Water heater and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of electrical equipment technology, and discloses a water heater and a control method thereof. The control method comprises: when the water heater requires water temperature adjustment, obtaining a first water flow rate at a first moment and a second water flow rate at a second moment; determining a first action to be applied to a mixing valve of the water heater based on the first and second water flow rates; and adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater based on the first action. Because the user's application of the action on the mixing valve does not require any additional conditions, the problem of a user being unable to adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater during a bath can be conveniently resolved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrical equipment, and in particular to a water heater and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] A water heater is an electrical device that prepares hot water. While bathing, users often need to adjust the water temperature due to sudden weather changes or personal preferences. Currently, there are two main ways to adjust the water temperature: manual adjustment on the unit's control panel, and remote adjustment using a smart device. Because users bathe in the bathroom, where the unit's control panel is typically not located, the first method is not available. While remote adjustment can be performed using a smart device, most smart devices are not waterproof and are often not brought into the bathroom. Therefore, without a smart device, the second method is not available. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a water heater and a control method thereof to solve the problem that a user cannot adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater during bathing.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling a water heater, the method comprising the following steps: when the water temperature of the water heater needs to be adjusted, obtaining a first water flow rate at a first moment and a second water flow rate at a second moment; determining a first action to be applied to a mixing valve of the water heater based on the first water flow rate and the second water flow rate; and adjusting the water outlet temperature of the water heater based on the first action.

[0005] The water heater control method provided by the present invention obtains a first water flow rate at a first moment and a second water flow rate at a second moment, determines a first action to be applied to a mixing valve of the water heater based on the first and second water flow rates, and further adjusts the outlet water temperature of the water heater based on the first action. Because the user's application of the action on the mixing valve does not require any additional conditions, this method conveniently solves the problem of users being unable to adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater during bathing.

[0006] In an optional embodiment, determining the first action to be applied to the mixing valve of the water heater based on the first water flow rate and the second water flow rate includes: determining a first state of the mixing valve at a first moment based on the first water flow rate; determining a second state of the mixing valve at a second moment based on the second water flow rate; and determining the first action based on the first state and the second state.

[0007] By respectively determining the first state at the first moment and the second state at the second moment, and determining the first action based on the first state and the second state, the first action can be determined more accurately.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, adjusting the water outlet temperature of the water heater according to the first action includes: obtaining the correspondence between the mixing valve application action and the water outlet temperature adjustment method; judging whether there is a mixing valve application action that is the same as the first action in the mixing valve application action; when it exists, determining the adjustment method corresponding to the first action according to the correspondence between the mixing valve application action and the water outlet temperature adjustment method; and adjusting the water outlet temperature of the water heater using the determined adjustment method.

[0009] By pre-setting the correspondence between the action applied by the mixing valve and the water outlet temperature adjustment method, the first action that is irrelevant to the adjustment of the water outlet temperature, that is, the invalid first action, can be excluded. In other words, not all first actions applied to the mixing valve can adjust the water outlet temperature of the water heater. In this way, not only the water outlet temperature of the water heater can be adjusted, but also the normal operation of the water heater can be guaranteed.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater using a determined adjustment method includes: adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater once according to the adjustment method; or continuously adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the adjustment method.

[0011] This can be applied to different scenarios. For example, adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater once according to the adjustment method can be applied to situations where the adjustment range of the outlet water temperature is large, or the outlet water temperature of the water heater is slightly different from the user's required temperature; continuously adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the adjustment method can be applied to situations where the adjustment range of the outlet water temperature is small, or the outlet water temperature of the water heater is slightly different from the user's required temperature.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, before obtaining the first water flow at the first moment and the second water flow at the second moment, it also includes: obtaining the third water flow at the third moment and the fourth water flow at the fourth moment; determining the second action applied to the mixing valve based on the third water flow and the fourth water flow; and determining whether the water heater needs to adjust the water temperature based on the second action.

[0013] Therefore, the outlet water temperature of the water heater can be adjusted according to the first action applied to the mixing valve only when the water temperature of the water heater needs to be adjusted.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, after determining whether the water temperature of the water heater needs to be adjusted based on the second action, the method further includes: when the water temperature of the water heater needs to be adjusted, issuing a prompt message for entering the water temperature adjustment phase.

[0015] This allows the computer device to communicate with the user, so that the user knows that the water temperature adjustment stage has begun and can adjust the water temperature; thereby preventing confusion in the first action applied by the user to the mixing valve.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, after issuing a prompt message for entering the water temperature adjustment stage, it also includes: obtaining the fifth water flow at the fifth moment and the sixth water flow at the sixth moment respectively; determining the third action applied to the mixing valve based on the fifth water flow and the sixth water flow; determining whether to enter the water temperature adjustment stage based on the third action, and when entering the water temperature adjustment stage, executing the steps of obtaining the first water flow at the first moment and the second water flow at the second moment.

[0017] This allows the computer device to communicate with the user, so that the computer device knows that it has entered the water temperature adjustment stage, thereby improving the accuracy of the computer device in identifying the first action applied to the mixing valve.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, after adjusting the water outlet temperature of the water heater according to the first action, it also includes: obtaining the seventh water flow at the seventh moment and the eighth water flow at the eighth moment respectively; determining the fourth action applied to the mixing valve according to the seventh water flow and the eighth water flow; determining whether an instruction message to stop adjusting the water outlet temperature is received based on the fourth action; and / or, obtaining the water flow in a preset time period; when the water flow in the preset time period is within a preset first range, determining that an instruction message to stop adjusting the water outlet temperature is received.

[0019] This can be used to define the end conditions for the outlet water temperature adjustment to ensure the normal operation of the water heater.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, the control method of the water heater also includes the following steps: obtaining a ninth water flow at a ninth moment and a tenth water flow at a tenth moment; determining a fifth action to be applied to the mixing valve based on the tenth water flow and the ninth water flow; determining whether a health alarm signal reflecting a poor user condition is received based on the fifth action; and sending a help message and / or an alarm message when a health alarm signal is received.

[0021] Therefore, the health status of the user can be reflected according to the fifth action applied to the mixing valve, and the mixing valve can be used to alarm when the user feels unwell.

[0022] In an optional embodiment, the control method of the water heater also includes the following steps: obtaining the working time of the water heater; when the working time reaches a preset first time, sending a prompt message to feedback the user's health status; when the health alarm signal is received, or when no feedback on the health status is received within a preset time range, sending a help message and / or alarm message.

[0023] This can alert the user at a stage where they are prone to danger, and if danger exists, the mixing valve can be used to sound an alarm.

[0024] In the second aspect, the present invention also provides a control device for a water heater, the device including a first acquisition module, an action confirmation module and a temperature adjustment module; when the water heater needs to adjust the water temperature, the first acquisition module is used to obtain a first water flow rate at a first moment and a second water flow rate at a second moment; the action confirmation module is used to determine a first action applied to a mixing valve of the water heater based on the first water flow rate and the second water flow rate; the temperature adjustment module is used to adjust the water outlet temperature of the water heater according to the first action.

[0025] The water heater control device provided by the present invention obtains a first water flow rate at a first moment and a second water flow rate at a second moment, determines a first action to be applied to the water heater's mixing valve based on the first and second water flow rates, and further adjusts the water outlet temperature of the water heater based on the first action. Because the user's application of the action on the mixing valve does not require any additional conditions, this conveniently solves the problem of users being unable to adjust the water outlet temperature of the water heater during bathing.

[0026] In a third aspect, the present invention further provides a computer device comprising a memory and a processor, the memory and the processor being communicatively connected to each other, the memory storing computer instructions, and the processor executing the control method for the water heater according to the first aspect or any corresponding embodiment thereof by executing the computer instructions.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, the present invention further provides a water heater comprising the computer device of the third aspect.

[0028] In a fifth aspect, the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon, the computer instructions being used to enable a computer to execute the water heater control method of the first aspect or any corresponding embodiment thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the specific embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0030] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2is a flow chart of another water heater control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 is a flow chart of another water heater control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a control method for a water heater according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 is a structural block diagram of a control device for a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a computer device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] A water heater is an electrical device that prepares hot water. During bathing, it's common to encounter situations where the water outlet temperature of the water heater doesn't match the user's actual needs. For example, if a user's household includes both adults and children, adults, especially women, may require a higher water outlet temperature, while children may require a lower temperature. Even for the same user, the requirements for the water outlet temperature may vary under different weather conditions. For example, a lower water outlet temperature may be required on clear days, while a higher temperature may be required on overcast days. The water outlet temperature may also be lower in the summer, while a higher temperature may be required in the winter. In other words, during bathing, the water outlet temperature of the water heater needs to be adjusted, and since the water outlet temperature of the water heater is determined by the water outlet temperature, it is necessary to adjust the water outlet temperature.

[0038] As mentioned above, there are currently two main ways to adjust the outlet water temperature of a water heater: manual adjustment on the unit's control panel, and remote adjustment using a smart terminal. Because users bathe in the bathroom, where the unit's control panel is typically not located, the first method is unavailable. The second method also fails if the user doesn't bring their smart terminal into the bathroom.

[0039] Based on this, an embodiment of the present invention provides an embodiment of a control method for a water heater. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer executable instructions, and although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in an order different from that shown here.

[0040] In this embodiment, a method for controlling a water heater is provided, which can be used in computer equipment. Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0041] Step S101 : When the water temperature of the water heater needs to be adjusted, a first water flow rate at a first moment and a second water flow rate at a second moment are obtained.

[0042] The second moment is equal to the first moment plus a preset first time period. Specifically, the first time period is relatively short, for example, 1 second to 3 seconds.

[0043] Step S102: determining a first action to be applied to a water mixing valve of the water heater according to the first water flow rate and the second water flow rate.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first water flow rate and the second water flow rate are different, and this difference is caused by the user adjusting the mixing valve (also called the hot and cold water faucet).

[0045] Step S103: adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the first action.

[0046] In this embodiment, the change in the water flow in the water heater can reflect the first action applied by the user to the mixing valve. Furthermore, the first action applied by the user to the mixing valve is used as the basis for adjusting the outlet water temperature. That is, applying different first actions on the mixing valve represents different adjustments to the outlet water temperature of the water heater.

[0047] The water heater control method provided in this embodiment obtains a first water flow rate at a first moment and a second water flow rate at a second moment, determines a first action to be applied to a mixing valve of the water heater based on the first and second water flow rates, and further adjusts the outlet water temperature of the water heater based on the first action. Because the user's application of the action on the mixing valve does not require any additional conditions, this conveniently solves the problem of users being unable to adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater during bathing.

[0048] In this embodiment, a water heater control method is provided, which can be used in the above-mentioned computer device. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of another water heater control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0049] Step S201: When the water temperature of the water heater needs to be adjusted, the first water flow rate at the first moment and the second water flow rate at the second moment are obtained. Figure 1 Step S101 of the illustrated embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0050] Step S202: Determine a first action to be applied to a water mixing valve of the water heater according to the first water flow rate and the second water flow rate.

[0051] Specifically, the above step S202 includes:

[0052] Step S2021: Determine a first state of the water mixing valve at a first moment according to the first water flow rate.

[0053] Specifically, the interval range to which the first water flow rate belongs can be determined, and the first state of the mixing valve at the first moment can be determined based on the interval range to which the first water flow rate belongs. For example, when the first water flow rate is less than the first threshold value, the first state of the mixing valve at the first moment is determined to be the fully closed state. For example, the first threshold value can be any value between 1L / min and 2L / min. When the first water flow rate is greater than the second threshold value, the first state of the mixing valve at the first moment is determined to be the fully open state. For example, the second threshold value can be any value greater than or equal to 10L / min. When the first water flow rate is within the first range, the first state of the mixing valve at the first moment is determined to be the intermediate state. For example, the first range can be 4L / min to 6L / min. It should be noted that the first state not only includes the fully open state, fully closed state, and intermediate state mentioned above, but also includes states where the water flow rate is within a certain range.

[0054] It should be noted that, when the water heaters are different, the first threshold, the second threshold, and the first range mentioned above may use different values.

[0055] Step S2022: Determine the second state of the mixing valve at the second moment according to the second water flow rate.

[0056] Similarly, the interval range to which the second water flow rate belongs can be determined, and the second state of the mixing valve at the second moment can be determined based on the interval range to which the second water flow rate belongs. For example, when the second water flow rate is less than the first threshold, the second state of the mixing valve at the second moment is determined to be fully closed; when the second water flow rate is greater than the second threshold, the second state of the mixing valve at the second moment is determined to be fully open; and when the second water flow rate is within the first range, the second state of the mixing valve at the second moment is determined to be an intermediate state.

[0057] Step S2023: Determine a first action according to the first state and the second state.

[0058] Specifically, when the first state is the fully open state and the second state is the fully closed state, it is determined that the action applied by the user on the mixing valve of the water heater is to change the open state of the mixing valve to the closed state, that is, "open-close"; when the first state is the fully closed state and the second state is the fully open state, it is determined that the action applied by the user on the mixing valve of the water heater is to change the mixing valve from the closed state to the open state, that is, "close-open"; when the first state is the fully open state and the second state is the intermediate state, the action applied by the user on the mixing valve of the water heater is to change the mixing valve from the fully open state to the intermediate state; when the first state is the intermediate state and the second state is the fully open state, the action applied by the user on the mixing valve of the water heater is to change the mixing valve from the intermediate state to the fully open state.

[0059] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first moment and the second moment simply represent two moments, as long as the second moment is equal to the first moment plus the preset first time period. In this embodiment, the first action may include not only one first state and one second state, but also multiple first states and multiple second states.

[0060] Taking the mixing valve's first action as follows: state 1 at time A → state 2 at time B → state 3 at time C → state 4 at time D as an example, the mixing valve's state change can be divided into three stages: Stage 1: state 1 at time A → state 2 at time B; Stage 2: state 2 at time B → state 3 at time C; Stage 3: state 3 at time C → state 4 at time D. This can be understood as follows: in the first stage, state 1 at time A is the first state at the first moment of the first stage, and state 2 at time B in the first stage is the second state at the second moment of the first stage; in the second stage, state 2 at time B is the first state at the first moment of the second stage, and state 3 at time C in the second stage is the second state at the second moment of the second stage; in the third stage, state 3 at time C is the first state at the first moment of the third stage, and state 4 at time D in the third stage is the second state at the second moment of the third stage.

[0061] Taking the first action of the mixing valve as "close-open-close-open" as an example, the first action of the mixing valve can be divided into three stages: the first stage "close-open", the second stage "open-close", and the third stage "close-open".

[0062] During the first stage of the mixing valve, at the first moment (state A), the first water flow rate is 1.5 L / min, the first threshold is 2 L / min, and the first water flow rate is less than the first threshold. Therefore, the first state (state 1) during the first moment (moment A) of the first stage is fully closed. During the second moment (moment B) of the first stage, the second water flow rate is 11 L / min, the second threshold is 10 L / min, and the second water flow rate is greater than the second threshold. Therefore, the second state (state 2) during the second moment (moment B) of the first stage is fully open. The first stage of the mixing valve's first action is the transition from the fully closed state to the fully open state, i.e., the first stage of the mixing valve's first action is "close-to-open."

[0063] At the first moment (time B) of the second stage of the mixing valve, the first water flow rate is 11 L / min, and the second threshold is 10 L / min. The first water flow rate is greater than the second threshold, so the first state (state 2) at the first moment (time B) of the second stage is fully open. At the second moment (time C) of the second stage, the second water flow rate is 1 L / min, and the first threshold is 2 L / min. The second water flow rate is less than the first threshold, so the second state (state 3) at the second moment (time C) of the second stage is fully closed. The second stage of the first action of the mixing valve is the transition from the fully open state to the fully closed state, i.e., the second stage of the first action of the mixing valve is "open-close".

[0064] In the third stage of the mixing valve, at the first moment (time C), the first water flow rate is 1 L / min, the first threshold is 2 L / min, and the first water flow rate is less than the first threshold. Therefore, the first state (state 3) at the first moment (time C) in the third stage is fully closed. In the second stage, at the second moment (time D), the second water flow rate is 12 L / min, the second threshold is 10 L / min, and the second water flow rate is greater than the second threshold. Therefore, the second state (state 4) at the second moment (time D) in the third stage is fully open. The third stage of the mixing valve's first operation is the transition from fully closed to fully open, i.e., the third stage of the mixing valve's first operation, "close-to-open."

[0065] By respectively determining the first state at the first moment and the second state at the second moment, and determining the first action based on the first state and the second state, the first action can be determined more accurately.

[0066] Step S203: adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the first action.

[0067] Specifically, the above step S203 includes:

[0068] Step S2031: Obtaining the correspondence between the mixing valve application action and the outlet water temperature adjustment method.

[0069] In this embodiment, the correspondence between the action applied by the water mixing valve and the way to adjust the outlet water temperature can be pre-set in the computer device.

[0070] The correspondence between the mixing valve application action and the outlet water temperature adjustment method includes multiple mixing valve application actions (i.e., actions applied to the mixing valve), and the water heater outlet water temperature adjustment method corresponding to each mixing valve application action. For example, the outlet water temperature adjustment method corresponding to "off-on" is to increase the outlet water temperature of the water heater by 2°C; the outlet water temperature adjustment method corresponding to "on-off" is to decrease the outlet water temperature of the water heater by 2°C. The water heater outlet water temperature adjustment method includes but is not limited to the direction of the water heater outlet water temperature adjustment, such as increasing or decreasing, the adjustment step of the water heater outlet water temperature, such as how many degrees Celsius to adjust each time, and the water heater outlet water temperature adjustment rule, such as adjusting once or continuously. Step S2032: Determine whether there is a mixing valve application action that is the same as the first action among the mixing valve application actions.

[0071] Step S2033: If yes, determine the adjustment mode corresponding to the first action according to the correspondence between the action applied by the mixing valve and the adjustment mode of the outlet water temperature.

[0072] That is, if the matching relationship between mixing valve actions and outlet water temperature adjustment methods contains a mixing valve action that is identical to the first action, the first action can be considered as the basis for outlet water temperature adjustment. In this case, the matching relationship between mixing valve actions and outlet water temperature adjustment methods can be searched using the first action as an index to obtain the adjustment method corresponding to the first action. The adjustment method includes, but is not limited to, the adjustment amount and the adjustment direction, such as whether to increase or decrease the temperature.

[0073] When there is no mixing valve action identical to the first action in the correspondence between the mixing valve action and the outlet water temperature adjustment method, it can be considered that the first action is irrelevant to the outlet water temperature adjustment.

[0074] For example, when an action is to adjust the water flow from one value to another, there is no mixing valve action identical to the action in the correspondence between the mixing valve action and the outlet water temperature adjustment method. Therefore, it can be considered that the action is not related to the adjustment of the outlet water temperature, and the action is an action of the user to adjust the water flow during water use.

[0075] By pre-setting the correspondence between the action applied by the mixing valve and the water outlet temperature adjustment method, the first action that is irrelevant to the adjustment of the water outlet temperature, that is, the invalid first action, can be excluded. In other words, not all first actions applied to the mixing valve can adjust the water outlet temperature of the water heater. In this way, not only the water outlet temperature of the water heater can be adjusted, but also the normal operation of the water heater can be guaranteed.

[0076] Step S2034: adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater using the determined adjustment method.

[0077] By pre-setting the correspondence between the action applied by the mixing valve and the water outlet temperature adjustment method, the first action that is irrelevant to the adjustment of the water outlet temperature, that is, the invalid first action, can be excluded. In other words, not all first actions applied to the mixing valve can adjust the water outlet temperature of the water heater. In this way, not only the water outlet temperature of the water heater can be adjusted, but also the normal operation of the water heater can be guaranteed.

[0078] In some optional implementations, the above step S2034 includes:

[0079] Step a1: Adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater once according to the adjustment method. Alternatively, step a2: Continuously adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the adjustment method. This can be applied to different scenarios. For example, adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater once according to the adjustment method can be applied to situations where the adjustment range of the outlet water temperature is large, or where the difference between the outlet water temperature of the water heater and the user's required temperature is small; continuously adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the adjustment method can be applied to situations where the adjustment range of the outlet water temperature is small, or where the difference between the outlet water temperature of the water heater and the user's required temperature is large.

[0080] In order to explain more clearly how to adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the adjustment method, the following two examples are given:

[0081] Example 1: When the mixing valve's first action is "off-on," the mixing valve's first action only changes state, from fully closed to fully open. The water heater's outlet water temperature increases once by the first temperature value T1, where the first temperature value T1 ranges from 1.5°C to 2.5°C. This means that, when the first temperature value T1 is 2°C and the first time period is 2 seconds, if the mixing valve's first water flow rate at the first moment is 1.5 L / min and the first threshold is 2 L / min, the first water flow rate is less than the first threshold, and the first state at the first moment is fully closed. After a 2-second delay, the mixing valve's second water flow rate at the second moment is 11 L / min and the second threshold is 10 L / min, the second water flow rate is greater than the second threshold, and the second state at the second moment is fully open. The mixing valve changes state once: from fully closed to fully open. Therefore, when the mixing valve's hot water flow rate changes from fully closed to fully open in 2 seconds, the water heater's outlet water temperature increases by 2°C.

[0082] Example 2: When the mixing valve's first action is "open-close," the mixing valve's first action only changes state, from fully open to fully closed. The water heater's outlet water temperature is lowered once by the first temperature value T1, where the first temperature value T1 ranges from 1.5°C to 2.5°C. This means that, when the first temperature value T1 is 2°C and the first time period is 2 seconds, if the mixing valve's first water flow rate at the first moment is 11 L / min and the second threshold is 10 L / min, the first water flow rate is greater than the second threshold, and the first state at the first moment is fully open. After a 2-second delay, the mixing valve's second water flow rate at the second moment is 1.5 L / min and the first threshold is 2 L / min, the second water flow rate is less than the first threshold, and the second state at the second moment is fully closed. The mixing valve changes state once: from fully open to fully closed. Therefore, when the mixing valve's hot water flow rate changes from fully open to fully closed in 2 seconds, the water heater's outlet water temperature is lowered by 2°C.

[0083] In order to explain more clearly how to continuously adjust the outlet water temperature of a water heater according to the adjustment method, the following three examples are given:

[0084] Example 3: When the first action of the mixing valve is "off-on, off-on", the first action of the mixing valve has three stages of state change, namely: the first stage "off-on"; the second stage "on, off"; and the third stage "off-on". Two transitions from the fully closed state to the fully open state are recognized, and the water outlet temperature of the water heater is increased by the first temperature value T1 twice, where the range of the first temperature value T1 is 1.5℃-2.5℃. It can be understood that when the first temperature value T1 is 2°C and the first time period is 2 seconds, if the first water flow rate at the first moment is 1.5 L / min and the first threshold is 2 L / min, the first water flow rate is less than the first threshold, and the first state at the first moment is the fully closed state. After an interval of 2 seconds from the first time period, the second water flow rate of the mixing valve at the second moment is obtained. The second water flow rate at the second moment is 11 L / min and the second threshold is 10 L / min, which is greater than the second threshold. The second state at the second moment is the fully open state, that is, the first stage of the mixing valve is "off-to-open". If, after an interval of 0.5 seconds, the water flow rate of the mixing valve is adjusted from 11 L / min to 1 L / min, that is, the second stage state change of the mixing valve is completed within 1 second, it is considered an invalid action, that is, the second stage of the mixing valve is "open-off". If, after an interval of 2 seconds, the water flow rate of the mixing valve is adjusted from 1 L / min to 12 L / min, the first state of the mixing valve at the first moment in the third stage is the fully closed state, and the second state at the second moment is the off-open state, that is, the third stage of the mixing valve is "off-to-open". The first action of the mixing valve can identify two "off-on" cycles, and the outlet water temperature is adjusted twice in succession, each time increasing by 2°C.

[0085] That is, when the hot water flow rate of the mixing valve is adjusted from less than 2 L / min to fully open in 2 seconds, the outlet water temperature is increased by 2°C. The mixing valve is quickly returned to the hot water flow rate ≤ 2 L / min (< 1 second), and then adjusted again from ≤ 2 L / min to fully open, and the outlet water temperature is increased by another 2°C.

[0086] Example 4: When the first action of the mixing valve is "open-close, open-close", the first action of the mixing valve has three stages of state changes, namely: the first stage is "open-close"; the second stage is "close, open"; and the third stage is "open-close". Two transitions from the fully closed state to the fully open state are recognized, and the outlet water temperature of the water heater is lowered by the first temperature value T1 twice, where the range of the first temperature value T1 is 1.5℃-2.5℃. It can be understood that when the first temperature value T1 is 2°C and the first time period is 2 seconds, if the first water flow rate at the first moment is 11 L / min and the second threshold is 10 L / min, the first water flow rate is greater than the second threshold, and the first state at the first moment is fully open. After an interval of 2 seconds from the first time period, the second water flow rate of the mixing valve at the second moment is obtained. The second water flow rate at the second moment is 1 L / min, the first threshold is 2 L / min, and the second water flow rate is less than the first threshold. The second state at the second moment is fully closed, that is, the first stage of the mixing valve is "open-close". If the mixing valve water flow rate is adjusted from 1 L / min to 11 L / min after 0.5 seconds, the second state of the mixing valve in the second stage is considered invalid if it is completed within 1 second, and the second state of the mixing valve in the second stage is "close-open". If the mixing valve water flow rate is adjusted from 11 L / min to 1 L / min after 2 seconds, the first state at the first moment in the third stage is fully open, and the second state at the second moment is fully closed, that is, the third stage of the mixing valve is "open-close". The first action of the mixing valve can identify two "on-off" movements, and the outlet water temperature is adjusted twice in succession, each time lowering by 2°C.

[0087] That is to say, when the hot water output of the mixing valve is adjusted from the fully open state to ≤2L / min in 2S, the outlet water temperature is lowered by 2℃, the mixing valve quickly returns to the fully open state of hot water (<1s), and the hot water output is adjusted from the fully open state to ≤2L / min again, and the outlet water temperature is lowered by another 2℃.

[0088] Example 5: When the mixing valve's first action is "intermediate state - open," the water heater's outlet water temperature is increased once by the second temperature value T2. The mixing valve's first action only involves a single state change, from the intermediate state to the fully open state. The water heater's outlet water temperature is increased once by the second temperature value T2, where the second temperature value T2 ranges from 0.5°C to 1°C. This means that when the second temperature value T2 is 1°C and the first time period is 2 seconds, if the mixing valve's first water flow rate at the first moment is 5 L / min and the first range is 4 L / min to 6 L / min, the first water flow rate is within the first range and the first state at the first moment is the intermediate state. After a 2-second delay, the mixing valve's second water flow rate at the second moment is measured. The second water flow rate is 11 L / min, the second threshold is 10 L / min, and the second water flow rate is greater than the second threshold, indicating the second state at the second moment is fully open. The mixing valve changes state once: from the intermediate state to the fully open state, and the water heater's outlet water temperature is increased by 1°C. Preferably, a buzzer may sound every 2 seconds to remind the user to adjust the outlet water temperature higher or lower.

[0089] Similarly, when the mixing valve's first action is "off - intermediate state," the water heater's outlet water temperature is adjusted up by the second temperature value T2 once. Alternatively, when the mixing valve's first action is "open - intermediate state," the water heater's outlet water temperature is adjusted down by the second temperature value T2 once. Alternatively, when the mixing valve's first action is "intermediate state - off," the water heater's outlet water temperature is adjusted down by the second temperature value T2 once. Preferably, a buzzer sounds every two seconds to remind the user to adjust the outlet water temperature up or down.

[0090] That is, according to the first action, it can be determined whether the outlet water temperature is adjusted once according to the adjustment method or continuously adjusted according to the adjustment method. When it is continuously adjusted according to the adjustment method, it is continuously adjusted according to the preset time interval.

[0091] In some optional embodiments, after step S2034, the method further includes adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the outlet water temperature. This allows the outlet water temperature of the water heater to change with changes in the outlet water temperature of the water heater, ensuring that the outlet water temperature adjusted by the user is consistent with the user's desired temperature.

[0092] In this embodiment, a water heater control method is provided, which can be used in the above-mentioned computer device. Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of another method for controlling a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0093] Step S301: obtaining a third water flow rate at a third moment and a fourth water flow rate at a fourth moment.

[0094] The fourth moment is equal to the third moment plus a preset second time period. For example, the second time period may be less than 1 second.

[0095] Step S302: Determine a second action to be applied to the water mixing valve according to the third water flow rate and the fourth water flow rate.

[0096] Specifically, the above step S302 includes:

[0097] Step S3021: Determine a third state of the water mixing valve at a third moment according to the third water flow rate.

[0098] Specifically, the range to which the third water flow rate belongs can be determined, and the third state of the mixing valve at the third moment can be determined based on the range to which the third water flow rate belongs. For example, when the third water flow rate is less than a first threshold, the third state of the mixing valve at the third moment is determined to be a fully closed state. For example, the first threshold value can be 2 L / min. When the third water flow rate is greater than a second threshold value, the third state of the mixing valve at the third moment is determined to be a fully open state. For example, the second threshold value can be 10 L / min. When the third water flow rate is within the first range, the third state of the mixing valve at the third moment is determined to be an intermediate state. For example, the first range can be 4 L / min to 6 L / min. It should be noted that the third state includes not only the fully open state, fully closed state, and intermediate state described above, but also states where the water flow rate is within a certain range.

[0099] It should be noted that, when the water heater is different, the first threshold, the second threshold, and the first range may use different values.

[0100] Step S3022: Determine a fourth state of the water mixing valve at a fourth moment according to the fourth water flow rate.

[0101] Specifically, the interval range to which the fourth water flow rate belongs can be determined, and the fourth state of the mixing valve at the fourth moment can be determined based on the interval range to which the fourth water flow rate belongs. For example, when the fourth water flow rate is less than the first threshold, the fourth state of the mixing valve at the fourth moment is determined to be the fully closed state. For example, the first threshold value can be 2 L / min. When the fourth water flow rate is greater than the second threshold value, the fourth state of the mixing valve at the fourth moment is determined to be the fully open state. For example, the second threshold value can be 10 L / min. When the fourth water flow rate is within the first range, the fourth state of the mixing valve at the fourth moment is determined to be an intermediate state. For example, the first range can be 4 L / min to 6 L / min. It should be noted that the fourth state not only includes the fully open state, fully closed state, and intermediate state described above, but also includes states where the water flow rate is within a certain range.

[0102] It should be noted that, when the water heater is different, the first threshold, the second threshold, and the first range may use different values.

[0103] Step S3023: Determine a second action according to the third state and the fourth state.

[0104] Similar to determining the first action based on the first and second states, when determining the second action based on the third and fourth states, the third and fourth moments simply represent two moments in time. The fourth moment only needs to equal the third moment plus a predetermined second time period. The second action can include multiple third and fourth states.

[0105] Step S303: Determine whether the water temperature of the water heater needs to be adjusted based on the second action.

[0106] The above step S303 includes:

[0107] Step S3031: Obtain the correspondence between the action applied by the mixing valve and whether the water temperature needs to be adjusted.

[0108] In this embodiment, the correspondence between the action applied by the water mixing valve and whether the water temperature needs to be adjusted can be pre-set in the computer device.

[0109] Step S3032: determining whether there is a mixing valve applying action that is the same as the second action in the correspondence between the mixing valve applying action and whether the water temperature needs to be adjusted.

[0110] Step S3033: If yes, determine whether the water temperature of the water heater needs to be adjusted based on the corresponding relationship between the action applied by the mixing valve and whether the water temperature needs to be adjusted.

[0111] For example, when a user uses a gas water heater and feels that the water temperature needs to be adjusted, the shower mixing valve (or hot and cold water faucet) is quickly "closed-opened-closed-opened" (each action takes less than 1 second). This operation is defined as "entering a water temperature adjustment request."

[0112] That is, in this embodiment, the change in water flow in the water heater can reflect the second action applied by the user on the mixing valve. Further, the second action applied by the user on the mixing valve is used as a basis for determining whether water temperature adjustment is required.

[0113] In this way, the outlet water temperature of the water heater can be adjusted according to the first action applied to the mixing valve only when the water temperature of the water heater needs to be adjusted.

[0114] Step S304: Obtain the first water flow rate at the first moment and the second water flow rate at the second moment. Figure 2 Step S201 of the illustrated embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0115] Step S305: Determine the first action to be applied to the mixing valve of the water heater according to the first water flow rate and the second water flow rate. Figure 2 Step S202 of the illustrated embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0116] Step S306: Adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the first action. Figure 2 Step S203 of the illustrated embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0117] Step S307: Obtain the water flow rate in a preset time period. In this embodiment, the preset time period may be referred to as the sixth time period. For example, the sixth time period may be 4s-8s.

[0118] Step S308: When the water flow rate during the preset time period is within a preset first range, it is determined that an instruction message to stop adjustment is received. For example, the first range can be determined based on the water flow rate during normal water use by the user.

[0119] For example, there is no temperature adjustment operation for 5 seconds, which is specifically manifested as the water flow is within the preset first range within 5 seconds. At this time, it can be considered that the adjustment is in place and the user is using water normally, so the water outlet temperature adjustment is stopped.

[0120] In some optional implementations, after step S306, the above-mentioned steps S307 and S308 may not be performed, and the following steps S309, S310 and S311 may be used instead.

[0121] Step S309: respectively obtaining the seventh water flow at the seventh moment and the eighth water flow at the eighth moment.

[0122] The eighth moment is equal to the seventh moment plus a preset fourth time period. For example, the fourth time period may be less than 1 second.

[0123] Step S310: Determine a fourth action to be applied to the water mixing valve according to the seventh water flow rate and the eighth water flow rate.

[0124] Specifically, the above step S310 includes:

[0125] Step S3101: Determine a seventh state of the mixing valve at a seventh moment according to the seventh water flow rate.

[0126] Specifically, the interval range to which the seventh water flow rate belongs can be determined, and the seventh state of the mixing valve at the seventh moment can be determined based on the interval range to which the seventh water flow rate belongs. For example, when the seventh water flow rate is less than the first threshold, the seventh state of the mixing valve at the seventh moment is determined to be the fully closed state. For example, the first threshold value can be 2 L / min. When the seventh water flow rate is greater than the second threshold value, the seventh state of the mixing valve at the seventh moment is determined to be the fully open state. For example, the second threshold value can be 10 L / min. When the seventh water flow rate is within the first range, the seventh state of the mixing valve at the seventh moment is determined to be an intermediate state. For example, the first range can be 4 L / min to 6 L / min. It should be noted that the seventh state not only includes the fully open state, fully closed state, and intermediate state described above, but also includes states where the water flow rate is within a certain range.

[0127] It should be noted that, when the water heater is different, the first threshold, the second threshold, and the first range may use different values.

[0128] Step S3102: determining an eighth state of the water mixing valve at an eighth moment according to the eighth water flow rate.

[0129] Specifically, the interval range to which the eighth water flow rate belongs can be determined, and the eighth state of the mixing valve at the eighth moment can be determined based on the interval range to which the eighth water flow rate belongs. For example, when the eighth water flow rate is less than a first threshold, the eighth state of the mixing valve at the eighth moment is determined to be a fully closed state. For example, the first threshold value can be 2 L / min. When the eighth water flow rate is greater than a second threshold value, the eighth state of the mixing valve at the eighth moment is determined to be a fully open state. For example, the second threshold value can be 10 L / min. When the eighth water flow rate is within the first range, the eighth state of the mixing valve at the eighth moment is determined to be an intermediate state. For example, the first range can be 4 L / min to 6 L / min. It should be noted that the eighth state not only includes the fully open state, fully closed state, and intermediate state described above, but also includes states where the water flow rate is within a certain range.

[0130] It should be noted that, when the water heater is different, the first threshold, the second threshold, and the first range may use different values.

[0131] Step S3103: Determine a fourth action according to the seventh state and the eighth state.

[0132] Similar to determining the first action based on the first and second states, when determining the fourth action based on the seventh and eighth states, the seventh and eighth moments simply represent two moments in time. The condition that the eighth moment equals the seventh moment plus the predetermined fourth time period is sufficient. The fourth action can include multiple seventh and eighth states.

[0133] Step S311: determining whether an instruction message to stop adjusting the outlet water temperature is received based on the fourth action.

[0134] The above step S311 includes:

[0135] Step S3111: Obtain the corresponding relationship between the action applied by the mixing valve and whether it is necessary to stop adjusting the water temperature.

[0136] In this embodiment, the correspondence between the action applied by the water mixing valve and whether it is necessary to stop adjusting the water temperature can be pre-set in the computer device.

[0137] Step S3112: determining whether there is a mixing valve applying action that is the same as the fourth action in the correspondence between the mixing valve applying action and whether the water temperature adjustment needs to be stopped.

[0138] Step S3113: If yes, determine whether the water heater needs to stop adjusting the outlet water temperature according to the corresponding relationship between the action applied by the mixing valve and whether the water temperature adjustment needs to be stopped.

[0139] For example, when the outlet water temperature of the water heater reaches the required temperature, the mixing valve is closed and opened once (the closing time is less than 1 second), indicating that the outlet water temperature adjustment is stopped.

[0140] This can be used to define the end conditions for the outlet water temperature adjustment to ensure the normal operation of the water heater.

[0141] In some optional implementations, after step S303 and before step S304, the following steps are further included:

[0142] Step b1: When the water heater requires water temperature adjustment, a prompt message is issued indicating that the water temperature adjustment phase has begun. For example, the prompt message may be a buzzer. This allows the computer device to communicate with the user, informing the user that the water temperature adjustment phase has begun and that the water temperature adjustment can be performed. This prevents confusion during the user's initial action on the mixing valve.

[0143] In some optional implementations, after step b1 and before step S304, the following steps are further included:

[0144] Step c1: respectively obtaining the fifth water flow rate at the fifth moment and the sixth water flow rate at the sixth moment.

[0145] The sixth moment is equal to the fifth moment plus the preset third time period.

[0146] Step c2: Determine a third action to be applied to the water mixing valve according to the fifth water flow rate and the sixth water flow rate.

[0147] Specifically, the above step c2 includes:

[0148] Step c21: Determine a fifth state of the water mixing valve at a fifth moment according to the fifth water flow rate.

[0149] Specifically, the interval range to which the fifth water flow rate belongs can be determined, and the fifth state of the mixing valve at the fifth moment can be determined based on the interval range to which the fifth water flow rate belongs. For example, when the fifth water flow rate is less than a first threshold, the fifth state of the mixing valve at the fifth moment is determined to be a fully closed state. For example, the first threshold value can be 2 L / min. When the fifth water flow rate is greater than a second threshold, the fifth state of the mixing valve at the fifth moment is determined to be a fully open state. For example, the second threshold value can be 10 L / min. When the fifth water flow rate is within the first range, the fifth state of the mixing valve at the fifth moment is determined to be an intermediate state. For example, the first range can be 4 L / min to 6 L / min. It should be noted that the fifth state not only includes the fully open state, fully closed state, and intermediate state described above, but also includes states where the water flow rate is within a certain range.

[0150] It should be noted that, when the water heater is different, the first threshold, the second threshold, and the first range may use different values.

[0151] Step c22: Determine a sixth state of the water mixing valve at a sixth moment according to the sixth water flow rate.

[0152] Specifically, the interval range to which the sixth water flow rate belongs can be determined, and the sixth state of the mixing valve at the sixth moment can be determined based on the interval range to which the sixth water flow rate belongs. For example, when the sixth water flow rate is less than a first threshold, the sixth state of the mixing valve at the sixth moment is determined to be a fully closed state. For example, the first threshold value can be 2 L / min. When the sixth water flow rate is greater than a second threshold value, the sixth state of the mixing valve at the sixth moment is determined to be a fully open state. For example, the second threshold value can be 10 L / min. When the sixth water flow rate is within the first range, the sixth state of the mixing valve at the sixth moment is determined to be an intermediate state. For example, the first range can be 4 L / min to 6 L / min. It should be noted that the sixth state not only includes the fully open state, fully closed state, and intermediate state described above, but also includes states where the water flow rate is within a certain range.

[0153] It should be noted that, when the water heater is different, the first threshold, the second threshold, and the first range may use different values.

[0154] Step c23: Determine a third action according to the fifth state and the sixth state.

[0155] Similar to determining the first action based on the first and second states, when determining the third action based on the fifth and sixth states, the fifth and sixth moments simply represent two moments in time. The condition that the sixth moment equals the fifth moment plus a predetermined third time period is sufficient. The third action can include multiple fifth and sixth states.

[0156] Step c3: Determine whether to enter the water temperature adjustment phase based on the third action.

[0157] The above step c3 includes:

[0158] Step c31: Obtain the corresponding relationship between the action applied by the mixing valve and whether to enter the water temperature adjustment stage.

[0159] In this embodiment, the correspondence between the action applied by the mixing valve and whether to enter the water temperature adjustment stage can be pre-set in the computer device.

[0160] Step c32: Determine whether there is a mixing valve applying action that is the same as the third action in the correspondence between the mixing valve applying action and whether the water temperature adjustment stage is entered.

[0161] Step c33: If yes, determine whether the water heater enters the water temperature adjustment stage according to the corresponding relationship between the action of the mixing valve and whether the water heater enters the water temperature adjustment stage.

[0162] For example, after the gas water heater receives an instruction to adjust the water temperature, the buzzer sounds for 3 seconds to indicate that a "water temperature adjustment request" has been received. The user closes and opens the mixing valve once within 1 second to confirm that the water temperature adjustment phase is to be entered.

[0163] This allows the computer device to communicate with the user, so that the computer device knows that it has entered the water temperature adjustment stage, thereby improving the accuracy of the computer device in identifying the first action applied to the mixing valve.

[0164] In this embodiment, a water heater control method is provided, which can be used in the above-mentioned computer device. Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of another water heater control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0165] Step S401: When the water temperature of the water heater needs to be adjusted, the first water flow rate at the first moment and the second water flow rate at the second moment are obtained. Figure 2 Step S201 of the illustrated embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0166] Step S402: Determine the first action to be applied to the mixing valve of the water heater according to the first water flow rate and the second water flow rate. Figure 2Step S202 of the illustrated embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0167] Step S403: Adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the first action. Figure 2 Step S203 of the illustrated embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0168] Step S404: obtaining a ninth water flow rate at a ninth moment and a tenth water flow rate at a tenth moment.

[0169] The tenth time is equal to the ninth time plus the preset fifth time period. Step S404 is similar to step S101 and will not be described in detail here.

[0170] Step S405: Determine a fifth action to be applied to the water mixing valve according to the tenth water flow rate and the ninth water flow rate.

[0171] Specifically, the above step S405 includes:

[0172] Step S4051: Determine a ninth state of the water mixing valve at a ninth moment according to a ninth water flow rate.

[0173] Specifically, the interval range to which the ninth water flow rate belongs can be determined, and the ninth state of the mixing valve at the ninth moment can be determined based on the interval range to which the ninth water flow rate belongs. For example, when the ninth water flow rate is less than the first threshold, the ninth state of the mixing valve at the ninth moment is determined to be the fully closed state. For example, the first threshold value can be 2 L / min; when the ninth water flow rate is greater than the second threshold value, the ninth state of the mixing valve at the ninth moment is determined to be the fully open state. For example, the second threshold value can be 10 L / min; when the ninth water flow rate is within the first range, the ninth state of the mixing valve at the ninth moment is determined to be the intermediate state. For example, the first range can be 4 L / min to 6 L / min. It should be noted that the ninth state not only includes the fully open state, fully closed state, and intermediate state described above, but also includes states where the water flow rate is within a certain range.

[0174] It should be noted that, when the water heater is different, the first threshold, the second threshold, and the first range may use different values.

[0175] Step S4052: Determine the tenth state of the water mixing valve at the tenth moment according to the tenth water flow rate.

[0176] Specifically, the interval range to which the tenth water flow rate belongs can be determined, and the tenth state of the mixing valve at the tenth moment can be determined based on the interval range to which the tenth water flow rate belongs. For example, when the tenth water flow rate is less than a first threshold, the tenth state of the mixing valve at the tenth moment is determined to be a fully closed state. For example, the first threshold value can be 2 L / min. When the tenth water flow rate is greater than a second threshold value, the tenth state of the mixing valve at the tenth moment is determined to be a fully open state. For example, the second threshold value can be 10 L / min. When the tenth water flow rate is within a first range, the tenth state of the mixing valve at the tenth moment is determined to be an intermediate state. For example, the first range can be 4 L / min to 6 L / min. It should be noted that the tenth state not only includes the fully open state, fully closed state, and intermediate state described above, but also includes states where the water flow rate is within a certain range.

[0177] It should be noted that, when the water heater is different, the first threshold, the second threshold, and the first range may use different values.

[0178] Step S4053: Determine the fifth action according to the ninth state and the tenth state.

[0179] Similar to determining the first action based on the first and second states, when determining the fifth action based on the ninth and tenth states, the ninth and tenth moments simply represent two moments in time. The tenth moment only needs to equal the ninth moment plus the preset fifth time period. The fifth action can include multiple ninth and tenth states.

[0180] Step S406: Determine based on the fifth action whether a health warning signal reflecting that the user is in poor condition is received.

[0181] Specifically, the above step S406 includes:

[0182] Step S4061: Obtain the correspondence between the mixing valve application action and the health alarm signal.

[0183] In this embodiment, the correspondence between the action applied by the mixing valve and the health alarm signal can be pre-set in the computer device.

[0184] Step S4062: Determine whether there is a mixing valve applying action that is the same as the second action in the correspondence between the mixing valve applying action and the health alarm signal.

[0185] Step S4063: If present, determine whether a health alarm signal is received based on the correspondence between the mixing valve application action and the health alarm signal.

[0186] For example, if a user feels unwell but is conscious while using a water heater, he or she can close and open the mixing valve for more than 5 times in a row, with the time interval between closing and opening being 1S-3S, to send a health alarm signal to the water heater, which will then send a help message to relevant family members via wireless communication.

[0187] Step S407: When a health alarm signal is received, a help message is sent.

[0188] In this embodiment, when a health alarm signal is received, an alarm message may also be sent.

[0189] Therefore, the health status of the user can be reflected according to the fifth action applied to the mixing valve, and the mixing valve can be used to alarm when the user feels unwell.

[0190] In some optional implementations, before step S405, the method further includes:

[0191] Step d1, obtaining the working time of the water heater;

[0192] Step d2: When the working time reaches a preset first time, a prompt message is sent to provide feedback on the user's health status.

[0193] Step d3: When the health alarm signal is received, or when no feedback on the health condition is received within a preset time range, a help message and / or an alarm message is sent.

[0194] For example, when the water heater operates continuously for 5 minutes, the buzzer sounds once to prompt the user to provide feedback on the health status.

[0195] Furthermore, after step d2, if the mixing valve is opened and closed once (with a closing time of less than 1 second), it indicates that the user is in good health. If the user does not respond and the buzzer sounds continuously for 2 minutes, the water heater determines that the user may be unwell and sends an alarm message to relevant family members via wireless means such as Wi-Fi. If there is still no response after 5 minutes, a help message is sent wirelessly. Alternatively, if a health alarm signal is received, such as if the mixing valve is closed and opened more than 5 times in a row, with the closing and opening intervals of 1 second to 3 seconds, a help message is sent.

[0196] This can alert the user at a stage where they are prone to danger, and if danger exists, the mixing valve can be used to sound an alarm.

[0197] It can be seen that the water heater control method of this embodiment has the following beneficial effects:

[0198] (1) Use the mixing valve to adjust the water outlet temperature of the water heater;

[0199] (2) The system can automatically alarm when an elderly person falls;

[0200] (3) If you feel unwell, you can use the mixing valve to alarm.

[0201] This embodiment also provides a water heater control device for implementing the above-mentioned embodiments and preferred embodiments. Details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" may refer to a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the devices described in the following embodiments are preferably implemented in software, implementation using hardware, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0202] This embodiment provides a control device for a water heater, such as Figure 5 Shown, including:

[0203] The first acquisition module 501 is used to acquire a first water flow rate at a first moment and a second water flow rate at a second moment when the water heater needs to adjust the water temperature.

[0204] The action confirmation module 502 is configured to determine a first action to be applied to the mixing valve of the water heater according to the first water flow rate and the second water flow rate.

[0205] The temperature adjustment module 503 is configured to adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the first action.

[0206] In some optional implementations, after adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the first action, the temperature adjustment module 503 is further configured to adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the outlet water temperature.

[0207] In some optional implementations, the action confirmation module 502 includes:

[0208] The first state confirmation unit is configured to determine a first state of the water mixing valve at a first moment according to a first water flow rate.

[0209] The second state confirmation unit is configured to determine a second state of the mixing valve at a second moment according to the second water flow rate.

[0210] The action confirmation unit is used to determine a first action according to the first state and the second state.

[0211] In some optional embodiments, the temperature adjustment module 503 includes:

[0212] an acquisition unit, configured to acquire a correspondence between an action applied by the mixing valve and a water outlet temperature adjustment method;

[0213] a judging unit, configured to judge whether there is a mixing valve applying action identical to the first action among the mixing valve applying actions;

[0214] an adjustment mode search unit, for determining, when there is a mixing valve application action identical to the first action among the mixing valve application actions, an adjustment mode corresponding to the first action based on a correspondence between the mixing valve application action and the outlet water temperature adjustment mode;

[0215] The outlet water temperature adjustment unit is used to adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater using a determined adjustment method.

[0216] In some optional embodiments, the outlet water temperature adjustment unit is used to adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater once according to the adjustment method; or, to continuously adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the adjustment method.

[0217] In some optional implementations, the control device of the water heater further includes a water temperature adjustment confirmation module 504 .

[0218] Before acquiring the first water flow at the first moment and the second water flow at the second moment, the first acquiring module 501 is further configured to acquire the third water flow at the third moment and the fourth water flow at the fourth moment.

[0219] The action confirmation module 502 is further configured to determine a second action to be applied to the water mixing valve according to the third water flow rate and the fourth water flow rate.

[0220] The water temperature adjustment confirmation module 504 is configured to determine whether the water temperature of the water heater needs to be adjusted based on the second action.

[0221] In some optional embodiments, after determining whether the water heater needs water temperature adjustment based on the second action, the water temperature adjustment confirmation module 504 is further used to issue a prompt message for entering the water temperature adjustment phase when the water heater needs water temperature adjustment.

[0222] In some optional implementations, the control device of the water heater further includes a water temperature adjustment stage confirmation module 505 .

[0223] After the prompt message of entering the water temperature adjustment phase is issued, the first acquisition module 501 is used to acquire the fifth water flow rate at the fifth moment and the sixth water flow rate at the sixth moment;

[0224] The action confirmation module 502 is used to determine a third action to be applied to the water mixing valve according to the fifth water flow rate and the sixth water flow rate;

[0225] The water temperature adjustment stage confirmation module 505 is used to determine whether to enter the water temperature adjustment stage based on the third action.

[0226] In some optional implementations, the control device of the water heater further includes a stop adjustment module 506 .

[0227] After adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the first action, the first acquisition module 501 is used to acquire the seventh water flow rate at the seventh moment and the eighth water flow rate at the eighth moment.

[0228] The action confirmation module 502 is configured to determine a fourth action to be applied to the water mixing valve according to the seventh water flow rate and the eighth water flow rate.

[0229] The adjustment stop module 506 is configured to determine whether an instruction message for stopping adjustment of the outlet water temperature is received based on the fourth action.

[0230] Alternatively, after adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the first action, the first acquisition module 501 is used to acquire the water flow rate in a preset time period.

[0231] The stop adjustment module 506 is configured to determine that an instruction message to stop adjusting the outlet water temperature is received when the water flow rate in the preset time period is within a preset first range.

[0232] In some optional implementations, the water heater control device further includes a health monitoring module 507 .

[0233] The first acquisition module 501 is configured to acquire a ninth water flow rate at a ninth moment and a tenth water flow rate at a tenth moment.

[0234] The action confirmation module 502 determines a fifth action to be applied to the water mixing valve according to the tenth water flow rate and the ninth water flow rate.

[0235] The health monitoring module 507 is used to determine whether a health warning signal reflecting that the user is in poor condition is received based on the fifth action; when a health warning signal is received, send a help message and / or an alarm message.

[0236] In some optional implementations, the water heater control device further includes a second acquisition module 508 and a health status feedback prompt module 509 .

[0237] The second acquisition module 508 is used to acquire the operating time of the water heater.

[0238] The health status feedback prompt module 509 is used to send a prompt message to feedback the user's health status when the working time reaches a preset first time.

[0239] When a health warning signal is received, or when no feedback on the health condition is received within a preset time range, the health monitoring module 507 is configured to send a help message and / or an alarm message.

[0240] The control device of the water heater in this embodiment is presented in the form of a functional unit, where the unit refers to an ASIC circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or fixed programs, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0241] The further functional description of each of the above modules and units is the same as that of the above corresponding embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0242] The embodiment of the present invention also provides a computer device having the above Figure 5 The controls for the water heater are shown.

[0243] See also Figure 6 , Figure 6 is a structural diagram of a computer device provided by an optional embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 6 As shown, the computer device includes: one or more processors 10, memory 20, and interfaces for connecting various components, including high-speed interfaces and low-speed interfaces. Various components utilize different buses to communicate with each other and can be installed on a common mainboard or installed in other ways as needed. The processor can process the instructions executed in the computer device, including instructions stored in the memory or on the memory to display the graphical information of the GUI on an external input / output device (such as, a display device coupled to the interface). In some optional embodiments, if necessary, multiple processors and / or multiple buses can be used together with multiple memories and multiple memories. Equally, multiple computer devices can be connected, and each device provides part of the necessary operations (for example, as a server array, a group of blade servers, or a multi-processor system). Figure 6 A processor 10 is taken as an example.

[0244] The processor 10 may be a central processing unit, a network processor, or a combination thereof. The processor 10 may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be an application-specific integrated circuit, a programmable logic device, or a combination thereof. The programmable logic device may be a complex programmable logic device, a field programmable gate array, a general purpose array logic, or any combination thereof.

[0245] The memory 20 stores instructions that can be executed by at least one processor 10, so as to enable at least one processor 10 to execute the method shown in the above embodiment.

[0246] The memory 20 may include a program storage area and a data storage area, wherein the program storage area may store an operating system, an application required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of a computer device for displaying a small program landing page, etc. In addition, the memory 20 may include a high-speed random access memory, and may also include a non-transient memory, such as at least one disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other non-transient solid-state storage device. In some optional embodiments, the memory 20 may optionally include a memory remotely located relative to the processor 10, and these remote memories may be connected to the computer device via a network. Examples of the above-mentioned network include, but are not limited to, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and a combination thereof.

[0247] The memory 20 may include a volatile memory, such as a random access memory; the memory may also include a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory, a hard disk or a solid-state drive; the memory 20 may also include a combination of the above types of memory.

[0248] The computer device also includes an input device 30 and an output device 40. The processor 10, the memory 20, the input device 30 and the output device 20 can be connected via a bus or other means. Figure 6 The bus connection is taken as an example.

[0249] The input device 30 can receive input digital or character information and generate key signal input related to user settings and function control of the computer device, such as a touch screen, a keypad, a mouse, a trackpad, a touch pad, an indicator stick, one or more mouse buttons, a trackball, a joystick, etc. The output device 40 can include a display device, an auxiliary lighting device (e.g., an LED), and a tactile feedback device (e.g., a vibration motor). The above-mentioned display device includes but is not limited to a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode, a display, and a plasma display. In some optional embodiments, the display device can be a touch screen.

[0250] The embodiment of the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The above-mentioned method according to the embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, firmware, or implemented as a computer code that can be recorded in a storage medium, or implemented as a computer code that is originally stored in a remote storage medium or a non-temporary machine-readable storage medium and downloaded through a network and will be stored in a local storage medium, so that the method described herein can be stored in such software processing on a storage medium using a general-purpose computer, a dedicated processor, or programmable or dedicated hardware. Among them, the storage medium can be a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a read-only storage memory, a random access memory, a flash memory, a hard disk or a solid-state drive, etc.; further, the storage medium can also include a combination of the above-mentioned types of memory. It can be understood that a computer, a processor, a microprocessor controller or programmable hardware includes a storage component that can store or receive software or computer code. When the software or computer code is accessed and executed by a computer, a processor or hardware, the method shown in the above embodiment is implemented.

[0251] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such modifications and variations are all within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a water heater, characterized in that: The method comprises: When the water temperature of the water heater needs to be adjusted, a first water flow rate at a first moment and a second water flow rate at a second moment are obtained; determining a first action to be applied to a mixing valve of the water heater according to the first water flow rate and the second water flow rate; adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the first action; Also includes: Obtaining a ninth water flow rate at a ninth moment and a tenth water flow rate at a tenth moment; determining a fifth action to be applied to the water mixing valve according to the tenth water flow rate and the ninth water flow rate; determining, based on the fifth action, whether a health warning signal reflecting a poor condition of the user has been received; When the health alarm signal is received, a help message and / or an alarm message is sent.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The determining of a first action to be applied to the mixing valve of the water heater according to the first water flow rate and the second water flow rate includes: determining a first state of the water mixing valve at the first moment according to the first water flow rate; determining a second state of the water mixing valve at the second moment according to the second water flow rate; The first action is determined according to the first state and the second state.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the first action includes: Obtaining the correspondence between the mixing valve action and the outlet water temperature adjustment method; determining whether there is a mixing valve applying action identical to the first action among the mixing valve applying actions; If it exists, determining the adjustment mode corresponding to the first action according to the correspondence between the action applied by the mixing valve and the adjustment mode of the outlet water temperature; The outlet water temperature of the water heater is adjusted using a determined adjustment method.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The step of adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater by using the determined adjustment method includes: Adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater once according to the adjustment method; Alternatively, the outlet water temperature of the water heater is continuously adjusted according to the adjustment method.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein Before obtaining the first water flow at the first moment and the second water flow at the second moment, the method further includes: Obtaining a third water flow rate at a third moment and a fourth water flow rate at a fourth moment; determining a second action to be applied to the water mixing valve according to the third water flow rate and the fourth water flow rate; Based on the second action, it is determined whether the water temperature of the water heater needs to be adjusted.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that After determining whether the water heater needs to adjust the water temperature based on the second action, the method further includes: When the water temperature of the water heater needs to be adjusted, a prompt message is issued to enter the water temperature adjustment stage.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that After the prompt message of entering the water temperature adjustment phase is issued, it also includes: Obtaining a fifth water flow rate at a fifth moment and a sixth water flow rate at a sixth moment; determining a third action to be applied to the water mixing valve according to the fifth water flow rate and the sixth water flow rate; determining whether to enter the water temperature adjustment phase based on the third action; When entering the water temperature adjustment stage, the steps of obtaining a first water flow rate at a first moment and a second water flow rate at a second moment are performed.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater according to the first action, the method further includes: Obtaining a seventh water flow rate at a seventh moment and an eighth water flow rate at an eighth moment; determining a fourth action to be applied to the water mixing valve according to the seventh water flow rate and the eighth water flow rate; determining, based on the fourth action, whether an instruction message for stopping adjusting the outlet water temperature is received; and / or, obtaining water flow during a preset time period; When the water flow rate in the preset time period is within a preset first range, it is determined that the instruction message for stopping adjusting the outlet water temperature is received.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: Obtaining the operating time of the water heater; When the working time reaches a preset first time, a prompt message is sent to provide feedback on the user's health status; When the health warning signal is received, or when no feedback on the health condition is received within a preset time range, the help message and / or the warning message is sent.

10. A water heater, characterized in that: The water heater comprises a memory and a processor, the memory and the processor are communicatively connected to each other, the memory stores computer instructions, and the processor executes the control method of any one of claims 1 to 9 by executing the computer instructions.

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