises a heat exchanger (200), and a cold-water intake pipe (300) and a hot-water output pipe (400), which are in communication with the heat exchanger (200). The flow valve (100) comprises: a valve body (10), which is provided with a bypass flow passage (110) configured to bring the cold-water intake pipe (300) into communication with the hot-water output pipe (400), wherein the bypass flow passage (110) has at least a first branch passage (1101) and a second branch passage (1102) that are arranged in parallel; and a switching valve (20) disposed on the valve body (10) and configured to open or close the first branch passage (1101).

Description

Flow valve, control method thereof, zero-cold-water circulation system of water heater, and water heater

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202411134634.6, filed on August 16, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of water heaters, and in particular to a flow valve, a control method thereof, a zero-cold-water circulation system of a water heater, and a water heater. BACKGROUND

[0004] In related technologies, some gas water heaters with zero-cold-water function are provided with a flow valve installed at a remote user water point (i.e., a water using device), a cold water inlet pipe and a hot water outlet pipe of the water heater are connected to form a circulation loop through the flow valve, a water pump is provided in the circulation loop, and cold water in the pipeline is preheated through the water pump and the main machine of the water heater to achieve the effect that hot water can be output when the user opens the water using device. SUMMARY

[0005] The main purpose of the present application is to provide a flow valve, a control method thereof, a zero-cold-water circulation system of a water heater, and a water heater, which can improve the efficiency of cold water circulation preheating and adjust the flow size of the flow valve to meet different application scenarios.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the flow valve provided by the present application is used in a zero-cold-water circulation system of a water heater, the zero-cold-water circulation system of the water heater has a heat exchanger, a cold water inlet pipe and a hot water outlet pipe which are communicated with the heat exchanger, respectively, and the flow valve comprises a valve body and a switch valve.

[0007] In an embodiment, the valve body is provided with a bypass flow channel for connecting the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe, and the bypass flow channel has at least a first branch flow channel and a second branch flow channel which are arranged in parallel.

[0008] In an embodiment, the switch valve is arranged in the valve body and is used to open or block the first branch flow channel.

[0009] In an embodiment, the flow valve further comprises a flow limiting member and a one-way valve arranged in the valve body, the flow limiting member is used to limit the flow of the second branch flow channel to be less than the start-up flow of the water heater, and the one-way valve is used to control the bypass flow channel to be unidirectionally open from the hot water outlet pipe to the cold water inlet pipe.

[0010] In an embodiment, the bypass flow channel further comprises a water inlet flow channel and a water outlet flow channel, the water inlet end of the water inlet flow channel is connected to the hot water outlet pipe, the water outlet end of the water inlet flow channel is connected to the water inlet end of the first branch flow channel and the water inlet end of the second branch flow channel, the water inlet end of the water outlet flow channel is connected to the water outlet end of the first branch flow channel and the water outlet end of the second branch flow channel, the water outlet end of the water outlet flow channel is connected to the cold water inlet pipe, and the one-way valve is arranged in the water inlet flow channel or the water outlet flow channel.

[0011] In an embodiment, the switch valve is configured as a solenoid valve which is closed to cut off the first branch flow channel in a non-powered state and opened to turn on the first branch flow channel in a powered state, and the second branch flow channel is a normally open channel which is kept in an on state.

[0012] In an embodiment, the valve body further comprises a hot water flow channel, the hot water flow channel comprises a hot water main flow channel and a hot water branch flow channel, one end of the hot water main flow channel is provided with a hot water inlet connected to the hot water outlet pipe, the other end of the hot water main flow channel is provided with a first bypass opening connected to the bypass flow channel, one end of the hot water branch flow channel is provided with a hot water outlet connected to the water using device, the other end of the hot water branch flow channel is provided with a first connecting opening connected to the hot water main flow channel, and the first connecting opening is located between the hot water inlet and the first bypass opening.

[0013] In an embodiment, the valve body further comprises a cold water flow channel, the cold water flow channel comprises a cold water main flow channel and a cold water branch flow channel, one end of the cold water main flow channel is provided with a cold water inlet connected to the cold water inlet pipe, the other end of the cold water main flow channel is provided with a second bypass opening connected to the bypass flow channel, one end of the cold water branch flow channel is provided with a cold water outlet connected to the water using device, the other end of the cold water branch flow channel is provided with a second connecting opening connected to the cold water main flow channel, and the second connecting opening is located between the cold water inlet and the second bypass opening.

[0014] In an embodiment, the valve body comprises a valve body, and a hot water connector and a cold water connector arranged on two sides of the valve body, the bypass flow channel is formed in the valve body, the hot water connector is connected to the hot water outlet pipe and connects the bypass flow channel to the hot water outlet pipe, and the cold water connector is connected to the cold water inlet pipe and connects the bypass flow channel to the cold water inlet pipe.

[0015] In an embodiment, the flow valve further comprises a water flow monitoring module arranged in the valve body, the water flow monitoring module and the switch valve are respectively electrically connected to an electronic control module, the water flow monitoring module is used to monitor the water flow through the bypass flow channel and feed back a water flow signal to the electronic control module, and the electronic control module is used to control the opening and closing of the switch valve according to the water flow signal fed back by the water flow monitoring module.

[0016] In an embodiment, the water flow monitoring module comprises a flow sensor configured to detect the water flow through the bypass flow channel and feed back a water flow signal to the electronic control module; and / or,

[0017] The water flow monitoring module comprises a water pressure sensor configured to detect the water flow pressure of the bypass flow channel and feed back a water flow pressure signal to the electronic control module.

[0018] In an embodiment, the flow valve further comprises a temperature detection module arranged in the valve body, the temperature detection module and the switch valve are respectively electrically connected to the electronic control module, the temperature detection module is configured to detect the water flow temperature of the bypass flow channel, and the switch valve is configured to be opened and closed under the control of the electronic control module.

[0019] The application further provides a control method of the flow valve, which is used in the flow valve as described above, and the control method comprises the following steps:

[0020] controlling the switch valve to be opened when the water heater is in the zero cold water mode;

[0021] obtaining the water flow temperature data in the flow valve and determining the water flow temperature change trend in the flow valve;

[0022] controlling the switch valve to be closed when the water flow temperature change in the flow valve tends to be gentle.

[0023] In an embodiment, the step of obtaining the water flow temperature data in the flow valve and determining the water flow temperature change trend in the flow valve comprises:

[0024] determining the water temperature rising curve slope according to the water flow temperature in the flow valve;

[0025] determining that the water flow temperature change in the flow valve tends to be gentle when the water temperature rising curve slope approaches a preset slope.

[0026] The application further provides a zero cold water circulation system of a water heater, which comprises a heat exchanger, a bypass flow channel and a switch valve.

[0027] In an embodiment, the heat exchanger is connected with a cold water inlet pipe and a hot water outlet pipe, and the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe are respectively configured to be connected with a water equipment at an end away from the heat exchanger;

[0028] In an embodiment, the bypass flow channel connects the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe, so that the cold water inlet pipe, the heat exchanger, the hot water outlet pipe and the bypass flow channel are connected in series to form a zero cold water circulation loop, and the zero cold water circulation loop is connected with a water pump; the bypass flow channel has at least a first branch flow channel and a second branch flow channel which are arranged in parallel in the zero cold water circulation loop; and

[0029] In an embodiment, the switch valve is arranged in the first branch flow channel and is used to open or close the first branch flow channel.

[0030] In an embodiment, the zero-cold-water circulation system comprises the flow valve as described above, and the valve body of the flow valve forms the bypass flow channel.

[0031] The application also provides a water heater comprising the flow valve as described above or the zero-cold-water circulation system of the water heater as described above.

[0032] The technical scheme of the application can improve the delivery flow of the flow valve by arranging the parallel first branch flow channel and second branch flow channel in the valve body of the flow valve with the double-flow-channel structure, so that the two branch flow channels can simultaneously deliver water flow and improve the delivery flow of the flow valve. In the zero-cold-water mode, the cold water stored in the hot water outlet pipe is delivered to the bypass flow channel of the flow valve, then is branched to the first branch flow channel and the second branch flow channel for simultaneous delivery to realize large bypass flow, and then is delivered to the cold water inlet pipe and is returned to the heat exchanger for heating. In this way, large flow circulation can be realized to improve the efficiency of cold water circulation preheating. In addition, the switch valve is arranged on the first branch flow channel to control the water flow of the first branch flow channel, so that the flow size of the bypass flow channel of the flow valve can be adjusted to meet different application scenarios. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical scheme in the embodiments of the application or the prior art, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or prior art description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort on the basis of the drawings shown.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a zero-cold-water circulation system of a water heater provided by the application;

[0035] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of a zero-cold-water circulation system of a water heater provided by the application;

[0036] FIG. 3 is a module schematic diagram of an embodiment of a flow valve provided by the application;

[0037] FIG. 4 is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a flow valve provided by the application;

[0038] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a flow valve provided by the application;

[0039] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flow valve from another perspective;

[0040] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the flow valve from yet another perspective;

[0041] Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the flow valve;

[0042] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the valve body of Fig. 8;

[0043] Fig. 10 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a control method for the flow valve;

[0044] Fig. 11 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a control method for the flow valve.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0046] 100, flow valve; 10, valve body; 11, valve body; 110, bypass flow passage; 1101, first branch flow passage; 1102, second branch flow passage; 1103, water inlet flow passage; 1104, water outlet flow passage; 111, first port; 112, second port; 113, overflow port; 114, mounting port; 12, hot water connector; 120, hot water flow passage; 120a, hot water main flow passage; 120b, hot water branch flow passage; 1201, hot water inlet; 1202, hot water outlet; 1203, first bypass port; 1204, first communication port; 121, first pipe body; 122, second pipe body; 13, cold water connector; 130, cold water flow passage; 130a, cold water main flow passage; 130b, cold water branch flow passage; 1301, cold water inlet; 1302, cold water outlet; 1303, second bypass port; 1304, second communication port; 131, third pipe body; 132, fourth pipe body; 20, on-off valve; 21, drive assembly; 22, valve core assembly; 30, flow restriction member; 40, check valve; 50, electronic control module; 60, water flow monitoring module; 70, temperature detection module;

[0047] 200, heat exchanger; 300, cold water inlet pipe; 400, hot water outlet pipe; 500, water pump;

[0048] 600, water using device.

[0049] The implementation, functional features and advantages of the present application will be further described with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the present application

[0050] With reference to the drawings of the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, but not all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0051] 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 condition, etc. between components in a certain posture, and if the certain posture changes, the directional indications also change accordingly.

[0052] In addition, if the embodiments of the present application involve descriptions such as “first”, “second”, etc., the descriptions of “first”, “second”, etc. are only for description purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying the relative importance of the indicated technical features or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features limited by “first” and “second” can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In addition, “and / or” or “and / or” appearing throughout the text means that the three parallel solutions are included, for example, “A and / or B” includes A solution, or B solution, or A and B solutions are satisfied at the same time. In addition, the technical solutions of each embodiment can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the fact that a person of ordinary skill in the art can realize it, and when the combination of technical solutions contradicts each other or cannot be realized, it should be considered that the combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present application.

[0053] In the related art, some gas water heaters with zero cold water function are installed with a flow valve at a remote user water point (i.e. a water using device), the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe of the water heater are connected to form a circulation loop through the flow valve, the water pump is arranged in the circulation loop, and the cold water in the pipeline is preheated through the water pump and the main machine of the water heater to achieve the effect that hot water can be output when the user opens the water using device.

[0054] The flow valve for the zero cold water circulation system of the traditional water heater usually has only one flow passage inside, and the overall water flow is small. In the zero cold water mode, large flow circulation cannot be achieved, the efficiency of cold water circulation preheating is affected, and the flow valve cannot adjust the flow size according to actual needs, and cannot meet different application scenarios.

[0055] Therefore, the present application proposes a flow valve 100 for a zero cold water circulation system of a water heater. The flow passage of the flow valve 100 is optimized and designed, the efficiency of cold water circulation preheating can be improved, the flow size of the flow valve 100 can be adjusted, and different application scenarios can be met.

[0056] Please refer to FIG. 1, FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, in an embodiment of the present application, the flow valve 100 is used in the zero-cold-water circulation system of the water heater, the zero-cold-water circulation system of the water heater has a heat exchanger 200, and a cold water inlet pipe 300 and a hot water outlet pipe 400 which are communicated with the heat exchanger 200 respectively, the flow valve 100 comprises a valve body 10 and a switch valve 20, the valve body 10 is provided with a bypass flow channel 110 for connecting the cold water inlet pipe 300 and the hot water outlet pipe 400, the bypass flow channel 110 has at least a first branch flow channel 1101 and a second branch flow channel 1102 which are arranged in parallel; the switch valve 20 is arranged on the valve body 10 and is used for conducting or blocking the first branch flow channel 1101.

[0057] In the embodiment, the valve body 10 is used to construct an internal flow channel and can also be used as a mounting carrier of other components. When applied to the zero-cold-water circulation system of the water heater, the flow valve 100 can be mounted between the cold water inlet pipe 300 and the hot water outlet pipe 400, so that the cold water inlet pipe 300, the heat exchanger 200, the hot water outlet pipe 400 and the flow valve 100 are connected in series to form a zero-cold-water circulation loop, and a water pump 500 can be arranged on the zero-cold-water circulation loop to provide power for circulating water flow along the zero-cold-water circulation loop. In the zero-cold-water mode, the cold water stored in the hot water outlet pipe 400 can be delivered to the cold water inlet pipe 300 through the bypass flow channel 110, and then returned to the heat exchanger 200 through the cold water inlet pipe 300 for heating, so that zero-cold-water is achieved in the entire zero-cold-water circulation loop.

[0058] In order to realize the flow regulation of the flow valve 100, the flow valve 100 further comprises a switch valve 20 arranged on the valve body 10, and the switch valve 20 is used for conducting or blocking the first branch flow channel 1101. When it is required to realize large flow delivery of the bypass flow channel 110 of the flow valve 100, the switch valve 20 is opened to make the first branch flow channel 1101 conductive, at this time, both the first branch flow channel 1101 and the second branch flow channel 1102 are in a conductive state for water flow. When it is required to realize small flow delivery of the bypass flow channel 110 of the flow valve 100, the switch valve 20 is closed to make the first branch flow channel 1101 blocked, at this time, only the second branch flow channel 1102 is in a conductive state for water flow. The switch valve 20 includes but is not limited to a stop valve (such as an electromagnetic valve) which only has two states of opening and closing, or a regulating valve (such as a proportional valve) which has a plurality of opening degree regulation functions.

[0059] The technical scheme of the present application adopts the flow valve 100 with a double-flow channel structure in the zero-cold water circulation system, and the first branch flow channel 1101 and the second branch flow channel 1102 are arranged in parallel in the valve body 10 of the flow valve 100. The two branch flow channels can simultaneously deliver water flow, and the delivery flow of the flow valve 100 can be improved. In the zero-cold water mode, the cold water stored in the hot water outlet pipe 400 is delivered to the bypass flow channel 110 of the flow valve 100, and then is branched to the first branch flow channel 1101 and the second branch flow channel 1102 for simultaneous delivery to realize large bypass flow, and then is delivered to the cold water inlet pipe 300, and then is returned to the heat exchanger 200 through the cold water inlet pipe 300 for heating. In this way, large flow circulation can be realized, and the efficiency of cold water circulation preheating can be improved. In addition, the on-off valve 20 is arranged on the first branch flow channel 1101, and the water flow of the first branch flow channel 1101 is controlled through the on-off valve 20, so that the flow size of the bypass flow channel 110 of the flow valve 100 can be adjusted to meet different application scenarios.

[0060] In the related art, the zero-cold water circulation system of the water heater usually has a one-way valve. In the zero-cold water mode, the one-way valve is opened and closed relying on the pressure difference on both sides. When the pressure on the hot water side is higher than that on the cold water side, the one-way valve is pushed open to conduct the circulation loop. However, in the actual water use process, the one-way valve is not only opened when the water pump is started in the zero-cold water mode. In some other application scenarios, for example, when the water pump is used for pressure boosting in the cold water use end or the hot water use end, the pressure on the hot water side is also greater than that on the cold water side, and the one-way valve may also be accidentally opened. When the one-way valve is accidentally opened, the circulation loop is conducted to generate circulation flow. After the water heater host end detects the flow, the water heater host end is misstarted, which produces noise and affects the user, and also causes hot water to be mixed in the cold water pipe.

[0061] According to the length of the cold water use time in the actual application scenario, the length of the misstart time is correspondingly adjusted. For example, the following scenarios are exemplarily included:

[0062] For example, in the toilet flushing scenario, the user uses a large amount of cold water instantaneously, which causes the pressure on the cold water side of the one-way valve to decrease, the one-way valve to be pushed open, the circulation loop to be conducted, and the water heater host end to be misstarted. For example, in the washing machine large and continuous water use scenario, the one-way valve is pushed open, the circulation loop is conducted, and the water heater host is started and ignited to burn, which causes some hot water to be mixed in the cold water pipe. For example, for the water heater with zero-cold water and pressure boosting functions, when the user uses water in the hot water end and the water pump is started, the one-way valve may also be pushed open. The better the pressure boosting effect of the water pump, the greater the probability that the one-way valve is pushed open. At this time, the water heater host is started and ignited to burn, which causes some hot water to be mixed in the cold water pipe.

[0063] To solve the above problems, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, in an embodiment, the flow valve 100 further comprises a flow limiting member 30 and a one-way valve 40 arranged in the valve body 10, the flow limiting member 30 is used to limit the flow of the second branch flow channel 1102 to be less than the starting flow of the water heater, and the one-way valve 40 is used to control the one-way conduction of the bypass flow channel 110 from the hot water outlet pipe 400 to the cold water inlet pipe 300.

[0064] In the embodiment, the bypass flow channel 110 has at least the first branch flow channel 1101 and the second branch flow channel 1102 arranged in parallel, so as to be able to split the water flow from the hot water flow channel 120 to the cold water flow channel 130. The first branch flow channel 1101 is a switchable flow channel controlled by the on-off valve 20, when the on-off valve 20 is opened, the first branch flow channel 1101 is conducted to allow water flow, and when the on-off valve 20 is closed, the first branch flow channel 1101 is blocked to prevent water flow. In an embodiment, the on-off valve 20 can be a stop valve with only two functions of opening and closing, or a flow regulating valve capable of realizing the opening degree adjustment of the first branch flow channel 1101. The on-off valve 20 includes but is not limited to electromagnetic valves, servo valves, etc. The second branch flow channel 1102 is a normally open flow limiting channel with flow limiting by the flow limiting member 30, and the flow through the second branch flow channel 1102 is limited to a preset flow under the action of the flow limiting member 30. The preset flow can be set according to actual needs. For example, when applied to a water heater, the flow of the second branch flow channel 1102 can be limited to be less than the starting flow of the water heater by the flow limiting member 30, so that when the first branch flow channel 1101 is in a closed state, the flow through the second branch flow channel 1102 is less than the starting flow of the water heater, and the water heater will not be ignited and started, which can prevent the water heater from being started by mistake. The preset flow limited by the flow limiting member 30 can be any value less than the starting flow of the water heater, and in an embodiment, the preset flow limited by the flow limiting member 30 is any flow value less than or equal to 3.5 L / min. Exemplarily, the preset flow of the second branch flow channel 1102 limited by the flow limiting member 30 is 1.5 L / min. The flow limiting member 30 includes but is not limited to flow limiting rings, flow limiting valves, etc. In an embodiment, the flow limiting member 30 is a flow limiting ring detachably mounted in the valve body 10. In actual application, a flow limiting ring of a corresponding specification can be assembled in the valve body 10 according to different starting flows of the water heater, which can simplify the structure of the flow valve 100 and reduce the cost.

[0065] The one-way valve 40 is arranged in the bypass flow channel 110, and the one-way valve 40 can control the bypass flow channel 110 to be unidirectionally communicated from the hot water outlet pipe 400 to the cold water inlet pipe 300, so as to prevent the cold water from flowing into the hot water pipe. When the pressure at the hot water end is greater than the pressure at the cold water end, the one-way valve 40 is opened under the pressure difference between the two sides, so as to allow the water in the hot water outlet pipe 400 to flow to the cold water inlet pipe 300 through the bypass flow channel 110. When the pressure at the hot water end is less than the pressure at the cold water end, the one-way valve 40 is tightly closed under the pressure difference between the two sides, so as to prevent the water in the cold water inlet pipe 300 from flowing to the hot water outlet pipe 400 through the bypass flow channel 110. The one-way valve 40 includes but is not limited to a spring type one-way valve, a gravity type one-way valve, a swing type one-way valve and the like.

[0066] When the flow valve 100 is applied to a water heater, the flow valve 100 is used to connect the cold water inlet pipe 300, the hot water outlet pipe 400 and the water using equipment 600 of the water heater, and the hot water outlet pipe 400, the hot water flow channel 120, the bypass flow channel 110, the cold water flow channel 130 and the cold water inlet pipe 300 are communicated to form a circulation loop. When the water heater is working, the water pump 500 in the circulation loop is started to generate a pressure difference between the two sides of the one-way valve 40, the pressure at the hot water end of the one-way valve 40 is greater than the pressure at the cold water end, the one-way valve 40 is opened under the pressure difference between the two sides, so as to open the circulation loop and generate a circulation flow, and the main machine of the water heater is ignited when the circulation flow is greater than the ignition flow of the main machine. In this way, at the beginning of the opening of the water heater, the accumulated cold water in the hot water outlet pipe 400 can be returned to the heat exchanger 200 of the water heater through the bypass flow channel 110, the cold water flow channel 130 and the cold water inlet pipe 300 for reheating, so as to ensure that zero cold water is achieved in the entire pipeline, and the user can use hot water immediately when the water using equipment 600 is opened. In some scenarios in which a large amount of cold water is used at the cold water using end (such as scenarios of flushing a toilet, filling a washing machine and the like), the water pump 500 is used to increase the pressure at the hot water using end, and when the pressure difference at which the one-way valve 40 is started is reached, the one-way valve 40 is opened, the cold and hot water pipelines are communicated to form a circulation loop, and a circulation flow is generated. In these scenarios, the first branch flow channel 1101 is only needed to be separated by the on-off valve 20, and the flow of the bypass flow channel 110 is only the flow of the second branch flow channel 1102 after the flow is limited. Even if the one-way valve 40 is opened, the flow through the second branch flow channel 1102 is limited and is less than the starting flow of the water heater, so that the flow in the circulation loop cannot reach the condition of causing the water heater to start, thereby preventing the water heater from being mistakenly started, avoiding the noise caused by the mistaken starting to affect the user, and avoiding the phenomenon that the cold water pipe is heated due to the mistaken starting of the water heater.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 9, in an embodiment, the bypass flow channel 110 further has a water inlet flow channel 1103 and a water outlet flow channel 1104, the water inlet end of the water inlet flow channel 1103 is used to communicate with the hot water outlet pipe 400, the water outlet end of the water inlet flow channel 1103 is communicated with the water inlet end of the first branch flow channel 1101 and the water inlet end of the second branch flow channel 1102, the water inlet end of the water outlet flow channel 1104 is communicated with the water outlet end of the first branch flow channel 1101 and the water outlet end of the second branch flow channel 1102, and the water outlet end of the water outlet flow channel 1104 is used to communicate with the cold water inlet pipe 300, and the one-way valve 40 is arranged in the water inlet flow channel 1103 or the water outlet flow channel 1104.

[0068] In the embodiment, the water flow in the hot water outlet pipe 400 is divided into the first branch flow channel 1101 and the second branch flow channel 1102 after passing through the water inlet flow channel 1103, and then is transported to the cold water inlet pipe 300 after converging through the water outlet flow channel 1104. In this way, the water flow output by the water inlet flow channel 1103 can be simultaneously transported into the first branch flow channel 1101 and the second branch flow channel 1102, so that the pressure of the first branch flow channel 1101 and the second branch flow channel 1102 is equal, and the pressure loss of the branch flow channel which is later water-in can be avoided due to the sequence of water-in of the two branch flow channels. Moreover, the water flow output by the first branch flow channel 1101 and the second branch flow channel 1102 can be mixed in advance in the water outlet flow channel 1104, so as to facilitate monitoring and controlling the outlet water temperature of the entire bypass flow channel 110.

[0069] The one-way valve 40 can be arranged in the water outlet flow channel 1104 to make the water outlet flow channel 1104 unidirectionally communicate toward the cold water inlet pipe 300, so as to avoid the cold water of the cold water inlet pipe 300 backflowing toward the hot water outlet pipe 400 from the water outlet end of the bypass flow channel 110, and the hot water pipe being mixed with cold water. Alternatively, the one-way valve 40 can also be arranged in the water inlet flow channel 1103 to avoid the cold water backflowing toward the hot water outlet pipe 400 from the water inlet end of the bypass flow channel 110. Of course, the arrangement position of the one-way valve 40 is not limited to this, in some embodiments, the one-way valve 40 can also be arranged in the second branch flow channel 1102, or the one-way valve 40 is arranged in the flow path where the cold water inlet pipe 300 communicates with the bypass flow channel 110, or the one-way valve 40 is arranged in the flow path where the hot water outlet pipe 400 communicates with the bypass flow channel 110. In addition, in actual application, the one-way valve 40 can also be separated from the flow valve 100, and arranged in the pipe which transports water flow from the hot water outlet pipe 400 toward the flow valve 100, or arranged in the pipe which transports water flow from the flow valve 100 toward the cold water inlet pipe 300, as long as it can prevent the cold water inlet pipe 300 from mixing with cold water toward the hot water outlet pipe 400.

[0070] In an embodiment, the switch valve 20 is configured as an electromagnetic valve that is closed to block the first branch flow passage 1101 in a non-powered state and opened to conduct the first branch flow passage 1101 in a powered state, and the second branch flow passage 1102 is a normally open passage that remains in a conducting state. For example, the switch valve 20 is a normally closed electromagnetic valve. A normally closed electromagnetic valve is an electromagnetic valve that is in a closed state when not powered. When powered, the valve opens; when de-energized, the valve automatically closes. The use of a normally closed electromagnetic valve is safer, as in the event of power failure or malfunction, the normally closed electromagnetic valve will automatically close, cutting off the fluid passage, thereby preventing accidental leakage or dangerous situations. Moreover, the normally closed electromagnetic valve remains closed when fluid flow is not needed, which helps to reduce energy waste and reduce operating costs. When the water heater is in the non-zero cold water mode, the switch valve 20 is in the normally closed state to block the first branch flow passage 1101, and when the user performs the flushing of the toilet, the water filling of the washing machine, and the opening of the pressure booster with hot water, only the second branch flow passage 1102 has water flow passing through it, and the water flow is less than the start-up flow of the water heater main machine, and the water heater will not start ignition and combustion. It can solve the problem of false start and cross-flow in the cold water and pressure boosting with hot water scenarios. When the water heater is in the zero cold water mode, the switch valve 20 is powered on to open the first branch flow passage 1101, so that the flow valve 100 realizes large flow to speed up the water flow in the circulation loop and preheat the cold water in the pipeline.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in an embodiment, the valve body 10 further comprises a hot water flow passage 120, the hot water flow passage 120 comprising a hot water main flow passage 120a and a hot water branch flow passage 120b, one end of the hot water main flow passage 120a being provided with a hot water inlet 1201 for communicating with a hot water outlet pipe 400, the other end being provided with a first bypass port 1203 for communicating with the bypass flow passage 110, one end of the hot water branch flow passage 120b being provided with a hot water outlet 1202 for communicating with the water-using equipment 600, the other end being provided with a first communication port 1204 for communicating with the hot water main flow passage 120a, the first communication port 1204 being located between the hot water inlet 1201 and the first bypass port 1203.

[0072] In this embodiment, when the water using device 600 needs to use hot water, the hot water outputted from the hot water outlet pipe 400 is delivered to the hot water main flow channel 120a through the hot water inlet 1201, then to the hot water branch flow channel 120b through the first communication port 1204, and finally to the water using device 600 through the hot water outlet. In the zero cold water mode, the water in the hot water main flow channel 120a can also be delivered to the bypass flow channel 110 through the first bypass port 1203, and then backflow to the cold water inlet pipe 300. Since the first communication port 1204 is located between the hot water inlet 1201 and the first bypass port 1203, in actual application, some control valves or sensors can be arranged on the hot water main flow channel 120a between the first communication port 1204 and the first bypass port 1203 to control the bypass flow channel 110 without affecting the water flow in the hot water branch flow channel 120b.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, in an embodiment, the valve body 10 is further provided with a cold water flow channel 130, which has a cold water main flow channel 130a and a cold water branch flow channel 130b. One end of the cold water main flow channel 130a is provided with a cold water inlet 1301 for connecting the cold water inlet pipe 300, and the other end is provided with a second bypass port 1303 for connecting the bypass flow channel 110. One end of the cold water branch flow channel 130b is provided with a cold water outlet 1302 for connecting the water using device 600, and the other end is provided with a second communication port 1304 for connecting the cold water main flow channel 130a, which is located between the cold water inlet 1301 and the second bypass port 1303.

[0074] In this embodiment, when the water using device 600 needs to use cold water, the cold water in the cold water inlet pipe 300 can be delivered to the cold water main flow channel 130a through the cold water inlet 1301, and then enter the cold water branch flow channel 130b through the second communication port 1304, and finally delivered to the water using device 600 through the cold water outlet 1302. In the zero cold water mode, the water flow in the bypass flow channel 110 can be delivered to the cold water main flow channel 130a through the second bypass port 1303, and then backflow to the cold water inlet pipe 300 through the cold water inlet 1301. Since the second communication port 1304 is located between the cold water inlet 1301 and the second bypass port 1303, in actual application, some control valves or sensors can be arranged on the cold water main flow channel 130a between the second communication port 1304 and the second bypass port 1303 to control the bypass flow channel 110 without affecting the water flow in the cold water branch flow channel 130b.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, in an embodiment, the valve body 10 includes a valve body 11, a hot water connector 12 and a cold water connector 13 arranged on two sides of the valve body 11, and the valve body 11 is internally configured with a bypass flow channel 110, the hot water connector 12 is used to connect a hot water outlet pipe 400 and make the bypass flow channel 110 communicate with the hot water outlet pipe 400, and the cold water connector 13 is used to connect a cold water inlet pipe 300 and make the bypass flow channel 110 communicate with the cold water inlet pipe 300.

[0076] In the embodiment, the valve body 10 can be assembled by the valve body 11, the hot water connector 12 and the cold water connector 13, which is beneficial to reduce the difficulty of mold manufacturing of the valve body 10 and reduce the production cost, and also can facilitate the assembly of the flow limiting member 30, the one-way valve 40 and other components in the interior of the valve body 10. In an embodiment, the valve body 11 is made of plastic, so that a more complex bypass flow channel 110 structure can be configured in the valve body 10 by injection molding or D printing and other molding methods, and the weight of the valve body 10 can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. For example, the valve body 11 has a first port 111 and a second port 112 which respectively communicate with two ends of the bypass flow channel 110; the hot water connector 12 is provided with a hot water inlet 1201, a hot water outlet 1202 and a first bypass port 1203 which respectively communicate with a hot water flow channel 120; the cold water connector 13 is provided with a cold water inlet 1301, a cold water outlet 1302 and a second bypass port 1303 which respectively communicate with a cold water flow channel 130; one end of the first bypass port 1203 of the hot water connector 12 is connected to the first port 111; one end of the second bypass port 1303 of the cold water connector 13 is connected to the second port 112.

[0077] In an embodiment, the hot water connector 12 and the cold water connector 13 are made of metal, which is beneficial to enhance the structural strength of the valve body 10 and facilitate the connection with other metal pipelines.

[0078] In order to facilitate the cleaning of the flow channel in the flow valve 100 and the replacement and maintenance of the internal components of the valve body 10, in an embodiment, the hot water connector 12 and the cold water connector 13 are detachably connected to the valve body 11. Among them, the hot water connector 12 and the cold water connector 13 include but are not limited to being detachably connected to the valve body 11 by thread connection, latch connection and other ways. In order to ensure the sealing reliability of the connection part, in an embodiment, the connection part of the hot water connector 12 and the valve body 11 is provided with a sealing member, and the connection part of the cold water connector 13 and the valve body 11 is provided with a sealing member to prevent water leakage.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 8, in an embodiment, the hot water connector 12 comprises a first pipe body 121 and a second pipe body 122 arranged on the peripheral wall of the first pipe body 121, and the cold water connector 13 comprises a third pipe body 131 and a fourth pipe body 132 arranged on the peripheral wall of the third pipe body 131. The two ends of the first pipe body 121 are respectively provided with a hot water inlet 1201 and a first bypass port 1203. The end of the second pipe body 122 away from the first pipe body 121 is provided with a hot water outlet 1202. The two ends of the third pipe body 131 are respectively provided with a cold water inlet 1301 and a second bypass port 1303. The end of the fourth pipe body 132 away from the third pipe body 131 is provided with a cold water outlet 1302. The first pipe body 121 and the third pipe body 131 are respectively arranged at the two ends of the valve body 11 along a first direction. The first pipe body 121 and the third pipe body 131 are both arranged extending along the first direction, and the second pipe body 122 and the fourth pipe body 132 are both arranged extending along a second direction. The first direction intersects the second direction.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the hot water connector 12 and the cold water connector 13 are both arranged in a substantially T-shaped pipe, and the valve body 11 is arranged in a substantially straight pipe. The first pipe body 121, the valve body 11 and the third pipe body 131 are arranged extending along the first direction and are sequentially connected, so that the valve body 10 presents a substantially elongated pipe structure. The cold water inlet 1301 and the hot water inlet 1201 are respectively located at the two ends of the valve body 10 along the first direction, which is conducive to reducing the volume of the valve body 10, so as to facilitate the connection of the valve body 10 with the cold water inlet pipe 300 and the hot water outlet pipe 400 respectively. The second pipe body 122 and the fourth pipe body 132 are both arranged extending along the second direction, so as to facilitate the connection with the water using equipment 600. In an embodiment, the second pipe body 122 and the fourth pipe body 132 are arranged on the same side of the valve body 10 along the second direction, so that the hot water outlet 1202 and the cold water outlet 1302 are located on the same side of the valve body 10, and the arrangement of the various ports of the valve body 10 is more regular, so as to facilitate the connection of the external pipeline. Of course, in some embodiments, the valve body 10 can also be configured as an H-shaped H valve.

[0081] In order to facilitate the installation and disassembly of the flow valve 100 with other pipelines, in an embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the hot water connector 12 is provided with external threads, for example, the outer peripheral surface of the end of the first pipe body 121 away from the valve body 11 is provided with external threads for connecting the hot water outlet pipe 400, and the outer peripheral surface of the second pipe body 122 is provided with external threads for connecting the water using equipment 600. In an embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the cold water connector 13 is provided with external threads, for example, the outer peripheral surface of the end of the third pipe body 131 away from the valve body 11 is provided with external threads for connecting the cold water inlet pipe 300, and the outer peripheral surface of the fourth pipe body 132 is provided with external threads for connecting the water using equipment 600.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, in an embodiment, the first branch flow passage 1101 has a flow passage 113 in the valve body 10, the side wall of the valve body 10 is provided with a mounting port 114 in communication with the flow passage 113, the on-off valve 20 comprises a driving assembly 21 arranged at the mounting port 114, and a valve core assembly 22 in driving connection with the driving assembly 21, the driving assembly 21 is used to drive the valve core assembly 22 to move to open or block the flow passage 113.

[0083] In the embodiment, when the driving assembly 21 drives the valve core assembly 22 to open the flow passage 113, the first branch flow passage 1101 is conducted, and when the driving assembly 21 drives the valve core assembly 22 to block the flow passage 113, the second branch flow passage 1102 is blocked. In an embodiment, the valve body 11 comprises a pipe body and a mounting portion arranged at the side wall of the pipe body, the pipe body is internally configured with the bypass flow passage 110, and the mounting portion is used to mount the driving assembly 21. The mounting portion has a mounting port 114 in communication with the flow passage 113 in the interior of the pipe body, the driving assembly 21 can block the mounting port 114 after being mounted in place, and the valve core assembly 22 can be extended into the interior of the valve body 10 through the mounting port 114 to open or block the flow passage 113. In an embodiment, the on-off valve 20 is an electromagnetic valve, the driving assembly 21 comprises an electromagnetic coil and a core arranged in the electromagnetic coil, the valve core assembly 22 comprises a sealing member in driving cooperation with the core, and the core can be controlled to approach or move away from the sealing member by controlling the on-off state of the electromagnetic coil, so that the sealing member can open or block the flow passage 113.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, in an embodiment, the flow valve 100 further comprises a water flow monitoring module 60 arranged at the valve body 10, the water flow monitoring module 60 and the on-off valve 20 are respectively electrically connected to the electric control module 50, the water flow monitoring module 60 is used to monitor the water flow through the bypass flow passage 110 and feed back a water flow signal to the electric control module 50, and the electric control module 50 is used to control the opening and closing of the on-off valve 20 according to the water flow signal fed back by the water flow monitoring module 60.

[0085] In the embodiment, the flow valve 100 monitors the water flow through the bypass flow channel 110 in real time by using the water flow monitoring module 60, determines a water flow signal according to the water flow monitoring result, and feeds back the water flow signal to the electric control module 50. The electric control module 50 controls the opening or closing of the switch valve 20 according to the water flow signal fed back by the water flow monitoring module 60, so as to ensure that the first branch flow channel 1101 of the flow valve 100 can be opened or closed in time according to different application scenarios during the operation of the water heater, and the intelligent control of the flow valve 100 is realized. For example, when the water heater needs to start the zero-cold-water function, the water pump 500 can be controlled to work through a specific logic, and the specific logic is converted into a water flow fluctuation and a water flow pulse signal of the circulation loop by the water pump 500. The water heater continues to start the water pump 500 to work after sending the relevant signals. The flow valve 100 with the built-in water flow monitoring module 60 receives the signals and analyzes the content consistent with the agreement, opens the switch valve 20 through the electric control module 50, makes the first branch flow channel 1101 conductive, and increases the circulation flow. When the circulation flow is greater than the starting flow of the water heater, the water heater starts heating. When the water heater completes the circulation heating function, the same principle is used to transmit information to the flow valve 100 through the water flow signal. After receiving the relevant signals, the flow valve 100 closes the switch valve 20 through the electric control module 50 to restore the system to the initial state. The water flow monitoring module 60 includes but is not limited to a flow sensor, a water pressure sensor, etc. The water flow signal includes but is not limited to a flow signal representing the size of the water flow, or a pressure signal representing the size of the water flow pressure, etc. It is worth noting that the electric control module 50 can be the electric control module 50 of the water heater host, or a separate electric control module 50 can be configured on the flow valve 100. The water flow monitoring module 60 and the switch valve 20 can be electrically connected to the electric control module 50 in a wired or wireless manner. In an embodiment, the electric control module 50 is used to control the electrical elements on the flow valve 100, and can also be used to supply power to the electrical elements.

[0086] In an embodiment, the water flow monitoring module 60 includes a flow sensor and / or a water pressure sensor.

[0087] In an embodiment, the water flow monitoring module 60 includes a flow sensor, the flow sensor is used to detect the water flow through the bypass flow channel 110 and feed back a water flow signal to the electric control module 50, and the electric control module 50 is used to control the opening and closing of the switch valve 20 according to the water flow signal fed back by the flow sensor.

[0088] In the embodiment, the flow sensor is built in the flow valve 100. When the water heater is applied, the internal circulating water pump 500 is started. Due to the starting characteristics of the water pump 500, the starting flow of the overall circulating water flow has inherent characteristics. The flow sensor can distinguish and identify the pipeline water mixing by identifying the characteristic flow change curve, thereby avoiding the misstart of the water heater. For example, when the water heater needs to start the zero-cold water function, the water pump 500 can be controlled to work through a specific logic. The specific logic is converted into a water flow fluctuation and a water flow pulse signal of the circulating loop by the water pump 500. The water heater sends the relevant signals and continuously starts the water pump 500 to work. When the flow valve 100 with the built-in flow sensor receives the signal and analyzes the content consistent with the agreement, it is successfully identified as the start of the zero-cold water function of the water heater. The on-off valve 20 is opened by the electric control module 50. After the on-off valve 20 is opened, the water flow in the flow valve 100 is no longer limited by the flow limiting piece 30. The circulating loop flow is greatly improved, so that the flow through the water heater exceeds the starting flow and ignites to heat. The flow valve 100 performs closing control on the on-off valve 20 after a preset time delay, so that the system returns to the initial state.

[0089] In an embodiment, the flow sensor includes a rotor and a Hall sensor. The rotor is arranged in the water inlet flow channel 1103 of the bypass flow channel 110, and the Hall sensor is arranged on the outside of the valve body 10 and corresponds to the rotor. When the water inlet flow channel 1103 has water flow passing through, the water flow acts on the rotor to make the rotor rotate. In the rotation process, the rotor cuts the magnetic induction lines of the magnetic field generated by the Hall sensor. The Hall sensor senses the frequency of the magnetic induction lines cut by the rotor and feeds back the frequency to the electric control module 50, so as to calculate the size of the water flow.

[0090] In another embodiment, the water flow monitoring module 60 includes a water pressure sensor. The water pressure sensor is used to detect the water flow pressure of the bypass flow channel 110 and feed back the water flow pressure signal to the electric control module 50. The electric control module 50 is used to control the opening and closing of the on-off valve 20 according to the water flow pressure signal fed back by the water pressure sensor.

[0091] In the embodiment, the water pressure sensor and the switch valve 20 can be arranged in parallel in the bypass flow channel 110. The switch valve 20 is arranged in the first branch flow channel 1101 of the bypass flow channel 110, and the water pressure sensor and the flow limiting member 30 are arranged in the second branch flow channel 1102 of the bypass flow channel 110. Since the preset flow defined by the flow limiting member 30 is smaller than the starting flow of the water heater main machine, when the water pump 500 starts, the circulating flow through the second branch flow channel 1102 is smaller than the starting flow of the main machine, so that the main machine end will not start ignition heating, and the water pressure sensor can receive the preset pressure change signal according to the water pump 500 starting characteristics or the preset starting signal, and control the switch valve 20 to open. At this time, the first branch flow channel 1101 and the second branch flow channel 1102 jointly form a circulating passage, the water flow is greater than or equal to the starting flow of the main machine, and the main machine starts circulating heating.

[0092] In addition, in the prior art, the terminal backwater one-way valve usually does not have a temperature detection function and a communication ability with the water heater. In order to ensure that all the cold water in the hot water outlet pipe is heated to the target temperature during the circulating preheating, the hot water needs to be transported along the direction of the hot water outlet pipe, the one-way valve circulating channel, the cold water inlet pipe and the water inlet end of the water heater main machine, and the temperature whether it reaches is determined by using the water inlet and outlet temperature probe of the water heater main machine end. In this way, the cold water pipe will be mixed with hot water, and the cold and hot water pipes will be preheated, which will cause gas waste, increase the energy consumption of the water heater and other problems.

[0093] In order to solve the above problems, on the basis of the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, in an embodiment, the flow valve 100 further comprises a temperature detection module 70 arranged on the valve body 10, and the temperature detection module 70 and the switch valve 20 are respectively electrically connected to the electric control module 50. The temperature detection module 70 is used for detecting the water flow temperature of the bypass flow channel 110, and the switch valve 20 is used for opening and closing under the control of the electric control module 50.

[0094] In the embodiment, the temperature detection module 70 includes but is not limited to a thermocouple temperature sensor, a thermistor temperature sensor, etc. to realize the temperature detection function. The temperature detection module 70 can be used to detect the water flow temperature at any position in the flow valve 100. In an embodiment, the temperature detection module 70 is arranged in the outlet water channel of the bypass flow channel 110 of the flow valve 100 to detect the outlet water temperature of the flow valve 100 to ensure that the obtained temperature information is more accurate. When the water heater main machine is in the zero cold water mode, the on-off valve 20 is opened to open the first branch flow channel 1101, so that the flow valve 100 realizes large flow, and the cold water in the circulation loop can be normally circulated and preheated. The temperature detection module 70 obtains the water flow temperature in the flow valve 100 and determines the water flow temperature change trend in the flow valve 100. The electric control module 50 can determine the closing time of the on-off valve 20 according to the water flow temperature change trend in the flow valve 100. For example, when the temperature detection module 70 detects that the water temperature flowing through the flow valve 100 tends to be flat, the electric control module 50 controls the on-off valve 20 to be closed to cut off the first branch flow channel 1101. At this time, the water heater main machine end correspondingly detects that the flow suddenly changes to below the starting flow of the water heater, the main machine is extinguished and the water pump 500 stops rotating, thereby completing a zero cold water circulation. In this way, the problem of waste of fuel gas caused by hot water circulation to the entire cold water pipe and heating of cold and hot water can be solved, and the energy consumption of the water heater can be reduced. In an embodiment, the water temperature rising curve slope can be calculated according to the temperature data detected by the temperature detection module 70 in real time. When the water temperature rising curve slope approaches the preset slope, it is determined that the outlet water temperature change of the bypass flow channel 110 tends to be flat, and the on-off valve 20 is controlled to be closed. The water temperature rising curve slope approaching the preset slope can be understood as that the water temperature rising curve approaches or reaches the preset slope within the allowable error range.

[0095] The application also provides a control method of the flow valve 100.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 10, in an embodiment, the control method of the flow valve 100 includes the following steps:

[0097] S1, controlling the on-off valve 20 to be opened when the water heater is in the zero cold water mode;

[0098] S2, obtaining the water flow temperature data in the flow valve 100 and determining the water flow temperature change trend in the flow valve 100;

[0099] S3, controlling the on-off valve 20 to be closed when the water flow temperature change in the flow valve 100 tends to be flat.

[0100] In the embodiment, the flow valve 100 comprises a temperature detection module 70 arranged on the valve body 10, and the temperature detection module 70 and the switch valve 20 are electrically connected to the electric control module 50 respectively. The temperature detection module 70 is arranged to detect the water temperature in the bypass flow channel 110, and the switch valve 20 is arranged to be opened and closed under the control of the electric control module 50. The temperature detection module 70 can be arranged to detect the water temperature at any position in the flow valve 100. In an embodiment, the temperature detection module 70 is arranged in the water outlet channel of the bypass flow channel 110 of the flow valve 100 to detect the water outlet temperature of the flow valve 100, so that the temperature information obtained is more accurate. When the water heater main machine is in the zero cold water mode, the switch valve 20 is opened to open the first branch flow channel 1101 of the flow valve 100, so that the flow valve 100 realizes large flow, and the cold water in the circulation loop can be normally circulated and preheated. The temperature detection module 70 obtains the water temperature in the flow valve 100, and determines the water temperature change trend in the flow valve 100. The electric control module 50 can determine the closing time of the switch valve 20 according to the water temperature change trend in the flow valve 100. For example, when the temperature detection module 70 detects that the water temperature flowing through the flow valve 100 tends to be flat, the electric control module 50 controls the switch valve 20 to be closed, so that the first branch flow channel 1101 is cut off. At this time, the water heater main machine end correspondingly detects that the flow suddenly changes to below the starting flow of the water heater, the main machine is extinguished and the water pump 500 stops rotating, so that a zero cold water circulation is completed. In this way, the problem of waste of fuel gas caused by hot water circulation to the entire cold water pipe and the cold and hot water pipe can be solved, and the energy consumption of the water heater can be reduced.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 11, further, in an embodiment, the step of obtaining the water temperature data in the flow valve 100 and determining the water temperature change trend in the flow valve 100 comprises:

[0102] S21, determining the water temperature rising curve slope according to the water temperature in the flow valve 100;

[0103] S22, when the water temperature rising curve slope approaches the preset slope, determining that the water temperature change in the flow valve 100 tends to be flat.

[0104] In the embodiment, the water temperature rising curve slope can be calculated according to the temperature data detected by the temperature detection module 70 in real time. When the water temperature rising curve slope approaches the preset slope, it is determined that the water outlet temperature of the bypass flow channel 110 tends to be flat, and the switch valve 20 is controlled to be closed. The water temperature rising curve slope approaching the preset slope herein can be understood as that the water temperature rising curve infinitely approaches or reaches the preset slope within the error allowable range.

[0105] The application also provides a zero cold water circulation system of a water heater.

[0106] Please refer to Fig. 2, in an embodiment of the present application, the zero-cold-water circulation system of the water heater comprises:

[0107] a heat exchanger 200, the heat exchanger 200 is connected with a cold water inlet pipe 300 and a hot water outlet pipe 400, and the cold water inlet pipe 300 and the hot water outlet pipe 400 are respectively used for connecting with the water equipment 600 at the ends away from the heat exchanger 200;

[0108] a bypass flow channel 110, the bypass flow channel 110 connects the cold water inlet pipe 300 and the hot water outlet pipe 400, so that the cold water inlet pipe 300, the heat exchanger 200, the hot water outlet pipe 400 and the bypass flow channel 110 are connected in series to form a zero-cold-water circulation loop, and the zero-cold-water circulation loop is connected with a water pump 500; the bypass flow channel 110 at least has a first branch flow channel 1101 and a second branch flow channel 1102 which are arranged in parallel in the zero-cold-water circulation loop; and

[0109] a switch valve 20, the switch valve 20 is arranged in the first branch flow channel 1101 and is used for conducting or blocking the first branch flow channel 1101.

[0110] In the embodiment, the cold water inlet pipe 300, the heat exchanger 200, the hot water outlet pipe 400 and the bypass flow channel 110 are connected in series to form a zero-cold-water circulation loop. The zero-cold-water circulation loop is provided with the water pump 500 to provide power for circulating water flow along the zero-cold-water circulation loop. In the zero-cold-water mode, the cold water accumulated in the hot water outlet pipe 400 can be output to the cold water inlet pipe 300 through the bypass flow channel 110, and then be returned to the heat exchanger 200 through the cold water inlet pipe 300 for heating, so that zero-cold-water is realized in the whole zero-cold-water circulation loop. In the zero-cold-water circulation system, the bypass flow channel 110 has a double-flow-channel structure, and the bypass flow channel 110 at least has the first branch flow channel 1101 and the second branch flow channel 1102 which are arranged in parallel. The two branch flow channels can simultaneously transport water flow, and the transport flow of the bypass flow channel 110 can be improved. In the zero-cold-water mode, the cold water accumulated in the hot water outlet pipe 400 can be divided into the first branch flow channel 1101 and the second branch flow channel 1102 for simultaneous transport, realize large bypass flow, and then be transported into the cold water inlet pipe, and then be returned to the heat exchanger 200 through the cold water inlet pipe for heating. In this way, large flow circulation can be realized, and the efficiency of cold water circulation preheating can be improved. The switch valve 20 is arranged on the first branch flow channel 1101, the water flow through the first branch flow channel 1101 is controlled through the switch valve 20, and then the flow size adjustment of the bypass flow channel 110 of the flow valve 100 can be realized to meet different application scenarios.

[0111] In actual application, as shown in Fig. 1, the flow valve 100 in the above embodiment can be connected between the cold water inlet pipe 300 and the hot water outlet pipe 400, and the bypass flow channel 110 is constructed in the valve body 10 of the flow valve 100. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 2, a bypass pipe with two branches can be connected between the cold water inlet pipe 300 and the hot water outlet pipe 400, and the bypass flow channel 110 is constructed through the bypass pipe, which is not limited here.

[0112] In an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, in an embodiment, the zero cold water circulation system of the water heater further comprises a flow limiting member 30 and a one-way valve 40. The flow limiting member 30 is arranged in the second branch flow channel 1102, and is used to limit the flow of the second branch flow channel 1102 to be less than the starting flow of the water heater. The one-way valve 40 is used to control the bypass flow channel 110 to be unidirectionally communicated from the hot water outlet pipe 400 to the cold water inlet pipe 300.

[0113] In the embodiment, when the water heater is working, the water pump 500 on the circulation loop is started to generate a pressure difference on both sides of the one-way valve 40. The pressure on the hot water end of the one-way valve 40 is greater than the pressure on the cold water end, so that the one-way valve 40 is opened under the action of the pressure difference on both sides to communicate the circulation loop, and a circulation flow is generated. When the circulation water flow is above the ignition flow of the main machine of the water heater, the main machine is ignited. In this way, at the initial stage of starting the water heater, the accumulated cold water in the hot water outlet pipe 400 is returned to the heat exchanger 200 of the water heater through the bypass flow channel 110, the cold water flow channel 130 and the cold water inlet pipe 300 for reheating, so as to ensure that zero cold water is achieved in the entire pipeline, and thus the user can use hot water immediately when starting the water equipment 600. In some scenarios where the cold water end uses a large amount of water (such as scenarios of flushing the toilet, filling the washing machine, etc.), the hot water end uses the water pump 500 to increase the pressure. When the starting pressure difference of the one-way valve 40 is reached, the one-way valve 40 is opened, the cold and hot water pipelines are communicated to form a circulation loop, and a circulation flow is generated. In these scenarios, only the first branch flow channel 1101 needs to be blocked by the on-off valve 20. At this time, the flow of the bypass flow channel 110 is only the flow of the second branch flow channel 1102 after limiting. Even if the one-way valve 40 is opened, the flow through the second branch flow channel 1102 is limited and less than the starting flow of the water heater, so that the flow in the circulation loop cannot reach the condition to cause the water heater to start, thereby preventing the water heater from being misstarted, avoiding the noise caused by misstarting to affect the user, and avoiding the phenomenon that the cold water pipe is heated by the hot water due to misstarting of the water heater.

[0114] In an embodiment, the zero-cold-water circulation system of the water heater comprises a flow valve 100, a valve body 10 of the flow valve 100 is configured to form a bypass flow channel 110. The specific structure of the flow valve 100 can refer to the above-mentioned embodiments. Since the zero-cold-water circulation system of the water heater adopts all the technical solutions of the above-mentioned embodiments, it at least has all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above-mentioned embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0115] The application also provides a water heater comprising a flow valve 100. The specific structure of the flow valve 100 can refer to the above-mentioned embodiments. Since the water heater adopts all the technical solutions of the above-mentioned embodiments, it at least has all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above-mentioned embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0116] The application also provides a water heater comprising a zero-cold-water circulation system of the water heater. The specific structure of the zero-cold-water circulation system of the water heater can refer to the above-mentioned embodiments. Since the water heater adopts all the technical solutions of the above-mentioned embodiments, it at least has all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above-mentioned embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0117] The water heater includes but is not limited to a gas water heater, an electric water heater, a wall-mounted boiler, etc. The gas water heater can be a strong suction type gas water heater or a strong drum type gas water heater, etc.

[0118] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in an embodiment, the water heater comprises a heat exchanger 200, a cold water inlet pipe 300, a hot water outlet pipe 400, a flow valve 100 and a water pump 500. The cold water inlet pipe 300 is connected to the water inlet end of the heat exchanger 200; the hot water outlet pipe 400 is connected to the water outlet end of the heat exchanger 200; the flow valve 100 connects the cold water inlet pipe 300 and the hot water outlet pipe 400, and the hot water outlet pipe 400, the bypass flow channel 110, the cold water inlet pipe 300 and the heat exchanger 200 are sequentially communicated to form a zero-cold-water circulation loop; the water pump 500 is arranged in the zero-cold-water circulation loop and is used to drive water flow along the zero-cold-water circulation loop.

[0119] In the present embodiment, the water heater is taken as an example of a gas water heater, which comprises a heat exchanger 200, a burner, a fan and other components. The water inlet end of the heat exchanger 200 is connected to a cold water inlet pipe 300, and the water outlet end of the heat exchanger 200 is connected to a hot water outlet pipe 400. When the water heater is working, the external cold water is transported into the heat exchanger 200 through the cold water inlet pipe 300, the burner burns to generate high-temperature flue gas, and the fan drives the high-temperature flue gas to flow to the heat exchanger 200 to heat the cold water in the heat exchanger 200, thereby generating hot water and outputting the hot water to a water using device 600 through the hot water outlet pipe 400 to provide hot water for the user. When the water heater is working, the water pump 500 on the circulating loop is started to generate a pressure difference on both sides of the one-way valve 40 of the flow valve 100. The pressure at the hot water end of the one-way valve 40 is greater than the pressure at the cold water end, so that the one-way valve 40 is opened under the action of the pressure difference on both sides to conduct the circulating loop, thereby generating a circulating flow. When the circulating water flow reaches the ignition flow of the water heater main machine, the main machine is ignited. In this way, at the initial stage of starting the water heater, the accumulated cold water in the hot water outlet pipe 400 is returned to the heat exchanger 200 of the water heater through the bypass flow channel 110 and the cold water inlet pipe 300 for re-heating, so as to ensure that zero cold water is achieved in the entire pipeline, thereby enabling the user to use hot water immediately when starting the water using device 600.

[0120] In some scenarios where a large amount of cold water is used at the cold water using end (such as scenarios of flushing a toilet, filling a washing machine, etc.), the hot water using end uses the water pump 500 to increase the pressure. When the one-way valve 40 is opened to reach the starting pressure difference, the one-way valve 40 is opened to connect the cold and hot water pipelines to form a circulating loop, thereby generating a circulating flow. In these scenarios, only the first branch flow channel 1101 needs to be blocked by the on-off valve 20. At this time, the flow of the bypass flow channel 110 is only the flow of the second branch flow channel 1102 after limiting. Even if the one-way valve 40 is opened, the flow through the second branch flow channel 1102 is limited and smaller than the starting flow of the water heater, so that the flow in the circulating loop cannot reach the condition to cause the water heater to start, thereby preventing the water heater from being misstarted, avoiding the noise caused by misstarting to affect the user, and preventing the phenomenon of hot water being mixed into the cold water pipe due to misstarting of the water heater.

[0121] The above description is only an exemplary embodiment of the present application, and does not limit the patent scope of the present application. Any equivalent structural transformation made based on the technical concept of the present application, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields is included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A flow valve for a zero-cold-water circulation system of a water heater, the zero-cold-water circulation system of the water heater having a heat exchanger, and a cold water inlet pipe and a hot water outlet pipe in communication with the heat exchanger, respectively, wherein, The flow valve comprises: a valve body provided with a bypass flow channel for connecting the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe, the bypass flow channel having at least a first branch flow channel and a second branch flow channel arranged in parallel; and a switch valve arranged in the valve body for opening or blocking the first branch flow channel.

2. The flow valve of claim 1, wherein, The flow valve further comprises a flow limiting member and a one-way valve arranged in the valve body, the flow limiting member being used to limit the flow of the second branch flow channel to be less than the starting flow of the water heater, and the one-way valve being used to control the bypass flow channel to be unidirectionally opened from the hot water outlet pipe to the cold water inlet pipe.

3. The flow valve of claim 2, wherein, The bypass flow channel further has a water inlet flow channel and a water outlet flow channel, the water inlet end of the water inlet flow channel being used to connect the hot water outlet pipe, the water outlet end of the water inlet flow channel being connected to the water inlet end of the first branch flow channel and the water inlet end of the second branch flow channel, the water inlet end of the water outlet flow channel being connected to the water outlet end of the first branch flow channel and the water outlet end of the second branch flow channel, and the water outlet end of the water outlet flow channel being used to connect the cold water inlet pipe, the one-way valve being arranged in the water inlet flow channel or the water outlet flow channel.

4. The flow valve of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The switch valve is configured as a solenoid valve which is closed to block the first branch flow channel in a non-powered state and opened to open the first branch flow channel in a powered state, and the second branch flow channel is a normally open channel in a kept open state.

5. The flow valve of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The valve body is further provided with a hot water flow channel, the hot water flow channel having a hot water main flow channel and a hot water branch flow channel, one end of the hot water main flow channel being provided with a hot water inlet for connecting the hot water outlet pipe, the other end of the hot water main flow channel being provided with a first bypass opening for connecting the bypass flow channel, one end of the hot water branch flow channel being provided with a hot water outlet for connecting a water using device, the other end of the hot water branch flow channel being provided with a first connecting opening for connecting the hot water main flow channel, the first connecting opening being located between the hot water inlet and the first bypass opening; and / or, the valve body is further provided with a cold water flow channel, the cold water flow channel having a cold water main flow channel and a cold water branch flow channel, one end of the cold water main flow channel being provided with a cold water inlet for connecting the cold water inlet pipe, the other end of the cold water main flow channel being provided with a second bypass opening for connecting the bypass flow channel, one end of the cold water branch flow channel being provided with a cold water outlet for connecting a water using device, the other end of the cold water branch flow channel being provided with a second connecting opening for connecting the cold water main flow channel, the second connecting opening being located between the cold water inlet and the second bypass opening.

6. The flow valve of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The valve body comprises a valve body, and a hot water connector and a cold water connector arranged on two sides of the valve body, the valve body being internally configured with the bypass flow channel, the hot water connector being used to connect the hot water outlet pipe and connect the bypass flow channel with the hot water outlet pipe, and the cold water connector being used to connect the cold water inlet pipe and connect the bypass flow channel with the cold water inlet pipe.

7. The flow valve of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The flow valve further comprises a water flow monitoring module arranged in the valve body, the water flow monitoring module and the switch valve being respectively electrically connected to an electronic control module, the water flow monitoring module being used to monitor the water flow through the bypass flow channel and feed back a water flow signal to the electronic control module, and the electronic control module being used to control the opening and closing of the switch valve according to the water flow signal fed back by the water flow monitoring module.

8. The flow valve of claim 7, wherein, The water flow monitoring module comprises a flow sensor for detecting the water flow through the bypass flow channel and feeding back a water flow signal to the electronic control module; and / or, The water flow monitoring module comprises a water pressure sensor for detecting the water flow pressure of the bypass flow channel and feeding back a water flow pressure signal to the electronic control module.

9. The flow valve of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The flow valve further comprises a temperature detection module arranged in the valve body, the temperature detection module and the on-off valve being electrically connected to an electronic control module respectively, the temperature detection module being arranged for detecting the water flow temperature of the bypass flow channel, and the on-off valve being arranged for being opened or closed under the control of the electronic control module.

10. A control method of a flow valve for the flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The control method comprises the following steps: controlling the on-off valve to be opened when the water heater is in the zero-cold-water mode; obtaining the water flow temperature data in the flow valve and determining the water flow temperature variation trend in the flow valve; controlling the on-off valve to be closed when the water flow temperature variation in the flow valve tends to be gentle.

11. The flow valve control method according to claim 10, wherein The step of obtaining the water flow temperature data in the flow valve and determining the water flow temperature variation trend in the flow valve comprises: determining the water temperature rising curve slope according to the water flow temperature in the flow valve; determining that the water flow temperature variation in the flow valve tends to be gentle when the water temperature rising curve slope approaches a preset slope.

12. A zero cold water circulation system for a water heater, wherein, The zero-cold-water circulation system of the water heater comprises: a heat exchanger connected with a cold water inlet pipe and a hot water outlet pipe, the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe being respectively arranged for being connected to a water-using device at the end away from the heat exchanger; a bypass flow channel connecting the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe, so that the cold water inlet pipe, the heat exchanger, the hot water outlet pipe and the bypass flow channel are connected in series to form a zero-cold-water circulation loop, the zero-cold-water circulation loop being connected in series with a water pump; the bypass flow channel at least having a first branch flow channel and a second branch flow channel arranged in parallel in the zero-cold-water circulation loop; and an on-off valve arranged in the first branch flow channel for conducting or blocking the first branch flow channel.

13. The zero cold water circulation system for a water heater of claim 12, wherein, The zero-cold-water circulation system comprises the flow valve according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the valve body of the flow valve constituting the bypass flow channel.

14. A water heater wherein, The water heater comprises the flow valve according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or comprises the zero-cold-water circulation system of the water heater according to claim 12 or 13.

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