A water heater with a water turbidity detection structure and its control method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a water heater with a water turbidity detection structure and its control method. The water heater includes a heat exchanger, a cold water pipe, a hot water pipe, a filtering device installed on the cold water pipe, a control device, and a water turbidity detection structure. The water turbidity detection structure includes a box body, a detection module, and an alarm unit or a display unit electrically connected to the control device. The box body has a first sample inlet, a second sample inlet, and at least one drain outlet. The first sample inlet is selectively communicated with the cold water pipe between the filtering device and the heat exchanger, the second sample inlet is selectively communicated with the hot water pipe, and the drain outlet is selectively communicated with the hot water pipe or the sewer. The detection module is arranged on the box body and electrically connected to the control device, and is at least used to detect the water turbidity of the water sample in the box body. The water heater of the present invention can accurately detect the water turbidity of the filtered water and the water in the hot water pipe, which is convenient for users to understand the source points of the problems that mainly affect water quality, makes users more at ease when using water, and is more convenient for users to maintain and service the water heater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, and particularly to a water quality detection technology for a water heater. Background Art

[0002] Among the combustion water heaters on the market, many are equipped with purification and filtration devices. However, the purification and filtration effects and the purification and filtration time limits cannot be intuitively shown to customers. In addition, users cannot understand whether the main problems affecting water quality come from scale in the heat exchanger, tap water supply quality, or the filtration device, which is not conducive to the maintenance of gas water heaters. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the problems existing in the related art to a certain extent. For this purpose, the present invention provides a water heater with a water turbidity detection structure, which can accurately detect the water turbidity of filtered water and water flowing through the hot water pipe, and at the same time facilitate users to understand the source points of the problems mainly affecting water quality, and facilitate users to maintain the gas water heater.

[0004] The present invention also provides a control method for a water heater. Users can not only intuitively identify whether the water quality of the water heater is qualified, making users feel more at ease when using it, but also quickly understand the source points of the problems mainly affecting water quality, and know when to replace the filter element of the filtration device and / or clean the scale of the water heater.

[0005] According to the above-provided water heater with a water turbidity detection structure, it is realized through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A water heater with a water turbidity detection structure includes a heat exchanger, a cold water pipe, a hot water pipe, a filtration device, and a control device. The filtration device is installed on the cold water pipe, and further includes a water turbidity detection structure. The water turbidity detection structure includes a box body, a detection module, and an alarm unit or a display unit electrically connected to the control device. The box body has a first sampling port, a second sampling port, and at least one drainage port. The first sampling port is selectively communicated with the cold water pipe located between the filtration device and the heat exchanger, the second sampling port is selectively communicated with the hot water pipe, and the drainage port is selectively communicated with the hot water pipe or the sewer. The detection module is arranged on the box body and electrically connected to the control device, and is at least used to detect the water turbidity of the water sample in the box body.

[0007] In some embodiments, the box body has a solution chamber, and the solution chamber has the first sampling port, the second sampling port, and the drainage port; the detection module includes a water turbidity detection unit and a water level detection unit respectively electrically connected to the control device, and both the water turbidity detection unit and the water level detection unit are installed on the solution chamber.

[0008] In some embodiments, the water turbidity detection structure further includes a main drain pipe and a drain switch. One end of the main drain pipe communicates with the drain port, and the other end communicates with the hot water pipe or the sewer. The drain switch is installed on the drain pipe and electrically connected to the control device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the box body has a cold water chamber and a hot water chamber arranged at intervals. The cold water chamber has the first sampling port and the drain port, and the hot water chamber has the second sampling port and the drain port. The detection module includes a water turbidity detection unit and a water level detection unit that are respectively electrically connected to the control device. The water turbidity detection unit is provided on the cold water chamber and the hot water chamber, and the water level detection unit is provided in both the cold water chamber and the hot water chamber.

[0010] In some embodiments, the water turbidity detection structure further includes a first drain pipe, a second drain pipe, a main drain pipe, and a drain switch electrically connected to the control device. Two ends of the first drain pipe respectively communicate with the drain port of the cold water chamber and the water inlet end of the main drain pipe. Two ends of the second drain pipe respectively communicate with the drain port of the hot water chamber and the water inlet end of the main drain pipe. The water outlet end of the main drain pipe communicates with the hot water pipe or the sewer. The drain switch is provided on the main drain pipe or the first and second drain pipes.

[0011] In some embodiments, the water turbidity detection structure further includes a first water inlet pipe, a second water inlet pipe, and an inlet switch for controlling the on-off of water flow. The first sampling port is communicated with the cold water pipe through the first water inlet pipe, and the second sampling port is communicated with the hot water pipe through the second water inlet pipe. The inlet switch is provided on both the first water inlet pipe and the second water inlet pipe, and the inlet switch is electrically connected to the control device.

[0012] In some embodiments, the display unit has at least a first display area and a second display area. The first display area is used to display the usage status of the filter element of the filtering device, and the second display area is used to display the scale status of the water heater.

[0013] In some embodiments, a timing module is further included. The timing module is electrically connected to the control device and is used to record at least one of the water heater startup time, the sampling time of the box body, the drainage time of the box body, and the reading stabilization time of the water turbidity detection unit in the detection module.

[0014] According to the control method of a water heater provided above, it is realized through the following technical solutions:

[0015] A control method of a water heater, which is applied to the water heater described in any one of the above. The control method includes the following steps:

[0016] S1: Enter the water turbidity detection program;

[0017] S2: Start the water heater, and the box body starts to collect water samples;

[0018] S3: Determine whether the water volume in the box body reaches the preset water volume. If so, proceed to the next step; otherwise, continue to execute step S3;

[0019] S4: While the box body is collecting water samples, control the water tank to start draining water, and record the drainage time;

[0020] S5: Determine whether the drainage time of the water tank reaches the preset time. If so, proceed to the next step; otherwise, execute step S5;

[0021] S6: The box body stops draining water and ends collecting water samples, and obtain the water turbidity of the water sample in the box body;

[0022] S7: Compare the obtained water turbidity with the target value, and control the working state of the alarm unit or the display state of the display unit based on the comparison result.

[0023] In some embodiments, after obtaining the water turbidity of the water sample in the box body, drain the water sample in the water tank.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0025] For the water heater of the present invention, by adding a water turbidity detection structure, the water heater can accurately detect the water turbidity of the filtered water and the water flowing through the hot water pipe, facilitating the user to understand the source points of the problems mainly affecting water quality, making the user feel more at ease when using water, and making it more convenient for the user to maintain the gas water heater. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the water heater in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the water turbidity detection structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the water heater in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the control method of the water heater in Embodiments 3 and 4 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The following embodiments illustrate the present invention, but the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Modifications to the specific implementation manners of the present invention or equivalent replacements of some technical features, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, shall all be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in the present invention.

[0031] Embodiment 1

[0032] Referring to Figure 1-2 , this embodiment provides a water heater with a water turbidity detection structure, including a water heater body 1, a heat exchanger 2, a cold water pipe 3, a hot water pipe 4, a filtering device 5, a control device (not shown in the figure), and a water turbidity detection structure 6. The heat exchanger 2 is installed inside the water heater body 1. The cold water pipe 3 is arranged on the water heater body 1, and both ends of the cold water pipe 3 are respectively connected to the water inlet joint of the water heater and the cold water inlet of the heat exchanger 2. The hot water pipe 4 is arranged on the water heater body 1, and both ends of the hot water pipe 4 are respectively connected to the hot water outlet of the heat exchanger 2 and the water outlet joint of the water heater. The filtering device 5 is installed on the cold water pipe 3 for filtering and purifying water quality. The water turbidity detection structure 6 includes a box body 61, a detection module, and an alarm unit or a display unit 65 electrically connected to the control device. The box body 61 has a first sampling port, a second sampling port, and at least one drain port. The first sampling port is selectively communicated with the cold water pipe 3 located between the filtering device 5 and the heat exchanger 2, so that the box body 61 can collect filtered water from the cold water pipe 3 as the first water sample. The second sampling port is selectively communicated with the hot water pipe 4, so that the box body 61 can collect the water flowing through the heat exchanger 2 from the hot water pipe 4 as the second water sample. The drain port is selectively communicated with the hot water pipe 4 or the sewer to discharge the first and / or second water samples in the box body 61 through the drain port in time. The detection module is arranged on the box body 61 and electrically connected to the control device, and is at least used to detect the water turbidity of the first and / or second water samples in the box body 61, so as to accurately detect the water turbidity of the filtered water (i.e., the first water sample) and the water flowing through the hot water pipe 4 (i.e., the second water sample), enabling the user to understand that the main problem sources affecting water quality are the scale in the heat exchanger 2, the tap water supply quality, or the filtering device 5, making the user's water use more comfortable and reassuring, and facilitating the user to maintain the gas water heater. The alarm unit or the display unit 65 is installed on the box body 61 or the water heater body 1. When the water turbidity detection results of the first and second water samples do not meet the standards, the user can be reminded through the alarm unit or the display unit 65, facilitating the user to timely understand the degree of water softening, making the user's water use more comfortable and reassuring. At the same time, it can also prompt the user when to replace the filter element as soon as possible and when to clean the heat exchanger 2, making it more convenient for the user to maintain the water heater daily.

[0033] It can be seen that for the water heater of this embodiment, by adding a water turbidity detection structure 6, the water heater can accurately detect the water turbidity of the filtered water and the water flowing through the hot water pipe, facilitating the user to understand the source points of the problems mainly affecting water quality, making the user more at ease when using water, and making it more convenient for the user to maintain the gas water heater. In addition, the present invention adopts static water sample detection, with higher water turbidity detection accuracy, solving the problem of poor detection accuracy of existing water turbidity sensors based on dynamic water detection. At the same time, according to the water turbidity detection result of the first water sample, it can accurately identify whether the filter element of the filtering device 5 fails, and can remind the user to replace the filter element in time through the alarm unit or the display unit 65. And according to the water turbidity detection result of the second water sample, it can accurately identify the scale state in the heat exchanger 2, facilitating the user to determine whether it is necessary to clean the heat exchanger 2 through the alarm unit or the display unit 65.

[0034] See Figure 2 , preferably, the box body 61 of this embodiment has a cold water chamber 611 and a hot water chamber 612 arranged side by side at intervals. The cold water chamber 611 has a first sampling port and a drain port, and the hot water chamber 612 has a second sampling port and a drain port. The detection module includes a water turbidity detection unit 621 electrically connected to the control device, and the water turbidity detection unit 621 is provided on the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612. Thus, by arranging the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612 side by side at intervals in the box body 61, on the one hand, it can realize synchronous detection of the water turbidity of the first water sample and the second water sample, making the detection efficiency higher; on the other hand, it completely separates the sampling, detection and drainage of the first and second water samples, thus avoiding the interference of the previous water sample on the test result of the subsequent water sample and achieving higher detection accuracy.

[0035] Furthermore, the detection module further includes a water level detection unit electrically connected to the control device. Water level detection units (not shown in the figure) are provided in both the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612. In this way, through the two water level detection units, it can realize accurate detection of the water levels or sampling amounts of the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612 respectively.

[0036] This embodiment takes the installation of the water level detection unit in the cold water chamber 611 as an example. Specifically, the water level detection unit includes a water level upper limit switch 622 and a water level lower limit switch 623. The water level upper limit switch 622 is installed on the inner top or the upper end of the inner side wall of the cold water chamber 611 for detecting the highest water level or the maximum sampling amount. The water level lower limit switch 623 is installed on the inner bottom of the cold water chamber 611 for detecting whether the first water sample in the cold water chamber 611 and the second water sample in the hot water chamber 612 are emptied. Thus, under the combined action of the water level upper limit switch 622 and the water level lower limit switch 623, it can realize accurate detection of the highest and lowest water levels.

[0037] Further, the water turbidity detection structure 6 further includes a first water inlet pipe 631, a second water inlet pipe 632, and a water inlet switch 633 for controlling the on-off of water flow. The first sampling port is communicated with the cold water pipe 3 through the first water inlet pipe 631, and the second sampling port is communicated with the hot water pipe 4 through the second water inlet pipe 632. Water inlet switches 633 are provided on both the first water inlet pipe 631 and the second water inlet pipe 632, and the water inlet switch 633 is electrically connected to the control device. Thus, by means of the water inlet switch 633 on the first water inlet pipe 631, the sampling condition of the cold water chamber 611 can be controlled; by means of the water inlet switch 633 on the second water inlet pipe 632, the sampling condition of the hot water chamber 612 can be controlled.

[0038] Further, the water turbidity detection structure 6 further includes a first drain pipe 643, a second drain pipe 644, a main drain pipe 641, and a drain switch 642. The two ends of the first drain pipe 643 are respectively communicated with the drain port of the cold water chamber 611 and the water inlet end of the main drain pipe 641. The two ends of the second drain pipe 644 are respectively communicated with the drain port of the hot water chamber 612 and the water inlet end of the main drain pipe 641. The water outlet end of the main drain pipe 641 is communicated with the hot water pipe 4 or the sewer.

[0039] In this embodiment, the water outlet end of the main drain pipe 641 is communicated with the hot water pipe 4, so that after the water turbidity detection unit 621 finishes detecting the water sample, the water sample in the box body 61 can be drained away through the hot water pipe 4. The drain switch 642 is installed on the main drain pipe 641 and is electrically connected to the control device. In this way, by means of one drain switch 642, not only can the drainage conditions of the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612 be controlled, the manufacturing cost can be effectively reduced, but also the overall drainage time can be saved and the drainage efficiency can be improved.

[0040] In other embodiments, the drain switch 642 on the main drain pipe 641 can also be omitted, and instead, a drain switch 642 is provided on both the first drain pipe 643 and the second drain pipe 644. In this way, the drainage conditions of the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612 can be controlled separately.

[0041] This embodiment takes the display unit 65 as an example. Specifically, the display unit 65 at least has a first display area 651 and a second display area 652. The first display area 651 is used to display the usage status of the filter element of the filtering device 5, so that the user can intuitively understand when it is necessary to replace a new filter element as soon as possible through the display status of the first display area 651; the second display area 652 is used to display the scale state of the water heater, which is convenient for the user to intuitively understand when it is necessary to clean the scale inside the heat exchanger 2 through the display status of the second display area 652.

[0042] More specifically, the display unit 65 further has a third display area 653, and this third display area 653 is used to display whether the water quality of the water heater is qualified or normal, and can visually show the user whether the water quality is qualified or not.

[0043] In this embodiment, there are the following six cases for the water quality detection results of the water heater:

[0044] First, when the turbidity of the first water sample ≥ 3 NTU, it is determined that the water quality is unqualified. At this time, the first display area 651 is fully lit or semi-lit or shows red, prompting the user to replace the filter element of the filtering device 5 as soon as possible.

[0045] Second, when 1 NTU < the turbidity of the first water sample < 3 NTU and the turbidity of the second water sample ≥ 3 NTU, it is determined that the water quality is unqualified. At this time, the first display area 651 is semi-lit or slightly lit or shows yellow, and the second display area 652 is fully lit or semi-lit or shows red. The user needs to replace the filter element of the filtering device 5 or clean the water scale of the water heater.

[0046] Third, when 1 NTU < the turbidity of the first water sample < 3 NTU and 1 NTU < the turbidity of the second water sample < 3 NTU, it is determined that the water quality is unqualified. At this time, the first display area 651 is fully lit or semi-lit or shows red, prompting the user to replace the filter element of the filtering device 5 as soon as possible. The second display area 652 is semi-lit or slightly lit or shows yellow, indicating that there is less water scale in the water heater and the water scale can be not cleaned.

[0047] Fourth, when the turbidity of the first water sample ≤ 1 NTU and the turbidity of the second water sample ≥ 3 NTU, it is determined that there is a large amount of water scale deposited in the heat exchanger 2 of the water heater, which has affected the water quality and the water heater needs to be descaled. At this time, the second display area 652 is fully lit or semi-lit or shows red, prompting the user to clean the water scale of the water heater as soon as possible.

[0048] Fifth, when the turbidity of the first water sample ≤ 1 NTU and 1 NTU < the turbidity of the second water sample < 3 NTU, it is determined that the water quality is qualified. At this time, there is partial water scale deposited in the water heater, and it is recommended to carry out water scale treatment. Correspondingly, the third display area 653 is semi-lit or slightly lit or shows yellow, and the user can clean or not clean the water scale of the water heater.

[0049] Sixth, when the turbidity of the second water sample ≤ 1 NTU, it is determined that the water quality is excellent. At this time, the third display area 653 is lit or shows green, and no corresponding treatment is required. The user can use the water heater with confidence.

[0050] Furthermore, it further includes a timing module (not shown in the figure) electrically connected to the control device. The timing module is used to record at least one of the water heater startup time, the opening time of the water inlet switch 633 (i.e., the sampling time of the box body 61), the opening time of the drain switch 642 (i.e., the drainage time of the box body 61), and the reading stabilization time of the water turbidity detection unit 621.

[0051] Embodiment 2

[0052] See Figure 3 Figure 3 , the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in that the specific structure of the water turbidity detection structure 6 is different. Specifically, the box body 61 only has a solution chamber 610. The solution chamber 610 has a first sampling port, a second sampling port and a drain port. The drain port is connected to the hot water pipe 4 through a main drain pipe 641, and a drain switch 642 for controlling the on-off of the water flow is provided on the main drain pipe 641. The detection module correspondingly includes a water turbidity detection unit 621 and a water level detection unit. Both the water turbidity detection unit 621 and the water level detection unit are installed on the solution chamber 610. Other parts are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0053] During the water turbidity detection process, first, collect the first water sample and perform water turbidity detection on the first water sample. After the detection of the first water sample is completed, empty the first water sample in the solution chamber 610; then, first use the second water sample to clean the solution chamber 610 and the water turbidity detection unit 621 located in the solution chamber 610, and then collect the second water sample and perform water turbidity detection on the second water sample. After the detection of the second water sample is completed, empty the second water sample in the solution chamber 610.

[0054] It can be seen that by providing a first sampling port, a second sampling port and a drain port in the solution chamber 610, while achieving accurate detection of the water turbidity of the first water sample and the second water sample, the overall structure of the water turbidity detection structure 6 is made simpler. At the same time, a water turbidity detection unit 621 and a water level detection unit are omitted, resulting in lower manufacturing costs.

[0055] Embodiment 3

[0056] See Figure 4 Figure 4 , this embodiment provides a control method for a water heater, which applies the water heater described in Embodiment 1. The control method includes the following steps:

[0057] S1: Enter the water turbidity detection program;

[0058] S2: Start the water heater, and the box body 61 starts to collect water samples;

[0059] Specifically, while starting the water heater, the timing module starts to record the start time of the water heater. When the start time of the water heater reaches 1 minute, clear the start time of the water heater recorded by the timing module, and at the same time control both water inlet switches 633 to open. At this time, the cold water chamber 611 of the box body 61 starts to collect filtered water from the cold water pipe 3 as the first water sample, and the hot water chamber 612 of the box body 61 starts to collect filtered water from the hot water pipe 4 as the second water sample. Thus, by waiting for 1 minute after the water heater is started and then starting to collect the first and second water samples, it is ensured that the residual water inside the water heater is completely drained away, which is beneficial to accurate sampling and reduces detection errors.

[0060] S3: Determine whether the water volume in the box body 61 reaches the preset water volume. If so, proceed to the next step; if not, continue to execute step S3.

[0061] Specifically, to determine whether the water volume in the box body 61 reaches the preset water volume, it can be determined by judging whether the opening time of the water inlet switch 633 (i.e., the sample injection time of the box body 61) reaches the sample injection time threshold, or by the detection signal of the water level upper limit switch 622 inside the box body 61.

[0062] In this embodiment, the water level upper limit switch 62 is used as an example to detect the water volume. When the water level upper limit switch 622 in the cold water chamber 611 or the hot water chamber 612 detects a water volume signal, it is determined that the water volume in the cold water chamber 611 or the hot water chamber 612 reaches the preset water volume, and at this time, the next step can be entered; when the water level upper limit switches 622 in both the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612 do not detect a water volume signal, it is necessary to continue sample injection and continue to detect the water volume signal.

[0063] S4: While collecting water samples in the box body 61, control the water tank 61 to start draining water and record the draining time.

[0064] Specifically, while the cold water chamber 611 keeps collecting the first water sample and the hot water chamber 612 keeps collecting the second water sample, control the drain switch 642 to open, and the timing module starts to record the draining time. During this process, both the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612 are both filling with water and draining water at the same time. At this time, the first water sample cleans the cold water chamber 611, and the second water sample cleans the hot water chamber 612, achieving the effect of cleaning the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612 and removing the interference factors existing in the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612.

[0065] S5: Determine whether the draining time of the water tank 61 reaches the preset time. If so, proceed to the next step; if not, execute step S5.

[0066] Specifically, the preset time is 15S. When the draining time of the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612, that is, the cleaning time, reaches 15S, clear the draining time recorded by the timing module and enter the next step; when the draining time of the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612 does not reach 15S, continue to clean the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612.

[0067] S6: The box body 61 stops draining water and ends collecting water samples, and obtain the water turbidity of the water sample in the box body 61.

[0068] Specifically, control the drain switch 642 to close so that the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612 stop draining. At the same time, control the water inlet switch 633 on the first water inlet pipe 631 and the water inlet switch 633 on the second water inlet pipe 632 to close, so that both the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612 end the water sample collection. At this time, the control device obtains the turbidity of the first water sample through the water turbidity detection unit 621 located in the cold water chamber 611, and the control device obtains the turbidity of the second water sample through the water turbidity detection unit 621 located in the hot water chamber 612.

[0069] S7: Compare the obtained water turbidity with the target value, and based on the comparison result, control the working state of the alarm unit or the display state of the display unit 65.

[0070] Specifically, the target value includes a lower limit value and an upper limit value, where the lower limit value is 1 NTU and the upper limit value is 3 NTU. The control device compares the turbidity of the first water sample with the lower limit value and the upper limit value, and compares the turbidity of the second water sample with the lower limit value and the upper limit value. In this way, the water heater can obtain any one of the six water quality detection results. According to the water quality detection result of the water heater, control the working state of the alarm unit or the display state of the display unit 65. For the specific control method, refer to Embodiment 1, which will not be elaborated here.

[0071] It can be seen that in this embodiment, the first water sample is collected from the cold water pipe 3, the second water sample is collected from the hot water pipe 4, and the turbidity of the first water sample and the turbidity of the second water sample are respectively compared with the lower limit value and the upper limit value. Based on the comparison result, control the display state of the display unit 65, so that it is convenient for the user to identify whether the water quality of the water heater is qualified through the display state of the display unit 65, making the user use it more at ease. The user can also quickly understand the main problem sources affecting water quality and know when to replace the filter element of the filtering device 5 and / or clean the water scale of the water heater.

[0072] Preferably, after obtaining the turbidity of the water sample in the box body 61, drain the water sample in the water tank 61. Specifically, control the drain switch 642 to open to drain the water in the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612, so as to avoid the growth of bacteria and the deposition of water scale due to the residual water in the cold water chamber 611 and the hot water chamber 612, and thus ensure the use performance of the water turbidity detection structure 6.

[0073] Embodiment 4

[0074] See Figure 4 , this embodiment provides a control method for a water heater, which is applied to the water heater described in Embodiment 2. The control method includes the following steps:

[0075] S1: Enter the water turbidity detection program;

[0076] S2: Start the water heater, and the box body 61 begins to collect water samples.

[0077] Specifically, when starting the water heater, the timing module starts to record the start time of the water heater. When the start time of the water heater reaches 1 minute, the start time of the water heater recorded by the timing module is cleared. At the same time, first open the water inlet switch 633 on the first water inlet pipe 631. At this time, the solution chamber 610 of the box body 61 begins to collect filtered water from the cold water pipe 3 as the first water sample.

[0078] S3: Determine whether the water volume in the box body 61 reaches the preset water volume. If so, proceed to the next step; if not, continue to execute step S3.

[0079] Specifically, in this embodiment, the water level upper limit switch 62 is used to detect the water volume as an example. When the water level upper limit switch 622 in the solution chamber 610 detects the water volume signal, it is determined that the water volume in the solution chamber 610 reaches the preset water volume, and at this time, the next step can be entered; when the water level upper limit switch 622 in the solution chamber 610 does not detect the water volume signal, the solution chamber 610 needs to continue sampling and continue to detect the water volume signal.

[0080] S4: While the box body 61 is collecting water samples, control the water tank 61 to start draining water and record the draining time.

[0081] Specifically, while the solution chamber 610 keeps collecting the first water sample, control the drain switch 642 to open, and the timing module starts to record the draining time. During this process, the solution chamber 610 is both filling with water and draining water, which can achieve the effect of cleaning the solution chamber 610 to remove the interference factors existing in the solution chamber 610.

[0082] S5: Determine whether the draining time of the water tank 61 reaches the preset time. If so, proceed to the next step; if not, execute step S5.

[0083] Specifically, the preset time is 15S. When the draining time of the solution chamber 610, that is, the cleaning time, reaches 15S, clear the draining time recorded by the timing module and enter the next step; when the draining time of the solution chamber 610 does not reach 15S, continue to clean the solution chamber 610.

[0084] S6: The box body 61 stops draining water and ends collecting water samples, and obtain the water turbidity of the water sample in the box body 61.

[0085] Specifically, control the drainage switch 642 to close so that the solution chamber 610 stops draining water. At the same time, control the water inlet switch 633 on the first water inlet pipe 631 to close so that the solution chamber 610 finishes collecting water samples. At this time, the control device obtains the water turbidity of the first water sample through the water turbidity detection unit 621 located in the solution chamber 610, and after obtaining the water turbidity of the first water sample in the solution chamber 610, drain the first water sample in the solution chamber 610.

[0086] S7: Compare the obtained water turbidity with the target value, and control the working state of the alarm unit or the display state of the display unit 65 based on the comparison result.

[0087] Specifically, the control device compares the water turbidity of the first water sample with the lower limit value and the upper limit value, and three detection results can be obtained in this way: if the water turbidity of the first water sample ≤ 1 NTU, it is determined that the water quality of the filtered water is excellent, and at this time the filtering device 5 does not need to perform any treatment; if 1 NTU < the water turbidity of the first water sample < 3 NTU, it is determined that the water quality of the filtered water is qualified, and at this time the filter element of the filtering device 5 does not need to be replaced; if the water turbidity of the first water sample ≥ 3 NTU, it is determined that the water quality of the filtered water is unqualified, and at this time the user needs to replace the filter element of the filtering device 5 as soon as possible.

[0088] Further, after detecting the water turbidity of the first water sample, repeat steps S1 - S7 to obtain the water turbidity of the second water sample in the solution chamber 610, and compare the obtained water turbidity of the second water sample with the lower limit value and the upper limit value. Three detection results can also be obtained in this way: if the water turbidity of the second water sample ≤ 1 NTU, it is determined that the water quality of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 2 (i.e., the water in the hot water pipe 4) is excellent, and at this time no treatment needs to be performed on the heat exchanger 2 or the water heater; if 1 NTU < the water turbidity of the second water sample < 3 NTU, it is determined that the water quality of the water in the hot water pipe 4 is qualified, and at this time, it is necessary to combine the comparison result of the water turbidity of the first water sample with the lower limit value and the upper limit value. In this way, the scale situation in the heat exchanger 2 or the water heater can be determined; if the water turbidity of the second water sample ≥ 3 NTU, it is determined that the water quality of the water in the hot water pipe 4 is unqualified, and at this time, it is necessary to combine the comparison result of the water turbidity of the first water sample with the lower limit value and the upper limit value. In this way, the scale situation in the heat exchanger 2 or the water heater can be determined.

[0089] The above are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, several deformations and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water heater with a water turbidity detection structure, comprising a water heater body (1), a heat exchanger (2), a cold water pipe (3), a hot water pipe (4), a filtering device (5) and a control device. The filtering device (5) is installed on the cold water pipe (3), and is characterized in that, It further includes a water turbidity detection structure (6). The water turbidity detection structure (6) includes a box body (61), a detection module, and an alarm unit or a display unit (65) electrically connected to the control device. The box body (61) has a first sample inlet, a second sample inlet, and at least one drain outlet. The first sample inlet is selectively communicated with the cold water pipe (3) located between the filtering device (5) and the heat exchanger (2). The second sample inlet is selectively communicated with the hot water pipe (4). The drain outlet is selectively communicated with the hot water pipe (4) or the sewer. The detection module is arranged on the box body (61) and electrically connected to the control device, and is at least used to detect the water turbidity of the water sample in the box body (61). The alarm unit or the display unit (65) is installed on the box body (61) or the water heater body (1).

2. The water heater with a water turbidity detection structure according to claim 1, wherein, The box body (61) has a solution chamber (610), and the solution chamber (610) has the first sample inlet, the second sample inlet, and the drain outlet. The detection module includes a water turbidity detection unit (621) and a water level detection unit that are respectively electrically connected to the control device. The water turbidity detection unit (621) and the water level detection unit are both installed on the solution chamber (610).

3. The water heater with a water turbidity detection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that The water turbidity detection structure (6) further includes a main drain pipe (641) and a drain switch (642). One end of the main drain pipe (641) is communicated with the drain outlet, and the other end is communicated with the hot water pipe (4) or the sewer. The drain switch (642) is installed on the drain pipe (641) and electrically connected to the control device.

4. A water heater with a water turbidity detection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The box body (61) has a cold water chamber (611) and a hot water chamber (612) arranged at intervals. The cold water chamber (611) has the first sample inlet and the drain outlet. The hot water chamber (612) has the second sample inlet and the drain outlet. The detection module includes a water turbidity detection unit (621) and a water level detection unit that are respectively electrically connected to the control device. The water turbidity detection unit (621) is arranged on the cold water chamber (611) and the hot water chamber (612), and the water level detection unit is arranged in both the cold water chamber (611) and the hot water chamber (612).

5. The water heater with a water turbidity detection structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water turbidity detection structure (6) further includes a first drain pipe (643), a second drain pipe (644), a main drain pipe (641), and a drain switch (642) electrically connected to the control device. Both ends of the first drain pipe (643) are respectively communicated with the drain outlet of the cold water chamber (611) and the water inlet end of the main drain pipe (641). Both ends of the second drain pipe (644) are respectively communicated with the drain outlet of the hot water chamber (612) and the water inlet end of the main drain pipe (641). The water outlet end of the main drain pipe (641) is communicated with the hot water pipe (4) or the sewer. The drain switch (642) is arranged on the main drain pipe (641) or the first and second drain pipes.

6. The water heater with a water turbidity detection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water turbidity detection structure (6) further includes a first water inlet pipe (631), a second water inlet pipe (632), and a water inlet switch (633) for controlling the on / off of water flow. The first sampling port is communicated with the cold water pipe (3) through the first water inlet pipe (631), and the second sampling port is communicated with the hot water pipe (4) through the second water inlet pipe (632). The water inlet switch (633) is provided on both the first water inlet pipe (631) and the second water inlet pipe (632), and the water inlet switch (633) is electrically connected to the control device.

7. A water heater with a water turbidity detection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display unit (65) has at least a first display area (651) and a second display area (652). The first display area (651) is used to display the usage status of the filter element of the filtering device (5), and the second display area (652) is used to display the scale status of the water heater.

8. A water heater with a water turbidity detection structure according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It further includes a timing module, and the timing module is electrically connected to the control device for recording at least one of the water heater startup time, the sampling time of the box body (61), the drainage time of the box body (61), and the reading stabilization time of the water turbidity detection unit (621) in the detection module.

9. A control method for a water heater, characterized in that, Applying the water heater according to any one of claims 1-8, the control method includes the following steps: S1: Enter the water turbidity detection program; S2: Start the water heater, and the box body (61) starts to collect water samples; S3: Judge whether the water volume in the box body (61) reaches the preset water volume. If so, go to the next step; otherwise, continue to execute step S3; S4: While the box body (61) is collecting water samples, control the water tank (61) to start draining water, and record the drainage time; S5: Judge whether the drainage time of the water tank (61) reaches the preset time. If so, go to the next step; otherwise, execute step S5; S6: The box body (61) stops draining water and ends collecting water samples, and obtain the water turbidity of the water sample in the box body (61); S7: Compare the obtained water turbidity with the target value, and control the working state of the alarm unit or the display state of the display unit (65) based on the comparison result.

10. The control method of a water heater according to claim 9, wherein After obtaining the water turbidity of the water sample in the box body (61), drain the water sample in the water tank (61).

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