First water servo assembly, water intake valve assembly, and water heater and control method therefor

Abstract

A first water servo component and a water inlet valve assembly. The first water servo component (30) includes: a first connecting member (31) formed with a first water inlet channel (32), and a first water inlet (33) and a first water outlet (34) communicated with the first water inlet channel (32). The first water inlet (33) is communicated with a water inlet pipeline, and the first water outlet (34) is communicated with a water inlet interface (12). The first valve core (35) is movably arranged in the first water inlet channel (32). The drive device (36a) drives the first valve core (35) to move. The water inlet valve assembly (100) includes a first valve body (10), the first valve body (10) is formed with a water inlet chamber (11), and a water inlet interface (12) and a first water outlet interface (13) communicated with the water inlet chamber (11).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202223270370.6, filed on December 6, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of gas water heaters, and in particular to a first water servo component, a water inlet valve assembly, and a water heater and a control method therefor.BACKGROUND

[0003] Currently, traditional gas water heaters have the defects of slow constant temperature speed, large fluctuation of constant temperature when starting and stopping, and large impact of water temperature fluctuation or water flow fluctuation on water outlet temperature. At present, water servo technology has been used to solve this problem by controlling the water flow of the water heater, but the water servo is installed independently, and each water servo requires two copper pipes, which takes up a lot of space, has high manufacturing cost, and is complicated to install, with many risk points of water leakage.SUMMARY

[0004] The main purpose of the present application is to propose a water inlet valve assembly and a water heater with integrated water servo function, which occupies a small space, has low production cost, is simple to install, and has a reduced risk of water leakage.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the present application proposes a water inlet valve assembly, comprising: a first valve body provided with a water inlet chamber, and a water inlet interface and a first water outlet interface communicated with the water inlet chamber, the water inlet interface is connected to a first water servo component, and the first water outlet interface is communicated with a domestic water plate heat exchange interface, to allow water in a water inlet pipeline to flow into the water inlet interface through the first water servo component and flow out from the first water outlet interface.

[0006] In an embodiment, the water inlet interface and the first water outlet interface are both located at a front side of the first valve body, and the water inlet interface is located below the first water outlet interface.

[0007] In an embodiment, the water inlet valve assembly further comprises the first water servo component, the first water servo component comprises: a first connecting member formed with a first water inlet channel, and a first water inlet and a first water outlet communicated with the first water inlet channel, the first water inlet is provided at a lower side of the first connecting member for communicating with the water inlet pipeline, and the first water outlet is communicated with the water inlet interface; a first valve core movably provided in the first water inlet channel to adjust water flow of the first water inlet channel; and a first motor provided at an end of the first connecting member opposite to the first water outlet and drivingly connected to the first valve core; or the first water servo component comprises a solenoid valve with a water inlet end communicated with the water inlet pipeline, and a water outlet end communicated with the water inlet interface; or the first water servo component comprises a proportional valve with a water inlet end communicated with the water inlet pipeline, and a water outlet end communicated with the water inlet interface; or the first water servo component comprises a temperature sensing valve with a water inlet end communicated with the water inlet pipeline, and a water outlet end communicated with the water inlet interface.

[0008] In an embodiment, the first valve body is further formed with a second water outlet interface communicated with the water inlet chamber, and the second water outlet interface is connected to a second water servo component, to allow water in the water inlet chamber to flow to a domestic hot water outlet through the second water servo component.

[0009] In an embodiment the second water outlet interface is located at one side of the first valve body in a horizontal direction.

[0010] In an embodiment, the water inlet valve assembly further comprises the second water servo assembly, and the second water servo assembly comprises: a second connecting member formed with a second water inlet channel, and a second water inlet and a second water outlet communicated with the second water inlet channel, the second water inlet is communicated with the second water outlet interface, the second water outlet is provided at a lower side of the second connecting member to communicate with the domestic hot water outlet; a second valve core movably provided in the second water inlet channel to adjust water flow of the second water inlet channel; and a second motor provided at an end of the second connecting member opposite to the second water inlet and drivingly connected to the second valve core.

[0011] In an embodiment, the water inlet valve assembly further comprises a second valve body provided at one side of the first valve body in the horizontal direction, the second valve body is formed with a return water chamber, and a return water interface and a heating water plate heat exchange interface communicated with the return water chamber.

[0012] In an embodiment, a water replenishment valve interface is formed at a lower end of the first valve body, and the water replenishment valve interface is connected to a water replenishment valve, to allow communication between the water inlet chamber and the return water chamber through the water replenishment valve.

[0013] In an embodiment, the water replenishment valve comprises: a housing formed with a water replenishment chamber, a water replenishment port communicating the water replenishment chamber with the return water chamber is formed at an upper end of the housing; a water replenishment pipe inserted at the upper end of the housing, and provided with a water replenishment channel extending in an up and down direction, an upper end of the water replenishment channel is communicated with the water inlet chamber, and a lower end of the water replenishment channel is communicated with the water replenishment chamber; a water replenishment valve core movably provided at the water replenishment chamber in the up and down direction, to have a first valve position for moving upward to block the lower end of the water replenishment channel, and a second valve position for opening the lower end of the water replenishment channel; and an operation portion movably provided at the lower end of the housing and drivingly connected to the water replenishment valve core, for driving the water replenishment valve core to switch between the first valve position and the second valve position.

[0014] In an embodiment, the domestic water plate heat exchange interface is also formed on the second valve body, the domestic water plate heat exchange interface and the heating water board change interface are both located at a rear side of the second valve body, and the domestic water plate heat exchange interface is located above the heating water board change interface.

[0015] In an embodiment, the water inlet valve assembly further comprises a heating water pump with a water inlet end communicated with a heating return water pipeline, and a water outlet end communicated with the return water interface; the return water interface is provided on a side of the second valve body opposite to the first valve body.

[0016] In an embodiment, the water inlet valve assembly further comprises a zero-cool water pump with a water inlet end communicated with the first water outlet interface, and a water outlet end communicated with the domestic water plate heat exchange interface.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first valve body is provided with a flow sensor interface and / or a temperature sensor interface communicated with the water inlet chamber.

[0018] In order to achieve the above objectives, the present application also provides a water heater, comprising the water inlet valve assembly as described above.

[0019] In addition, the present application also provides a water inlet valve assembly provided at a water inlet pipeline of a water heater, and the water inlet valve assembly comprises: a first valve body provided with a water inlet chamber, and a water inlet interface and a first water outlet interface communicated with the water inlet chamber; and a first water servo component provided at the water inlet interface, for adjusting water inlet flow.

[0020] In an embodiment, the first valve body extends in an up-down direction; a water replenishment valve is provided at a lower end of the first valve body, and the water replenishment valve is configured to control communication between the water inlet chamber and a gas heat exchange flow path; and the water inlet interface is provided at a front side of the first valve body, one end of the first water servo component is connected to the water inlet interface, and the other end of the first water servo component extends forward.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first water outlet interface is provided at the front side of the first valve body.

[0022] In an embodiment, the water inlet valve assembly further comprises a zero-cool water pump connected to the first water outlet interface.

[0023] In an embodiment, one end of the zero-cool water pump is connected to the first water outlet interface, and the other end of the zero-cool water pump extends forward, so that the zero-cool water pump is provided in parallel with the first water servo component.

[0024] In an embodiment, a front end of the zero-cool water pump is flush with a front end of the first water servo component.

[0025] In an embodiment, the first water servo component comprises a servo body and a servo controller provided at one end of the servo body facing away from the first valve body.

[0026] In an embodiment, the first water servo component comprises: a first connecting member provided with a first water inlet channel, and a first water inlet and a first water outlet communicated with the first water inlet channel, the first water outlet is provided at one end of the first connecting member and connected to the water inlet interface; a first valve core movably provided along a length direction of the first water inlet channel to adjust water flow of the first water inlet channel; and a drive device configured to drive the first valve core to move.

[0027] In an embodiment, the drive device comprises a stepping motor.

[0028] In an embodiment, a bracket is provided at a side of the first valve core facing the first water outlet in the first water inlet channel; the first valve core is slidably mounted on the bracket through a movable column; at least one section of the first valve core forms a flow-through portion, and the flow-through portion is located between the first water outlet and the first water inlet; a flow-through gap is formed between the flow-through portion and the first water inlet channel during movable stroke of the first valve core, and a distance between the flow-through portion and the bracket is defined as d, where d≥10mm.

[0029] In an embodiment, an end of the first valve core facing the first water outlet forms the flow-through portion.

[0030] The present application also provides a first water servo component, comprising: a first connecting member provided with a first water inlet channel, and a first water inlet and a first water outlet communicated with the first water inlet channel, the first water outlet is provided at one end of the first connecting member and connected to the water inlet interface; and a first valve core movably provided along a length direction of the first water inlet channel, at least one section of the first valve core forms a flow-through portion, and the flow-through portion is located between the first water outlet and the first water inlet; during movable stroke of the first valve core, a flow-through gap is formed between the flow-through portion and the first water inlet channel, and a distance between the flow-through portion and the bracket is defined as d, where d≥10mm; and a drive device configured to drive the first valve core to move.

[0031] In an embodiment, an end of the first valve core facing the first water outlet forms the flow-through portion.

[0032] The present application also provides a method for controlling a water heater. The water heater comprises a gas heat exchange flow path, a hot water heat exchanger, a water inlet valve assembly and a control device. The gas heat exchange flow path is provided with a gas heat exchange component. Two ends of the gas heat exchange flow path are connected to two ends of a heating flow path. The hot water heat exchanger is internally formed with a heat exchange flow path and a hot water flow path capable of heat exchange with the heat exchange flow path. Two ends of the heat exchange flow path are connected to the two ends of the gas heat exchange flow path. The water inlet valve assembly is connected to a water inlet end of the hot water flow path. The water inlet valve assembly comprises a first water servo component for controlling water inlet flow.

[0033] The method for controlling the water heater comprises: in response to that a water outlet of the hot water flow path is opened for water use, controlling the gas heat exchange component to operate to heat water in the heat exchange flow path, and controlling the first water servo component to adjust water inlet flow to Q1, where Q1<Q, Q is current achievable flow; and in response to that a water outlet temperature at the water outlet of the hot water flow path reaches a preset temperature T1, controlling the gas heat exchange component to continue operating, and controlling the first water servo component to increase water inlet flow, where T1=T+△T, T is a target temperature.

[0034] In an embodiment, Q1 is in a range of 0.4Q to 0.9Q.

[0035] In an embodiment, in the step of in response to opening the water outlet of the hot water flow path for use, controlling the gas heat exchange component to operate to heat water in the heat exchange flow path, and controlling the first water servo component to adjust the water inlet flow to Q1, where Q1<Q, Q is the current achievable flow, the controlling the gas heat exchange component to operate comprises: controlling firepower of the gas heat exchange component according to a first temperature difference between the water outlet temperature and the target temperature.

[0036] In an embodiment, controlling the firepower of the gas heat exchange component according to the first temperature difference between the water outlet temperature and the target temperature comprises: in response to that the first temperature difference decreases, controlling the firepower of the gas heat exchange component to decrease. In an embodiment, the first water servo component comprises a first connecting member, a first valve core and a drive device; in the step of in response to opening the water outlet of the hot water flow path for use, controlling the gas heat exchange component to operate to heat water in the heat exchange flow path, and controlling the first water servo component to adjust the water inlet flow to Q1, where Q1<Q, Q is the current achievable flow, the controlling the first water servo component to operate comprises: in response to that an opening degree of the first water servo component is reduced to a set opening degree, controlling the drive device to decelerate.

[0037] In an embodiment, in the step of in response to that the water outlet temperature at the water outlet of the hot water flow path reaches a preset temperature T1, controlling the gas heat exchange component to continue operating, and controlling the first water servo component to increase the water inlet flow, where T1=T+△T, T is the target temperature, controlling the first water servo component to increase the water inlet flow comprises: controlling the first water servo component to gradually increase the water inlet flow rate in a form of a set gradient.

[0038] In an embodiment, in the step of in response to that the water outlet temperature at the water outlet of the hot water flow path reaches the preset temperature T1, controlling the gas heat exchange component to continue operating, and controlling the first water servo component to increase water inlet flow, where T1=T+△T, T is the target temperature, the controlling the first water servo component to increase the water inlet flow comprises: obtaining a second temperature difference between an water inlet temperature and the target temperature; selecting a time interval for adjusting the first water servo component according to the second temperature difference; adjusting the first water servo component according to the time interval.

[0039] In an embodiment, in response to that the water outlet temperature at the water outlet of the hot water flow path reaches the preset temperature T1, controlling the gas heat exchange component to continue operating, and controlling the first water servo component to increase the water inlet flow, where T1=T+△T, T is the target temperature, comprises: in response to that the first water servo component increases the water inlet flow, controlling the gas heat exchange component to increase firepower; and in response to that the firepower increases to a set firepower H1, controlling the first water servo component to stop adjusting the water inlet flow, H1 is less than a rated firepower.

[0040] In an embodiment, the set firepower H1 is greater than or equal to 92% of the rated firepower.

[0041] In an embodiment, after in response to that the firepower increases to the set firepower H1, controlling the first water servo component to stop adjusting the water inlet flow, the method further comprises: in response to that the gas heat exchange component increases the firepower to reach the rated firepower, obtaining a current flow rate Q2 of the hot water flow path and a current temperature difference between the water outlet temperature and the target temperature; and correcting Q according to Q2 and the current temperature difference.

[0042] In an embodiment, in the step of in response to opening the water outlet of the hot water flow path for use, controlling the gas heat exchange component to operate to heat water in the heat exchange flow path, and controlling the first water servo component to adjust water inlet flow to Q1, where Q1<Q, Q is the current achievable flow, the controlling the gas heat exchange component to operate comprises: in response to that water flow reaches set flow, obtaining an opening and closing degree of the first water servo component; according to the opening and closing degree of the first water servo component, selecting matching firepower of the gas heat exchange component; and according to the matching firepower, controlling the gas heat exchange component to operate.

[0043] In an embodiment, in the step of in response to that the water outlet temperature at the water outlet of the hot water flow path reaches the preset temperature T1, controlling the gas heat exchange component to continue operating, and controlling the first water servo component to increase water inlet flow, where T1=T+△T, T is the target temperature, the controlling the first water servo component to increase the water inlet flow comprises: within a set time, controlling an opening degree of the first water servo component to reach 100%.

[0044] The present application also provides a water heater, comprising: a gas heat exchange flow path provided with a gas heat exchange component, two ends of the gas heat exchange flow path are connected to two ends of a heating flow path; a hot water heat exchanger internally formed with a heat exchange flow path and a hot water flow path capable of heat exchange with the heat exchange flow path, two ends of the heat exchange flow path are connected to the two ends of the gas heat exchange flow path; a water inlet valve assembly comprising a first water servo component for controlling water inlet flow; and a control device electrically connected to the gas heat exchange component and the first water servo component.

[0045] In an embodiment, the control device comprises a memory, a processor and a program for controlling the water heater stored in the memory and executable on the processor, and the program for controlling the water heater is configured to implement the method for controlling the water heater as described above.

[0046] In an embodiment, the water heater comprises the water inlet valve assembly as described above.

[0047] The water inlet valve assembly provided by the present application comprises a first valve body, and the first valve body is formed with a water inlet chamber, and a water inlet interface and a first water outlet interface communicated with the water inlet chamber. The water inlet interface is connected to the first water servo component, and the first water outlet interface is communicated with the domestic water plate heat exchange interface, so that the water in the water inlet pipeline flows into the water inlet interface through the first water servo component and flows out from the first water outlet interface. In the embodiment of the present application, the water inlet valve assembly is integrated with a water inlet interface connected to the first water servo component, and the water servo can be directly connected to the water inlet valve to control the water inlet flow of the water heater as needed, reduce the use of copper pipes, reduce production costs, and occupy a small space, simple installation, reduce the leakage points generated during assembly, thereby reducing the risk of leakage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or in the related art, accompanying drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the related art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative efforts. FIG. 1 schematically shows a partial three-dimensional structural view of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic three-dimensional structural view of a water inlet valve assembly in FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a rear side elevation view of the water inlet valve assembly in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view at A-A in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic three-dimensional structural view of the water inlet valve assembly in FIG. 1 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front side elevation view of the water inlet valve assembly in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view at B-B in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional structural view of the water inlet valve assembly in FIG. 1 according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a three-dimensional structural view of a water replenishment valve in FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the operational principle of the water heater according to an embodiment of the present application during use. FIG. 11 is a three-dimensional structural view of the water heater in FIG. 10 with the front side portion removed. FIG. 12 is a schematic three-dimensional view of the water inlet valve assembly and a hot water heat exchanger in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the water inlet valve assembly in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a schematic flow chart of a method for controlling the water heater according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0049] Description of the reference signs:reference signnamereference signname1000water heater351flow-through portion100water inlet valve assembly36first motor10first valve body36adrive device11water inlet chamber37bracket12water inlet interface38movable column13first water outlet interface40second water servo component14second water outlet interface50water replenishment valve15water replenishment valve interface51housing16flow sensor52water replenishment chamber17temperature sensor53water replenishment port20second valve body54water replenishment pipe21return water chamber55water replenishment channel22domestic water plate heat exchange interface56water replenishment valve core23Heating water plate heat exchange interface57operation portion24water-return interface60heating water pump30first water servo component70zero-cool water pump31first connecting member300gas heat exchange flow path13first water-outlet interface301gas heat exchange component14second water-outlet interface302water pump32first water inlet channel400hot water heat exchanger33first water inlet401hot water flow path34first water outlet401acold water inlet35first valve core401bhot water outlet200water heater housing402heat exchange flow path2000heating flow path

[0050] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of the present application will be further described in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0051] It should be noted that if there is a directional indication in the embodiments of the present application, the directional indication is only used to explain the relative position relationship and movement of the components under a certain posture. If the certain posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0052] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present application, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one of the features. In addition, the meaning of "and / or" in the full text comprises three parallel schemes. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it comprises scheme A, or scheme B, or a scheme that satisfies both A and B.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, the present application provides a water heater, which can be a gas water heater dedicated to providing domestic hot water, or a wall-mounted boiler for providing domestic hot water and hot water for heating. Referring to FIG. 2 to FIG. 7, the present application also provides a water inlet valve assembly 100 for the water heater, which is used to introduce cold water in the water inlet pipeline into the water heater, so that the water heater provides heated domestic hot water and / or heating hot water. The water heater comprises a water heater housing 200, which is used to accommodate water heater components such as the water inlet valve assembly 100, a heat exchanger, a combustion chamber, and connecting pipelines.

[0054] In the related art, water heaters with water servo functions solve the defects of traditional gas water heaters such as slow constant temperature speed, large start-stop constant temperature fluctuations, and large impact of water temperature fluctuations or water flow fluctuations on water outlet temperature by controlling the water inlet flow of the water heater. However, its water servo module is installed independently, and each water servo module requires two copper pipes, which takes up a large space, has high manufacturing costs, is complex to install, and has many risk points of water leakage.

[0055] To solve the above technical problems, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the water inlet valve assembly 100 provided in the present application comprises a first valve body 10, and the first valve body 10 is formed with a water inlet chamber 11, and a water inlet interface 12 and a first water outlet interface 13 communicated with the water inlet chamber 11. The water inlet interface 12 is connected to a first water servo component 30. The first water outlet interface 13 is communicated with a domestic water plate heat exchange interface 22, so that the water in the water inlet pipeline flows into the water inlet interface 12 through the first water servo component 30, and flows out from the first water-outlet interface 13. In this embodiment, the water inlet pipeline refers to a pipeline that provides tap water to the water heater so that the water heater can provide domestic hot water and / or heating hot water after heating. The domestic water plate heat exchange interface 22 is communicated with the water inlet end of the heat exchange pipeline, so that the water introduced from the water inlet valve assembly 100 flows through the heat exchanger of the water heater through the heat exchange pipeline, and flows out from the domestic water end after being heated for use by users. The first water inlet servo component refers to a functional component with a water servo function that can adjust the water inlet flow rate as needed. In the embodiment provided in the present application, the flow direction of water is as follows: the tap water flowing in from the water inlet pipeline is adjusted by the first water servo component 30, flows into the water inlet chamber 11 from the water inlet interface 12, then flows out from the first water outlet interface 13, and flows to the domestic water plate heat exchange interface 22. After that, the water flows through the heat exchanger of the water heater through the heat exchange pipeline, and flows out from the domestic water end after being heated for use. In some embodiments, the domestic water plate heat exchange interface 22 is provided with a flow limiting ring, and the flow limiting ring controls the water flow to the heat exchanger within a specific threshold range. The specific threshold range can be set according to the power of the water heater, for example, 20L is set for a 32kw unit, 18L is set for a 26kw unit, etc. In this way, the water supply does not exceed the maximum load that the heat exchanger can bear, avoiding the situation where the water outlet temperature is too low or the water heater is overloaded, thereby improving the user experience and the service life of the water heater.

[0056] In this embodiment, the water inlet valve assembly 100 integrates the water inlet interface 12 connected to the first water servo component 30. The first water servo component 30 can be directly connected to the water inlet valve to control the water inlet flow of the water heater as needed, reduce the use of copper pipes, make the internal structure of the water heater simpler and more beautiful, reduce production costs, occupy less space, simple installation, reduce leakage points generated during assembly, thereby reducing the risk of leakage.

[0057] Please continue to refer to FIGS. 1 to 3, the water inlet interface 12 and the first water outlet interface 13 are both located at the front side of the first valve body 10, and the water inlet interface 12 is located below the first water outlet interface 13. It should be noted that in the present application, the description of directions such as up and down, horizontal direction, front and back, etc., is only for the state of the water heater after installation, and does not comprise the state of the water heater during production, assembly, transportation or debugging. In this embodiment, the water heater is installed on a mounting surface such as a wall, and the side facing the mounting surface is the rear side, and the side away from the mounting surface is the front side. The up and down direction refers to a direction roughly parallel to the gravity, or a direction that forms a certain angle with the gravity direction, and the angle is not greater than 45 degrees. The horizontal direction refers to a direction roughly perpendicular to the up and down direction.

[0058] Further, please continue to refer to FIGS. 1 and 2, the water inlet interface 12 and the water outlet interface are both located at the front side of the first valve body 10. In this way, the water inlet valve assembly 100 is located at the rear position in the housing 51, and the front is empty to facilitate the placement of the first water inlet servo assembly and the zero-cold water pump 70 or the diversion pipeline and other components, making the installation operation more convenient.

[0059] In this embodiment, the water heater may be a gas water heater dedicated to domestic hot water. In another embodiment, the water heater also provides heating hot water, and is a wall-mounted boiler integrated with domestic hot water supply and heating water supply. Please continue to refer to FIGS. 1 to 3, the water inlet valve assembly 100 also comprises a second valve body 20 arranged on one side of the first valve body 10 in the horizontal direction, and the second valve body 20 forms a return water chamber 21, and a water-return interface 24 and a heating water plate heat exchange interface 23 communicated with the return water chamber 21. In this embodiment, the first valve body 10 and the second valve body 20 can be provided as a whole, or provided separately and then assembled. In some embodiments, the first valve body 10 and the second valve body 20 are provided as a whole, so that it is convenient for production and installation, and makes the assembly of the water heater easier, reducing production costs. The water-return interface 24 is used for the return water of the heating water. The heating water plate exchange interface 23 is connected to the heat exchange pipeline, so that the heating water flows through the heat exchanger of the water heater through the heat exchange pipeline to be heated. The flow direction of the heating water is as follows: the return water for heating is driven through the heating water pump 60 to flow into the water-return interface 24, flows through the return water chamber 21, and flows from the heating plate exchange interface to the heat exchange pipeline. After being heated by the heat exchanger of the water heater, the return water flows to the indoor heating terminal such as the radiator or the floor heating pipeline, and after the heat is dissipated at the heating terminal, the return water flows back to the water-return interface 24 and enters the next cycle.

[0060] In an embodiment, please continue to refer to FIGS. 1 and 8, the water heater is a zero cold water heater, and the water inlet valve assembly 100 also comprises a zero-cold water pump 70. The water inlet end of the zero-cold water pump 70 is communicated with the first water outlet interface 13, and the water outlet end of the zero-cold water pump 70 is communicated with the domestic water plate heat exchange interface 22. The specific structure of the zero-cold water pump 70 belongs to the related art and will not be repeated. It can be understood that the zero-cold water pump 70 usually also has a return water end, which is communicated with the zero cold return water pipe to introduce the water in the zero cold return water pipe into the domestic water plate heat exchange interface 22. In this way, when the user uses domestic water, the cold water in the domestic water pipeline first flows back to the zero-cold water pump 70 through the zero cold return water pipe, is drawn into the domestic water plate exchange interface 22 together with the water in the water inlet chamber 11, flows into the heat exchange pipeline, and is heated by the heat exchanger of the water heater before flowing to the domestic water end. As a result, every time the user uses hot water, there is basically no cold water flowing out, thereby improving the user experience. In this embodiment, the first water outlet interface 13 is located on the front side of the first valve body 10, so the zero-cold water pump 70 is also provided in the front position of the water heater, which is convenient for assembly. In addition, the water inlet valve assembly 100 is compact in structure, which is conducive to controlling the external dimensions of the water heater. It can be understood that the first water outlet interface 13 can be configured as a common plug-in or snap-fit interface. In some embodiments, the water inlet end of the zero-cold water pump 70 is snap-fitted to the first water outlet interface 13 by means of an insertion pin, to facilitate quick replacement of the zero-cold water pump and convenient replacement and maintenance of the zero-cold water pump 70. Alternatively, when the water heater does not need the zero-cold water function, the diversion pipeline is used to replace the zero-cold water pump 70 to improve the expansion performance of the water heater.

[0061] On the basis of the above embodiment, please continue to refer to FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower end of the first valve body 10 forms a water replenishment valve interface 15, and the water replenishment valve interface 15 is connected to the water replenishment valve 50, so that the water inlet chamber 11 can be communicated with the return water chamber 21 through the water replenishment valve 50. It can be understood that, during the circulation of heating water, there may be instances of excessive water volume requiring pressure relief, as well as instances of insufficient water volume requiring water replenishment. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the water replenishment valve 50 to allow communication between the return water chamber 21 and the water inlet chamber 11, thereby realizing the function of pressure relief or water replenishment for the heating water circulation circuit.

[0062] The specific structure of the water replenishment valve 50 is not limited, as long as it can achieve the communication between the return water chamber 21 and the water inlet chamber 11 as needed. In some embodiments, the water replenishment valve 50 is inserted into the water inlet valve assembly 100 from the lower end of the water inlet valve assembly 100. Compared to the traditional diagonally inserted water replenishment valve 50 and the water replenishment valve 50 inserted from the front and then bent at a right angle, the space occupied by the water replenishment valve 50 on the front is reduced. In this way, on the one hand, there is more free space in the front area inside the water heater housing 200, which is convenient for placing the first water servo component 30 and the zero-cold water pump 70 and other components. On the other hand, since the water inlet interface 12 is provided on the front side of the first valve body 10, when the water heater is installed, the operation of connecting the water inlet pipeline to the water inlet valve assembly 100 will not be blocked by the water replenishment valve 50, which reduces the difficulty of installation and improves the installation efficiency.

[0063] In some embodiments, please refer to FIG. 4 and FIG. 9, the water replenishment valve 50 comprises a housing 51, a water replenishment pipe 54, a water replenishment valve core 56 and an operation portion 57. The housing 51 is formed with a water replenishment chamber 52, and the upper end of the housing 51 is formed with a water replenishment port 53 communicating the water replenishment chamber 52 with the return water chamber 21. The water replenishment pipe 54 is inserted at the upper end of the housing 51. The water replenishment pipe 54 is provided with a water replenishment channel 55 in the up-down direction. The upper end of the water replenishment channel 55 is communicated with the water inlet chamber 11, and the lower end of the water replenishment channel 55 is communicated with the water replenishment chamber 52. The water replenishment valve core 56 is movably arranged in the water replenishment chamber 52 in the up-down direction, to have a first valve position of moving up to block the lower end of the water replenishment channel 55, and a second valve position of opening the lower end of the water replenishment channel 55. The operation portion 57 is movably provided at the lower end of the housing 51 and is drivingly connected to the water supply valve core 56 to drive the water supply valve core 56 to switch between the first valve position and the second valve position. The operation portion 57 can be in multiple specific forms, for example, it can be a handle that can be pushed up or pulled down, or it can be a knob, the knob is screwed to the lower end of the housing 51, and is connected to the lower end of the water supply valve core 56. Thus, when the user operates the knob to rotate upward, the knob moves up relative to the housing 51, and drives the water supply valve core 56 to move up to the first valve position. When the user operates the knob to rotate downward, the knob moves downward relative to the housing 51 and drives the water supply valve core 56 to move downward to the second valve position. In this way, the valve position of the water supply valve core 56 is switched, and the knob is easy and reliable to operate, not easy to fall off, and reduces the possibility of misoperation.

[0064] The operation of water replenishment using the water replenishment valve 50 provided in this embodiment is as follows: close the water outlet of the domestic water terminal so that the water pressure of the water inlet chamber 11 is greater than that of the return water chamber 21, operate the operation portion 57 to allow the water replenishment valve core 56 to move from the first valve position to the second valve position, and the water in the water inlet chamber 11 automatically flows into the return water chamber 21 under the action of the pressure difference, completing the water replenishment operation of the heating circulation water circuit. Then, the operation portion 57 is operated to make the water replenishment valve core 56 return from the second valve position to the first valve position. The operation of pressure relief using the water supply valve 50 provided in this embodiment is as follows: open the water outlet end of the domestic water supply so that the water pressure in the water inlet chamber 11 is less than that in the return water chamber 21; operate the operation portion 57 to move the water supply valve core 56 from the first valve position to the second valve position; the water in the return water chamber 21 automatically flows to the water inlet chamber 11 under the action of the pressure difference, and flows out from the domestic water outlet end until the water pressure in the heating circulation water circuit reaches a preset value, completing the pressure relief operation on the heating circulation water circuit. Then, the operation portion 57 is operated to make the water supply valve core 56 return from the second valve position to the first valve position.

[0065] The water replenishment valve 50 provided in this embodiment is in a vertical shape extending in the up and down direction as a whole, and is inserted into the first valve body 10 and the second valve body 20 from the bottom. Compared to the traditional diagonally inserted water replenishment valve 50 and the water replenishment valve 50 inserted from the front and then bent at a right angle, the space occupied by the water replenishment valve 50 on the front is reduced. In this way, on the one hand, there is more free space in the front area inside the water heater housing 200, which is convenient for placing the first water servo component 30 and the zero-cold water pump 70 and other components. On the other hand, since the water inlet interface 12 is provided on the front side of the first valve body 10, when the water heater is installed, the operation of connecting the water inlet pipeline to the water inlet valve assembly 100 will not be blocked by the water replenishment valve 50, which reduces the difficulty of installation and improves the installation efficiency.

[0066] In order to further improve the compactness of the water inlet valve assembly 100 and facilitate the arrangement of pipelines, in some embodiments, please continue to refer to FIGS. 3 and 6, the second valve body 20 is also formed with the domestic water plate heat exchange interface 22. The domestic water plate heat exchange interface 22 and the heating water plate heat exchange interface 23 are both located at the rear side of the second valve body 20, and the domestic water plate heat exchange interface 22 is located above the heating water plate heat exchange interface 23. In this way, the heat exchange pipeline is connected to the water inlet valve assembly 100 from the rear side of the water inlet valve assembly 100, so that the internal components of the water heater are arranged compactly and reasonably, the length of the heat exchange pipeline is reduced, and the heat exchange pipeline will not block the operation of the first water inlet servo or zero cool water pump 70 installed on the front side. The assembly operation is simpler, and the assembly efficiency and quality are improved.

[0067] In some embodiments, please refer to FIG. 1, the water inlet valve assembly 100 further comprises a heating water pump 60, the water inlet end of the heating water pump 60 is used to communicate with the heating return water pipeline, and the water outlet end of the heating water pump 60 is communicated with the return water interface 24. The return water interface 24 is provided on the side of the second valve body 20 facing away from the first valve body 10. In this way, the heating water pump 60 is provided on one side of the water inlet valve assembly 100 in the horizontal direction, so that the internal structure of the water heater is more compact, ensuring that enough functional components can be arranged within the size range of the water heater, improving the performance of the water heater, controlling the size of the water heater, and improving the user experience.

[0068] The water inlet interface 12 can be configured as a common plug-in or snap-fit interface. In some embodiments, the first water inlet servo is snap-fitted to the water inlet interface 12 by means of an insertion pin, to facilitate quick replacement of the first water servo component 30 and convenient replacement and maintenance of the first water servo component 30. Alternatively, when the water heater does not need the water inlet servo function, a diversion pipeline is used to replace the first water inlet servo to improve the expansion performance of the water heater.

[0069] In an embodiment, the water inlet interface 12 is also provided with a flow limiting ring. The flow limiting ring controls the total flow flowing into the first water servo component 30 within a first preset value, and the zero position of the first water servo component 30 is set to the middle value of the first preset value. In this way, the flow of the first water servo component 30 changes most obviously with the position of the first valve core 35, and the first water servo component 30 has the best regulating effect on the water flow.

[0070] There is no limitation on the specific type or structure of the first water servo component 30, as long as it can realize the water inlet servo of the water heater, control the water flow rate according to the inlet water temperature, inlet water pressure and / or gas supply conditions, and realize fast and accurate temperature control and start-up control of domestic water, to improve the user's water use experience.

[0071] In an embodiment, please continue to refer to FIGS. 5 to 8, the water inlet valve assembly 100 also comprises the first water servo component 30, and the first water servo component 30 comprises a first connecting member 31, a first valve core 35 and a first motor 36. The first connecting member 31 is formed with a first water inlet channel 32, and a first water inlet 33 and a first water outlet 34 communicated with the first water inlet channel 32. The first water inlet 33 is arranged at the lower side of the first connecting member 31 to communicate with the water inlet pipeline, and the first water outlet 34 is communicated with the water inlet interface 12. It can be understood that the first connecting member 31 has an assembly structure that is mutually compatible with the water inlet interface 12 at one end of the first water outlet 34, to realize the convenient installation and disassembly of the first water inlet servo component shown. The first water inlet 33 is located at the lower side of the first connecting member 31, so that the water inlet pipe can be connected to the water inlet valve assembly 100 from below, which conforms to the general installation habits of water heaters and is convenient for hiding the connecting pipes of the water heater, making the water heater more beautiful after installation.

[0072] It can be understood that in an embodiment, the water replenishment valve 50 is inserted into the water inlet valve assembly 100 from below and is located behind the first water inlet 33. In this way, on the one hand, there is more free space in the front area inside the water heater housing 200, which is convenient for placing the first water servo component 30 and the zero-cold water pump 70 and other components. On the other hand, since the water inlet interface 12 is provided on the front side of the first valve body 10, when the water heater is installed, the operation of connecting the water inlet pipeline to the water inlet valve assembly 100 will not be blocked by the water replenishment valve 50, which reduces the difficulty of installation and improves the installation efficiency. The first valve core 35 is movably provided in the first water inlet channel 32 to adjust the water flow of the first water inlet channel 32.

[0073] The specific structure and movement mode of the first valve core 35 are not limited, as long as the movement of the first valve core 35 can be controlled to adjust the water flow of the first water inlet servo assembly. In an embodiment, the first valve core 35 is movably provided in the first water inlet channel 32 along the front-to-back direction, so that the first connecting member 31 is provided in an elongated shape extending along the front-to-back direction as a whole, so that there is enough space to arrange the first water inlet 33. The first motor 36 is provided at the end of the first connecting member 31 opposite to the first water outlet 34, and is drivingly connected to the first valve core 35. It can be understood that the transmission structure between the first motor 36 and the first valve core 35 can be set according to the movement mode of the first valve core 35. The first motor 36 can be controlled to adjust the water-inlet flow of the first water servo component 30 according to the water-inlet temperature, water-inlet pressure and / or gas supply conditions, to improve the performance of the water heater. In this embodiment, the flow direction of the water is as follows: the water flows from the water inlet pipeline through the first water inlet 33 into the first water inlet channel 32, the movement of the first valve core 35 controls the water flow rate of the first water servo component 30, thereby controlling the total flow rate of domestic water of the water heater. The water with the controlled flow rate flows from the first water outlet 34 to the water inlet interface 12 and then flows into the water inlet chamber 11, realizing the hot water supply for domestic water.

[0074] The first water servo component 30 can also be replaced with other forms to improve the expansion of the water heater. In an embodiment, the first water servo component 30 comprises a solenoid valve, the water inlet end of the solenoid valve is communicated with the water inlet pipeline, and the water outlet end of the solenoid valve is communicated with the water inlet interface 12. The solenoid valve can be controlled to adjust the water flow rate of the first water servo component 30 according to the water temperature, water pressure and / or gas supply conditions, thereby improving the constant temperature and other performance of the water heater.

[0075] In another embodiment, the first water servo component 30 comprises a proportional valve, the water inlet end of the proportional valve is communicated with the water inlet pipeline, and the water outlet end of the proportional valve is communicated with the water inlet interface 12. The proportional valve can be controlled to adjust the water flow rate of the first water servo component 30 according to the water temperature, water pressure and / or gas supply conditions, thereby improving the thermostatic performance of the water heater.

[0076] In another embodiment, the first water servo component 30 comprises a temperature-sensitive valve, in which a temperature-sensitive spring or a memory alloy may be provided. The water inlet end of the temperature-sensitive valve is communicated with the water inlet pipeline, and the water outlet end of the temperature-sensitive valve is communicated with the water inlet interface 12. The water flow rate of the first water servo component 30 changes according to the inlet water temperature. When the water temperature is lower in winter, the water heater has a large workload and a small water flow. When the water temperature is high in summer, the water heater has a small workload and a large water flow, thereby improving the constant temperature performance of the water heater.

[0077] On the basis of the above embodiment, please continue to refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, the first valve body 10 is further formed with a second water outlet interface 14 communicated with the water inlet chamber 11. The second water outlet interface 14 is used to connect the second water servo component 40, so that the water in the water inlet chamber 11 flows to the domestic hot water outlet through the second water servo component 40. In this embodiment, the second water outlet interface 14 is communicated with the domestic hot water outlet. In some embodiments, the second water servo component 40 is connected to the outlet end of the heat exchange water path through a bypass waterway, so that the second water servo component 40 can be used to mix low-temperature water into the domestic water end according to the water temperature requirement, thereby enabling the water heater to achieve a constant temperature water outlet function.

[0078] In an embodiment, the second water outlet interface 14 is located on one side of the first valve body 10 in the horizontal direction. The second water servo component 40 is arranged on one side of the water inlet valve assembly 100 in the horizontal direction. The internal structure of the water heater is more compact, ensuring that enough functional components can be arranged within the size range of the water heater to improve the performance of the water heater, while controlling the size of the water heater to improve the user experience. In some embodiments, please continue to refer to FIGS. 1 and 8, the second water servo component 40 and the heating water pump 60 are provided on both sides of the water inlet valve assembly 100 in the horizontal direction. In this way, on the one hand, the internal structure of the water heater is reasonably arranged, which is convenient for pipe arrangement. On the other hand, the assembly of the two components will not hinder each other, which is convenient for assembly, improves assembly efficiency, and reduces production costs.

[0079] The second water outlet interface 14 can be configured as a common plug-in or snap-fit interface. In some embodiments, the second water inlet servo is snap-fitted to the second water outlet interface 14 by means of an insertion pin, to facilitate quick replacement of the second water servo component 40 and convenient replacement and maintenance of the second water servo component 40. Alternatively, when the water heater does not need the constant temperature water outlet function, a baffle is used to replace the second water inlet servo to improve the expansion performance of the water heater.

[0080] In an embodiment, the second water outlet interface 14 is further provided with a flow limiting ring. The flow limiting ring controls the total flow flowing into the second water servo component 40 within a second preset value, and the zero position of the second water servo component 40 is set to the middle value of the second preset value. In this way, the flow of the second water servo component 40 changes most obviously with the position of the second valve core, and the second water servo component 40 has the best effect on regulating the water flow.

[0081] There is no limitation on the specific type or structure of the second water servo component 40, as long as it can be connected to the bypass waterway to achieve constant temperature water outlet of the water heater, control the water flow rate according to the outlet water temperature, and mix the appropriate amount of low-temperature water into the hot water outlet of domestic water, thereby achieving constant temperature water output for domestic use to improve the user's water usage experience.

[0082] In an embodiment, please continue to refer to FIG. 8, the water inlet valve assembly 100 further comprises the second water servo component 40. The structure of the second water servo component 40 is similar to that of the first water servo component 30, and the second water servo component 40 comprises a second connecting member, a second valve core, and a second motor. The second connecting member is formed with a second water inlet channel, and a second water inlet and a second water outlet communicated with the second water inlet channel. The second water inlet is connected to the second water outlet interface 14, and the second water outlet is provided at the lower side of the second connecting member to communicate with the bypass pipeline, to introduce the low-temperature water into the hot water outlet for domestic use. It can be understood that the second connecting member has an assembly structure that is mutually compatible with the second water outlet interface 14 at one end of the second water inlet, to facilitate the installation and removal of the second water inlet servo assembly. The second water outlet is located at the lower side of the second connector, so that the bypass pipeline can be connected to the second connecting member from below, which is convenient for the layout and assembly of the bypass pipeline.

[0083] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to FIGS. 1 and 8, the second water servo component 40 and the heating water pump 60 are separately provided on both sides of the water inlet valve assembly 100 in the horizontal direction. On the one hand, this makes the internal structure of the water heater reasonably arranged, which is convenient for the arrangement of the bypass pipeline and the heating return pipeline. On the other hand, the assembly of the two components will not hinder each other, which is convenient for assembly, improves assembly efficiency, and reduces production costs.

[0084] The specific structure and movement mode of the second valve core are not limited, as long as the water flow rate of the second water inlet servo assembly can be adjusted by controlling the movement of the second valve core. In an embodiment, the second valve core is movably provided in the second water inlet channel along the front-to-back direction. In this way, the second connecting member is arranged in an elongated shape extending in the horizontal direction as a whole, so that there is enough space to arrange the second water outlet. The second motor is provided at the end of the second connecting member opposite to the second water inlet, and is drivingly connected to the second valve core. It can be understood that the transmission structure between the second motor and the second valve core can be set according to the movement mode of the second valve core. The second motor can be controlled to adjust the water-inlet flow of the second water servo component 40 according to the water-outlet temperature for the domestic use, to mix a suitable amount of low-temperature water into the hot water outlet end for domestic use, achieving constant temperature water output of the water heater. In this embodiment, the flow direction of the water is as follows: the water flows from the water inlet pipeline through the first water inlet 33 into the first water inlet channel 32, the movement of the first valve core 35 controls the water flow rate of the first water servo component 30, thereby controlling the total flow rate of domestic water of the water heater. The water with controlled flow rate flows from the first water outlet 34 to the water inlet interface 12 and then flows into the water inlet chamber 11. Then, a part of the water in the water inlet chamber 11 flows through the first water outlet interface 13 to the domestic water plate exchange interface 22 and flows to the heat exchange pipeline for heat exchange, and becomes high-temperature water at the domestic hot water outlet. The other part of the water flows into the second water inlet channel of the second water servo component 40 from the second water outlet interface 14, and flows out from the second water outlet after the water is adjusted by the second water servo component 40, flows into the bypass waterway, and becomes low-temperature water to merge with the high-temperature water, forming a constant-temperature water of suitable temperature flowing out from the domestic hot water outlet, thereby improving the user experience.

[0085] The second water servo component 40 can also be replaced with other forms to enhance the expansion of the water heater. In an embodiment, the second water servo component 40 comprises a solenoid valve, the water inlet end of the solenoid valve is communicated with the second water outlet interface 14, and the water outlet end of the solenoid valve is communicated with the bypass pipeline. The solenoid valve can be controlled to adjust the water flow rate according to the water temperature of the domestic hot water outlet. A suitable amount of low-temperature water is mixed into the domestic water end, to form a constant temperature water of suitable temperature that flows out of the domestic hot water outlet, thereby improving the user experience.

[0086] In another embodiment, the second water servo component 40 comprises a proportional valve, the water inlet end of the proportional valve is communicated with the second water outlet interface 14, and the water outlet end of the proportional valve is communicated with the bypass pipeline. The proportional valve can be controlled to adjust the water flow rate according to the water temperature of the domestic hot water outlet. A suitable amount of low-temperature water is mixed into the domestic water end to form constant temperature water of suitable temperature that flows out of the domestic hot water outlet, thereby improving the user experience.

[0087] On the basis of the above embodiment, the first valve body 10 is provided with an interface for a flow sensor 16 and / or an interface for a temperature sensor 17 communicated with the water inlet chamber 11. In this way, the expansion performance of the water inlet valve assembly 100 is further improved. The water inlet valve assembly 100 can also comprise the flow sensor 16 and the temperature sensor 17. In this way, the water inlet valve assembly 100 can provide water volume and water temperature information of the inlet water, so that the first water inlet servo, the second water inlet servo and the gas proportional valve in the water heater can be adjusted in real time according to the corresponding water volume and water temperature information, further improving the performance of the water heater and improving the user experience.

[0088] Please refer to FIGS. 10 to 13, the present application provides a water inlet valve assembly 100 provided on the water inlet pipeline of the water heater 1000, specifically, provided at the water inlet end on the hot water flow path 401 of the water heater 1000. The water inlet valve assembly 100 comprises a first valve body 10 and a first water servo component 30. The first valve body 10 is provided with a water inlet chamber 11, and a water inlet interface 12 and a first water outlet interface 13 communicated with the water inlet chamber 11. The first water servo component 30 is provided at the water inlet interface 12 to adjust the water inlet flow rate. In this way, the water inlet flow rate is adjusted by the first water servo component 30.

[0089] The water inlet valve assembly 100 integrates a first water servo component 30, which can directly control the water inlet flow of the water heater 1000 as needed, reduce the use of copper pipes, make the internal structure of the water heater 1000 more simple and beautiful, reduce production costs, occupy less space, and is easy to install, reducing leakage points generated during assembly, thereby reducing the risk of leakage.

[0090] In an embodiment of the present application, the first valve body 10 extends in the up-down direction, that is, is installed in the housing of the water heater 1000 in the up-down direction. The water replenishing valve 50 is provided at the lower end of the first valve body 10. The water replenishing valve 50 is used to control the communication between the water inlet chamber 11 and the gas heat exchange flow path 300. The water inlet interface 12 is provided on the front side of the first valve body 10, that is, provided toward the front side of the housing of the water heater 1000. One end of the first water servo component 30 is connected to the water inlet interface 12, and the other end of the first water servo component 30 extends forward. In this way, since the water replenishment valve 50 is provided at the lower end of the first valve body 10 without occupying the front space of the first valve body 10, the water inlet valve assembly 100 can be installed at a rear position in the housing of the water heater 1000, while the front is left empty for the placement of the first water inlet servo assembly, making the installation operation more convenient, and making the structure of the water heater 1000 more compact.

[0091] In an embodiment, the first water outlet interface 13 is provided at the front side of the first valve body 10, to facilitate the connection of related components, such as pipelines or pump bodies, etc., at the first water outlet interface 13. Further, in an embodiment, the water inlet valve assembly 100 also comprises a zero-cold water pump 70 connected to the first water outlet interface 13, to facilitate the arrangement of the zero-cold water pump 70. In this way, the space size in the front-to-back direction of the water heater can be fully utilized. Under the condition that the thickness of the water heater in the front-to-back direction is not increased, the water inlet valve assembly 100 and the zero-cold water pump 70 are both provided inside the water heater, and the size in the up-down direction is not squeezed to make the water heater longer.

[0092] In an embodiment, one end of the zero-cold water pump 70 is connected to the first water outlet interface 13, and the other end of the zero-cold water pump 70 extends forward, so that the zero-cold water pump 70 is provided in parallel with the first water servo component 30. In this way, the water inlet valve assembly 100 can be installed at a rear position in the housing of the water heater 1000, and the front is vacant for accommodating the first water inlet servo assembly and the zero-cold water pump 70. The installation operation is more convenient, thereby making the structure of the water heater 1000 more compact. Further, in an embodiment, the front end of the zero-cold water pump 70 is flush with the front end of the first water servo component 30, so that the front end of the zero-cold water pump 70 and the front end of the first water servo component 30 will not generate an empty space due to non-flush, to further facilitate the use of the front and rear space of the housing of the water heater 1000.

[0093] In an embodiment, the first water servo component 30 comprises a servo body (comprising the first connecting member 31, the first valve core 35 and the drive device 36a described later), and a servo controller provided at the end of the servo body facing away from the first valve body 10. That is, in this embodiment, the servo controller is directly provided at the end of the servo body facing away from the first valve body 10, and the space in front of the servo body can be utilized. In addition, for the solution in which the zero-cool water pump 70 and the first water servo component 30 are provided and both are provided on the front side of the first valve body 10, it is easier to make the front end of the zero-cool water pump 70 flush with the front end of the first water servo component 30.

[0094] In an embodiment, the first water servo component 30 comprises a first connecting member 31, a first valve core 35 and a drive device 36a. The first connecting member 31 has a first water inlet channel 32, and a first water inlet 33 and a first water outlet 34 communicated with the first water inlet channel 32. The first water outlet 34 is provided at one end of the first connecting member 31, and is connected to the water inlet interface 12. The first valve core 35 is movably provided along the length direction of the first water inlet channel 32 to adjust the water flow of the first water inlet channel 32. The drive device 36a drives the first valve core 35 to move, to drive the first valve core 35 to move along the length direction of the first water inlet channel 32 through the drive device 36a to adjust the water flow of the first water inlet channel 32.

[0095] Furthermore, in an embodiment, the drive device 36a comprises a stepping motor to accurately control the opening of the first water inlet channel 32 through the number of steps of the stepping motor. A transmission mechanism for converting rotation into linear motion is usually provided between the stepping motor and the first valve core 35, such as a ball screw mechanism, a thread transmission mechanism, etc. The drive device 36a can also be directly a linear drive device 36a, such as a linear motor.

[0096] In an embodiment, in the first water inlet channel 32, a bracket 37 is provided on the side of the first valve core 35 facing the first water outlet 34, and the first valve core 35 is slidably installed on the bracket 37 through a movable column 38. At least one section of the first valve core 35 forms a flow-through portion 351, and the flow-through portion 351 is located between the first water outlet 34 and the first water inlet 33. During the movable stroke of the first valve core 35, a flow-through gap is formed between the flow-through portion 351 and the first water inlet channel 32, and the size of the flow-through gap will change to adjust the flow of the first water inlet channel 32. The distance between the flow-through portion 351 and the bracket 37 is d, and d is greater than or equal to 10mm. In this embodiment, the distance d between the flow-through portion 351 and the bracket 37 is set to be large enough, that is, d is greater than or equal to 10mm, so that the water flowing from the periphery of the flow-through portion 351 to the bracket 37 has a sufficiently long path, thereby slowing down the flow of water and reducing noise.

[0097] In an embodiment, the end of the first valve core 35 facing the first water outlet 34 forms the flow-through portion 351. A section of the first water inlet channel 32 corresponding to the flow-through portion 351 is gradually contracted in the direction close to the first water outlet 34. Therefore, when the flow-through portion 351 approaches the first water outlet 34, the flow-through gap gradually decreases until it is closed. The design is not limited to this, and the flow-through portion 351 can also be formed by the middle section of the first valve core 35.

[0098] The present application also provides a first water servo component 30, which comprises a first connecting member 31, a first valve core 35 and a drive device 36a. The first connecting member 31 has a first water inlet channel 32, and a first water inlet 33 and a first water outlet 34 communicated with the first water inlet channel 32. The first water outlet 34 is provided at one end of the first connecting member 31 and connected to the water inlet interface 12. The first valve core 35 is movably provided along the length direction of the first water inlet channel 32. At least one section of the first valve core 35 forms a flow-through portion 351, and the flow-through portion 351 is located between the first water outlet 34 and the first water inlet 33. During the movement of the first valve core 35, a flow-through gap is formed between the flow-through portion 351 and the first water inlet channel 32, and the size of the flow-through gap changes to adjust the flow of the first water inlet channel 32. The distance between the flow portion 351 and the bracket 37 is d, and d is greater than or equal to 10mm. The drive device 36a drives the first valve core 35 to move. In this embodiment, d is greater than or equal to 10mm, that is, the distance d between the flow-through portion 351 and the bracket 37 is set to be large enough, that is, d≥10mm, so that the water flowing from the periphery of the flow portion 351 to the bracket 37 has a sufficiently long path, thereby slowing down the flow of water and reducing noise.

[0099] In an embodiment, the end of the first valve core 35 facing the first water outlet 34 forms the flow portion 351. A section of the first water inlet channel 32 corresponding to the flow-through portion 351 is gradually contracted in the direction close to the first water outlet 34, so that when the flow-through portion 351 approaches the first water outlet 34, the flow-through gap gradually decreases until it is closed. Obviously, the design is not limited to this, and the flow-through portion 351 can also be formed by the middle section of the first valve core 35.

[0100] The present application also provides a method for controlling a water heater, please refer to FIG. 14 and FIG. 10 to FIG. 13, the water heater 1000 comprises a gas heat exchange flow path 300, a hot water heat exchanger 400, a water inlet valve assembly 100 and a control device. The gas heat exchange flow path 300 is provided with a gas heat exchange component 301 (in this embodiment, the gas heat exchange flow path 300 is also provided with a water pump 302, obviously, the water pump is not necessarily provided on the gas heat exchange flow path 300). The two ends of the gas heat exchange flow path 300 are used to correspondingly connect with the two ends of the heating flow path 2000 (the heating flow path 2000 is usually provided with heating fins) to jointly form a heating circulation loop. The hot water heat exchanger 400 is internally formed with a heat exchange flow path 402 and a hot water flow path 401 that can heat exchange with the heat exchange flow path 402 (the two ends of the hot water flow path 401 are correspondingly connected to a cold water inlet 401a and a hot water outlet 401b). The two ends of the heat exchange flow path 402 are correspondingly connected to the two ends of the gas heat exchange flow path 300 to form a heat exchange circulation loop. The water inlet valve assembly 100 is connected to the water inlet end of the hot water flow path 401. The water inlet valve assembly 100 comprises a first water servo component 30 for controlling the water inlet flow rate. The method for controlling the water heater 1000 comprises the following steps.

[0101] Step S10, when the water outlet of the hot water flow path 401 is opened for water use, the gas heat exchange component 301 is controlled to operate to heat the water in the hot water flow path 401, and the first water servo component 30 is controlled to adjust the water inlet flow to Q1, Q1<Q, Q is the current available flow.

[0102] At step S10, it is generally determined whether water is used by detecting the water flow signal. Generally, when the water flow signal is greater than 2.5L / min, it is determined that water is being used. Obviously, the present design is not limited to this, and it can be directly detected whether the water outlet of the hot water flow path 401 is opened.

[0103] When water use is detected, the water temperature needs to be raised quickly to reduce the heating time. Therefore, in this step, because the water inlet flow rate can be controlled by the first water servo component 30, the water inlet flow rate is reduced to achieve the effect of quickly raising the water temperature. There is no restriction on the operation of the gas heat exchange component 301, and a known method can be used.

[0104] Q1 only needs to be less than Q. In an embodiment, 0.4Q≤Q1≤0.9Q. If Q1 is too small, the water flow rate will be affected too significantly, resulting in a poor user experience. If Q1 is too large, the effect of accelerating the heating speed by reducing the flow rate will be weak.

[0105] Step S20, when the water temperature at the outlet of the hot water flow path 401 reaches the preset temperature T1, the gas heat exchange component 301 is controlled to continue operating, and the first water servo component 30 is controlled to increase the water inlet flow, T1=T+△T, where T is the target temperature.

[0106] At step S20, when the outlet water temperature of the outlet end of the hot water flow path 401 is close to the target temperature, that is, T1=T+△T, △T is, for example, 0.5°C, then at this time, the first water servo component 30 can be controlled to increase the water inlet flow rate, so that the water flow rate gradually increases to meet the needs of the user.

[0107] That is, in this embodiment, in the initial stage of user water use, the first water servo component 30 is controlled to reduce the water inlet flow rate to quickly heat the water in the hot water flow path 401. When the outlet water temperature is close to the target temperature, the first water servo component 30 can be controlled to increase the water inlet flow rate to gradually meet the user's demand for water flow.

[0108] In an embodiment, at step S10, controlling the operation of the gas heat exchange component 301 comprises: according to the first temperature difference between the outlet water temperature and the target temperature, controlling the firepower of the gas heat exchange component 301. When the first temperature difference is large, the gas heat exchange component 301 is correspondingly controlled to adopt a relatively large firepower, and when the first temperature difference is small, the gas heat exchange component 301 is correspondingly controlled to adopt a relatively small firepower. For example, when the first temperature difference reaches 9°C or more, the maximum firepower is used for combustion; when the first temperature difference is 3°C, 30% firepower is used, and so on. In this way, the water temperature can quickly reach within ±2°C of the target range.

[0109] Further, in an embodiment, controlling the firepower of the gas heat exchange component 301 according to the first temperature difference between the outlet water temperature and the target temperature comprises: when the first temperature difference decreases, controlling the firepower of the gas heat exchange component 301 to decrease. That is, as the first temperature difference decreases, the firepower of the gas heat exchange component 301 is gradually reduced.

[0110] The method for controlling the firepower of the gas heat exchange component 301 is usually achieved by controlling the opening of the gas valve.

[0111] In an embodiment, the first water servo component 30 comprises a first connecting member 31, a first valve core 35 and a drive device 36a. At step S10, controlling the operation of the first water servo component 30 comprises: when the opening of the first water servo component 30 is reduced to a set opening, controlling the drive device 36a to decelerate. The first valve core 35 is movably provided in the first connecting member 31. When the opening changes from the maximum to the small opening, the relatively large movement in the early stage corresponds to a relatively small opening, and in the later stage, the small movement corresponds to a relatively large change in the opening. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the first water servo component 30 controls the flow rate to decrease, the first valve core 35 is controlled to first use a larger moving speed and then a smaller moving speed, so that the flow rate changes more steadily rather than suddenly changing. For example, when the flow rate in the hot water flow path 401 is lower than 9L / min, the speed of the drive device 36a (such as a stepping motor) is reduced to half of the original speed, and the lower limit of the water flow rate is 4L / min.

[0112] In an embodiment, at step S20, controlling the first water servo component 30 to increase the water inlet flow rate comprises: controlling the first water servo component 30 to gradually increase the water inlet flow rate in the form of a set gradient. In this embodiment, the water inlet flow rate is gradually increased with a set gradient, and the gradient may be a fixed value or may not be a fixed value. For example, when the outlet water temperature approaches the target temperature of -0.5°C, the water flow rate is gradually increased with a gradient of 1%Q flow rate.

[0113] In an embodiment, at step S20, controlling the first water servo component 30 to increase the water inlet flow rate comprises: obtaining a second temperature difference between the water inlet temperature and the target temperature; selecting a time interval for adjusting the first water servo component 30 according to the second temperature difference; and adjusting the first water servo component 30 according to the time interval.

[0114] That is, in this embodiment, the time interval for adjusting the first water servo component 30 is selected according to the second temperature difference. When the second temperature difference is large, the corresponding time interval for adjusting can be selected to be large, that is, the first water servo component 30 is adjusted after a relatively long time. Since when the second temperature difference is large, the time for maintaining a small flow rate is relatively long to heat the water in the hot water flow path 401 well. When the second temperature difference is small, the corresponding time interval for adjustment can be selected to be small. For example, when the second temperature difference is greater than 39, the first water servo component 30 (specifically, the stepper motor of the first water servo component 30) operates once every 2S according to the real-time result, and when the second temperature difference is between 29 and 39, it operates once every 1S, and so on, until it returns to the original speed of the stepper motor, i.e., operates once every 0.25.

[0115] In an embodiment, step S20 comprises: step S20a, when the first water servo component 30 increases the water flow rate, controlling the gas heat exchange component 301 to increase the firepower; and step S20b, when the firepower increases to the set firepower H1, controlling the first water servo component 30 to stop adjusting the water flow rate, H1 is less than the rated firepower.

[0116] That is, when the first water servo component 30 increases the water inlet flow rate, the gas heat exchange component 301 is controlled to increase the firepower, but a certain amount of firepower needs to be reserved to avoid that when the water inlet flow rate continues to increase, even if the firepower is increased, the water in the hot water flow path 401 cannot be heated to the target temperature. Therefore, when the firepower increases to the set firepower H1, H1 is less than the rated firepower, and the first water servo component 30 is controlled to stop adjusting the water inlet flow rate.

[0117] In an embodiment, the set firepower H1 is greater than or equal to 92% of the rated firepower, which can be 92%, 93%, etc. Obviously, the specific value of H1 is related to the firepower and flow rate, so it is not limited.

[0118] In an embodiment, after step S20b, the method further comprises: step S20c, when the gas heat exchange component 301 increases the firepower to reach the rated firepower, obtaining the flow rate Q2 of the hot water flow path 401 at this time and the current temperature difference between the outlet water temperature at this time and the target temperature; and step S20d, correcting Q according to Q2 and the current temperature difference, .

[0119] In this embodiment, when the gas heat exchange component 301 increases the firepower to reach the rated firepower, the flow Q2 of the hot water flow path 401 at this time and the current temperature difference between the outlet water temperature and the target temperature at this time are obtained, and then Q can be calculated according to the formula: Q2*current temperature difference=Q* temperature difference corresponding to Q, to correct the initial Q.

[0120] In an embodiment, at step S20, controlling the operation of the gas heat exchange component 301 comprises: when the water flow rate reaches the set flow rate, obtaining the opening and closing degree of the first water servo component 30; according to the opening and closing degree of the first water servo component 30, selecting the matching firepower of the gas heat exchange component 301; and according to the matching firepower, controlling the operation of the gas heat exchange component 301.

[0121] In this embodiment, when the flow rate of the hot water flow path 401 is constant, the water pressure of the water source (tap water) can be reflected by the opening and closing degree of the first water servo component 30. Therefore, if the opening degree is smaller, the corresponding water pressure of the water source is greater. Therefore, when adjusting, the firepower of the gas heat exchange component 301 is set large enough to ensure that when the opening degree is adjusted later (the corresponding flow rate changes relatively large), the water temperature of the hot water flow path 401 is greatly affected. For example, when the outlet water temperature is close to the target temperature of -2°C, the firepower is adjusted according to the value of Y (Y is the closing degree, for example, the first water servo component 30 comprises a stepping motor, according to the opening position of the stepper motor and the water flow rate reached, it can be roughly determined how much flow is adjustable. Y is the percentage of the number of steps from 0 step to the total number of steps. When the step number is set to 60% to 100%, the stepper motor can move in the direction of 0 step to obtain a flow increase of more than 30%. If Y is greater than 90%, the firepower is adjusted to 100%, if Y is greater than 80 and less than or equal to 90, the firepower is adjusted to 60%, and so on, until Y is less than 60%. This value can be adjusted according to different models.

[0122] In an embodiment, at step S10, controlling the first water servo component 30 to increase the water inlet flow rate comprises: controlling the opening of the first water servo component 30 to 100% within a set time. For example, after the outlet water temperature approaches the target temperature -0.5°C, Y is operated from the current percentage to 0% within 5S

[0123] Please refer to FIGS. 10 to 13, the present application also provides a water heater 1000, comprising a gas heat exchange flow path 300, a hot water heat exchanger 400, a water inlet valve assembly 100 and a control device.

[0124] The gas heat exchange flow path 300 is provided with a gas heat exchange component 301, and the two ends of the gas heat exchange flow path 300 are connected to the two ends of the heating flow path 2000 to form a heating circulation loop.

[0125] The hot water heat exchanger 400 is internally formed with a heat exchange flow path 402 and a hot water flow path 401 capable of heat exchange with the heat exchange flow path 402 (the two ends of the hot water flow path 401 are connected to the cold water inlet 401a and the hot water outlet 401b respectively), and the two ends of the heat exchange flow path 402 are connected to the two ends of the gas heat exchange flow path 300 to form a heat exchange circulation loop.

[0126] The water inlet valve assembly 100 comprises a first water servo component 30 for controlling the water inlet flow rate.

[0127] The control device is electrically connected to the gas heat exchange component 301 and the first water servo component 30.

[0128] In the water heater 1000, the water inlet valve assembly 100 is provided with a first water servo component 30, and the first water servo component 30 can directly control the water inlet flow of the water heater 1000 as needed.

[0129] In an embodiment, the control device comprises a memory, a processor, and a control program for the water heater 1000 stored in the memory and executable on the processor. The control program for the water heater 1000 is configured to implement the steps of the method for controlling the water heater 1000 as described above. Therefore, since the water heater 1000 provided in this embodiment has the embodiments of the control methods for the water heater 1000 described above, it has the technical effects corresponding to the embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0130] In an embodiment, the water inlet valve assembly 100 comprises the water inlet valve assembly 100 described above. Therefore, the water heater 1000 provided in this embodiment has the embodiments of the above-mentioned water inlet valve assemblies 100, and thus has the technical effects corresponding to the embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0131] The above description are only some embodiments of the present application, and do not limit the scope of the present application. All equivalent structural changes made by using the contents of the specification and drawings of the present application under the inventive concept of the present application, or directly / indirectly applied in other related technical fields, are comprised in the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A water inlet valve assembly, characterized by comprising: a first valve body provided with a water inlet chamber, and a water inlet interface and a first water outlet interface communicated with the water inlet chamber, wherein the water inlet interface is connected to a first water servo component, and the first water outlet interface is communicated with a domestic water plate heat exchange interface, to allow water in a water inlet pipeline to flow into the water inlet interface through the first water servo component and flow out from the first water outlet interface.

2. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the water inlet interface and the first water outlet interface are both located at a front side of the first valve body, and the water inlet interface is located below the first water outlet interface.

3. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 2, further comprising the first water servo component, wherein the first water servo component comprises: a first connecting member formed with a first water inlet channel, and a first water inlet and a first water outlet communicated with the first water inlet channel, wherein the first water inlet is provided at a lower side of the first connecting member for communicating with the water inlet pipeline, and the first water outlet is communicated with the water inlet interface; a first valve core movably provided in the first water inlet channel to adjust water flow of the first water inlet channel; and a first motor provided at an end of the first connecting member opposite to the first water outlet and drivingly connected to the first valve core; or the first water servo component comprises a solenoid valve with a water inlet end communicated with the water inlet pipeline, and a water outlet end communicated with the water inlet interface; or the first water servo component comprises a proportional valve with a water inlet end communicated with the water inlet pipeline, and a water outlet end communicated with the water inlet interface; or the first water servo component comprises a temperature sensing valve with a water inlet end communicated with the water inlet pipeline, and a water outlet end communicated with the water inlet interface.

4. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first valve body is further formed with a second water outlet interface communicated with the water inlet chamber, and the second water outlet interface is connected to a second water servo component, to allow water in the water inlet chamber to flow to a domestic hot water outlet through the second water servo component.

5. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein the second water outlet interface is located at one side of the first valve body in a horizontal direction.

6. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 4, further comprising the second water servo assembly comprising: a second connecting member formed with a second water inlet channel, and a second water inlet and a second water outlet communicated with the second water inlet channel, wherein the second water inlet is communicated with the second water outlet interface, the second water outlet is provided at a lower side of the second connecting member to communicate with the domestic hot water outlet; a second valve core movably provided in the second water inlet channel to adjust water flow of the second water inlet channel; and a second motor provided at an end of the second connecting member opposite to the second water inlet and drivingly connected to the second valve core.

7. The water inlet valve assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising a second valve body provided at one side of the first valve body in the horizontal direction, wherein the second valve body is formed with a return water chamber, and a return water interface and a heating water plate heat exchange interface communicated with the return water chamber.

8. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein a water replenishment valve interface is formed at a lower end of the first valve body, and the water replenishment valve interface is connected to a water replenishment valve, to allow communication between the water inlet chamber and the return water chamber through the water replenishment valve.

9. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 8, wherein the water replenishment valve comprises: a housing formed with a water replenishment chamber, wherein a water replenishment port communicating the water replenishment chamber with the return water chamber is formed at an upper end of the housing; a water replenishment pipe inserted at the upper end of the housing, and provided with a water replenishment channel extending in an up and down direction, wherein an upper end of the water replenishment channel is communicated with the water inlet chamber, and a lower end of the water replenishment channel is communicated with the water replenishment chamber; a water replenishment valve core movably provided at the water replenishment chamber in the up and down direction, to have a first valve position for moving upward to block the lower end of the water replenishment channel, and a second valve position for opening the lower end of the water replenishment channel; and an operation portion movably provided at the lower end of the housing and drivingly connected to the water replenishment valve core, for driving the water replenishment valve core to switch between the first valve position and the second valve position.

10. The water inlet valve assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the domestic water plate heat exchange interface is also formed on the second valve body, the domestic water plate heat exchange interface and the heating water board change interface are both located at a rear side of the second valve body, and the domestic water plate heat exchange interface is located above the heating water board change interface.

11. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 10, further comprising a heating water pump with a water inlet end communicated with a heating return water pipeline, and a water outlet end communicated with the return water interface, wherein the return water interface is provided on a side of the second valve body opposite to the first valve body.

12. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a zero-cool water pump with a water inlet end communicated with the first water outlet interface, and a water outlet end communicated with the domestic water plate heat exchange interface.

13. The water inlet valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first valve body is provided with a flow sensor interface and / or a temperature sensor interface communicated with the water inlet chamber.

14. A water heater, characterized by comprising the water inlet valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A water inlet valve assembly, provided at a water inlet pipeline of a water heater, <b>characterized by comprising: a first valve body provided with a water inlet chamber, and a water inlet interface and a first water outlet interface communicated with the water inlet chamber; and a first water servo component provided at the water inlet interface, for adjusting water inlet flow.

16. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 15, wherein the first valve body extends in an up-down direction; a water replenishment valve is provided at a lower end of the first valve body, and the water replenishment valve is configured to control communication between the water inlet chamber and a gas heat exchange flow path; and the water inlet interface is provided at a front side of the first valve body, one end of the first water servo component is connected to the water inlet interface, and the other end of the first water servo component extends forward.

17. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 16, wherein the first water outlet interface is provided at the front side of the first valve body.

18. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 17, further comprising a zero-cool water pump connected to the first water outlet interface.

19. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 18, wherein one end of the zero-cool water pump is connected to the first water outlet interface, and the other end of the zero-cool water pump extends forward, so that the zero-cool water pump is provided in parallel with the first water servo component.

20. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 19, wherein a front end of the zero-cool water pump is flush with a front end of the first water servo component.

21. The water inlet valve assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the first water servo component comprises a servo body and a servo controller provided at one end of the servo body facing away from the first valve body.

22. The water inlet valve assembly according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the first water servo component comprises: a first connecting member provided with a first water inlet channel, and a first water inlet and a first water outlet communicated with the first water inlet channel, wherein the first water outlet is provided at one end of the first connecting member and connected to the water inlet interface; a first valve core movably provided along a length direction of the first water inlet channel to adjust water flow of the first water inlet channel; and a drive device configured to drive the first valve core to move.

23. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 22, wherein the drive device comprises a stepping motor.

24. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 23, wherein a bracket is provided at a side of the first valve core facing the first water outlet in the first water inlet channel; the first valve core is slidably mounted on the bracket through a movable column; at least one section of the first valve core forms a flow-through portion, and the flow-through portion is located between the first water outlet and the first water inlet; a flow-through gap is formed between the flow-through portion and the first water inlet channel during movable stroke of the first valve core, and a distance between the flow-through portion and the bracket is defined as d, where d≥10mm.

25. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 24, wherein an end of the first valve core facing the first water outlet forms the flow-through portion.

26. A first water servo component, <b>characterized by comprising: a first connecting member provided with a first water inlet channel, and a first water inlet and a first water outlet communicated with the first water inlet channel, wherein the first water outlet is provided at one end of the first connecting member and connected to the water inlet interface; and a first valve core movably provided along a length direction of the first water inlet channel, wherein at least one section of the first valve core forms a flow-through portion, and the flow-through portion is located between the first water outlet and the first water inlet; during movable stroke of the first valve core, a flow-through gap is formed between the flow-through portion and the first water inlet channel, and a distance between the flow-through portion and the bracket is defined as d, where d≥10mm; and a drive device configured to drive the first valve core to move.

27. The water inlet valve assembly according to claim 26, wherein an end of the first valve core facing the first water outlet forms the flow-through portion.

28. A method for controlling a water heater, the water heater comprising a gas heat exchange flow path, a hot water heat exchanger, a water inlet valve assembly and a control device, the gas heat exchange flow path being provided with a gas heat exchange component, two ends of the gas heat exchange flow path being connected correspondingly to two ends of a heating flow path, the hot water heat exchanger being internally formed with a heat exchange flow path and a hot water flow path capable of heat exchange with the heat exchange flow path, two ends of the heat exchange flow path being connected correspondingly to the two ends of the gas heat exchange flow path, the water inlet valve assembly being connected to a water inlet end of the hot water flow path, the water inlet valve assembly comprising a first water servo component for controlling water inlet flow, wherein the method for controlling the water heater comprises: in response to opening a water outlet of the hot water flow path for use, controlling the gas heat exchange component to operate to heat water in the heat exchange flow path, and controlling the first water servo component to adjust water inlet flow to Q1, where Q1 < Q, Q is current achievable flow; and in response to that a water outlet temperature at the water outlet of the hot water flow path reaches a preset temperature T1, controlling the gas heat exchange component to continue operating, and controlling the first water servo component to increase water inlet flow, where T1=T+△T, T is a target temperature.

29. The method for controlling the water heater according to claim 28, wherein Q1 is in a range of 0.4Q to 0.9Q.

30. The method for controlling the water heater according to claim 28 or 29, wherein in the step of in response to opening the water outlet of the hot water flow path for use, controlling the gas heat exchange component to operate to heat water in the heat exchange flow path, and controlling the first water servo component to adjust the water inlet flow to Q1, where Q1 < Q, Q is current achievable flow, the controlling the gas heat exchange component to operate comprises: controlling firepower of the gas heat exchange component according to a first temperature difference between the water outlet temperature and the target temperature.

31. The method for controlling the water heater according to claim 30, wherein the controlling the firepower of the gas heat exchange component according to the first temperature difference between the water outlet temperature and the target temperature comprises: in response to that the first temperature difference decreases, controlling the gas heat exchange component to decrease the firepower.

32. The method for controlling the water heater according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the first water servo component comprises a first connecting member, a first valve core and a drive device; in the step of in response to opening the water outlet of the hot water flow path for use, controlling the gas heat exchange component to operate to heat water in the heat exchange flow path, and controlling the first water servo component to adjust the water inlet flow to Q1, where Q1 < Q, Q is the current achievable flow, the controlling the first water servo component to operate comprises: in response to that an opening degree of the first water servo component is reduced to a set opening degree, controlling the drive device to decelerate.

33. The method for controlling the water heater according to any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein in the step of in response to that the water outlet temperature at the water outlet of the hot water flow path reaches the preset temperature T1, controlling the gas heat exchange component to continue operating, and controlling the first water servo component to increase the water inlet flow, where T1=T+△T, T is the target temperature, controlling the first water servo component to increase the water inlet flow comprises: controlling the first water servo component to gradually increase the water inlet flow rate in a form of a set gradient.

34. The method for controlling the water heater according to any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein in the step of in response to that the water outlet temperature at the water outlet of the hot water flow path reaches the preset temperature T1, controlling the gas heat exchange component to continue operating, and controlling the first water servo component to increase the water inlet flow, where T1=T+△T, T is the target temperature, the controlling the first water servo component to increase the water inlet flow comprises: obtaining a second temperature difference between an water inlet temperature and the target temperature; selecting a time interval for adjusting the first water servo component according to the second temperature difference; adjusting the first water servo component according to the time interval.

35. The method for controlling the water heater according to any one of claims 28 to 34, wherein in response to that the water outlet temperature at the water outlet of the hot water flow path reaches the preset temperature T1, controlling the gas heat exchange component to continue operating, and controlling the first water servo component to increase the water inlet flow, where T1=T+△T, T is the target temperature, comprises: in response to that the first water servo component increases the water inlet flow, controlling the gas heat exchange component to increase firepower; and in response to that the firepower increases to a set firepower H1, controlling the first water servo component to stop adjusting the water inlet flow, wherein H1 is less than a rated firepower.

36. The method for controlling the water heater according to claim 35, wherein the set firepower H1 is greater than or equal to 92% of the rated firepower.

37. The method for controlling the water heater according to claim 35 or 36, wherein after in response to that the firepower increases to the set firepower H1, controlling the first water servo component to stop adjusting the water inlet flow, the method further comprises: in response to that the gas heat exchange component increases the firepower to reach the rated firepower, obtaining a current flow rate Q2 of the hot water flow path and a current temperature difference between the water outlet temperature and the target temperature; and correcting Q according to Q2 and the current temperature difference.

38. The method for controlling the water heater according to claim 28, wherein in the step of in response to opening the water outlet of the hot water flow path for use, controlling the gas heat exchange component to operate to heat water in the heat exchange flow path, and controlling the first water servo component to adjust water inlet flow to Q1, where Q1 < Q, Q is the current achievable flow, the controlling the gas heat exchange component to operate comprises: in response to that water flow reaches a set flow, obtaining an opening and closing degree of the first water servo component; according to the opening and closing degree of the first water servo component, selecting matching firepower of the gas heat exchange component; and according to the matching firepower, controlling the gas heat exchange component to operate.

39. The method for controlling the water heater according to claim 28 or 38, wherein in the step of in response to that the water outlet temperature at the water outlet of the hot water flow path reaches the preset temperature T1, controlling the gas heat exchange component to continue operating, and controlling the first water servo component to increase water inlet flow, where T1=T+△T, T is the target temperature, the controlling the first water servo component to increase the water inlet flow comprises: within a set time, controlling an opening degree of the first water servo component to reach 100%.

40. A water heater, <b>characterized by comprising: a gas heat exchange flow path provided with a gas heat exchange component, wherein two ends of the gas heat exchange flow path are connected to two ends of a heating flow path; a hot water heat exchanger internally formed with a heat exchange flow path and a hot water flow path capable of heat exchange with the heat exchange flow path, wherein two ends of the heat exchange flow path are connected to the two ends of the gas heat exchange flow path; a water inlet valve assembly comprising a first water servo component for controlling water inlet flow; and a control device electrically connected to the gas heat exchange component and the first water servo component.

41. The water heater according to claim 40, wherein the control device comprises a memory, a processor and a program for controlling the water heater stored in the memory and executable on the processor, and the program for controlling the water heater is configured to implement the method for controlling the water heater according to any one of claims 28 to 39.

42. The water heater according to claim 40 or 41, characterized by comprising the water inlet valve assembly according to any one of claims 15 to 25.

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