Thermostatic valve, thermostatic water circuit device of water heater and water heater

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of water heater technology, providing a thermostatic valve, a thermostatic water circuit device for a water heater, and a water heater. The thermostatic valve includes a valve shell, a valve core body, and a thermostatic element. The valve shell has a boss, a cold water inlet, and a hot water inlet. A first mixing chamber is formed on the outer periphery of the valve core body, and the first mixing chamber and the boss cooperate to form a cold water flow path and a hot water flow path. A second mixing chamber is formed inside the valve core body, and the valve core body is provided with a through hole to connect the first and second mixing chambers. The thermostatic element is located downstream of the second mixing chamber. When the thermostatic element senses a change in water temperature, it drives the valve core body to move, thereby changing the flow rate of the cold water flow path and the flow rate of the hot water flow path. The coordinated design of the first and second mixing chambers achieves a stepped and uniform mixing and precise sensing of the cold and hot water temperatures. The thermostatic element can precisely drive the valve core body to slide, adjusting the flow rate ratio of the cold water flow path and the hot water flow path, achieving high-precision control of the mixed water temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to a thermostatic valve, a thermostatic water circuit device for a water heater, and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, their demands for quality of life are also increasing. Currently, most residents use water heaters as their source of domestic hot water. However, due to energy storage requirements, water heaters typically heat the water inside the tank to 65°C or even higher, posing a risk of scalding to users. To avoid such accidents, relevant technologies usually include a thermostatic valve on the water heater to limit the outlet water temperature.

[0003] However, the thermostatic valves in the relevant technologies have the following problems: due to insufficient mixing, the water temperature at the outlet cannot accurately reflect the overall mixing temperature, resulting in deviations in temperature judgment; and the flow regulation structure lacks the ability to dynamically respond to changes in water temperature, making it difficult to adjust the flow ratio of the hot and cold water circuits in a timely manner according to the real-time water temperature, which easily causes fluctuations in the mixed water temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in related technologies. To this end, this invention proposes a thermostatic valve, which facilitates accurate response to mixing temperature, improves the dynamic response capability to water temperature changes, and achieves high-precision control of the mixed water temperature.

[0005] The present invention also proposes a constant temperature water circuit device for a water heater.

[0006] The present invention also proposes a water heater.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a thermostatic valve includes:

[0008] A valve housing, wherein a boss is formed on the inner surface of the side wall of the valve housing, and a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet are also formed on the side wall of the valve housing;

[0009] A valve core body is disposed inside the valve housing and can slide relative to the valve housing. A first mixing chamber is formed on the outer periphery of the valve core body facing the boss. The first mixing chamber and the boss cooperate to form a cold water flow path and a hot water flow path. The cold water flow path is connected to the cold water inlet, and the hot water flow path is connected to the hot water inlet. Both the cold water flow path and the hot water flow path are connected to the first mixing chamber.

[0010] A second mixing chamber is formed within the valve core body, and a through hole is provided on the side wall of the valve core body to connect the first mixing chamber and the second mixing chamber;

[0011] A thermistor is located inside the valve housing and downstream of the second mixing chamber. When the thermistor senses a change in water temperature, it drives the valve core body to move, thereby changing the flow rate of the cold water path and the flow rate of the hot water path.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the thermostatic valve of the present invention, tap water enters through the cold water inlet and hot water enters through the hot water inlet. This structure, through the coordinated design of the first mixing chamber and the second mixing chamber, achieves a stepped uniform mixing and precise sensing of the cold and hot water temperatures: the first mixing chamber serves as the initial diversion and convergence area for cold and hot water, completing the basic mixing; the through holes inside the valve core body introduce water from the first mixing chamber into the second mixing chamber, allowing the water flow to fully mix again inside the valve core body, forming a more uniform mixed water mass; the thermosensitive element is fixed downstream of the second mixing chamber, directly sensing the stable water temperature after two mixing processes, avoiding temperature misjudgment caused by uneven flow velocity or insufficient mixing in the first mixing chamber; based on this accurate sensing, the thermosensitive element can precisely drive the valve core body to slide, dynamically adjusting the flow ratio of the cold water path and the hot water path, ultimately achieving high-precision control of the mixed water temperature.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of through holes are uniformly distributed along the circumference of the sidewall of the valve core body.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first annular water groove is provided on the valve core body corresponding to the hot water inlet.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an annular groove is formed on the outer surface of the valve housing, and an annular sealing ring is installed in the annular groove. The hot water inlet and the cold water inlet are located on different sides of the annular sealing ring. A plurality of hot water inlets are distributed along the outer periphery of the valve housing, and a plurality of cold water inlets are distributed along the outer periphery of the valve housing.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a second annular water groove is provided on the valve core body corresponding to the cold water inlet.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the valve core body includes a first valve core body and a second valve core body, and the first valve core body and the second valve core body are assembled to form the first mixing chamber.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first valve core body is formed with a first stepped surface, the second valve core body is formed with a second stepped surface, the thermal element is a shape memory alloy spring, the first end of the shape memory alloy spring is fixedly connected to the valve shell, and the second end of the shape memory alloy spring abuts against the first stepped surface;

[0019] The thermostatic valve also includes a bias spring, the first end of which is fixed to the valve housing, and the second end of which abuts against the second stepped surface.

[0020] A constant temperature water circuit device for a water heater according to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0021] The cold water pipe has a first cold water inlet, a first cold water outlet and a second cold water outlet. The first cold water inlet is used to connect to a water source and the first cold water outlet is used to connect to the second cold water inlet of the inner tank of the water heater.

[0022] A thermostatic component includes an outer tube and a thermostatic valve located inside the outer tube. The thermostatic valve is the thermostatic valve described in the first aspect embodiment. A third cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a mixed water outlet are formed on the outer tube. The hot water inlet is used to connect to the hot water outlet of the inner tank of the water heater. The third cold water inlet and the second cold water outlet are connected.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water flow directions of the first cold water inlet, the first cold water outlet, the hot water inlet and the mixed water outlet are all parallel, and the water flow directions of the second cold water outlet and the third cold water inlet are perpendicular to the water flow direction of the first cold water inlet.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a water inlet channel is formed on the side wall of the outer pipe corresponding to the hot water inlet, and the water inlet channel is connected to the hot water flow path;

[0025] The valve housing has an abutting protrusion, and the inner surface of the outer tube has a third stepped surface, which abuts against the abutting protrusion.

[0026] A water heater according to a third aspect embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0027] The enclosure assembly, including the inner liner;

[0028] The constant temperature water circuit device of the water heater described in the second aspect embodiment;

[0029] The switching valve includes an operating part and a switching valve core. The switching valve core is located inside the cold water pipe. The operating part is adapted to drive the switching valve core to switch between a water injection position and a constant temperature position. In the water injection position, the third cold water inlet and the second cold water outlet are disconnected. In the constant temperature position, the third cold water inlet and the first cold water inlet are connected through the second cold water outlet.

[0030] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the constant temperature water circuit device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the constant temperature water circuit device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged diagram of point D in the middle.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the thermostatic valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the thermostatic valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the switching valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure label:

[0039] 100, Valve housing; 100a, First housing; 100a1, Water outlet channel; 100b, Second housing; 100c, Third housing; 110, Boss; 120, Cold water inlet; 130, Hot water inlet; 140, Annular groove; 150, Annular sealing ring; 160, Abutment protrusion;

[0040] 200, Valve core body; 210, First mixing chamber; 220, Second mixing chamber; 230, Through hole; 240, First annular water groove; 250, First valve core body; 251, First stepped surface; 260, Second valve core body; 261, Second stepped surface;

[0041] 300, thermal element; 400, bias spring;

[0042] 500, Cold water pipe; 510, First cold water inlet; 520, First cold water outlet; 530, Second cold water outlet; 600, Outer pipe; 610, Third cold water inlet; 620, Hot water inlet; 630, Mixed water outlet; 640, Third stepped surface; 800, Mounting base; 700, Switching valve; 710, Operating unit; 711, Knob; 7111, Marking; 720, Switching valve core; 721, Pipe section; 7211, Through hole; 7212, Water outlet; 730, Sealing section;

[0043] A. Cold water flow path; B. Hot water flow path; C. Water inlet channel. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0045] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0046] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] In embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0048] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0049] The following is combined Figures 1-6 The thermostatic valve, the thermostatic water circuit device of the water heater, and the water heater according to embodiments of the present invention are described.

[0050] Understandably, a water heater includes a tank assembly and a thermostatic water circuit device, with the tank assembly including the inner tank.

[0051] Understandably, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples of the present invention, the constant temperature water circuit device of the water heater includes a cold water pipe 500, a constant temperature component and a switching valve 700.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the cold water pipe 500 has a first cold water inlet 510, a first cold water outlet 520, and a second cold water outlet 530. The first cold water inlet 510 is used to connect to a water source. The inner tank is provided with a second cold water inlet, and the first cold water outlet 520 and the second cold water inlet can be connected by a pipeline.

[0053] It should be noted that the cold water pipe 500 is integrally formed with a first cold water inlet 510, a first cold water outlet 520 and a second cold water outlet 530; the type of water source connected to the first cold water inlet 510 is municipal water supply, water pump, etc., which can be understood as tap water, i.e., cold water, entering the first cold water inlet 510 and flowing to the inner tank or constant temperature component.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The thermostatic component includes an outer tube 600 and a thermostatic valve located inside the outer tube 600. The outer tube 600 has a third cold water inlet 610, a hot water inlet 620 and a mixed water outlet 630.

[0055] The inner tank is also equipped with a hot water outlet, and the hot water inlet 620 and the hot water outlet can be connected by a pipeline.

[0056] Understandably, referring to Figures 2 to 4 In some examples of the present invention, the thermostatic valve includes a valve housing 100, a valve core body 200, and a thermosensitive element 300.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The inner surface of the side wall of the valve housing 100 is provided with a boss 110, and the side wall of the valve housing 100 is also provided with a cold water inlet 120 and a hot water inlet 130.

[0058] The valve housing 100 provides sliding guidance and structural fit reference for the valve core body 200 through the boss 110 on the inner surface of the side wall. At the same time, it is provided with cold water inlet 120 and hot water inlet 130 as inlets for cold and hot water, which is the starting point of the mixing process. The presence of the boss 110 limits the movement trajectory of the valve core body 200.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The valve core body 200 is located inside the valve housing 100 and can slide relative to the valve housing 100. The outer periphery of the valve core body 200 forms a first mixing chamber 210 facing the boss 110. The first mixing chamber 210 and the boss 110 cooperate to form a cold water flow path A and a hot water flow path B. The cold water flow path A is connected to the cold water inlet 120, and the hot water flow path B is connected to the hot water inlet 130. Both the cold water flow path A and the hot water flow path B are connected to the first mixing chamber 210.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 A second mixing chamber 220 is formed inside the valve core body 200, and a through hole 230 is provided on the side wall of the valve core body 200 to connect the first mixing chamber 210 and the second mixing chamber 220.

[0061] By sliding relative to the valve housing 100, the fitting clearance between the first mixing chamber 210 and the boss 110 is dynamically adjusted, thereby changing the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the cold water flow path A and the hot water flow path B, and achieving precise adjustment of the ratio of cold and hot water flow rates. The first mixing chamber 210 serves as the initial mixing area for the cold and hot water flows. The cold water flow path A and the hot water flow path B formed by the cooperation with the boss 110 converge here, completing the first mixing and laying the foundation for subsequent mixing.

[0062] The through-hole 230 inside the valve core introduces the initially mixed water from the first mixing chamber 210 into the second mixing chamber 220, allowing the water flow to fully mix again inside the core, forming a more uniform mixed water mass; the staged mixing design effectively avoids the problem of uneven local flow rate or incomplete mixing that may occur in a single mixing chamber, and improves the overall mixing uniformity.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5The thermal element 300 is located inside the valve housing 100 and downstream of the second mixing chamber 220. When the thermal element 300 senses a change in water temperature, it drives the valve core body 200 to move, thereby changing the flow rate of the cold water flow path A and the flow rate of the hot water flow path B.

[0064] The thermal element 300 is fixed downstream of the second mixing chamber 220, directly sensing the stable water temperature after two-stage mixing, thus avoiding temperature misjudgment caused by uneven mixing in the first mixing chamber 210. When the water temperature deviates from the set value, the flow area of ​​the cold water flow path A and the hot water flow path B is adjusted by driving the valve core to dynamically balance the ratio of cold and hot water flow rates, ultimately achieving real-time and precise control of the outlet water temperature.

[0065] Therefore, it can be understood that, according to the thermostatic valve of the present invention, tap water, i.e., cold water, enters through the cold water inlet 120, and hot water enters through the hot water inlet 130. This structure, through the coordinated design of the first mixing chamber 210 and the second mixing chamber 220, achieves a stepped uniform mixing and precise sensing of the cold and hot water temperatures: the first mixing chamber 210 serves as the initial diversion and convergence area for cold and hot water, completing the basic mixing; the through hole 230 inside the valve core body 200 introduces the water from the first mixing chamber 210 into the second mixing chamber. The second mixing chamber 220 allows the water to fully mix again inside the valve core body 200, forming a more uniform mixed water mass. The thermal element 300 is fixed downstream of the second mixing chamber 220 and directly senses the stable water temperature after the two mixing processes, avoiding temperature misjudgment caused by uneven flow rate or insufficient mixing in the first mixing chamber 210. Based on this accurate sensing, the thermal element 300 can precisely drive the valve core body 200 to slide, dynamically adjusting the flow ratio of the cold water path and the hot water path, ultimately achieving high-precision control of the mixed water temperature.

[0066] Understandably, referring to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 In some examples of the present invention, the sidewall of the valve core body 200 has a plurality of through holes 230 evenly distributed along its circumference.

[0067] Multiple through-holes 230 are evenly arranged circumferentially, allowing water from the first mixing chamber 210 to simultaneously enter the second mixing chamber 220 from different directions. This avoids water flow concentration caused by a single through-hole 230 or asymmetrical distribution, ensuring a more uniform water flow distribution in the second mixing chamber 220 and reducing local velocity differences. When the total flow area of ​​the multiple small through-holes 230 is similar to that of a single through-hole, the dispersed through-hole structure can reduce the problem of excessively high local flow velocities in a single through-hole, reduce energy loss when water flows through the through-holes 230, and improve the overall response speed and smoothness of flow regulation.

[0068] The evenly distributed through holes 230 make the force distribution of water flow on the side wall of the valve core more balanced, avoiding valve core displacement or tilting due to excessive impact of water flow on one side, ensuring the smoothness of valve core sliding process, and thus improving the accuracy and reliability of cold water flow path A and hot water flow path B adjustment.

[0069] It should be noted that in some examples of the present invention, the shape and number of through holes 230 are not limited. The shape (such as circular, rhomboid, polygonal, or irregularly shaped holes) and number of through holes 230 can be flexibly designed according to requirements: the sharp edges of rhomboid or irregularly shaped holes will cut the water flow, forming finer water streams; circular holes provide a more uniform dispersion effect. The porous design (regardless of the number) can introduce the initially mixed water from the first mixing chamber 210 into the second mixing chamber 220 in multiple directions and angles, breaking the limitations of a single water flow path and avoiding the phenomenon of excessively high or low local flow velocities. For example, a circumferentially uniformly distributed porous structure can allow water to flow into the second mixing chamber 220 from various directions, forming a "multi-source convergence" flow pattern, reducing the generation of mixing dead zones from the source.

[0070] In some examples, the through-hole 230, the first mixing chamber 210, and the second mixing chamber 220 can all be equipped with corresponding turbulence structures, such as honeycomb meshes, staggered baffles, or microchannels. The turbulence structures of the through-hole 230, the first mixing chamber 210, and the second mixing chamber 220 form a gradient optimization system of dispersion-preliminary mixing-deep mixing: the dispersion effect of the through-hole 230 avoids the concentration of a single water flow path; the active guidance of the first mixing chamber 210 accelerates the initial mixing of hot and cold water; and the refined treatment of the second mixing chamber 220 eliminates residual temperature differences. Furthermore, the flexible design of the turbulence structure can adapt to different flow rate requirements.

[0071] Reference Figures 2 to 5 In some examples, an annular groove 140 is formed on the outer surface of the valve housing 100, and an annular sealing ring 150 is installed in the annular groove 140. Hot water inlet 130 and cold water inlet 120 are located on different sides of the annular sealing ring 150. Multiple hot water inlets 130 are distributed along the outer periphery of the valve housing 100, and multiple cold water inlets 120 are distributed along the outer periphery of the valve housing 100.

[0072] With the above-mentioned configuration, the annular groove 140 on the outer surface of the valve housing 100 and the annular sealing ring 150 installed inside, combined with the side-by-side and circumferentially distributed design of the hot and cold water inlets 130, form multiple optimization effects: the annular groove 140 provides uniform support for the annular sealing ring 150, allowing it to fit tightly against the outer surface of the valve housing 100, effectively blocking the hot water inlet 130 and cold water inlet 120 located on different sides, and preventing hot and cold water cross-flow contamination at the external pipe connection; the multiple hot water inlets 130 and cold water inlets 120 are distributed circumferentially along the outer periphery of the valve housing 100, evenly distributing the water inlet path around the circumference, eliminating pressure fluctuations caused by concentrated water inlet at a single point, and ensuring that hot and cold water are injected into the internal mixing area at a stable pressure simultaneously; the multi-port evenly distributed structure not only simplifies the external design of the valve housing 100 and improves installation convenience, but also reduces the local stress on the valve housing 100 by dispersing the impact force of water flow, and, together with the elastic buffering effect of the annular sealing ring 150, enhances the structural impact resistance and extends the overall service life.

[0073] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 In some examples of the present invention, a first annular water groove 240 is provided on the valve core body 200 corresponding to the hot water inlet 130.

[0074] The first annular water tank 240 is distributed around the outer periphery of the valve core body 200. It can fully receive hot water from the hot water inlet 130 and evenly distribute it to all directions of the first mixing chamber 210. This avoids the local water flow concentration phenomenon caused by traditional single-hole or narrow-slit water inlet, and ensures that the initial distribution of hot water in the first mixing chamber 210 is more uniform, laying a good foundation for subsequent hot and cold water mixing.

[0075] In other examples, a second annular water groove is provided on the valve core body 200 corresponding to the cold water inlet 120.

[0076] The second annular water groove surrounds the outer circumference of the valve core, fully receiving cold water from the cold water inlet 120 and evenly distributing it to all directions of the first mixing chamber 210, avoiding the localized water flow concentration phenomenon caused by traditional single-hole or narrow-slit water inlets. This "annular surround" flow guide makes the initial distribution of cold water in the first mixing chamber 210 more uniform, laying the foundation for thorough mixing of hot and cold water in the future.

[0077] It should be noted that the water storage capacity of the first annular water tank 240 is greater than that of the second annular water tank. This differentiated water volume buffering design effectively balances the dynamic adjustment characteristics of the hot and cold water sides: the larger water storage capacity on the hot water side allows for the storage of more "buffered" hot water, suppressing temperature fluctuations caused by changes in ambient temperature or heat dissipation from the pipes. Simultaneously, when the valve core body 200 adjusts the flow rate (e.g., briefly reducing the hot water flow area), the hot water stored in the first annular water tank 240 can temporarily replenish the flow gap, reducing the sudden drop in mixed water temperature. Conversely, the smaller water storage capacity on the cold water side reduces the lag in response to flow rate changes, making it more susceptible to the direct impact of valve core body 200 displacement, enabling rapid response to flow rate adjustment needs and improving the dynamic sensitivity of the cold water side. This synergistic design of "hot water buffering and rapid cold water adjustment" not only stabilizes the continuity of hot water supply but also accelerates the efficiency of cold water flow regulation, ultimately shortening the system's response time from temperature deviation to recovery to stability, significantly improving the real-time performance and stability of the constant temperature control.

[0078] Understandably, referring to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 In some examples of the present invention, the valve core body 200 includes a first valve core body 250 and a second valve core body 260, and the first valve core body 250 and the second valve core body 260 are assembled to form a first mixing chamber 210.

[0079] This can be understood as follows: the valve core body 200 is designed to form the first mixing chamber 210 by assembling the first valve core body 250 and the second valve core body 260. The modular split structure achieves multiple optimization effects: split manufacturing reduces the processing complexity of individual components, such as allowing for the separate processing of different mating surfaces or turbulence structures, thus improving production efficiency; during assembly, precision fitting can improve the assembly accuracy of the mixing chamber, ensuring the initial uniformity of hot and cold water mixing in the first mixing chamber 210; at the same time, the split structure facilitates later maintenance—if a valve core body 200 needs to be replaced due to wear or blockage, only the corresponding component needs to be disassembled and replaced, without scrapping the entire valve core, reducing maintenance costs and downtime; in addition, the assembly interface can be designed with a turbulence structure to further enhance the water mixing effect, ultimately balancing production efficiency, assembly accuracy, and economic efficiency.

[0080] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5 In some examples of the present invention, the first valve core 250 is formed with a first stepped surface 251, and the thermal element 300 is a shape memory alloy spring. The first end of the shape memory alloy spring is fixedly connected to the valve housing 100, and the second end of the shape memory alloy spring abuts against the first stepped surface 251. Of course, in some examples, the thermal element 300 may also be a paraffin wax pack, etc.

[0081] The first stepped surface 251 of the first valve core 250 abuts against the shape memory alloy spring, achieving precise and reliable water temperature regulation through structured contact and intelligent material properties. As a temperature-sensitive element, the shape memory alloy spring reversibly expands and contracts with changes in water temperature. Through the connection between the fixed end and the valve shell 100, the expansion force is transmitted to the first stepped surface 251, driving the first valve core 250 to slide axially. The design of the first stepped surface 251 provides a stable contact fulcrum for the shape memory alloy spring, avoiding skewing or loosening of the shape memory alloy spring due to uneven force, ensuring the linearity and effectiveness of force transmission. This integrated design of "temperature sensing - elastic deformation - displacement driving" can achieve real-time response to water temperature changes without an additional power source. At the same time, the limiting effect of the first stepped surface 251 improves the smoothness of the sliding of the valve core body 200, ultimately achieving precise and stable control of the mixed water temperature.

[0082] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5 The second valve core 260 has a second stepped surface 261. The thermostatic valve also includes a bias spring 400, which has a first end and a second end. The first end of the bias spring 400 is fixed to the valve housing 100, and the second end of the bias spring 400 abuts against the second stepped surface 261. The cooperation between the second stepped surface 261 of the second valve core 260 and the bias spring 400 achieves stable control of the valve core movement through elastic force balance and position constraint: one end of the bias spring 400 is fixed to the valve housing 100, and the other end abuts against the second stepped surface 261, providing the second valve core 260 with a continuous reverse preload or elastic support, forming a dynamic balance with the displacement of the first valve core 250 driven by the thermosensitive element 300. This design effectively limits the free movement of the valve core when there is no change in external temperature, ensuring that its initial position is accurate and controllable. At the same time, the elastic buffering effect of the spring can absorb the vibration or impact during the sliding process of the valve core, reduce the displacement error caused by mechanical friction, and improve the smoothness of the adjustment process.

[0083] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, the water flow directions of the first cold water inlet 510, the first cold water outlet 520, the hot water inlet 620, and the mixed water outlet 630 are all parallel, while the water flow directions of the second cold water outlet 530 and the third cold water inlet 610 are perpendicular to the water flow direction of the first cold water inlet 510.

[0084] With the above arrangement, the water flow directions of the first cold water inlet 510, the first cold water outlet 520, the hot water inlet 620, and the mixed water outlet 630 are parallel, constructing a stable mainstream channel, reducing turbulence resistance and energy loss caused by flow turning, and ensuring smooth transmission and initial uniform mixing of cold and hot water in the mainstream. The design of the second cold water outlet 530 and the third cold water inlet 610 perpendicular to the mainstream direction introduces lateral disturbance to promote deep mixing of water bodies of different temperatures, enhances mixing uniformity, maintains the low resistance stability of the mainstream, and improves mixing efficiency through local disturbance in the vertical direction. At the same time, the structure can achieve multi-directional water flow distribution without complex bends, taking into account both adjustment flexibility and manufacturing economy, and ultimately achieving an optimized balance between the mixing performance and structural reliability of the thermostatic valve.

[0085] More specifically, in this embodiment, both the outer pipe 600 and the cold water pipe 500 are T-shaped, which facilitates processing and manufacturing.

[0086] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples, the outer pipe 600 and the side wall corresponding to the hot water inlet 620 form a water inlet channel C, which connects to the hot water flow path B;

[0087] The valve housing 100 has an abutment protrusion 160, and the inner surface of the outer tube 600 has a third stepped surface 640, which abuts the abutment protrusion 160 in a stop-and-stop fit.

[0088] With the above-mentioned design, the water inlet channel C on the side wall of the outer pipe 600 is connected to the hot water inlet 620. This design guides hot water into the hot water flow path B in a directional manner, avoiding turbulence or local pressure fluctuations caused by direct impact of hot water on the inner wall of the flow path, thus ensuring the stability of hot water input. The stop-and-go fit between the valve housing 100 and the protrusion 160 and the third step surface 640 of the outer pipe 600 achieves precise positioning of the outer pipe 600 and the valve housing 100 through rigid contact. This restricts the radial or axial movement of the outer pipe 600 within the valve housing 100, preventing positional deviations due to assembly errors or water flow impacts. Furthermore, the sealing effect of the contact interface (such as the tight fit of the mating surfaces) reduces the risk of leakage in the hot water flow path B. This synergistic design of directional flow guidance and rigid positioning ensures stable connectivity and smooth water flow in the hot water flow path B, while also enhancing structural sealing and assembly reliability, ultimately providing a stable foundation for precise control of the mixed water temperature.

[0089] Understandably, referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6In some examples of the present invention, the constant temperature water circuit device of the water heater further includes a switching valve 700. The switching valve 700 includes an operating part 710 and a switching valve core 720. The switching valve core 720 is located inside the cold water pipe 500. The operating part 710 is adapted to drive the switching valve core 720 to switch between a water injection position and a constant temperature position. In the water injection position, the third cold water inlet 610 and the second cold water outlet 530 are disconnected. In the constant temperature position, the third cold water inlet 610 and the first cold water inlet 510 are connected through the second cold water outlet 530.

[0090] It should be noted that in some examples of the present invention, the switching valve core 720 is movably inserted into the cold water pipe 500, which can be understood as the switching valve core 720 moving in ways such as rotation and sliding.

[0091] By incorporating a switching valve 700, the user operates the control unit 710 to move the switching valve core 720 to switch its working position. During water filling, the switching valve core 720 moves to the water filling position, disconnecting the third cold water inlet 610 and the second cold water outlet 530, thus cutting off the pipeline to the thermostatic valve and physically blocking the direct flow of cold water to the thermostatic valve. After the water heater's inner tank is full, the user can use the control unit 710 to move the switching valve core 720 to the thermostatic position. At this time, the third cold water inlet 610 and the first cold water inlet 510 are connected through the second cold water outlet 530. Cold water enters the thermostatic valve through the third cold water inlet 610, and hot water enters the thermostatic valve through the hot water inlet 620. After mixing to the preset temperature, the mixed water is discharged through the outlet 630, meeting normal usage requirements. The design of the switching valve 700 achieves mechanical isolation and water path reconstruction, which helps avoid user misjudgment, prevents the risk of dry burning, and is relatively convenient to operate.

[0092] Understandably, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some examples of the present invention, the switching valve core 720 is rotatably located within the cold water pipe 500. By moving the operating part 710 to drive the switching valve core 720 to rotate, the switching between the water injection position and the constant temperature position is realized. The mechanical operation of rotating the switching valve core 720 enables rapid switching between the water injection mode and the constant temperature mode, taking into account both efficiency and comfort.

[0093] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 6 In some examples of the present invention, the operating unit 710 includes a knob 711, and the knob 711 has markings 7111 on opposite sides corresponding to the water filling position and the constant temperature position, respectively.

[0094] The above settings significantly improve the intuitiveness and accuracy of user operation. Visual guidance (such as text, icons, or color differentiation) allows users to quickly identify the current mode and avoid accidental operation; at the same time, the symmetrically distributed markings 7111 combined with the physical positioning of the knob 711 (such as the "click" feedback when rotated to the correct position) ensure accurate and reliable mode switching.

[0095] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 6 In some examples of this invention, the angle difference between the knobs 711 corresponding to the water injection position and the constant temperature position is 180°. The markings 7111 for the water injection position and the constant temperature position can be parallel and symmetrically distributed, and can be switched by rotating 180 degrees. Of course, in other examples, the markings 7111 for the water injection position and the constant temperature position can also be set at a 30-degree angle, etc., and this is not limited here.

[0096] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 6 In some examples, the switching valve core 720 includes a pipe segment 721 adapted to the inner wall of the cold water pipe 500. The pipe segment 721 has a pair of through holes 7211 that penetrate the opposite sidewalls of the pipe segment 721. The through holes 7211 are connected to the first cold water outlet 520. The sidewall of the pipe segment 721 also has a water outlet 7212. In the constant temperature position, the first cold water inlet 510, the water outlet 7212, the second cold water outlet 530 and the third cold water inlet 610 are connected in sequence.

[0097] This can be understood as referring to Figure 2 and Figure 6 The pipe section 721 of the switching valve core 720 is rotatably installed on the inner wall of the cold water pipe 500. In the water filling position, the through hole 7211 is connected to the first cold water outlet 520. At this time, the water outlet 7212 and the second cold water outlet 530 are staggered and the second cold water outlet 530 is closed. At this time, only the inner tank is filled with water. After the inner tank of the water heater is full, the user can drive the switching valve core 720 to the constant temperature position through the operating part 710. The first cold water inlet 510, the water outlet 7212, the second cold water outlet 530 and the third cold water inlet 610 are connected in sequence to realize the mixing of hot water and cold water, which flows out through the mixed water outlet 630.

[0098] When the pipe section 721 is in a constant temperature position, the outlet hole 7212 becomes a key channel, allowing cold water to enter from the first cold water inlet 510 and flow sequentially through the outlet hole 7212, the second cold water outlet 530, and finally to the target position, the third cold water inlet 610, ensuring constant temperature water flow. The design structure is clear and effectively guides the cold water to flow along the predetermined path, ensuring that the cold water is delivered to the expected destination in constant temperature mode.

[0099] A pair of through holes 7211 on pipe section 721 provides the main and direct flow path for cold water. They are connected to the first cold water outlet 520, which means that after the cold water enters the switching valve core 720 from the first cold water inlet 510, it will flow directly to the first cold water outlet 520 through the pair of through holes 7211. In addition, it helps the water flow symmetrically through the switching valve core 720, reduces uneven wear, and ensures smooth operation.

[0100] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 6 In some examples of the present invention, the angle between the through hole 7211 and the outlet hole 7212 along the outer periphery of the pipe segment 721 is 90 degrees. Specifically, the axis of the outlet hole 7212 is perpendicular to the axis of the pair of through holes 7211. The pair of through holes 7211 and the outlet hole 7212 help to ensure that, regardless of whether it is in a water injection state or a constant temperature state, a portion of the cold water will always enter the inner tank through the first cold water outlet 520, which is beneficial to realize the multi-path distribution of the flow.

[0101] In some examples of the present invention, the outlet hole 7212 is located closer to the first cold water inlet 510 than the through hole 7211. That is, the outlet hole 7212 is located between the through hole 7211 and the first cold water inlet 510. Cold water flows from the first cold water inlet 510 into the inner wall of the cold water pipe 500. When the switching valve 700 is in the constant temperature position, part of the cold water enters the third cold water inlet 610 of the constant temperature valve through the outlet hole 7212 and the second cold water outlet 530, and another part of the cold water enters the inner tank through the through hole 7211 along the first cold water outlet 520. This can effectively balance the pressure fluctuations in the cold water pipe 500. At the same time, since the two water flows are in the same direction and are both far away from the location of the first cold water inlet 510, the setting of pipe interfaces is reduced and the service life of the system is extended.

[0102] Because the water outlet 7212 is closer to the first cold water inlet 510, the cold water entering the thermostatic valve is "raw cold water" that has not been heated by the inner tank (its temperature is the same as that of the first cold water inlet 510). This avoids the "warm water backflow" problem that may occur in traditional designs where cold water flows into the inner tank first and is then heated. By mixing this portion of low-temperature cold water with hot water (or other heat sources), the thermostatic valve can make precise adjustments based on a more accurate initial temperature, reducing temperature control errors caused by water temperature fluctuations or secondary heating, and improving the accuracy of achieving the target temperature.

[0103] In addition, the shorter path design of the water outlet 7212, which is closer to the first cold water inlet 510, reduces the time it takes for cold water to reach the thermostatic valve (compared to the longer path through the cold water pipe 500 to the through hole 7211). When the system detects a water temperature deviation that requires adjustment, the thermostatic valve can obtain cold water more quickly and initiate mixing regulation, reducing the delay of "waiting for cold water to arrive" and improving the temperature control response speed (such as shortening the time from "sensing temperature" to "outputting compliant water").

[0104] Of course, in other examples, the through hole 7211 can also be located between the water outlet 7212 and the first cold water inlet 510, that is, the through hole 7211 is closer to the first cold water inlet 510 than the water outlet 7212.

[0105] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the inner wall of the cold water pipe 500 and the corresponding pipe segment 721 form a fitting structure. When the water outlet 7212 and the second cold water outlet 530 are misaligned, cold water is unlikely to flow into the second cold water outlet 530 through the tiny gap between the inner wall of the cold water pipe 500 and the pipe segment 721. It is worth noting that this state is not an absolute seal, but a relative barrier formed based on factors such as gap size and fluid pressure. The existence of the gap theoretically still allows a very small amount of fluid to seep in, but its flow rate is extremely low and its velocity is extremely slow. In practical applications, it can be regarded as a basically blocked state.

[0106] Of course, in some other examples, a seal can also be provided at the water outlet 7212 of the pipe section 721. With the seal, when the water outlet 7212 and the second cold water outlet 530 are misaligned, the seal blocks the connection between the water outlet 7212 and the second cold water outlet 530.

[0107] Understandably, referring to Figure 6 In some examples of the present invention, the switching valve 700 further includes a sealing section 730 located between the operating part 710 and the pipe section 721, and an elastic sealing ring is provided between the sealing section 730 and the inner wall of the cold water pipe 500.

[0108] The aforementioned switching valve 700 incorporates a sealing section 730 between the operating section 710 and the pipe section 721, and an elastic sealing ring is installed at the contact interface between the sealing section 730 and the inner wall of the cold water pipe 500. This structural design effectively bridges the minute gaps between the sealing section 730 and the inner wall of the cold water pipe 500 through the radial compression deformation characteristics of the elastic sealing ring. When gaps occur during valve assembly or operation due to tolerance accumulation, slight pipe deformation, or other factors, the elastic sealing ring can adapt by undergoing high resilience, tightly fitting the contact surface and forming a multi-dimensional, seamless sealing barrier. Compared to traditional rigid sealing structures, its advantages lie not only in its ability to statically prevent cold water leakage but also in its ability to withstand dynamic conditions such as vibration and impact during operation of the operating section 710 of the switching valve 700 and system pressure fluctuations, continuously maintaining a reliable sealing state. This design significantly reduces the risk of cold water leakage, avoiding unnecessary water waste and preventing problems such as excessive moisture in the pipeline and corrosion of components caused by leakage. It effectively improves the overall sealing reliability and long-term operational stability of the switching valve 700.

[0109] It should be noted that the aforementioned elastic sealing rings can be of pure rubber type, metal and rubber composite type, etc. Elastic sealing rings can be O-rings, lip seals, etc.

[0110] It should also be noted that the pipe section 721 of the operating unit 710 and the switching valve core 720 is an integrally formed structure, for example, formed in one piece by injection molding, casting or compression molding. The integrally formed structure of the pipe section 721 of the operating unit 710 and the switching valve core 720 eliminates the assembly interface, which significantly improves the overall structural strength and fatigue resistance reliability. Precision molding of the mold ensures the accuracy of the mating surface, effectively optimizes the sealing performance and reduces the risk of leakage. At the same time, it simplifies the production process, reduces assembly costs, and supports the functional integration of the operating unit 710 and the switching valve core 720 (such as limit design), enhancing operational stability and user experience.

[0111] Of course, in other examples, the aforementioned operating part 710 and the pipe section 721 of the switching valve core 720 are separate structures, meaning they are manufactured independently and then assembled, for example, through threaded connections or snap-fit ​​connections. The separate structure design improves design flexibility and maintenance convenience, allowing for individual component replacement.

[0112] In some examples of the present invention, the pipe segment 721 of the switching valve core 720 is provided with an anti-detachment groove, and the cold water pipe 500 is provided with an anti-detachment clip and a fixing hook. The anti-detachment clip is detachably inserted into the inside of the cold water pipe 500 and is engaged with the anti-detachment groove to restrict the axial movement of the switching valve core 720 away from the cold water pipe 500. The fixing hook is located outside the cold water pipe 500 and is engaged with the side wall of the positioning anti-detachment clip to fix the anti-detachment clip. If disassembly is required, the anti-detachment clip can be disengaged from the fixing hook and pulled out of the cold water pipe 500, and the switching valve core 720 can be moved away. The structure is simple and the operation is convenient.

[0113] Understandably, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 5 In some examples of the present invention, the thermostatic valve further includes a mounting base 800 for fixing a first end of a bias spring 400, the mounting base 800 and the valve housing 100 being threadedly connected, and the second end of the bias spring 400 being connected to the valve core body 200.

[0114] By rotating the mounting base 800, its relative position to the valve body 100 can be precisely adjusted, thereby controlling the initial compression or tension of the bias spring 400 and ensuring that the valve core body 200 obtains an accurate preload or displacement reference in the initial state, so as to control the outlet water temperature.

[0115] This design reduces the sensitivity to positional errors during installation. Even if there are slight installation deviations (such as machining tolerances or assembly gaps in the valve body 100), they can be compensated by fine-tuning the mounting base 800 to achieve precise positioning of the valve core body 200 in its initial position, thus avoiding adjustment failures or temperature deviations caused by inaccurate positioning.

[0116] Specifically, in this embodiment, the outer wall of the mounting base 800 is threaded, and the inner wall of the valve housing 100 is machined with matching threads. The user rotates the mounting base 800 to move it axially along the valve housing 100 (clockwise / counterclockwise), and controls the displacement by the thread pitch, directly compressing or releasing the bias spring 400.

[0117] It should be noted that in some examples of the present invention, the cold water pipe 500 is inserted into the outer pipe 600, and a mounting sealing ring is provided between the cold water pipe 500 and the outer pipe 600, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the cold water pipe 500. There are multiple mounting sealing rings to improve the sealing performance; the third cold water inlet 610 is connected to the second cold water outlet 530, and the cold water can flow along the outer periphery of the valve shell 100 to the cold water inlet 120.

[0118] In some examples of the present invention, the cold water pipe 500 is provided with a positioning clip and a positioning hook. The positioning clip is detachably inserted into the outer pipe 600 and engaged in the positioning groove to restrict the axial movement of the cold water pipe 500 away from the outer pipe 600. The positioning hook is located outside the outer pipe 600 and engages with the side wall of the positioning clip to fix the positioning clip. If disassembly is required, the positioning clip can be disengaged from the positioning hook and pulled out of the outer pipe 600, and the cold water pipe 500 can be moved away. The structure is simple and the operation is convenient.

[0119] More specifically, in some examples of the present invention, the valve housing 100 includes a first housing 100a, a second housing 100b, and a third housing 100c, with the second housing 100b located between the first housing 100a and the third housing 100c. The first housing 100a corresponds to the thermal element 300, the second housing 100b is sleeved on the valve core body 200, and the third housing 100c is sleeved on the mounting base 800 and the bias spring 400.

[0120] Understandably, in some examples, the first housing 100a includes a first outer shell and a first inner shell partially located within the first outer shell. The first outer shell and the first inner shell are connected by threads for easy disassembly and maintenance, and are sealed together by a second sealing ring. The thermal element 300 is installed in the first inner shell, and the extension and retraction of the thermal element 300, i.e., the memory alloy spring, can be adjusted to adjust the outlet water temperature.

[0121] It should be noted that the first inner shell is provided with multiple water outlet channels 100a1 at the mixing water outlet 630 of the outer tube 600, and the water outlet channels 100a1 connect the second mixing chamber 220 and the mixing water outlet 630.

[0122] It should be noted that in some examples, the third housing 100c includes a third outer shell and a third inner shell partially located within the third outer shell. The third outer shell and the third inner shell are connected by threads for easy disassembly and maintenance, and the two are sealed by a third sealing ring to prevent liquid leakage.

[0123] It should also be noted that in this embodiment, the third inner shell is fitted onto the mounting base 800 and connected by threads. The displacement is controlled by the thread pitch, directly compressing or releasing the bias spring 400. The mounting base 800 has a mounting groove along its circumference, and a fourth sealing ring is provided in the mounting groove to seal the mating gap between the third inner shell and the mounting base 800 bracket. Of course, the number of mounting grooves is not limited to one and can be determined according to actual sealing requirements. It should be understood that the above-mentioned mounting groove is located between the threaded mating point of the third inner shell and the mounting base 800 and the limiting mating point of the bias spring 400 and the mounting base 800. The synergistic structure of thread pitch adjustment and precise sealing ring position design realizes linear adjustment of the displacement of the third inner shell, multi-dimensional sealing protection, and dynamic vibration resistance, significantly improving the adjustment accuracy, sealing reliability, and long-term operational stability of the device.

[0124] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermostatic valve, characterized in that, include: A valve housing, wherein a boss is formed on the inner surface of the side wall of the valve housing, and a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet are also formed on the side wall of the valve housing; A valve core body is disposed inside the valve housing and can slide relative to the valve housing. A first mixing chamber is formed on the outer periphery of the valve core body facing the boss. The first mixing chamber and the boss cooperate to form a cold water flow path and a hot water flow path. The cold water flow path is connected to the cold water inlet, and the hot water flow path is connected to the hot water inlet. Both the cold water flow path and the hot water flow path are connected to the first mixing chamber. A second mixing chamber is formed within the valve core body, and multiple through holes are evenly distributed along the circumference of the sidewall of the valve core body to connect the first mixing chamber and the second mixing chamber. A thermistor is located inside the valve housing and downstream of the second mixing chamber. When the thermistor senses a change in water temperature, it drives the valve core body to move, thereby changing the flow rate of the cold water path and the flow rate of the hot water path. The valve core body is provided with a first annular water groove corresponding to the hot water inlet. The first annular water groove is formed by a bottom wall and two opposite side walls.

2. The thermostatic valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, An annular groove is formed on the outer surface of the valve housing, and an annular sealing ring is installed in the annular groove. The hot water inlet and the cold water inlet are located on different sides of the annular sealing ring. Multiple hot water inlets are distributed along the outer periphery of the valve housing, and multiple cold water inlets are distributed along the outer periphery of the valve housing.

3. The thermostatic valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second annular water groove is provided on the valve core body corresponding to the cold water inlet.

4. The thermostatic valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The valve core body includes a first valve core body and a second valve core body, which are assembled to form the first mixing chamber.

5. The thermostatic valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first valve core has a first stepped surface, the second valve core has a second stepped surface, the thermal element is a shape memory alloy spring, the first end of the shape memory alloy spring is fixedly connected to the valve shell, and the second end of the shape memory alloy spring abuts against the first stepped surface; The thermostatic valve also includes a bias spring, the first end of which is fixed to the valve housing, and the second end of which abuts against the second stepped surface.

6. A constant temperature water circuit device for a water heater, characterized in that, include: The cold water pipe has a first cold water inlet, a first cold water outlet and a second cold water outlet. The first cold water inlet is used to connect to a water source and the first cold water outlet is used to connect to the second cold water inlet of the inner tank of the water heater. A thermostatic component includes an outer tube and a thermostatic valve located inside the outer tube. The thermostatic valve is the thermostatic valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A third cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a mixed water outlet are formed on the outer tube. The hot water inlet is used to connect to the hot water outlet of the inner tank of the water heater. The third cold water inlet and the second cold water outlet are connected.

7. The constant temperature water circuit device for a water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that, The water flow directions of the first cold water inlet, the first cold water outlet, the hot water inlet, and the mixed water outlet are all parallel, while the water flow directions of the second cold water outlet and the third cold water inlet are perpendicular to the water flow direction of the first cold water inlet.

8. The constant temperature water circuit device for a water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer pipe has a water inlet channel formed on the side wall corresponding to the hot water inlet, and the water inlet channel is connected to the hot water flow path; The valve housing has an abutting protrusion, and the inner surface of the outer tube has a third stepped surface, which abuts against the abutting protrusion.

9. A water heater, characterized in that, include: The enclosure assembly, including the inner liner; The constant temperature water circuit device for a water heater according to any one of claims 6 to 8; The switching valve includes an operating part and a switching valve core. The switching valve core is located inside the cold water pipe. The operating part is adapted to drive the switching valve core to switch between a water injection position and a constant temperature position. In the water injection position, the third cold water inlet and the second cold water outlet are disconnected. In the constant temperature position, the third cold water inlet and the first cold water inlet are connected through the second cold water outlet.

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