Control method and apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a control method and device, a bypass pipe is communicated between a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe of the water heater, the control method comprises the following steps: acquiring a first time interval between a second water use time of a user and a last water closing time; acquiring a first preset time difference; judging whether the first time interval is not greater than the first preset time difference according to the first time interval and the first preset time difference; if the first time interval is not greater than the first preset time difference, acquiring a water mixing amount, and making water flow of the bypass pipe mixed with water flow in the water outlet pipe by the water mixing amount. The control method and device provided by the present application have the advantage of preventing the user from being scalded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to a control method and device. Background Technology

[0002] A water heater is a device that uses various physical principles to raise the temperature of cold water to hot water within a certain period of time.

[0003] Instantaneous water heaters, also known as fast-heating water heaters, are characterized by: cold water passing through and hot water being supplied. As long as the outlet valve is opened, hot water can be supplied continuously in a short time. When hot water is not needed, the outlet valve can be closed to cut off the water supply and heating can be stopped in a short time.

[0004] However, if a user opens the water valve twice in a short period of time, the water flowing out of the valve can easily scald the user. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a control method and apparatus to solve the problem that water flowing from the water outlet valve can easily scald the user when the user opens the water outlet valve twice in a short period of time.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0007] One aspect of this application provides a control method for a water heater, wherein a bypass pipe is connected between the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe of the water heater. The control method includes: obtaining a first time interval between the time when the user uses water again and the time when the water was last turned off; obtaining a first preset time difference; determining whether the first time interval is not greater than the first preset time difference based on the first time interval and the first preset time difference; if the first time interval is not greater than the first preset time difference, obtaining a mixing volume, and causing the water flow in the bypass pipe to mix with the water flow in the water outlet pipe at the mixing volume.

[0008] In one possible implementation, obtaining the mixed water volume includes: obtaining a target outlet water temperature; obtaining a target outlet water volume; obtaining a current outlet water temperature; obtaining a current mixed water temperature; and obtaining the mixed water volume based on the target outlet water temperature, the target outlet water volume, the current outlet water temperature, and the current mixed water temperature.

[0009] In one possible implementation, obtaining the target outlet water temperature includes: obtaining the previous outlet water temperature and recording the previous outlet water temperature as the target outlet water temperature.

[0010] In one possible implementation, obtaining the target water output includes: obtaining the previous water output and recording the previous water output as the target water output.

[0011] In one possible implementation, obtaining the current outlet water temperature includes: obtaining a first correspondence table, which is used to characterize the correspondence between a first time interval and a temperature change; finding the temperature change corresponding to the first time interval based on the first time interval and the first correspondence table; calculating the sum of the previous outlet water temperature and the temperature change, and recording the calculation result as the current outlet water temperature.

[0012] In one possible implementation, obtaining the current mixing temperature includes: obtaining the previous inlet water temperature and recording the previous inlet water temperature as the current mixing temperature; or, obtaining the current mixing temperature includes: obtaining the previous inlet water temperature of the inlet pipe; obtaining a loss coefficient; and obtaining the current water temperature of the inlet pipe based on the inlet water temperature and the loss coefficient.

[0013] In one possible implementation, obtaining the mixed water volume based on the target outlet water temperature, the target outlet water volume, the current outlet water temperature, and the current mixing water temperature includes: obtaining a second correspondence table, the second correspondence table being used to characterize the correspondence between the target outlet water temperature, the target outlet water volume, the current outlet water temperature, the current mixing water temperature, and the mixed water volume; and finding the mixed water volume corresponding to the target outlet water temperature, the target outlet water volume, the current outlet water temperature, the current mixing water temperature, and the second correspondence table.

[0014] In one possible implementation, obtaining the mixed water volume based on the target outlet water temperature, the target outlet water volume, the current outlet water temperature, and the current mixing water temperature includes: obtaining a mixed water volume calculation formula; and substituting the target outlet water temperature, the target outlet water volume, the current outlet water temperature, and the current mixing water temperature into the mixed water volume calculation formula to obtain the mixed water volume.

[0015] One possible implementation further includes: obtaining a second time interval between the current time and the last water shut-off time in real time; obtaining a second preset time difference; determining whether the second time interval is equal to the second preset time difference based on the second time interval and the second preset time difference; if the second time interval is equal to the second preset time difference, obtaining the mixing volume, and making the water flow in the bypass pipe mix with the water flow in the outlet pipe at the mixing volume.

[0016] Another aspect of this application provides a control device for a water heater, wherein a bypass pipe is connected between the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe of the water heater. The control device includes: an acquisition module, used to acquire a first time interval between the user's second water usage time and the last water shut-off time, and to acquire a first preset time difference; and a processing module, used to determine whether the first time interval is not greater than the first preset time difference based on the first time interval and the first preset time difference. If the first time interval is not greater than the first preset time difference, the module acquires the mixing volume and causes the water flow in the bypass pipe to mix with the water flow in the water outlet pipe at the mixing volume.

[0017] The control method and apparatus provided in this application acquire a first time interval and a preset time, and determine whether the first time interval is not greater than the first preset time difference based on the difference between the first time interval and the first preset time difference. If the first time interval is not greater than the first preset time difference, the mixing volume is acquired and the bypass pipe is mixed with the outlet pipe with the mixed volume, so that when the user opens the outlet valve twice in a short period of time, the temperature of the water flowing from the outlet valve of the water heater will not be too high and scald the user.

[0018] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of this application, the technical features constituting the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions as described above, other technical problems that can be solved by the embodiments of this application, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further explained in detail in the specific implementation. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this application, wherein the water heater is in a normal water outlet state;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the water heater in temperature adjustment mode.

[0022] Figure 3 A flowchart of a control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a system diagram of a control device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 100. Water inlet pipe;

[0026] 200. Heating components;

[0027] 300. Water outlet pipe;

[0028] 400. Bypass pipe;

[0029] 500. Bypass valve;

[0030] 600. Acquisition Module;

[0031] 700. Processing module.

[0032] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of this application, but not all embodiments.

[0034] Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0035] As described in the background section, water heaters in the related technology have the following problem: when a user opens the water outlet valve twice in a short period of time, the water flowing out of the water outlet valve can easily scald the user.

[0036] The inventors discovered that the problem arises because the heating element 200 of the water heater continues to function even after the user closes the outlet valve. This causes the temperature of the water flowing through the heating element 200—that is, the temperature at the outlet of the water heater—to rise initially and then slowly decrease. If the user reopens the outlet valve within a short period, the water flowing from the outlet may be too hot, potentially scalding the user.

[0037] In view of this, the present application provides a water heater. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this application, wherein the water heater is in a normal water output state. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a water heater in temperature adjustment mode. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2This application provides a water heater in which a bypass pipe can be connected between the water inlet pipe 100 and the water outlet pipe 300. The bypass pipe may be equipped with a bypass valve, which can be used to open or close the bypass pipe. The upstream end of the connection between the water inlet pipe 100 and the bypass pipe may be connected to a tap water pipe, and the downstream end of the connection between the water outlet pipe 300 and the bypass pipe may be equipped with a water outlet valve.

[0038] Figure 1 The arrows in the image indicate the direction of water flow when the water heater is in normal operating condition. (Refer to...) Figure 1 When the user uses water, the user can open the outlet valve so that the cold water entering the inlet pipe 100 from the tap water pipe can be heated into hot water by the heating element 200 of the water heater and flow out from the outlet pipe 300. At this time, the bypass valve is in the closed state to cut off the bypass pipe.

[0039] Figure 2 The arrows in the image indicate the direction of water flow when the water heater is in temperature adjustment mode. (Refer to...) Figure 2 If a user needs to use water twice within a short period of time, the user can open the water outlet valve twice within a short period of time. In order to avoid scalding the user, the bypass valve can be in the open state, so that the cold water entering the inlet pipe 100 can be divided into two parts. One part can be heated by the heating element 200 of the water heater, and the other part can flow to the outlet pipe 300 through the bypass pipe and mix with the hot water in the outlet pipe 300 to reduce the temperature of the water flowing out of the outlet pipe 300.

[0040] As described earlier, after the user closes the water outlet valve, the temperature of the water heater's outlet pipe (300°C) will initially rise and then slowly decrease within a short period. If the water temperature at the water heater's outlet has already dropped to an acceptable level when the user reopens the water outlet valve, then activating the bypass valve is unnecessary. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the water temperature at the water heater's outlet in real time. However, the temperature detector used to detect the water heater's outlet temperature is slow to react and suffers from significant information lag when the user reopens the water outlet valve within a short timeframe.

[0041] To reduce lag, this application embodiment uses a first time interval to determine whether the water temperature at the outlet of the water heater has dropped to a value acceptable to the user. Figure 3 A flowchart of a control method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown below. Figure 3 The control method provided in this application embodiment may include:

[0042] S101. Obtain the first time interval between the user's second water usage time and the last water shut-off time.

[0043] Specifically, the user's second water usage time is defined as the moment the user sends a start request signal via input devices such as buttons, screens, or voice input to open the water valve. The last time the water was turned off is the moment the water valve was last closed. Timers, such as timers, can start timing after the user last closed the water valve and obtain the first time interval upon receiving the start request signal.

[0044] S102, Obtain the first preset time difference.

[0045] Specifically, after the user closes the water outlet valve, the water flow in the heating element experiences a process of rising from the initial temperature to the maximum temperature and then slowly decreasing. In the first scenario, the first preset time difference can be: the time, calculated by the researchers, for the water flow in the heating element of this model of water heater to experience a process of rising from the initial temperature to the maximum temperature after the user closes the water outlet valve; in the second scenario, the first preset time difference can be: the time, calculated by the researchers, for the water flow in the heating element of this model of water heater to experience a process of rising from the initial temperature to the maximum temperature and then decreasing back to the initial temperature after the user closes the water outlet valve; in the third scenario, the first preset time difference can be: the time, calculated by the researchers, for the water flow in the heating element of this model of water heater to experience a process of rising from the initial temperature to the maximum temperature and then decreasing back to the user's comfortable water temperature after the user closes the water outlet valve.

[0046] S103. Based on the first time interval and the first preset time difference, determine whether the first time interval is not greater than the first preset time difference; if the first time interval is not greater than the first preset time difference, obtain the mixing volume and make the water flow in the bypass pipe mix with the water flow in the outlet pipe at the mixing volume, that is, the water heater is in a state of... Figure 2 The temperature adjustment state is shown. If the first time interval is greater than the first preset time difference, the water heater can be in the desired state. Figure 1 The normal water discharge state is shown.

[0047] The following example illustrates how, after the outlet valve is closed, the water in the heating element takes 10 to 20 seconds to reach the maximum temperature from the initial temperature, another 20 seconds to return to the initial temperature, and then another 5 seconds to reach a water temperature that the user can tolerate.

[0048] For example, when the first preset time difference is the first case mentioned above, i.e., 10s to 20s, if the user uses water again at 8s, which is less than 10s to 20s, the bypass valve can be opened to mix the water flow in the bypass pipe with the water flow in the outlet pipe; if the user uses water again at 15s, which is between 10s and 20s, the bypass valve can be opened to mix the water flow in the bypass pipe with the water flow in the outlet pipe; if the user uses water again at 21s, which is greater than 20s, the water heater can remain in a state where... Figure 1The diagram shows the normal water outlet state, at which point the bypass valve is in the state of shutting off the bypass pipe.

[0049] In another example, when the first preset time difference is the second case mentioned above, i.e., 40 seconds is the first preset time difference, if the user uses water again at 8 seconds (8 seconds is less than 40 seconds), the bypass valve can be opened to allow the water flow in the bypass pipe to mix with the water flow in the outlet pipe; if the user uses water again at 21 seconds (21 seconds is less than 40 seconds), the bypass valve can also be opened to allow the water flow in the bypass pipe to mix with the water flow in the outlet pipe; if the user uses water again at 42 seconds (42 seconds is greater than 40 seconds), the water heater can remain in a state of flux. Figure 1 The diagram shows the normal water outlet state, at which point the bypass valve is in the state of shutting off the bypass pipe.

[0050] As another example, when the first preset time difference is the third case mentioned above, i.e., 25 seconds is the first preset time difference, if the user uses water again at 21 seconds, and 21 seconds is less than 25 seconds, the bypass valve can be opened to allow the water flow in the bypass pipe to mix with the water flow in the outlet pipe; if the user uses water again at 28 seconds, and 28 seconds is greater than 25 seconds, the water heater can remain in a state of flux. Figure 1 The diagram shows the normal water outlet state, at which point the bypass valve is in the state of shutting off the bypass pipe.

[0051] It is worth noting that the control method provided in this application embodiment may further include: acquiring a second time interval between the current time and the last water-closing time in real time, acquiring a second preset time difference, and determining whether the second time interval is equal to a first preset time difference. If the second time interval is equal to the first preset time difference, the mixing volume is acquired, and the water flow in the bypass pipe is mixed with the water flow in the outlet pipe at the mixing volume; if the second time interval is equal to the first preset time difference, the water heater can be in a state of... Figure 1 The diagram shows the normal water outlet state, at which point the bypass valve is in the state of shutting off the bypass pipe.

[0052] Specifically, the second preset time difference can be the first preset time difference in the first case. That is to say, the second preset time difference can be the time, calculated by the R&D personnel, for the water flow in the heating element of this model of water heater to rise from the initial temperature to the maximum temperature after the user closes the water outlet valve.

[0053] The following example illustrates how, after the outlet valve is closed, the water in the heating element takes 10-20 seconds to reach its maximum temperature from its initial temperature. At this time, the second preset time difference is 10-20 seconds. If the second time interval is 8 seconds, which is less than 10-20 seconds, the water heater can then operate in a state where... Figure 1The diagram shows the normal water outlet state, where the bypass valve is in the bypass pipe closed state. If the second time interval is 15s, and 15s falls between 10s and 20s, the bypass valve can be opened to allow the water flow in the bypass pipe to mix with the water flow in the outlet pipe. If the second time interval is 28s, and 28s is greater than 10s to 20s, the water heater can be in the normal water outlet state. Figure 1 The diagram shows the normal water outlet state, at which point the bypass valve is in the state of shutting off the bypass pipe.

[0054] It is important to emphasize that the first time interval is different from the second time interval. The first time interval is the duration between the moment the user uses water again and the moment the water was last turned off, while the second time interval is acquired in real time and is the duration between the current acquisition moment and the moment the water was last turned off. At the current acquisition moment, the user has not used water again, meaning the user has not turned on the water valve.

[0055] It should be noted that the method mentioned above for determining whether the water is mixed by judging whether the second time interval is equal to the second preset time difference is applicable to the first case where the first preset time difference is the first case. This method is no longer applicable when the first preset time difference is the second or third case.

[0056] The following describes how to obtain the mixed water volume.

[0057] S1041. Obtain the target outlet water temperature; S1042. Obtain the target outlet water volume; S1043. Obtain the current outlet water temperature; S1044. Obtain the current mixing water temperature; S1045. Based on the target outlet water temperature, target outlet water volume, current outlet water temperature, and current mixing water temperature, obtain the mixing water volume.

[0058] Specifically, the target outlet water temperature refers to: the temperature at which the water heater is in operation. Figure 2 In the temperature control state shown, the temperature of the water flowing to the user is the temperature after the cold water in the bypass pipe mixes with the hot water in the outlet pipe 300. Optionally, to improve the control speed and avoid the lag of the detector, the previous outlet water temperature (the temperature of the water flowing out of the outlet valve last time) can be obtained and recorded as the target outlet water temperature. The previous outlet water temperature can be obtained and stored during the previous water usage.

[0059] Target water output refers to: when the water heater is in operation... Figure 2 In the temperature control state shown, the volume of water flowing to the user is the volume of cold water mixed with hot water in the bypass pipe and the outlet pipe 300. Optionally, to improve the control speed and avoid the lag of the detector, the previous water output volume (the flow rate of water flowing out of the outlet valve last time) can be obtained and recorded as the target water output volume. The previous water output volume can be obtained and stored during the previous water usage.

[0060] The current outlet water temperature refers to the temperature at which the water heater is in operation. Figure 2 The temperature of the water flowing from the heating element 200 into the outlet pipe 300 (or the temperature of the water flowing out of the heating element 200) is shown in the temperature adjustment state. To improve control efficiency and avoid the hysteresis of the detector, a first correspondence table can be obtained. Based on the first time interval and the first correspondence table, the temperature change corresponding to the first time interval can be found, and the sum of the previous outlet water temperature and the temperature change can be calculated. The calculation result is recorded as the current outlet water temperature. The first correspondence table can characterize the correspondence between the first time interval and the temperature change.

[0061] The current mixing temperature refers to the temperature at which the water heater is in operation. Figure 2 The temperature of the water flowing into the bypass pipe is shown in the temperature adjustment state. To improve control efficiency and avoid the hysteresis of the detector, the previous inlet water temperature (the temperature of the water that flowed into the inlet pipe 100 last time) can be obtained and recorded as the current mixing water temperature.

[0062] For accuracy, optionally, the previous inlet water temperature and loss coefficient can be obtained, and the current water temperature of inlet pipe 100 can be obtained based on the previous inlet water temperature and loss coefficient. The loss coefficient can be derived taking into account factors such as ambient temperature and bypass pipe length.

[0063] It is worth noting that there are several possible ways to obtain the mixing volume based on the above parameters:

[0064] In one possible implementation, a second correspondence table can be obtained, and based on the target outlet water temperature, target outlet water volume, current outlet water temperature, current mixing water temperature, and the second correspondence table, the mixing water volume corresponding to the target outlet water temperature, target outlet water volume, current outlet water temperature, and current mixing water temperature can be found. The second correspondence table represents the correspondence between the target outlet water temperature, target outlet water volume, current outlet water temperature, current mixing water temperature, and mixing water volume.

[0065] In another possible implementation, the mixing volume calculation formula can be obtained, and the target outlet water temperature, target outlet water volume, current outlet water temperature, and current mixing water temperature can be substituted into the mixing volume calculation formula to obtain the mixing volume.

[0066] Specifically, the target heat can be equal to the difference between the heat in the outlet pipe 300 and the heat in the bypass pipe 400, i.e., Q = Qa + Qb (Qa represents the heat in the outlet pipe 300, Qb represents the heat in the bypass pipe 400, and Q represents the target heat). Therefore, C*M*T = C*Ma*Ta - C*Mb*Tb (C represents the isobaric specific heat capacity of water, M represents the mass of the target water flow, T represents the target outlet water temperature, Ma represents the current outlet water temperature, Ta represents the current outlet water temperature, Mb represents the mass of the mixed water, and Tb represents the current temperature of the mixed water).

[0067] The derivation yields: Vb = (VaTa - VT) / Tb (where V represents the target effluent volume, Va represents the current effluent volume, and Vb represents the mixed water volume). The mixed water volume can be calculated by substituting the parameters obtained above into the formula.

[0068] Figure 4 A system diagram of a control device provided in an embodiment of this application. (Reference) Figure 4 This application embodiment may also provide a control device, which may include an acquisition module 600 and a processing module 700. The acquisition module 600 may acquire a start request signal, acquire a first time interval since the last water outage, and acquire a first preset time difference. The processing module 700 may determine whether the first time interval is less than the first preset time difference based on the first time interval and the first preset time difference; if the first time interval is less than the first preset time difference, the bypass pipe is made to mix with the outlet pipe 300 at a mixing rate.

[0069] Optionally, the processing module 700 can acquire the target outlet water temperature, the target outlet water volume, the current outlet water temperature, and the current mixing water temperature, and can obtain the mixing water volume based on the target outlet water temperature, the target outlet water volume, the current outlet water temperature, and the current mixing water temperature.

[0070] Optionally, the processing module 700 can obtain the previous water outlet temperature and record the previous water outlet temperature as the target water outlet temperature.

[0071] Optionally, the processing module 700 can obtain the previous water output volume and record the previous water output volume as the target water output volume.

[0072] Optionally, the processing module 700 can obtain a first correspondence table, find the temperature change corresponding to the first time interval according to the first time interval and the first correspondence table, calculate the sum of the previous outlet water temperature and the temperature change, and record the calculation result as the current outlet water temperature. The first correspondence table represents the correspondence between the first time interval and the temperature change.

[0073] Optionally, the processing module 700 can obtain the previous inlet water temperature and record the previous inlet water temperature as the current mixing water temperature.

[0074] Optionally, the processing module 700 can obtain the previous water inlet temperature of the water inlet pipe 100, obtain the loss coefficient, and obtain the current water temperature of the water inlet pipe 100 based on the water inlet temperature and the loss coefficient.

[0075] Optionally, the processing module 700 can obtain a second correspondence table and, based on the target outlet water temperature, target outlet water volume, current outlet water temperature, current mixing water temperature, and the second correspondence table, find the mixing water volume corresponding to the target outlet water temperature, target outlet water volume, current outlet water temperature, and current mixing water temperature. The second correspondence table represents the correspondence between the target outlet water temperature, target outlet water volume, current outlet water temperature, current mixing water temperature, and mixing water volume.

[0076] Optionally, the processing module 700 can obtain the mixing volume calculation formula by acquiring the mixing volume formula, and can input the target outlet water temperature, target outlet water volume, current outlet water temperature and current mixing water temperature into the mixing volume calculation formula to obtain the mixing volume.

[0077] This application embodiment may also provide an electronic device, including a memory and a processor. The memory stores computer-executable instructions, and the processor is communicatively connected to the memory and can execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory to implement the control method mentioned above.

[0078] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the calibration method mentioned above.

[0079] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple modules may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0080] The integrated modules described above, implemented as software functional modules, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. These software functional modules, stored in a storage medium, include several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute some steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application.

[0081] It should be understood that the aforementioned processor can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The memory may include high-speed RAM, and may also include non-volatile memory (NVM), such as at least one disk storage device, and may also be a USB flash drive, external hard drive, read-only memory, disk, or optical disc, etc.

[0082] The aforementioned storage medium can be implemented from any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk. The storage medium can be any available medium accessible to general-purpose or special-purpose computers.

[0083] An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium can be an integral part of the processor. Both the processor and the storage medium can reside in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can exist as discrete components in an electronic device or host device.

[0084] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0085] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0086] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a terminal device (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, air conditioner, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods of the various embodiments of this application.

[0087] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

[0088] The terms "upper" and "lower" are used to describe the relative positions of the various structures in the accompanying drawings. They are only for clarity of description and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation of this application. Any changes or adjustments to the relative positions without substantially altering the technical content shall also be considered within the scope of implementation of this application.

[0089] It should be noted that, in this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0090] Furthermore, in this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0091] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0092] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for a water heater, characterized in that, A bypass pipe is connected between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe of the water heater, and the control method includes: Obtain the first time interval between the user's second water usage time and the last water shut-off time; Obtain a first preset time difference; the first preset time difference includes: the time it takes for the water flow in the heating element of the water heater to rise from the initial temperature to the maximum temperature after the user closes the water outlet valve; or, the time it takes for the water flow in the heating element of the water heater to rise from the initial temperature to the maximum temperature and then decrease back to the initial temperature after the user closes the water outlet valve; or, the time it takes for the water flow in the heating element of the water heater to rise from the initial temperature to the maximum temperature and then decrease back to a water temperature that the user can tolerate after the user closes the water outlet valve. Based on the first time interval and the first preset time difference, determine whether the first time interval is not greater than the first preset time difference; if the first time interval is not greater than the first preset time difference, obtain the mixing volume, and make the water flow in the bypass pipe mix with the water flow in the outlet pipe at the mixing volume; The process of obtaining the mixed water volume includes: Obtain the previous water outlet temperature and record the previous water outlet temperature as the target water outlet temperature; Obtain the previous water output volume and record the previous water output volume as the target water output volume; Get the current outlet water temperature; Get the current mixing temperature; The mixing volume is obtained based on the target outlet water temperature, the target outlet water volume, the current outlet water temperature, and the current mixing water temperature.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of obtaining the current outlet water temperature includes: Obtain a first correspondence table, which is used to characterize the correspondence between the first time interval and the temperature change. Based on the first time interval and the first correspondence table, find the temperature change corresponding to the first time interval; Calculate the sum of the previous outlet water temperature and the temperature change, and record the result as the current outlet water temperature.

3. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the current mixing water temperature includes: obtaining the previous inlet water temperature and recording the previous inlet water temperature as the current mixing water temperature; or, The step of obtaining the current mixed water temperature includes: obtaining the previous water inlet temperature of the inlet pipe; obtaining the loss coefficient; and obtaining the current water temperature of the inlet pipe based on the water inlet temperature and the loss coefficient.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the mixed water volume based on the target outlet water temperature, the target outlet water volume, the current outlet water temperature, and the current mixing water temperature includes: obtaining a second correspondence table, the second correspondence table being used to characterize the correspondence between the target outlet water temperature, the target outlet water volume, the current outlet water temperature, the current mixing water temperature, and the mixing water volume; Based on the target outlet water temperature, the target outlet water volume, the current outlet water temperature, the current mixing water temperature, and the second correspondence table, find the mixing water volume corresponding to the target outlet water temperature, the target outlet water volume, the current outlet water temperature, and the current mixing water temperature.

5. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the mixed water volume based on the target outlet water temperature, the target outlet water volume, the current outlet water temperature, and the current mixed water temperature includes: Obtain the formula for calculating the mixing volume; The target outlet water temperature, the target outlet water volume, the current outlet water temperature, and the current mixing water temperature are substituted into the mixing water volume calculation formula to obtain the mixing water volume.

6. The control method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Also includes: Real-time acquisition of the second time interval between the current moment and the last time the water was turned off; Obtain the second preset time difference; Based on the second time interval and the second preset time difference, determine whether the second time interval is equal to the second preset time difference. If the second time interval is equal to the second preset time difference, obtain the mixing volume and make the water flow in the bypass pipe mix with the water flow in the outlet pipe at the mixing volume.

7. A control device for a water heater, characterized in that, A bypass pipe connects the inlet pipe and outlet pipe of the water heater. The control device includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire a start request signal, acquire a first time interval since the last water outage, and acquire a first preset time difference. The first preset time difference includes: the time it takes for the water flow in the heating element of the water heater to rise from the initial temperature to the maximum temperature after the user closes the water outlet valve; or, the time it takes for the water flow in the heating element of the water heater to rise from the initial temperature to the maximum temperature and then fall back to the initial temperature after the user closes the water outlet valve; or, the time it takes for the water flow in the heating element of the water heater to rise from the initial temperature to the maximum temperature and then fall back to a water temperature that the user can tolerate after the user closes the water outlet valve. The processing module is used to determine whether the first time interval is less than the first preset time difference based on the first time interval and the first preset time difference; if the first time interval is less than the first preset time difference, the mixing volume is obtained and the bypass pipe is mixed with the outlet pipe with the mixing volume. The processing module is specifically used to obtain the previous water outlet temperature and record the previous water outlet temperature as the target water outlet temperature; obtain the previous water outlet volume and record the previous water outlet volume as the target water outlet volume; obtain the current water outlet temperature; obtain the current mixing water temperature; and obtain the mixing water volume based on the target water outlet temperature, the target water outlet volume, the current water outlet temperature, and the current mixing water temperature.

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