Methods, systems, equipment, and media for treating water heaters and condensate.

Abstract

This disclosure provides a method, system, device, and medium for treating condensate from a water heater. The method is applied to a water heater comprising a cavity, several preset devices disposed within the cavity, and a receiving component. The receiving component is fitted onto the outer surface of the preset devices, forming a receiving space inside. A heating element is disposed on the outer wall of the receiving component. The receiving space is used to collect condensate generated within the receiving component due to heating by the heating element. The method includes: monitoring a condensation treatment trigger event; and treating the condensate in the receiving space based on the condensation treatment trigger event. This disclosure achieves the simultaneous prevention of condensate generation within the water heater cavity and timely removal of condensate from the receiving space, ensuring the water heater's durability, protecting its product performance and safety, and improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of smart home appliance technology, and in particular to a water heater and a method, system, device and medium for treating condensate. Background Technology

[0002] During operation, water heaters generate high-temperature gas within their cavity. This gas comes into contact with components whose surface temperature remains largely unaffected during the heating process (such as the inlet pipes), causing condensation. Over time, this condensation drips down the cavity, and the accumulated water can damage the internal components, affecting the water heater's performance and posing safety hazards. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this disclosure is to overcome the defects in the prior art where condensate is generated on the surface of components such as water inlet pipes during the heating process of water heaters. The condensate drips downwards, which can lead to damage to internal components of the water heater, reduced product performance, and reduced safety. The disclosure provides a method, system, device, and medium for treating water heaters and condensate.

[0004] This disclosure solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0005] This disclosure provides a method for treating condensate, which is applied to a water heater, the water heater including a cavity, a plurality of preset devices disposed in the cavity, and a receiving component;

[0006] During the heating process of the water heater, the difference between the surface temperature of the preset device and the gas temperature of the high-temperature gas generated in the cavity is greater than a set value.

[0007] The receiving component is sleeved on the outer surface of the preset device, and a receiving space is formed inside the receiving component. A heating element is provided on the outer side wall of the receiving component, and the receiving space is used to collect condensate generated inside the receiving component by heating by the heating element.

[0008] The processing method includes:

[0009] Monitor condensation treatment trigger events;

[0010] Based on the condensation treatment trigger event, the condensate in the containment space is treated.

[0011] Preferably, the step of monitoring the condensation treatment trigger event includes:

[0012] Obtain the preset user operation and determine that the condensation treatment trigger event has occurred.

[0013] Preferably, the water heater further includes a liquid level sensor disposed within the housing;

[0014] The step of monitoring the condensation treatment trigger event further includes:

[0015] Obtain the actual liquid level of the condensate detected by the liquid level sensor;

[0016] When the actual liquid level is higher than the set liquid level, the condensation treatment trigger event is determined to have occurred.

[0017] Preferably, the step of monitoring the condensation treatment trigger event further includes:

[0018] Monitor the last discharge time of the condensate;

[0019] Based on the previous emission time, determine the interval between the previous emission time and the current time;

[0020] When the interval time is greater than the first preset duration, the condensation treatment trigger event is determined to have occurred.

[0021] Preferably, the water heater further includes an execution structure disposed within the cavity;

[0022] The receiving component is provided with a plurality of hole structures and a cover structure covering the hole structures;

[0023] The step of treating the condensate in the containment space based on the condensation treatment trigger event includes:

[0024] Based on the condensation treatment trigger event, the execution structure is driven to open the cover structure to discharge the condensate;

[0025] When it is detected that the duration of the cover structure being open is greater than a second preset duration, the execution structure is driven to cover the hole structure with the cover structure.

[0026] Preferably, the step of treating the condensate in the containment space based on the condensation treatment trigger event includes:

[0027] Based on the condensation treatment trigger event, the heating element is controlled to perform a heating operation to evaporate the condensate.

[0028] This disclosure also provides a condensate treatment system, which is applied in a water heater, the water heater including a cavity, a plurality of preset devices disposed in the cavity, and a receiving component;

[0029] During the heating process of the water heater, the difference between the surface temperature of the preset device and the gas temperature of the high-temperature gas generated in the cavity is greater than a set value.

[0030] The receiving component is sleeved on the outer surface of the preset device, and a receiving space is formed inside the receiving component. A heating element is provided on the outer side wall of the receiving component, and the receiving space is used to collect condensate generated inside the receiving component by heating by the heating element.

[0031] The processing system includes:

[0032] The event monitoring module is used to monitor events triggered by the condensation process.

[0033] A condensate treatment module is used to treat the condensate in the containment space based on the condensate treatment trigger event.

[0034] Preferably, the event monitoring module includes a first event determination unit;

[0035] The first event determination unit is used to acquire a preset user operation and determine that the condensation treatment trigger event has occurred.

[0036] Preferably, the water heater further includes a liquid level sensor disposed within the housing;

[0037] The event monitoring module also includes an actual liquid level acquisition unit and a second event determination unit;

[0038] The actual liquid level acquisition unit is used to acquire the actual liquid level of the condensate detected by the liquid level sensor;

[0039] The second event determination unit is used to determine that the condensation treatment trigger event has occurred when the actual liquid level is higher than the set liquid level.

[0040] Preferably, the event monitoring module further includes an emission time monitoring unit, an interval time determination unit, and a third event determination unit;

[0041] The discharge time monitoring unit is used to monitor the last discharge time of the condensate;

[0042] The interval time determination unit is used to determine the interval time from the previous emission time to the current time based on the previous emission time.

[0043] The third event determination unit is used to determine that the condensation treatment trigger event has occurred when the interval time is greater than the first preset duration.

[0044] Preferably, the water heater further includes an execution structure disposed within the cavity;

[0045] The receiving component is provided with a plurality of hole structures and a cover structure covering the hole structures;

[0046] The condensate treatment module includes a condensate discharge unit and a cover unit;

[0047] The condensate discharge unit is used to drive the execution structure to open the cover structure to discharge the condensate based on the condensation treatment trigger event;

[0048] The cover unit is used to drive the execution structure to cover the hole structure when it is detected that the duration of the cover structure being open is greater than a second preset duration.

[0049] Preferably, the condensate treatment module further includes a condensate evaporation unit;

[0050] The condensate evaporation unit is used to control the heating element to perform heating operations based on the condensation treatment trigger event, so as to evaporate the condensate.

[0051] This disclosure also provides a water heater that includes a condensate treatment system as described above.

[0052] This disclosure also provides an electronic device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and for running on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the condensate treatment method as described above.

[0053] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the condensate treatment method as described above.

[0054] Based on common knowledge in the field, the preferred conditions described can be combined arbitrarily to obtain various preferred embodiments of this disclosure.

[0055] The positive and progressive effects of this disclosure are as follows:

[0056] This disclosure monitors trigger events for condensate treatment. Based on preset user operations, the actual liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor reaching the set liquid level, and the interval of condensate discharge, the condensate in the containment space of the water heater is treated by discharge through a perforated structure or by heating and evaporation by the heating element. This achieves the goal of automatically, promptly, and efficiently treating the condensate generated in the containment while preventing condensate from being generated inside the water heater cavity. This avoids excessive condensate accumulation in the containment, which could lead to overflow or damage to the containment. This ensures the durability of the water heater, guarantees its product performance and safety, and improves the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the first module of the condensation treatment apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0058] Figure 2 This is an example diagram of the condensation treatment apparatus of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0059] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second module of the condensation treatment apparatus of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0060] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the condensate treatment method according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0061] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the condensate treatment method according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0062] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the condensate treatment system of Embodiment 3 of this disclosure.

[0063] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the condensate treatment system of Embodiment 4 of this disclosure.

[0064] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater according to Embodiment 5 of this disclosure.

[0065] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device according to Embodiment 6 of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0066] The present disclosure is further illustrated below by way of embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0067] Example 1

[0068] The water heater in this embodiment includes a cavity and several preset devices and a condensation treatment device disposed in the cavity;

[0069] In the process of heating water in a water heater, the first difference between the surface temperature of the preset device and the gas temperature of the high-temperature gas generated in the cavity is greater than the first set value.

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, the condensation treatment device includes a heat insulation structure 1;

[0071] The heat insulation structure 1 is fitted onto the surface of the preset device to isolate the surface of the preset device from the high-temperature gas, and the second difference between the temperature of the first sidewall of the outer sidewall of the heat insulation structure 1 and the temperature of the high-temperature gas is less than the second set value.

[0072] During the heating process of a water heater, the gas inside the heater cavity becomes high-temperature gas. The surface temperature of the preset components in the water heater remains unchanged or changes very little during the heating process. When the high-temperature gas encounters the relatively cool preset components, condensation forms on the outer surface of the components. An insulation structure is installed on the outer surface of each preset component in the water heater. The temperature difference between the outer wall of the insulation structure and the high-temperature gas is relatively small, thus preventing condensation from forming on both the outer surface of the preset components and the outer wall of the insulation structure.

[0073] In this solution, a heat insulation structure 1 is added to the outer wall of the components whose surface temperature is basically unaffected during the heating process inside the water heater cavity. This isolates these components from the high-temperature gas inside the cavity, thereby preventing the generation of condensate. The overall structure of the water heater is not changed, making it easy to modify. This solution solves the problem of damage to the internal components of the water heater caused by the downward dripping of condensate, ensuring the product performance and safety of the water heater, extending the service life of the water heater, and improving the user experience.

[0074] In a feasible solution, such as Figure 2 As shown, the preset device includes a water inlet pipe, and the inner wall of the heat insulation structure 1 covers the outer surface of the water inlet pipe.

[0075] In this solution, a heat insulation structure 1 is installed on the outer surface of the water inlet pipe to isolate the outer surface of the water inlet pipe from the high-temperature gas inside the cavity, thereby preventing the generation of condensate. This does not change the overall structure of the water heater, making it easy to modify. It solves the problem of damage to internal components of the water heater caused by the downward dripping of condensate, ensuring the product performance and safety of the water heater, increasing the service life of the water heater, and improving the user experience.

[0076] In one feasible solution, the thermal insulation structure 1 includes a vacuum tube, which has an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall covers the outer surface of the water inlet pipe, and the inner wall and the outer wall form a sealed space through a connector.

[0077] In this solution, a heat insulation structure 1 with a vacuum tube structure is adopted. The vacuum tube is sleeved on the outer surface of the water inlet pipe, and the entire vacuum tube forms a sealed space to isolate the outer surface of the water inlet pipe from the contact between the high-temperature gas inside the cavity, thereby avoiding the generation of condensate. The overall structure of the water heater is not changed, which is convenient for modification. It solves the problem of damage to the internal components of the water heater caused by the downward dripping of condensate, ensures the product performance and safety of the water heater, improves the service life of the water heater, and enhances the user experience.

[0078] In a feasible solution, such as Figure 3 As shown, the condensation treatment device also includes a heating module 2;

[0079] The heating module 2 includes a heating element 21 integrated in the outer wall, and the heating element 21 is electrically connected to the first control unit 3.

[0080] The first control unit 3 is used to drive the heating element 21 to heat the outer wall;

[0081] The third difference between the temperature of the second sidewall of the heated outer sidewall and the gas temperature is less than the third set value;

[0082] The third setting value is less than the second setting value.

[0083] In this solution, the first control unit 3 can be a control unit inherent in the water heater itself, or it can be a control unit installed in the condensation treatment device. The heating element 21 includes, but is not limited to, heating wire and electric heating wire. By integrating the heating element 21 into the outer wall of the insulation structure 1 and driving the heating element 21 to heat the outer wall through the first control unit 3, the temperature difference between the heated outer wall and the high-temperature gas in the cavity is reduced, further preventing condensation from forming on the outer wall of the insulation structure 1 itself. This does not change the overall structure of the water heater, facilitates modification, solves the problem of damage to internal components caused by condensation dripping downwards, ensures the product performance and safety of the water heater, extends the service life of the water heater, and enhances the user experience.

[0084] In one feasible embodiment, the heat insulation structure 1 includes a receiving member 11, which is sleeved on the outer surface of the water inlet pipe. The receiving member 11 forms a receiving space inside, and a heating element 21 is provided on the outer wall of the receiving member 11. The receiving space is used to collect condensate generated inside the receiving member by heating with the heating element.

[0085] The receiving member 11 is provided with a plurality of hole structures 111 and a cover structure 112 covering the hole structures 111.

[0086] In this solution, for non-vacuum tube type insulation structures 1, when the insulation structure 1 comes into contact with the high-temperature gas inside the cavity, condensation will occur between the inner and outer walls of the insulation structure 1. The condensation can be collected by providing a receiving component 11. Furthermore, a perforated structure 111 and a cover structure 112 are provided on the receiving component. The user can manually open the cover structure 112 to drain the condensation from the receiving component 11. This solves the problem of effective condensation drainage without altering the overall structure of the water heater, facilitating modification. It also solves the problem of damage to internal components caused by dripping condensation, ensuring the product performance and safety of the water heater, extending its service life, and improving the user experience.

[0087] In one feasible embodiment, the condensation treatment device further includes an actuation structure 4, which is electrically connected to the second control unit 5;

[0088] The second control unit 5 is used to drive the actuator 4 to open the cover structure 112 to drain the condensate in the container 11, or to drive the actuator 4 to cover the cover structure 112 on the hole structure 111.

[0089] In this solution, the second control unit 5 can be a control unit inherent in the water heater itself, or it can be a control unit installed in the condensation treatment device. The second control unit 5 drives the actuator 4 to open the cover structure 112 to discharge the condensate in the container 11, achieving timely and automatic condensate drainage. This facilitates retrofitting, solves the problem of damage to internal components of the water heater caused by dripping condensate, ensures the product performance and safety of the water heater, extends its service life, and enhances the user experience.

[0090] In one feasible embodiment, the thermal insulation structure 1 comprises N layers of thermal insulation layers stacked sequentially from the inner wall to the outer wall; wherein N ≥ 2 and N is an integer.

[0091] In this solution, by setting up a heat insulation structure 1 formed by multiple layers of heat insulation, the preset components are effectively and reliably isolated from high-temperature gas, thereby avoiding the generation of condensate, facilitating modification, solving the problem of damage to internal components of the water heater caused by condensate dripping downwards, ensuring the product performance and safety of the water heater, increasing the service life of the water heater, and improving the user experience.

[0092] In one feasible solution, the N-layer insulation includes either N layers of vacuum tubes or N layers of asbestos.

[0093] In this solution, by using a multi-layered vacuum tube or multi-layered asbestos insulation layer, the pre-installed components are effectively and reliably isolated from the high-temperature gas, thereby avoiding the generation of condensate, facilitating modification, solving the problem of damage to internal components of the water heater caused by condensate dripping downwards, ensuring the product performance and safety of the water heater, extending the service life of the water heater, and improving the user experience.

[0094] In one feasible embodiment, the N-layer insulation layer comprises a vacuum tube layer and an asbestos layer arranged sequentially from the inner wall to the outer wall.

[0095] In this design, the N insulation layers can be sequentially arranged with vacuum layers and asbestos layers, for example, from the inner wall to the outer wall, the layers can be arranged as follows: 2 vacuum tube layers, 1 asbestos layer, 2 vacuum tube layers, 1 asbestos layer, and so on. The specific total number of layers, the order in which the vacuum tube layers and asbestos layers are arranged, and the number of vacuum tube layers and asbestos layers respectively can be designed or adjusted according to the actual situation, and are not specifically limited here.

[0096] Based on the water heater described above, this embodiment provides a method for treating condensate, which is applied to the water heater described above.

[0097] like Figure 4 As shown, the processing method includes:

[0098] S101, Monitor condensation treatment trigger events;

[0099] S102. Based on the condensation treatment trigger event, process the condensate in the containment space.

[0100] Specifically, a processing instruction library can be pre-built, which includes several processing instruction sub-libraries. Different processing instruction sub-libraries include different processing instructions, which are used to characterize different processing operations on condensate. When a condensate treatment trigger event occurs, a corresponding instruction is generated. The generated instruction is compared with the processing instructions in the processing instruction library to obtain the comparison result. Based on the comparison result, the condensate treatment method is determined.

[0101] In this embodiment, by monitoring the triggering event for condensate treatment, the condensate in the receiving space of the water heater's housing is treated. This achieves the goal of automatically, promptly, and efficiently treating the condensate generated in the housing while preventing condensate from being generated inside the water heater's cavity. This avoids excessive condensate accumulation in the housing, which could lead to overflow or damage to the housing. This ensures the water heater's durability, guarantees its product performance and safety, and enhances the user experience.

[0102] Example 2

[0103] This embodiment provides a method for treating condensate, which is a further improvement on Embodiment 1, such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0104] In one feasible embodiment, step S101 includes:

[0105] S1011. Obtain the preset user operation and determine that a condensation treatment trigger event has occurred.

[0106] Specifically, preset user operations include button operations, text input operations, and voice control operations. The water heater has buttons for processing condensate water; when a user presses a button, the preset user operation is retrieved, and a condensate processing trigger event is confirmed. The water heater can also be equipped with text recognition and voice recognition functions; when a user inputs text or speaks a command related to condensate water processing, the preset user operation is retrieved, and a condensate processing trigger event is confirmed.

[0107] In this solution, the condensation treatment trigger event is determined based on the pre-set user operation, which can meet the user's specific needs for treating the condensate in the containment space. That is, through external interaction, the condensate is actively triggered, and the automatic and timely response and treatment are realized, which improves the user experience.

[0108] In one feasible embodiment, the water heater also includes a liquid level sensor located within the housing.

[0109] Step S101 also includes:

[0110] S1012. Obtain the actual liquid level of condensate detected by the liquid level sensor;

[0111] S1013. When the actual liquid level is higher than the set liquid level, a condensation treatment trigger event is determined to occur.

[0112] Specifically, the liquid level sensor can be installed at the bottom of the container to facilitate the detection of the actual liquid level inside the container; alternatively, it can be installed in the middle of the container to determine whether the actual liquid level has reached the sensor's position. Multiple liquid level sensors can also be installed to obtain multiple intermediate liquid level values, allowing for a more accurate determination of the actual liquid level and precise control of the automatic condensate treatment.

[0113] In this solution, by installing a liquid level sensor inside the container, the actual liquid level of the condensate inside the container can be monitored in real time. When the actual liquid level is higher than the set liquid level, the condensate is automatically treated, which avoids the accumulation of condensate in the container, which could lead to excessive water accumulation, overflow of condensate in the container space, or damage to the container due to excessive condensate. This ensures the durability of the water heater, guarantees the product performance and safety of the water heater, and improves the user experience.

[0114] In one feasible embodiment, step S101 further includes:

[0115] S1014. Monitor the last discharge time of condensate;

[0116] S1015. Based on the last emission time, determine the interval between the last emission time and the current time;

[0117] S1016. When the interval time is greater than the first preset duration, a condensation treatment trigger event is determined to have occurred.

[0118] Specifically, the first preset duration can be set or adjusted according to actual conditions, for example, 1 hour, meaning that the condensate is treated every hour. When the last discharge time of the condensate is detected to be more than 1 hour before the current time, a condensation treatment trigger event is determined, and the condensate needs to be treated in a timely manner.

[0119] This solution monitors the condensate drainage time. When the interval between the last drainage time and the current time is too long, the condensate is treated in a timely manner. This prevents excessive condensate buildup in the containment, which could lead to overflow or damage to the containment. This ensures the durability of the water heater, guarantees its performance and safety, and enhances the user experience.

[0120] Step S102 includes:

[0121] S1021. Based on the condensation treatment trigger event, the drive execution structure is used to open the cover structure to discharge condensate.

[0122] S1022. When the duration of the cover structure being open is detected to be longer than the second preset duration, the drive execution structure is used to move the cover structure to cover the hole structure.

[0123] Specifically, the second preset duration can be set or adjusted according to the actual situation. For example, the time required for all the condensate to drain completely from the container space filled with condensate can be considered as the second preset duration, such as 10 seconds. When the cover structure is detected to have been open for 10 seconds, the actuator is promptly driven to close the cover structure on the hole structure.

[0124] In this solution, by setting an execution structure, when it is determined that condensate needs to be treated, the execution structure is automatically controlled to open the cover structure to allow the condensate to drain. This achieves automated control of condensate drainage, preventing condensate from overflowing from the containment space or from being damaged due to excessive condensate in the containment components. This ensures the durability of the water heater, guarantees its product performance and safety, extends its service life, and enhances the user experience. When the cover structure is detected to be open for more than a second preset time, the hole structure is closed in time to achieve centralized collection of condensate, facilitating subsequent condensate treatment and further enhancing the user experience.

[0125] In one feasible embodiment, step S102 further includes:

[0126] S1023. Based on the condensation treatment trigger event, control the heating element to perform heating operation to evaporate the condensate.

[0127] In this solution, when a condensation trigger event occurs, a corresponding evaporation control command is generated, automatically controlling the heating element to heat and evaporate the condensate. This achieves automated control of condensate evaporation, preventing excessive condensate accumulation in the container, which could lead to overflow or damage. This ensures the water heater's durability, product performance and safety, and enhances the user experience.

[0128] In this embodiment, by monitoring the trigger event for condensate treatment, based on preset user operations, the actual liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor reaching the set liquid level, and the interval time for condensate discharge, the condensate in the containment space of the water heater is treated by discharge through the perforated structure or by heating and evaporation by the heating element. This achieves the goal of automatically, timely, and efficiently treating the condensate generated in the containment while preventing condensate from being generated inside the water heater cavity. This avoids the accumulation of condensate in the containment, which could lead to excessive water accumulation, overflow of condensate in the containment space, or damage to the containment due to excessive condensate. This ensures the durability of the water heater, guarantees the product performance and safety of the water heater, and improves the user experience.

[0129] Example 3

[0130] The water heater in this embodiment includes a cavity and several preset devices and a condensation treatment device disposed in the cavity;

[0131] In the process of heating water in a water heater, the first difference between the surface temperature of the preset device and the gas temperature of the high-temperature gas generated in the cavity is greater than the first set value.

[0132] like Figure 1 As shown, the condensation treatment device includes a heat insulation structure 1;

[0133] The heat insulation structure 1 is fitted onto the surface of the preset device to isolate the surface of the preset device from the high-temperature gas, and the second difference between the temperature of the first sidewall of the outer sidewall of the heat insulation structure 1 and the temperature of the high-temperature gas is less than the second set value.

[0134] During the heating process of a water heater, the gas inside the heater cavity becomes high-temperature gas. The surface temperature of the preset components in the water heater remains unchanged or changes very little during the heating process. When the high-temperature gas encounters the relatively cool preset components, condensation forms on the outer surface of the components. An insulation structure is installed on the outer surface of each preset component in the water heater. The temperature difference between the outer wall of the insulation structure and the high-temperature gas is relatively small, thus preventing condensation from forming on both the outer surface of the preset components and the outer wall of the insulation structure.

[0135] In this solution, a heat insulation structure 1 is added to the outer wall of the components whose surface temperature is basically unaffected during the heating process inside the water heater cavity. This isolates these components from the high-temperature gas inside the cavity, thereby preventing the generation of condensate. The overall structure of the water heater is not changed, making it easy to modify. This solution solves the problem of damage to the internal components of the water heater caused by the downward dripping of condensate, ensuring the product performance and safety of the water heater, extending the service life of the water heater, and improving the user experience.

[0136] In a feasible solution, such as Figure 2 As shown, the preset device includes a water inlet pipe, and the inner wall of the heat insulation structure 1 covers the outer surface of the water inlet pipe.

[0137] In this solution, a heat insulation structure 1 is installed on the outer surface of the water inlet pipe to isolate the outer surface of the water inlet pipe from the high-temperature gas inside the cavity, thereby preventing the generation of condensate. This does not change the overall structure of the water heater, making it easy to modify. It solves the problem of damage to internal components of the water heater caused by the downward dripping of condensate, ensuring the product performance and safety of the water heater, increasing the service life of the water heater, and improving the user experience.

[0138] In one feasible solution, the thermal insulation structure 1 includes a vacuum tube, which has an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall covers the outer surface of the water inlet pipe, and the inner wall and the outer wall form a sealed space through a connector.

[0139] In this solution, a heat insulation structure 1 with a vacuum tube structure is adopted. The vacuum tube is sleeved on the outer surface of the water inlet pipe, and the entire vacuum tube forms a sealed space to isolate the outer surface of the water inlet pipe from the contact between the high-temperature gas inside the cavity, thereby avoiding the generation of condensate. The overall structure of the water heater is not changed, which is convenient for modification. It solves the problem of damage to the internal components of the water heater caused by the downward dripping of condensate, ensures the product performance and safety of the water heater, improves the service life of the water heater, and enhances the user experience.

[0140] In a feasible solution, such as Figure 3 As shown, the condensation treatment device also includes a heating module 2;

[0141] The heating module 2 includes a heating element 21 integrated in the outer wall, and the heating element 21 is electrically connected to the first control unit 3.

[0142] The first control unit 3 is used to drive the heating element 21 to heat the outer wall;

[0143] The third difference between the temperature of the second sidewall of the heated outer sidewall and the gas temperature is less than the third set value;

[0144] The third setting value is less than the second setting value.

[0145] In this solution, the first control unit 3 can be a control unit inherent in the water heater itself, or it can be a control unit installed in the condensation treatment device. The heating element 21 includes, but is not limited to, heating wire and electric heating wire. By integrating the heating element 21 into the outer wall of the insulation structure 1 and driving the heating element 21 to heat the outer wall through the first control unit 3, the temperature difference between the heated outer wall and the high-temperature gas in the cavity is reduced, further preventing condensation from forming on the outer wall of the insulation structure 1 itself. This does not change the overall structure of the water heater, facilitates modification, solves the problem of damage to internal components caused by condensation dripping downwards, ensures the product performance and safety of the water heater, extends the service life of the water heater, and enhances the user experience.

[0146] In one feasible embodiment, the heat insulation structure 1 includes a receiving member 11, which is sleeved on the outer surface of the water inlet pipe. The receiving member 11 forms a receiving space inside, and a heating element 21 is provided on the outer wall of the receiving member 11. The receiving space is used to collect condensate generated inside the receiving member by heating with the heating element.

[0147] The receiving member 11 is provided with a plurality of hole structures 111 and a cover structure 112 covering the hole structures 111.

[0148] In this solution, for non-vacuum tube type insulation structures 1, when the insulation structure 1 comes into contact with the high-temperature gas inside the cavity, condensation will occur between the inner and outer walls of the insulation structure 1. The condensation can be collected by providing a receiving component 11. Furthermore, a perforated structure 111 and a cover structure 112 are provided on the receiving component. The user can manually open the cover structure 112 to drain the condensation from the receiving component 11. This solves the problem of effective condensation drainage without altering the overall structure of the water heater, facilitating modification. It also solves the problem of damage to internal components caused by dripping condensation, ensuring the product performance and safety of the water heater, extending its service life, and improving the user experience.

[0149] In one feasible embodiment, the condensation treatment device further includes an actuation structure 4, which is electrically connected to the second control unit 5;

[0150] The second control unit 5 is used to drive the actuator 4 to open the cover structure 112 to drain the condensate in the container 11, or to drive the actuator 4 to cover the cover structure 112 on the hole structure 111.

[0151] In this solution, the second control unit 5 can be a control unit inherent in the water heater itself, or it can be a control unit installed in the condensation treatment device. The second control unit 5 drives the actuator 4 to open the cover structure 112 to discharge the condensate in the container 11, achieving timely and automatic condensate drainage. This facilitates retrofitting, solves the problem of damage to internal components of the water heater caused by dripping condensate, ensures the product performance and safety of the water heater, extends its service life, and enhances the user experience.

[0152] In one feasible embodiment, the thermal insulation structure 1 comprises N layers of thermal insulation layers stacked sequentially from the inner wall to the outer wall; wherein N ≥ 2 and N is an integer.

[0153] In this solution, by setting up a heat insulation structure 1 formed by multiple layers of heat insulation, the preset components are effectively and reliably isolated from high-temperature gas, thereby avoiding the generation of condensate, facilitating modification, solving the problem of damage to internal components of the water heater caused by condensate dripping downwards, ensuring the product performance and safety of the water heater, increasing the service life of the water heater, and improving the user experience.

[0154] In one feasible solution, the N-layer insulation includes either N layers of vacuum tubes or N layers of asbestos.

[0155] In this solution, by using a multi-layered vacuum tube or multi-layered asbestos insulation layer, the pre-installed components are effectively and reliably isolated from the high-temperature gas, thereby avoiding the generation of condensate, facilitating modification, solving the problem of damage to internal components of the water heater caused by condensate dripping downwards, ensuring the product performance and safety of the water heater, extending the service life of the water heater, and improving the user experience.

[0156] In one feasible embodiment, the N-layer insulation layer comprises a vacuum tube layer and an asbestos layer arranged sequentially from the inner wall to the outer wall.

[0157] In this design, the N insulation layers can be sequentially arranged with vacuum layers and asbestos layers, for example, from the inner wall to the outer wall, the layers can be arranged as follows: 2 vacuum tube layers, 1 asbestos layer, 2 vacuum tube layers, 1 asbestos layer, and so on. The specific total number of layers, the order in which the vacuum tube layers and asbestos layers are arranged, and the number of vacuum tube layers and asbestos layers respectively can be designed or adjusted according to the actual situation, and are not specifically limited here.

[0158] Based on the water heater described above, this embodiment provides a condensate treatment system, which is applied to the water heater described above.

[0159] like Figure 6 As shown, the processing system includes:

[0160] Event monitoring module 6 is used to monitor condensation treatment trigger events;

[0161] The condensate treatment module 7 is used to treat the condensate in the containment space based on the condensate treatment trigger event.

[0162] In this embodiment, by monitoring the triggering event for condensate treatment, the condensate in the receiving space of the water heater's housing is treated. This achieves the goal of automatically, promptly, and efficiently treating the condensate generated in the housing while preventing condensate from being generated inside the water heater's cavity. This avoids excessive condensate accumulation in the housing, which could lead to overflow or damage to the housing. This ensures the water heater's durability, guarantees its product performance and safety, and enhances the user experience.

[0163] Example 4

[0164] This embodiment provides a condensate treatment system, which is a further improvement on Embodiment 3, such as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0165] In one feasible solution, the event monitoring module 6 includes a first event determination unit 61;

[0166] The first event determination unit 61 is used to obtain preset user operations and determine the occurrence of a condensation treatment trigger event.

[0167] In one feasible embodiment, the water heater also includes a liquid level sensor disposed within the housing;

[0168] The event monitoring module includes 6, as well as an actual liquid level acquisition unit 62 and a second event determination unit 63;

[0169] The actual liquid level acquisition unit 62 is used to acquire the actual liquid level of the condensate detected by the liquid level sensor;

[0170] The second event determination unit 63 is used to determine that a condensation treatment trigger event has occurred when the actual liquid level is higher than the set liquid level.

[0171] In one feasible embodiment, the event monitoring module 6 further includes an emission time monitoring unit 64, an interval time determination unit 65, and a third event determination unit 66;

[0172] The discharge time monitoring unit 64 is used to monitor the last discharge time of condensate;

[0173] The interval time determination unit 65 is used to determine the interval time from the last emission time to the current time based on the last emission time;

[0174] The third event determination unit 66 is used to determine that a condensation treatment trigger event has occurred when the interval time is greater than the first preset duration.

[0175] In one feasible embodiment, the water heater also includes an actuating structure disposed within the cavity;

[0176] The receiving component has several hole structures and a cover structure that covers the hole structures;

[0177] The condensate treatment module 7 includes a condensate discharge unit 71 and a cover unit 72;

[0178] The condensate discharge unit 71 is used to drive the execution structure to open the cover structure to discharge condensate based on a condensation treatment trigger event;

[0179] The cover unit 72 is used to drive the execution structure to cover the hole structure when it is detected that the duration of the cover structure being opened is greater than a second preset duration.

[0180] In one feasible embodiment, the condensate treatment module 7 further includes a condensate evaporation unit 73;

[0181] The condensate evaporation unit 73 is used to control the heating element to perform heating operation based on the condensation treatment trigger event in order to evaporate the condensate.

[0182] In this embodiment, by monitoring the trigger event for condensate treatment, based on preset user operations, the actual liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor reaching the set liquid level, and the interval time for condensate discharge, the condensate in the containment space of the water heater is treated by discharge through the perforated structure or by heating and evaporation by the heating element. This achieves the goal of automatically, timely, and efficiently treating the condensate generated in the containment while preventing condensate from being generated inside the water heater cavity. This avoids the accumulation of condensate in the containment, which could lead to excessive water accumulation, overflow of condensate in the containment space, or damage to the containment due to excessive condensate. This ensures the durability of the water heater, guarantees the product performance and safety of the water heater, and improves the user experience.

[0183] Example 5

[0184] This embodiment provides a water heater that includes a condensate treatment system as described in Embodiment 3 or 4.

[0185] like Figure 8 The diagram shows the structure of a gas-fired water heater, which includes a heat exchanger 81, a combustion chamber 82, a proportional valve 83, a water outlet 84, a gas inlet 85, a water inlet 86, a water inlet pipe 87, a fan 88, and a flue pipe 89. Hot water passing through the heat exchanger 81 flows out from the water outlet 84, gas enters the proportional valve 83 from the gas inlet 85, cold water flows into the water inlet pipe 87 from the water inlet 86, and the flue gas produced by the combustion of the gas is discharged through the flue pipe 89.

[0186] The water heater in this embodiment integrates the aforementioned condensate treatment system. By monitoring trigger events for condensate treatment, and based on preset user operations, the actual liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor reaching the set liquid level, and the interval of condensate discharge, the condensate in the water heater's containment space is treated through drainage via a perforated structure or by heating and evaporation by the heating element. This achieves the goal of automatically and promptly handling condensate even when it is generated, avoiding the problem of condensate accumulation and water buildup in the water heater, which could damage internal components. This ensures the product performance and safety of the water heater, extends its service life, and enhances the user experience.

[0187] Example 6

[0188] like Figure 9 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of an electronic device provided in Embodiment 6 of this disclosure. It includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the condensate treatment method as described in the above embodiments. Figure 9The electronic device 90 shown is merely an example and should not impose any limitation on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0189] The electronic device 90 may be in the form of a general-purpose computing device, such as a server device. The components of the electronic device 90 may include, but are not limited to: at least one processor 91, at least one memory 92, and a bus 93 connecting different system components (including memory 92 and processor 91).

[0190] Bus 93 includes a data bus, an address bus, and a control bus.

[0191] The memory 92 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 921 and / or cache memory 922, and may further include read-only memory (ROM) 923.

[0192] The memory 92 may also include a program / utility 925 having a set (at least one) of program modules 924, including but not limited to: an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment.

[0193] The processor 91 executes various functional applications and data processing by running computer programs stored in the memory 92, such as the condensate treatment method in the above embodiments of this disclosure.

[0194] Electronic device 90 can also communicate with one or more external devices 94 (e.g., keyboard, pointing device, etc.). This communication can be performed via input / output (I / O) interface 95. Furthermore, the model-generated device 90 can also communicate with one or more networks (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and / or public network, such as the Internet) via network adapter 96. As shown, network adapter 96 communicates with other modules of the model-generated device 90 via bus 93. It should be understood that, although not shown in the figure, other hardware and / or software modules can be used in conjunction with the model-generated device 90, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processors, external disk drive arrays, RAID (disk array) systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems.

[0195] It should be noted that although several units / modules or sub-units / modules of the electronic device have been mentioned in the detailed description above, this division is merely exemplary and not mandatory. In fact, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the features and functions of two or more units / modules described above can be embodied in one unit / module. Conversely, the features and functions of one unit / module described above can be further divided and embodied by multiple units / modules.

[0196] Example 7

[0197] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the condensate treatment method as described in the above embodiments.

[0198] The readable storage medium may be more specifically adopted, including but not limited to: portable disk, hard disk, random access memory, read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0199] In a possible implementation, this disclosure can also be implemented as a program product comprising program code that, when the program product is run on a terminal device, causes the terminal device to execute the condensate treatment method as described in the above embodiments.

[0200] The program code for executing this disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, and the program code can be executed entirely on a user device, partially on a user device, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a user device and partially on a remote device, or entirely on a remote device.

[0201] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of this disclosure, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method of treating condensate water, characterized by, The processing method is applied to a water heater, the water heater comprising a cavity, a plurality of preset devices arranged in the cavity, and a heat insulation structure, the heat insulation structure comprising a containing member; the preset devices comprising a water inlet pipeline; wherein, during the heating process of the water heater, the difference between the surface temperature of the preset devices and the gas temperature of the high-temperature gas generated in the cavity is greater than a set value; the containing member is sleeved on the outer surface of the preset devices, the containing member forms a containing space inside, a heating member is arranged on the outer side wall of the containing member, and the containing space is used for collecting the condensed water generated in the containing member; a plurality of hole structures are arranged on the containing member, and a cover structure is arranged on the hole structures; the processing method comprises: monitoring a condensed water treatment triggering event; based on the condensed water treatment triggering event, processing the condensed water in the containing space.

2. The method of treating condensate water as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The step of monitoring the condensed water treatment triggering event comprises: acquiring a preset user operation to determine whether the condensed water treatment triggering event occurs.

3. The method of treating condensate water as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The water heater further comprises a liquid level sensor arranged in the containing member; The step of monitoring the condensed water treatment triggering event further comprises: acquiring the actual liquid level of the condensed water detected by the liquid level sensor; when the actual liquid level is higher than a set liquid level, it is determined that the condensed water treatment triggering event occurs.

4. The method of treating condensate water of claim 1, wherein The step of monitoring the condensed water treatment triggering event further comprises: monitoring the last time of discharging the condensed water; based on the last time of discharging the condensed water, determining the interval time from the last time of discharging the condensed water to the current time; when the interval time is greater than a first preset time length, it is determined that the condensed water treatment triggering event occurs.

5. The method of treating condensate water according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The water heater further comprises an execution structure arranged in the cavity; The step of processing the condensed water in the containing space based on the condensed water treatment triggering event comprises: based on the condensed water treatment triggering event, driving the execution structure to drive the cover structure to open to discharge the condensed water; when it is monitored that the opening time of the cover structure is greater than a second preset time length, driving the execution structure to drive the cover structure to cover the hole structures.

6. The method of treating condensate water according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The step of processing the condensed water in the containing space based on the condensed water treatment triggering event comprises: based on the condensed water treatment triggering event, controlling the heating member to perform a heating operation to evaporate the condensed water.

7. A condensate water treatment system characterized by, The processing system is applied to a water heater, the water heater comprising a cavity, a plurality of preset devices arranged in the cavity, and a heat insulation structure, the heat insulation structure comprising a containing member; the preset devices comprising a water inlet pipeline; wherein, during the heating process of the water heater, the difference between the surface temperature of the preset devices and the gas temperature of the high-temperature gas generated in the cavity is greater than a set value; the containing member is sleeved on the outer surface of the preset devices, the containing member forms a containing space inside, a heating member is arranged on the outer side wall of the containing member, and the containing space is used for collecting the condensed water generated in the containing member; a plurality of hole structures are arranged on the containing member, and a cover structure is arranged on the hole structures; The processing system comprises: an event monitoring module for monitoring a condensed water treatment triggering event; A condensate water treatment module for treating the condensate water within the containment space based on the condensate treatment trigger event.

8. A water heater, characterized by The water heater comprises a condensate water treatment system as claimed in claim 7.

9. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory for running on the processor, characterized in that, The processor realizes the condensate water treatment method as claimed in any one of claims 1-6 when executing the computer program.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, characterized in that, The computer program realizes the condensate water treatment method as claimed in any one of claims 1-6 when executed by the processor.

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