Gas water heater

Abstract

This invention relates to a gas water heater, comprising a heat exchanger, a cold water pipe, a hot water pipe, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and an automatic thermostatic device. The automatic thermostatic device includes: a tank having a first connecting port, a second connecting port, a third connecting port, and a fourth connecting port respectively connected to the inlet pipe, the cold water pipe, the hot water pipe, and the outlet pipe; and a baffle plate dividing the space within the tank into a fluid-isolated first subspace and a second subspace. The baffle plate is configured to move in a first direction when water is used and in a second direction opposite to the first direction when water is used. The first connecting port communicates with the first subspace, and both the third and fourth connecting ports communicate with the second subspace. The second connecting port switches from communicating with the second subspace to communicating with the first subspace when water is used and switches from communicating with the first subspace to communicating with the second subspace when water is used and when water is used is stopped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to a gas water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, gas water heaters on the market experience a process where, after the water valve is closed and reopened, the water goes through a cycle of high-temperature hot water, cold water, and then room-temperature hot water. This phenomenon is known as the "sandwich effect" or "intercalated water." In other words, after restarting, the water heater needs time to stabilize at the set bathing temperature, significantly impacting user comfort. The main reason for this problem is that after the water valve is closed, the residual heat from the heat exchanger continues to heat the water stored inside the unit, making its temperature higher than the set temperature. When the water valve is reopened, this high-temperature stored water flows out first, forming hot water. The water heater uses the water flow signal as its start-up signal, so it only ignites and begins working when water flow is generated after the valve is reopened. There is a time lag between the water heater receiving the flow signal and the water reaching the set temperature. During this time, the flowing water is not heated before flowing out of the valve, creating a certain amount of cold water.

[0003] The following methods are commonly used in existing technologies to solve the aforementioned technical problems. First, adding a mixing device; some gas water heaters currently have a mixing tank at the outlet pipe. When the user uses hot water, some hot water is stored in the mixing tank. When the water supply is briefly interrupted and then restarted, the water in the outlet pipe mixes with the hot water in the tank before flowing out together. Second, adding an electric heating module; by adding an electric heating module to the gas water heater, when the water valve is briefly closed and then restarted, the flowing cold water is heated by the electric heating module, thus eliminating the cold water in the interlayer. Third, using energy storage materials; during normal hot water use, the energy storage material absorbs heat. When the water valve is briefly closed and then restarted, the energy storage material releases the stored heat to heat the flowing cold water.

[0004] However, electric heating modules are costly to develop, have complex control programs, and are susceptible to scale buildup from water ions, leading to a significant decrease in heating efficiency over time. Energy storage materials are expensive, the technology is immature, and their performance does not yet meet usage requirements; they remain theoretical and have not been put into practical use. Therefore, the lowest-cost and simplest-to-control solution currently is the mixing tank solution. However, existing mixing tank solutions simply connect a large water tank to the end of the outlet pipe, resulting in an unreasonable structural design. This limits the outflow of hot water from the mixing tank, leading to poor mixing and an inability to effectively solve the cold water problem. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to overcome at least one defect of the prior art and to provide a gas water heater with faster mixing speed and better water mixing effect.

[0006] Another objective of this invention is to avoid frequent startup of the ignition system in gas water heaters.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a gas water heater, comprising a heat exchanger, a cold water pipe connected upstream of the heat exchanger, a hot water pipe connected downstream of the heat exchanger, an inlet pipe for connection to a tap water pipe, an outlet pipe for connection to a water user, and an automatic thermostatic device, wherein the automatic thermostatic device comprises:

[0008] The tank body has a first connecting port, a second connecting port, a third connecting port, and a fourth connecting port respectively connected to the inlet pipe, the cold water pipe, the hot water pipe, and the outlet pipe; and

[0009] A baffle, disposed within the tank, divides the space within the tank into a fluid-isolated first subspace and a second subspace. The baffle is configured to move in a first direction when water is used at the water-using end to increase the volume of the first subspace and decrease the volume of the second subspace; and to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction when water is used at the water-using end to decrease the volume of the first subspace and increase the volume of the second subspace.

[0010] The first connection port is connected to the first subspace, and the third and fourth connection ports are both connected to the second subspace. The second connection port is configured to switch from being connected to the second subspace to being connected to the first subspace when the water is started at the water-using end, as the baffle moves, and to switch from being connected to the first subspace to being connected to the second subspace when the water is stopped at the water-using end, as the baffle moves.

[0011] Optionally, the automatic temperature control device further includes:

[0012] A spring is disposed within the second subspace, one end of which is connected to the inner wall of the first end of the tank, and the other end is connected to the baffle; and

[0013] The baffle is configured to move in the first direction and compress the spring under the action of the inlet water pressure when water is started at the water-using end, and to move in the second direction under the action of the elastic deformation restoring force of the spring when water is stopped at the water-using end.

[0014] Optionally, the automatic temperature control device further includes:

[0015] A spring is disposed within the first subspace, one end of which is connected to the inner wall of the second end of the tank, and the other end is connected to the baffle; and

[0016] The baffle is configured to move in the first direction and stretch the spring under the action of the inlet water pressure when water is started at the water-using end, and to move in the second direction under the action of the elastic deformation restoring force of the spring when water is stopped at the water-using end.

[0017] Optionally, when the water supply at the water-using end is continuously stopped, the spring is in its natural state, the baffle is in its first position, and the second communication port is fully connected to the second subspace; and

[0018] When water is continuously used at the water-using end, the elastic deformation restoring force generated by the spring is the same as the water inlet pressure on the baffle, the baffle is held in the third position, and the second communication port is fully connected to the first subspace.

[0019] Optionally, the gas water heater further includes:

[0020] A flow sensor is used to detect the water flow rate in the cold water pipe; and

[0021] The ignition system is configured to initiate ignition in a controlled manner when the water flow rate in the cold water pipe reaches a preset flow rate threshold.

[0022] Optionally, the preset flow rate threshold is set to be greater than the maximum water flow rate in the cold water pipe when the second connection port is connected to the second subspace, and equal to or less than the minimum water flow rate in the cold water pipe when the second connection port is connected to the first subspace.

[0023] Optionally, the baffle further has a second position that switches the second communication port from a state of communication with the second subspace to a state of complete communication with the first subspace, the second position being located between the first position and the third position; and

[0024] The ignition system is configured to initiate ignition when the baffle is in the second position.

[0025] Optionally, the automatic temperature control device further includes a limiting plate disposed inside the tank, the limiting plate being configured to prevent the baffle from continuing to move in the first direction when the baffle moves to a preset position in the first direction.

[0026] Optionally, the automatic temperature control device further includes an insulation layer that covers the outside of the tank.

[0027] Optionally, the inner wall of the tank is smooth, and the periphery of the baffle is in sealed contact with the inner wall of the tank.

[0028] This invention relates to a gas water heater that divides the traditional cold water inlet pipe and hot water outlet pipe into two sections, forming four parts: a cold water pipe, a hot water pipe, an inlet pipe, and an outlet pipe. Furthermore, it incorporates an automatic thermostatic device with a tank and baffles. The tank has four ports that connect to the cold water pipe, hot water pipe, inlet pipe, and outlet pipe respectively. The baffles divide the space inside the tank into a fluid-isolated first subspace and a second subspace. The inlet pipe connects to the first subspace through the first port, while the hot water pipe and outlet pipe connect to the second subspace through the third and fourth ports respectively. The cold water pipe selectively connects to either the first or second subspace through the second port. Thus, the hot water flowing from the hot water pipe first flows into the second subspace to mix with the water stored there before flowing to the outlet pipe. Compared to existing technologies where mixing occurs only within the hot water outlet pipe, this invention provides a larger mixing space, resulting in faster mixing and better water mixing.

[0029] Furthermore, when the user starts using the water, the pressure in the first sub-space connected to the inlet pipe increases. Under the action of the inlet water pressure, the baffle moves in the first direction, causing the volume of the first sub-space to increase and the volume of the second sub-space connected to the outlet pipe to decrease. In other words, the baffle will cause the hot water stored in the second sub-space to flow to the outlet pipe under the action of the inlet water pressure. At this time, the water flow from the second sub-space to the cold water pipe is very small or even zero, that is, the water flow to the heat exchanger is very small or zero. Therefore, the ignition system will not be activated. If the user starts using the water for a very short time, the hot water stored in the second sub-space will meet the user's needs, and there is no need to activate the ignition system at all, thus avoiding the noise and shortened lifespan caused by frequent activation of the ignition system.

[0030] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a gas water heater in a stopped water supply state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a gas water heater in a state switching process according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3This is a schematic structural diagram of a gas water heater in a continuous water output state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a gas water heater according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] This invention provides a gas water heater, Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a gas water heater in a stopped water supply state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a gas water heater in a state switching process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a gas water heater in a continuous water supply state according to an embodiment of the present invention. (See also...) Figures 1 to 3 The gas water heater 1 of the present invention includes a heat exchanger 10, a cold water pipe 21 connected to the upstream side of the heat exchanger 10, a hot water pipe 22 connected to the downstream side of the heat exchanger 10, an inlet pipe 23 for connecting to a tap water pipe, an outlet pipe 24 for connecting to a water outlet, and an automatic thermostatic device 30. It is understood that the water outlet can specifically be a faucet, a shower head, etc.

[0037] Specifically, the automatic thermostat 30 includes a tank 31 and a baffle 32. The tank 31 has a first connection port 311, a second connection port 312, a third connection port 313, and a fourth connection port 314, which are respectively connected to the inlet pipe 23, the cold water pipe 21, the hot water pipe 22, and the outlet pipe 24. The baffle 32 is disposed in the tank 31 and divides the space inside the tank 31 into a fluid-isolated first subspace 315 and a second subspace 316. That is, the first subspace 315 and the second subspace 316 are fluidly isolated by the baffle 32, and there is no fluid communication between them. The baffle 32 is configured to move in a first direction a to increase the volume of the first subspace 315 and decrease the volume of the second subspace 316 when water is used at the water-using end, and to move in a second direction b, opposite to the first direction a, when water is used at the water-using end to decrease the volume of the first subspace 315 and increase the volume of the second subspace 316 when water is used at the water-using end. In other words, the volumes of the first subspace 315 and the second subspace 316 are adjustable as the baffle 32 moves.

[0038] The first connecting port 311 is connected to the first subspace 315, and the third connecting port 313 and the fourth connecting port 314 are both connected to the second subspace 316. The second connecting port 312 is configured to switch from being connected to the second subspace 316 to being connected to the first subspace 315 when water use is started at the water-using end, as the baffle 32 moves; and to switch from being connected to the first subspace 315 to being connected to the second subspace 316 when water use is stopped at the water-using end, as the baffle 32 moves. In other words, when water use is started at the water-using end, the second connecting port 312 is in a state connected to the second subspace 316. As the water use time increases, the distance the baffle 32 moves along the first direction a gradually increases, the volume of the second subspace 316 becomes smaller and smaller, and the volume of the first subspace 315 becomes larger and larger, allowing the second connecting port 312 to switch to a state connected to the first subspace 315. When water usage stops at the water-using end, the second connection port 312 is in a state of communication with the first subspace 315. As the water usage time increases, the distance that the baffle 32 moves along the second direction b becomes larger and larger, the volume of the second subspace 316 becomes larger and larger, and the volume of the first subspace 315 becomes smaller and smaller. The second connection port 312 can be switched to a state of communication with the second subspace 316.

[0039] The gas water heater 1 of the present invention divides the conventional cold water inlet pipe and hot water outlet pipe into two sections, forming four parts: cold water pipe 21, hot water pipe 22, inlet pipe 23, and outlet pipe 24. Furthermore, it is specially equipped with an automatic thermostatic device 30 having a tank body 31 and a baffle 32. The tank body 31 has four connecting ports that communicate with the cold water pipe 21, hot water pipe 22, inlet pipe 23, and outlet pipe 24 respectively. The baffle 32 divides the space inside the tank body 31 into a fluid-isolated first subspace 315 and a second subspace 316. The inlet pipe 23 communicates with the first subspace 315 through the first connecting port 311. The hot water pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 24 communicate with the second subspace 316 through the third connecting port 313 and the fourth connecting port 314 respectively. The cold water pipe 21 selectively communicates with either the first subspace 315 or the second subspace 316 through the second connecting port 312. Therefore, the hot water flowing out of the hot water pipe 22 first flows to the second subspace 316 to mix with the water stored in the second subspace 316 before flowing to the outlet pipe 24. Compared with the prior art, which mixes in the hot water outlet pipe, the present invention has a specially designed mixing space (second subspace 316), which is larger. Therefore, the mixing speed is faster and the water mixing effect is better.

[0040] Furthermore, when the user starts using water, the pressure in the first subspace 315 connected to the inlet pipe 23 increases. Under the action of the inlet water pressure, the baffle 32 moves in the first direction a, causing the volume of the first subspace 315 to increase and the volume of the second subspace 316 connected to the outlet pipe 24 to decrease. In other words, the baffle 32, under the action of the inlet water pressure, causes the hot water stored in the second subspace 316 to flow to the outlet pipe 24. At this time, the water flow from the second subspace 316 to the cold water pipe 21 is very small or even zero, that is, the water flow to the heat exchanger 10 is very small or zero. Therefore, the ignition system will not be activated. If the user uses water for a very short time, the hot water stored in the second subspace 316 can meet the user's needs without needing to activate the ignition system, thus avoiding the noise and shortened lifespan caused by frequent activation of the ignition system.

[0041] It should be noted that the ignition system of the present invention has a broad meaning that includes a gas valve, and is used to control the ignition and extinguishing of a gas water heater. The start of the ignition system means controlling the gas water heater to ignite, and the stop of the ignition system means controlling the gas water heater to extinguish.

[0042] Specifically, the tank 31 can be placed horizontally, and the baffle 32 is vertically installed inside the tank 31. The shape of the baffle 32 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the tank 31.

[0043] Furthermore, the inner wall of the tank 31 is smooth, and the periphery of the baffle 32 is in sealed contact with the inner wall of the tank 31. Thus, the baffle 32 can move smoothly within the tank 31, while preventing water in the first subspace 315 from seeping into the second subspace 316 and water in the second subspace 316 from seeping into the first subspace 315.

[0044] In some embodiments, the automatic thermostat 30 further includes a spring 33 disposed within the second subspace 316. One end of the spring 33 is connected to the inner wall of the first end of the tank 31, and the other end is connected to a baffle 32. The baffle 32 is configured to move in a first direction a and compress the spring 33 under the action of water inlet pressure when water is started at the water outlet, and to move in a second direction b under the action of the elastic deformation restoring force of the spring 33 when water is stopped at the water outlet.

[0045] Furthermore, when water usage is continuously stopped at the water-using end, spring 33 is in its natural state, baffle 32 is in the first position A, and the second connecting port 312 is fully connected to the second subspace 316. That is, all flow surfaces of the second connecting port 312 are connected to the second subspace 316. When water usage is continuous at the water-using end, the elastic deformation restoring force generated by the compression of spring 33 is the same as the inlet water pressure on baffle 32, and baffle 32 remains in the third position C. The second connecting port 312 is fully connected to the first subspace 315. That is, all flow surfaces of the second connecting port 312 are connected to the first subspace 315.

[0046] Specifically, when the water supply is continuously stopped, the inlet pressure at the inlet pipe 23 is the same as the outlet pressure at the outlet pipe 24, and the forces on both sides of the baffle 32 are balanced, so the spring 33 is in its natural state. At this time, the larger second subspace 316 stores the hot water that flowed from the heat exchanger after the last water use at the water supply end. When the water supply is started, the pressure at the outlet pipe 24 drops sharply, and the inlet pressure at the inlet pipe 23 is greater than the outlet pressure at the outlet pipe 24. Water flows into the first subspace 315 through the inlet pipe 23 and the first connecting port 311, squeezing the baffle 32 and causing the baffle 32 to move from the first position A to the first direction a. The baffle 32 compresses the spring 33 and pushes the hot water in the second subspace 316 toward the outlet pipe 24 so that the water supply end can obtain hot water in a timely manner. Since the second connection port 312 is connected to the second subspace 316 at this time, and the water volume in the second subspace 316 is limited, with most of the water flowing to the outlet pipe 24, the water flow through the second connection port 312 to the cold water pipe 21 is very small, and the ignition system will not start at this time. However, if the time interval between the current water use and the last water use is short, the water entering the cold water pipe 21 will carry away the residual heat of the heat exchanger, forming hot water at a higher temperature. This hot water mixes with the pre-stored warm water in the second subspace 316 to neutralize the temperature before flowing out from the outlet pipe 24, thus solving the problem of excessively hot water when water is used again after a short water outage. Furthermore, the cooler water flowing during the time between the ignition system receiving the ignition start signal and the heat exchanger heating the water to the set temperature will also neutralize with the pre-stored warm water in the second subspace 316 before flowing out from the outlet pipe 24, solving the problem of cold water when water is used again after a short water outage.

[0047] If water is used continuously, as the water usage time increases, the distance the baffle 32 moves in the first direction a increases, and the second connection port 312 switches to connect with the first subspace 315. At this time, most of the water flowing in through the inlet pipe 23 flows to the cold water pipe 21, and a small portion remains in the first subspace 315, prompting the baffle 32 to continue moving in the first direction until the force exerted by the spring 33 on the baffle 32 is balanced with the force exerted by the inlet water in the first subspace 315 on the baffle 32. The baffle 32 stops moving and remains in the third position C. The water flow rate flowing into the first subspace 315 through the inlet pipe 23 is the same as the water flow rate flowing into the cold water pipe 21 through the first subspace 315. When the second connection port 312 connects with the first subspace 315, the water flow rate in the cold water pipe 21 increases, reaching the standard for starting the ignition system. The ignition system starts ignition, and the heat exchanger continuously generates hot water, which flows into the second subspace 316 through the hot water pipe 22, and then flows from the second subspace 316 to the outlet pipe 24.

[0048] When the water usage ends or stops, the pressure in the inlet pipe 23 and outlet pipe 24 is balanced again, that is, the water pressure on both sides of the baffle 32 is balanced, and the ignition system is extinguished. At this time, the spring 33 begins to recover its deformation, and the baffle 32 begins to move in the second direction b under the action of the elastic deformation recovery force of the spring 33, pushing the water in the first subspace 315 from the cold water pipe 21 into the heat exchanger 10, absorbing the residual heat of the heat exchanger 10, and then entering the second subspace 316. As the baffle 32 continues to move in the second direction b, a small amount of water in the second subspace 316 flows to the heat exchanger 10 through the cold water pipe 21, further absorbing a small amount of residual heat from the heat exchanger 10, and then flows into the second subspace 316 through the hot water pipe 22 until the baffle 32 stops moving and returns to the first position A. The spring 33 returns to its natural state. At this time, the second subspace 316 stores a large amount of warm water at a suitable temperature for the next water usage.

[0049] As can be seen, by setting a spring 33 in the second subspace 316, the present invention uses the inlet water pressure to move the baffle 32 and compress the spring 33 when water is started at the water-using end; when water is stopped at the water-using end, the elastic deformation recovery force generated by the compression of the spring 33 causes the baffle 32 to move in the opposite direction to restore its deformation. The structural design is very ingenious and does not require any additional driving device, achieving the above-mentioned many good technical effects with a very simple structure.

[0050] Figure 4This is a schematic structural diagram of a gas water heater according to another embodiment of the present invention. In some other embodiments, the automatic thermostatic device 30 further includes a spring 33, which is disposed within a first subspace 315. One end of the spring 33 is connected to the inner wall of the second end of the tank 31, and the other end is connected to a baffle 32. The baffle 32 is configured to move in a first direction a and stretch the spring 33 under the action of water inlet pressure when water is started at the water outlet, and to move in a second direction b under the action of the elastic deformation restoring force of the spring 33 when water is stopped at the water outlet.

[0051] Furthermore, when water usage is continuously stopped at the water-using end, spring 33 is in its natural state, baffle 32 is in the first position A, and the second connecting port 312 is fully connected to the second subspace 316. That is, all flow surfaces of the second connecting port 312 are connected to the second subspace 316. When water usage is continuous at the water-using end, the elastic deformation restoring force generated by the stretching of spring 33 is the same as the inlet water pressure on baffle 32, and baffle 32 remains in the third position C. The second connecting port 312 is fully connected to the first subspace 315. That is, all flow surfaces of the second connecting port 312 are connected to the first subspace 315.

[0052] In other words, in some embodiments, the spring 33 can be placed in the first subspace 315. When water is started at the water-using end, the inlet water pressure causes the baffle 32 to move and stretch the spring 33. When water is stopped at the water-using end, the elastic deformation recovery force generated by the stretching of the spring 33 causes the baffle 32 to move in the opposite direction to restore the deformation. The structural design is also very ingenious and does not require any additional driving device. It can achieve the above-mentioned many good technical effects with a very simple structure.

[0053] Since the spring 33 is located in the first subspace 315 and the spring 33 is located in the second subspace 316, the only difference is that the spring 33 is compressed and stretched. The working principle and working process of the gas water heater 1 are basically the same, so they will not be described in detail here.

[0054] In some embodiments, the gas water heater 1 further includes a flow sensor 40 and an ignition system. The flow sensor 40 is used to detect the water flow rate in the cold water pipe 21, and the ignition system is configured to initiate ignition in a controlled manner when the water flow rate in the cold water pipe 21 reaches a preset flow rate threshold.

[0055] Specifically, the flow sensor 40 can be installed inside the cold water pipe 21 to directly obtain the water flow rate inside the cold water pipe 21. The ignition system may include a gas proportional valve, a gas delivery pipe, an igniter, etc. Since the ignition system is a common structure in gas water heaters 1, it will not be described in detail here.

[0056] In some embodiments, the aforementioned preset flow threshold is set to be greater than the maximum water flow rate in the cold water pipe 21 when the second connection port 312 is connected to the second subspace 316, and equal to or less than the minimum water flow rate in the cold water pipe 21 when the second connection port 312 is connected to the first subspace 315. That is, when the second connection port 312 is connected to the second subspace 316, the ignition system will not start; when the second connection port 312 is connected to the first subspace 315 and water flows into the inlet pipe 23, the ignition system will start immediately. This ensures that when the water consumption at the user end is low, only the pre-stored warm water in the second subspace 316 is used to meet the user's water needs without activating the ignition system, avoiding frequent starts of the ignition system; and also ensures that when the water consumption at the user end is high, the ignition system can start stably to meet the user's higher water consumption needs.

[0057] In some embodiments, the baffle 32 further has a second position B that switches the second communication port 312 from a state of communication with the second subspace 316 to a state of complete communication with the first subspace 315. The second position B is located between the first position A and the third position C. That is, when the baffle 32 is in the second position B (see...), Figure 2 The second connection port 312 is completely connected to the first subspace 315, that is, the flow surface of the second connection port 312 is completely exposed to the first subspace 315.

[0058] Furthermore, the ignition system is configured to start ignition when the baffle 32 is in the second position B. That is to say, the start of the ignition system can be controlled by the state and position of the baffle 32. In this way, it can be ensured that when the water consumption at the water end is small, only the pre-stored warm water in the second subspace 316 is used to meet the user's water demand, and that when the water consumption at the water end is large, the ignition system can start stably to meet the user's larger water demand.

[0059] In some embodiments, the automatic temperature control device 30 further includes a limiting plate 34 disposed within the tank 31. The limiting plate 34 is configured to prevent the baffle 32 from moving further in the first direction a when the baffle 32 moves to a preset position in the first direction a. This prevents the baffle 32 from moving excessively in the first direction a, thus avoiding excessive compression or stretching of the spring 33 and its failure, when there are large fluctuations in water pressure.

[0060] Specifically, the aforementioned preset position can be the third position C, or it can be a position that is slightly closer to the first direction a than the third position C.

[0061] In some embodiments, the automatic thermostat 30 further includes an insulation layer (not shown in the figure) that covers the outside of the tank 31, thereby preventing heat loss from the water stored in the second subspace 316, so that hot water can still be obtained in a timely manner when the water is turned on again after a long period of inactivity.

[0062] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described above are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are intended to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Based on the embodiments provided by the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should still fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0063] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0064] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can also refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0065] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this invention, each functional module can be a physical module composed of multiple structures, components, or electronic devices, or a virtual module composed of multiple programs; each functional module can be an independent module or a module divided from a whole module according to its function. Those skilled in the art should understand that, provided the technical solution described in this invention can be implemented, any changes in the configuration, implementation, or positional relationship of the functional modules will not deviate from the technical principles of this invention, and therefore should all fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0066] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A gas water heater, comprising a heat exchanger, a cold water pipe connected upstream of the heat exchanger, a hot water pipe connected downstream of the heat exchanger, an inlet pipe for connection to a tap water pipe, an outlet pipe for connection to a water user, and an automatic thermostatic device, wherein the automatic thermostatic device comprises: The tank body has a first connecting port, a second connecting port, a third connecting port and a fourth connecting port that are respectively connected to the water inlet pipe, the cold water pipe, the hot water pipe and the water outlet pipe; as well as A baffle, disposed within the tank, divides the space within the tank into a fluid-isolated first subspace and a second subspace. The baffle is configured to move in a first direction when water is used at the water-using end to increase the volume of the first subspace and decrease the volume of the second subspace; and to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction when water is used at the water-using end to decrease the volume of the first subspace and increase the volume of the second subspace. The first connection port is connected to the first subspace, and the third and fourth connection ports are both connected to the second subspace. The second connection port is configured to switch from being connected to the second subspace to being connected to the first subspace when the water is started at the water-using end, as the baffle moves, and to switch from being connected to the first subspace to being connected to the second subspace when the water is stopped at the water-using end, as the baffle moves. When water is started at the water-using end, the second connecting port is in a state of communication with the second subspace. As the water usage time increases, the distance the baffle moves along the first direction a gradually increases, the volume of the second subspace becomes smaller and smaller, the volume of the first subspace becomes larger and larger, and the second connecting port switches to a state of communication with the first subspace. When the water supply stops, the second connection port is in a state of communication with the first subspace. As the water supply stops for a longer period of time, the baffle moves a greater distance along the second direction b, the volume of the second subspace increases, the volume of the first subspace decreases, and the second connection port switches to a state of communication with the second subspace.

2. The gas water heater according to claim 1, wherein, The automatic temperature control device also includes: A spring is disposed within the second subspace, one end of which is connected to the inner wall of the first end of the tank, and the other end is connected to the baffle; and The baffle is configured to move in the first direction and compress the spring under the action of the inlet water pressure when water is started at the water-using end, and to move in the second direction under the action of the elastic deformation restoring force of the spring when water is stopped at the water-using end.

3. The gas water heater according to claim 1, wherein, The automatic temperature control device also includes: A spring is disposed within the first subspace, one end of which is connected to the inner wall of the second end of the tank, and the other end is connected to the baffle; and The baffle is configured to move in the first direction and stretch the spring under the action of the inlet water pressure when water is started at the water-using end, and to move in the second direction under the action of the elastic deformation restoring force of the spring when water is stopped at the water-using end.

4. The gas water heater according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, When the water supply to the water-using end is continuously stopped, the spring is in its natural state, the baffle is in its first position, and the second communication port is fully connected to the second subspace; and When water is continuously used at the water-using end, the elastic deformation restoring force generated by the spring is the same as the water inlet pressure on the baffle, the baffle is held in the third position, and the second communication port is fully connected to the first subspace.

5. The gas water heater according to claim 4, wherein, Also includes: A flow sensor is used to detect the water flow rate in the cold water pipe; as well as The ignition system is configured to initiate ignition in a controlled manner when the water flow rate in the cold water pipe reaches a preset flow rate threshold.

6. The gas water heater according to claim 5, wherein, The preset flow rate threshold is set to be greater than the maximum water flow rate in the cold water pipe when the second connection port is connected to the second subspace, and equal to or less than the minimum water flow rate in the cold water pipe when the second connection port is connected to the first subspace.

7. The gas water heater according to claim 5, wherein, The baffle also has a second position that switches the second communication port from a state of communication with the second subspace to a state of complete communication with the first subspace, the second position being located between the first position and the third position; and The ignition system is configured to initiate ignition when the baffle is in the second position.

8. The gas water heater according to claim 1, wherein, The automatic temperature control device also includes a limiting plate disposed inside the tank, the limiting plate being configured to prevent the baffle from continuing to move in the first direction when the baffle moves to a preset position in the first direction.

9. The gas water heater according to claim 1, wherein, The automatic temperature control device also includes an insulation layer, which covers the outside of the tank.

10. The gas water heater according to claim 1, wherein, The inner wall of the tank is smooth, and the periphery of the baffle is in sealed contact with the inner wall of the tank.

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