Water heater water output control methods, water heater

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of water heaters, providing a method for controlling the water output of a water heater and a water heater employing this control method. The water heater includes an insulated inner tank, an inlet channel and an outlet channel connecting the insulated inner tank, and a connecting channel connecting the inlet channel and the outlet channel. The control method sequentially includes the following steps: S1, adjusting the flow rate of the connecting channel and / or adjusting the flow rate from the inlet channel into the insulated inner tank, so that the water temperature at the outlet of the outlet channel reaches a preset temperature; S2, reducing the flow rate of the connecting channel, so that the water temperature at the outlet of the outlet channel maintains the preset temperature; S3, after the flow rate of the connecting channel reaches the minimum flow rate, reducing the flow rate from the inlet channel into the insulated inner tank, so that the water temperature at the outlet of the outlet channel maintains the preset temperature. Step S2 achieves constant water temperature; step S3 achieves a longer period of constant water temperature and also allows the insulated inner tank to provide more hot water, extending the hot water usage time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heaters, and in particular to a method for controlling the water output of a water heater and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] An electric water heater includes an insulated inner tank for storing water, an inlet channel for supplying cold water to the insulated inner tank, and an outlet channel for discharging hot water from the insulated inner tank. In existing electric water heaters, cold water is continuously supplied to the insulated inner tank during the user's hot water usage, causing the water temperature inside the insulated inner tank to drop and preventing the heater from providing the user with a sufficient amount of hot water. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defect in the prior art where cold water is continuously supplied into the heat preservation tank when the user is using hot water, which results in the inability to provide the user with more hot water. The present invention provides a method for controlling the water output of a water heater and a water heater.

[0004] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0005] A method for controlling the water output of a water heater, applied in a water heater, the water heater including an insulated inner tank, an inlet channel and an outlet channel connecting the insulated inner tank, the water heater further including a connecting channel connecting the inlet channel and the outlet channel, the control method comprising the following steps in sequence:

[0006] S1. Adjust the flow rate of the connecting channel and the flow rate of the water entering the heat-insulating inner tank from the water inlet channel, so that the water temperature at the outlet of the water outlet channel reaches the preset temperature;

[0007] S2. Reduce the flow rate of the connecting channel so that the water temperature at the outlet of the water channel is maintained at the preset temperature;

[0008] S3. When the flow rate of the connection channel reaches the minimum flow rate, reduce the flow rate from the water inlet channel into the heat-insulating inner tank so that the water temperature at the outlet of the water outlet channel is maintained at the preset temperature.

[0009] In this technical solution, during the use of hot water, the user first achieves the preset water temperature through step S1. As the hot water in the insulation tank is consumed and the temperature inside the tank drops due to the continuous injection of cold water, step S2 is required to reduce the flow rate of the connecting channel to maintain the preset water temperature and achieve constant water temperature. When too much hot water is consumed in the insulation tank, and even adjusting the flow rate of the connecting channel to the minimum fails to reach the preset water temperature, step S3 reduces the flow rate from the inlet channel into the insulation tank to maintain the preset water temperature and achieve constant water temperature for a longer period. By reducing the flow rate from the inlet channel into the insulation tank in step S3, i.e., reducing the amount of cold water entering the insulation tank, it is also possible to avoid supplying too much cold water to the insulation tank, which would cause the hot water inside to cool down too quickly after mixing. This allows the insulation tank to provide more hot water and prolong the hot water usage time. The flow rate adjustment in steps S1-S3 is achieved by using automatic control, which can automatically achieve constant temperature water output. Users do not need to manually adjust the position of the faucet to adjust the water temperature during hot water use, thus improving the convenience of using hot water.

[0010] Preferably, step S1 specifically involves: adjusting the flow rate of the connecting channel to the maximum flow rate, then maintaining the flow rate of the connecting channel unchanged, and adjusting the flow rate of water entering the heat-insulating inner tank from the water inlet channel so that the water temperature at the outlet of the water outlet channel reaches the preset temperature.

[0011] In this technical solution, when the water temperature at the outlet of the water channel is adjusted to the preset temperature, the flow rate of the connecting channel is adjusted to the maximum flow rate. This reduces the flow rate from the water inlet channel into the heat-insulating inner tank, allowing less cold water to enter the heat-insulating inner tank and preventing the water temperature inside the heat-insulating inner tank from dropping too much. This further facilitates the heat-insulating inner tank in providing more hot water at a higher temperature.

[0012] Preferably, step S1 specifically involves: adjusting the flow rate of the connecting channel and the flow rate of the water entering the heat-insulating inner tank from the water inlet channel to the maximum flow rate, and obtaining the maximum flow rate of the connecting channel and the maximum flow rate of the water entering the heat-insulating inner tank from the water inlet channel, then maintaining the flow rate of the connecting channel unchanged, and reducing the flow rate of the water entering the heat-insulating inner tank from the water inlet channel, so that the water temperature at the outlet of the water outlet channel reaches the preset temperature.

[0013] In this technical solution, the flow rate of the connecting channel and the flow rate of the water entering the heat-insulating inner tank from the water inlet channel are adjusted to the maximum to obtain the maximum flow rate of the connecting channel and the maximum flow rate of the water entering the heat-insulating inner tank at the current preset temperature. This facilitates precise control of the flow rate of cold water used to mix with hot water and the flow rate of cold water entering the heat-insulating inner tank based on these two maximum flow rates.

[0014] Preferably, a flow sensor is provided downstream of the junction of the water inlet channel and the connecting channel, and a flow sensor is provided in the connecting channel. A temperature sensor is provided in the water outlet channel, and the temperature sensor is located downstream of the junction of the connecting channel and the water outlet channel.

[0015] In this technical solution, a flow sensor is installed to collect the flow rate information of cold water entering the insulated inner tank and the flow rate information of cold water used to mix with hot water. This serves two purposes: firstly, it facilitates the determination of control commands based on these two flow rate data; secondly, the flow sensor provides feedback on the flow rate regulation, enabling more accurate adjustment. A temperature sensor is also installed to detect the temperature of the hot water supplied by the insulated inner tank and the cold water supplied by the connecting channel after mixing in the outlet channel. This provides feedback for flow rate regulation, improving the accuracy of flow rate control.

[0016] Preferably, a flow disturbance mechanism is provided downstream of the connection point between the connecting channel and the water outlet channel in the water outlet channel, and the flow disturbance mechanism is located upstream of the temperature sensor.

[0017] In this technical solution, a flow-dispersing mechanism is incorporated to ensure more thorough mixing of cold water from the connecting channel and hot water from the insulated inner tank. The downstream water flow of the flow-dispersing mechanism is also thoroughly mixed, and a temperature sensor is positioned downstream of the mechanism to further improve the accuracy of the detected water temperature information.

[0018] Preferably, the water heater further includes a servo device, which is used to adjust the flow rate downstream of the connection point between the water inlet channel and the connecting channel, and to adjust the flow rate of the connecting channel.

[0019] In this technical solution, the servo device regulates the flow rate, which has the advantages of being simple, reliable, and accurate.

[0020] Preferably, at least a portion of the connecting channel is disposed within the heat-insulating inner liner;

[0021] Alternatively, the inner wall of the water heater shell and the outer wall of the insulated inner tank together define an isolation cavity, and the connection channel and / or the servo device are disposed within the isolation cavity.

[0022] In this technical solution, at least a portion of the connecting channel is located within the insulated inner liner, resulting in a compact structure. The connecting channel and / or servo device are housed within the isolation cavity, allowing for easy maintenance simply by opening the housing.

[0023] Preferably, the control method further includes the following steps:

[0024] S4. When the flow rate of water entering the heat-insulating inner tank from the water inlet channel drops to the minimum flow rate, the flow rate of water entering the heat-insulating inner tank from the water inlet channel is maintained at the minimum flow rate.

[0025] Step S4 is performed after step S3.

[0026] In this technical solution, step S4 reduces the amount of cold water entering the insulated inner tank, thereby providing the user with more hot water. Even if it is no longer possible to provide the user with hot water at the preset temperature, it can still provide the user with hot water at a temperature slightly lower than the preset temperature, thus providing the user with as much hot water as possible.

[0027] A water heater employs the above-mentioned control method.

[0028] Preferably, the highest water temperature inside the insulated inner liner is less than or equal to 80°C;

[0029] And / or, the insulation temperature inside the insulation liner is less than or equal to 60°C.

[0030] In this technical solution, the maximum water temperature of the insulated inner tank is less than or equal to 80℃ to avoid excessive scale formation due to excessively high water temperatures. The insulation temperature of the inner tank is less than or equal to 60℃, resulting in good energy-saving performance.

[0031] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:

[0032] In step S2, as cold water is continuously injected into the insulated inner tank, causing the water temperature inside the tank to decrease, the flow rate in the connecting channel is reduced to maintain the preset water temperature, achieving constant water temperature. In step S3, the flow rate entering the insulated inner tank from the inlet channel is reduced to maintain the preset water temperature, achieving a longer period of constant water temperature. Reducing the flow rate from the inlet channel in step S3 avoids supplying too much cold water to the insulated inner tank, which would cause the hot water inside to cool down too quickly after mixing, thus allowing the insulated inner tank to provide more hot water and extending the hot water usage time. When the flow rate adjustment in steps S1-S3 is implemented automatically, constant water temperature can be automatically achieved. Users do not need to manually adjust the faucet position to adjust the water temperature during hot water use, improving the convenience of hot water use. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a hot water system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 for Figure 2Enlarged view of section A in the middle;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater at the second connection point according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater at the first connection point according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0039] Hot water system 1000;

[0040] Water heater 100, insulated inner tank 1, water inlet channel 2, water outlet channel 3, connecting channel 4, first connecting part 5, second connecting part 6, inner tank water inlet section 7, inner tank water outlet section 8, temperature sensor 9, first flow sensor 10, second flow sensor 11, first turbulence mechanism 12, second turbulence mechanism 13, isolation chamber 15, magnesium rod 16, heating rod 17, first flow control mechanism 18, second flow control mechanism 19;

[0041] Shower head 20, faucet 21;

[0042] The length direction of the shell is L. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments.

[0044] It should be noted that:

[0045] The unlabeled arrowed line segments in the attached diagram are used to indicate the direction of water flow;

[0046] In terms of water flow direction, water flows from upstream to downstream.

[0047] Figures 1-5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hot water system 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the hot water system 1000 includes a water heater 100, a shower head 20, and a faucet 21. The water heater 100 includes:

[0049] Insulated inner liner 1, used for water storage;

[0050] Water inlet channel 2 connects to the insulated inner liner 1;

[0051] Water outlet channel 3 connects to the insulated inner tank 1;

[0052] Connecting channel 4, one end of connecting channel 4 is connected to water inlet channel 2 to form first connection 5, and the other end of connecting channel 4 is connected to water outlet channel 3 to form second connection 6;

[0053] Among them, the portion of the water inlet channel 2 located downstream of the first connecting point 5 is the inner tank water inlet section 7, which is used to provide cold water to the insulated inner tank 1. In this embodiment, the flow rate from the water inlet channel 2 into the insulated inner tank 1 is the flow rate of the inner tank water inlet section 7. The portion of the connecting channel 4 located upstream of the second connecting point 6 is the inner tank water outlet section 8. The connecting channel 4 is used to transport cold water to the second connecting point 6, so that the cold water and the hot water from the inner tank water outlet section 8 are mixed.

[0054] Optionally, the water heater 100 is an electric water heater. Optionally, in other embodiments, the water heater 100 can be an electric water heater, a solar water heater, etc., that has an insulated inner tank 1 and a heating function.

[0055] When the water heater is dispensing water at 100%, you can follow these steps in sequence:

[0056] S1. Adjust the flow rate of the connecting channel 4 and the flow rate of the inner tank inlet section 7 so that the water temperature at the outlet of the outlet channel 3 reaches the preset temperature.

[0057] S2. Reduce the flow rate of the connecting channel 4 so that the water temperature at the outlet of the water outlet channel 3 remains at the preset temperature;

[0058] S3. When the flow rate of the connecting channel 4 reaches the minimum flow rate, reduce the flow rate of the inner tank inlet section 7 so that the water temperature at the outlet of the outlet channel 3 is maintained at the preset temperature.

[0059] During hot water usage, the user first achieves the preset water temperature through step S1. In step S2, as cold water is continuously injected into the insulated inner tank 1, causing the water temperature inside 1 to decrease, the flow rate of connecting channel 4 is reduced to maintain the preset temperature at the outlet of water outlet channel 3, achieving constant water temperature. In step S3, the flow rate entering the insulated inner tank 1 from the inlet channel 2 is reduced to maintain the preset temperature at the outlet of water outlet channel 3, achieving a longer period of constant water temperature. Reducing the flow rate of the inner tank inlet section 7 in step S3 prevents excessive cold water from being supplied to the insulated inner tank 1, which would cause the hot water inside 1 to cool down too quickly after mixing, thus allowing the insulated inner tank 1 to provide more hot water and extend the hot water usage time. The temperature at the outlet of water outlet channel 3 refers to the water temperature at the outlet of water outlet channel 3.

[0060] Optionally, in this embodiment, the desired water temperature can be determined based on the valve body position of the faucet 21, and is set as a preset temperature.

[0061] Alternatively, in other embodiments, a touch panel or buttons may be provided for users to input the desired preset temperature.

[0062] Optionally, step S1 specifically involves: adjusting the flow rate of the connecting channel 4 to the maximum flow rate, then maintaining the flow rate of the connecting channel 4 unchanged, and adjusting the flow rate of the inner tank inlet section 7 so that the water temperature at the outlet of the outlet channel 3 reaches the preset temperature.

[0063] By adjusting the flow rate of the connecting channel 4 to the maximum flow rate, the water temperature at the outlet of the water outlet channel 3 reaches the preset temperature. This reduces the flow rate of the inner tank inlet section 7, allowing less cold water to enter the insulated inner tank 1, thus preventing the water temperature inside the insulated inner tank 1 from dropping too much. This further facilitates the insulated inner tank 1 in providing more hot water at a higher temperature.

[0064] Optionally, step S1 specifically involves: adjusting the flow rate of the connecting channel 4 and the flow rate of the inner tank inlet section 7 to the maximum flow rate, and obtaining the maximum flow rate of the connecting channel 4 and the maximum flow rate of the inner tank inlet section 7 respectively. Then, the flow rate of the connecting channel 4 is kept constant, and the flow rate of the inner tank inlet section 7 is reduced so that the water temperature at the outlet of the water outlet channel 3 reaches the preset temperature.

[0065] In step S1, by adjusting the flow rate of the connecting channel 4 and the flow rate of the inner tank inlet section 7 to the maximum, the maximum flow rate of the connecting channel 4 and the maximum flow rate of the inner tank inlet section 7 at the current preset temperature can be obtained, thereby facilitating precise control of the flow rate of cold water used to mix with hot water and the flow rate of cold water entering the insulated inner tank 1 based on these two maximum flow rates.

[0066] Optionally, in other embodiments, in step S1, the water temperature at the outlet of the water outlet channel 3 can reach a preset temperature by adjusting the flow rate of the connecting channel 4 or the flow rate of the inner tank inlet section 7.

[0067] Optionally, the method for controlling the water output of the water heater 100 also includes the following steps:

[0068] S4. After the flow rate of the inner tank inlet section 7 drops to the minimum flow rate, the flow rate of the inner tank inlet section 7 is maintained at the minimum flow rate.

[0069] Step S4 is performed after step S3.

[0070] In step S4, the amount of cold water entering the insulated inner tank 1 is reduced, thereby providing the user with more hot water. Even if the water temperature inside the insulated inner tank 1 drops to a level where it can no longer provide the user with hot water at the preset temperature, it can still provide the user with hot water at a temperature slightly lower than the preset temperature, thus providing the user with as much hot water as possible.

[0071] Optionally, the minimum flow rate of the inner tank inlet section 7 is 2.5 L / min.

[0072] like Figures 2-5 As shown, the water heater 100 also includes a servo device, which includes a first flow control mechanism 18 for adjusting the flow rate of the inner tank inlet section 7 and a second flow control mechanism 19 for adjusting the flow rate of the connecting channel 4. By employing automatic control to adjust the flow rate in steps S1-S3, constant temperature water output can be automatically achieved. Users do not need to manually adjust the position of the faucet 21 to adjust the water temperature during hot water use, thus improving the convenience of hot water usage.

[0073] Optionally, both the first flow control mechanism 18 and the second flow control mechanism 19 are solenoid valves. Using solenoid valves to regulate flow is simple, reliable, highly accurate, and low-cost. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the servo device can use a power unit to drive ball valves, cone valves, etc., to control flow.

[0074] Optionally, both the first flow control mechanism 18 and the second flow control mechanism 19 are located at the first connection point 5. The first connection point 5 corresponds to the inlet of the inner tank water inlet section 7 and the inlet of the connecting channel 4. Setting the first flow control mechanism 18 to correspond to the inlet of the inner tank water inlet section 7 and setting the second flow control mechanism 19 to correspond to the inlet of the connecting channel 4 facilitates the connection and maintenance of pipelines and servo devices.

[0075] like Figures 3-5 As shown, a first flow sensor 10 is installed in the water inlet section 7 of the inner tank, and the first flow sensor 10 is located downstream of the first flow control mechanism 18; a second flow sensor 11 is installed in the connecting channel 4, and the second flow sensor 11 is located downstream of the second flow control mechanism 19. The first flow sensor 10 collects the flow rate of cold water entering the insulated inner tank 1, and the second flow sensor 11 collects the flow rate of cold water used to mix with hot water. On the one hand, this facilitates the determination of control commands based on these two flow information; on the other hand, the first flow sensor 10 provides feedback on the adjustment effect of the first flow control mechanism 18, and the second flow sensor 11 provides feedback on the adjustment effect of the second flow control mechanism 19, thus enabling more accurate adjustment.

[0076] Optionally, in step S1, the water valve position of the faucet 21 can be determined based on the flow signals of the first flow sensor 10 and / or the second flow sensor 11, so as to determine the preset temperature.

[0077] Optionally, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, a temperature sensor 9 is installed downstream of the second connection 6 to detect the temperature of the hot water provided by the insulated inner tank 1 and the cold water provided by the connecting channel 4 after mixing in the outlet channel 3. This facilitates feedback to the servo device's adjustment function and improves the accuracy of flow regulation. The thorough mixing of hot and cold water downstream of the second connection 6, coupled with the more accurate water temperature detection by the temperature sensor 9, ensures more accurate water temperature information.

[0078] Optionally, the temperature sensor 9 can be located at the second connection point 6.

[0079] Optionally, a first flow-disrupting mechanism 12 is provided between the second connection 6 and the temperature sensor 9. The first flow-disrupting mechanism 12 allows for more thorough mixing of cold water from the connecting channel 4 and hot water from the insulated inner tank 1. The temperature sensor 9 is located downstream of the first flow-disrupting mechanism 12, further improving the accuracy of the detected water temperature information.

[0080] Optionally, in this embodiment, the water heater 100 further includes a controller. The first flow sensor 10, the second flow sensor 11, the temperature sensor 9, the first flow control mechanism 18, and the second flow control mechanism 19 are all electrically connected to the controller. The controller controls the operation of the first flow control mechanism 18 and the second flow control mechanism 19 through the temperature signals and flow signals from the temperature sensor 9, the first flow sensor 10, and the second flow sensor 11.

[0081] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the servo device includes a controller, and the first flow sensor 10, the second flow sensor 11, and the temperature sensor 9 are electrically connected to the controller, respectively.

[0082] Optionally, at least a portion of the connecting channel 4 is disposed within the insulated inner tank 1, making the water heater 100 compact in structure.

[0083] Optionally, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the outer wall of the heat-insulating inner liner 1 and the inner wall of the outer shell together define an isolation cavity 15, and the connecting channel 4 and the servo device are disposed within the isolation cavity 15. Since the connecting channel 4 and the servo device are disposed within the isolation cavity 15, maintenance can be performed simply by opening the outer shell, making operation convenient.

[0084] Alternatively, in other embodiments, one of the connection channel 4 and the servo device may be located inside the isolation cavity 15, and the other may be located outside the isolation cavity 15.

[0085] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the heat-insulating inner tank 1 and the isolation cavity 15 are distributed sequentially along the length direction L of the shell, which can avoid increasing the size of the water heater 100 in other directions to set up the isolation cavity 15, and facilitate the installation of the water heater 100.

[0086] Optionally, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, a second turbulence-inducing mechanism 13 is provided in the inner tank water inlet section 7 to reduce or prevent scale buildup in the inner tank water inlet section 7. The second turbulence-inducing mechanism 13 is coated with scale-inhibiting material, which facilitates full contact between the water flow and the scale-inhibiting material to remove scale, and also facilitates the entry of water from the inner tank water inlet section 7 into the insulated inner tank 1 to remove scale in the insulated inner tank 1.

[0087] Scale inhibitors are commercially available; optionally, the scale inhibitor is FAOF scale inhibitor.

[0088] Optionally, the second turbulence mechanism 13 is a spiral plate, which has a good turbulence effect.

[0089] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, a magnesium rod 16 is provided inside the heat-insulating inner liner 1 to prevent corrosion of the metal heat-insulating inner liner 1.

[0090] Optionally, the water heater 100 heats the water in the insulated inner tank 1 through a heating rod 17, which is a zirconium heating rod 17.

[0091] Optionally, the inner tank water inlet section 7 is provided with holes of the same shape and size at intervals, so that the water entering the heat-insulating inner tank 1 from the inner tank water inlet section 7 can form a laminar flow structure, which is conducive to the uniform heating of the water in the heat-insulating inner tank 1.

[0092] Optionally, the maximum heating temperature of the insulated inner tank 1 is set to 80℃, and the insulation temperature of the insulated inner tank 1 is set to 60℃. When the water temperature in the insulated inner tank 1 is below 60℃, electricity is supplied to the heating rod 17 to heat the water in the insulated inner tank 1, and heating stops when the water reaches 80℃. Setting the maximum heating temperature to 80℃ avoids excessive scale formation due to excessively high maximum heating temperatures. Setting the insulation temperature to 60℃ avoids frequent heating due to excessively high insulation temperatures, thus achieving energy saving.

[0093] Optionally, in other embodiments, the maximum heating temperature of the heat-insulating inner liner 1, i.e. the maximum water temperature, can be less than, equal to, or greater than 80°C; the heat-insulating temperature of the heat-insulating inner liner 1 can be less than, equal to, or greater than 60°C.

[0094] Optionally, in other embodiments, the highest water temperature inside the insulated inner liner 1 is less than or equal to 80°C, and the insulation temperature inside the insulated inner liner 1 is less than or equal to 60°C. These two technical solutions can be used simultaneously, or only one of them can be used.

[0095] Optionally, when the faucet 21 is not turned on, the water temperature in the heat-insulating inner tank 1 can be detected by the temperature sensor 9 mentioned above to determine whether heating needs to be started or continued.

[0096] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the water output of a water heater, applied in a water heater, the water heater comprising an insulated inner tank, an inlet channel and an outlet channel connecting the insulated inner tank, characterized in that, The water heater further includes a connecting channel that connects the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel, and the control method includes the following steps in sequence: S1. Adjust the flow rate of the connecting channel and / or adjust the flow rate from the water inlet channel into the heat-insulating inner tank so that the water temperature at the outlet of the water outlet channel reaches the preset temperature; S2. Reduce the flow rate of the connecting channel so that the water temperature at the outlet of the water channel is maintained at the preset temperature; S3. When the flow rate of the connection channel reaches the minimum flow rate, reduce the flow rate from the water inlet channel into the heat-insulating inner tank so that the water temperature at the outlet of the water outlet channel is maintained at the preset temperature. The flow rate adjustment in steps S1-S3 is achieved by automatic control.

2. The water outlet control method of a water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Step S1 specifically involves: adjusting the flow rate of the connecting channel to the maximum flow rate, then maintaining the flow rate of the connecting channel unchanged, and adjusting the flow rate from the inlet channel into the heat-insulating inner tank so that the water temperature at the outlet of the outlet channel reaches the preset temperature.

3. The water outlet control method of a water heater as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Step S1 specifically involves: adjusting the flow rate of the connecting channel and the flow rate of the water entering the heat-insulating inner tank from the inlet channel to the maximum flow rate, and obtaining the maximum flow rate of the connecting channel and the maximum flow rate of the water entering the heat-insulating inner tank from the inlet channel. Then, maintaining the flow rate of the connecting channel unchanged and reducing the flow rate of the water entering the heat-insulating inner tank from the inlet channel, so that the water temperature at the outlet of the water outlet channel reaches the preset temperature.

4. The water outlet control method of a water heater as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Downstream of the connection point between the water inlet channel and the connecting channel, and in the connecting channel, a flow sensor is provided. A temperature sensor is provided in the water outlet channel, and the temperature sensor is located downstream of the connection point between the connecting channel and the water outlet channel.

5. The water outlet control method for a water heater as described in claim 4, characterized in that, A flow disturbance mechanism is provided downstream of the connection point between the water outlet channel and the connecting channel, and the flow disturbance mechanism is located upstream of the temperature sensor.

6. The water outlet control method for a water heater as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The water heater also includes a servo device, which is used to adjust the flow rate downstream of the connection point between the water inlet channel and the connecting channel, and to adjust the flow rate of the connecting channel.

7. The water outlet control method of a water heater as described in claim 6, characterized in that, At least a portion of the connecting channel is disposed within the heat-insulating inner liner; Alternatively, the inner wall of the water heater shell and the outer wall of the insulated inner tank together define an isolation cavity, and the connection channel and / or the servo device are disposed within the isolation cavity.

8. The water outlet control method of a water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further includes the following steps: S4. When the flow rate of water entering the heat-insulating inner tank from the water inlet channel drops to the minimum flow rate, the flow rate of water entering the heat-insulating inner tank from the water inlet channel is maintained at the minimum flow rate. Step S4 is performed after step S3.

9. A water heater, characterized in that, It adopts the water outlet control method of the water heater as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The water heater as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The highest water temperature inside the insulated inner liner is less than or equal to 80℃; And / or, the insulation temperature inside the insulation liner is less than or equal to 60°C.

Images