Control method of water heater and water heater

By installing a partition in the inner liner of the water heater and controlling the water outlet with a solenoid valve, the problem of existing water heaters failing to effectively utilize water temperature layering is solved, achieving more efficient heating and lower energy consumption.

CN119436558APending Publication Date: 2025-02-14QINGDAO HAIER SMART TECH R & D CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310954830.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-07-31
Publication Date
2025-02-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing water heaters fail to effectively utilize water temperature stratification, resulting in low heating efficiency and high energy consumption.

Method used

By installing a compartment inside the inner liner of the water heater, the inner liner is divided into two chambers with different water temperatures, and connected to the first water outlet pipe and the second water outlet pipe respectively, the water outlet of the two chambers is controlled by a solenoid valve. Achieve adjustment of the effluent temperature.

Benefits of technology

Effectively utilize water temperature stratification, improve heating efficiency, reduce the energy consumption of the water heater, and improve the accuracy of the water outlet temperature.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, in particular to a control method of a water heater and the water heater. The water heater comprises a shell, an inner container, an interlayer, a water inlet pipe, a first water outlet pipe, a second water outlet pipe, a first electromagnetic valve, a second electromagnetic valve and a heating component; the first water outlet pipe communicates with the first water storage chamber and is provided with a first electromagnetic valve, the second water outlet pipe communicates with the second water storage chamber and is provided with a second electromagnetic valve, and the control method comprises the steps that the temperature of water in the first water storage chamber, the temperature of water in the second water storage chamber and the target water outlet temperature of the inner container are obtained; and selectively opening the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve or simultaneously opening the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve according to the acquired parameters. The water heater controls opening and closing of the electromagnetic valves on the two water outlet pipes to enable the two cavities with different water temperatures to independently discharge water, water temperature layering is effectively utilized, and energy consumption of the water heater is reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular provides a control method for a water heater and a water heater. Background Art

[0001] With the improvement of living standards, water heaters have entered every household. Especially in recent years, the popularity of heat pump water heaters has been increasing year by year. The condensers of existing heat pump water heaters are mostly installed in the middle and lower part of the outer wall of the inner tank. During the heating process of the heat pump water heater, the water on the outside will be heated first, and the water on the inside will be heated slowly, which leads to the problem of water temperature stratification in the water heater. However, the existing water heaters do not effectively utilize water temperature stratification.

[0002] Therefore, this field needs a new technical solution to solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve the above technical problem, that is, to solve the problem that the existing water heaters do not effectively utilize water temperature stratification.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a control method for a water heater, the water heater comprising an outer shell, an inner tank, a partition, a water inlet pipe, a first water outlet pipe, a second water outlet pipe, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve and a heating component, the inner tank is installed in the outer shell and communicated with an external water source through the water inlet pipe, the partition is installed in the inner tank to divide the interior of the inner tank into a first water storage chamber and a second water storage chamber, the first water storage chamber is communicated with the second water storage chamber and is arranged around the second water storage chamber, the first water outlet pipe is communicated with the first water storage chamber, the second water outlet pipe is connected to the second water storage chamber, and the second water outlet pipe is connected to the second water storage chamber. The first solenoid valve is arranged on the first water outlet pipe, the second solenoid valve is arranged on the second water outlet pipe, and the heating component is installed on the outer wall of the inner pot to heat the water in the inner pot; the control method includes: obtaining the temperature of the water in the first water storage chamber, recorded as the first temperature, obtaining the temperature of the water in the second water storage chamber, recorded as the second temperature and obtaining the target water outlet temperature of the inner pot, and selectively opening the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve or opening the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve at the same time according to the first temperature, the second temperature and the target water outlet temperature.

[0005] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned water heater, the step of "selectively opening the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, or opening the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve at the same time according to the first temperature, the second temperature and the target water outlet temperature" specifically includes: comparing the first temperature and the second temperature with the target water outlet temperature respectively, and selectively opening the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, or opening the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve at the same time according to the comparison result.

[0006] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned water heater, the step of "selectively opening the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, or opening the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve at the same time according to the comparison result" specifically includes: if the first temperature is greater than or equal to the target water outlet temperature, and the target water outlet temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature, then opening the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve at the same time.

[0007] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned water heater, the step of "selectively opening the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, or opening the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve at the same time according to the comparison result" specifically includes: if the second temperature is greater than or equal to the target water outlet temperature, and the target water outlet temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature, then opening the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve at the same time.

[0008] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned water heater, the step of "selectively opening the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, or opening the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve at the same time according to the comparison result" specifically includes: if the target water outlet temperature is greater than the first temperature, and the target water outlet temperature is greater than the second temperature, then opening the first solenoid valve.

[0009] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned water heater, the step of "selectively opening the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, or opening the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve at the same time according to the comparison result" specifically includes: if the first temperature is greater than the target water outlet temperature, and the second temperature is greater than the target water outlet temperature, it is necessary to further compare the first temperature with the second temperature, and selectively open one of the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve according to the comparison result.

[0010] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned water heater, the step of "selectively opening one of the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve according to the comparison result" specifically includes: if the first temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature, opening the second solenoid valve; if the first temperature is lower than the second temperature, opening the first solenoid valve.

[0011] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned water heater, when the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are opened at the same time, the control method also includes: obtaining the actual water outlet temperature of the inner tank, and selectively adjusting the opening of the first solenoid valve and / or the opening of the second solenoid valve according to the actual water outlet temperature and the target water outlet temperature.

[0012] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned water heater, the control method also includes: when the user has not used the water heater for a set time, the water heater enters the insulation mode, and when the water heater enters the insulation mode, the heating component does not operate.

[0013] In a second aspect, the present invention further provides a water heater. The water heater of the present invention further comprises a controller, and the controller is configured to execute the above control method.

[0014] Those skilled in the art can understand that, in the preferred technical solution of the present invention, in addition to the traditional inner tank structure, the water heater is also provided with a partition installed inside the inner tank, the partition divides the interior of the inner tank into a first water storage chamber and a second water storage chamber, the first water storage chamber is communicated with the second water storage chamber and is arranged around the second water storage chamber, the first water outlet pipe is communicated with the first water storage chamber, the second water outlet pipe is communicated with the second water storage chamber, the first solenoid valve is arranged on the first water outlet pipe, and the second solenoid valve is arranged on the second water outlet pipe, by arranging the partition in the inner tank, the inner tank is divided into two chambers with different water temperatures, and then by arranging the first water outlet pipe and the second water outlet pipe respectively communicated with the two chambers , realizing independent water discharge from the two chambers, and then by arranging the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve on the first water outlet pipe and the second water outlet pipe, it is possible to control the water discharge from the two chambers separately or simultaneously, and then the water temperature stratification is used to adjust the water outlet temperature, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the water heater; in addition, the present invention can also determine whether to open only the first solenoid valve or the second solenoid valve, or to open the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve at the same time according to the water temperature in the first water storage chamber (recorded as the first temperature), the water temperature in the second water storage chamber (recorded as the second temperature) and the target water outlet temperature of the inner tank, so that the actual water outlet temperature is closer to the target water outlet temperature, and the user experience is better.

[0015] Specifically, when the target water outlet temperature is between the first temperature and the second temperature, the controller of the water heater opens the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve at the same time, so that water flows out of the first water storage chamber at the same time, and the temperature of the mixed water from the first water outlet pipe and the second water outlet pipe is closer to the target water outlet temperature; when the first temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature, and the second temperature is greater than the target water outlet temperature, the controller only opens the second solenoid valve, so that water flows out of the second water storage chamber alone, and the water discharged from the second water outlet pipe is closer to the target water outlet temperature; when the first temperature is less than the second temperature, and the first temperature is greater than the target water outlet temperature, the controller only opens the first solenoid valve, so that water flows out of the first water storage chamber alone, and the temperature of the water discharged from the first water outlet pipe is closer to the target water outlet temperature; when the target water outlet temperature is greater than the first temperature, and the target water outlet temperature is greater than the second temperature, the controller only opens the first solenoid valve, so that water flows out of the first water storage chamber alone, and the temperature of the water discharged from the first water outlet pipe is closer to the target water outlet temperature.

[0016] Furthermore, the control method of the water heater of the present invention also includes that when the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are opened at the same time, the controller can also selectively adjust the opening of the first solenoid valve and / or the opening of the second solenoid valve according to the actual water outlet temperature and the target water outlet temperature. Through such a setting, the actual water outlet temperature of the inner tank can be made closer to the target water outlet temperature, further improving the user experience.

[0017] Furthermore, the control method of the water heater of the present invention further includes that when the user does not use the water heater for a set time, for example, the user does not use the water heater for 72 hours, the controller controls the water heater to enter a heat preservation mode, and in the heat preservation mode, the heating component does not operate. Through such a setting, the water heater is more energy-saving. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the water heater of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a water heater of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 It is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for controlling a water heater of the present invention.

[0022] List of reference numerals:

[0002] 1. Shell;

[0003] 2. Inner tank; 21. First water storage chamber; 22. Second water storage chamber;

[0004] 3. compartment; 31. opening;

[0005] 4. water outlet pipe; 41. first water outlet pipe; 42. second water outlet pipe;

[0006] 5. Water inlet pipe;

[0007] 6. The first solenoid valve;

[0008] 7. Second solenoid valve;

[0023] 8. Heating component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention.

[0025] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that, in the description of the present invention, although the various steps of the control method of the present invention are described in a specific order in this application, these orders are not restrictive, and those skilled in the art may perform the steps in different orders without departing from the basic principles of the present invention. For example, the execution order of steps S100 to S300 of the control method of the present invention may also be interchanged, or steps S100 to S300 may be performed simultaneously, and the adjusted technical solution is an equivalent technical solution to the technical solution described in this application, and therefore will also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0026] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, the terms "inside", "outside", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom" and the like indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, which are only for the convenience of description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second" and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] In addition, it should be noted that in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "setting", "connection" and "installation" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0028] Based on the problem pointed out in the background technology that the existing water heaters do not effectively utilize water temperature stratification, the present invention provides a water heater, which aims to separate the inner tank into two chambers with different water temperatures by installing a partition in the inner tank, and respectively arranging a first water outlet pipe and a second water outlet pipe for the two water storage chambers to independently discharge water, thereby effectively utilizing water temperature stratification and helping to reduce the energy consumption of the water heater.

[0029] Specifically, see first Figure 1 , Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the water heater of the present invention.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the water heater of the present invention includes an outer shell 1, an inner tank 2, a barrier 3, a water inlet pipe 5, a first water outlet pipe 41, a second water outlet pipe 42, a first solenoid valve 6, a second solenoid valve 7 and a heating component 8.

[0031] Among them, the inner tank 2 is installed in the outer shell 1 and is connected to an external water source (such as a tap water supply pipe) through a water inlet pipe 5. The partition 3 is installed in the inner tank 2 to divide the interior of the inner tank 2 into a first water storage chamber 21 and a second water storage chamber 22. The first water storage chamber 21 is connected to the second water storage chamber 22, and the first water outlet chamber is arranged around the second water storage chamber 22. The first water outlet pipe 41 is connected to the first water storage chamber 21, and the second water outlet pipe 42 is connected to the second water storage chamber 22. The first solenoid valve 6 is arranged on the first water outlet pipe 41, and the second solenoid valve 77 is arranged on the second water outlet pipe 42. The heating component 8 is installed on the outer wall of the inner tank 2 to heat the water in the inner tank 2.

[0009] For example, Figure 1As shown, the water heater of the present invention is placed vertically, the inner tank 2 is installed in the outer shell 1 and is connected to the external water source through the water inlet pipe 5, the water inlet pipe 5 is arranged at the top of the water heater, the gap between the outer shell 1 and the inner tank 2 is filled with insulation material for insulation, the partition 3 is installed in the inner tank 2, and the interior of the inner tank 2 is divided into a first water storage chamber 21 and a second water storage chamber 22, the chamber between the inner tank 2 and the partition 3 is the first water storage chamber 21, and the chamber in the partition 3 is the second water storage chamber 22, and an opening 31 is arranged at the bottom of the partition 3, the first water storage chamber 21 is connected to the second water storage chamber 22 through the opening 31, the water inlet pipe 5 is connected to the second water storage chamber 22, and the water outlet pipe 4 is arranged at the top of the water heater, and the water outlet pipe 4 is branched into a first water outlet pipe 41 and a second water outlet pipe 42 in the inner tank 2, the first water outlet pipe 41 is connected to the first water storage chamber 21 and is arranged at the top of the first water storage chamber 21, and the second water outlet pipe 42 is connected to the second water storage chamber 22 and is arranged at the top of the first water storage chamber 21. It is arranged on the top of the second water storage chamber 22, the first solenoid valve 6 is installed at the end of the first water outlet pipe 41 located in the first water storage chamber 21, the second solenoid valve 7 is installed at the end of the second water outlet pipe 42 located in the second water storage chamber 22, and the heating component 8 is installed at the lower part of the outer wall of the inner tank 2. The heating component 8 heats the water in the inner tank 2 by exchanging heat with the water in the inner tank 2. Due to the separation of the partition 3, the water in the first water storage chamber 21 is quickly heated, and the water in the second water storage chamber 22 is slowly heated, thereby forming water temperature stratification. The first solenoid valve 6 and the second solenoid valve 7 are used to control the on-off state of the first water outlet pipe 41 and the second water outlet pipe 42, so that the first water outlet pipe 41 can independently discharge water, the second water outlet pipe 42 can independently discharge water, and the first water outlet pipe 41 and the second water outlet pipe 42 can discharge water at the same time, so as to realize different working modes, effectively utilize water temperature stratification, and help reduce the energy consumption of the water heater.

[0010] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may arrange the water inlet pipe 5 and the water outlet pipe 4 separately or simultaneously at the top, bottom or middle part of the water heater. Such flexible adjustment and change does not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention and should be limited within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0011] It should be further explained that, in actual applications, technicians in this field can also connect the water inlet pipe 5 with the first water storage chamber 21 in the inner tank 2. Such flexible adjustment and change does not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention and should be limited within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0012] It should be further explained that the present invention does not limit the structural form and size of the partition 3. For example, those skilled in the art can set the partition 3 to a cylinder or a cuboid, etc., and can also change the volume of the first water storage chamber 21 and the second water storage chamber 22 by changing the size of the partition 3. For example, the first water storage chamber 21 is set to 50L or 20L, etc., and correspondingly, the second water storage chamber 22 is set to 50L or 80L, etc. by changing the size of the partition 3. Such adjustments and changes to the specific structural form and size of the partition 3 do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should be limited within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0013] It should also be noted that the present invention does not limit the installation position of the heating component 8. For example, a person skilled in the art may install the heating component 8 on the upper or middle part of the outer wall of the inner tank 2, etc. Such adjustment and change of the specific installation position of the heating component 8 does not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and shall be limited within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0014] Of course, the present invention preferably installs the heating component 8 at the lower part of the outer wall of the inner tank 2. Due to the principle of heat circulation, hot water rises and cold water falls, which is more conducive to heating the water in the inner tank 2 and improves the heating efficiency.

[0015] Finally, it should be noted that the present invention does not limit the specific types of the first solenoid valve 6 and the second solenoid valve 7. For example, those skilled in the art may set the first solenoid valve 6 and the second solenoid valve 7 as stop valves or flow control valves, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific types of the first solenoid valve 6 and the second solenoid valve 7 do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should be limited within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0032] Next Read Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 2 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a water heater of the present invention, Figure 3 It is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for controlling a water heater of the present invention.

[0033] On the other hand, based on the water heater described above, the present invention also provides a control method for the water heater, such as Figure 2 As shown, the control method of the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0034] S100: Obtain the temperature of water in the first water storage chamber 21, which is recorded as the first temperature T1.

[0035] Exemplarily, a first temperature sensor (not shown in the figure) can be installed in the first water storage chamber 21 of the water heater, and the water temperature T1 of the first water storage chamber 21 can be detected by the first temperature sensor, and the first temperature sensor is communicatively connected to the controller of the water heater so that the first temperature sensor can transmit the detected water temperature information to the controller in a timely manner.

[0036] S200: Obtain the temperature of water in the second water storage chamber 22, recorded as the second temperature T2.

[0037] Exemplarily, a second temperature sensor (not shown in the figure) can be installed in the second water storage chamber 22 of the water heater, and the water temperature T2 of the second water storage chamber 22 can be detected by the second temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor can be communicatively connected with the controller of the water heater so that the second temperature sensor can transmit the detected water temperature information to the controller in a timely manner.

[0038] S300: Obtain the target outlet water temperature T0 of the inner tank 2.

[0039] Among them, the target water outlet temperature T0 of the inner tank 2 can be set by the user. For example, the user can set the target water outlet temperature T0 through the control panel of the water heater, or can also set the target water outlet temperature T0 through a mobile phone APP bound to the water heater.

[0040] S400: selectively opening the first solenoid valve 6, the second solenoid valve 7, or opening the first solenoid valve 6 and the second solenoid valve 7 simultaneously according to the first temperature T1, the second temperature T2 and the target outlet water temperature T0.

[0041] That is to say, the controller of the water heater can selectively control the first water storage chamber 21 to supply water alone, the second water storage chamber 22 to supply water alone, or the first water storage chamber 21 and the second water storage chamber 22 to supply water simultaneously according to the target water outlet temperature T0 set by the user and T1 and T2 obtained by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, so as to achieve that the water supply temperature meets the target water outlet temperature requirement.

[0042] It should be noted that in actual applications, the first temperature and the second temperature can be directly compared with the target water outlet temperature respectively to select the solenoid valve to be opened, or the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature and the target water outlet temperature can be calculated first, and then the solenoid valve to be opened can be selected according to the size of the difference, or the ratio of the first temperature and the second temperature to the target water outlet temperature can be calculated first, and then the solenoid valve to be opened can be selected according to the size of the ratio, and so on. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should be limited within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] Preferably, if Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the above step S400, "selectively opening the first solenoid valve 6, the second solenoid valve 7 or simultaneously opening the first solenoid valve 6 and the second solenoid valve 7 according to the first temperature T1, the second temperature T2 and the target water outlet temperature T0" specifically includes:

[0044] S410: Compare the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 with the target water outlet temperature T0 respectively, and selectively open the first solenoid valve 6, the second solenoid valve 7, or open the first solenoid valve 6 and the second solenoid valve 7 simultaneously according to the comparison results.

[0045] That is to say, based on the comparison results of T1 and T2 with T0, the first water storage chamber 21 is selectively supplied with water alone, the second water storage chamber 22 is selectively supplied with water alone, or the first water storage chamber 21 and the second water storage chamber 22 are simultaneously supplied with water, so that the water supply temperature meets the target water outlet temperature requirement.

[0046] Preferably, if Figure 3 As shown, step S400 also includes step S420.

[0047] S420: T1 ≥ T0 ≥ T2, open the first solenoid valve 6 and the second solenoid valve 7 at the same time.

[0048] Exemplarily, T1 is 60°C, T2 is 40°C, and T0 is 50°C. At this time, the first solenoid valve 6 and the second solenoid valve 7 are opened at the same time, so that water can be discharged from the first water storage chamber 21 and the second water storage chamber 22 at the same time. After the water at 60°C passing through the first water outlet pipe 41 and the water at 40°C passing through the second water outlet pipe 42 are fully mixed through the water outlet pipe 4, water with a target temperature of 50°C can be obtained.

[0049] Preferably, if Figure 3 As shown, step S400 also includes step S430.

[0050] S430: T2 ≥ T0 ≥ T1, open the first solenoid valve 6 and the second solenoid valve 7 at the same time.

[0051] Exemplarily, T1 is 40°C, T2 is 60°C, and T0 is 50°C. At this time, the first solenoid valve 6 and the second solenoid valve 7 are opened at the same time, so that water can be discharged from the first water storage chamber 21 and the second water storage chamber 22 at the same time. After the water at 40°C passing through the first water outlet pipe 41 and the water at 60°C passing through the second water outlet pipe 42 are fully mixed through the water outlet pipe 4, water with a target temperature of 50°C can be obtained.

[0052] Preferably, if Figure 3 As shown, step S400 also includes step S440.

[0053] S440: T0>T1 and T0>T2, open the first solenoid valve 6.

[0054] Exemplarily, T1 is 45°C, T2 is 40°C, and T0 is 50°C. At this time, the first solenoid valve 6 is opened to allow the first water storage chamber 21 to discharge water alone. At this time, the first water storage chamber 21 is equivalent to an instant heater. Under the continuous heating of the heating component 8, the water in the first water storage chamber 21 can quickly reach the target water outlet temperature. At this time, the water outlet from the first water outlet pipe 41 is water with a target temperature of 50°C.

[0055] Preferably, if Figure 3 As shown, step S400 also includes step S450.

[0056] S450: T1>T0 and T2>T0, T1 needs to be further compared with T2, and one of the first solenoid valve 6 and the second solenoid valve 7 is selectively opened according to the comparison result.

[0057] That is to say, when the water temperature in the first water storage chamber 21 and the second water storage chamber 22 is greater than the target water outlet temperature, for example, when the water consumption for bathing is large in winter, it is necessary to heat all the water in the water heater to the set temperature of 55°C. At this time, it is necessary to further compare T1 with T2, and determine which water storage chamber needs to supply water based on the comparison result.

[0058] Preferably, if Figure 3 As shown, step S450 includes steps S451 and S452.

[0059] S451: T1 ≥ T2, then open the second solenoid valve 7.

[0060] That is to say, the water temperature in the first water storage chamber 21 is higher than or equal to the water temperature in the second water storage chamber 22. For example, when all the water in the water heater is heated to the set temperature of 55°C, due to the separation effect of the partition 3, the water temperature in the first water storage chamber 21 is higher than the water temperature in the second water storage chamber 22. Assuming that T1 is 65°C, T2 is 55°C, and T0 is 50°C, the second solenoid valve 7 is opened at this time, and the second water storage chamber 22 supplies water alone. The water temperature in the second water storage chamber 22 is closer to the target water outlet temperature. In addition, the present invention preferably connects the water inlet pipe 5 to the second water storage chamber 22. During the user's water use, the cold water entering the second water storage chamber 22 through the water inlet pipe 5 is mixed with the 55°C water in the second water storage chamber 22, so that the water temperature in the second water storage chamber 22 is closer to the target water outlet temperature.

[0061] S452: T1<T2, then open the first solenoid valve 6.

[0062] That is to say, the water temperature in the first water storage chamber 21 is lower than the water temperature in the second water storage chamber 22. For example, at night when the electricity price is low, when all the water in the water heater is heated to the set temperature of 55°C and the heating component 8 is turned off, due to the separation effect of the partition 3, the water temperature in the first water storage chamber 21 is higher than the water temperature in the second water storage chamber 22. Assuming that T1 is 65°C and T2 is 55°C, the water in the first water storage chamber 21 and the water in the second water storage chamber 22 will tend to be similar after sufficient heat exchange. Similarly, assuming that T1 and T2 are both 60°C, when the water consumption is less at night, the water in the first water storage chamber 21 keeps the water in the second water storage chamber 22 warm. At this time, the water temperature in the first water storage chamber 21 gradually decreases, while the water temperature in the second water storage chamber 22 slowly decreases. Assuming that T1 is 55°C, T2 is 59°C, and T0 is 50°C, the first solenoid valve 6 is opened at this time, and water is supplied by the first water storage chamber 21 alone. The water temperature discharged from the first water outlet pipe 41 is closer to the target water outlet temperature.

[0063] Preferably, the control method of the water heater of the present invention also includes: when the first solenoid valve 6 and the second solenoid valve 7 are opened at the same time, obtaining the actual water outlet temperature of the inner tank 2, and selectively adjusting the opening of the first solenoid valve 6 and / or the opening of the second solenoid valve 7 according to the actual water outlet temperature and the target water outlet temperature.

[0064] That is to say, when the first water storage chamber 21 and the second water storage chamber 22 are supplying water at the same time, a third temperature sensor (not shown in the figure) is installed at the water outlet end of the water outlet pipe 4 of the water heater, and the actual water outlet temperature of the water outlet pipe 4 is detected by the third temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor is communicatively connected with the controller of the water heater so that the third temperature sensor can transmit the detected water temperature information to the controller in a timely manner. The first solenoid valve 6 and the second solenoid valve 7 are both set as flow control valves, and the controller compares the actual water outlet temperature detected by the third temperature sensor with the target water outlet temperature T0. According to the comparison structure, the controller then adjusts the opening of the first solenoid valve 6 alone or the opening of the second solenoid valve 7 alone, or adjusts the opening of the first solenoid valve 6 and the second solenoid valve 7 at the same time.

[0065] Exemplarily, the target water outlet temperature T0 is 50°C, T1 is 55°C, and T2 is 47°C. The third temperature sensor detects that the actual water outlet temperature is 52°C and transmits the water temperature information to the controller. At this time, the controller increases the opening of the second solenoid valve 7 alone or decreases the opening of the first solenoid valve 6 alone, or increases the opening of the second solenoid valve 7 and decreases the opening of the first solenoid valve 6 at the same time, and meets the target water outlet temperature requirement by adjusting the water outlet flow rates of the first water storage chamber 21 and the second water storage chamber 22 alone or simultaneously.

[0066] It should be noted that when T2>T0>T1, for example, the target water outlet temperature T0 is 50℃, T1 is 47℃, T2 is 55℃, and the third temperature sensor detects that the actual water outlet temperature is 52℃. At this time, the controller increases the opening of the first solenoid valve 6 alone or decreases the opening of the second solenoid valve 7 alone, or simultaneously increases the opening of the first solenoid valve 6 and decreases the opening of the second solenoid valve 7, and meets the target water outlet temperature requirement by adjusting the water outlet flow rates of the first water storage chamber 21 and the second water storage chamber 22 alone or simultaneously.

[0067] Preferably, the control method of the water heater of the present invention further comprises: when the user does not use the water heater for a set time, the water heater enters the heat preservation mode, and when the water heater enters the heat preservation mode, the heating component 8 does not operate.

[0068] For example, when the user is traveling or on a business trip, the user can set the water heater to enter the heat preservation mode and the heating component 8 stops operating if the water is not used for 72 hours.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, although some embodiments described herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not other features, the combination of features of different embodiments is meant to be within the scope of the present application and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims of the present application, any one of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

[0070] So far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the protection scope of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a water heater, characterized in that: The water heater comprises an outer shell, an inner tank, a partition, a water inlet pipe, a first water outlet pipe, a second water outlet pipe, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve and a heating component, wherein the inner tank is installed in the outer shell and communicated with an external water source through the water inlet pipe, the partition is installed in the inner tank to divide the interior of the inner tank into a first water storage chamber and a second water storage chamber, the first water storage chamber is communicated with the second water storage chamber and is arranged around the second water storage chamber, the first water outlet pipe is communicated with the first water storage chamber, the second water outlet pipe is communicated with the second water storage chamber, the first solenoid valve is arranged on the first water outlet pipe, the second solenoid valve is arranged on the second water outlet pipe, and the heating component is installed on the outer wall of the inner tank to heat the water in the inner tank; the control method comprises: Obtaining the temperature of water in the first water storage chamber, recorded as a first temperature; Obtaining the temperature of water in the second water storage chamber, recorded as a second temperature; Obtaining a target outlet water temperature of the inner tank; According to the first temperature, the second temperature and the target outlet water temperature, the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve or both the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are selectively opened.

2. The water heater control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step of "selectively opening the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, or opening the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve simultaneously according to the first temperature, the second temperature, and the target water outlet temperature" specifically includes: comparing the first temperature and the second temperature with the target outlet water temperature respectively; According to the comparison result, the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, or both the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are selectively opened.

3. The control method of the water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The step of "selectively opening the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, or opening the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve at the same time according to the comparison result" specifically includes: If the first temperature is greater than or equal to the target outlet water temperature, and the target outlet water temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature, the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are opened simultaneously.

4. The control method of the water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The step of "selectively opening the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, or opening the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve at the same time according to the comparison result" specifically includes: If the second temperature is greater than or equal to the target water outlet temperature, and the target water outlet temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature, the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are opened simultaneously.

5. The water heater control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The step of "selectively opening the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, or opening the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve at the same time according to the comparison result" specifically includes: If the target outlet water temperature is greater than the first temperature, and the target outlet water temperature is greater than the second temperature, the first solenoid valve is opened.

6. The control method of the water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The step of "selectively opening the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, or opening the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve at the same time according to the comparison result" specifically includes: If the first temperature is greater than the target outlet water temperature, and the second temperature is greater than the target outlet water temperature, it is necessary to further compare the first temperature with the second temperature; According to the comparison result, one of the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve is selectively opened.

7. The control method of the water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that: The step of "selectively opening one of the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve according to the comparison result" specifically includes: If the first temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature, opening the second solenoid valve; If the first temperature is lower than the second temperature, the first solenoid valve is opened.

8. The water heater control method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: In the case where the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are opened at the same time, the control method further includes: Obtaining the actual outlet water temperature of the inner tank; The opening degree of the first solenoid valve and / or the opening degree of the second solenoid valve are selectively adjusted according to the actual outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature.

9. The control method of a water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The control method further comprises: When the user does not use the water heater for a set time, the water heater enters a heat preservation mode; In the case where the water heater enters the keep warm mode, the heating component does not operate.

10. A water heater, characterized in that: The device comprises a controller configured to execute the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Citation Information

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