Hot water quantity determination method and device, water heater and storage medium

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and particularly relates to a hot water quantity determination method and device, a water heater and a storage medium. A plurality of temperature sensors at different heights are arranged in a water tank of the water heater. The temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature sensors are acquired. For each temperature sensor, the hot water quantity of the region where the temperature sensor is located is determined according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the temperature threshold corresponding to the region where the temperature sensor is located, and the maximum set temperature. The hot water quantity in the water tank is determined according to the hot water quantities corresponding to the regions. Since the water temperatures of the regions in the water tank are different, the hot water quantities of the different regions in the water tank are calculated respectively, and then the hot water quantity in the water tank is calculated according to the hot water quantities of the regions, so that a more accurate hot water quantity can be provided for the user as a reference, and the user experience can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of household appliance technology, specifically relating to a method, device, water heater and storage medium for determining hot water volume. Background Technology

[0002] A water heater is a device that can heat cold water to produce hot water within a certain time, and it is one of the essential household appliances in daily life. In practical applications, the water heater displays the amount of hot water in the tank in real time for users to refer to during use.

[0003] Typically, water heaters make a rough prediction of the amount of hot water in the tank based on the user's usage, which can lead to inaccurate predictions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, namely, to accurately measure the amount of hot water in a water tank, this application provides a method, apparatus, water heater and storage medium for determining the amount of hot water.

[0005] In one aspect, this application provides a method for determining hot water volume, wherein the water tank of the water heater is equipped with multiple temperature sensors located at different heights;

[0006] Methods for detecting hot water volume include:

[0007] Acquire temperatures detected by multiple temperature sensors;

[0008] For each temperature sensor, the hot water volume in the area where the temperature sensor is located is determined based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located, and the maximum set temperature.

[0009] Determine the amount of hot water in the tank based on the corresponding hot water volume for each area.

[0010] In one feasible implementation, for the temperature detected by the temperature sensor located in the top area of ​​the water tank, the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located is a first temperature threshold. The hot water volume in the area where the temperature sensor is located is determined based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located, and the maximum set temperature, including:

[0011] Determine the ratio of the difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the first temperature threshold to the difference between the maximum set temperature and the first temperature threshold;

[0012] The hot water volume of the top area is determined based on the ratio and the weight corresponding to the top area. The weight corresponding to the top area is used to represent the ratio of the volume of the top area to the volume of the water tank.

[0013] In one feasible implementation, for the temperature detected by the temperature sensor located in the bottom area of ​​the water tank, the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located is a second temperature threshold. The hot water volume in the area where the temperature sensor is located is determined based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located, and the maximum set temperature, including:

[0014] The delayed landing temperature is determined based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The delayed landing temperature is less than or equal to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0015] The amount of hot water in the bottom area is determined based on the delayed drop temperature, the second temperature threshold, and the maximum set temperature.

[0016] In one feasible implementation, determining the delayed landing temperature based on the temperature detected by a temperature sensor includes:

[0017] In response to the water heater starting up, the delayed temperature drop is determined to be the temperature detected by the temperature sensor; or...

[0018] If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor shows a decreasing trend within a preset time period including the current moment, then the delayed temperature drop is determined to be the difference between the temperature at the start of the preset time period and the target value, where the target value is determined based on the preset time period; or,

[0019] If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor shows an upward trend within a preset time period including the current moment, then the delayed drop temperature is determined to be the temperature detected by the temperature sensor at the current moment.

[0020] In one feasible implementation, determining the amount of hot water in the bottom region based on the delayed fall temperature, a second temperature threshold, and a maximum set temperature includes:

[0021] Determine the ratio of the difference between the delayed landing temperature and the second temperature threshold to the difference between the maximum set temperature and the second temperature threshold;

[0022] The amount of hot water in the bottom area is determined based on the ratio and the weight corresponding to the bottom area. The weight corresponding to the bottom area is used to represent the ratio of the volume of the bottom area to the volume of the water tank.

[0023] In one feasible implementation, after determining the amount of hot water in the tank based on the corresponding hot water volume for each area, the method further includes:

[0024] Inform the user of the amount of hot water in the tank.

[0025] In one feasible implementation, informing the user of the amount of hot water in the tank includes:

[0026] The number of display segments is determined based on the correspondence between the amount of hot water in the tank and the number of display segments. The number of display segments is used to represent the volume of hot water in the tank.

[0027] The display unit on the water heater shows the number of display segments.

[0028] Secondly, this application provides a hot water volume determination device, which is applied to a water heater, wherein the water tank of the water heater is equipped with multiple temperature sensors located at different heights;

[0029] The hot water volume determination device includes:

[0030] The acquisition module is used to acquire the temperature detected by multiple temperature sensors;

[0031] The determination module is used to determine the amount of hot water in the area where each temperature sensor is located, based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located, and the maximum set temperature. Based on the amount of hot water in each area, the module determines the amount of hot water in the water tank.

[0032] Thirdly, this application provides a hot water volume determination device, which is applied to a water heater, wherein the water tank of the water heater is equipped with multiple temperature sensors located at different heights;

[0033] The hot water volume determination device includes:

[0034] Processor, memory;

[0035] The memory stores computer programs;

[0036] When the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, it implements the hot water quantity determination method as described in the first aspect.

[0037] Fourthly, this application provides a water heater, wherein the water tank of the water heater is provided with multiple temperature sensors located at different heights; and the water heater also includes a hot water volume determination device as described in the second or third aspect.

[0038] Fifthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the hot water volume determination method as described in the first aspect.

[0039] Sixthly, this application provides a program product including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the hot water volume determination method as described in the first aspect.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will understand that in this application, multiple temperature sensors located at different heights are installed inside the water tank of the water heater; the temperatures detected by the multiple temperature sensors are acquired; for each temperature sensor, the amount of hot water in the area where the temperature sensor is located is determined based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located, and the maximum set temperature; and the amount of hot water in the water tank is determined based on the amount of hot water in each area. Since the water temperature varies in different areas of the water tank, by calculating the amount of hot water in different areas of the water tank separately, and then calculating the amount of hot water in the water tank based on the amount of hot water in each area, a more accurate amount of hot water can be provided for the user's reference, which helps to improve the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Preferred embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows:

[0042] Figure 1 This is a scenario example diagram of a method for determining hot water volume provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 2(a) is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining hot water volume according to an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 2(b) is a structural schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 3(a) is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining the amount of hot water in the top area according to an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 3(b) is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining the amount of hot water in the bottom region according to an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining hot water volume according to another embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the hot water volume determination device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the hot water volume determination device provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater provided in another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0051] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely for explaining the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0052] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms "a" and "the" as used in the embodiments of this application are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0053] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can be represented as: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0054] Depending on the context, the words “if” or “suppose” as used here can be interpreted as “when” or “in response to determination” or “in response to detection.” Similarly, depending on the context, the phrases “if determination” or “if detection (of the stated condition or event)” can be interpreted as “when determination” or “in response to determination” or “when detection (of the stated condition or event)” or “in response to detection (of the stated condition or event).”

[0055] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a product or system comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a product or system. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the product or system that includes that element.

[0056] A water heater is a device that can heat cold water to produce hot water within a certain time; it is a common household appliance. Storage-type water heaters, in particular, can quickly start heating when water is detected, thus continuously heating the water flow during the dispensing process. To meet user needs, some water heaters can display the amount of hot water in the tank in real time for user reference.

[0057] Typically, water heaters estimate the amount of hot water in the tank based on user usage. However, when users use hot water, they continuously add cold water to ensure sufficient water in the tank. Therefore, the amount of hot water measured based on user usage is currently inaccurate.

[0058] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a method, apparatus, water heater, and storage medium for determining hot water volume. By dividing the water heater into multiple zones, using temperature sensors to measure the water temperature in each zone in real time, calculating the hot water volume for each zone based on its temperature, and finally combining the hot water volumes from multiple zones to calculate the total hot water volume in the tank, the method can accurately and in real-time obtain the hot water volume in different zones of the tank by collecting real-time data on water temperature changes in the current zone when the user uses hot water. This provides an accurate reference for the user and helps improve the user experience.

[0059] The hot water volume calculation method provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to water heaters with water tanks, i.e., storage water heaters. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the type of storage water heater, such as gas water heaters, electric water heaters, solar water heaters, and air source water heaters.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a scenario example diagram of a hot water volume determination method provided in an embodiment of this application. The scenario includes: a hot water volume determination device 100, a water heater 200, and multiple temperature sensors (temperature sensor 1, temperature sensor 2... temperature sensor n).

[0061] The hot water volume determination device 100 is applied to the water heater 200. Multiple temperature sensors are installed at different heights in the water tank of the water heater 200 to measure the water temperature in different areas of the water tank.

[0062] It should be noted that the specific type of the hot water volume determining device 100 is not limited in the embodiments of this application. On the one hand, the hot water volume determining device 100 can be a control module embedded in or connected to the water heater, such as a central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller unit (MCU), general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0063] On the other hand, the hot water volume determination device 100 can be a remote control device, such as a control device in a mobile phone, computer, or tablet.

[0064] In practical applications, multiple temperature sensors will detect the water temperature of the corresponding area and send it to the hot water volume determination device 100 in real time. The hot water determination device 100 determines the amount of hot water in the water tank of the water heater 200 based on the water temperature of each area.

[0065] In some embodiments, after obtaining the hot water volume, the hot water volume information can be displayed to the user. This application does not specifically limit the method for displaying the hot water volume; for example, it can be voice announcement, displaying the hot water volume on the water heater's display component, or sending the hot water volume information to the user's terminal.

[0066] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and how the technical solutions of this application solve the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific examples. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and for the same or similar concepts or processes, they may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] Figure 2(a) is a schematic flowchart of a hot water volume determination method according to an embodiment of this application. The hot water volume determination method is applied to a water heater, the water heater's tank of which is equipped with multiple temperature sensors located at different heights. As shown in Figure 2(a), the hot water volume determination method includes the following steps:

[0068] S201. Obtain the temperature detected by multiple temperature sensors.

[0069] The temperature mentioned above refers to the water temperature in the area where the temperature sensor is located.

[0070] The following describes the water temperature detection method for different areas in the water tank, using specific examples:

[0071] In practical applications, there can be a one-to-one correspondence between the zones and the temperature sensors. That is, a temperature sensor is set up for each zone to detect the water temperature in that zone. This solution can reduce the cost of water heaters.

[0072] On the other hand, the relationship between the area and the temperature sensor can also be one-to-many, meaning that multiple temperature sensors can be set up in one area, and the water temperature of that area is determined by combining the water temperature measured by multiple temperature sensors. This solution can improve the accuracy and reliability of water temperature detection. The specific method for determining the area water temperature based on the temperature values ​​measured by multiple temperature sensors is not limited in this embodiment.

[0073] For ease of understanding, this application embodiment uses the example of setting one temperature sensor in one area for illustration.

[0074] The method for dividing areas in a water tank is explained below with reference to specific embodiments:

[0075] In some embodiments, the number and location of regions are not specifically limited. In practical applications, the number and location of regions can be determined based on the location of the temperature sensor.

[0076] For example, if there are two temperature sensors installed in the water tank of a water heater, the two temperature sensors are used to detect the water temperature in the top and bottom areas of the water tank, respectively; if there are three temperature sensors, the three temperature sensors are used to detect the water temperature in the top, middle and bottom areas of the water tank, respectively.

[0077] It should be noted that the area division method for other numbers of temperature sensors is similar to the above scheme, and will not be repeated here.

[0078] It is understood that the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the relative size of each region. For example, the relative size of each region can be determined according to the installation height of the temperature sensor.

[0079] For ease of understanding, please refer to Figure 2(b), which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2(b), the water heater 200 includes a water tank 201, wherein the water tank 201 is provided with multiple temperature sensors located at different heights (the figure shows the first temperature sensor 202 and the second temperature sensor 203 as examples, that is, the water tank of the water heater includes two areas).

[0080] It should be understood that Figure 2(b) shows an example of a water tank with two temperature sensors installed in the top and bottom areas respectively. This is not a limitation in actual applications. The area above the dashed line is the top area of ​​the water tank, and the area below the dashed line is the bottom area of ​​the water tank.

[0081] The distance between the first temperature sensor 202 and the top of the water tank 201 is l1, and the distance between the second temperature sensor 203 and the bottom of the water tank 201 is l2. The relative size of the top and bottom regions can be determined based on the ratio of l1 to l2.

[0082] For example, if l1 = l2, then the top and bottom regions are determined to be the same size; if l1 = 2 * l2, then the top region is determined to be twice the size of the bottom region. It should be understood that this embodiment illustrates the example of the top and bottom regions being the same size, but is not intended to be limiting.

[0083] For storage-type water heaters, the hot water outlet and cold water inlet are located in different places, resulting in different water temperatures in each area. In this solution, temperature sensors are installed in different locations to accurately detect the water temperature in each area.

[0084] S202. For each temperature sensor, determine the amount of hot water in the area where the temperature sensor is located based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located, and the maximum set temperature.

[0085] The temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located is used to characterize the hot water threshold of that area. For example, if the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located is 40°C, then water with a temperature exceeding 40°C in that area is considered hot water.

[0086] In practical applications, the temperature thresholds for different regions can be the same or different.

[0087] Because the water temperature varies in each area of ​​the tank, and the water temperature at the top is often higher than that at the bottom, different temperature thresholds for each area can more accurately determine the amount of hot water in that area.

[0088] In some embodiments, the maximum set temperature is the maximum temperature value that the water heater can be set to. Since the maximum set temperature values ​​are different for different water heater models, this application does not specifically limit the maximum set temperature.

[0089] It should be noted that the method for determining the amount of hot water in the area where the temperature sensor is located based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located, and the maximum set temperature will be described in detail in the embodiments below.

[0090] S203. Determine the amount of hot water in the tank based on the corresponding hot water volume for each area.

[0091] The amount of hot water in the tank can be the sum of the hot water amounts in each area. Therefore, this step specifically involves summing the hot water amounts in each area to obtain the total amount of hot water in the tank.

[0092] The hot water volume determination method provided in this application embodiment involves installing multiple temperature sensors at different heights within the water tank of a water heater; acquiring the temperatures detected by the multiple temperature sensors; for each temperature sensor, determining the hot water volume in its area based on the detected temperature, the temperature threshold corresponding to the sensor's area, and the maximum set temperature; and determining the total hot water volume in the water tank based on the hot water volume in each area. This solution calculates the total hot water volume in the water tank by calculating the hot water volume in different areas, providing accurate hot water volume information for users and improving the user experience.

[0093] The method for determining the amount of hot water in different areas will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments, based on the embodiment shown in Figure 2(a). It should be understood that the embodiments of this application will be described using the example of a water heater with two areas (top area and bottom area), but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0094] Figure 3(a) is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining the amount of hot water in the top area according to an embodiment of this application.

[0095] For the temperature detected by the temperature sensor located in the top area of ​​the water tank, the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located is the first temperature threshold. First, the amount of hot water in the top area is determined based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor located in the top area of ​​the water tank, the first temperature threshold, and the maximum set temperature.

[0096] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the method for determining the amount of hot water in the top area provided in this application embodiment includes the following steps:

[0097] S301. Determine the ratio of the difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the first temperature threshold to the difference between the maximum set temperature and the first temperature threshold.

[0098] S302. Determine the amount of hot water in the top area based on the ratio and the weight corresponding to the top area.

[0099] The weight corresponding to the top region is used to represent the ratio of the volume of the top region to the volume of the water tank.

[0100] Taking Figure 2(b) as an example, when the water tank contains two areas: the top area and the bottom area, the weight values ​​corresponding to the top area and the bottom area can be determined based on their relative sizes.

[0101] If the top and bottom regions are the same size, then both regions have a weight of 50%. If the top region is twice the size of the bottom region, then the weight of the top region is... Correspondingly, the weight of the bottom region is

[0102] One specific implementation of this step is to determine the product of the above ratio and the weight value as the amount of hot water in the top region.

[0103] In some embodiments, the amount of hot water in the top area can be determined according to the following formula:

[0104] b1 = [(a1-c1) / (d1-c1)] × e1

[0105] Where b1 is the hot water volume in the top region, a1 is the temperature in the top region, c1 is the first temperature threshold, d1 is the maximum set temperature, and e1 is the weight of the top region.

[0106] In other embodiments, for the temperature detected by the temperature sensor located in the bottom area of ​​the water tank, the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located is a second temperature threshold.

[0107] Furthermore, the amount of hot water in the bottom area is determined based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor located at the bottom of the water tank, the second temperature threshold, and the maximum set temperature.

[0108] Figure 3(b) is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining the amount of hot water in the bottom region according to an embodiment of this application.

[0109] In practical applications, if cold water continuously enters the water heater tank during use, and the cold water is usually in the bottom area of ​​the tank, directly using the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit to calculate the amount of hot water in the bottom area will not yield an accurate result. Therefore, based on the usage of the water heater, an "intermediate value" can be calculated based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, namely the delay variable of this application, to obtain a more accurate amount of hot water.

[0110] S303. Determine the delayed landing temperature based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The delayed landing temperature is less than or equal to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. In some embodiments, S303 specifically includes the following methods:

[0111] (1) In response to the power-on start of the water heater, determine the delayed drop temperature as the temperature detected by the temperature sensor;

[0112] Specifically, when the water heater is first powered on, the delayed temperature drop is determined to be the temperature currently detected by the temperature sensor.

[0113] (2) If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor shows a downward trend within a preset time period including the current time, the delayed drop temperature is determined to be the difference between the temperature corresponding to the start time of the preset time period and the target value, and the target value is determined according to the preset time period.

[0114] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application are illustrated by taking the start time of the preset duration as the time when the water heater is powered on and started, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0115] Based on the above, the preset duration is the time elapsed between the current temperature detection time and the moment the water heater is powered on and started.

[0116] Furthermore, the target value is determined based on the correspondence between the preset duration and the target value.

[0117] Specifically, the target value can be calculated using the following formula:

[0118]

[0119] Where N is the target value, M is the preset duration, m is the unit duration, and n is the unit temperature value corresponding to each unit duration.

[0120] Furthermore, the delayed landing temperature value can be obtained using the following formula:

[0121] C = C1 - N

[0122] Where C is the delayed landing temperature, and C1 is the temperature corresponding to the start time of the preset duration.

[0123] It should be understood that the specific values ​​of m and n can be designed according to the actual needs of the water heater, and the embodiments in this application do not impose specific limitations.

[0124] For example, if the unit duration is 10 seconds and the unit temperature value corresponding to each unit duration is 1℃, and the preset duration is 30 seconds, the temperature corresponding to the initial moment is 30℃, then the temperature during the delayed landing is 27℃.

[0125] (3) If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor shows an upward trend within a preset time period including the current time, then the delayed drop temperature is determined to be the temperature detected by the temperature sensor at the current time.

[0126] It should be noted that scheme (3) is similar to scheme (2), and will not be repeated here.

[0127] The above method can accurately determine the delayed landing temperature according to different scenarios, and thus accurately determine the amount of hot water in the bottom area based on the delayed landing temperature.

[0128] S304. Determine the amount of hot water in the bottom area based on the delayed temperature drop, the second temperature threshold, and the set temperature. This may specifically include the following steps:

[0129] S3041. Determine the ratio of the difference between the delayed landing temperature and the second temperature threshold to the difference between the maximum set temperature and the second temperature threshold.

[0130] S3042. Determine the hot water volume of the bottom area based on the ratio and the weight corresponding to the bottom area. The weight corresponding to the bottom area is used to represent the ratio of the volume of the bottom area to the volume of the water tank.

[0131] In some embodiments, the amount of hot water in the bottom region can be determined according to the following formula:

[0132] b2=[(C-c2) / (d2-c2)]×e2

[0133] Where b2 is the hot water volume in the bottom area, C is the delayed temperature drop, c2 is the second temperature threshold, d2 is the maximum set temperature, and e2 is the weight of the bottom area.

[0134] It should be noted that steps S3041 to S3042 are similar to steps S301 to S302, and can be referred to the above embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0135] The hot water volume determination method provided in this application embodiment determines the ratio of the difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and a first temperature threshold to the difference between the maximum set temperature and the first temperature threshold. Based on this ratio and the weight corresponding to the top region, the hot water volume in the top region is determined. Based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, a delayed temperature drop is determined. Based on the delayed temperature drop, a second temperature threshold, and the maximum set temperature, the hot water volume in the bottom region is determined. This solution calculates the total hot water volume in the water tank by calculating the hot water volume in different regions, providing an accurate reference for users and improving user experience. Furthermore, determining the hot water volume based on the weights corresponding to different regions further improves the accuracy of the determined hot water volume.

[0136] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining hot water volume according to another embodiment of this application. The embodiment of this application is shown in Figure 2(a) or... Figure 3(a) , 3(b) A more detailed description will be provided based on the illustrated embodiments. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the method for determining the amount of hot water provided in this application embodiment may include the following steps:

[0137] S401: Obtain the temperature detected by multiple temperature sensors.

[0138] S402. For each temperature sensor, determine the amount of hot water in the area where the temperature sensor is located based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located, and the maximum set temperature.

[0139] S403. Determine the amount of hot water in the tank based on the corresponding hot water volume for each area.

[0140] It should be noted that steps S401 to S403 in this solution are similar to steps S201 to S203 in the embodiment shown in Figure 2(a). For details, please refer to the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0141] S404. Inform the user of the amount of hot water in the water tank.

[0142] In some embodiments, after determining the hot water volume, the user can be notified of the hot water volume to inform them of the current hot water situation, thereby providing a reference for the user and improving the user experience.

[0143] It should be noted that there are various ways to inform users of the amount of hot water in the tank, and this application embodiment does not impose any specific limitations.

[0144] For example, on the one hand, the system can prompt the user at preset intervals, such as every 20 minutes, to indicate the current amount of hot water in the tank; on the other hand, it can respond to the user's hot water volume query request and prompt the user to indicate the current amount of hot water in the tank; in other embodiments, the system can also prompt the user to indicate the current amount of hot water in the tank when the amount of hot water in the tank reaches a certain threshold. This solution can meet the needs of different scenarios, thereby improving the user experience.

[0145] In practical applications, the amount of hot water in the tank can be indicated to the user in at least one of the following ways: by broadcasting a voice message to the user, by displaying the amount of hot water on the display unit of the water heater, and by sending the hot water amount information to the user's terminal.

[0146] Based on the above, there are also various ways to display the amount of hot water on the display unit of the water heater. For example, the value of the amount of hot water can be displayed directly, or the number of display segments corresponding to the amount of hot water can be displayed. The number of display segments is used to represent the volume of hot water in the water tank. The number of display segments includes at least one unit segment, and each unit segment is used to represent a unit volume of hot water.

[0147] S4041. Determine the number of display segments based on the correspondence between the amount of hot water in the water tank and the number of display segments.

[0148] In practical applications, the maximum number of display segments may differ between water heaters from different manufacturers and models, which may also lead to different correspondences between hot water volume and display segments. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the correspondence between hot water volume and display segments.

[0149] In some embodiments, the correspondence between hot water volume and display segment number can be determined based on the maximum number of display segments and the hot water volume.

[0150] Specifically, determine the maximum number of display segments for the water heater;

[0151] Furthermore, the amount of hot water corresponding to each display segment is determined based on the maximum hot water volume and the maximum number of display segments in the water heater;

[0152] Furthermore, the amount of hot water corresponding to each segment is determined based on the hot water volume displayed in the unit display.

[0153] For example, taking a water heater with a maximum display segment count of 10 and a maximum hot water volume of 100% as an example, we can conclude that the hot water volume corresponding to each display segment count is 10%. Based on the hot water volume corresponding to each display segment count, we can obtain the correspondence between hot water volume and display segment count as shown in Table 1.

[0154] Table 1 shows the correspondence between the number of water segments and the amount of hot water.

[0155] hot water volume ＜10％ 10％～20％ 20％～30％ 30％～40％ 40％～50％ Display segment number To be determined 1 2 3 4 hot water volume 50％～60％ 60％～70％ 70％～80％ 80％～90％ 90％～100％ Display segment number 5 6 7 8 9

[0156] In practical applications, the number of display segments corresponding to the current hot water volume can be determined based on the correspondence between the number of display segments and the hot water volume provided in Table 1 above.

[0157] In this embodiment, determining the current display segment number based on the correspondence between hot water volume and display segment number improves the efficiency of display segment number acquisition. Furthermore, determining the correspondence between hot water volume and display segment number based on the water heater's maximum display segment number and hot water volume can meet the display requirements of different water heater models, enhancing the flexibility of this solution.

[0158] In some embodiments, when the number of display segments is less than 10%, the number of display segments for hot water volume can be determined as follows:

[0159] If the temperature detected by the top temperature sensor is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, it is assumed that there is still hot water in the water heater, and the display segment number is 1.

[0160] If the water heater is not newly powered on and the temperature detected by the top temperature sensor is less than or equal to the second preset temperature, it is considered that there is no hot water and the display segment number is 0.

[0161] If the water heater has just been powered on and the temperature detected by the top temperature sensor is less than or equal to the third preset temperature, the display segment number will be 0, indicating that there is no hot water in the water heater by default.

[0162] It should be noted that the values ​​of the first preset temperature, the second preset temperature, and the third preset temperature may be designed differently for different models of water heaters, and this application embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0163] S4042. Display the number of display segments on the display unit of the water heater.

[0164] It should be noted that this application does not specifically limit the method of displaying the number of display segments on the display unit of the water heater. For example, on the one hand, when the display unit is a display screen, the specific value of the number of display segments can be directly displayed. On the other hand, when the display unit is an indicator light, the corresponding number of indicator lights can be turned on according to the value of the number of display segments. By setting different display methods, this solution becomes more flexible and can meet the needs of different models of water heaters.

[0165] The hot water volume determination method provided in this application embodiment acquires the temperature detected by multiple temperature sensors. For each temperature sensor, based on the detected temperature, the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located, and the maximum set temperature, the hot water volume in the area where the temperature sensor is located is determined. Based on the hot water volume corresponding to each area, the hot water volume in the water tank is determined. The user is then informed of the hot water volume in the water tank. This solution calculates the hot water volume in the water tank by calculating the hot water volume in different areas, providing an accurate reference for the user and helping to improve the user experience. Furthermore, by informing the user of the hot water volume, the current hot water status is communicated, providing a reference for the user and thus enhancing the user experience.

[0166] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a hot water volume determining device according to an embodiment of this application. The hot water volume determining device 500 is applied to a water heater;

[0167] The water tank of the water heater is equipped with multiple temperature sensors located at different heights;

[0168] like Figure 5 As shown, the hot water volume determination device 500 provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0169] The acquisition module 501 is used to acquire the temperature detected by multiple temperature sensors;

[0170] The determination module 502 is used to determine the amount of hot water in the area where the temperature sensor is located for each temperature sensor, based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located, and the maximum set temperature, and to determine the amount of hot water in the water tank based on the amount of hot water corresponding to each area.

[0171] It is understood that the hot water volume determination device provided in this embodiment can be used to execute the technical solution of any of the above method embodiments. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar. For details, please refer to the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0172] In one feasible implementation, for the temperature detected by the temperature sensor located in the top area of ​​the water tank, the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located is the first temperature threshold, and the determining module 502 is specifically used for:

[0173] Determine the ratio of the difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the first temperature threshold to the difference between the maximum set temperature and the first temperature threshold;

[0174] The hot water volume of the top area is determined based on the ratio and the weight corresponding to the top area. The weight corresponding to the top area is used to represent the ratio of the volume of the top area to the volume of the water tank.

[0175] In one feasible implementation, for the temperature detected by the temperature sensor located in the bottom area of ​​the water tank, the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor is located is the second temperature threshold. The determining module 502 is specifically used to: determine the delayed drop temperature based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor; and determine the amount of hot water in the bottom area based on the delayed drop temperature, the second temperature threshold, and the maximum set temperature.

[0176] In one feasible implementation, the determining module 502 is specifically configured to: in response to the power-on start of the water heater, determine the delayed drop temperature as the temperature detected by the temperature sensor; or, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor shows a downward trend within a preset duration including the current moment, determine the delayed drop temperature as the difference between the temperature corresponding to the start time of the preset duration and a target value, the target value being determined based on the preset duration; or, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor shows an upward trend within the preset duration including the current moment, determine the delayed drop temperature as the temperature detected by the temperature sensor at the current moment.

[0177] In one feasible implementation, the determining module 502 is specifically used to: determine the ratio of the difference between the delayed drop temperature and the second temperature threshold to the difference between the maximum set temperature and the second temperature threshold; and determine the hot water volume of the bottom region based on the ratio and the weight corresponding to the bottom region, wherein the weight corresponding to the bottom region is used to represent the ratio of the volume of the bottom region to the volume of the water tank.

[0178] In one feasible implementation, the hot water volume determination device 500 may further include a display unit (not shown) for indicating to the user the amount of hot water in the water tank.

[0179] In one feasible implementation, the determining module 502 can also be used to: determine the number of display segments based on the correspondence between the amount of hot water in the water tank and the number of display segments, wherein the number of display segments is used to characterize the volume of hot water in the water tank. Correspondingly, the display unit can be specifically used to: display the number of display segments on the display unit of the water heater.

[0180] It is understood that the hot water volume determination device provided in this embodiment can be used to perform the hot water volume determination method as described in the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar. For details, please refer to the above method embodiment. It will not be repeated here.

[0181] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a hot water volume determination device according to another embodiment of this application. This hot water volume determination device is applied to a water heater, and the water tank of the water heater is equipped with multiple temperature sensors located at different heights; such as... Figure 6 As shown, the hot water volume determination device 600 includes a processor 601 and a memory 602. Wherein:

[0182] The memory 602 stores a computer program;

[0183] When processor 601 executes a computer program stored in memory, it implements the hot water volume determination method as described in the above method embodiment.

[0184] In the aforementioned water heater, the memory 602 and the processor 601 are electrically connected directly or indirectly to achieve data transmission or interaction. For example, these components can be electrically connected to each other via one or more communication buses or signal lines, such as bus 603. The memory 602 stores computer execution instructions that implement data access control methods, including at least one software function module that can be stored in the memory 602 in the form of software or firmware. The processor 601 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the software program and module stored in the memory 602.

[0185] The memory 602 may be, but is not limited to, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), etc. The memory 602 stores programs, which are executed by the processor 601 upon receiving execution instructions. Furthermore, the software programs and modules within the memory 602 may include an operating system, which may include various software components and / or drivers for managing system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control, power management, etc.) and can communicate with various hardware or software components to provide an operating environment for other software components.

[0186] Processor 601 can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. The aforementioned processor 601 can be a general-purpose processor, including a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Network Processor (NP), etc. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0187] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater provided in another embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, the water tank of the water heater is equipped with multiple temperature sensors located at different heights (the figure shows the first temperature sensor 701 and the first temperature sensor 702 as examples); and the water heater also includes, for example, Figure 6 The hot water volume determination device 600 provided in the illustrated embodiment.

[0188] In some embodiments, the water heater 700 may also include a display unit, such as a display screen.

[0189] It is understood that the control device for the water heater provided in this embodiment can be used to execute the technical solution of any of the above method embodiments. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar. For details, please refer to the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0190] An embodiment of this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the hot water quantity determination method in the above method embodiment.

[0191] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the hot water volume determination method in the above-described method embodiments.

[0192] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the computer program can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, storage, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include non-volatile and / or volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in various forms, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), dual data rate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), RAMbus direct RAM (RDRAM), direct memory bus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and RAMbus dynamic RAM (RDRAM), etc.

[0193] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0194] The technical solutions of this application have been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of this application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A method for determining the amount of hot water, characterized in that, This technology is applied to water heaters, where the water tank is equipped with multiple temperature sensors located at different heights. The hot water volume detection method includes: Acquire the temperature detected by the multiple temperature sensors; For the temperature detected by the temperature sensor located at the top of the water tank, the amount of hot water in the top area is determined according to the following formula: Determine a first difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor in the top region and a first temperature threshold; the first temperature threshold is the temperature threshold corresponding to the region where the temperature sensor in the top region is located. Determine a second difference between the first maximum set temperature and the first temperature threshold; Determine a first ratio between the first difference and the second difference; The amount of hot water in the top region is obtained by multiplying the first ratio by the weight of the top region; the weight of the top region is used to represent the ratio of the volume of the top region to the volume of the water tank. For the temperature detected by the temperature sensor located at the bottom of the water tank, the amount of hot water in the bottom area is determined according to the following formula: The delayed landing temperature is determined based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor in the bottom area; the delayed landing temperature is less than or equal to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor in the bottom area. Determine a third difference between the delayed landing temperature and the second temperature threshold; the second temperature threshold is the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor in the bottom region is located. Determine a fourth difference between the second maximum set temperature and the second temperature threshold; Determine a second ratio between the third difference and the fourth difference; The amount of hot water in the bottom region is obtained by multiplying the second ratio by the weight of the bottom region; the weight of the bottom region is used to represent the ratio of the volume of the bottom region to the volume of the water tank; the amount of hot water in the water tank is determined by the sum of the amounts of hot water in each region.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The delayed landing temperature is determined in the following manner: In response to the power-on start of the water heater, the delayed temperature drop is determined to be the temperature detected by the temperature sensor; or... If, within a preset duration including the current moment, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor shows a decreasing trend, then the delayed temperature drop is determined to be the difference between the temperature corresponding to the start time of the preset duration and a target value, where the target value is determined based on the preset duration; or, If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor shows an upward trend within a preset time period including the current moment, then the delayed drop temperature is determined to be the temperature detected by the temperature sensor at the current moment.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After determining the amount of hot water in the water tank based on the amount of hot water corresponding to each of the aforementioned areas, the method further includes: The user is informed of the amount of hot water in the water tank.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of informing the user of the amount of hot water in the water tank includes: The number of display segments is determined based on the correspondence between the amount of hot water in the water tank and the number of display segments, whereby the number of display segments is used to characterize the volume of hot water in the water tank. The number of display segments is displayed on the display unit of the water heater.

5. A device for determining hot water volume, characterized in that, This technology is applied to water heaters, where the water tank is equipped with multiple temperature sensors located at different heights. The hot water volume determination device includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire the temperature detected by the multiple temperature sensors; The determination module is used to determine the hot water volume in the top region of the water tank based on the following formula, for the temperature detected by the temperature sensor in the top region: determining a first difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor in the top region and a first temperature threshold; the first temperature threshold is the temperature threshold corresponding to the region where the temperature sensor in the top region is located; determining a second difference between a first maximum set temperature and the first temperature threshold; determining a first ratio between the first difference and the second difference; and obtaining the hot water volume in the top region by multiplying the first ratio by the weight of the top region; the weight of the top region is used to represent the ratio of the volume of the top region to the volume of the water tank; for the temperature detected by the temperature sensor in the bottom region of the water tank, the hot water volume in the bottom region is determined based on the following formula. Hot water volume: Based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor in the bottom area, a delayed drop temperature is determined; the delayed drop temperature is less than or equal to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor in the bottom area; a third difference is determined between the delayed drop temperature and a second temperature threshold; the second temperature threshold is the temperature threshold corresponding to the area where the temperature sensor in the bottom area is located; a fourth difference is determined between the second maximum set temperature and the second temperature threshold; a second ratio is determined between the third difference and the fourth difference; the hot water volume in the bottom area is obtained by multiplying the second ratio by the weight of the bottom area; the weight of the bottom area is used to represent the ratio of the volume of the bottom area to the volume of the water tank; the hot water volume in the water tank is determined by the sum of the hot water volumes corresponding to each area.

6. A device for determining hot water volume, characterized in that, This technology is applied to water heaters, where the water tank is equipped with multiple temperature sensors located at different heights. The hot water volume determination device includes: Processor, memory; The memory stores computer programs; When the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, it implements the hot water volume determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A water heater, characterized in that, The water tank of the water heater is equipped with multiple temperature sensors located at different heights; and the water heater also includes a hot water volume determination device as described in claim 5 or 6.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the hot water quantity determination method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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