Gas water heater

Abstract

The present application relates to a gas water heater, comprising a heat exchanger, a cold water pipe, a hot water pipe, a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe, and an automatic thermostat device. The automatic thermostat device comprises a tank body defining a space for containing water, a baffle arranged in the tank body and dividing the space in the tank body into a first sub-space and a second sub-space in fluid isolation, and a driving mechanism connected with the baffle and configured to move the baffle in a first direction when water use is started at a water use end and in a second direction opposite to the first direction when water use is stopped at the water use end. The water inlet pipe is in communication with the first sub-space, the hot water pipe and the water outlet pipe are both in communication with the second sub-space, and the cold water pipe is configured to switch from a state of being in communication with the second sub-space to a state of being in communication with the first sub-space as the baffle moves when water use is started at the water use end, and switch from a state of being in communication with the first sub-space to a state of being in communication with the second sub-space as the baffle moves when water use is stopped at the water use end.

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] A tank, which has a defined space for holding water;

[0009] A baffle, disposed within the tank, divides the space within the tank into a fluid-isolated first subspace and a second subspace; and

[0010] A drive mechanism, connected to the baffle, is configured to, when water is used at the water-using end, cause the baffle to move in a first direction to increase the volume of the first subspace and decrease the volume of the second subspace; and, when water is used at the water-using end, cause the baffle to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction to decrease the volume of the first subspace and increase the volume of the second subspace; wherein

[0011] The inlet pipe is connected to the first subspace, the hot water pipe and the outlet pipe are both connected to the second subspace, and the cold water pipe 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.

[0012] Optionally, the drive mechanism includes:

[0013] The motor is located outside the tank body;

[0014] A helical rod, one end of which is connected to the motor and the other end extending into the tank, is configured to move axially along its own axis as the motor rotates; and

[0015] The telescopic rod has one end connected to the helical rod via a spring, so that it can selectively retract into or extend from the helical rod as the spring extends or retracts, and the other end is connected to the baffle.

[0016] Optionally, during the period when water is not used at the water-using end, the telescopic rod is retracted into the helical rod, and the baffle is located in a first position that allows the cold water pipe to be fully connected to the second subspace;

[0017] During continuous water use at the water-using end, the telescopic rod is in a state of extending from the helical rod, and the baffle has a third position that allows the cold water pipe to be fully connected to the first subspace.

[0018] Optionally, the baffle is configured to move in the first direction under the action of water inlet pressure when water is started at the water-using end, so that the telescopic rod extends out of the helical rod and causes the spring to undergo elastic deformation;

[0019] The motor is configured to rotate in a controlled forward direction when the baffle moves to the second position in the first direction, so as to drive the auger to continue moving the telescopic rod in the first direction until the baffle moves to the third position and stops rotating in the forward direction; wherein

[0020] The second position is configured such that the cold water pipe switches from a state of being connected to the second subspace to a state of being completely connected to the first subspace.

[0021] Optionally, the motor is configured to rotate in reverse in a controlled manner when water use stops at the water-using end, so as to drive the auger to move the telescopic rod in the second direction until the baffle moves to the second position and then stops reversing; and

[0022] After the motor stops reversing, the baffle moves together with the telescopic rod in the second direction under the action of the elastic deformation restoring force of the spring, so that the baffle returns to the first position and the telescopic rod retracts into the screw rod.

[0023] Optionally, the telescopic rod is connected to the side of the baffle facing the first subspace; and

[0024] When water is not used at the water-using end, the spring is in its natural state; when water is continuously used at the water-using end, the spring is in its stretched state.

[0025] Optionally, the gas water heater further includes:

[0026] A flow sensor is used to detect the water flow rate in the cold water pipe; and

[0027] 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.

[0028] Optionally, the preset flow rate threshold is set to be greater than the maximum water flow rate in the cold water pipe when the cold water pipe is connected to the second subspace, and equal to or less than the minimum water flow rate in the cold water pipe when the cold water pipe is connected to the first subspace.

[0029] Optionally, the automatic temperature control device further includes an insulation layer that covers the outside of the tank.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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, baffles, and a drive mechanism. 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, while both the hot water pipe and the outlet pipe connect to the second subspace. The cold water pipe selectively connects to either the first or second subspace. 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 a better mixing effect.

[0032] Furthermore, when the user starts using the water, the drive mechanism causes the baffle to move in the first direction, thereby increasing the volume of the first subspace and decreasing the volume of the second subspace connected to the outlet pipe. In other words, the baffle, under the action of the drive mechanism, causes the hot water stored in the second subspace to flow to the outlet pipe. At this time, the water flow from the second subspace 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 subspace 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.

[0033] 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

[0034] 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:

[0035] 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;

[0036] Figure 2This is a schematic structural diagram of a gas water heater in a state switching process according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a gas water heater in a continuous water output state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the drive mechanism in a first state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of a drive mechanism in a second state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] 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.

[0041] Specifically, the automatic thermostat 30 includes a tank 31, a baffle 32, and a drive mechanism 33. The tank 31 defines a space for containing water. The baffle 32 is disposed within the tank 31 and divides the space within the tank 31 into a fluid-isolated first subspace 311 and a second subspace 312. That is, the first subspace 311 and the second subspace 312 are fluidly isolated by the baffle 32, and there is no fluid communication between them. The drive mechanism 33 is connected to the baffle 32 and is configured to move the baffle 32 in a first direction a to increase the volume of the first subspace 311 and decrease the volume of the second subspace 312 when water is started at the water-using end; and to move the baffle 32 in a second direction b, opposite to the first direction a, to decrease the volume of the first subspace 311 and increase the volume of the second subspace 312 when water is stopped at the water-using end. In other words, the volumes of the first subspace 311 and the second subspace 312 are adjustable with the movement of the baffle 32.

[0042] Furthermore, the inlet pipe 23 is connected to the first subspace 311, and both the hot water pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 24 are connected to the second subspace 312. The cold water pipe 21 is configured to switch from being connected to the second subspace 312 to being connected to the first subspace 311 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 311 to being connected to the second subspace 312 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 cold water pipe 21 is in a state connected to the second subspace 312. 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 312 becomes smaller and smaller, and the volume of the first subspace 311 becomes larger and larger, allowing the cold water pipe 21 to switch to a state connected to the first subspace 311. When water usage is stopped at the water-using end, the cold water pipe 21 is in a state of being connected to the first subspace 311. As the time of water usage cessation increases, the distance that the baffle 32 moves along the second direction b becomes larger and larger, the volume of the second subspace 312 becomes larger and larger, and the volume of the first subspace 311 becomes smaller and smaller. The cold water pipe 21 can then switch to a state of being connected to the second subspace 312.

[0043] Specifically, the tank 31 may have four connection ports that are respectively connected to the cold water pipe 21, the hot water pipe 22, the inlet pipe 23 and the outlet pipe 24, so as to allow the cold water pipe 21, the hot water pipe 22, the inlet pipe 23 and the outlet pipe 24 to connect to the first subspace 311 or the second subspace 312 inside the tank 31 through the corresponding connection ports.

[0044] The gas water heater 1 of this invention divides the traditional 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 incorporates an automatic thermostatic device with a tank body 31, a baffle 32, and a drive mechanism 33. The baffle 32 divides the space within the tank body 31 into a fluid-isolated first subspace 311 and a second subspace 312. The inlet pipe 23 is connected to the first subspace 311, while both the hot water pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 24 are connected to the second subspace 312. The cold water pipe 21 is selectively connected to either the first subspace 311 or the second subspace 312. Thus, the hot water flowing from the hot water pipe 22 first flows to the second subspace 312 to mix with the water stored therein before flowing to the outlet pipe 24. Compared to existing technologies where mixing occurs within the hot water outlet pipe, this invention has a specially designed mixing space (the second subspace 312), which is larger, resulting in faster mixing and better mixing effect.

[0045] Furthermore, when the user starts using water, the drive mechanism 33 causes the baffle 32 to move in the first direction a, thereby increasing the volume of the first subspace 311 and decreasing the volume of the second subspace 312 connected to the outlet pipe 24. In other words, the baffle 32 will cause the hot water stored in the second subspace 312 to flow to the outlet pipe 24 under the action of the drive mechanism 33. At this time, the water flow from the second subspace 312 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 312 will meet the user's needs, and there is no need to activate the ignition system. This avoids the noise and shortened lifespan caused by frequent activation of the ignition system.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 311 from seeping into the second subspace 312 and water in the second subspace 312 from seeping into the first subspace 311.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the drive mechanism in a first state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of a drive mechanism in a second state according to an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 33 may specifically include a motor 331, a screw rod 332, and a telescopic rod 333.

[0050] The motor 331 is located outside the tank 31 to avoid contact with the water inside the tank 31. One end of the screw rod 332 is connected to the motor 331, and the other end extends into the tank 31. The screw rod 332 is configured to move axially with the rotation of the motor 331. That is, when the motor 331 rotates, the screw rod 332 can move either into the tank 31 or out of the tank 31. One end of the telescopic rod 333 is sleeved with the screw rod 332 via a spring 334, so that it can selectively retract into or extend from the screw rod 332 as the spring 334 extends or retracts. The other end is connected to the baffle 32.

[0051] Furthermore, during the period when water is not used at the water-using end, the telescopic rod 333 is in a state of retraction within the screw rod 332 (see...). Figure 4 The baffle 32 is located at a first position A, which allows the cold water pipe 21 to be fully connected to the second subspace 312. That is, all flow surfaces of the cold water pipe 21 are connected to the second subspace 312. During continuous water use at the water end, the telescopic rod 333 is extended from the screw rod 332 (see...). Figure 5 The baffle 32 has a third position C that allows the cold water pipe 21 to be fully connected to the first subspace 311. That is, all flow surfaces of the cold water pipe 21 are connected to the first subspace 311.

[0052] In some embodiments, the baffle 32 is configured to move in a first direction a under the action of inlet water pressure when water is started at the water-using end, so that the telescopic rod 333 extends from the helical rod 332 and causes the spring 334 to undergo elastic deformation. Specifically, depending on the different positions of the spring 334, the spring 334 may undergo either stretched elastic deformation or compressed elastic deformation.

[0053] Furthermore, the motor 331 is configured to rotate in a controlled forward direction when the baffle 32 moves in the first direction a to the second position B, thereby driving the screw rod 332 to continue moving the telescopic rod 333 in the first direction a until the baffle 32 moves to the third position C and stops rotating in the forward direction. The second position B is configured such that the cold water pipe 21 switches from a state connected to the second subspace 312 to a state that is just fully connected to the first subspace 311. That is, when the baffle 32 is in the second position B (see...), the cold water pipe 21 rotates from a state connected to the second subspace 312 to a state that is just fully connected to the first subspace 311. In other words, when the baffle 32 is in the second position B (see...), the cold water pipe 21 rotates in a controlled forward direction when it moves in the first direction a to the second position B. Figure 2 The cold water pipe 21 is completely connected to the first subspace 311, meaning that the flow surface of the cold water pipe 21 is completely exposed to the first subspace 311. It is understood that the second position B is located between the first position A and the third position C.

[0054] Furthermore, the motor 331 is configured to rotate in reverse in a controlled manner when water usage stops at the water-using end, driving the screw rod 332 to move the telescopic rod 333 in the second direction b until the baffle 32 moves to the second position B and stops reversing. After the motor 331 stops reversing, the baffle 32, under the elastic deformation restoring force of the spring 334, moves together with the telescopic rod 333 in the second direction b, so that the baffle 32 returns to the first position A, and the telescopic rod 333 retracts into the screw rod 332.

[0055] Specifically, when the water supply to the user terminal is continuously stopped, the inlet pressure at the inlet pipe 23 is the same as the outlet pressure at the outlet pipe 24. The forces on both sides of the baffle 32 are balanced, and the motor 31 is in a stopped state. Therefore, the spring connecting the telescopic rod 333 and the screw rod 332 is in its natural state, and the telescopic rod 333 is retracted into the screw rod 332. At this time, the larger second subspace 312 stores the hot water that flowed from the heat exchanger 10 after the previous water supply to the user terminal ended.

[0056] When the user starts using the water, 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 311 through the inlet pipe 23, squeezing the baffle 32. This causes the baffle 32 to move together with the telescopic rod 333 from the first position A towards the first direction a, pushing the hot water in the second subspace 312 towards the outlet pipe 24 so that the user can obtain hot water in a timely manner. During this process, the spring 33 undergoes elastic deformation. Since the cold water pipe 21 is connected to the second subspace 312 at this time, the water volume in the second subspace 312 is limited, and most of the water flows to the outlet pipe 24. Therefore, the water flow to the cold water pipe 21 is very small, and the ignition system will not start at this time. If the time interval between the current water usage and the last water usage is short, the water entering the cold water pipe 21 will carry away the residual heat from the heat exchanger, forming hot water at a higher temperature. This hot water mixes with the pre-stored warm water in the second subspace 312 to neutralize the temperature before flowing out through 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 between the time the ignition system receives the ignition start signal and the time the heat exchanger heats the water to the set temperature will also neutralize with the pre-stored warm water in the second subspace 312 before flowing out through the outlet pipe 24, solving the problem of cold water when water is used again after a short water outage.

[0057] If water is used continuously, as the water usage time increases, the distance that the baffle 32 moves in the first direction a increases, and the cold water pipe 21 switches to be connected to the first subspace 311. At this time, the motor 331 rotates, driving the screw rod 332 to move in the first direction a. The screw rod 332 pushes the baffle 32 to continue moving in the first direction a until the baffle 32 moves to the third position C. At this time, the motor 331 stops rotating, and the baffle 31 stops moving and remains in the third position C. After the cold water pipe 21 switches to be connected to the first subspace 311, 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 311. When the baffle 31 stops moving, the water flow rate flowing in through the inlet pipe 23 is the same as the water flow rate flowing into the cold water pipe 21 through the first subspace 311. When the cold water pipe 21 is connected to the first subspace 311, 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 312 through the hot water pipe 22, and then flows from the second subspace 312 to the outlet pipe 24.

[0058] 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. At this time, the ignition system is turned off, the motor 331 rotates in the reverse direction to drive the screw rod 332 to move the baffle 32 in the second direction b. The baffle 32 pushes the water in the first subspace 311 from the cold water pipe 21 into the heat exchanger 10, absorbs the residual heat of the heat exchanger 10, and then enters the second subspace 312 until the cold water pipe 21 switches to the state of being connected to the second subspace 312, and the motor 331 stops reversing. Spring 334 begins to recover its deformation. Under the elastic deformation recovery force of spring 334, baffle 32 continues to move in the second direction b. A small amount of water in the second subspace 312 flows to heat exchanger 10 through cold water pipe 21, continues to absorb a small amount of residual heat from heat exchanger 10, and then flows into the second subspace 312 through hot water pipe 22 until spring 334 has completely recovered its deformation. Then baffle 32 stops moving and returns to the first position A. At this time, the second subspace 312 stores a large amount of warm water at a suitable temperature for the next use by the user.

[0059] The drive mechanism 33 of this invention not only includes a spiral rod 332 that moves under control via a motor 31, but also a telescopic rod 333 that moves under external force using the elastic deformation capability of a spring 334. The spring 334 can rapidly deform elastically when the pressure on both sides of the baffle 32 is unbalanced, thus quickly pushing the baffle 32 to move and rapidly responding to the water demand at the water-using end, improving the user experience. The start signal for the motor 331 is generated when the baffle 32 moves from the first direction a to the second position B. At this time, the water flow in the cold water pipe 21 is ensured to reach the preset flow rate for starting the ignition system. Therefore, driving the baffle 32 to move via the motor 331 at this time facilitates control of the baffle 32's moving speed, thereby controlling the water flow to the cold water pipe 21.

[0060] In some embodiments, the telescopic rod 333 is connected to the side of the baffle 32 facing the first subspace 311. When water is not being used at the water-using end, the spring 334 is in a relaxed state; when water is being used continuously at the water-using end, the spring 334 is in a stretched state.

[0061] In some alternative embodiments, the telescopic rod 333 may also be attached to the side of the baffle 32 facing the second subspace 312. During periods when water use is stopped at the water-using end, the spring 334 is in its unloaded state; during periods of continuous water use at the water-using end, the spring 334 is in its compressed state.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] Furthermore, the aforementioned preset flow threshold is set to be greater than the maximum water flow rate in the cold water pipe 21 when it is connected to the second subspace 312, and equal to or less than the minimum water flow rate in the cold water pipe 21 when it is connected to the first subspace 311. In other words, the ignition system will not start when the cold water pipe 21 is connected to the second subspace 312; the ignition system will start immediately when the cold water pipe 21 is connected to the first subspace 311 and water flows into the inlet pipe 23. This ensures that when water consumption is low, the pre-stored warm water in the second subspace 312 is used to meet the user's water needs without activating the ignition system, thus avoiding frequent ignition system startups. It also ensures that the ignition system can start stably when water consumption is high, meeting the user's increased water demand.

[0065] 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 312, 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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: A tank, which has a defined space for holding water; A baffle is disposed in the tank body and divides the space inside the tank body into a fluid-isolated first subspace and a second subspace. as well as A drive mechanism, connected to the baffle, is configured to, when water is used at the water-using end, cause the baffle to move in a first direction to increase the volume of the first subspace and decrease the volume of the second subspace; and, when water is used at the water-using end, cause the baffle to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction to decrease the volume of the first subspace and increase the volume of the second subspace; wherein The inlet pipe is connected to the first subspace, the hot water pipe and the outlet pipe are both connected to the second subspace, and the cold water pipe 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 cold water pipe 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 cold water pipe switches to a state of communication with the first subspace. When the water supply is stopped at the water-using end, the cold water pipe is in a state of communication with the first subspace. As the water supply is stopped 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 cold water pipe switches to a state of communication with the second subspace.

2. The gas water heater according to claim 1, wherein, The drive mechanism includes: The motor is located outside the tank body; A helical rod, one end of which is connected to the motor and the other end extending into the tank, is configured to move axially along its own axis as the motor rotates; and The telescopic rod has one end connected to the helical rod via a spring, so that it can selectively retract into or extend from the helical rod as the spring extends or retracts, and the other end is connected to the baffle.

3. The gas water heater according to claim 2, wherein, During the period when water is not used at the water-using end, the telescopic rod is retracted into the helical rod, and the baffle is located in a first position that allows the cold water pipe to be fully connected to the second subspace; During continuous water use at the water-using end, the telescopic rod is in a state of extending from the helical rod, and the baffle has a third position that allows the cold water pipe to be fully connected to the first subspace.

4. The gas water heater according to claim 3, wherein, The baffle is configured to move in the first direction under the action of water inlet pressure when water is started at the water-using end, so that the telescopic rod extends out of the helical rod and causes the spring to undergo elastic deformation. The motor is configured to rotate in a controlled forward direction when the baffle moves to the second position in the first direction, so as to drive the auger to continue moving the telescopic rod in the first direction until the baffle moves to the third position and stops rotating in the forward direction; wherein The second position is configured such that the cold water pipe switches from a state of being connected to the second subspace to a state of being completely connected to the first subspace.

5. The gas water heater according to claim 4, wherein, The motor is configured to rotate in reverse in a controlled manner when water usage stops at the water-using end, driving the auger to move the telescopic rod in the second direction until the baffle moves to the second position and stops reversing; and After the motor stops reversing, the baffle moves together with the telescopic rod in the second direction under the action of the elastic deformation restoring force of the spring, so that the baffle returns to the first position and the telescopic rod retracts into the screw rod.

6. The gas water heater according to claim 3, wherein, The telescopic rod is connected to the side of the baffle facing the first subspace; and When water is not used at the water-using end, the spring is in its natural state; when water is continuously used at the water-using end, the spring is in its stretched state.

7. The gas water heater according to claim 1, 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.

8. The gas water heater according to claim 7, wherein, The preset flow rate threshold is set to be greater than the maximum water flow rate in the cold water pipe when the cold water pipe is connected to the second subspace, and equal to or less than the minimum water flow rate in the cold water pipe when the cold water pipe is connected to the first subspace.

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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