Shower time adjustment system and method, controller, shower, storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a shower time adjusting system and method, a controller, a shower, and a storage medium, and belongs to the technical field of heat exchange. The shower time adjusting system comprises a hot water control valve, a cold water control valve, and a controller. The hot water control valve is used for controlling the hot water outlet flow of a hot water pipeline. The cold water control valve is used for controlling the cold water outlet flow of a cold water pipeline. The controller is electrically connected with the cold water control valve and the hot water control valve, and is configured to acquire a remaining hot water available time and an average shower time. According to the remaining hot water available time, the average shower time, and preset adjusting conditions, the hot water control valve and the cold water control valve are adjusted to adjust the hot water outlet flow and the cold water outlet flow flowing into the shower, so as to adjust the remaining shower time. The application can improve the shower time adjusting accuracy and the self-adaptability of the shower time adjusting system to the installation position, and has high universality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat exchange technology, and more particularly to a shower time adjustment system and method, controller, shower, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, if there is no hot water during a shower, it results in a very poor user experience.

[0003] In related technologies, most smart electric water heaters can only tell users the current temperature and how long it will take to reach the target temperature. However, they cannot tell users whether there is enough hot water in the heater to complete a shower, thus failing to guarantee shower time. Some electric water heaters on the market also have indicators for remaining hot water or remaining usage time. While these serve as reminders, they cannot control the flow and duration of the shower, and there is still a possibility of running out of hot water, thus failing to guarantee shower time. Some showers are equipped with electronic thermostatic mixing valves that automatically adjust the ratio of hot and cold water, but they do not know how much hot water is available, which can also lead to running out of hot water and failing to guarantee shower time. In addition, when water heaters with remaining hot water or remaining time reminders are not installed in the bathroom area, or when the installation location has a limited view, users may not see the reminders while showering.

[0004] It is evident that the drawbacks of the relevant technology are that the accuracy of the shower time adjustment method is low and the shower time reminder has low adaptability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following is an overview of the subject matter described in detail herein. This overview is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0006] This invention provides a shower time adjustment system and method, controller, shower, and storage medium, which can improve the accuracy of shower time adjustment while enhancing the adaptability of the shower time adjustment system to the installation location, thus having high versatility.

[0007] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention provides a shower time adjustment system for adjusting the remaining shower time of a shower, wherein one end of the shower is connected to a mixing pipe, and the other end of the mixing pipe is connected to one end of a hot water pipe and one end of a cold water pipe;

[0008] The shower time adjustment system includes:

[0009] A hot water control valve is used to control the hot water flow rate of the hot water pipeline.

[0010] A cold water control valve is used to control the cold water outflow rate of the cold water pipeline;

[0011] The controller is electrically connected to the cold water control valve and the hot water control valve, and is configured to acquire the remaining hot water availability time and the average shower time; based on the remaining hot water availability time, the average shower time, and preset adjustment conditions, the controller adjusts the hot water control valve and the cold water control valve to adjust the hot water outflow rate and the cold water outflow rate flowing into the shower, thereby adjusting the remaining shower time.

[0012] The shower time adjustment system according to a first aspect of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: It uses the remaining available hot water time and average shower time as standards, and by adjusting the hot water flow rate and cold water flow rate, it controls (extends) the remaining shower time while meeting the shower temperature requirements, thus improving the accuracy of shower time adjustment. When the remaining available hot water is low, it can remind the user before showering, informing them whether they wish to continue showering. This alleviates the situation where no hot water is available during the shower when the remaining available hot water is low, meeting the user's showering needs. Furthermore, since the hot water pipe, cold water pipe, and mixing pipe are all located in the shower area, the remaining shower time can be conveniently adjusted and viewed without considering the installation location of the water heater, demonstrating high versatility.

[0013] Optionally, the adjustment conditions include the remaining hot water availability time being greater than the average shower time, and the remaining hot water availability time being less than or equal to the average shower time;

[0014] The shower time adjustment system also includes:

[0015] The first temperature sensor is used to detect the hot water outlet temperature of the hot water pipe.

[0016] The second temperature sensor is used to detect the cold water outlet temperature of the cold water pipeline;

[0017] The third temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the mixed water outlet from the mixing pipe.

[0018] A water flow sensor is used to detect the hot water flow rate of the hot water pipe.

[0019] A display screen is provided to show the remaining shower time.

[0020] The controller is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, the third temperature sensor, the water flow sensor, and the display.

[0021] The step of adjusting the first opening ratio of the hot water control valve and the second opening ratio of the cold water control valve according to the remaining hot water availability time, the average shower time, and preset adjustment conditions includes:

[0022] If the remaining hot water availability time is greater than the average shower time, obtain the shower temperature and mixed water flow rate of the shower, and determine the target hot water flow rate based on the shower temperature, the cold water outlet temperature, the mixed water flow rate, and the hot water outlet temperature;

[0023] If the remaining hot water availability time is less than or equal to the average shower time, obtain the remaining available hot water volume, and determine the target hot water flow rate based on the remaining available hot water volume and the average shower time;

[0024] The first adjustment value of the hot water control valve is determined based on the target hot water flow rate and the hot water outlet flow rate, and the second adjustment value of the cold water control valve is determined based on the shower temperature and the mixed outlet water temperature.

[0025] The first opening ratio of the hot water control valve is adjusted according to the first adjustment value, and the second opening ratio of the cold water control valve is adjusted according to the second adjustment value.

[0026] A second aspect of the present invention provides a shower time adjustment method for adjusting the remaining shower time of a shower, wherein the shower is connected to one end of a mixing pipe, the other end of the mixing pipe is connected to one end of a hot water pipe and one end of a cold water pipe, a hot water control valve is provided in the hot water pipe, and a cold water control valve is provided in the cold water pipe.

[0027] Obtain the remaining hot water availability time and average shower time;

[0028] If the remaining hot water availability time is greater than the average shower time, the target hot water flow rate is determined based on the shower temperature of the shower, the cold water outlet temperature of the cold water pipe, the mixed water flow rate of the mixing pipe, and the hot water outlet temperature of the hot water pipe.

[0029] If the remaining hot water availability time is less than or equal to the average shower time, obtain the remaining available hot water volume, and determine the target hot water flow rate based on the remaining available hot water volume and the average shower time;

[0030] The first adjustment value of the hot water control valve is determined based on the target hot water flow rate and the hot water outlet flow rate of the hot water pipe, and the second adjustment value of the cold water control valve is determined based on the shower temperature and the mixed water outlet temperature of the mixing pipe.

[0031] The hot water control valve is adjusted according to the first adjustment value, and the cold water control valve is adjusted according to the second adjustment value, so as to adjust the hot water flow rate of the hot water pipe flowing into the shower and the cold water flow rate of the cold water pipe, so as to adjust the remaining shower time.

[0032] The shower time adjustment method according to a second aspect of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: It uses the remaining available hot water time and average shower time as standards, and by adjusting the hot water flow rate and cold water flow rate, it controls (extends) the remaining shower time while meeting the bathing temperature requirements, thus improving the accuracy of shower time adjustment. Furthermore, since the hot water pipe, cold water pipe, and mixing pipe are all located in the shower area, the remaining shower time can be conveniently adjusted and viewed without considering the installation location of the water heater, demonstrating high versatility.

[0033] Optionally, after obtaining the remaining available hot water volume, the shower time adjustment method further includes:

[0034] If the remaining available hot water is less than a preset hot water threshold, obtain the required hot water volume;

[0035] The required hot water temperature is determined based on the required hot water volume, the average shower time, the shower temperature, the cold water outlet temperature, and the mixed outlet flow rate.

[0036] The capacity and specific heat capacity parameters of the water heater are obtained, and the required heat is determined based on the capacity of the water heater, the specific heat capacity parameters, the required hot water temperature, and the hot water outlet temperature.

[0037] Obtain the heat exchange value of the water heater, and determine the waiting time for showering based on the required heat and the heat exchange value.

[0038] Optionally, determining the target hot water flow rate based on the shower temperature of the showerhead, the cold water outlet temperature of the cold water pipe, the mixed water flow rate of the mixing pipe, and the hot water outlet temperature of the hot water pipe includes:

[0039] The heat difference is determined based on the shower temperature, the cold water outlet temperature, and the mixed outlet flow rate.

[0040] The hot water temperature difference is determined based on the hot water outlet temperature and the shower temperature.

[0041] The target hot water flow rate is determined based on the heat difference and the hot water temperature difference.

[0042] Optionally, determining the first adjustment value of the hot water control valve based on the target hot water flow rate and the hot water outlet flow rate includes:

[0043] The current flow error value for the current period is obtained by subtracting the target hot water flow rate from the hot water outlet flow rate.

[0044] Obtain the flow error value of the previous cycle of the current cycle to obtain the first flow error value, and obtain the flow error value of the two cycles before the current cycle to obtain the second flow error value;

[0045] The first relative flow error value is obtained by subtracting the current flow error value from the first flow error value.

[0046] The intermediate relative flow error value is obtained by subtracting the first flow error value from the second flow error value, and the second relative flow error value is obtained by subtracting the first relative flow error value from the intermediate relative flow error value.

[0047] The first adjustment value is obtained by weighting and summing the current flow error value, the first relative flow error value, and the second relative flow error value.

[0048] Determining the second adjustment value of the cold water control valve based on the shower temperature and the mixed outlet water temperature includes:

[0049] The current temperature error value for the current cycle is obtained by subtracting the shower temperature from the mixed outlet water temperature.

[0050] The temperature error value of the shower in the previous cycle of the current cycle is obtained to obtain a first temperature error value, and the temperature error value of the two cycles before the current cycle is obtained to obtain a second temperature error value;

[0051] The first relative temperature error value is obtained by subtracting the current temperature error value from the first temperature error value.

[0052] The intermediate relative temperature error value is obtained by subtracting the first temperature error value from the second temperature error value, and the second relative temperature error value is obtained by subtracting the first relative temperature error value from the intermediate relative temperature error value.

[0053] The second adjustment value is obtained by weighting the current temperature error value, the first relative temperature error value, and the second relative temperature error value.

[0054] Optionally, obtaining the current flow error value of the currently activated shower by subtracting the target hot water flow rate from the hot water outlet flow rate includes:

[0055] If the target hot water flow rate is less than a predetermined first threshold, then the minimum hot water outflow rate of the hot water pipeline is obtained;

[0056] The current flow error value of the shower is obtained by subtracting the minimum hot water flow rate from the hot water flow rate.

[0057] A third aspect of the present invention provides a controller including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the shower time adjustment method as described in the second aspect.

[0058] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a shower device including a controller as described in the third aspect.

[0059] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions for performing the shower time adjustment method as described in the second aspect.

[0060] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture platform for performing a shower time adjustment method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the shower time adjustment system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 3 This is an overall flowchart of the shower time adjustment method provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The specific flowchart for step S140 in the process of determining the first adjustment value;

[0065] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The specific flowchart for step S140 in the process of determining the second adjustment value is shown below;

[0066] Figure 6 The shower time adjustment method provided in this embodiment of the invention also includes a specific flowchart for determining the waiting time for showering. Detailed Implementation

[0067] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various implementations. Simultaneously, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are merely for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a mandatory order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0068] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0069] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0070] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0071] The embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture platform for performing a shower time adjustment method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] The system architecture platform 1000 of this embodiment includes one or more processors 1001 and a memory 1002. Figure 1 The example uses a processor 1001 and a memory 1002.

[0074] Processor 1001 and memory 1002 can be connected via a bus or other means. Figure 1 Taking the example of a connection between China and Israel via a bus.

[0075] Memory 1002, as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-transitory software programs and non-transitory computer-executable programs. Furthermore, memory 1002 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-transitory memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-transitory solid-state storage device. In some embodiments, memory 1002 may optionally include memory 1002 remotely located relative to processor 1001, and these remote memories can be connected to the system architecture platform 1000 via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, corporate intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0076] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 1 The device structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the system architecture platform 1000 and may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0077] exist Figure 1 In the system architecture platform 1000 shown, the processor 1001 can be used to call the shower time adjustment program stored in the memory 1002, thereby realizing the shower time adjustment method.

[0078] Shower time adjustment methods refer to methods that intelligently adjust the hot water flow rate by utilizing the remaining hot water volume to control (extend) the shower time. For example, when the hot water supply is low, the shower time can be extended by intelligently controlling the hot water flow rate, while still meeting the desired shower temperature.

[0079] The embodiments of the present invention can solve the following problems: (1) When someone finishes showering, the next user is worried that there will not be enough hot water and is unsure whether the remaining hot water will meet the next user's showering needs. (2) When there is little hot water in the electric water heater, if the user uses the maximum hot water flow rate to shower without knowing this, the hot water will be quickly exhausted, and there may be no hot water available before the shower is over. (3) After the hot water is used up, the user does not know how long they will have to wait to meet their showering needs, and often waits until the water heater is fully heated before showering, wasting the user's waiting time.

[0080] Based on the hardware structure of the above-mentioned system architecture platform 1000, various embodiments of the present invention are proposed.

[0081] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the shower time adjustment system of this invention is used to adjust the remaining shower time of the shower. One end of the shower is connected to the mixing pipe, and the other end of the mixing pipe is connected to one end of the hot water pipe and one end of the cold water pipe.

[0082] Specifically, the shower time adjustment system includes:

[0083] Hot water control valve, used to control the flow rate of hot water in hot water pipes;

[0084] Cold water control valve, used to control the cold water outflow rate of cold water pipeline;

[0085] The controller is electrically connected to the cold water control valve and the hot water control valve, and is configured to obtain the remaining hot water availability time and the average shower time; based on the remaining hot water availability time, the average shower time, and preset adjustment conditions, it adjusts the hot water control valve and the cold water control valve to adjust the hot water outflow and cold water outflow into the shower, thereby adjusting the remaining shower time.

[0086] Understandably, a longer remaining hot water supply indicates a more abundant amount of hot water. A longer average shower time indicates a longer shower duration and a correspondingly larger demand for hot water. The remaining hot water supply decreases as hot water flows out, thus reducing the remaining hot water supply time, which may be shorter than the average shower time. A higher hot water flow rate results in a faster decrease in remaining hot water supply time. The hot water flow rate can be adjusted by regulating the first opening ratio of the hot water control valve, thereby controlling the remaining hot water supply time and thus regulating the remaining shower time. Since the hot water flow rate is adjusted, the second opening ratio of the cold water control valve also needs to be adjusted to regulate the cold water flow rate, thus ensuring both the remaining shower time and the shower temperature.

[0087] The advantage of the shower time adjustment system in this embodiment is that it uses the remaining available hot water time and average shower time as standards, and by adjusting the hot water flow rate and cold water flow rate, it controls (extends) the remaining shower time while meeting the shower temperature requirements, thus improving the accuracy of shower time adjustment. When the remaining available hot water is low, it can remind the user before showering, asking them to confirm whether they want to continue showering. This can alleviate the situation where there is no hot water available during the shower when the remaining available hot water is low, meeting the user's showering needs. In addition, the hot water pipes, cold water pipes, and mixing pipes are all located in the shower area, eliminating the need to consider the installation location of the water heater, allowing for convenient adjustment and viewing of the remaining shower time, and has high versatility.

[0088] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the shower time adjustment system includes a memory and an electrical connection controller for storing / retrieving data. In one embodiment, the water heater is connected to the other end of a hot water pipe. The hot water pipe is used to output hot water from the water heater to the mixing pipe, and the cold water pipe is used to output cold water to both the water heater and the mixing pipe.

[0089] It should be noted that the adjustment conditions include whether the remaining hot water availability time is greater than the average shower time, or less than or equal to the average shower time. If the remaining hot water availability time is greater than the average shower time, it indicates that there is sufficient remaining hot water, and the hot water flow rate and cold water flow rate can be relatively high. If the remaining hot water availability time is less than or equal to the average shower time, it indicates that there may be insufficient remaining hot water, and the hot water flow rate and cold water flow rate need to be relatively low.

[0090] In one embodiment, the shower time adjustment system further includes:

[0091] The first temperature sensor is used to detect the hot water outlet temperature of the hot water pipe.

[0092] The second temperature sensor is used to detect the cold water outlet temperature of the cold water pipeline;

[0093] The third temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the mixed water outlet in the mixing pipe;

[0094] A water flow sensor is used to detect the flow rate of hot water in a hot water pipe.

[0095] A display screen shows the remaining shower time;

[0096] The controller is electrically connected to a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a third temperature sensor, a water flow sensor, and a display.

[0097] In this specific implementation, the controller is configured as follows:

[0098] If the remaining hot water availability time is greater than the average shower time, obtain the shower temperature and mixed water flow rate of the shower. Based on the shower temperature, cold water outlet temperature, mixed water flow rate, and hot water outlet temperature, determine the target hot water flow rate.

[0099] If the remaining hot water availability time is less than or equal to the average shower time, obtain the remaining available hot water volume, and determine the target hot water flow rate based on the remaining available hot water volume and the average shower time;

[0100] The first adjustment value of the hot water control valve is determined based on the target hot water flow rate and the hot water outlet flow rate, and the second adjustment value of the cold water control valve is determined based on the shower temperature and the mixed outlet water temperature.

[0101] The first opening ratio of the hot water control valve is adjusted according to the first adjustment value, and the second opening ratio of the cold water control valve is adjusted according to the second adjustment value.

[0102] For a detailed explanation of this embodiment, please refer to the method embodiment below; it will not be elaborated here.

[0103] The advantage of the shower time adjustment system in this embodiment is that it uses temperature sensors on the mixing pipe directly connected to the showerhead, as well as the indirectly connected hot and cold water pipes, to detect temperature, thus alleviating the problem of poor temperature detection accuracy caused by unstable temperatures in the water tank inside the water heater and showerhead. Then, using the obtained shower temperature, cold water outlet temperature, mixed water flow rate, and hot water outlet temperature, the target hot water flow rate, or remaining usable hot water volume and average shower time are determined. This determines the target hot water flow rate, thereby controlling the first opening ratio. Furthermore, the shower temperature and mixed water outlet temperature are used to control the second opening ratio, improving the accuracy of adjusting the remaining shower time.

[0104] The advantage of the shower time adjustment system in this embodiment is that when the remaining available hot water is less than a preset hot water threshold, it can inform the user of the waiting time before showering, so that the user can effectively arrange their time.

[0105] In one embodiment, the display is located at the shower. The shower is used to spray mixed water, which flows from the mixing pipe to the shower.

[0106] The advantage of this embodiment is that the display is located at the showerhead, allowing users to see the remaining shower time while showering, greatly improving the convenience of the remaining shower time reminder. Furthermore, the remaining shower time reminder allows users to know the shower time and water consumption.

[0107] It should be noted that the display can also be installed on hot water pipes, mixing pipes, etc. The shower time adjustment system can be used on the shower itself, or installed on the main water outlet components such as faucets and showerheads.

[0108] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a shower time adjustment method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The shower time adjustment method of this embodiment is used to adjust the remaining shower time of a shower. The shower time adjustment method includes, but is not limited to, steps S110, S120, S130, S140, and S150.

[0109] Step S110: Obtain the remaining hot water availability time and average shower time;

[0110] Step S120: If the remaining hot water available time is greater than the average shower time, determine the target hot water flow rate based on the shower temperature of the shower, the cold water outlet temperature of the cold water pipe, the mixed water flow rate of the mixing pipe, and the hot water outlet temperature of the hot water pipe.

[0111] Step S130: If the remaining hot water available time is less than or equal to the average shower time, obtain the remaining available hot water volume, and determine the target hot water flow rate based on the remaining available hot water volume and the average shower time;

[0112] Step S140: Determine the first adjustment value of the hot water control valve based on the target hot water flow rate and the hot water outlet flow rate of the hot water pipe, and determine the second adjustment value of the cold water control valve based on the shower temperature and the mixed outlet temperature of the mixing pipe.

[0113] In step S150, the first opening ratio of the hot water control valve is adjusted according to the first adjustment value, and the second opening ratio of the cold water control valve is adjusted according to the second adjustment value, so as to adjust the hot water outflow rate of the hot water pipe flowing into the shower and the cold water outflow rate of the cold water pipe, so as to adjust the remaining shower time.

[0114] The advantage of this embodiment of steps S110-S150 is that it improves the accuracy of adjusting the shower time and increases the adaptability to the water heater installation location, thus having high universality.

[0115] In one example, if t 可用时间 <t 平均沐浴时间 The system will then display a notification indicating low hot water supply, prompting the user to confirm whether to continue showering. When the hot water supply is plentiful, the system will mix hot and cold water at the user-set flow rate (or maximum flow rate) to achieve the desired flow and temperature. If the hot water is insufficient to support the user's shower time at the set temperature (or usual temperature) and flow rate (or maximum flow rate), the system will adjust the hot water flow rate (down to the minimum flow rate) while maintaining the desired shower temperature to meet the user's shower time requirements. If the hot water is insufficient to support the user's shower time at the set temperature (or usual temperature) and minimum flow rate, the system will dispense water at the minimum flow rate, and the water temperature will slowly decrease over time until cold water is dispensed.

[0116] In step S110, the remaining hot water availability time can be obtained by communicating with an electric water heater that has a remaining hot water availability time reminder function, or by calculating the remaining available hot water volume to estimate the remaining hot water availability time.

[0117] In one embodiment, obtaining the remaining hot water availability time includes:

[0118] Find the capacity of the water heater;

[0119] At the first moment, obtain the first hot water outlet temperature of the hot water pipe, obtain the cold water inlet temperature of the cold water pipe, and obtain the mixed water outlet temperature of the mixing pipe;

[0120] Obtain the hot water flow rate of the hot water pipe between the first and second moments;

[0121] Substitute the water heater's capacity, first hot water outlet temperature, cold water inlet temperature, mixed outlet temperature, and hot water outlet flow rate into the first preset function to obtain the remaining usable hot water volume of the water heater at the second moment.

[0122] Substitute the remaining available hot water volume and hot water output flow rate into the second preset function to obtain the remaining available hot water time.

[0123] It should be noted that the first and second preset functions are set according to actual needs, and will not be elaborated here.

[0124] The advantage of this embodiment is that, based on the water heater's capacity, the first hot water outlet temperature, the cold water inlet temperature, and the hot water outlet flow rate, the hot water temperature at the second moment can be estimated. Therefore, by comparing the hot water outlet temperature at the second moment with the mixed outlet temperature, the remaining usable hot water volume can be determined. For example, if the hot water outlet temperature at the second moment is lower than the mixed outlet temperature, it indicates that the remaining usable hot water volume is zero, and thus the remaining usable hot water time is zero.

[0125] In one embodiment, obtaining the average shower time includes: obtaining multiple shower times for the same object, averaging the multiple shower times to obtain the average shower time. This is achieved by recording the shower times t1, t2, t3...tn for each shower, and then calculating the average shower time t = (t1 + t2 + t3 + ... + tn) / n. In another embodiment, when the shower is used for the first time, the system receives the average shower time uploaded by the user. After obtaining the average shower time, it is stored so that it can be retrieved from the storage area the next time the shower time adjustment is activated. If there is no user shower time on the first use, the system can set a default value, such as 10 minutes.

[0126] In one embodiment, step S120 includes:

[0127] The heat difference is determined based on the shower temperature, cold water outlet temperature, and mixed water flow rate.

[0128] Determine the hot water temperature difference based on the hot water temperature and the shower temperature;

[0129] The target hot water flow rate is determined based on the heat difference and the hot water temperature difference.

[0130] In this embodiment, the formula for calculating the target hot water flow rate is shown in Formula 1:

[0131]

[0132] In Formula 1, l target hot water flow rate refers to the target hot water flow rate, T shower temperature refers to the shower temperature, T cold water outlet temperature refers to the cold water outlet temperature, l mixed outlet flow rate refers to the mixed outlet flow rate, and T hot water outlet temperature refers to the hot water outlet temperature.

[0133] The advantage of this embodiment is that it first determines the heat difference and the hot water temperature difference, and then obtains the target hot water flow rate based on the ratio of the heat difference to the hot water temperature difference, thereby improving the accuracy of obtaining the target hot water flow rate.

[0134] In step S130, if the remaining hot water availability time is less than or equal to the average shower time, the target hot water flow rate is... Wherein, l target hot water flow rate refers to the target hot water flow rate, L 剩余可用热水量 This refers to the remaining usable hot water volume, in tons. 平均淋浴时间 This refers to the average shower time.

[0135] The advantage of this embodiment is that the target hot water flow rate is obtained based on the ratio of the remaining available hot water volume to the average shower time, which improves the accuracy of obtaining the target hot water flow rate.

[0136] As can be seen from steps S120 and S130, the method of obtaining the target hot water flow rate differs depending on the relationship between the remaining hot water availability time and the average shower time. This improves the adaptability of the target hot water flow rate, the remaining hot water availability time, and the average shower time, and has high universality.

[0137] In one embodiment, step S140, determining the first adjustment value of the hot water control valve based on the target hot water flow rate and the hot water outlet flow rate, includes:

[0138] The current flow error value for the current period is obtained by subtracting the target hot water flow rate from the hot water outlet flow rate.

[0139] Based on the current flow error value, determine the first adjustment value of the hot water control valve.

[0140] It should be noted that the hot water output flow rate corresponds to one opening ratio value of the hot water control valve, while the target hot water flow rate corresponds to another opening ratio value of the hot water control valve. Therefore, the current flow error value corresponds to the adjustment value of the opening ratio of the hot water control valve.

[0141] The advantage of this embodiment is that the first adjustment value can be quickly determined by using the difference between the target hot water flow rate and the hot water outlet flow rate, which improves the determination efficiency while ensuring accuracy.

[0142] In another embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, step S140, determining the first adjustment value of the hot water control valve based on the target hot water flow rate and the hot water outlet flow rate, includes:

[0143] Step S210: Subtract the target hot water flow rate from the hot water outlet flow rate to obtain the current flow rate error value for the current cycle;

[0144] Step S220: Obtain the flow error value of the previous cycle in the current cycle to obtain the first flow error value, and obtain the flow error value of the two cycles before the current cycle to obtain the second flow error value.

[0145] Step S230: Subtract the current flow error value from the first flow error value to obtain the first relative flow error value;

[0146] Step S240: Subtract the first flow error value from the second flow error value to obtain the intermediate relative flow error value, and subtract the first relative flow error value from the intermediate relative flow error value to obtain the second relative flow error value.

[0147] Step S250: The first adjustment value is obtained by weighting the current flow error value, the first relative flow error value, and the second relative flow error value.

[0148] In this embodiment, the current flow error value e0 = l 目标热水流量 -l0. Where e0 refers to the current traffic error value, l 目标热水流量 10 refers to the target hot water flow rate, and l0 refers to the current hot water outflow rate.

[0149] The calculation process for the first adjustment value is shown in Formula 2:

[0150] f(v 热 )=K1*(e0-e1)+K2*e0+K3*((e0-e1)-(e1-e2)) (Formula 2).

[0151] In formula 2, f(v) 热 ) refers to the first adjustment value, e0 refers to the current flow error value of the current period, e1 refers to the first flow error value of the previous period of the current period, e2 refers to the second flow error value of the two previous periods of the current period, and K1, K2, and K3 refer to constants.

[0152] The advantage of this embodiment is that by using the flow error values ​​corresponding to the current cycle, the previous cycle, and the two previous cycles to jointly determine the first adjustment value, the accuracy of determining the first adjustment value is greatly improved.

[0153] It should be noted that if the remaining hot water supply is less than the average shower time, and the user continues showering, the hot water flow rate will be automatically adjusted based on the remaining available hot water to meet the user's showering needs. When the calculated hot water flow rate is less than a predetermined first threshold, the user will be notified that the hot water has been used up, and continued use will result in a mixed water temperature lower than the user's usual temperature, at which point the flow rate will be set to the minimum.

[0154] In one embodiment, the current flow error value for the current period is obtained by subtracting the target hot water flow rate from the hot water outlet flow rate, including:

[0155] If the target hot water flow rate is less than the predetermined first threshold, then obtain the minimum hot water outflow rate of the hot water pipe.

[0156] The current flow error value for the current cycle is obtained by subtracting the minimum hot water flow rate from the hot water flow rate.

[0157] For example, when the target hot water flow rate is less than the first threshold specified by the system, such as 3L / min, the hot water control valve is adjusted according to the minimum hot water output flow rate. Additionally, in other embodiments, the user may be notified via a display or other means that the hot water has been depleted, and continued use will result in the water temperature not meeting the user's set shower temperature.

[0158] The advantage of this embodiment is that, based on the comparison between the target hot water flow rate and the first threshold, the current flow rate error value can be determined using the minimum hot water outflow rate, thereby increasing the current flow rate error value and thus increasing the first adjustment value, thereby extending the shower time.

[0159] In one embodiment, determining the second adjustment value of the cold water control valve based on the shower temperature and the mixed outlet water temperature of the mixing pipe in step S140 includes:

[0160] The current temperature error value of the currently turned-on shower is obtained by subtracting the shower temperature from the mixed water temperature.

[0161] Based on the current temperature error value, determine the second adjustment value for the cold water control valve.

[0162] It should be noted that the shower temperature corresponds to the user's desired shower temperature, while the mixed water temperature corresponds to the temperature flowing out of the current mixing pipe. Therefore, the current temperature error value corresponds to the adjustment value of the cold water control valve's opening ratio. For example, if the shower temperature is higher than the mixed water temperature, the opening ratio of the cold water control valve should be reduced to decrease the cold water flow, thereby increasing the mixed water temperature until it gradually matches the shower temperature.

[0163] The advantage of this embodiment is that the second adjustment value can be quickly determined by using the difference between the shower temperature and the mixed water temperature, which improves the determination efficiency while ensuring accuracy.

[0164] In another embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, step S140, determining the second adjustment value of the cold water control valve based on the shower temperature and the mixed outlet water temperature of the mixing pipe, includes:

[0165] Step S310: Subtract the shower temperature from the mixed water temperature to obtain the current temperature error value for the current cycle;

[0166] Step S320: Obtain the temperature error value of the previous cycle in the current cycle to obtain the first temperature error value, and obtain the temperature error value of the two previous cycles in the current cycle to obtain the second temperature error value;

[0167] Step S330: Subtract the current temperature error value from the first temperature error value to obtain the first relative temperature error value;

[0168] Step S340: Subtract the first temperature error value from the second temperature error value to obtain the intermediate relative temperature error value, and subtract the first relative temperature error value from the intermediate relative temperature error value to obtain the second relative temperature error value.

[0169] Step S350: The second adjustment value is obtained by weighting the current temperature error value, the first relative temperature error value, and the second relative temperature error value.

[0170] In this embodiment, the current temperature error value e′0=T 淋浴温度 -T0. Where e′0 refers to the current temperature error value, T 淋浴温度 T0 refers to the shower temperature, while T0 refers to the current mixed water temperature.

[0171] The calculation process for the second adjustment value is shown in Formula 3:

[0172] f(v 冷 )=K′1*(e′0-e′1)+K′2*e0+K′3*((e′0-e′1)-(e′1-e′2)) (Formula 3).

[0173] In formula 3, f(v) 冷 ) refers to the second adjustment value, e′0 refers to the current temperature error value, e′1 refers to the first temperature error value, e′2 refers to the second temperature error value, and K′1, K′2, and K′3 refer to constants.

[0174] The advantage of this embodiment is that by using the temperature error values ​​corresponding to the current cycle, the previous cycle, and the two previous cycles to jointly determine the second adjustment value, the accuracy of determining the second adjustment value is greatly improved.

[0175] In one embodiment, when the hot water from the electric water heater cannot meet the user's bathing needs or the hot water has been exhausted, the system automatically learns and calculates the heating time the user needs to wait and reminds the user how long it will take before they can continue bathing.

[0176] In the specific implementation of this embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, after obtaining the remaining available hot water volume, the shower time adjustment method also includes:

[0177] Step S410: If the remaining available hot water is less than the preset hot water threshold, obtain the required hot water volume;

[0178] Step S420: Determine the required hot water temperature based on the required hot water volume, average shower time, shower temperature, cold water outlet temperature, and mixed water flow rate.

[0179] Step S430: Obtain the capacity and specific heat capacity parameters of the water heater, and determine the required heat capacity based on the capacity and specific heat capacity parameters of the water heater, the required hot water temperature and the hot water outlet temperature;

[0180] Step S440: Obtain the heat exchange value of the water heater, and determine the waiting time for showering based on the required heat and the heat exchange value.

[0181] In this embodiment, the required hot water volume L for a normal shower is first calculated based on the user's average shower time, shower temperature, and target hot water flow rate. 需求热水量 =t 平均沐浴时间 *l 目标热水流量 .

[0182] L 需求热水量 Substituting into Formula 1, we get:

[0183]

[0184] From Formula 4, we know that when T 热水出水温度 The higher the value, the better. 需求热水量 The smaller it is, the more we only need to calculate the minimum T. 热水出水温度 The time required to heat hot water can be calculated to determine when it meets the user's needs.

[0185] After determining the required hot water volume, the calculation process for the required heat is shown in Formula 5:

[0186] Q 需求热量 =L 热水器的容量 *C 比热容 *(T需求热水温度 -T 热水出水温度 ) Formula 5.

[0187] In Formula 5, Q 需求热量 This refers to the demand for hot water, in liters (L). 热水器的容量 This refers to the capacity of the water heater, C 比热容 This refers to specific heat capacity, T. 需求热水温度 This refers to the required hot water temperature, T 热水出水温度 This refers to the temperature of the hot water outlet.

[0188] After determining the required heat, wait for the shower time. Among them, P 热水器功率 *u 热效率 This refers to the heat exchange value.

[0189] The advantage of this embodiment is that the time from when the user finishes heating the water to when it meets the next user's bathing temperature can be determined through the above calculations. Then, the user is notified, so the user can take a shower without waiting for the hot water to be fully heated, thus reducing the user's waiting time.

[0190] It should be noted that P 热水器功率 *u 热效率 Generally, it's a fixed value. When the showerhead's parameters are unknown, they can be derived through self-learning during user operation. For example, after using hot water for a period of time, the user turns off the water and records the value T at that moment. 最后一次热水出水温度 The electric water heater starts heating, and after a while... 停留时间 When the user uses it again, T is measured. 当前热水出水温度 This parameter can be deduced:

[0191]

[0192] P 热水器功率 *u 热效率 This parameter will be automatically learned and remembered with each use by the user, as long as t 停留时间 If it falls within a certain range, it can be calculated accurately; t 最小停留时间 <t 停留时间 <t 最大停留时间 Because P 热水器功率 *u 热效率 Generally, it is a fixed value, determined when the electric water heater leaves the factory. Therefore, each calculation can store the calculated value in the memory as a reference value for the next calculation. When the initial user does not use it, this value defaults to the parameters of most electric water heaters on the market, such as 80%.

[0193] It should be noted that after determining the shower time, the shower time can be displayed on the monitor.

[0194] After determining the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value in step S140, in step S150, the first opening ratio of the hot water control valve is adjusted according to the first adjustment value, and the second opening ratio of the cold water control valve is adjusted according to the second adjustment value, so as to adjust the hot water outflow and cold water outflow into the shower and adjust the remaining shower time.

[0195] This invention provides at least the following beneficial effects: it automatically adjusts the hot water flow rate to meet the user's required shower duration, extending the user's shower time at the preset temperature as much as possible. It adjusts the hot and cold water ratio to achieve an outlet water temperature as close as possible to the user's preset shower temperature. When hot water is insufficient, it informs the user how long they need to wait before continuing their shower.

[0196] Based on the above-described shower time adjustment method, the following are various embodiments of the controller, shower, and computer-readable storage medium of the present invention.

[0197] One embodiment of the present invention provides a controller comprising: a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor.

[0198] The processor and memory can be connected via a bus or other means.

[0199] It should be noted that the controller in this embodiment may include, for example: Figure 1 The processor and memory in the illustrated embodiment belong to the same inventive concept, and therefore have the same implementation principle and beneficial effects, which will not be described in detail here.

[0200] The non-transient software program and instructions required to implement the shower time adjustment method of the above embodiments are stored in memory. When executed by the processor, the shower time adjustment method of the above embodiments is executed.

[0201] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention also provide a shower device, which includes the controller described above.

[0202] It is worth noting that, since the shower unit of this embodiment has the controller of the above embodiment, and the controller of the above embodiment can execute the shower time adjustment method of the above embodiment, the specific implementation and technical effects of the shower unit of this embodiment can refer to the specific implementation and technical effects of the shower time adjustment method of any of the above embodiments.

[0203] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions for performing the above-described shower time adjustment method, for example, by... Figure 1One of the processors 1001 executes the method, which can cause the one or more processors to execute the shower time adjustment method in the above method embodiments, for example, to execute the method described above. Figure 3 Method steps S110 to S150 Figure 4 Method steps S210 to S250 Figure 5 Method steps S310 to S350 Figure 6 Method steps S410 to S440.

[0204] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network nodes. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0205] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or some of the steps and systems in the methods disclosed above can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, and suitable combinations thereof. Some or all of the physical components can be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, digital signal processor, or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software can be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which can include computer-readable storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transient media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer-readable storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible to a computer. Furthermore, as is known to those skilled in the art, communication media typically contain computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information delivery medium.

[0206] The above is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of this application. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of this application. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A shower time adjustment system, characterized in that, The shower time adjustment system is used to adjust the remaining shower time of the shower. One end of the shower is connected to the mixing pipe, and the other end of the mixing pipe is connected to one end of the hot water pipe and one end of the cold water pipe. The shower time adjustment system includes: A hot water control valve is used to control the hot water flow rate of the hot water pipeline. A cold water control valve is used to control the cold water outflow rate of the cold water pipeline; The controller is electrically connected to the cold water control valve and the hot water control valve, and is configured to acquire the remaining hot water availability time and the average shower time; based on the remaining hot water availability time, the average shower time, and preset adjustment conditions, the controller adjusts the hot water control valve and the cold water control valve to adjust the hot water outflow rate and the cold water outflow rate flowing into the shower, thereby adjusting the remaining shower time.

2. The shower time adjustment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment conditions include the remaining hot water availability time being greater than the average shower time, and the remaining hot water availability time being less than or equal to the average shower time; The shower time adjustment system also includes: The first temperature sensor is used to detect the hot water outlet temperature of the hot water pipe. The second temperature sensor is used to detect the cold water outlet temperature of the cold water pipeline; The third temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the mixed water outlet from the mixing pipe. A water flow sensor is used to detect the hot water flow rate of the hot water pipe. A display screen is provided to show the remaining shower time. The controller is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, the third temperature sensor, the water flow sensor, and the display. The step of adjusting the first opening ratio of the hot water control valve and the second opening ratio of the cold water control valve according to the remaining hot water availability time, the average shower time, and preset adjustment conditions includes: If the remaining hot water availability time is greater than the average shower time, obtain the shower temperature and mixed water flow rate of the shower, and determine the target hot water flow rate based on the shower temperature, the cold water outlet temperature, the mixed water flow rate, and the hot water outlet temperature; If the remaining hot water availability time is less than or equal to the average shower time, obtain the remaining available hot water volume, and determine the target hot water flow rate based on the remaining available hot water volume and the average shower time; The first adjustment value of the hot water control valve is determined based on the target hot water flow rate and the hot water outlet flow rate, and the second adjustment value of the cold water control valve is determined based on the shower temperature and the mixed outlet water temperature. The first opening ratio of the hot water control valve is adjusted according to the first adjustment value, and the second opening ratio of the cold water control valve is adjusted according to the second adjustment value.

3. A method for adjusting shower time, characterized in that, The shower time adjustment method is used to adjust the remaining shower time of the shower. The shower is connected to one end of the mixing pipe, and the other end of the mixing pipe is connected to one end of the hot water pipe and one end of the cold water pipe. The hot water control valve is set in the hot water pipe, and the cold water control valve is set in the cold water pipe. Obtain the remaining hot water availability time and average shower time; If the remaining hot water availability time is greater than the average shower time, the target hot water flow rate is determined based on the shower temperature of the shower, the cold water outlet temperature of the cold water pipe, the mixed water flow rate of the mixing pipe, and the hot water outlet temperature of the hot water pipe. If the remaining hot water availability time is less than or equal to the average shower time, obtain the remaining available hot water volume, and determine the target hot water flow rate based on the remaining available hot water volume and the average shower time; The first adjustment value of the hot water control valve is determined based on the target hot water flow rate and the hot water outlet flow rate of the hot water pipe, and the second adjustment value of the cold water control valve is determined based on the shower temperature and the mixed water outlet temperature of the mixing pipe. The hot water control valve is adjusted according to the first adjustment value, and the cold water control valve is adjusted according to the second adjustment value, so as to adjust the hot water flow rate of the hot water pipe flowing into the shower and the cold water flow rate of the cold water pipe, so as to adjust the remaining shower time.

4. The shower time adjustment method according to claim 3, characterized in that, After obtaining the remaining available hot water volume, the shower time adjustment method further includes: If the remaining available hot water is less than a preset hot water threshold, obtain the required hot water volume; The required hot water temperature is determined based on the required hot water volume, the average shower time, the shower temperature, the cold water outlet temperature, and the mixed outlet flow rate. The capacity and specific heat capacity parameters of the water heater are obtained, and the required heat is determined based on the capacity of the water heater, the specific heat capacity parameters, the required hot water temperature, and the hot water outlet temperature. Obtain the heat exchange value of the water heater, and determine the waiting time for showering based on the required heat and the heat exchange value.

5. The shower time adjustment method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The determination of the target hot water flow rate based on the shower temperature of the showerhead, the cold water outlet temperature of the cold water pipe, the mixed water flow rate of the mixing pipe, and the hot water outlet temperature of the hot water pipe includes: The heat difference is determined based on the shower temperature, the cold water outlet temperature, and the mixed outlet flow rate. The hot water temperature difference is determined based on the hot water outlet temperature and the shower temperature. The target hot water flow rate is determined based on the heat difference and the hot water temperature difference.

6. The shower time adjustment method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Determining the first adjustment value of the hot water control valve based on the target hot water flow rate and the hot water outlet flow rate includes: The current flow error value for the current period is obtained by subtracting the target hot water flow rate from the hot water outlet flow rate. Obtain the flow error value of the previous cycle of the current cycle to obtain the first flow error value, and obtain the flow error value of the two cycles before the current cycle to obtain the second flow error value; The first relative flow error value is obtained by subtracting the current flow error value from the first flow error value. The intermediate relative flow error value is obtained by subtracting the first flow error value from the second flow error value, and the second relative flow error value is obtained by subtracting the first relative flow error value from the intermediate relative flow error value. The first adjustment value is obtained by weighting and summing the current flow error value, the first relative flow error value, and the second relative flow error value. Determining the second adjustment value of the cold water control valve based on the shower temperature and the mixed outlet water temperature includes: The current temperature error value for the current cycle is obtained by subtracting the shower temperature from the mixed outlet water temperature. The temperature error value of the shower in the previous cycle of the current cycle is obtained to obtain a first temperature error value, and the temperature error value of the two cycles before the current cycle is obtained to obtain a second temperature error value; The first relative temperature error value is obtained by subtracting the current temperature error value from the first temperature error value. The intermediate relative temperature error value is obtained by subtracting the first temperature error value from the second temperature error value, and the second relative temperature error value is obtained by subtracting the first relative temperature error value from the intermediate relative temperature error value. The second adjustment value is obtained by weighting the current temperature error value, the first relative temperature error value, and the second relative temperature error value.

7. The shower time adjustment method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the current flow error value of the currently activated shower by subtracting the target hot water flow rate from the hot water outlet flow rate includes: If the target hot water flow rate is less than a predetermined first threshold, then the minimum hot water outflow rate of the hot water pipeline is obtained; The current flow error value of the shower is obtained by subtracting the minimum hot water flow rate from the hot water flow rate.

8. A controller, characterized in that, It includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, implements the shower time adjustment method as described in any one of claims 3 to 7.

9. A shower, characterized in that, Includes the controller as described in claim 8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The device stores computer-executable instructions for performing the shower time adjustment method as described in any one of claims 3 to 7.

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