Water heater and water heater control method

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of water heaters, and discloses a water heater and a water heater control method, the water heater comprising: a water supply pipe comprising a water inlet pipe section and a water outlet pipe section which are in communication with each other; a liquid discharge pipeline connected to the water supply pipe; a containing tank arranged on the liquid discharge pipeline, the liquid discharge pipeline being adapted to discharge additives in the containing tank to the water supply pipe; a flow regulating valve arranged on the liquid discharge pipeline; a first flow sensor adapted to detect a first flow of the liquid discharge pipeline; a second flow sensor adapted to detect a second flow of the water inlet pipe section; and a controller adapted to calculate a current concentration of the additives entering the water outlet pipe section according to the first flow and the second flow, and if the current concentration is inconsistent with a preset concentration, the controller controls the flow regulating valve to regulate the flow of the liquid discharge pipeline. The first flow is controlled by controlling the flow regulating valve, so that the current concentration can be regulated according to the first flow, and the control mode is simple and reliable, thereby ensuring the efficacy of the additives during bathing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of water heaters, in particular to a water heater and a water heater control method. BACKGROUND

[0002] Water heaters have become common household appliances. With more and more people paying attention to health issues, natural and healthy bathing has also been valued.

[0003] In related prior art, some water heater products are provided with a containing tank for adding various health-care additives such as essential oil of incense in the water circuit inside the machine to achieve the purpose of improving bathing effect. Most of the health-care additives are consumables. When water flows through the containing tank, part of the health-care additives dissolved in the water will be taken away. Therefore, after a certain period of use, the concentration of the health-care additives in the bathing water will decrease, which will affect the efficacy. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, the present application provides a water heater to solve the problem that the concentration of health-care additives in the containing tank of the water heater cannot be adjusted in time during use and affects the efficacy.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a water heater, comprising: a water supply pipe comprising a water inlet pipe section and a water outlet pipe section which are in communication with each other; a liquid discharge pipeline connected to the water supply pipe; a containing tank arranged on the liquid discharge pipeline, the liquid discharge pipeline being adapted to discharge additives in the containing tank to the water supply pipe; a flow regulating valve arranged on the liquid discharge pipeline; a first flow sensor arranged on the liquid discharge pipeline and adapted to detect a first flow of the liquid discharge pipeline; a second flow sensor arranged on the water inlet pipe section, the second flow sensor being adapted to detect a second flow of the water inlet pipe section; and a controller communicatively connected to the first flow sensor, the second flow sensor and the flow regulating valve, respectively, the controller being adapted to calculate a current concentration of the additives entering the water outlet pipe section according to the first flow and the second flow, and if the current concentration is inconsistent with a preset concentration, the controller controls the flow regulating valve to adjust the flow of the liquid discharge pipeline.

[0006] The controller can control the first flow by controlling the opening degree of the flow regulating valve. When the first flow increases, the current concentration can be increased, and when the first flow decreases, the current concentration can be decreased, so that the current concentration can be adjusted according to the control of the first flow. The control method is simple and reliable. By detecting the first flow and the second flow in real time, the current concentration can be determined in time and adjusted in time, so that the efficacy of the additives during bathing is ensured.

[0007] In an alternative embodiment, the holding tank is adapted to display the remaining amount of additive in the holding tank.

[0008] By displaying the remaining amount of the holding tank, when the holding tank displays the remaining amount of liquid in the holding tank, by displaying the remaining amount, it can be known whether the additive needs to be added to the holding tank, so as to ensure that the additive in the holding tank can meet the usage requirement at least at the time of use, and the effect of the additive can be ensured to be effectively exerted.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment, a scale line is provided on the holding tank to display the remaining amount.

[0010] By displaying the remaining amount by means of the scale line provided on the holding tank, the method is simple, the cost is low, and it is also more intuitive.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment, the liquid inlet end of the liquid discharge pipeline is connected to the water inlet pipe section, and the liquid outlet end of the liquid discharge pipeline is connected to the water outlet pipe section.

[0012] The liquid discharge pipeline is connected to the water inlet pipe section and the water outlet pipe section, so that the additive is added to the water outlet, and thus the additive does not pass through high-temperature heat exchange, so as to avoid decomposition of the additive due to high temperature and reduce the efficacy.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the water heater further comprises a switch valve provided at the liquid inlet end of the liquid discharge pipeline, the liquid inlet end being connected to the water inlet pipe section, and the switch valve being in communication connection with the controller. The controller is provided with a function button, and the controller controls the switch valve to open or close according to the function button.

[0014] By controlling the opening or closing of the switch valve by the controller, automatic control can be realized. When the user presses the function button on the controller, it indicates that the user wants to start the health bathing function. The controller receives the trigger signal of the function button, and controls the switch valve to open, so that the liquid inlet pipe supplies water to the holding tank and the liquid in the holding tank enters the water outlet pipe section through the liquid outlet pipe. Automatic control of the water heater can be realized.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, a signal prompting device is further included, the signal prompting device is in communication connection with the controller, the controller is adapted to calculate the usage amount after accumulating the first flow amount, the controller compares the usage amount with the capacity of the holding tank, and the controller sends a material shortage signal to the signal prompting device according to the comparison result, so that the signal prompting device sends a material shortage prompt.

[0016] The controller accumulates the first flow rate detected by the first flow sensor in the liquid outlet pipe, so that the use amount of the additive in the holding tank can be calculated. Since the capacity or the additive amount in the holding tank is calculable or observable, the residual amount of the additive in the holding tank can be calculated in turn. When the controller accumulates the first flow rate to calculate that the holding tank is out of additive, a prompt information can be sent to prompt the user to add additive.

[0017] The controller can control the first flow rate by controlling the opening degree of the flow regulating valve, so that the current concentration can be adjusted, and the efficacy of the additive during bathing can be ensured.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present application further provides a water heater control method using any of the water heaters, and the water heater control method comprises:

[0019] Obtaining the first flow rate of the liquid outlet pipeline;

[0020] Obtaining the second flow rate of the water inlet pipe section;

[0021] Calculating the current concentration of the additive entering the water outlet pipe section according to the first flow rate and the second flow rate;

[0022] If the current concentration is inconsistent with the preset concentration, the controller controls the flow regulating valve to adjust the flow rate of the liquid outlet pipeline.

[0023] The current concentration is calculated by obtaining the first flow rate and the second flow rate, and the first flow rate is controlled by controlling the opening degree of the flow regulating valve when the current concentration is inconsistent with the preset concentration, so that the current concentration can be adjusted, and the efficacy of the additive during bathing can be ensured.

[0024] In an optional embodiment, the water heater control method further comprises:

[0025] Obtaining the residual amount of the additive in the holding tank;

[0026] When the residual amount of the additive is less than the minimum use amount, the additive is added to the holding tank.

[0027] By displaying the residual amount of the holding tank, when the holding tank displays the residual amount of the liquid in the holding tank, it can be known whether the additive needs to be added to the holding tank by displaying the residual amount, so that the additive in the holding tank can at least meet the use requirement during use, and the efficacy of the additive can be effectively exerted.

[0028] In an optional embodiment, the water heater control method further comprises:

[0029] After the additive adding period or the replacement of the new holding tank, the first flow rate is accumulated;

[0030] When the accumulated first flow shows that the holding tank is out of material, the holding tank is added with additive.

[0031] The first flow sensor detects the flow in the outlet pipe, and the use amount of the additive in the holding tank is calculated. Since the capacity or the additive amount in the holding tank is calculable or observable, the residual amount of the additive in the holding tank is calculated. When the accumulated first flow shows that the holding tank is out of material, the holding tank is added with additive.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the formula for calculating the current concentration is: current concentration = first flow / second flow.

[0033] The above-mentioned calculation method of the current concentration is simple and reliable, and can ensure the accuracy of the calculation of the current concentration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings needed in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings according to these drawings without creative labor.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 2 A flow chart of a control method of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 3 A flow chart of another control method of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 4 A flow chart of still another control method of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 5 A flow chart of yet another control method of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 6 A block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Explanation of reference signs:

[0042] 1, heat exchanger;

[0043] 21, water inlet pipe section; 22, water outlet pipe section; 23, heat exchange pipe section;

[0044] 3, holding tank; 31, scale line;

[0045] 4. Drainage pipe; 41. Liquid inlet pipe; 42. Liquid outlet pipe;

[0046] 5. Flow regulating valve;

[0047] 6. Switch valve;

[0048] 7. Controller;

[0049] 8. First flow sensor;

[0050] 9. Second flow sensor;

[0051] 10. Temperature sensor;

[0052] 20. Memory;

[0053] 30. Processor. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0055] Application Overview

[0056] In existing technologies, the dissolved health-promoting additives in the container are depleted after a period of use. If they are not replenished in time, the dosage requirements cannot be met, and the product will lose its efficacy. Furthermore, the functions and control methods of existing containers for health-promoting additives do not fully meet user needs, such as the ability to precisely adjust concentrations and provide dosage information. This application addresses these technical problems.

[0057] The following is combined Figures 1 to 5 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] like Figure 1As shown, according to the embodiment of the present application, in one aspect, a water heater is provided, which comprises a water supply pipe, a containing tank 3, a liquid discharge pipeline 4, a flow regulating valve 5, a first flow sensor 8 and a second flow sensor 9. The water supply pipe comprises a water inlet pipe section 21 and a water outlet pipe section 22 which are in communication with each other. The liquid discharge pipeline 4 is connected to the water supply pipe, and the containing tank 3 is arranged on the liquid discharge pipeline 4. The liquid discharge pipeline 4 is adapted to discharge the additive in the containing tank 3 to the water supply pipe. The flow regulating valve 5 is arranged on the liquid discharge pipeline 4. The first flow sensor 8 is arranged on the liquid discharge pipeline 4 and is adapted to detect the first flow of the liquid discharge pipeline 4. The second flow sensor 9 is arranged on the water inlet pipe section 21 and is adapted to detect the second flow of the water inlet pipe section 21. The controller 7 is communicatively connected to the first flow sensor 8, the second flow sensor 9 and the flow regulating valve 5, respectively. The controller 7 is adapted to calculate the current concentration of the additive entering the water outlet pipe section 22 according to the first flow and the second flow, and if the current concentration is inconsistent with the preset concentration, the controller 7 controls the flow regulating valve 5 to regulate the flow of the liquid discharge pipeline 4.

[0059] The water supply pipe further comprises a heat exchange pipe section 23 which is in heat exchange with the heat exchanger 1. The water inlet pipe section 21 is adapted to supply water to the heat exchange pipe section 23, and the water outlet pipe section 22 is adapted to discharge water from the heat exchange pipe section 23. The liquid discharge pipeline 4 is connected to the containing tank 3 and is adapted to discharge the additive to the water outlet pipe section 22.

[0060] The water inlet pipe section 21 can be connected to tap water. The tap water is supplied to the water supply pipe through the water inlet pipe section 21, and then enters the heat exchange pipe section 23 to exchange heat with the heat exchanger 1. After heat exchange, the water in the heat exchange pipe section 23 is heated to become hot water, so that the water supply pipe can discharge hot water through the water outlet pipe section 22.

[0061] As the bathing time increases, the concentration of the additive entering the water outlet pipe section 22 from the containing tank 3 tends to decrease, and therefore, the flow entering the liquid outlet pipe 42 needs to be regulated.

[0062] In view of this, the embodiment continues to combine Figure 1 As shown, the controller 7 is adapted to calculate the current concentration of the additive according to the first flow signal and the second flow signal, and if the current concentration is inconsistent with the preset concentration, the controller 7 controls the flow regulating valve 5 to regulate the flow of the liquid discharge pipeline 4.

[0063] In this embodiment, the second flow sensor 9 is arranged on the water inlet pipe section 21 and is adapted to detect the flow of the water inlet pipe section 21 and send a second flow signal to the controller 7. The flow regulating valve 5 is arranged on the liquid outlet pipe 42. When the current concentration is inconsistent with the preset concentration, the controller 7 controls the flow regulating valve 5 to regulate the flow of the liquid outlet pipe 42.

[0064] The preset concentration can include a concentration range value. If the numerical value of the current concentration falls within the concentration range value, it indicates that the current concentration is consistent with the preset concentration. If the numerical value of the current concentration is greater than the maximum value of the concentration range value or the numerical value of the current concentration is less than the minimum value of the concentration range, it indicates that the current concentration is inconsistent with the preset concentration.

[0065] Further, the containing tank 3 is adapted to display the remaining amount of the additive in the containing tank 3, so as to facilitate the user to find out whether the containing tank 3 is out of material in time, thereby the containing tank 3 can be refilled in time.

[0066] The containing tank 3 contains the additive, the containing tank 3 is adapted to display the remaining amount of the liquid in the containing tank 3, the liquid discharge pipeline 4 is connected with the containing tank 3 and the water supply pipe, so that the water entering the water supply pipe flows through the containing tank 3 through the liquid discharge pipeline 4, and then flows out through the liquid discharge pipeline 4 into the water supply pipe.

[0067] The above-mentioned water heater can include a gas water heater. The heat exchange pipe section 23 of the water supply pipe exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 1, so that the water entering the heat exchange pipe section 23 of the water supply pipe is heated, and then the hot water flows out of the water supply pipe and can be used for bathing.

[0068] The containing tank 3 contains the solvent or additive, which can be understood as that the additive includes a health-care additive, for example, the health-care additive can be an aromatherapy essential oil. The liquid discharge pipeline 4 is connected with the water supply pipe, so that the water in the water supply pipe can enter the containing tank 3 through the liquid discharge pipeline 4, so that the additive in the containing tank 3 flows out through the liquid discharge pipeline 4 and then flows out into the water supply pipe, the additive is washed, and when the additive is a health-care additive, a health-care bath can be achieved.

[0069] The health-care additive belongs to consumables, in actual use, the water enters the containing tank 3 through the water supply pipe and the liquid inlet end of the liquid discharge pipeline 4 in turn, the water flows through the containing tank 3, carries out the additive, enters the liquid outlet end of the liquid discharge pipeline 4, and then enters the water outlet of the water supply pipe to flow out, so that part of the health-care additive dissolved in the water can be carried away, and after a certain period of use, the additive will be consumed and lose its efficacy.

[0070] The containing tank 3 displays the remaining amount of the liquid in the containing tank 3, and through the display of the remaining amount, it can be known whether the additive needs to be added to the containing tank 3, so as to ensure that the additive in the containing tank 3 can at least meet the usage requirement at the time of use, and the effect of the additive can be effectively exerted.

[0071] Specifically, the containing tank 3 is provided with a scale line 31 to show the remaining amount. The scale line 31 can be engraved on the shell of the containing tank 3, so that the remaining amount in the containing tank 3 can be directly observed, so that the additive can be added to the containing tank 3 in time.

[0072] In addition, the residual amount can also be measured by setting a liquid level sensor in the containing tank 3. The liquid level sensor can send the detected liquid level information of the solution in the containing tank 3 to the control unit. The control unit can store a preset liquid level value. When the liquid level information shows that the liquid level of the solution in the containing tank 3 cannot meet the requirement of the preset liquid level value, the control unit can send a prompt information, for example, a signal light flickering prompt, a signal light color changing prompt, a sound prompt, etc. The user can add the additive to the containing tank 3 after receiving the prompt information.

[0073] By setting the liquid level sensor to detect whether the liquid level in the containing tank 3 meets the requirement, the forgetting of the user can be avoided, and the reminding function can be better played. If the user forgets to check the scale line 31 of the containing tank 3, it is easy to forget and find that the residual amount is insufficient after entering the bath. At this time, it is not convenient to add, and it is easy to cause the user to have a poor experience.

[0074] Of course, the residual amount can be displayed by marking the scale line 31 on the containing tank 3. The method is simple, the cost is low, and it is more intuitive. The additive can be directly added to the containing tank 3.

[0075] In addition, the residual amount can also be displayed by marking the scale line 31 on the containing tank 3 and setting a liquid level sensor. After all, the liquid pressure sensor may also be damaged without knowing it. Therefore, if the above two methods are used at the same time, the advantages of the scale line 31 and the liquid level sensor can be utilized, and the disadvantages and shortcomings of each can be avoided to ensure that the residual amount in the containing tank 3 can be known in time. The liquid level sensor can send a detection signal to the controller 7. The controller 7 processes the detection signal and then displays a prompt on the display screen or sends a sound prompt. The controller 7 can be connected with the liquid level sensor to directly send a lack of material signal through the signal prompt device.

[0076] In another embodiment, the water heater further comprises a signal prompt device, which is in communication connection with the controller 7. The controller 7 is adapted to calculate the usage amount after accumulating the first flow. The controller 7 compares the usage amount with the capacity of the containing tank. The controller 7 sends a lack of material signal to the signal prompt device according to the comparison result, so that the signal prompt device sends a lack of material prompt.

[0077] The lack of material prompt can be directly obtained by the user checking the scale line 31 of the containing tank 3. However, if the user forgets to check, or the liquid level sensor is damaged, the user cannot know whether the containing tank 3 is lacking of material in time.

[0078] Therefore, the material shortage information can be obtained by calculating the usage amount in the embodiment. The signal prompting device can include a display screen and a sound module. The display screen can display the material shortage prompt, and the sound module can play the voice broadcast of the material shortage prompt.

[0079] The first flow sensor 8 collects the first flow on the drainage pipeline 4, and sends the collected first flow signal to the controller 7. In a use cycle, the controller 7 accumulatively calculates the first flow collected by the first flow sensor 8, so as to obtain the usage amount of the additive in the containing tank 3. The controller 7 stores the additive capacity and a preset difference value. When the additive usage amount is compared with the additive capacity, if the difference between the additive usage amount and the additive capacity is not within the range of the preset difference value, the controller 7 does not send the material shortage prompt signal to the signal prompting device, and when the difference between the additive usage amount and the additive capacity is within the range of the preset difference value, the controller 7 sends the material shortage prompt to the signal prompting device, so that the usage of the additive in the containing tank 3 can be more accurately known, so as to be replenished in time.

[0080] The additive remaining amount can include the net content of the containing tank 3. For example, the containing tank 3 is just replaced and has not been used, and the additive remaining amount at this time is the net content.

[0081] Continuing to combine Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the drainage pipeline 4 includes a liquid outlet pipe 42 and a liquid inlet pipe 41. The liquid inlet pipe 41 can serve as the liquid inlet end of the drainage pipeline 4, and the liquid outlet pipe 42 can serve as the liquid outlet end of the drainage pipeline 4. One end of the liquid outlet pipe 42 is connected with the water outlet pipe section 22, and the other end of the liquid outlet pipe 42 is connected with the containing tank 3. One end of the liquid inlet pipe 41 is connected with the water inlet pipe section 21, and the other end of the liquid inlet pipe 41 is connected with the containing tank 3. The connection of one end of the liquid inlet pipe 41 with the water inlet pipe section 21 enables the water in the water inlet pipe section 21 to enter the containing tank 3 through the liquid inlet pipe 41. The pressure of the water inlet pipe section 21 is greater than the pressure of the drainage pipeline 4, and under the pressure of the water entering the drainage pipeline 4 from the water inlet pipe section 21, the additive in the containing tank 3 can be pushed into the liquid outlet pipe 42. The solution enters the water outlet pipe section 22 through the liquid outlet pipe 42, so that the water flowing out of the water outlet pipe section 22 is water containing the additive. When the additive is a health-care additive, a health-care bath can be realized.

[0082] The controller 7 is adapted to open the passage of the drainage pipeline 4 to supply water to the containing tank 3 according to the corresponding instruction, or the controller 7 is adapted to close the passage of the drainage pipeline 4.

[0083] The automatic opening or closing of the drainage pipeline 4 can be realized by the controller 7, which can eliminate the need for manual operation and improve the customer experience.

[0084] When the passage of the drain pipeline 4 is opened, water in the water supply pipeline can enter the drain pipeline 4, so that the drain pipeline 4 can drain the additive into the water outlet end of the water supply pipeline to discharge water. When the passage of the drain pipeline 4 is closed, the water supply pipeline only exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 1 through the heat exchange pipeline section 23, and then hot water is discharged.

[0085] In one embodiment, the above description continues to combine Figure 1 As shown, the water heater further comprises a switch valve 6, which is arranged at the liquid inlet end of the drain pipeline 4, the liquid inlet end being connected with the water inlet pipeline section 21, and the switch valve 6 being in communication connection with the controller 7. The controller 7 is provided with a function button, and the controller 7 controls the switch valve 6 to open or close according to the function button.

[0086] Specifically, the liquid inlet end of the drain pipeline 4 is a liquid inlet pipe 41, and the liquid outlet end of the drain pipeline 4 is a liquid outlet pipe 42. The switch valve 6 is arranged on the liquid inlet pipe 41 of the drain pipeline 4, and the pressure of the drain pipeline 4 is higher than that of the water outlet pipeline section 22. When the switch valve 6 is opened, water enters the liquid inlet pipe 41 from the water inlet pipeline section 21, and then enters the containing tank 3.

[0087] When the user presses the function button on the controller 7, it means that the user wants to start the health bathing function. The controller 7 receives the trigger signal of the function button, and then controls the switch valve 6 to open, so that the liquid inlet pipe 41 supplies water to the containing tank 3 and the liquid in the containing tank 3 enters the water outlet pipeline section 22 through the liquid outlet pipe 42, realizing automatic control of the water heater.

[0088] The above-mentioned controller 7 can be separately provided or integrated with the control unit. The opening or closing of the switch valve 6 is controlled by the controller 7, so that automatic control can be realized. The switch valve 6 can be an electromagnetic valve.

[0089] Considering that some users do not like or do not want to use the health-care additive in the containing tank 3 when bathing, in order to enable the user to freely choose the preferred bathing mode and improve the customer experience, when the user presses the corresponding function button, the controller 7 can control the switch valve 6 to open, so that the additive in the containing tank 3 is driven by the water flow to flow out of the liquid outlet pipe 42.

[0090] Of course, the switch valve 6 can also be manually controlled to open or close.

[0091] Specifically, the above description continues to combine Figure 1 As shown, the first flow sensor 8 is arranged on the liquid outlet pipe 42, the first flow sensor 8 is in communication connection with the controller 7, and the first flow sensor 8 is adapted to detect the flow of the liquid outlet pipe 42.

[0092] When the remaining amount of the additive in the holding tank 3 is less than the set value, the additive needs to be added to the holding tank 3, considering that the additive is gradually reduced after the holding tank 3 is used for a period of time. For example, the set value is 5 milliliters, which is the minimum amount of use. When the remaining amount is less than 5 milliliters, the additive cannot meet the bathing requirements if the use continues.

[0093] At this time, the use amount of the additive in the holding tank 3 can be calculated by controlling the cumulative flow of the first flow sensor 8 in the outlet pipe 42, and the remaining amount of the additive in the holding tank 3 can be calculated in turn, since the capacity or the additive amount in the holding tank 3 is calculable or observable.

[0094] When the controller 7 accumulatively calculates that the first flow indicates that the holding tank 3 is out of additive, the controller 7 can send a prompt information to prompt the user to add additive.

[0095] Specifically, assuming that the last additive amount of the holding tank 3 is 50 milliliters, when it is calculated that the use amount of the additive is 45 milliliters, and the preset difference is 5 milliliters, the controller 7 sends a prompt information, which can be displayed by a signal prompt device, for example, a display screen. When the user views the prompt information, the user can choose to add additive to the holding tank 3 or turn off the function button.

[0096] In addition, different users or the same user at different times can use different additives in the bath, and therefore, the holding tank 3 can also be replaced. After the holding tank 3 is replaced, the controller 7 can be input with a corresponding instruction, and the controller 7 can accumulatively calculate the first flow sent by the first flow sensor 8 according to the instruction.

[0097] In the related technical field, the opening or closing of the holding tank 3 can send a corresponding signal to the controller 7, so that the controller 7 can know the state information of the holding tank 3.

[0098] For example, when the holding tank 3 is opened to add additive to the holding tank 3, the display screen controlled by the controller 7 can pop up a similar confirmation information, and when the user confirms that the additive is added, the controller 7 starts to accumulatively calculate the first flow again, so as to accurately send the information of the remaining amount in the holding tank 3, so as to be able to add additive to the holding tank 3 in time.

[0099] Of course, if the user only opens the holding tank 3 for viewing, the user can not confirm the addition of the additive, and at this time, the controller 7 can keep the previous record data of the first flow, so as not to mislead the user.

[0100] When the current concentration is inconsistent with the preset concentration, the controller 7 can control the opening of the flow regulating valve 5 to control the first flow, so that the current concentration can be adjusted, ensuring the efficacy of the additive during bathing.

[0101] In consideration of the fact that some additives are prone to volatilization or reduced efficacy after heating, the inlet of the drain pipeline 4 is connected to the water inlet pipe section 21, and the outlet of the drain pipeline 4 is connected to the water outlet pipe section 22, so that the additive is added at the water outlet. In this way, the additive does not pass through high-temperature heat exchange, thereby avoiding decomposition of the additive due to high temperature and reducing the efficacy of the additive.

[0102] More specifically, the calculation formula of the current concentration is: current concentration = first flow / second flow, which can also be expressed as: current concentration = 100 x first flow / second flow. The " / " in the formula represents the ratio or division.

[0103] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2 a water heater control method for use with any of the water heaters, the water heater control method comprising:

[0104] Step S101: obtaining the first flow of the drain pipeline 4;

[0105] Step S103: obtaining the second flow of the water inlet pipe section 21;

[0106] Step S105: calculating the current concentration of the additive entering the water outlet pipe section 22 according to the first flow and the second flow;

[0107] Step S107: if the current concentration is inconsistent with the preset concentration, the controller 7 controls the flow regulating valve 5 to adjust the flow of the drain pipeline 4.

[0108] When the current concentration is inconsistent with the preset concentration, the controller 7 can control the opening of the flow regulating valve 5 to increase or decrease the first flow, thereby controlling the first flow, so that the current concentration can be adjusted, ensuring the efficacy of the additive during bathing. When the first flow increases, according to the formula: current concentration = first flow / second flow, the current concentration will increase. When the first flow decreases, the current concentration decreases.

[0109] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 the water heater control method further comprises:

[0110] Step S201: obtaining the remaining amount of the additive in the containing tank 3;

[0111] Step S203: when the remaining amount of the additive is less than the minimum usage amount, adding the additive to the containing tank 3.

[0112] The way of obtaining the remaining amount of liquid in the containing tank 3 is not particularly limited in this embodiment. For example, the scale of the containing tank 3 can be observed, or a prompt message can be sent by the controller 7.

[0113] When the user knows that the remaining amount of the additive in the containing tank 3 is less than the minimum usage amount, the additive can be added to the containing tank 3 in time, so that the additive can play its role when the bathing function is used.

[0114] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 the water heater control method further comprises:

[0115] Step S301: Accumulate the first flow after the additive is added or a new containing tank 3 is replaced.

[0116] Step S303: When the accumulated first flow shows that the containing tank 3 is out of additive, the additive is added to the containing tank 3.

[0117] In the above steps, before step S301, there is a step of opening the on-off valve 6 through the function button. After the on-off valve 6 is opened, the passage of the drain pipeline 4 is connected with the water inlet pipe section 21 and the water outlet pipe section 22, and the flow is formed on the drain pipeline 4.

[0118] In this step, the controller 7 stores the additive capacity and a preset difference value. When the additive usage amount is compared with the additive capacity, it is shown that the difference between the additive usage amount and the additive capacity is not within the range of the preset difference value. When the difference between the additive usage amount and the additive capacity is within the range of the preset difference value, the controller 7 sends an out-of-additive prompt to the signal prompting device, so that the usage of the additive in the containing tank 3 can be more accurately known to be replenished in time.

[0119] The first flow is accumulated and calculated, and the accumulated calculation result is calculated. When the accumulated calculation result is compared with the capacity of the additive in the containing tank 3, it is shown that the usage amount is too much, which means that the remaining amount in the containing tank 3 is insufficient, and the additive needs to be added to the containing tank 3 at this time. The usage of the additive in the containing tank 3 is automatically monitored, and the user experience is further improved, so that the user can add the additive to the containing tank 3 in time.

[0120] In another embodiment, the waterway system of the gas rapid water heater mainly comprises a second flow sensor 9 arranged on the water inlet pipe section 21 to collect the water flow F 水 One end of the water inlet pipe section 21 is connected with the heat exchanger 1, so that the cold water reaches the water temperature set by the user after passing through the heat exchanger 1, and flows out from the water outlet pipe section 22 of the heat exchanger 1.

[0121] The water outlet temperature sensor 10 is installed on the water outlet pipe section 22 to detect the hot water temperature information in the water outlet pipe section 22. The water outlet pipe section 22 is connected to the liquid discharge pipeline 4 before the water inlet pipe section 21 and the water outlet pipe section 22. The liquid discharge pipeline 4 is a health-care additive channel. The health-care additive channel is provided with the on-off valve 6, which is a health-care additive on-off valve 6 used to open and close the health-care additive channel. The health-care additive on-off valve 6 is connected to the containing tank 3. The tank body of the containing tank 3 is provided with a capacity scale indication to guide the user to add a specified capacity of health-care additive. The containing tank 3 is also connected in series with the first flow sensor 8 used to detect the flow F 保 information in the health-care additive channel. The other side of the second flow sensor 9 is connected to the flow regulating valve 5, which is a flow servo regulating valve used to adjust the size of the flow F 保 in the health-care additive channel. The fluid in the health-care additive channel mixes with the hot water in the water outlet pipe section 22 and then flows out of the water heater and out of the water.

[0122] As shown in Figure 5 , the controller 7 detects whether the user sets the health-care function mode. If yes, it is inquired whether the remaining amount of health-care additive is greater than or equal to the minimum use amount. If yes, the on-off valve 6 is opened, that is, the health-care additive channel is unobstructed, and a small part of the water flow enters the containing tank 3 through the health-care additive on-off valve 6. At the same time, the health-care additive in the containing tank 3 flows through the first flow sensor 8 and the flow servo regulating valve and enters the water outlet pipe section 22 through the health-care additive channel, and then mixes with the hot water and flows out of the water heater.

[0123] The first flow sensor 8 sends the flow F 保 information in it to the controller 7, and the second flow sensor 9 sends the flow F 水 information in it to the controller 7. The controller 7 reads the first flow sensor 8 information and the second flow sensor 9 information, and calculates whether the current concentration is consistent with the preset concentration according to the first flow sensor 8 information and the second sensor information.

[0124] 100×F 保 / F 水 is the current concentration of the health-care additive for the current water heater, which is compared with the user set value to determine whether they are consistent.

[0125] If they are consistent, the flow servo regulating valve state is maintained, and the cumulative flow of the first flow sensor 8 is recorded to compare the capacity of the containing tank 3 to determine whether the material is lacking.

[0126] If they are not consistent, the controller 7 sends a command to the flow servo regulating valve to adjust the flow F 保 until they are consistent.

[0127] If the remaining amount of the health-care additive is less than the minimum usage amount, the user is prompted to add a quantified health-care additive according to the scale indication of the containing tank 3.

[0128] The health-care additive containing tank 3 is provided with an indication of the volume scale, and a flow sensor and a servo regulating valve are arranged on the outlet channel of the containing tank 3 to control the flow size and send the flow size to the host computer. Thus, the precise adjustment of the health-care additive concentration in the bathing water and the information reminding and display of the health-care additive consumption are achieved.

[0129] In another aspect, a storage medium is also provided, which is a computer readable storage medium, and the storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is executed by a processor to implement the steps of the water heater control method of any one of the aspects.

[0130] Optionally, in the embodiment, the storage medium can include but is not limited to a U disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a mobile hard disk, a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes.

[0131] Optionally, in the embodiment, the processor executes the method steps recorded in the above embodiments according to the program codes stored in the storage medium.

[0132] Optionally, the specific examples in the embodiment can refer to the examples described in the above embodiments and optional implementation manners, and the embodiment will not be described here.

[0133] Obviously, those skilled in the art should understand that the modules or steps of the present disclosure described above can be realized by general computing devices, which can be concentrated on a single computing device or distributed on a network composed of multiple computing devices.

[0134] Optionally, they can be realized by program codes executable by computing devices, so that they can be stored in storage devices and executed by computing devices, and in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in different orders from here, or they can be respectively manufactured into individual integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps among them can be manufactured into a single integrated circuit module. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

[0135] In another aspect, as Figure 6 shown, an electronic device is also provided, which at least includes a memory 20 and a processor 30, the memory 20 stores a computer program, and the processor 30 implements the steps of the water heater control method of any one of the aspects when executing the computer program on the memory 20.

[0136] While embodiments of the present application have been described in conjunction with the appended drawings, various modifications and changes can be suggested by persons skilled in the art, and all such modifications and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water heater, characterized in that, include: The water supply pipe includes an inlet pipe section (21) and an outlet pipe section (22) that are interconnected. Drainage pipe (4) is connected to the inlet pipe section (21) and the outlet pipe section (22) respectively; A container (3) is provided on the drain pipe (4), which is adapted to discharge the additives in the container (3) to the water supply pipe; A flow regulating valve (5) is installed on the drain pipe (4); A first flow sensor (8) is installed on the drain pipe (4) and is suitable for detecting the first flow rate of the drain pipe (4); A second flow sensor (9) is provided on the water inlet pipe section (21), and the second flow sensor (9) is adapted to detect the second flow of the water inlet pipe section (21); The controller (7) is communicatively connected to the first flow sensor (8), the second flow sensor (9) and the flow regulating valve (5). The controller (7) is adapted to calculate the current concentration of the additive entering the outlet pipe section (22) based on the first flow and the second flow. If the current concentration is inconsistent with the preset concentration, the controller (7) controls the flow regulating valve (5) to regulate the flow of the drain pipe (4).

2. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container (3) is adapted to display the remaining amount of additives in the container (3).

3. The water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The container (3) is provided with scale lines (31) to indicate the remaining amount.

4. The water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a signal prompting device, which is communicatively connected to the controller (7). The controller (7) is adapted to acquire and accumulate the first flow rate and calculate the usage amount. The controller (7) compares the usage amount with the capacity of the container. Based on the comparison result, the controller (7) sends a material shortage signal to the signal prompting device, so that the signal prompting device issues a material shortage prompt.

5. The water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The inlet end of the drain pipe (4) is connected to the inlet pipe section (21), and the outlet end of the drain pipe (4) is connected to the outlet pipe section (22).

6. The water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Also includes: A switching valve (6) is located at the inlet end of the drain pipe (4), the inlet end is connected to the water inlet pipe section (21), and the switching valve (6) is communicatively connected to the controller (7). The controller (7) is equipped with function buttons, and the controller (7) controls the switch valve (6) to open or close according to the function buttons.

7. A water heater control method, characterized in that, The water heater includes any one of claims 1 to 6, and the water heater control method includes: Obtain the first flow rate of the drainage pipe (4); Obtain the second flow rate of the inlet pipe section (21); The current concentration of the additive entering the outlet pipe section (22) is calculated based on the first flow rate and the second flow rate; If the current concentration is inconsistent with the preset concentration, the controller (7) controls the flow regulating valve (5) to regulate the flow of the drain pipe (4).

8. The water heater control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain the remaining amount of additive in container (3); If the remaining amount of the additive is less than the minimum usage amount, the additive is added to the container (3).

9. The water heater control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: After the feeding cycle or after replacing the new container (3), the first flow rate is accumulated; When the accumulated first flow rate indicates that the container (3) is low on material, an additive is added to the container (3).

10. The water heater control method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The formula for calculating the current concentration is: Current concentration = First flow rate / Second flow rate.

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