Heating control method of electric water heater and electric water heater

Abstract

The present invention provides a heating control method for an electric water heater and the electric water heater. The electric water heater includes an inner tank assembly, a main water pipe, an instant heating module, and a water mixing module. The inner tank assembly includes an inner tank body, an inner tank heating module, an inner tank water inlet pipe, and an inner tank water outlet pipe. The water mixing module is located downstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe. The instant heating module is connected to the main water pipe and located upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe, and the heating power of the instant heating module is constant. The heating control method for the electric water heater includes: predicting the instant heating water outlet temperature after the inlet water passes through the instant heating module based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow of the main water pipe; when the instant heating water outlet temperature is lower than a set temperature, determining the water mixing ratio of the water mixing module based on the set temperature, the instant heating water outlet temperature, and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body; and controlling the water mixing module to mix water according to the water mixing ratio. The present invention can shorten the heating time of the electric water heater and improve the energy utilization rate of the electric water heater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, and in particular to a heating control method for an electric water heater and the electric water heater. Background Art

[0002] Water heaters are essential appliances for every household today, and electric water heaters are currently the most widely used. Electric water heaters typically use a water storage heating method to supply hot water, but the hot water they supply is not instantly hot. When users need hot water quickly, it takes some time to heat up before it can be used. Furthermore, the hot water in the electric water heater must be heated to at least the user's preset temperature to meet usage needs, resulting in long waiting times for users. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a heating control method for an electric water heater and an electric water heater, aiming to shorten the heating time of the electric water heater and improve the energy utilization rate of the electric water heater.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a heating control method for an electric water heater, the electric water heater comprising an inner tank assembly, a main water pipe, an instant heating module and a water mixing module, the inner tank assembly comprising an inner tank body, an inner tank heating module provided on the inner tank body, an inner tank water inlet pipe and an inner tank water outlet pipe; the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe is connected to the main water pipe, and the water outlet of the inner tank water outlet pipe is connected to the water mixing module; the water mixing module is connected to the main water pipe and is located downstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe; the instant heating module is connected to the main water pipe and is located upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe, and the heating power of the instant heating module is constant power; the heating control method for the electric water heater comprises:

[0005] Based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the main water pipe, predict the outlet water temperature of the instant hot water after the inlet water passes through the instant hot water module;

[0006] When the outlet temperature of the instant hot water is lower than the set temperature, the water mixing ratio of the water mixing module is determined according to the set temperature, the outlet temperature of the instant hot water and the outlet temperature of the inner tank body;

[0007] The water mixing module is controlled to mix water according to the water mixing ratio.

[0008] In one embodiment, the step of determining the water mixing ratio of the water mixing module according to the set temperature, the instant hot water outlet temperature, and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body includes:

[0009] Determining the initial water mixing ratio of the water mixing module according to the set temperature, the instant hot water outlet temperature and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body;

[0010] When the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body is greater than or equal to the set temperature, the initial water mixing ratio is used as the water mixing ratio of the water mixing module, and the instant heating module is controlled to operate at a constant heating power.

[0011] In one embodiment, the step of determining the water mixing ratio of the water mixing module according to the set temperature, the instant hot water outlet temperature, and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body further includes:

[0012] When the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body is lower than the set temperature and greater than or equal to the instant hot water outlet temperature, the cold water inlet of the water mixing module connected to the inner tank outlet pipe is controlled to be closed, and the instant hot water module is controlled to operate at a constant heating power;

[0013] When the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body is lower than the set temperature and lower than the instant hot water outlet temperature, the hot water inlet connected to the water mixing module and the inner tank outlet pipe is controlled to be closed, and the instant hot water module is controlled to operate at a constant heating power.

[0014] In one embodiment, after the step of predicting the outlet temperature of the instant hot water after the inlet water passes through the instant hot water module based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow rate of the main water pipe, the method further includes:

[0015] When the instant hot water outlet temperature is greater than or equal to the set temperature and less than the protection threshold of the set temperature, the hot water inlet connected to the water outlet pipe of the mixing module is controlled to be closed, and the instant hot water module is controlled to operate at a constant heating power.

[0016] In one embodiment, after the step of predicting the outlet temperature of the instant hot water after the inlet water passes through the instant hot water module based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow rate of the main water pipe, the method further includes:

[0017] When the outlet water temperature of the instant hot water is greater than or equal to the protection threshold of the set temperature, and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body is less than or equal to the set temperature, the mixing ratio of the water mixing module is determined according to the set temperature, the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body and the outlet water temperature of the instant hot water;

[0018] The water mixing module is controlled to mix water at the current mixing ratio, the instant heating module is controlled to operate at a constant heating power, and the inner tank heating module is controlled not to operate.

[0019] In one embodiment, after the step of predicting the outlet temperature of the instant hot water after the inlet water passes through the instant hot water module based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow rate of the main water pipe, the method further includes:

[0020] When the outlet water temperature of the instant hot water is greater than or equal to the protection threshold of the set temperature, and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body is greater than the set temperature, the mixing ratio of the water mixing module is determined according to the set temperature, the inlet water temperature and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body;

[0021] The water mixing module is controlled to mix water at the current mixing ratio, the instant heating module is controlled not to operate, and the inner tank heating module is controlled to operate.

[0022] In one embodiment, before the step of predicting the outlet temperature of the instant hot water after the inlet water passes through the instant hot water module based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow rate of the main water pipe, the step further includes:

[0023] Compare the total water flow rate of the main water pipe with the minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module;

[0024] When the total water inlet flow of the main water pipe is less than the minimum safe flow of the instant heating module, the mixing ratio of the water mixing module is determined according to the set water inlet temperature and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body, the water mixing module is controlled to mix water at the current mixing ratio, the instant heating module is controlled not to operate, and the inner tank heating module is controlled to operate;

[0025] When the total inlet flow of the main water pipe is greater than or equal to the minimum safe flow of the instant heating module, the instant heating water outlet temperature after the inlet water passes through the instant heating module is predicted based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the main water pipe.

[0026] In one embodiment, before the step of comparing the total water inlet flow of the main water pipe with the minimum safe flow of the instant heating module, the method further comprises:

[0027] Compare the water inlet temperature of the main water pipe with the set temperature;

[0028] When the inlet water temperature is greater than or equal to the set temperature, the instant heating module and the inner tank heating module are controlled not to operate, and the hot water inlet connected to the inner tank water outlet pipe of the water mixing module is controlled to be closed;

[0029] When the inlet water temperature is lower than the set temperature, the total inlet water flow of the main water pipe is compared with the minimum safe flow of the instant heating module.

[0030] In one embodiment, before the step of comparing the water inlet temperature of the main water pipe with the set temperature, the method further includes:

[0031] Determine the water inlet flow signal of the main water pipe according to the total water inlet flow of the main water pipe;

[0032] When it is determined that there is no water inlet flow signal in the main water pipe, the instant heating module is controlled not to operate and the inner tank heating module is controlled to operate;

[0033] When it is determined that there is a water inlet flow signal in the main water pipe, the water inlet temperature of the main water pipe is compared with the set temperature.

[0034] The present invention also provides an electric water heater, comprising:

[0035] The liner assembly includes an liner body, an liner heating module provided on the liner body, an liner water inlet pipe and an liner water outlet pipe.

[0036] A main water pipe is provided outside the inner liner body, and a water inlet of the inner liner water inlet pipe is connected to the main water pipe;

[0037] an instant heating module, connected to the main water pipe and located upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe, the instant heating module being used to heat water flowing through the main water pipe, the heating power of the instant heating module being constant;

[0038] a water mixing module, connected to the main water pipe and located downstream of the water inlet of the liner water inlet pipe, the cold water inlet of the water mixing module being connected to the main water pipe, the hot water inlet of the water mixing module being connected to the water outlet of the liner water outlet pipe, and the water outlet of the water mixing module being connected to the main water pipe, the water mixing module being used to adjust the water outlet ratio of cold water and hot water flowing through the water mixing module;

[0039] A control device, wherein the inner tank heating module, the instant heating module and the water mixing module are electrically connected to the control device respectively; the control device includes a memory, a processor and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, and when the processor executes the computer program, the steps of the heating control method of the electric water heater as described above are implemented.

[0040] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further comprises a shell, the inner tank body is arranged in the shell, and the instant heating module is arranged on the main water pipe in the shell.

[0041] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further comprises a water inlet temperature sensor, which is provided on the main water pipe and upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe; and / or,

[0042] The electric water heater further comprises a water outlet temperature sensor, which is provided on the main water pipe and downstream of the water outlet of the water mixing module; and / or,

[0043] The electric water heater further comprises a flow sensor, which is provided on the main water pipe and located upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe; and / or,

[0044] The electric water heater further comprises an inner tank temperature sensor, which is arranged on the inner tank body and is used to detect the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body.

[0045] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further comprises a shell, the inner tank body is arranged in the shell, and the instant heating module is arranged on the main water pipe outside the shell.

[0046] In one embodiment, the main water pipe includes a first water pipe section and a second water pipe section that are interconnected, the first water pipe section is arranged upstream of the second water pipe section, at least part of the second water pipe section is arranged inside the outer shell, at least part of the first water pipe section is arranged outside the outer shell, and the instant heating module is arranged on the first water pipe section outside the outer shell.

[0047] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further comprises an external temperature sensor, wherein the external temperature sensor is arranged on the first water pipe section outside the housing; and / or,

[0048] The electric water heater further comprises an external flow sensor, which is arranged on the first water pipe section outside the shell.

[0049] The heating control method of the electric water heater of the present invention predicts the instant hot water outlet temperature after the water passes through the instant hot water module according to the water inlet temperature and the total water inlet flow of the main water pipe. When the instant hot water outlet temperature is lower than the set temperature, the water mixing ratio of the water mixing module is determined according to the set temperature, the instant hot water outlet temperature and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body, and the water mixing module is controlled to mix water according to the water mixing ratio. The heating power of the instant hot water module is constant power, which is conducive to simplifying the structure of the instant hot water module and reducing the manufacturing cost of the instant hot water module. In addition, the instant hot water module can heat the water inlet of the main water pipe, and the inner tank heating module can heat the water inlet of the main water pipe. The block can heat the water in the inner tank body, and the water mixing module can adjust the water output ratio of the water heated by the instant heating module and the water heated by the inner tank heating module. The instant heating module, the inner tank heating module and the water mixing module work together to make the actual water outlet temperature of the main water pipe quickly reach the user's set temperature, which is conducive to shortening the heating time of the electric water heater; in addition, the reasonable combination of heat storage and instant heating of the electric water heater can reduce the power consumption of the inner tank heating module by reducing the hot water flow of the inner tank component, which is conducive to improving the energy utilization rate of the electric water heater. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a flow chart of an embodiment of a heating control method for an electric water heater according to the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A detailed flow chart of another embodiment of step S200;

[0053] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A detailed flow chart of another embodiment of step S200;

[0054] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A detailed flow chart of another embodiment of step S100;

[0055] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A detailed flow chart of another embodiment of step S100;

[0056] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A detailed flow chart of another embodiment of step S100;

[0057] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the electric water heater of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 8 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the second embodiment of the electric water heater of the present invention.

[0059] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0060] Label name Label name 100 shell 300 water main 200 Inner tank components 310 First water pipe section 210 Inner tank body 320 Second water pipe section 220 Inner tank heating module 330 Water pipe connectors 230 Inner tank water inlet pipe 400 Instant heating module 240 Inner tank water outlet pipe 500 Water mixing module

[0061] The purpose, features and advantages of the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with the embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0063] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0064] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features specified as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the fact that ordinary technicians in this field can implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0065] Water heaters are essential appliances for every household today, and electric water heaters are currently the most widely used. Electric water heaters typically use a water storage heating method to supply hot water, but the hot water they supply is not instantly hot. When users need hot water quickly, it takes some time to heat up before it can be used. Furthermore, the hot water in the electric water heater must be heated to at least the user's preset temperature to meet usage needs, resulting in long waiting times for users.

[0066] The present invention provides a heating control method for an electric water heater, which can shorten the heating time of hot water and improve the energy utilization rate of the electric water heater.

[0067] See also Figure 1 and Figure 7 In one embodiment of the heating control method of an electric water heater of the present invention, the electric water heater includes an inner tank assembly 200, a main water pipe 300, an instant heating module 400 and a water mixing module 500, wherein the inner tank assembly 200 includes an inner tank body 210, an inner tank heating module 220 provided on the inner tank body 210, an inner tank water inlet pipe 230 and an inner tank water outlet pipe 240; the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe 230 is connected to the main water pipe 300, and the water outlet of the inner tank water outlet pipe 240 is connected to the water mixing module 500; the water mixing module 500 is connected to the main water pipe 300 and is located downstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe 230; the instant heating module 400 is connected to the main water pipe 300 and is located upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe 230, and the heating power of the instant heating module 400 is constant power; the heating control method of the electric water heater includes:

[0068] Step S100: predicting the outlet temperature of the instant hot water after the inlet water passes through the instant hot water module 400 based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow rate of the main water pipe 300;

[0069] Step S200: When the outlet temperature of the instant hot water is lower than the set temperature, the water mixing ratio of the water mixing module 500 is determined according to the set temperature, the outlet temperature of the instant hot water, and the outlet temperature of the inner tank body 210;

[0070] Step S300: Control the water mixing module 500 to mix water according to the water mixing ratio.

[0071] It can be understood that the main water pipe 300 has a main water inlet and a main water outlet. The main water inlet is used to supply water into the electric water heater, and the main water outlet is used to discharge water to the outside of the electric water heater. That is, water flows into the electric water heater through the main water inlet, and water is discharged to the outside through the main water outlet. The main water pipe 300 is the main water channel of the electric water heater. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The direction indicated by the arrow in the figure represents the direction of water flow. The inlet water temperature of the main water pipe 300 is the inlet water temperature entering the electric water heater, the total inlet water flow of the main water pipe 300 is the inlet water flow entering the electric water heater, and the set temperature is the water temperature set by the operating end. The instant heating module 400 is arranged on the main water pipe 300 and is located upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe 230. The water entering the main water pipe 300 first flows through the instant heating module 400. When the water passes through the instant heating module 400, the water is heated by the instant heating module 400. The outlet water temperature of the instant heating module 400 is the outlet water temperature of the instant heating module. Based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow, combined with the heating power of the instant heating module 400 itself, the outlet water temperature of the instant heating module 400 after the inlet water is heated by the instant heating module 400 can be calculated and predicted.

[0072] Furthermore, the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe 230 is connected to the main water pipe 300, and the water outlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe 230 is arranged in the inner tank body 210, so that water can flow into the inner tank body 210 along the inner tank water inlet pipe 230; the water inlet of the inner tank water outlet pipe 240 is arranged in the inner tank body 210; the water outlet of the inner tank water outlet pipe 240 is connected to the hot water inlet of the mixing module 500, so that the water in the inner tank body 210 can flow into the main water pipe 300 along the inner tank water outlet pipe 240 and be discharged outward through the main water outlet of the main water pipe 300; the inner tank heating module 220 can heat the water in the inner tank body 210 to output hot water to the outside. The specific structure of the inner tank heating module 220 is not limited, and it only needs to be able to heat the water in the inner tank body 210. For example, but not limited to, the inner tank heating module 220 includes a heating tube or a heating wire.

[0073] Furthermore, the water mixing module 500 is used to adjust the water outlet ratio of cold water and hot water flowing through the water mixing module 500, wherein the cold water inlet of the water mixing module 500 is connected to the main water pipe 300, and the hot water inlet of the water mixing module 500 is connected to the water outlet of the inner tank water outlet pipe 240, and the water outlet of the water mixing module 500 is connected to the main water pipe 300. The cold water flowing through the water mixing module 500 refers to the water flowing into the cold water inlet of the water mixing module 500 along the main water pipe 300, and the hot water flowing through the water mixing module 500 refers to the water flowing into the hot water inlet of the water mixing module 500 along the water outlet of the inner tank water outlet pipe 240. That is to say, the water mixing module 500 can adjust the water outlet ratio of the water on the main water pipe 300 after passing through the instant heating module 400 and the water in the inner tank body 210, so that the actual water outlet temperature of the main water pipe 300 after mixing can reach the user's set temperature, thereby meeting the user's usage needs. In addition, the heating power of the instant heating module 400 is constant power, which is beneficial to simplify the structure of the instant heating module 400 and reduce the manufacturing cost of the instant heating module 400.

[0074] The outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 is the temperature of the water in the inner tank body 210 when it flows out along the inner tank outlet pipe 240. When the instant hot water outlet temperature is lower than the set temperature, it means that the inlet water of the main water pipe 300 still cannot meet the set temperature after being heated by the instant heating module 400. At this time, the hot water in the inner tank body 210 needs to be mixed with the water on the main water pipe 300 heated by the instant heating module 400 to meet the set temperature. According to the set temperature, the instant hot water outlet temperature and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210, the mixing ratio of the water mixing module 500 can be determined, thereby adjusting the water flow rate of hot water and cold water entering the mixing module 500, and correspondingly adjusting the outlet water temperature of the mixing module 500, that is, correspondingly adjusting the outlet water temperature of the main water pipe 300.

[0075] The heating control method of the electric water heater of the present invention predicts the instant hot water outlet temperature after the inlet water passes through the instant hot water module 400 according to the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow of the main water pipe 300. When the instant hot water outlet temperature is lower than the set temperature, the mixing ratio of the water mixing module 500 is determined according to the set temperature, the instant hot water outlet temperature and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210, and the water mixing module 500 is controlled to mix water according to the mixing ratio. The heating power of the instant hot water module 400 is constant power, which is conducive to simplifying the structure of the instant hot water module 400 and reducing the manufacturing cost of the instant hot water module 400. In addition, the instant hot water module 400 can heat the inlet water of the main water pipe 300, and the inner tank heating module 210 can heat the inlet water of the inner tank body 210. 20 can heat the water in the inner tank body 210, and the water mixing module 500 can adjust the water output ratio of the water heated by the instant heating module 400 and the water heated by the inner tank heating module 220. The instant heating module 400, the inner tank heating module 220 and the water mixing module 500 work together to enable the actual water outlet temperature of the main water pipe 300 to quickly reach the user's set temperature, which is beneficial to shortening the heating time of the electric water heater; in addition, the reasonable combination of heat storage and instant heating of the electric water heater can reduce the power consumption of the inner tank heating module 220 by reducing the hot water flow of the inner tank assembly 200, which is beneficial to improving the energy utilization rate of the electric water heater.

[0076] For example, when the temperature of the water entering the main water pipe 300 after being heated by the instant heating module 400 does not reach the set temperature, the instant heating module 400 and the inner tank heating module 220 can work together, the instant heating module 400 heats the incoming water of the main water pipe 300, the inner tank heating module 220 heats the water in the inner tank body 210, and the water mixing module 500 mixes the water heated by the instant heating module 400 and the water heated by the inner tank heating module 220, and adjusts the mixing ratio to obtain hot water of the set temperature. In this way, a reasonable combination of heat storage and instant heating of the electric water heater can be achieved, so that the electric water heater can reduce the power consumption of the inner tank heating module 220 by reducing the hot water flow of the inner tank assembly 200, thereby improving the energy utilization rate of the electric water heater.

[0077] See also Figure 2 In one embodiment, step S200, the step of determining the mixing ratio of the water mixing module 500 according to the set temperature, the instant hot water outlet temperature and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 includes:

[0078] Step S210: determining an initial water mixing ratio of the water mixing module 500 according to the set temperature, the instant hot water outlet temperature, and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210;

[0079] Step S220: When the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 is greater than or equal to the set temperature, the initial water mixing ratio is used as the water mixing ratio of the water mixing module 500, and the instant heating module 400 is controlled to operate at a constant heating power.

[0080] It can be understood that when the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 is greater than or equal to the set temperature, the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 can be mixed with the outlet water temperature of the instant hot water after heating by the instant hot water module 400, and the water mixing module 500 determines the initial water mixing ratio so that the outlet water temperature after mixing by the water mixing module 500 meets the set temperature. In this way, the water temperature in the instant hot water module 400 and the inner tank body 210 is fully utilized, which is beneficial to improving the energy utilization rate of the electric water heater.

[0081] See also Figure 3 In one embodiment, step S200, determining the water mixing ratio of the water mixing module 500 according to the set temperature, the instant hot water outlet temperature, and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210, further includes:

[0082] Step S230: When the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 is lower than the set temperature and greater than or equal to the instant hot water outlet temperature, the cold water inlet connected to the inner tank outlet pipe 240 of the water mixing module 500 is controlled to be closed, and the instant hot water module 400 is controlled to operate at a constant heating power.

[0083] This indicates that the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 is relatively high. If the water mixing module 500 mixes the water, the outlet water temperature of the mixing module 500 will be lowered. Therefore, the cold water inlet of the mixing module 500 is closed, allowing the water inlet of the water main 300 to be heated by the instant heating module 400 and then flow into the inner tank body 210. Then, it flows into the water main 300 through the hot water inlet and outlet of the mixing module 500 and is discharged outward. The water flows completely through the inner tank body. The instant heating module 400 and the inner tank heating module 220 both heat the water, and the water flows only through the inner tank body. This helps the water temperature in the inner tank body 210 to quickly increase and reach the maximum water temperature of the electric water heater. This keeps the outlet water temperature of the water main 300 as close to the set temperature as possible, thereby maximizing the energy utilization of the electric water heater.

[0084] Step S240: When the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 is lower than the set temperature and lower than the instant hot water outlet temperature, the hot water inlet connected to the inner tank outlet pipe 240 of the water mixing module 500 is controlled to be closed, and the instant hot water module 400 is controlled to operate at a constant heating power.

[0085] This indicates that the outlet temperature of the instant hot water heated by the instant heating module 400 is relatively high. The hot water inlet of the mixing module 500 is closed. After being heated by the instant heating module 400, the water flows directly into the cold water inlet of the mixing module 500 and then into the main water pipe 300 from the water outlet of the mixing module 500. The water flows only along the main water pipe 300 outside the inner tank body 210 and is discharged outward. In other words, the water does not pass through the inner tank body 210 and is discharged outward. In this step, the inner tank heating module 220 can be deactivated, and the instant heating module 400 performs heating at a constant power. This helps keep the outlet water temperature of the main water pipe 300 as close to the set temperature as possible, thereby maximizing the energy utilization of the electric water heater.

[0086] See also Figure 4 In one embodiment, after executing step S100 and predicting the outlet temperature of the instant hot water after the inlet water passes through the instant hot water module 400 based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow of the main water pipe 300, the method further includes:

[0087] Step S201: When the instant hot water outlet temperature is greater than or equal to the set temperature and less than the protection threshold of the set temperature, the hot water inlet connected to the water mixing module 500 and the inner tank water outlet pipe 240 is controlled to be closed, and the instant hot water module 400 is controlled to operate at a constant heating power.

[0088] In this way, it means that the outlet temperature of the instant hot water after heating by the instant hot water module 400 meets the set temperature and does not exceed the protection threshold of the set temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to control the operation of the instant hot water module 400 to heat the incoming water flowing through the main water pipe 300, and close the hot water inlet of the mixing water module 500. The water flows along the main water pipe 300 through the cold water inlet of the mixing water module 500 and then flows into the main water pipe 300 from the outlet of the mixing water module 500. The incoming water of the main water pipe 300 flows directly along the main water pipe 300 outside the inner tank body 210 and is discharged outward, that is, the water does not pass through the inner tank body 210 and is discharged outside the tank.

[0089] Furthermore, the set temperature protection threshold is a protection value for the user's set temperature based on the set temperature, preventing the outlet water temperature from exceeding the user's set temperature by too much and causing burns to the user. For example, the set temperature is T1, the set temperature protection threshold is T2, T2 is greater than T1, and the temperature difference between T2 and T1 is greater than zero. The temperature difference between T2 and T1 can be 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, etc., and the specific value is not limited here.

[0090] See also Figure 5 In one embodiment, after executing step S100, the step of predicting the outlet temperature of the instant hot water after the inlet water passes through the instant hot water module 400 based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow of the main water pipe 300, further comprising:

[0091] Step S202: When the outlet temperature of the instant hot water is greater than or equal to the protection threshold of the set temperature, and the outlet temperature of the inner pot body 210 is less than or equal to the set temperature, the water mixing ratio of the water mixing module 500 is determined according to the set temperature, the outlet temperature of the inner pot body 210, and the outlet temperature of the instant hot water;

[0092] Step S203 , controlling the water mixing module 500 to mix water at the current mixing ratio, controlling the instant heating module 400 to operate at a constant heating power, and controlling the inner tank heating module 220 not to operate.

[0093] It is understood that in this embodiment, if the outlet temperature of the instant hot water heated by the instant hot water module 400 is greater than the set temperature and is too high, the outlet water heated by the instant hot water module 400 needs to be mixed with the water in the inner tank body 210. In other words, the water mixing module 500 is controlled to mix the water in the inner tank body 210 with the water heated by the instant hot water module 400 so that the mixed water meets the user's preset temperature. In this step, the inner tank heating module 220 can be deactivated, which not only shortens the heating time of the electric water heater but also helps reduce the power consumption of the electric water heater.

[0094] See also Figure 6 In one embodiment, after executing step S100 and predicting the outlet temperature of the instant hot water after the inlet water passes through the instant hot water module 400 based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow of the main water pipe 300, the method further includes:

[0095] Step S204: When the outlet temperature of the instant hot water is greater than or equal to the protection threshold of the set temperature, and the outlet temperature of the inner tank body 210 is greater than the set temperature, the mixing ratio of the water mixing module 500 is determined according to the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210;

[0096] Step S205 , controlling the water mixing module 500 to mix water at the current mixing ratio, controlling the instant heating module 400 to not operate, and controlling the inner tank heating module 220 to operate.

[0097] It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, if the outlet temperature of the instant hot water heated by the instant hot water module 400 exceeds the set temperature and is too high, and the outlet temperature of the water heated by the instant hot water module 400 meets the set temperature, the instant hot water module 400 is controlled to be inoperative, and the inner tank heating module 220 is controlled to be operational. The water mixing module 500 mixes the hot water heated by the inner tank heating module 220 with the unheated cold water from the main water pipe 300 so that the mixed water meets the set temperature. In this step, the instant hot water module 400 is not heating, and the multiple modules of the electric water heater are rationally allocated, which helps improve the energy utilization of the electric water heater.

[0098] In one embodiment, the temperature difference between the protection threshold of the set temperature and the set temperature is greater than 0°C and less than or equal to 5°C. It can be understood that the temperature difference between the two can be 1°C, or 2°C, or 3°C, or 4°C, or 5°C, etc., and is not specifically limited here. If the temperature difference between the two is too large, the user can easily perceive that the actual outlet water temperature exceeds the set temperature, that is, the actual outlet water temperature exceeds the over-temperature protection threshold of the user's set temperature. By limiting the temperature difference between the two, it is helpful to reduce the user's discomfort in perceiving the outlet water temperature, thereby avoiding scalding the user.

[0099] In one embodiment, before executing step S100 of predicting the outlet temperature of the instant hot water after the inlet water passes through the instant hot water module 400 based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow of the main water pipe 300, the method further includes:

[0100] Step S90: Compare the total water inlet flow of the main water pipe 300 with the minimum safe flow of the instant heating module 400;

[0101] Step S91: When the total water inlet flow of the main water pipe 300 is less than the minimum safe flow of the instant heating module 400, the water mixing ratio of the water mixing module 500 is determined according to the set water inlet temperature and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body 210, the water mixing module 500 is controlled to mix water at the current mixing ratio, the instant heating module 400 is controlled to not operate, and the inner tank heating module 220 is controlled to operate;

[0102] Step S92: When the total inlet flow of the main water pipe 300 is greater than or equal to the minimum safe flow of the instant heating module 400, the outlet temperature of the instant heating water after the inlet water passes through the instant heating module 400 is predicted based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow of the main water pipe 300.

[0103] It is understood that if the total water flow rate of the main water pipe 300 is less than the minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module 400, it means that the water flow rate of the main water pipe 300 is insufficient. Insufficient water flow rate of the main water pipe 300 can cause the instant heating module 400 to dry out and damage during operation. Therefore, it is necessary to control the instant heating module 400 to be inoperative, that is, not to perform heating, while controlling the operation of the inner tank heating module 220 and the opening of the water mixing module 500, that is, controlling the ratio of cold water and hot water flowing through the water mixing module 500. This ensures that the outlet water temperature of the main water pipe 300 meets the set temperature. This solution can prevent dry-burning damage in the instant heating module 400 with a constant heating power, thereby helping to increase the service life of the electric water heater.

[0104] Furthermore, if the total water flow rate of the main water pipe 300 is greater than or equal to the minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module 400, it means that the water flow rate of the main water pipe 300 is sufficient for the normal operation of the instant heating module 400 and the instant heating module 400 will not suffer from dry-burning damage during operation. Therefore, when the total water flow rate of the main water pipe 300 is greater than or equal to the minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module 400, step S100 is executed.

[0105] In one embodiment, before step S90, comparing the total water inflow of the main water pipe 300 with the minimum safe flow of the instant heating module 400, the process further includes:

[0106] Step S80: Compare the water inlet temperature of the main water pipe 300 with the set temperature;

[0107] Step S81: When the inlet water temperature is greater than or equal to the set temperature, the instant heating module 400 and the inner tank heating module 220 are controlled not to operate, and the hot water inlet connected to the inner tank water outlet pipe 240 of the water mixing module 500 is controlled to be closed;

[0108] Step S82: When the inlet water temperature is lower than the set temperature, the total inlet water flow of the main water pipe 300 is compared with the minimum safe flow of the instant heating module 400.

[0109] It can be understood that the inlet water temperature is greater than or equal to the set temperature, which means that the inlet water temperature of the main water pipe 300 does not need to be heated. The hot water inlet of the mixing module 500 is closed, and the water flows along the main water pipe 300. After passing through the cold water inlet of the mixing module 500, the water flows into the main water pipe 300 from the outlet of the mixing module 500. The inlet water of the main water pipe 300 flows directly along the main water pipe 300 outside the inner tank body 210 and is discharged outward, that is, the water does not pass through the inner tank body 210 and is discharged out of the tank, that is, the heating module 400 and the inner tank heating module 220 do not perform heating work, which is beneficial to reduce the power consumption of the electric water heater.

[0110] Furthermore, if the inlet water temperature is lower than the set temperature, it means that the inlet water temperature is low and the inlet water needs to be heated. Therefore, when the inlet water temperature is lower than the set temperature, step S90 is executed.

[0111] In one embodiment, before executing step S80 of comparing the water inlet temperature of the main water pipe 300 with the set temperature, the method further includes:

[0112] Step S70: determining the water inlet flow signal of the main water pipe 300 according to the total water inlet flow of the main water pipe 300;

[0113] Step S71: When it is determined that there is no water inlet flow signal from the main water pipe 300, the instant heating module 400 is controlled not to operate and the inner tank heating module 220 is controlled to operate;

[0114] Step S72: When it is determined that the water main pipe 300 has a water inlet flow signal, the water inlet temperature of the water main pipe 300 is compared with the set temperature.

[0115] It can be understood that the lack of water inlet flow signal on the main water pipe 300 can be understood as the lack of water inlet flow on the main water pipe 300; or, the water inlet flow on the main water pipe 300 is less than the minimum flow threshold, and the minimum flow threshold is the minimum value for determining that there is water inflow on the main water pipe 300. If the water inlet flow on the main water pipe 300 is less than the minimum flow threshold, it means that the water inlet flow is small, and a small water inlet flow will affect user use, which is usually understood as no water inlet flow on the main water pipe 300. When there is no water inlet flow signal from the main water pipe 300, the heating module 400 does not operate to prevent dry burning. The inner tank heating module 220 heats the water in the inner tank body 210 to the set temperature and then stops operating until the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 drops below the set temperature. The inner tank heating module 220 heats the water in the inner tank body 210 again and circulates in sequence. This ensures that the outlet water temperature in the inner tank body 210 can meet the user's set temperature. When the user needs to use the electric water heater, he can use it in time, reducing the time the user waits for heating.

[0116] Furthermore, the water main 300 has a water flow signal, indicating that there is water supply from the outside. When it is determined that the water main 300 has a water flow signal, step S80 is executed.

[0117] For ease of understanding, the working modes of electric water heaters are introduced as follows:

[0118] Working mode 1 of electric water heater:

[0119] Obtain the total water inlet flow of the main water pipe 300 and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body 210;

[0120] When it is determined that there is no water inlet flow signal from the main water pipe 300, the instant heating module 400 is controlled not to operate and the inner tank heating module 220 is controlled to operate so that the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 meets the set temperature.

[0121] Working mode 2 of electric water heater:

[0122] Obtain the water inlet temperature and total water inlet flow of the main water pipe 300 and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body 210;

[0123] When it is determined that there is a water inlet flow signal in the main water pipe 300, if the inlet water temperature is not lower than the set temperature, the instant heating module 400 and the inner tank heating module 220 are controlled not to operate, and the hot water inlet connected to the inner tank water outlet pipe 240 of the water mixing module 500 is controlled to be closed.

[0124] Working mode three of electric water heater:

[0125] Obtain the water inlet temperature and total water inlet flow of the main water pipe 300 and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body 210;

[0126] When it is determined that the main water pipe 300 has an inlet flow signal, if the conditions that the inlet water temperature is lower than the set temperature and the inlet water flow of the main water pipe 300 is lower than the minimum safe flow for the operation of the instant heating module 400 are met in sequence, the instant heating module 400 is controlled not to operate, the inner tank heating module 220 is controlled to operate, and the water mixing module 500 is controlled to adjust the water outlet ratio of cold water and hot water so that the outlet water temperature of the main water pipe 300 meets the set temperature.

[0127] Working mode 4 of electric water heater:

[0128] Obtain the water inlet temperature and total water inlet flow of the main water pipe 300 and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body 210;

[0129] When it is determined that there is a water inlet flow signal in the main water pipe 300, if the conditions that the water inlet temperature is lower than the set temperature, the water inlet flow of the main water pipe 300 is not less than the minimum safe flow for the operation of the instant heating module 400, the water outlet temperature after heating by the instant heating module 400 is not lower than the set temperature, and the water outlet temperature after heating by the instant heating module 400 is not higher than the protection threshold of the set temperature of the electric water heater are met in sequence, the instant heating module 400 is controlled to perform heating at a constant power and the hot water inlet connected to the inner tank water outlet pipe 240 of the water mixing module 500 is controlled to be closed.

[0130] Working mode 5 of electric water heater:

[0131] Obtain the water inlet temperature and total water inlet flow of the main water pipe 300 and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body 210;

[0132] When it is determined that there is a water inlet flow signal in the main water pipe 300, if the water inlet temperature is lower than the set temperature, the water inlet flow of the main water pipe 300 is not less than the minimum safe flow for the operation of the instant heating module 400, the outlet water temperature after heating by the instant heating module 400 is not lower than the set temperature, the outlet water temperature after heating by the instant heating module 400 is higher than the protection threshold of the set temperature of the electric water heater, and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 is lower than the set temperature, the instant heating module 400 is controlled to perform heating at a constant power and the water outlet ratio of the mixing water module 500 is controlled so that the outlet water temperature of the main water pipe 300 meets the set temperature.

[0133] Working mode six of electric water heater:

[0134] Obtain the water inlet temperature and total water inlet flow of the main water pipe 300 and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body 210;

[0135] When it is determined that there is a water inlet flow signal in the main water pipe 300, if the water inlet temperature is lower than the set temperature, the water inlet flow of the main water pipe 300 is not less than the minimum safe flow for the operation of the instant heating module 400, the outlet water temperature after heating by the instant heating module 400 is not less than the set temperature, the outlet water temperature after heating by the instant heating module 400 is greater than the protection threshold of the set temperature of the electric water heater, and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 is not less than the set temperature, the inner tank heating module 220 is controlled to be turned on, the instant heating module 400 is controlled not to run, and the outlet water ratio of the cold water and hot water of the mixing water module 500 is controlled to make the outlet water temperature of the main water pipe 300 meet the set temperature.

[0136] Working mode seven of electric water heater:

[0137] Obtain the water inlet temperature and total water inlet flow of the main water pipe 300 and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body 210;

[0138] When it is determined that the main water pipe 300 has an inlet flow signal, if the inlet water temperature is lower than the set temperature, the inlet water flow of the main water pipe 300 is not less than the minimum safe flow for the operation of the instant heating module 400, the outlet water temperature after heating by the instant heating module 400 is lower than the set temperature, and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 is not less than the set temperature, the instant heating module 400 is controlled to operate at a constant power, the inner tank heating module 220 is controlled to operate, and the outlet water ratio of the cold water and hot water of the mixing water module 500 is controlled to make the outlet water temperature of the main water pipe 300 meet the set temperature.

[0139] Working mode eight of electric water heater:

[0140] Obtain the water inlet temperature and total water inlet flow of the main water pipe 300 and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body 210;

[0141] When it is determined that the main water pipe 300 has an inlet flow signal, if the inlet water temperature is lower than the set temperature, the inlet water flow of the main water pipe 300 is not less than the minimum safe flow for the operation of the instant heating module 400, the outlet water temperature after heating by the instant heating module 400 is lower than the set temperature, the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 is lower than the set temperature, and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 is not lower than the outlet water temperature after heating by the instant heating module 400, the conditions are met in sequence, then the instant heating module 400 is controlled to operate at constant power, the inner tank heating module 220 is controlled to operate, and the cold water inlet of the mixing water module 500 connected to the main water pipe 300 is controlled to be closed.

[0142] Working mode nine of electric water heater:

[0143] Obtain the water inlet temperature and total water inlet flow of the main water pipe 300 and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body 210;

[0144] When it is determined that the main water pipe 300 has an inlet flow signal, if the inlet water temperature is lower than the set temperature, the inlet flow of the main water pipe 300 is not less than the minimum safe flow for the operation of the instant heating module 400, the outlet water temperature after heating by the instant heating module 400 is lower than the set temperature, the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 is lower than the set temperature, and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 is lower than the outlet water temperature after heating by the instant heating module 400, the instant heating module 400 is controlled to operate at constant power and the hot water inlet connected to the inner tank water outlet pipe 240 of the water mixing module 500 is controlled to be closed.

[0145] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 In an embodiment of the electric water heater of the present invention, the electric water heater includes an inner tank assembly 200, a main water pipe 300, an instant heating module 400, a water mixing module 500 and a control device. The inner tank assembly 200 includes an inner tank body 210, an inner tank heating module 220 provided on the inner tank body 210, an inner tank water inlet pipe 230 and an inner tank water outlet pipe 240; the main water pipe 300 is provided outside the inner tank body 210, and the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe 230 is connected to the main water pipe 300; the instant heating module 400 is connected to the main water pipe 300 and is located upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe 230, the instant heating module 400 is used to heat water flowing through the main water pipe 300, and the heating power of the instant heating module 400 is constant power; The water module 500 is connected to the main water pipe 300 and is located downstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe 230. The cold water inlet of the mixing water module 500 is connected to the main water pipe 300, the hot water inlet of the mixing water module 500 is connected to the water outlet of the inner tank water outlet pipe 240, and the water outlet of the mixing water module 500 is connected to the main water pipe 300; the inner tank heating module 220, the instant heating module 400 and the mixing water module 500 are electrically connected to the control device respectively; the control device includes a memory, a processor and a computer program stored on the memory and runnable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, the steps of the heating control method of the electric water heater as described above are implemented.

[0146] It can be understood that the control device is used to control the operation of the liner heating module 220, the instant heating module 400 and the water mixing module 500. The control device includes a controller. The number of controllers can be one, and of course it can be multiple, which is not specifically limited here. For example, but not limited to, the number of controllers is one. At this time, the controller can control the liner heating module 220, the instant heating module 400 and the water mixing module 500 respectively; of course, the number of controllers can be two or three, which can be set according to needs. For example, the liner heating module 220, the instant heating module 400 and the water mixing module 500 are respectively electrically connected to a controller.

[0147] Furthermore, the inner tank heating module 220 and the instant heating module 400 can be used in conjunction with each other. When the incoming water in the main water pipe 300 reaches the set temperature after being heated by the instant heating module 400, the electric water heater can use the instant heating module 400 outside the tank to heat the incoming water to supply hot water. At this time, the water supply waterway only passes through the main water pipe 300 instead of the inner tank heating module 220. In this way, the electric water heater can be turned on and used immediately, so that the user does not need to wait, and the electric water heater does not need to heat all the water in the inner tank body 210, which is beneficial to improving the energy utilization rate of the electric water heater.

[0148] When the water in the main water pipe 300 does not reach the set temperature after being heated by the instant heating module 400, the instant heating module 400 and the inner tank heating module 220 can work together. The instant heating module 400 heats the incoming water of the main water pipe 300, the inner tank heating module 220 heats the water in the inner tank body 210, and the water mixing module 500 adjusts the water output ratio of the water heated by the instant heating module 400 and the water heated by the inner tank heating module 220, so as to obtain hot water of the temperature required by the user. In addition, the instant heating module 400, the inner tank heating module 220 and the water mixing module 500 are adjusted and controlled by the control device, thereby achieving a reasonable combination of heat storage and instant heating of the electric water heater, so that the electric water heater can reduce the power consumption of the inner tank heating module 220 by reducing the hot water flow of the inner tank assembly 200, thereby improving the energy utilization rate of the electric water heater. In addition, the electric water heater with the aforementioned multiple working modes can ensure the supplied hot water temperature and stable hot water output, and is conducive to shortening the heating time of the electric water heater.

[0149] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a water inlet temperature sensor, which is disposed on the main water pipe 300 and upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe 230. It is understood that the water inlet temperature sensor is electrically connected to the control device and can detect the inlet water temperature upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe 230 on the main water pipe 300. This configuration can assist the control device in controlling the inner tank heating module 220, the instant heating module 400, and the water mixing module 500, so that the actual outlet water temperature of the main water pipe 300 can quickly reach the set temperature and the actual outlet water temperature can be more stable.

[0150] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a water outlet temperature sensor, which is disposed on the water main 300 and downstream of the water outlet of the water mixing module 500. It is understood that the water outlet temperature sensor is electrically connected to the control device and can detect the water temperature downstream of the water outlet of the water mixing module 500 on the water main 300, that is, the actual water outlet temperature of the water main 300, to ensure that the actual water outlet temperature of the water main 300 reaches the user's preset temperature. If the actual water outlet temperature of the water main 300 detected by the water outlet temperature sensor exceeds the user's preset temperature range, it indicates that the actual water outlet temperature does not meet the user's requirements. In this case, the control device can control the electric water heater to control the inner tank heating module 220, the instant heating module 400, and the water mixing module 500 to ensure that the actual water outlet temperature of the water main 300 quickly reaches the user's preset water outlet temperature. The water outlet temperature sensor assists the control device in controlling the electric water heater, ensuring the stability of the output actual water outlet temperature.

[0151] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a flow sensor, which is disposed on the main water pipe 300 and upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe 230. It will be appreciated that the flow sensor is electrically connected to the control device and is capable of detecting the water flow rate upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe 230 on the main water pipe 300. This configuration enables the electric water heater to promptly detect the water flow rate information of the main water pipe 300, thereby preventing the inner tank heating module 220 and / or the instant heating module 400 from continuing to operate when the water inflow is insufficient, thereby preventing dry-burn damage caused by the inner tank heating module 220 and / or the instant heating module 400, thereby improving the reliability of the electric water heater.

[0152] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes an inner tank temperature sensor, which is disposed on the inner tank body 210 and is used to detect the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210. It is understood that the inner tank temperature sensor is electrically connected to the control device and is capable of detecting the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 210 to assist the control device in controlling the inner tank heating module 220, the instant heating module 400, and the water mixing module 500, so that the actual outlet water temperature of the main water pipe 300 can quickly reach the user's preset outlet water temperature.

[0153] See also Figure 7In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a housing 100, the inner tank body 210 is disposed within the housing 100, and the instant heating module 400 is disposed on the main water pipe 300 within the housing 100. In this case, the main water pipe 300 can be passed through the housing 100, and the instant heating module 400 is in communication with the main water pipe 300 within the housing 100. In other words, the instant heating module 400 is disposed within the housing 100, and the housing 100 can protect the instant heating module 400. The instant heating module 400 can be integrated within the housing 100, which helps reduce the space occupied by the instant heating module 400 when disposed outside the housing 100, thereby avoiding the situation where the instant heating module 400 is disposed outside the housing 100 and is easily damaged by collision and hassle-free installation.

[0154] See also Figure 8 In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a housing 100, the inner tank body 210 is disposed within the housing 100, and the instant heating module 400 is disposed on the main water pipe 300 outside the housing 100. This arrangement makes the instant heating module 400 an independent module outside the housing 100, thereby facilitating assembly and disassembly of the instant heating module 400.

[0155] See also Figure 8 In one embodiment, the main water pipe 300 includes a first water pipe section 310 and a second water pipe section 320 that are interconnected. The first water pipe section 310 is arranged upstream of the second water pipe section 320, at least a portion of the second water pipe section 320 is arranged inside the shell 100, and at least a portion of the first water pipe section 310 is arranged outside the shell 100. The instant heating module 400 is arranged on the first water pipe section 310 outside the shell 100.

[0156] It is understood that the first water pipe section 310 can be entirely disposed outside the housing 100. Of course, the first water pipe section 310 can also be partially disposed inside the housing 100. It is only necessary that the instant heating module 400 can be disposed on the first water pipe section 310 outside the housing 100. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first water pipe section 310 is entirely disposed outside the housing 100. The first water pipe section 310 is disposed upstream of the second water pipe section 320, and the instant heating module 400 is disposed on the first water pipe section 310 outside the housing 100. This allows water entering the electric water heater to be heated by the instant heating module 400 on the first water pipe section 310 before flowing into the second water pipe section 320. The water mixing module 500 is mounted on the second water pipe section 320. This arrangement divides the main water pipe 300 into at least two ends, facilitating installation of the instant heating module 400 on the first water pipe section 310 and subsequent assembly after the water mixing module 500 is mounted on the second water pipe section 320. This segmented installation facilitates easier installation of the electric water heater. Furthermore, the instant heating module 400 is mounted on the first water pipe section 310 outside the housing 100, making it a separate module outside the housing 100. This facilitates assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of the instant heating module 400. Furthermore, when the electric water heater requires maintenance and inspection, the instant heating module 400 can be easily disassembled without interfering with the housing 100.

[0157] In one embodiment, the main water pipe 300 further includes a water pipe connector 330, through which the first water pipe section 310 and the second water pipe section 320 are detachably connected. It is understood that the water pipe connector 330 can be located within the housing 100, or can also be located outside the housing 100, or can be inserted through the housing 100, without limitation. The first water pipe section 310 and the second water pipe section 320 are connected via the water pipe connector 330, that is, the first water pipe section 310, the water pipe connector 330, and the second water pipe section 320 are connected in sequence. The specific structure of the water pipe connector 330 is not limited; it only needs to connect the first water pipe section 310 and the second water pipe section 320. The first water pipe section 310 and the water pipe connector 330 can be connected by insertion or threaded connection; the second water pipe section 320 and the water pipe connector 330 can be connected by insertion or threaded connection, without limitation. The first water pipe section 310 and the second water pipe section 320 are detachably connected via a water pipe connector 330 to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the main water pipe 300, and to facilitate segmented assembly and disassembly of the instant heating module 400 and the water mixing module 500, thereby improving the practicality of the electric water heater.

[0158] In one embodiment, the water pipe connector 330 is disposed outside the housing 100. This arrangement facilitates the assembly and connection of the first water pipe section 310 and the second water pipe section 320, as well as the disassembly of the water pipe connector 330. Furthermore, the heating module 400, the first water pipe section 310, and the water pipe connector 330 are all disposed outside the housing 100, allowing them to be assembled into a separate module outside the housing 100, thereby facilitating assembly and disassembly and maintenance.

[0159] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes an external temperature sensor, which is disposed on the first water pipe section 310 outside the housing 100. It is understood that the external temperature sensor is electrically connected to the control device, and there may be multiple external temperature sensors. For example, the external temperature sensor may be disposed upstream of the instant heating water inlet of the instant heating module 400. In this case, the external temperature sensor is used to detect the actual inlet water temperature of the main water pipe 300. Of course, the external temperature sensor may also be disposed on the main water pipe 300 and located upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe 230 and the instant heating water outlet of the instant heating module 400. In this case, the external temperature sensor is used to detect the outlet temperature of the water after heating by the instant heating module 400. The provision of an external temperature sensor facilitates the rapid reaching of the actual outlet water temperature of the main water pipe 300 to the set temperature.

[0160] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes an external flow sensor, which is disposed on the first water pipe section 310 outside the housing 100. It is understood that the external flow sensor is electrically connected to the control device and is capable of detecting the inlet flow rate of water on the first water pipe section 310 and / or the outlet flow rate of water after heating by the instant heating module 400. Such an arrangement enables timely detection of the inlet flow signal of the main water pipe 300, thereby preventing the instant heating module 400 and / or the inner tank heating module 220 from continuing to operate due to dry burning and damage when the water inflow of the main water pipe 300 is insufficient, thereby improving the reliability of the electric water heater.

[0161] In one embodiment, the water mixing module 500 is a thermostatic mixing valve. It is understood that the thermostatic mixing valve is electrically connected to a control device, which is capable of controlling the valve opening of the thermostatic mixing valve. The valve opening of the thermostatic mixing valve refers to the amount of water from the main water pipe 300 entering the cold water inlet of the water mixing module 500, as well as the amount of water from the inner tank body 210 entering the hot water inlet of the water mixing module 500. By adjusting the valve opening of the thermostatic mixing valve, the control device is capable of adjusting the ratio of cold water to hot water flowing through the water mixing module 500, thereby facilitating that the water discharged from the outlet of the water mixing module 500 quickly reaches a preset outlet temperature.

[0162] In one embodiment, the instant heating module 400 includes an instant heating chamber and an instant heating element. The instant heating chamber has an instant heating water inlet and an instant heating water outlet that are connected to the main water pipe 300. The instant heating element is disposed within the instant heating chamber to heat the water in the instant heating chamber. The instant heating element includes a heating pipe. It is understood that the instant heating water inlet is connected to the water inlet end of the main water pipe 300, and the instant heating water outlet is connected to the main water pipe 300. This arrangement allows water entering the main water pipe 300 to be heated by the instant heating module 400 and then flow into the main water pipe 300 along the instant heating water outlet. The number of heating pipes can be one or more, and is not specifically limited here.

[0163] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made by using the contents of the present invention description and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heating control method for an electric water heater, characterized in that: The electric water heater includes an inner tank assembly, a main water pipe, an instant heating module and a water mixing module. The inner tank assembly includes an inner tank body, an inner tank heating module provided on the inner tank body, an inner tank water inlet pipe and an inner tank water outlet pipe; the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe is connected to the main water pipe, and the water outlet of the inner tank water outlet pipe is connected to the water mixing module; the water mixing module is connected to the main water pipe and is located downstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe; the instant heating module is connected to the main water pipe and is located upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe, and the heating power of the instant heating module is constant power; the heating control method of the electric water heater includes: Based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the main water pipe, predict the outlet water temperature of the instant hot water after the inlet water passes through the instant hot water module; When the outlet temperature of the instant hot water is lower than the set temperature, the water mixing ratio of the water mixing module is determined according to the set temperature, the outlet temperature of the instant hot water and the outlet temperature of the inner tank body; Controlling the water mixing module to mix water according to the water mixing ratio; The step of determining the water mixing ratio of the water mixing module according to the set temperature, the instant hot water outlet temperature and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body includes: Determining the initial water mixing ratio of the water mixing module according to the set temperature, the instant hot water outlet temperature and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body; When the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body is greater than or equal to the set temperature, the initial water mixing ratio is used as the water mixing ratio of the water mixing module, and the instant heating module is controlled to operate at a constant heating power; When the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body is lower than the set temperature and greater than or equal to the instant hot water outlet temperature, the cold water inlet of the water mixing module connected to the inner tank outlet pipe is controlled to be closed, and the instant hot water module is controlled to operate at a constant heating power; When the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body is lower than the set temperature and lower than the instant hot water outlet temperature, the hot water inlet connected to the water mixing module and the inner tank outlet pipe is controlled to be closed, and the instant hot water module is controlled to operate at a constant heating power.

2. The heating control method of the electric water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the step of predicting the outlet temperature of the instant hot water after the inlet water passes through the instant hot water module based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow of the main water pipe, the method further includes: When the instant hot water outlet temperature is greater than or equal to the set temperature and less than the protection threshold of the set temperature, the hot water inlet connected to the water outlet pipe of the mixing module is controlled to be closed, and the instant hot water module is controlled to operate at a constant heating power.

3. The heating control method of the electric water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the step of predicting the outlet temperature of the instant hot water after the inlet water passes through the instant hot water module based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow of the main water pipe, the method further includes: When the outlet water temperature of the instant hot water is greater than or equal to the protection threshold of the set temperature, and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body is less than or equal to the set temperature, the mixing ratio of the water mixing module is determined according to the set temperature, the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body and the outlet water temperature of the instant hot water; The water mixing module is controlled to mix water at the current mixing ratio, the instant heating module is controlled to operate at a constant heating power, and the inner tank heating module is controlled not to operate.

4. The heating control method of the electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein: After the step of predicting the outlet temperature of the instant hot water after the inlet water passes through the instant hot water module based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow of the main water pipe, the method further includes: When the outlet water temperature of the instant hot water is greater than or equal to the protection threshold of the set temperature, and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body is greater than the set temperature, the mixing ratio of the water mixing module is determined according to the set temperature, the inlet water temperature and the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body; The water mixing module is controlled to mix water at the current mixing ratio, the instant heating module is controlled not to operate, and the inner tank heating module is controlled to operate.

5. The heating control method of the electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein: Before the step of predicting the outlet temperature of the instant hot water after the inlet water passes through the instant hot water module based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow of the main water pipe, the method further includes: Compare the total water flow rate of the main water pipe with the minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module; When the total water inlet flow of the main water pipe is less than the minimum safe flow of the instant heating module, the mixing ratio of the water mixing module is determined according to the set water inlet temperature and the water outlet temperature of the inner tank body, the water mixing module is controlled to mix water at the current mixing ratio, the instant heating module is controlled not to operate, and the inner tank heating module is controlled to operate; When the total inlet flow of the main water pipe is greater than or equal to the minimum safe flow of the instant heating module, the instant heating water outlet temperature after the inlet water passes through the instant heating module is predicted based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the main water pipe.

6. The heating control method of the electric water heater according to claim 5, characterized in that: Before the step of comparing the total water inlet flow of the main water pipe with the minimum safe flow of the instant heating module, the method further includes: Compare the water inlet temperature of the main water pipe with the set temperature; When the inlet water temperature is greater than or equal to the set temperature, the instant heating module and the inner tank heating module are controlled not to operate, and the hot water inlet connected to the inner tank water outlet pipe of the water mixing module is controlled to be closed; When the inlet water temperature is lower than the set temperature, the total inlet water flow of the main water pipe is compared with the minimum safe flow of the instant heating module.

7. The heating control method of the electric water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that: Before the step of comparing the water inlet temperature of the main water pipe with the set temperature, the method further includes: Determine the water inlet flow signal of the main water pipe according to the total water inlet flow of the main water pipe; When it is determined that there is no water inlet flow signal in the main water pipe, the instant heating module is controlled not to operate and the inner tank heating module is controlled to operate; When it is determined that there is a water inlet flow signal in the main water pipe, the water inlet temperature of the main water pipe is compared with the set temperature.

8. An electric water heater, characterized in that: include: The liner assembly includes an liner body, an liner heating module provided on the liner body, an liner water inlet pipe, and an liner water outlet pipe; A main water pipe is provided outside the inner liner body, and a water inlet of the inner liner water inlet pipe is connected to the main water pipe; an instant heating module, connected to the main water pipe and located upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe, the instant heating module being used to heat water flowing through the main water pipe, the heating power of the instant heating module being constant; a water mixing module, connected to the main water pipe and located downstream of the water inlet of the liner water inlet pipe, wherein the cold water inlet of the water mixing module is connected to the main water pipe, the hot water inlet of the water mixing module is connected to the water outlet of the liner water outlet pipe, and the water outlet of the water mixing module is connected to the main water pipe; A control device, wherein the inner tank heating module, the instant heating module and the water mixing module are electrically connected to the control device respectively; the control device includes a memory, a processor and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, and when the processor executes the computer program, the steps of the heating control method of the electric water heater as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 are implemented.

9. The electric water heater according to claim 8, wherein: The electric water heater further comprises a shell, the inner tank body is arranged in the shell, and the instant heating module is arranged on the main water pipe in the shell.

10. The electric water heater according to claim 8, wherein The electric water heater further comprises a water inlet temperature sensor, which is provided on the main water pipe and upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe; and / or, The electric water heater further comprises a water outlet temperature sensor, which is provided on the main water pipe and downstream of the water outlet of the water mixing module; and / or, The electric water heater further comprises a flow sensor, which is provided on the main water pipe and located upstream of the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe; and / or, The electric water heater further comprises an inner tank temperature sensor, which is arranged on the inner tank body and is used to detect the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body.

11. The electric water heater according to claim 8, wherein The electric water heater further comprises a shell, the inner tank body is arranged in the shell, and the instant heating module is arranged on the main water pipe outside the shell.

12. The electric water heater according to claim 11, wherein The main water pipe includes a first water pipe section and a second water pipe section that are interconnected. The first water pipe section is arranged upstream of the second water pipe section, at least part of the second water pipe section is arranged inside the outer shell, and at least part of the first water pipe section is arranged outside the outer shell. The instant heating module is arranged on the first water pipe section outside the outer shell.

13. The electric water heater according to claim 12, wherein: The electric water heater further comprises an external temperature sensor, wherein the external temperature sensor is arranged on the first water pipe section outside the housing; and / or, The electric water heater further comprises an external flow sensor, which is arranged on the first water pipe section outside the shell.

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