Water dispenser, temperature control method thereof, control device and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a water dispenser and a temperature control method, a control device and a computer readable storage medium thereof, and relates to the technical field of water dispensers. The water dispenser comprises a water valve. The temperature control method comprises the following steps: determining a cold water flow difference value according to a target water outlet temperature, a current cold water temperature, a current cold water flow, a current hot water temperature and a current hot water flow of the water dispenser; determining a target opening of the water valve according to the cold water flow difference value, wherein the water valve is located on a cold water passage of the water dispenser and is used for adjusting the cold water flow; and controlling the water valve to work based on the target opening, so as to reduce the temperature difference between the water outlet temperature of the water dispenser and the target water outlet temperature. The application solves the technical problem that the current water dispenser has poor water outlet temperature control precision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water dispenser technology, and in particular to a water dispenser temperature control method, a water dispenser control device, a water dispenser, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, water dispensers are becoming increasingly feature-rich. For those with heating functions, they typically mix cold and hot water to dispense warm water. However, due to different application scenarios—such as high-rise buildings, low-rise buildings, villas, and large apartments—water pressure will vary. Water pressure affects water flow, which in turn affects water temperature, leading to unstable water temperatures, such as being too high or too low, thus impacting the user's water experience.

[0003] The information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background technology of the present application concept, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main purpose of this application is to provide a water dispenser temperature control method, a water dispenser control device, a water dispenser, and a computer-readable storage medium, aiming to solve the technical problem of poor water temperature control accuracy in current water dispensers.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a water dispenser temperature control method, applied to a water dispenser, wherein the water dispenser includes a water valve, and the water dispenser temperature control method includes:

[0006] The cold water flow rate difference is determined based on the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser.

[0007] The target opening degree of the water valve is determined based on the cold water flow difference, wherein the water valve is located on the cold water passage of the water dispenser and is used to regulate the cold water flow.

[0008] The water valve is controlled based on the target opening degree to reduce the temperature difference between the water outlet temperature and the target water outlet temperature.

[0009] In one embodiment, the step of determining the cold water flow rate difference based on the target outlet water temperature of the water dispenser, the current cold water temperature, the current cold water flow rate, the current hot water temperature, and the current hot water flow rate includes:

[0010] The target water outlet temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser are collected.

[0011] Substituting the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser into a preset heat exchange function, the target cold water flow rate of the water dispenser is obtained.

[0012] The difference in hot water flow rate is obtained based on the target hot water flow rate and the current hot water flow rate.

[0013] In one embodiment, the step of determining the target opening degree of the water valve based on the cold water flow rate difference includes:

[0014] The target opening degree of the water valve is obtained by substituting the cold water flow difference into a preset proportional-integral control function.

[0015] In one embodiment, after the step of determining the cold water flow rate difference based on the target outlet water temperature of the water dispenser, the current cold water temperature, the current cold water flow rate, the current hot water temperature, and the current hot water flow rate, the method further includes:

[0016] Determine whether the absolute value of the cold water flow rate difference is greater than a preset flow rate difference;

[0017] If it is greater than the value, then proceed to the following step: determine the target opening degree of the water valve based on the difference in cold water flow rate;

[0018] If the opening is less than or equal to the value, the opening of the water valve remains unchanged.

[0019] In one embodiment, prior to the step of controlling the operation of the water valve based on the target opening degree, the method further includes:

[0020] The opening adjustment range is determined based on the target opening degree and the current opening degree of the water valve;

[0021] If the absolute value of the opening adjustment amplitude is less than the first adjustment amplitude, then the updated target opening amplitude is determined based on the current opening amplitude and the first adjustment amplitude.

[0022] If the absolute value of the opening adjustment amplitude is greater than the second adjustment amplitude, then the updated target opening amplitude is determined based on the current opening amplitude and the second adjustment amplitude.

[0023] Wherein, the first adjustment amplitude is smaller than the second adjustment amplitude, and the updated target opening is used to control the operation of the water valve.

[0024] In one embodiment, after the step of controlling the operation of the water valve based on the target opening degree, the method further includes:

[0025] After a preset time, return to the execution steps: determine the cold water flow difference based on the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser, until the temperature difference between the outlet water temperature of the water dispenser and the target outlet water temperature is lower than the preset temperature difference threshold.

[0026] In addition, this application also provides a water dispenser control device, which includes at least:

[0027] The flow difference determination module is used to determine the cold water flow difference value based on the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser.

[0028] The opening degree determination module is used to determine the target opening degree of the water valve based on the cold water flow difference, wherein the water valve is located on the cold water passage of the water dispenser and is used to adjust the cold water flow.

[0029] The control operation module is used to control the operation of the water valve based on the target opening degree, so as to reduce the temperature difference between the water outlet temperature of the water dispenser and the target water outlet temperature.

[0030] In addition, this application also provides a water dispenser, which includes at least a water valve and a control unit. The control unit includes at least a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. The computer program is configured to implement the steps of the water dispenser temperature control method applied to the water dispenser as described above.

[0031] In one embodiment, the water dispenser further includes a cold water passage and a hot water passage. The cold water passage and the hot water passage are respectively equipped with a temperature sensor, a water pump, and a flow meter. The temperature sensor and the flow meter are respectively connected to the control unit. The water valve is located on the cold water passage of the water dispenser and is used to regulate the cold water flow.

[0032] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the water dispenser temperature control method described above.

[0033] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the water dispenser temperature control method described above.

[0034] This application provides a water dispenser temperature control method, applied to a water dispenser including a water valve. The water dispenser temperature control method includes: determining a cold water flow difference based on the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate; determining a target opening degree of the water valve based on the cold water flow difference; wherein the water valve is located on the cold water path of the water dispenser and is used to regulate the cold water flow rate; and finally controlling the operation of the water valve based on the target opening degree to reduce the temperature difference between the outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature. The technical solution of this application regulates the cold water flow rate by adjusting the opening degree of the water valve, thereby changing the cold water flow rate in the hot and cold water mixture and thus regulating the outlet water temperature. This overcomes the defect of unstable outlet water temperature caused by different water flow rates in different application scenarios, making the outlet water temperature of the water dispenser closer to the target outlet water temperature and improving the user's drinking experience. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a water dispenser temperature control method applied to a water dispenser in this application.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature control water circuit principle of a water dispenser in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a feasible water dispenser temperature control process in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structural composition of the water dispenser control device in the embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the equipment structure of the hardware operating environment involved in the water dispenser temperature control method in the embodiments of this application.

[0042] The purpose, features, and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0045] To better understand the technical solution of this application, a detailed description will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0046] The water dispenser in this embodiment can be a water purifier and heater integrated water dispenser, which is a water drinking device that integrates water purification and heating functions. Its advantages mainly include convenience, health and safety, energy saving and environmental protection, multi-functionality, and aesthetics. In actual use, when the water purifier is used in different scenarios such as high-rise buildings, villas, and large apartments, if the temperature of the warm water is much lower than the set value when the user uses the warm water setting, it will affect the user experience; if the temperature of the warm water is much higher than the set value, it will cause scalding to the user. In addition, the warm water setting of mainstream products in the industry is generally achieved by directly mixing the cold and hot water. Since the mixing end is at the end of the faucet, it is impossible to obtain the temperature of the mixed water for feedback adjustment, resulting in unstable water temperature. In a system where the water pump speed is not adjustable, the water flow rate of the cold and hot ends cannot be adjusted according to the actual situation. Furthermore, since the inlet water temperature of the cold water end is determined by the usage environment, it is impossible to mix the warm water from the high temperature range in a low temperature environment, resulting in a relatively small adjustable range.

[0047] To overcome the aforementioned technical deficiencies, this application provides a water dispenser temperature control method for use in water dispensers, wherein the water dispenser includes a water valve, as described above. Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the water dispenser temperature control method of this application. The water dispenser temperature control method includes:

[0048] Step S10: Determine the cold water flow rate difference based on the target outlet water temperature of the water dispenser, the current cold water temperature, the current cold water flow rate, the current hot water temperature, and the current hot water flow rate.

[0049] It should be noted that the water dispenser can be a water purifier (i.e., a machine that integrates water purification and hot water functions). The water valve can be a proportional regulating valve, installed on the cold water path to regulate the cold water flow (i.e., the water inlet flow of the water dispenser). Flow meters and temperature sensors can also be installed on the cold and hot water paths to collect the corresponding water temperature and flow rate. The target outlet water temperature set by the user can also be obtained through communication or cloud means via the water dispenser's control board (or control unit).

[0050] The water dispenser in this embodiment also outputs warm water that meets the target outlet temperature by mixing hot and cold water. The target outlet temperature can be set by the user. The current cold water temperature and current hot water temperature are collected by temperature sensors, and the current cold water flow rate and current hot water flow rate are collected by flow meters. The cold water flow rate difference represents the difference between the current cold water flow rate and the target cold water flow rate, whereby the target cold water flow rate represents the required cold water flow rate to make the current outlet water temperature meet the target outlet temperature.

[0051] Step S20: Determine the target opening degree of the water valve based on the cold water flow difference, wherein the water valve is located on the cold water passage of the water dispenser and is used to regulate the cold water flow.

[0052] The opening degree (i.e., the opening angle) of the water valve determines the water flow rate through the valve. It can be understood that the larger the opening degree of the water valve, the larger the cold water flow rate. After determining the current cold water flow rate difference, a corresponding target opening degree can be determined to adjust the current cold water flow rate, making the cold water flow rate difference approach 0, thus achieving the effect of making the temperature of the warm water output by the water dispenser approach the target outlet water temperature.

[0053] When determining the target opening degree of the water valve based on the difference in cold water flow rate, it can be based on the PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) control formula commonly used in the current control field, or determined by engineers through experiments and other means to establish the correspondence between the difference in cold water flow rate and the target opening degree.

[0054] It should be noted that in systems where the hot water pump speed is not adjustable or has a narrow adjustable range, the highest temperature inside the hot water tank in the hot water path generally does not exceed 99°C and the water flow rate is relatively stable. However, the inlet water temperature and pressure in the cold water path are related to the region and environment where the water dispenser is used, and the outlet temperature and flow rate of the cold water after passing through the pump cannot be guaranteed. This can lead to a lower temperature of the mixed warm water under certain extreme conditions, such as low inlet water temperature or high inlet water pressure. Since the hot water path is controlled by the hot water tank through the hot water pump, and the hot water outlet flow rate and temperature are within the design range, this embodiment requires control of the outlet flow rate of the cold water end. Using the cold water flow rate as the control target, the water valve adjustment method can achieve a larger and more precise temperature control range compared to the method of adjusting the cold water flow rate based on the water pump.

[0055] The water valve can be a proportional control valve, a device used to control fluid flow rate and widely used in industrial automation control systems. In the water dispenser temperature control method provided in this application embodiment, the flow rate of the cold water passage is controlled by adjusting the opening of the proportional control valve, and a corresponding control algorithm is used to effectively control the outlet water temperature, improving the accuracy of the outlet water temperature and the user experience.

[0056] Step S30: Control the water valve to operate based on the target opening degree in order to reduce the temperature difference between the water outlet temperature and the target water outlet temperature.

[0057] After determining the target opening degree, a control command can be sent to the water valve to adjust its opening value to the target opening degree. Since the value of the target opening degree corresponds to the difference in cold water flow, it can make the current cold water flow of the water dispenser tend to the target cold water flow change, thereby making the water temperature of the water dispenser as close as possible to the target water temperature, reducing the temperature difference between the water temperature and the target water temperature, and improving the user experience.

[0058] For example, the temperature control water circuit of the water dispenser in the embodiments of this application is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, a temperature sensor, a cold water pump, a proportional control valve, and a flow meter are sequentially installed in the cold water flow path. A temperature sensor, a hot water pump, and a flow meter are installed in the hot water flow path. The cold and hot water are mixed to form warm water, which is then output to the outside through a faucet. The water dispenser's control board (or control unit) can obtain the cold water temperature T from the sensor in the cold water path. 冷 The current hot water temperature T is obtained through a sensor in the hot water circuit. 热 The real-time cold water flow rate q is obtained through hot water flow meter and cold water flow meter. 冷 and hot water flow rate q 热 In addition, the control motherboard obtains the user-set target outlet water temperature T via communication or the cloud. 目标 .

[0059] This application provides a water dispenser temperature control method, applied to a water dispenser including a water valve. The water dispenser temperature control method includes: determining a cold water flow difference based on the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate; determining a target opening degree of the water valve based on the cold water flow difference; wherein the water valve is located on the cold water path of the water dispenser and is used to regulate the cold water flow rate; and finally controlling the operation of the water valve based on the target opening degree to reduce the temperature difference between the outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature. The technical solution of this application regulates the cold water flow rate by adjusting the opening degree of the water valve, thereby changing the cold water flow rate in the hot and cold water mixture and thus regulating the outlet water temperature. This overcomes the defect of unstable outlet water temperature caused by different water flow rates in different application scenarios, making the outlet water temperature of the water dispenser closer to the target outlet water temperature and improving the user's drinking experience.

[0060] In one feasible embodiment, the step of determining the cold water flow rate difference based on the target outlet water temperature of the water dispenser, the current cold water temperature, the current cold water flow rate, the current hot water temperature, and the current hot water flow rate may include:

[0061] Step S11: Collect the target water outlet temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser;

[0062] The target outlet water temperature is set by the user, the current cold water temperature and current hot water temperature are collected by temperature sensors installed in the cold water passage and hot water passage, and the current cold water flow rate and current hot water flow rate are collected by flow meters installed in the cold water passage and hot water passage.

[0063] Step S12: Substitute the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current hot water temperature and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser into the preset heat exchange function to obtain the target cold water flow rate of the water dispenser.

[0064] Step S13: Obtain the cold water flow difference based on the target cold water flow rate and the current cold water flow rate.

[0065] In the water dispenser temperature control method of this application embodiment, the target cold water flow rate is used as the control target, and the difference between the target and the actual cold water flow rate (i.e., the cold water flow rate difference) is used for PID control. Specifically, the control board applies different opening commands to the water valve (such as a proportional regulating valve) to achieve different flow rate control, thereby achieving constant temperature control of the warm water outlet temperature.

[0066] Furthermore, when determining the target cold water flow rate for a water dispenser, it is necessary to consider parameters such as the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate. This is because the target cold water flow rate is a target control quantity that will make the water dispenser's outlet water temperature closer to the target outlet water temperature. To determine this target control quantity, it is necessary to base it on the principle of heat exchange between the hot and cold water inside the water dispenser.

[0067] For example, the formula for thermal energy can be expressed as: Q=c*m*Δt;

[0068] Where Q is heat, c is specific heat capacity, m is mass, and Δt is the temperature change amplitude.

[0069] During the mixing of cold and hot water, the cold water absorbs heat and the hot water releases heat. The target is to achieve the desired outlet water temperature T after mixing. 目标 According to the law of conservation of energy, the amount of heat absorbed by cold water is equal to the amount of heat released by hot water, expressed mathematically as follows:

[0070] c*m 冷 *(T 目标 -T 冷 )=c*m 热 *(T 热 -T 目标 );

[0071] Where, m 冷 It refers to the quality of cold water, T. 冷 The temperature of the cold water before heat absorption is m. 热 For hot water quality, T 热 The temperature of the hot water before heat release.

[0072] During the stable water dispensing process of the water dispenser, it can be determined that m = q * t, where m is the water dispensing command, q is the water flow rate, and t is the water dispensing time. Therefore, the above formula can be transformed into:

[0073] q 冷 *(T 目标 -T 冷 )=q 热 *(T 热 -T 目标 );

[0074] According to this formula, the target outlet water temperature T can be input. 目标 (User settings), Current cold water temperature T 冷 (Temperature sensor data), current hot water flow rate q 热 (Flow meter data), Current hot water temperature T 热 The target cold water flow rate is calculated from parameters such as (temperature sensor data).

[0075] Finally, calculate the target cold water flow rate. With the current cold water flow rate q 冷 The difference between the two values ​​is used to obtain the cold water flow rate difference Δq, which is then used for feedback control with the cold water flow rate as the control target.

[0076] Furthermore, in one feasible embodiment, the step of determining the target opening degree of the water valve based on the cold water flow difference may include:

[0077] Step S21: Substitute the cold water flow difference into the preset proportional-integral control function to obtain the target opening degree of the water valve.

[0078] Specifically, the proportional control valve can adjust the cold water flow rate by adjusting its own opening angle. During the control process, the current opening degree of the proportional control valve is used as the target control quantity, and the cold water flow rate difference Δq is used as the input quantity for differential control.

[0079] For example, the control formula can be expressed as:

[0080]

[0081] The above control formula is a commonly used PID control formula in the field of control, where K p T t T D The control parameters are obtained by engineers through laboratory testing of the water dispenser and are pre-set in the water dispenser's control unit.

[0082] In one feasible embodiment, the control unit of the water dispenser starts to adjust the opening of the proportional regulating valve after the hot and cold water are mixed, and performs control adjustment at a preset frequency, with an execution time interval of Δg between each two operations.

[0083] Furthermore, in a feasible embodiment, after the step of determining the cold water flow difference based on the target outlet water temperature of the water dispenser, the current cold water temperature, the current cold water flow rate, the current hot water temperature, and the current hot water flow rate, the method may further include:

[0084] Step S41: Determine whether the absolute value of the cold water flow rate difference is greater than the preset flow rate difference;

[0085] If the value is greater than the target value in step S15, then proceed to step S20: determine the target opening degree of the water valve based on the difference in cold water flow rate.

[0086] Step S16: If the opening is less than or equal to the water valve, then keep the opening of the water valve unchanged.

[0087] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, after the water dispenser system stabilizes its water output, the theoretical target cold water flow rate is first determined. Then, based on the actual cold water flow rate collected... By comparing these values, the difference in cold water flow rate at this moment is obtained as Δq.

[0088] Furthermore, to avoid the water dispenser system frequently adjusting the opening of the proportional control valve, the aforementioned hot water flow difference Δq can be compared with a preset flow difference value, which can also be understood as the minimum adjustable flow value of the proportional control valve. Custom settings can be customized according to actual needs.

[0089] For example, if Then the next temperature adjustment process can be performed, the opening degree of the proportional control valve is re-determined, and step S20 is executed. If Then there is no need to perform temperature adjustment. Keep the opening of the proportional control valve unchanged, skip steps S20 and S30, and return to step S10 after waiting for the preset time interval.

[0090] In one feasible embodiment, prior to the step of controlling the operation of the water valve based on the target opening degree, the method may further include:

[0091] Step A10: Determine the opening adjustment range based on the target opening and the current opening of the water valve;

[0092] Step A20: If the absolute value of the opening adjustment amplitude is less than the first adjustment amplitude, then determine the updated target opening based on the current opening and the first adjustment amplitude;

[0093] Step A30: If the absolute value of the opening adjustment amplitude is greater than the second adjustment amplitude, then determine the updated target opening based on the current opening and the second adjustment amplitude.

[0094] Wherein, the first adjustment amplitude is smaller than the second adjustment amplitude, and the updated target opening is used to control the operation of the water valve.

[0095] After determining the target opening degree of the water valve in the water dispenser, the difference between the two can be calculated by combining the current opening degree of the valve, thereby determining the required adjustment range of the opening degree. It is understood that during the adjustment process, the system pre-sets the minimum value (i.e., the first adjustment range) and the maximum value (i.e., the second adjustment range) of the opening degree in a single change. Therefore, the adjustment range of the water valve opening degree cannot exceed the range corresponding to the minimum and maximum values ​​of the single change in opening degree.

[0096] Therefore, after determining the opening adjustment amplitude ΔV, if the absolute value of ΔV is within [V min V max Within this range, the opening of the water valve is adjusted based on ΔV to make the adjusted opening the target opening. If ΔV is less than V... min Then based on Vmin The opening degree of the water valve is adjusted according to the value of ΔV. If ΔV is positive, the current opening degree is increased by V. min Once the updated target opening is obtained, if ΔV is negative, then subtract V from the current opening. min The updated target opening is obtained. Similarly, if ΔV is greater than V... max Then based on V max The opening of the water valve is adjusted according to the value of ΔV. If ΔV is positive, the current opening is increased by V. max Once the updated target opening is obtained, if ΔV is negative, then subtract V from the current opening. max The updated target opening is obtained.

[0097] Finally, the operation of the water valve (e.g., a proportional control valve) is controlled based on the updated target opening, so that the cold water flow rate of the water dispenser approaches the target cold water flow rate.

[0098] In one feasible embodiment, after the step of controlling the operation of the water valve based on the target opening degree, the method further includes:

[0099] Step S40: After a preset time, return to the execution steps: Determine the cold water flow difference based on the water dispenser's target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate, until the temperature difference between the water dispenser's outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature is lower than the preset temperature difference threshold.

[0100] In the water dispenser temperature control method provided in this application embodiment, the control unit of the water dispenser can cyclically execute steps S10 to S30. That is, after step S30, after a preset time interval, it returns to step S10 again, and then executes steps S20 and S30 sequentially, so that the difference between the current cold water flow rate and the target cold water flow rate becomes smaller and smaller. At the same time, the temperature difference between the current outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature of the water dispenser also becomes smaller and smaller, thereby improving the water temperature control accuracy of the water dispenser and the user's water experience. The preset temperature difference threshold can be set according to actual needs. If the outlet water temperature accuracy requirement is relatively high, the preset temperature difference threshold can be set smaller; if the outlet water temperature accuracy requirement is relatively low, the preset temperature difference threshold can be set larger. The minimum preset temperature difference threshold can be set to 0.

[0101] For ease of understanding, and in conjunction with the content of the foregoing embodiments, a feasible water dispenser temperature control process is as follows: Figure 3 As shown. First, after the user sets the water temperature, if the user is currently taking warm water, the water dispenser's control unit calculates the theoretical target cold water flow rate based on a formula. The actual cold water flow rate is then obtained through a flow meter. Determine the difference Δq between the two values, and then determine whether the difference satisfies the temperature regulation condition Δq > 0. If not, it remains unchanged; if yes, the difference Δq is substituted into the preset PID temperature control formula to calculate the current opening adjustment amplitude ΔV, based on the preset range of the opening adjustment amplitude (e.g., V). min V max After limiting the opening adjustment amplitude ΔV, the current opening of the water valve is adjusted to obtain the target opening. Finally, the water valve is controlled based on the target opening to adjust the cold water flow.

[0102] In the water dispenser temperature control method of this application embodiment, the current cold water outflow rate is continuously corrected according to the difference between the actual cold water flow rate and the target hot water flow rate value; so that the cold water flow rate difference tends to 0, and the final effect is that the actual outflow temperature continuously approaches the warm water outflow temperature set by the user, thereby achieving the purpose of precise temperature control.

[0103] This application also provides a water dispenser temperature control device, applied to a water dispenser, see reference. Figure 4 The water dispenser temperature control device includes:

[0104] The flow difference determination module 10 is used to determine the cold water flow difference value based on the target outlet water temperature of the water dispenser, the current cold water temperature, the current cold water flow rate, the current hot water temperature, and the current hot water flow rate.

[0105] The opening degree determination module 20 is used to determine the target opening degree of the water valve based on the cold water flow difference, wherein the water valve is located on the cold water passage of the water dispenser and is used to adjust the cold water flow.

[0106] The control operation module 30 is used to control the operation of the water valve based on the target opening degree, so as to reduce the temperature difference between the water outlet temperature of the water dispenser and the target water outlet temperature.

[0107] In one embodiment, the flow difference determination module 10 is further configured to:

[0108] The target water outlet temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser are collected.

[0109] Substituting the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser into a preset heat exchange function, the target cold water flow rate of the water dispenser is obtained.

[0110] The difference in cold water flow rate is obtained based on the target cold water flow rate and the current cold water flow rate.

[0111] In one embodiment, the opening degree determination module 20 is further configured to:

[0112] The target opening degree of the water valve is obtained by substituting the cold water flow difference into a preset proportional-integral control function.

[0113] In one embodiment, the water dispenser temperature control device further includes a judgment module, which is used to:

[0114] Determine whether the absolute value of the cold water flow rate difference is greater than a preset flow rate difference;

[0115] If it is greater than the value, then proceed to the following step: determine the target opening degree of the water valve based on the difference in cold water flow rate;

[0116] If the opening is less than or equal to the value, the opening of the water valve remains unchanged.

[0117] In one embodiment, the water dispenser temperature control device further includes an amplitude limiting module, which is used for:

[0118] The opening adjustment range is determined based on the target opening degree and the current opening degree of the water valve;

[0119] If the absolute value of the opening adjustment amplitude is less than the first adjustment amplitude, then the updated target opening amplitude is determined based on the current opening amplitude and the first adjustment amplitude.

[0120] If the absolute value of the opening adjustment amplitude is greater than the second adjustment amplitude, then the updated target opening amplitude is determined based on the current opening amplitude and the second adjustment amplitude.

[0121] Wherein, the first adjustment amplitude is smaller than the second adjustment amplitude, and the updated target opening is used to control the operation of the water valve.

[0122] In one embodiment, the water dispenser temperature control device further includes a circulation module, which is used for:

[0123] After a preset time, return to the execution steps: determine the cold water flow difference based on the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser, until the temperature difference between the outlet water temperature of the water dispenser and the target outlet water temperature is lower than the preset temperature difference threshold.

[0124] The water dispenser temperature control device provided in this application, employing the water dispenser temperature control method described in the above embodiments, can solve the technical problem of poor water temperature control accuracy in current water dispensers. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the water dispenser temperature control device provided in this application are the same as those of the water dispenser temperature control method provided in the above embodiments, and other technical features of this water dispenser temperature control device are the same as those disclosed in the previous embodiment method, and will not be repeated here.

[0125] This application also provides a water dispenser, which includes at least a water valve and a control unit. The control unit includes at least one processor and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor. The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the water dispenser temperature control method in the above embodiments.

[0126] In one feasible embodiment, the water dispenser further includes a cold water passage and a hot water passage. The cold water passage and the hot water passage are respectively equipped with a temperature sensor, a water pump, and a flow meter. The temperature sensor and the flow meter are respectively connected to the control unit to transmit the collected temperature information and flow information to the control unit. The water valve is located on the cold water passage of the water dispenser and is used to adjust the cold water flow rate. The cold water flow rate can be controlled by different opening angles.

[0127] For example, the structure of the water dispenser is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the cold water path is equipped with a temperature sensor, a cold water pump, a proportional control valve, and a flow meter in sequence. Similarly, the hot water path is equipped with a temperature sensor, a hot water pump, and a flow meter. The cold and hot water mix to form warm water, which is then output to the outside through the faucet. The water dispenser's control board obtains the cold water temperature from the sensor in the cold water path, the current hot water temperature from the sensor in the hot water path, and the real-time cold and hot water flow rates from the hot and cold water flow meters. Furthermore, the control board obtains the user-set target outlet water temperature via communication or the cloud.

[0128] The following is for reference. Figure 5 It shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a control unit suitable for implementing the embodiments of this application. Figure 5 The control unit shown is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of this application.

[0129] like Figure 5As shown, the control unit may include a processing device 101 (e.g., a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, etc.), which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to a program stored in read-only memory (ROM) 102 or a program loaded from storage device 103 into random access memory (RAM) 104. RAM 104 also stores various programs and data required for the operation of the control unit. The processing device 101, ROM 102, and RAM 104 are interconnected via bus 105. Input / output (I / O) interface 106 is also connected to the bus. Typically, the following systems can be connected to I / O interface 106: input devices 107 including, for example, touchscreens, touchpads, keyboards, mice, image sensors, microphones, accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.; output devices 108 including, for example, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), speakers, vibrators, etc.; storage devices 103 including, for example, magnetic tapes, hard disks, etc.; and communication devices 109. Communication device 109 allows the control unit to communicate wirelessly or wiredly with other devices to exchange data. Although the diagram shows control units with various systems, it should be understood that it is not required to implement or have all of the systems shown. More or fewer systems may be implemented alternatively.

[0130] In particular, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the processes described above with reference to the flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, embodiments of this disclosure include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, the computer program containing program code for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via a communication device, or installed from storage device 103, or installed from ROM 102. When the computer program is executed by processing device 101, it performs the functions defined in the methods of the embodiments of this application.

[0131] The water dispenser provided in this application uses the water dispenser temperature control method described in the above embodiments, which can solve the technical problem of poor water temperature control accuracy in current water dispensers. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the water dispenser provided in this application are the same as those of the water dispenser temperature control method described in the above embodiments, and other technical features of this water dispenser are the same as those disclosed in the methods of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0132] It should be understood that various parts of the embodiments of this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0133] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the embodiments of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the above claims.

[0134] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that can run on a processor, the computer program being used to execute the water dispenser temperature control method in the above embodiments.

[0135] The computer-readable storage medium provided in this application embodiment may be, for example, a USB flash drive, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems or devices, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to: electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In this embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, system, or device. The program code contained on the computer-readable storage medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wires, optical cables, RF (Radio Frequency), etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0136] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may be included in the water dispenser; or it may exist independently and not assembled into the water dispenser.

[0137] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium carries one or more programs that, when executed by the water dispenser, cause the water dispenser to: determine a cold water flow rate difference based on the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate; determine a target opening degree of the water valve based on the cold water flow rate difference, wherein the water valve is located on the cold water path of the water dispenser and is used to regulate the cold water flow rate; and control the water valve to operate based on the target opening degree to reduce the temperature difference between the outlet water temperature and the target outlet water temperature.

[0138] Computer program code for performing the operations of this disclosure can be written in one or more programming languages ​​or a combination thereof, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, and C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" language or similar programming languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving remote computers, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network—including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)—or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0139] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this application. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0140] The modules described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in software or hardware. The names of the modules do not necessarily limit the functionality of the unit itself.

[0141] The computer-readable storage medium provided in this application embodiment stores computer-readable program instructions for executing the above-described water dispenser temperature control method, which can solve the technical problem of poor water temperature control accuracy in current water dispensers. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the computer-readable storage medium provided in this application embodiment are the same as the beneficial effects of the water dispenser temperature control method provided in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0142] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the water dispenser temperature control method described above.

[0143] The computer program product provided in this application can solve the technical problem of poor water temperature control accuracy in current water dispensers. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the computer program product provided in this application are the same as those of the water dispenser temperature control method provided in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0144] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for temperature control in a water dispenser, characterized in that, Applied to a water dispenser, the water dispenser includes a water valve, and the water dispenser temperature control method includes: The cold water flow rate difference is determined based on the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser. The target opening degree of the water valve is determined based on the cold water flow difference, wherein the water valve is located on the cold water passage of the water dispenser and is used to regulate the cold water flow. Substituting the cold water flow difference into a preset proportional-integral control function, the target opening degree of the water valve is obtained; The opening adjustment range is determined based on the target opening degree and the current opening degree of the water valve; If the absolute value of the opening adjustment amplitude is less than the first adjustment amplitude, then the updated target opening amplitude is determined based on the current opening amplitude and the first adjustment amplitude. If the absolute value of the opening adjustment amplitude is greater than the second adjustment amplitude, then the updated target opening amplitude is determined based on the current opening amplitude and the second adjustment amplitude. Wherein, the first adjustment amplitude is smaller than the second adjustment amplitude, and the updated target opening is used to control the operation of the water valve; The water valve is controlled based on the target opening degree to reduce the temperature difference between the water outlet temperature of the water dispenser and the target water outlet temperature. The step of determining the cold water flow rate difference based on the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser includes: The target water outlet temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser are collected. Substituting the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser into a preset heat exchange function, the target cold water flow rate of the water dispenser is obtained. The difference in cold water flow rate is obtained based on the target cold water flow rate and the current cold water flow rate.

2. The water dispenser temperature control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, After the step of determining the cold water flow difference based on the target outlet water temperature of the water dispenser, the current cold water temperature, the current cold water flow rate, the current hot water temperature, and the current hot water flow rate, the method further includes: Determine whether the absolute value of the cold water flow rate difference is greater than a preset flow rate difference; If it is greater than the value, then proceed to the following step: determine the target opening degree of the water valve based on the difference in cold water flow rate; If the opening is less than or equal to the value, the opening of the water valve remains unchanged.

3. The water dispenser temperature control method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, After the step of controlling the operation of the water valve based on the target opening degree, the method further includes: After a preset time, return to the execution steps: determine the cold water flow difference based on the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser, until the temperature difference between the outlet water temperature of the water dispenser and the target outlet water temperature is lower than the preset temperature difference threshold.

4. A water dispenser control device, characterized in that, The water dispenser control device includes at least: The flow difference determination module is used to determine the cold water flow difference value based on the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser. The opening degree determination module is used to substitute the cold water flow difference into a preset proportional-integral control function to obtain the target opening degree of the water valve, wherein the water valve is located on the cold water passage of the water dispenser and is used to regulate the cold water flow. Based on the target opening degree and the current opening degree of the water valve, an opening degree adjustment range is determined. If the absolute value of the opening degree adjustment range is less than a first adjustment range, an updated target opening degree is determined based on the current opening degree and the first adjustment range. If the absolute value of the opening degree adjustment range is greater than a second adjustment range, an updated target opening degree is determined based on the current opening degree and the second adjustment range. Where the first adjustment range is less than the second adjustment range, the updated target opening degree is used to control the operation of the water valve. The control operation module is used to control the operation of the water valve based on the target opening degree, so as to reduce the temperature difference between the water outlet temperature of the water dispenser and the target water outlet temperature; The flow difference determination module is further configured to: collect the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current cold water flow rate, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser; substitute the target outlet water temperature, current cold water temperature, current hot water temperature, and current hot water flow rate of the water dispenser into a preset heat exchange function to obtain the target cold water flow rate of the water dispenser; and obtain the cold water flow rate difference based on the target cold water flow rate and the current cold water flow rate.

5. A water dispenser, characterized in that, The water dispenser includes at least a water valve and a control unit. The control unit includes at least a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. The computer program is configured to implement the steps of the water dispenser temperature control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The water dispenser as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The water dispenser also includes a cold water passage and a hot water passage. The cold water passage and the hot water passage are respectively equipped with a temperature sensor, a water pump and a flow meter. The temperature sensor and the flow meter are respectively connected to the control unit. The water valve is located on the cold water passage of the water dispenser and is used to regulate the cold water flow.

7. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a program for implementing a water dispenser temperature control method, the program for implementing the water dispenser temperature control method being executed by a processor to implement the steps of the water dispenser temperature control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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