Water heater control method, controller and water heater

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, and particularly discloses a water heater control method, a controller and a water heater. The method comprises the steps that the hot water temperature detected by a hot water temperature probe is obtained, and the current value of the hot water temperature serves as the hot water temperature of a hot water inlet part; the water temperature, detected by a lower temperature probe, of the lower portion of the container is obtained, and the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet part is determined according to the preset cold water inlet temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature of the lower portion of the container or the minimum value of the water temperature of the lower portion of the container; and before the water heater discharges water, the valve element is driven to act according to the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet part, the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet part and the target outlet water temperature of the water heater. The water heater is provided with the heating rod, the heating rod is started or stopped at least according to the water temperature of the lower portion of the container, at least the lower portion temperature probe of the container can be reused for reliable pre-adjustment of the valve element of the water mixing valve, cost is reduced, the reliability of the water mixing valve is improved, and meanwhile the water using experience of a user is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, and in particular to a water heater control method, a controller and a water heater. Background Art

[0002] Electric water heaters are usually equipped with a mixing valve to achieve mixed water output. At present, in order to ensure the mixed water output effect, the valve core of the electric water heater mixing valve needs to be pre-adjusted and feedback-adjusted. Therefore, the existing mixing valve generally has three temperature probes on the valve body, namely the cold water temperature probe, the hot water temperature probe and the mixed water temperature probe. However, this setting leads to a high cost of the mixing valve, a complex valve body process and many leaks.

[0003] Currently, no effective solution has been proposed to the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present specification provide a water heater control method, a controller and a water heater to solve the problems of high cost and low reliability of pre-adjustment of a water mixing valve core in the prior art.

[0005] The embodiment of the present specification provides a water heater control method, the water heater comprises a tank and a mixing valve; the tank is used to store water, the tank is provided with a heating rod; the tank also has a lower temperature probe, the lower temperature probe is located at the lower part of the tank to detect the water temperature at the lower part of the tank; the heating rod can start working and / or stop working at least according to the water temperature at the lower part of the tank; the mixing valve comprises a valve body and a valve core; the valve body comprises a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet and a mixing water outlet; the cold water inlet is respectively connected to the tank and the mixing water outlet, and the cold water flowing into the valve body through the cold water inlet can flow into the The water heater further comprises a hot water temperature probe, which is arranged at the hot water inlet and is used to directly obtain the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet, or the hot water temperature probe is an upper temperature probe located at the upper part of the water heater to detect the water temperature at the upper part of the water heater, and is used to indirectly obtain the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet; The water heater control method comprises: Acquire the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe, and use the current value of the hot water temperature as the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet; Obtaining the water temperature of the lower part of the gallbladder detected by the lower temperature probe, and determining the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet part according to the preset cold water inlet temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature of the lower part of the gallbladder or according to the minimum value of the water temperature of the lower part of the gallbladder; Before the water heater discharges water, the valve core is driven to operate according to the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet, the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater, so as to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water.

[0006] In one embodiment, the control method specifically includes: S1. Before the water heater discharges water for the first time, the cold water temperature is determined according to the smaller value of the minimum water temperature of the lower part of the tank obtained before the water heater discharges water and the preset cold water inlet temperature, and according to the cold water temperature, the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater, the valve core is driven to act so as to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the first time, and the minimum value of the water temperature of the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained during at least the first water discharge of the water heater; S2. Before the water heater discharges water for the next time, the cold water temperature is updated with the smaller value of the cold water temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process, and the valve core is driven to act according to the hot water temperature, the cold water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the next time, and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained during at least the next water discharge process of the water heater; S3. Loop S2.

[0007] In one embodiment, the control method further includes: When the power-on time of the water heater exceeds the preset power-on time or the cumulative water consumption of the water heater exceeds the preset water consumption or the heating time of the water heater exceeds the preset heating time, the cold water temperature is updated using the preset cold water inlet temperature or the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process.

[0008] In one embodiment, the water heater further comprises a mixed water temperature probe, and the mixed water temperature probe is used to detect the mixed water outlet temperature outputted from the outlet of the mixed water outlet; The control method further comprises: During the water discharge process of the water heater, when the target water discharge temperature of the water heater during current use is higher than the mixed water discharge temperature when water discharge starts and the difference between the target water discharge temperature and the mixed water discharge temperature is greater than a preset temperature difference, the cold water temperature is lowered.

[0009] In one embodiment, the preset cold water inlet temperature is not less than 25 degrees Celsius.

[0010] In one embodiment, the control method further includes: updating the preset cold water inlet temperature according to the season; Specifically, the preset cold water inlet temperature in summer is higher than the preset cold water inlet temperature in winter.

[0011] In one embodiment, the water heater further comprises a mixed water temperature probe, the mixed water temperature probe is used to detect the mixed water outlet temperature outputted from the outlet of the mixed water outlet, and the mixed water valve further comprises a motor, the motor is used to drive the valve core to adjust the mixed water ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet; The control method further comprises: When the water heater is discharging water, the mixed water outlet temperature detected by the mixed water temperature probe is obtained, and the target driving speed of the motor is determined according to the difference between the mixed water outlet temperature when water discharge starts and the target water outlet temperature when the water heater is currently in use. The motor is controlled to operate at the target driving speed to drive the valve core to operate, so as to adjust the mixed water ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet part when the water heater is discharging water, and the target driving speed is positively correlated with the absolute value of the difference.

[0012] In one embodiment, the control method specifically includes: S4, before the water heater discharges water for the first time, the cold water temperature is determined according to the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained before the water heater discharges water, and according to the cold water temperature and the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater, the valve core is driven to operate so as to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the first time, and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained during at least the first water discharge process of the water heater; S5. Before the water heater discharges water for the next time, the cold water temperature is updated with the smaller value of the cold water temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process, and the valve core is driven to operate according to the hot water temperature, the cold water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the next time, and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained during at least the next water discharge process of the water heater; S6. Repeat S5.

[0013] In one embodiment, the control method further includes: When the power-on time of the water heater exceeds the preset power-on time or the cumulative water consumption of the water heater exceeds the preset water consumption or the heating time of the water heater exceeds the preset heating time, the cold water temperature is updated using the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process.

[0014] In one embodiment, the control method specifically includes: S7, before the water heater discharges water for the first time, determining the cold water temperature according to the preset cold water inlet temperature, and driving the valve core to act according to the cold water temperature, the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the first time, and obtaining the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe during at least the first water discharge of the water heater; S8, before the water heater discharges water for the next time, the cold water temperature is updated with the smaller value of the cold water temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process, and the valve core is driven to act according to the hot water temperature, the cold water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the next time, and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained during at least the next water discharge process of the water heater; S9. Loop S8.

[0015] In one embodiment, the control method further includes: When the power-on time of the water heater exceeds the preset power-on time or the cumulative water consumption of the water heater exceeds the preset water consumption or the heating time of the water heater exceeds the preset heating time, the cold water temperature is updated using the preset cold water inlet temperature or the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process.

[0016] In one embodiment, the water heater further comprises a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe; at least part of the water inlet pipe and at least part of the water outlet pipe are arranged in the tank; the water inlet pipe is connected with the cold water inlet portion, and the water inlet pipe is used to input the cold water flowing into the valve body through the cold water inlet portion into the tank; the water outlet pipe is connected with the hot water inlet portion, and the water outlet pipe is used to input the hot water in the tank into the hot water inlet portion; At least part of the lower temperature probe is located in the tank, and the lower temperature probe is arranged near the water outlet of the water inlet pipe, or, The lower temperature probe is arranged on the outer wall of the bile, the lower temperature probe is arranged close to the water outlet of the water inlet pipe in the height direction or the lower temperature probe is flush with the water outlet of the water inlet pipe in the height direction, or, The lower temperature probe is arranged higher than the water outlet of the water inlet pipe and is closer to the water outlet of the water inlet pipe than the upper temperature probe.

[0017] In one embodiment, the hot water temperature probe is an upper temperature probe located at the upper part of the gallbladder to detect the water temperature at the upper part of the gallbladder, and the heating rod can start working and / or stop working according to the water temperature at the upper part of the gallbladder and / or the water temperature at the lower part of the gallbladder; The step of obtaining the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe and using the current value of the hot water temperature as the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet is specifically, obtaining the upper water temperature of the gallbladder detected by the upper temperature probe and using the current value of the upper water temperature of the gallbladder as the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet.

[0018] In one embodiment, the water heater further comprises a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe; at least part of the water inlet pipe and at least part of the water outlet pipe are arranged in the tank; the water inlet pipe is connected with the cold water inlet portion, and the water inlet pipe is used to input the cold water flowing into the valve body through the cold water inlet portion into the tank; the water outlet pipe is connected with the hot water inlet portion, and the water outlet pipe is used to input the hot water in the tank into the hot water inlet portion; At least part of the upper temperature probe is located in the tank, and the upper temperature probe is arranged close to the water inlet of the water outlet pipe, or, The upper temperature probe is arranged on the outer wall of the tank, and the upper temperature probe is arranged close to the water inlet of the water outlet pipe in the height direction or the upper temperature probe is flush with the water inlet of the water outlet pipe in the height direction.

[0019] The embodiments of the present specification also provide a controller, including a processor and a memory for storing instructions executable by the processor, and the processor implements the steps of the water heater control method described in any of the above embodiments when executing the instructions.

[0020] The embodiments of the present specification also provide a computer-readable storage medium on which computer instructions are stored. When the instructions are executed, the steps of the water heater control method described in any of the above embodiments are implemented.

[0021] The embodiments of this specification also provide an electric water heater, comprising the controller described in any of the above embodiments.

[0022] In one embodiment, the valve body of the water mixing valve of the water heater further includes a cold water cavity, a first cold water connecting portion, a second cold water connecting portion and a cold water outlet portion; the cold water inlet portion of the water mixing valve is connected to the cold water cavity; the hot water inlet portion and the cold water outlet portion of the water mixing valve are used to be connected to the tank through the same port on the tank; The valve core of the water mixing valve is arranged in the cold water cavity; the valve core is used to divert the water entering the cold water cavity to the first cold water connecting part and the second cold water connecting part; the first cold water connecting part is used to connect the cold water cavity and the cold water outlet, and the cold water outlet is used to allow cold water to flow into the liner through the same opening on the liner; the second cold water connecting part is used to connect the cold water cavity and the mixed water outlet of the water mixing valve, and the hot water inlet is used to allow the hot water in the liner to flow into the mixed water outlet through the same opening on the liner; The inlet of the mixed water outlet is connected to the second cold water connecting part and the hot water inlet; At least a portion of the hot water inlet is located inside the cold water outlet.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cold water cavity is provided with a cold water inlet, a first cold water outlet, and a second cold water outlet; the cold water inlet is connected to the cold water inlet portion, the first cold water outlet is connected to the first cold water connecting portion, and the second cold water outlet is connected to the second cold water connecting portion; The first cold water outlet, the second cold water outlet and the cold water inlet are arranged on the same surface of the cold water cavity; The same surface is a surface of the cold water cavity facing the cold water outlet and the mixed water outlet.

[0024] In one embodiment, the valve core includes a movable valve plate and a fixed valve plate, and the fixed valve plate is provided with a first cold water outlet and a second cold water outlet, the first cold water outlet is used to communicate with the first cold water outlet, and the second cold water outlet is used to communicate with the second cold water outlet, and the movable valve plate is used to control the connection relationship between the cold water inlet and the first cold water outlet and the second cold water outlet.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first cold water outlet and the second cold water outlet at least partially overlap in the transverse direction, or the first cold water outlet and the second cold water outlet do not overlap in the transverse direction but the transverse distance is less than a first preset distance; and / or, The first cold water connecting portion and the second cold water connecting portion have the same extending direction as a whole; and / or, The first cold water connecting part includes a first cold water connecting pipe, the second cold water connecting part includes a second cold water connecting pipe, and the first cold water connecting pipe and the second cold water connecting pipe are arranged in parallel.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first cold water connecting portion is higher than the second cold water connecting portion; the first cold water connecting portion extends from the cold water cavity toward the cold water outlet; the second cold water connecting portion extends from the cold water cavity toward the mixed water outlet; The cold water flow channel in the cold water outlet portion and the cold water flow channel in the second cold water connecting portion do not intersect.

[0027] In one embodiment, the cold water cavity is separated from the cold water outlet and / or the hot water inlet by a preset distance in the horizontal direction and / or the vertical direction so as to be independently arranged; The first cold water connecting part has a first cold water connecting pipe of a preset length, and the first cold water connecting pipe is used to connect the cold water cavity and the cold water outlet; the second cold water connecting part has a second cold water connecting pipe of a preset length, and the second cold water connecting pipe is used to connect the cold water cavity and the mixed water outlet.

[0028] The technical solution of this specification has the following significant beneficial effects: The embodiment of the present specification provides a water heater control method. The water heater includes a tank and a mixing valve. The mixing valve includes a valve body and a valve core. The valve body includes a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet and a mixing water outlet. Cold water flowing into the valve body through the cold water inlet can flow into the tank and the mixing water outlet. The hot water inlet allows the hot water in the tank to flow into the mixing water outlet. The valve core controls the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixing water outlet to achieve constant temperature water outlet. The tank has a lower temperature probe. The lower temperature probe is located at the lower part of the tank to detect the water temperature at the lower part of the tank. The heating rod arranged in the tank can start working and / or stop working according to at least the water temperature at the lower part of the tank. The water heater also includes a hot water temperature probe. In one embodiment, the hot water temperature probe is arranged at the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and is used to directly obtain the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet. In another embodiment, the hot water temperature probe is an upper temperature probe located at the upper part of the tank to detect the water temperature at the upper part of the tank, and is used to indirectly obtain the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet. Furthermore, due to the stratification of the water temperature in the tank, the heated hot water will gradually rise to the top of the tank, while the cold water will sink to the bottom. Therefore, by using the upper temperature probe set on the upper part of the tank as the hot water temperature probe, the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe is close to the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet of the mixing valve flowing through the water inlet of the outlet pipe, so that the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet can be indirectly obtained. By setting the lower temperature probe at the lower part of the tank, the water temperature detected by the lower temperature probe is close to the cold water temperature flowing into the tank through the cold water inlet. When the mixing valve is used for pre-adjustment, the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet, that is, the hot water temperature flowing into the mixing water outlet, can be directly or indirectly determined based on the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe, and the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet, that is, the cold water temperature flowing into the mixing water outlet, can be determined based on the water temperature of the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe. That is to say, the water heater in the embodiment of the present application can not only control the start or stop of the heating rod based on the temperature data obtained by the lower temperature probe of the tank or the temperature data obtained by the upper temperature probe of the tank and the lower temperature probe of the tank, but also reuse the temperature data obtained by the lower temperature probe of the tank or reuse the temperature data obtained by the upper temperature probe and the lower temperature probe of the tank to pre-adjust the valve core of the water mixing valve, without setting a cold water temperature probe on the valve body of the water mixing valve or without setting a hot water temperature probe and a cold water temperature probe on the valve body of the water mixing valve, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the water mixing valve, and reducing the potential leakage points of the water mixing valve, thereby reducing the possibility of water leakage of the water mixing valve. Specifically, in the process of pre-adjusting the water mixing valve, the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe can be obtained, and the current value of the hot water temperature can be used as the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet. Usually when the water heater is discharging water, the cold water flowing into the mixing valve through the cold water inlet flows into the tank to replenish water, and at this time, the water temperature of the lower part of the tank reaches a minimum value, which is closest to the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet. Therefore, the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet can be determined according to the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the gallbladder detected by the lower temperature probe.In some other embodiments, the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet can be determined in combination with the preset cold water inlet temperature and the minimum value of the detected water temperature at the lower part of the tank. For example, before the water heater is used for the first time, the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet can be determined based on the preset cold water inlet temperature, and before the subsequent use of the water heater, the cold water temperature can be updated based on the minimum value of the detected water temperature at the lower part of the tank. For another example, before the water heater is used for the first time, the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet can be determined based on both the preset cold water inlet temperature and the minimum value of the detected water temperature at the lower part of the tank, and before the subsequent use of the water heater, the cold water temperature can be updated based on the minimum value of the detected water temperature at the lower part of the tank. In this way, by initializing the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet by the preset cold water inlet temperature or further limiting the initialization of the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet by the preset cold water inlet temperature, the initialization operation of the cold water temperature can be convenient and quick, and the initialized cold water temperature can be closer to the actual cold water temperature, further improving the accuracy of the determined cold water temperature. Afterwards, before the water heater discharges water, the valve core can be driven to move according to the determined hot water temperature, cold water temperature and target water outlet temperature of the water heater, so as to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixing water outlet part before the water heater discharges water, thereby achieving reliable pre-adjustment, reducing the cost of the mixing valve and enhancing the reliability of the mixing valve, while ensuring the user's water use experience.

[0029] With reference to the following description and drawings, specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in detail, indicating the manner in which the principles of the present invention can be adopted. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited in scope. Features described and / or shown for one embodiment can be used in one or more other embodiments in the same or similar manner, combined with features in other embodiments, or replace features in other embodiments.

[0030] It should be emphasized that the term “include / comprises” when used herein refers to the presence of features, parts, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, parts, steps or components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The drawings described herein are only for explanation purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. In addition, the shapes and proportional dimensions of the components in the drawings are only for illustration purposes and are used to help understand the present invention. They do not specifically limit the shapes and proportional dimensions of the components of the present invention. Under the guidance of the present invention, those skilled in the art can select various possible shapes and proportional dimensions to implement the present invention according to specific circumstances. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a water heater in an embodiment of this specification is shown; Figure 2A cross-sectional view of a water heater in one embodiment of the present specification is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a water mixing valve in an embodiment of this specification is shown; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a water mixing valve in one embodiment of the present specification is shown; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a water mixing valve in one embodiment of the present specification is shown; Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view showing the connection between the mixing valve and the tank in one embodiment of the specification is shown; Figure 7 A flow chart showing a water heater control method in an embodiment of this specification is shown; Figure 8 A flow chart showing a water heater control method in an embodiment of this specification is shown; Fig. 9 A flow chart showing a water heater control method in an embodiment of this specification is shown; Fig.10 A flow chart showing a water heater control method in an embodiment of this specification is shown; Fig.11 A flow chart showing a water heater control method in an embodiment of this specification is shown; Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a valve core in an embodiment of this specification is shown; Fig.13 A schematic diagram showing the structure of a movable valve plate and a fixed valve plate in a valve core in an embodiment of the present specification is shown; Fig.14 A schematic diagram of the flow path in a water mixing valve in an embodiment of the present specification is shown.

[0032] Reference numerals in the above drawings: 10. Water heater; 100. Mixing valve; 101. Valve body; 102. Valve core; 110. Cold water cavity; 111. First cold water connecting part; 112. Second cold water connecting part; 113. Cold water inlet; 114. Cold water outlet; 115. Hot water inlet; 116. Mixing water outlet; 1101. First cold water outlet; 1102. Second cold water outlet; 121. Moving valve plate; 122. Fixed valve plate; 1221. First cold water outlet; 1222. Second cold water outlet; 1223. Cold water inlet; 200. Gallbladder; 201. Same port; 202. Upper temperature probe; 203. Lower temperature probe; 204. Heating rod; 301. Water inlet pipe; 302. Water outlet pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The principles and spirit of this specification will be described below with reference to several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement this specification, and are not intended to limit the scope of this specification in any way. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make this specification more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0034] Those skilled in the art know that the embodiments of this specification can be implemented as a system, device, method or computer program product. Therefore, this specification can be implemented in the following forms, namely: complete hardware, complete software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or a combination of hardware and software.

[0035] The details of the present invention can be more clearly understood by combining the accompanying drawings and the description of the specific embodiments of the present invention. However, the specific embodiments of the present invention described herein are only used for the purpose of explaining the present invention and cannot be understood as limiting the present invention in any way. Under the guidance of the present invention, technicians can conceive of any possible variations based on the present invention, which should be regarded as belonging to the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as "arranged on" another element, it can be directly on another element or there can also be a central element. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to another element or there may be a central element at the same time. The terms "installed", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection, or it can be the internal communication of two elements, it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in the field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "left", "right" and similar expressions used herein are only for illustrative purposes and do not represent the only implementation method.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this specification belongs. The terms used herein in this specification are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this specification. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0037] The embodiments of this specification provide a water heater control method. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The three-dimensional structural diagram and the cross-sectional diagram of the water heater in the water heater control method in one embodiment of the present specification are respectively shown. Figure 2The left picture is a front cross-sectional view of the water heater. Figure 2 The right picture is the right section of the water heater. Figure 2 As shown, the water heater 10 may include a water mixing valve 100 and a tank 200. The tank 200 is used to store water, and a heating rod 204 is arranged in the tank 200. The heating rod 204 is used to heat the water in the tank 200.

[0038] Please refer to Figures 3 to 6 , respectively showing the structural schematic diagram, sectional diagram and cross-sectional diagram of the water mixing valve in the embodiment of this specification and the partial cross-sectional diagram of the water mixing valve connected with the tank. Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the water mixing valve 100 may include a valve body 101 and a valve core 102. The valve body 101 may include a cold water inlet 113, a hot water inlet 115 and a mixed water outlet 116. The inlet of the cold water inlet 113 may be connected to a cold water source, so that cold water from the cold water source can flow into the valve body 101 of the water mixing valve 100. The outlet of the cold water inlet 113 is respectively connected to the gallbladder 200 and the mixed water outlet 116. The cold water flowing into the valve body 101 through the cold water inlet 113 can flow into the gallbladder 200 and the mixed water outlet 116. The hot water inlet 115 is used to connect the gallbladder 200 and the mixed water outlet 116. The inlet of the hot water inlet 115 is connected to the gallbladder 200, and the outlet of the hot water inlet 115 is connected to the mixed water outlet 116. The hot water in the tank 200 can flow into the mixed water outlet 116 via the hot water inlet 115. The valve core 102 is used to control the mixing ratio of the cold water and the hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet 116. The outlet of the mixed water outlet 116 is used to output the mixed water.

[0039] In this embodiment, the "water inlet" or "water outlet" in the hot water inlet 115, the cold water inlet 113 and the mixed water outlet 116 are all relative to the water mixing valve 100, "water inlet" means water flowing into the water mixing valve 100, and "water outlet" means water flowing out of the water mixing valve 100. In addition, the concept of cold water can be water with the same temperature as tap water, or it can be a relative concept, that is, water that is colder than the water temperature of the hot water inlet 115 (such as water that is higher than the tap water temperature after preheating but lower than the water temperature in the hot water inlet 115).

[0040] In one embodiment, the gallbladder 200 has a lower temperature probe 203. The lower temperature probe 203 is located at the lower part of the gallbladder 200 to detect the water temperature in the lower part of the gallbladder. The heating rod 204 can start working and / or stop working at least according to the water temperature in the lower part of the gallbladder. In one embodiment, when the water temperature in the lower part of the gallbladder reaches the target setting temperature of the water heater minus the first preset temperature difference, the heating rod 204 is controlled to stop working. In another embodiment, when the water temperature in the lower part of the gallbladder is lower than or equal to the target setting temperature minus the second preset temperature difference, the heating rod 204 is controlled to start working. The first preset temperature difference may be less than the second preset temperature difference. In yet another embodiment, whether the heating rod 204 stops working can be controlled according to the falling speed of the water temperature in the lower part of the gallbladder. For example, when the falling speed of the water temperature in the lower part of the gallbladder is greater than the preset falling speed, the heating rod 204 can be controlled to start working.

[0041] In another embodiment, the gallbladder 200 has an upper temperature probe 202 and a lower temperature probe 203. The upper temperature probe 202 is located at the upper part of the gallbladder 200 to detect the water temperature of the upper part of the gallbladder. The lower temperature probe 203 is located at the lower part of the gallbladder 200 to detect the water temperature of the lower part of the gallbladder. The heating rod 204 can start working and / or stop working according to the water temperature of the upper part of the gallbladder and / or the water temperature of the lower part of the gallbladder. In one embodiment, whether the heating rod 204 stops working can be controlled according to both the water temperature of the upper part of the gallbladder and the water temperature of the lower part of the gallbladder. For example, when the water temperature of the upper part of the gallbladder reaches the target setting temperature of the water heater, and the water temperature of the lower part of the gallbladder reaches the target setting temperature of the water heater minus the preset temperature difference, the heating rod 204 is controlled to stop working. In another embodiment, whether the heating rod 204 starts working can be controlled according to the water temperature of the upper part of the gallbladder or the water temperature of the lower part of the gallbladder. For example, when the water temperature of the upper part of the gallbladder is lower than or equal to the target setting temperature minus the first preset temperature difference or the water temperature of the lower part of the gallbladder is lower than or equal to the target setting temperature minus the second preset temperature difference, the heating rod 204 is controlled to start working. The first preset temperature difference may be smaller than the second preset temperature difference. In another embodiment, the heating rod 204 may be controlled to stop working according to the decreasing speed of the water temperature in the lower part of the bile. For example, when the decreasing speed of the water temperature in the lower part of the bile is greater than the preset decreasing speed, the heating rod 204 may be controlled to start working.

[0042] The water heater 10 may further include a hot water temperature probe. In one embodiment, the hot water temperature probe may be disposed at the hot water inlet 115 of the water mixing valve 100 to directly obtain the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet 115.

[0043] Since the water temperature in the tank 200 is stratified, that is, the heated hot water will gradually rise to the top of the tank 200, while the cold water will sink to the bottom. Therefore, by setting the lower temperature probe 203 at the lower part of the tank 200, the water temperature detected by the lower temperature probe 203 is close to the temperature of the cold water flowing into the tank 200 through the cold water inlet 113. In another embodiment, the hot water temperature probe can be an upper temperature probe 202. The upper temperature probe 202 is set at the upper part of the tank 200 to detect the water temperature at the upper part of the tank. By using the upper temperature probe 202 set at the upper part of the tank 200 as a hot water temperature probe, the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe is close to the temperature of the hot water flowing into the mixing valve 100 through the water inlet of the outlet pipe 302, so that the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet can be indirectly obtained.

[0044] When the mixing valve 100 is used for pre-adjustment, the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet 115, that is, the hot water temperature flowing into the mixing water outlet 116, can be determined based on the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe, and the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet 113, that is, the cold water temperature flowing into the mixing water outlet 116, can be determined based on the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe.

[0045] That is to say, the water heater in the embodiment of the present application can not only control the start or stop of the heating rod 204 based on the temperature data obtained by the lower temperature probe 203 of the tank or the temperature data obtained by the upper temperature probe 202 and the lower temperature probe 203 of the tank, but also reuse the temperature data obtained by the lower temperature probe 203 of the tank or reuse the temperature data obtained by the upper temperature probe 202 and the lower temperature probe 203 of the tank to reliably pre-adjust the valve core 102 of the mixing valve 100, without the need to set a cold water temperature probe on the valve body 101 of the mixing valve 100 or without the need to set a hot water temperature probe and a cold water temperature probe on the valve body 101 of the mixing valve 100, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the mixing valve 100 and reducing the potential leakage points of the mixing valve 100, thereby reducing the possibility of water leakage of the mixing valve 100 and improving the reliability of the mixing valve 100.

[0046] Figure 7A flow chart of a water heater control method in an embodiment of the present specification is shown. Although the present specification provides method operation steps or device structures as shown in the following embodiments or drawings, more or fewer operation steps or module units may be included in the method or device based on routine or no creative labor. In the steps or structures that do not logically have a necessary causal relationship, the execution order of these steps or the module structure of the device is not limited to the execution order or module structure described in the embodiments of the present specification and shown in the drawings. When the method or module structure is applied to an actual device or terminal product, it can be connected according to the method or module structure shown in the embodiments or drawings for sequential execution or parallel execution (for example, a parallel processor or a multi-threaded processing environment, or even a distributed processing environment).

[0047] Specifically, Figure 7 As shown, a water heater control method provided in one embodiment of the present specification may include the following steps.

[0048] Step S701, obtaining the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe, and using the current value of the hot water temperature as the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet.

[0049] The control method in this specific embodiment can be applied to a controller of a water heater. The controller can be electrically connected to a hot water temperature probe. The controller can obtain the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe. In one embodiment, the controller can obtain the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe in real time. In another embodiment, the controller can obtain the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe once every preset time period.

[0050] Since the hot water temperature probe is arranged at the hot water inlet or at the upper part of the tank, the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet can be directly or indirectly obtained, so the current value of the hot water temperature can be used as the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet.

[0051] Step S702, obtaining the lower water temperature of the gallbladder detected by the lower temperature probe, and determining the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet according to the preset cold water inlet temperature and the minimum value of the lower water temperature of the gallbladder or according to the minimum value of the lower water temperature of the gallbladder.

[0052] The controller can be electrically connected to the lower temperature probe. The controller can obtain the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe. Usually, when the water heater is discharging water, the cold water flowing into the mixing valve through the cold water inlet flows into the tank to replenish water. At this time, the water temperature at the lower part of the tank reaches a minimum value, which is closest to the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet can be determined based on the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the gallbladder detected by the lower temperature probe. For example, the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the gallbladder detected by the lower temperature probe can be determined as the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet. For another example, the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet can be determined based on the current water heater mode and the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the gallbladder detected by the lower temperature probe. Exemplarily, if the current water heater mode indicates that the user is more concerned about reducing the waiting time for hot water, the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the gallbladder detected by the lower temperature probe minus the preset temperature difference can be used as the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet. If the current water heater mode indicates that the user is more concerned about avoiding scalding, the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the gallbladder detected by the lower temperature probe plus the preset temperature difference can be used as the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet.

[0054] In some other embodiments, the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet can be determined in combination with the preset cold water inlet temperature and the minimum value of the detected water temperature at the lower part of the tank. In one embodiment, before the water heater is used for the first time, the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet can be determined based on the preset cold water inlet temperature, and before the subsequent use of the water heater, the cold water temperature can be updated based on the minimum value of the detected water temperature at the lower part of the tank. In another embodiment, before the water heater is used for the first time, the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet can be determined based on both the preset cold water inlet temperature and the minimum value of the detected water temperature at the lower part of the tank, and before the subsequent use of the water heater, the cold water temperature can be updated based on the minimum value of the detected water temperature at the lower part of the tank. In this way, by initializing the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet by the preset cold water inlet temperature or further limiting the initialization of the cold water temperature by the preset cold water inlet temperature, the initialization operation of the cold water temperature can be convenient and quick, and the initialized cold water temperature can be closer to the actual cold water temperature, further improving the accuracy of the determined cold water temperature.

[0055] In one embodiment, the smaller value between the preset cold water inlet temperature and the minimum value of the detected water temperature at the lower part of the bile can be used as the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet. In another embodiment, the average value between the preset cold water inlet temperature and the minimum value of the detected water temperature at the lower part of the bile can be used as the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet. By further limiting the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet by the preset cold water inlet temperature, the determined cold water temperature can be closer to the actual cold water temperature, further improving the accuracy of the determined cold water temperature.

[0056] Among them, the preset cold water inlet temperature is a preset temperature. It can be set according to actual conditions so that the preset cold water inlet temperature is close to the actual cold water temperature. In some embodiments of the present specification, the preset cold water inlet temperature is set to not less than 25 degrees Celsius. For example, the preset cold water inlet temperature can be set to 25 degrees Celsius, 28 degrees Celsius, 30 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Celsius. Compared with setting the preset cold water inlet temperature too low, by setting the preset cold water inlet temperature to not less than 25 degrees Celsius, the risk of scalding to the user due to the water outlet temperature of the water heater being too high can be avoided, thereby improving the safety of hot water use.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present specification, the control method may further include: updating the preset cold water inlet temperature according to the season. In this embodiment, considering that the cold water inlet temperature is different in different seasons due to different temperatures, the preset cold water inlet temperature can be updated according to the current season, so that the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet part determined according to the preset cold water inlet temperature and the minimum value of the detected water temperature at the lower part of the gallbladder is closer to the actual cold water temperature. For example, the preset cold water inlet temperature in summer can be higher than the preset cold water inlet temperature in winter. For another example, the preset cold water inlet temperature in summer can be higher than the preset cold water inlet temperature in spring and autumn, and the preset cold water inlet temperature in spring and autumn is higher than the preset cold water inlet temperature in winter. Exemplarily, the preset cold water inlet temperature in summer can be 30 degrees Celsius, the preset cold water inlet temperature in spring and autumn can be 20 degrees Celsius, and the preset cold water inlet temperature in winter can be 10 degrees Celsius. The controller can obtain the current season every preset time period, and query the corresponding preset cold water inlet temperature according to the current season as the current preset cold water inlet temperature. It is understandable that the preset cold water inlet temperature of the water heater can also be updated in other ways. For example, for areas with large temperature differences between day and night, the preset cold water inlet temperature can be updated according to time. Specifically, the preset cold water inlet temperature during the day is higher than the preset cold water inlet temperature at night.

[0058] Step S703, before the water heater discharges water, the valve core is driven to operate according to the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet, the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater, so as to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water.

[0059] Before the water heater discharges water, after determining the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet and the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet, the controller can pre-adjust the valve core of the mixing valve based on the target water outlet temperature of the water heater, the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet, and the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet. The target water outlet temperature can be the water outlet temperature of the water heater set by the user or the default of the system, that is, the desired water outlet temperature of the mixing water outlet. In one embodiment, the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixing water outlet can be determined according to the cold water temperature, the hot water temperature, and the target water outlet temperature, and the opening of the valve core can be determined according to the mixing ratio. Afterwards, the controller can drive the valve core to move according to the opening to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixing water outlet before the water heater discharges water, so as to achieve reliable pre-adjustment, reduce the cost of the mixing valve, enhance the reliability of the mixing valve, and ensure the user's water experience.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present specification, the control method may specifically include: S1, before the water heater discharges water for the first time, determining the cold water temperature according to the smaller value of the minimum water temperature of the lower part of the tank obtained before the water heater discharges water and the preset cold water inlet temperature, and driving the valve core to act according to the cold water temperature, the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the first time, and obtaining the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe during at least the first water discharge of the water heater. S2, before the next water discharge from the water heater, using the smaller value of the cold water temperature and the minimum water temperature of the lower part of the tank obtained during the previous water discharge process to update the cold water temperature, and according to the hot water temperature, the cold water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater, driving the valve core to operate so as to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the next water discharge from the water heater, and obtaining the minimum water temperature of the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe during at least the next water discharge from the water heater; S3, looping S2.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 8 , shows a flow chart of the water heater control method in the embodiment of this specification. Figure 8 As shown, the method in this specific embodiment includes the following steps.

[0062] Step S801, before the water heater discharges water for the first time, obtain the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe, and determine the cold water temperature based on the smaller value of the preset cold water inlet temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank obtained before the water heater discharges water for the first time.

[0063] Step S802, before the water heater discharges water for the first time, based on the determined cold water temperature, the current value of the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater, the valve core is driven to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixing water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the first time.

[0064] Step S803, during the first water discharge process of the water heater, the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained.

[0065] Step S804: before the water heater discharges water for the Nth time, the cold water temperature is updated according to the smaller value of the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected during the N-1th water discharge process, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0066] Step S805, before the water heater discharges water for the Nth time, based on the updated cold water temperature, the current value of the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature before the water heater discharges water for the Nth time, the valve core is driven to operate so as to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixing water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the Nth time.

[0067] Step S806, during the Nth water discharge process of the water heater, obtain the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe. N++, return to step S804.

[0068] Specifically, before the water heater discharges water for the first time, the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet needs to be initialized. Specifically, the water temperature of the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe can be obtained before the water heater discharges water for the first time. The minimum value of the obtained water temperature of the lower part of the tank usually occurs during the first water inflow into the tank, and the minimum value is close to the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet. The cold water temperature can be determined based on the smaller value of the preset cold water inlet temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature of the lower part of the tank obtained before the water heater discharges water for the first time.

[0069] Considering that the heating rod will heat the water in the tank, and the lower temperature probe is usually higher than the setting of the heating rod, the water temperature of the lower tank detected by the lower temperature probe is slightly higher than the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet. In the case where the preset cold water inlet temperature is higher than the minimum value of the obtained lower tank water temperature, it indicates that the relatively low minimum value of the lower tank water temperature is closer to the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet, and thus it will be more accurate to determine the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet according to the lower tank water temperature. In the case where the preset cold water inlet temperature is lower than the minimum value of the obtained lower tank water temperature, it will be more accurate to determine the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet according to the relatively low preset cold water inlet temperature. Therefore, the cold water temperature can be determined according to the smaller value of the preset cold water inlet temperature and the minimum value of the lower tank water temperature obtained before the water heater discharges water for the first time. For example, the smaller value can be used as the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet.

[0070] Before the water heater discharges water for the first time, based on the determined cold water temperature, the current value of the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater, the valve core is driven to adjust the mixed water ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the first time. The current value of the hot water temperature is the current value of the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe.

[0071] During the first water discharge process of the water heater, the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained. During the first water discharge process of the water heater, the cold water in the cold water inlet flows into the tank, and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected at this time is closest to the actual cold water temperature of the cold water inlet. The minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected during the first water discharge process can at least be used to determine the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet before the next water discharge of the water heater.

[0072] Specifically, before the water heater discharges water next time, the cold water temperature is updated with the smaller value between the cold water temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process. Specifically, the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process can be compared with the cold water temperature determined before the water heater discharges water last time, and the cold water temperature is updated according to the smaller value between the two as the current cold water temperature. For example, the smaller value between the two can be determined as the cold water temperature.

[0073] That is to say, before the subsequent water discharge from the water heater, taking into account the influence of the heating rod on the water temperature in the lower part of the tank, the cold water temperature is updated according to the smaller value of the cold water temperature determined before the last water discharge and the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank detected during the last water discharge process. The updated cold water temperature can be closer to the cold water temperature of the current cold water inlet.

[0074] Before the water heater discharges water next time, after the cold water temperature is updated, the valve core can be driven to operate according to the current value of the hot water temperature, the updated cold water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water next time.

[0075] Similarly, during the next water discharge process of the water heater, the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained. The minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank can be used for pre-adjustment of the mixing valve before the next water discharge.

[0076] That is to say, before the Nth water discharge from the water heater, the cold water temperature can be updated based on the smaller value of the cold water temperature updated before the N-1th water discharge and the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank detected during the N-1th water discharge. Afterwards, before the Nth water discharge from the water heater, based on the updated cold water temperature, the current value of the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature before the Nth water discharge from the water heater, the valve core is driven to act, so as to adjust the mixed water ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the Nth water discharge from the water heater, and realize pre-regulation. Wherein, N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. During the Nth water discharge process of the water heater, the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank is obtained to prepare for the pre-regulation before the N+1th water discharge. And so on.

[0077] Through the above method, the cold water temperature can be initialized before the water heater discharges water for the first time, and the cold water temperature can be updated before each subsequent water discharge from the water heater, so that the updated cold water temperature is closer to the actual cold water temperature. Accordingly, pre-adjustment based on the updated cold water temperature can make the adjusted mixed water ratio more in line with user needs, thereby reducing the user's waiting time for water use and improving the user's constant temperature water use experience.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present specification, the control method may further include: when the power-on time of the water heater exceeds the preset power-on time or the cumulative water consumption of the water heater exceeds the preset water consumption or the heating time of the water heater exceeds the preset heating time, the cold water temperature is updated with the preset cold water inlet temperature or the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process.

[0079] As can be seen from the description of the above embodiment, when the cold water temperature is updated, the smaller value of the last updated cold water temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature at the bottom of the tank during the last water discharge process is used as the basis, so the cold water temperature can be learned downward but not upward. After the water heater has been used for a long time, the updated cold water temperature may be lower than the actual cold water temperature, resulting in the water temperature of the water heater being higher than the target water outlet temperature when the water is discharged next time, and there is even a risk of scalding. For example, when the weather turns warmer, due to the low historical minimum value of the cold water temperature, the updated cold water temperature after the weather turns warmer is still low. As time goes by, the updated cold water temperature may be much lower than the actual cold water temperature of the current cold water inlet. When the cold water temperature is pre-adjusted based on the cold water temperature that is much lower than the actual cold water temperature, the mixed water outlet temperature is high, which is difficult to meet the actual needs of the user. Therefore, when the power-on time of the water heater exceeds the preset power-on time or the cumulative water consumption of the water heater exceeds the preset water consumption or the heating time of the water heater exceeds the preset heating time, the cold water temperature can be reset to avoid the subsequent updated cold water temperature being too low. In one embodiment, the cold water temperature can be updated with a preset cold water inlet temperature. For example, the preset cold water inlet temperature can be determined as the cold water temperature. In another embodiment, the cold water temperature can be updated with the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the bile obtained during the last water outlet process. For example, the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the bile detected during the last water outlet process can be determined as the cold water temperature. Through the above-mentioned method, the scenario in which the update of the cold water temperature can only learn downward and cannot adapt to the continuous increase in the actual cold water temperature is solved, and the updated cold water temperature can be prevented from being much lower than the actual cold water temperature, thereby preventing the outlet water temperature from being too hot and affecting the user's water use experience and water safety, and can improve water safety and improve the user's water use experience.

[0080] In some embodiments of the present specification, the water heater may further include a mixed water temperature probe. The mixed water temperature probe is used to detect the mixed water outlet temperature outputted from the outlet of the mixed water outlet. In one embodiment, the mixed water temperature probe may be disposed on a mixing water valve. For example, the mixed water temperature probe is disposed near the outlet of the mixed water outlet of the mixing water valve.

[0081] In some embodiments of the present specification, the water heater control method may further include: during the process of the water heater discharging water, if the target water outlet temperature when the water heater is currently in use is higher than the mixed water outlet temperature when water is initially discharged and the difference between the target water outlet temperature and the mixed water outlet temperature is greater than a preset temperature difference, lowering the cold water temperature. That is, during the process of the water heater discharging water, if the target water outlet temperature is much higher than the mixed water outlet temperature when water is initially discharged, for example, the temperature difference between the target water outlet temperature and the mixed water outlet temperature is greater than a preset temperature difference, it indicates that the cold water temperature based on which the pre-adjustment is made is not accurate enough and is much higher than the actual cold water temperature of the cold water inlet. Therefore, the cold water temperature may be lowered to improve the accuracy of the pre-adjustment.

[0082] Here, the mixed water outlet temperature at the beginning of water discharge is compared with the target water outlet temperature because the mixed water temperature at the beginning of water discharge corresponds to the valve core opening during pre-adjustment, and can accurately reflect the cold water temperature based on which the pre-adjustment is based.

[0083] In one embodiment, the cold water temperature may be reduced by a preset value. For example, the preset temperature difference may be set to 10 degrees Celsius, and the preset value may be set to 5 degrees Celsius.

[0084] In another embodiment, the amplitude of the cold water temperature reduction can be determined according to the temperature difference between the target water outlet temperature and the mixed water outlet temperature. Exemplarily, when the temperature difference between the two is greater than the first preset temperature difference, the cold water temperature can be subtracted from the first preset value. When the temperature difference between the two is not greater than the first preset temperature difference and greater than the second preset temperature difference, the cold water temperature can be subtracted from the second preset value. When the temperature difference between the two is not greater than the second preset temperature difference and greater than the third preset temperature difference, the cold water temperature can be subtracted from the third preset value. Wherein, the first preset temperature difference is greater than the second preset temperature difference, and the second preset temperature difference is greater than the third preset temperature difference. The first preset value is greater than the second preset value, and the second preset value is greater than the third preset value. For example, the first preset temperature difference can be set to 15 degrees Celsius, the second preset temperature difference can be set to 10 degrees Celsius, and the third preset temperature difference can be set to 7 degrees Celsius. The first preset value can be set to 8 degrees Celsius, the second preset value can be set to 5 degrees Celsius, and the third preset value can be set to 3 degrees Celsius.

[0085] For example, when the user continues to use a small amount of water, due to the small amount of water, the amount of cold water flowing into the tank from the cold water inlet is small. After a small amount of cold water is mixed with the water in the tank, the water temperature detected by the lower temperature probe is higher than the actual cold water temperature of the cold water inlet, and no water with a lower temperature can be detected. Therefore, when the minimum value of the water temperature detected in the lower part of the tank is used as the cold water temperature for pre-adjustment, the mixed water outlet temperature at the beginning of water discharge will always be lower than the target outlet temperature, and the temperature difference between the two will always be large. At this time, in order to increase the mixed water outlet temperature to approach the target outlet temperature, the cold water temperature can be lowered. The amplitude of the reduction is determined according to the temperature difference between the two. The greater the temperature difference, the greater the amplitude of the cold water temperature reduction.

[0086] Through the above method, when the target water outlet temperature is much higher than the mixed water outlet temperature when water is started to be discharged, the cold water temperature can be lowered, and pre-adjustment can be performed before the subsequent water heater discharges water based on the lowered cold water temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank during the previous water discharge process. This can improve the accuracy of the pre-adjustment, make the subsequent mixed water outlet temperature closer to the target water outlet temperature, and improve the user's water experience.

[0087] In some embodiments of the present specification, the water heater may further include a mixed water temperature probe. The mixed water temperature probe is used to detect the mixed water outlet temperature outputted from the outlet of the mixed water outlet. The mixed water valve may further include a motor. The motor is used to drive the valve core to move so as to adjust the mixed water ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet. The controller may be electrically connected to the motor to control the motor to drive the valve core to move.

[0088] Please continue to refer to Figure 7 ,like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments of the present specification, the control method may also include: step S704, when the water heater discharges water, obtaining the mixed water outlet temperature detected by the mixed water temperature probe, determining the target driving speed of the motor according to the difference between the mixed water outlet temperature when water starts to discharge and the target water outlet temperature when the water heater is currently in use, controlling the motor to operate at the target driving speed to drive the valve core to adjust the mixed water ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet when the water heater discharges water, and the target driving speed is positively correlated with the absolute value of the difference.

[0089] After pre-adjustment based on the cold water temperature, the hot water temperature and the target outlet water temperature, during the water outlet process of the water heater, feedback adjustment can be performed according to the target outlet water temperature and the detected mixed water outlet temperature. Specifically, the adjustment speed of the valve core, that is, the target drive speed of the motor, can be determined according to the difference between the target outlet water temperature and the mixed water outlet temperature when water starts to be discharged. The greater the difference between the two, the greater the target drive speed, the faster the adjustment speed, so that the mixed water outlet temperature approaches the target outlet water temperature as soon as possible. For example, if the target outlet water temperature is greater than the mixed water outlet temperature when water starts to be discharged, the drive motor is activated to reduce the cold water flow rate flowing into the mixed water outlet and / or increase the hot water flow rate flowing into the mixed water outlet. If the target outlet water temperature is less than the mixed water outlet temperature when water starts to be discharged, the drive motor is activated to increase the cold water flow rate flowing into the mixed water outlet and / or reduce the hot water flow rate flowing into the mixed water outlet. Through the above method, during the water outlet process of the water heater, feedback adjustment is performed based on the mixed water outlet temperature and the target set high temperature, and based on the temperature between the two, the target driving speed of the motor that drives the valve core is determined, so that the mixed water outlet temperature reaches the target outlet temperature as soon as possible, thereby achieving constant temperature water outlet.

[0090] In some embodiments of the present specification, the control method may specifically include: S4, before the water heater discharges water for the first time, determining the cold water temperature according to the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained before the water heater discharges water, and driving the valve core to act according to the cold water temperature, the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the first time, and obtaining the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe during at least the first water discharge of the water heater; S5. Before the next water discharge from the water heater, the cold water temperature is updated with the smaller value between the cold water temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained during the previous water discharge process, and the valve core is driven to operate according to the hot water temperature, the cold water temperature and the target water discharge temperature of the water heater to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the next water discharge from the water heater, and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained during at least the next water discharge from the water heater; S6. Repeat S5.

[0091] Please refer to Fig. 9 , shows a flow chart of the water heater control method in the embodiment of this specification. Fig. 9 As shown, the method in this specific embodiment includes the following steps.

[0092] Step S901, before the water heater discharges water for the first time, obtain the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe, and determine the cold water temperature according to the smaller value of the minimum values ​​of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank obtained before the water heater discharges water for the first time.

[0093] Step S902, before the water heater discharges water for the first time, based on the determined cold water temperature, the current value of the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater, the valve core is driven to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixing water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the first time.

[0094] Step S903, during the first water discharge process of the water heater, the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained.

[0095] Step S904: before the water heater discharges water for the Nth time, the cold water temperature is updated according to the smaller value of the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected during the N-1th water discharge process, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0096] Step S905, before the water heater discharges water for the Nth time, based on the updated cold water temperature, the current value of the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature before the water heater discharges water for the Nth time, the valve core is driven to operate so as to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixing water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the Nth time.

[0097] Step S906, during the Nth water discharge process of the water heater, obtain the minimum value of the water temperature at the bottom of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe. N++, return to step S904.

[0098] Specifically, before the water heater discharges water for the first time, the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet needs to be initialized. Specifically, the water temperature of the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe can be obtained before the water heater discharges water for the first time. The minimum value of the obtained water temperature of the lower part of the tank usually occurs during the first water intake of the tank, and the minimum value is close to the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet. The cold water temperature can be determined based on the minimum value of the water temperature of the lower part of the tank obtained before the water heater discharges water for the first time. For example, the minimum value of the water temperature of the lower part of the tank obtained before the water heater discharges water for the first time can be used as the cold water temperature.

[0099] Before the water heater discharges water for the first time, based on the determined cold water temperature, the current value of the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater, the valve core is driven to adjust the mixed water ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the first time. The current value of the hot water temperature is the current value of the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe.

[0100] During the first water discharge process of the water heater, the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained. During the first water discharge process of the water heater, the cold water in the cold water inlet flows into the tank, and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected at this time is closest to the actual cold water temperature of the cold water inlet. The minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected during the first water discharge process can at least be used to determine the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet before the next water discharge of the water heater.

[0101] Specifically, before the water heater discharges water next time, the cold water temperature is updated with the smaller value between the cold water temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process. Specifically, the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process can be compared with the cold water temperature determined before the water heater discharges water last time, and the cold water temperature is updated according to the smaller value between the two as the current cold water temperature. For example, the smaller value between the two can be determined as the cold water temperature.

[0102] That is to say, before the subsequent water discharge from the water heater, taking into account the influence of the heating rod on the water temperature in the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe, the cold water temperature is updated according to the smaller value of the cold water temperature determined before the last water discharge and the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank detected during the last water discharge process, so that the updated cold water temperature can be closer to the cold water temperature of the current cold water inlet.

[0103] Before the water heater discharges water next time, after the cold water temperature is updated, the valve core can be driven to operate according to the current value of the hot water temperature, the updated cold water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water next time.

[0104] Similarly, during the next water discharge process of the water heater, the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained. The minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank can be used for pre-adjustment of the mixing valve before the next water discharge.

[0105] That is to say, before the Nth water discharge from the water heater, the cold water temperature can be updated based on the smaller value of the cold water temperature updated before the N-1th water discharge and the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank detected during the N-1th water discharge. Afterwards, before the Nth water discharge from the water heater, based on the updated cold water temperature, the current value of the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature before the Nth water discharge from the water heater, the valve core is driven to act, so as to adjust the mixed water ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the Nth water discharge from the water heater, and realize pre-regulation. Wherein, N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. During the Nth water discharge process of the water heater, the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank is obtained to prepare for the pre-regulation before the N+1th water discharge. And so on.

[0106] Through the above method, the cold water temperature can be initialized before the water heater discharges water for the first time, and the cold water temperature can be updated before each subsequent water discharge from the water heater, so that the updated cold water temperature is closer to the actual cold water temperature. Accordingly, pre-adjustment based on the updated cold water temperature can make the adjusted mixed water ratio more in line with user needs, thereby reducing the user's waiting time for water use and improving the user's constant temperature water use experience.

[0107] In some embodiments of the present specification, the control method may further include updating the cold water temperature with the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process when the power-on time of the water heater exceeds a preset power-on time or the cumulative water consumption of the water heater exceeds a preset water consumption or the heating time of the water heater exceeds a preset heating time.

[0108] As can be seen from the description of the above embodiment, when the cold water temperature is updated, the smaller value of the last updated cold water temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature at the bottom of the tank during the last water discharge process is used as the basis, so the cold water temperature can be learned downward but not upward. After the water heater has been used for a long time, the updated cold water temperature may be lower than the actual cold water temperature, resulting in the water temperature of the water heater being higher than the target water outlet temperature when the water is discharged next time, and there is even a risk of scalding. For example, when the weather turns warmer, due to the low historical minimum value of the cold water temperature, the updated cold water temperature after the weather turns warmer is still low. As time goes by, the updated cold water temperature may be much lower than the actual cold water temperature of the current cold water inlet. When the cold water temperature is pre-adjusted based on the cold water temperature that is much lower than the actual cold water temperature, the mixed water outlet temperature is too high, which is difficult to meet the actual needs of the user. Therefore, when the power-on time of the water heater exceeds the preset power-on time or the cumulative water consumption of the water heater exceeds the preset water consumption or the heating time of the water heater exceeds the preset heating time, the cold water temperature can be reset to avoid the subsequent updated cold water temperature being too low. The cold water temperature can be updated with the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water outlet process. For example, the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected during the last water outlet process can be determined as the cold water temperature. Through the above method, the scenario where the update of the cold water temperature can only learn downward and cannot adapt to the continuous increase in the actual cold water temperature is solved, and the updated cold water temperature can be prevented from being much lower than the actual cold water temperature, thereby preventing the outlet water temperature from being too hot and affecting the user's water use experience and water safety, which can improve water safety and improve the user's water use experience.

[0109] In some embodiments of the present specification, the control method may specifically include: S7, before the water heater discharges water for the first time, determining the cold water temperature according to the preset cold water inlet temperature, and driving the valve core to act according to the cold water temperature, the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the first time, and obtaining the minimum value of the lower water temperature of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe during at least the first water discharge of the water heater; S8, before the water heater discharges water for the next time, updating the cold water temperature with the smaller value of the cold water temperature and the minimum value of the lower water temperature of the tank obtained during the previous water discharge process, and driving the valve core to act according to the hot water temperature, the cold water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the next time, and obtaining the minimum value of the lower water temperature of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe during at least the next water discharge of the water heater; S9, looping S8.

[0110] Please refer to Fig.10 , shows a flow chart of the water heater control method in the embodiment of this specification. Fig.10As shown, the method in this specific embodiment includes the following steps.

[0111] Step S1001, before the water heater discharges water for the first time, the cold water temperature is determined according to the preset cold water inlet temperature.

[0112] Step S1002, before the water heater discharges water for the first time, based on the determined cold water temperature, the current value of the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater, the valve core is driven to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixing water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the first time.

[0113] Step S1003, during the first water discharge process of the water heater, the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained.

[0114] Step S1004: before the water heater discharges water for the Nth time, the cold water temperature is updated according to the smaller value of the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected during the N-1th water discharge process, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0115] Step S1005, before the water heater discharges water for the Nth time, based on the updated cold water temperature, the current value of the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature before the water heater discharges water for the Nth time, the valve core is driven to operate so as to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixing water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the Nth time.

[0116] Step S1006, during the Nth water discharge process of the water heater, obtain the minimum value of the water temperature at the bottom of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe. N++, return to step S1004.

[0117] Specifically, before the water heater discharges water for the first time, the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet needs to be initialized. The cold water temperature of the cold water inlet can be determined according to the preset cold water inlet temperature. For example, the preset cold water inlet temperature can be directly determined as the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet. In the above manner, the cold water temperature can be initialized conveniently and quickly.

[0118] Before the water heater discharges water for the first time, based on the determined cold water temperature, the current value of the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater, the valve core is driven to adjust the mixed water ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the first time. The current value of the hot water temperature is the current value of the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe.

[0119] During the first water discharge process of the water heater, the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained. During the first water discharge process of the water heater, the cold water in the cold water inlet flows into the tank, and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected at this time is closest to the actual cold water temperature of the cold water inlet. The minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected during the first water discharge process can at least be used to determine the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet before the next water discharge of the water heater.

[0120] Specifically, before the water heater discharges water next time, the cold water temperature is updated with the smaller value between the cold water temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process. Specifically, the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process can be compared with the cold water temperature determined before the water heater discharges water last time, and the cold water temperature is updated according to the smaller value between the two as the current cold water temperature. For example, the smaller value between the two can be determined as the cold water temperature.

[0121] That is to say, before the subsequent water discharge from the water heater, taking into account the influence of the heating rod on the water temperature in the lower part of the tank, the cold water temperature is updated according to the smaller value of the cold water temperature determined before the last water discharge and the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank detected during the last water discharge process. The updated cold water temperature can be closer to the cold water temperature of the current cold water inlet.

[0122] Before the water heater discharges water next time, after the cold water temperature is updated, the valve core can be driven to operate according to the current value of the hot water temperature, the updated cold water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water next time.

[0123] Similarly, during the next water discharge process of the water heater, the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained. The minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank can be used for pre-adjustment of the mixing valve before the next water discharge.

[0124] That is to say, before the Nth water discharge from the water heater, the cold water temperature can be updated based on the smaller value of the cold water temperature updated before the N-1th water discharge and the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank detected during the N-1th water discharge. Afterwards, before the Nth water discharge from the water heater, based on the updated cold water temperature, the current value of the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature before the Nth water discharge from the water heater, the valve core is driven to act, so as to adjust the mixed water ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the Nth water discharge from the water heater, and realize pre-regulation. Wherein, N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. During the Nth water discharge process of the water heater, the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank is obtained to prepare for the pre-regulation before the N+1th water discharge. And so on.

[0125] Through the above method, the cold water temperature can be initialized before the water heater discharges water for the first time, and the cold water temperature can be updated before each subsequent water discharge from the water heater, so that the updated cold water temperature is closer to the actual cold water temperature. Accordingly, pre-adjustment based on the updated cold water temperature can make the adjusted mixed water ratio more in line with user needs, thereby reducing the user's waiting time for water use and improving the user's constant temperature water use experience.

[0126] In some embodiments of the present specification, the method may further include: when the power-on time of the water heater exceeds the preset power-on time or the cumulative water consumption of the water heater exceeds the preset water consumption or the heating time of the water heater exceeds the preset heating time, the cold water temperature is updated using the preset cold water inlet temperature or the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water outlet process.

[0127] As can be seen from the description of the above embodiment, when the cold water temperature is updated, the smaller value of the last updated cold water temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature at the bottom of the tank during the last water discharge process is used as the basis, so the cold water temperature can be learned downward but not upward. After the water heater has been used for a long time, the updated cold water temperature may be lower than the actual cold water temperature, resulting in the water temperature of the water heater being higher than the target water outlet temperature when the water is discharged next time, and there is even a risk of scalding. For example, when the weather turns warmer, due to the low historical minimum value of the cold water temperature, the updated cold water temperature after the weather turns warmer is still low. As time goes by, the updated cold water temperature may be much lower than the actual cold water temperature of the current cold water inlet. When the cold water temperature is pre-adjusted based on the cold water temperature that is much lower than the actual cold water temperature, the mixed water outlet temperature is too high, which is difficult to meet the actual needs of the user. Therefore, when the power-on time of the water heater exceeds the preset power-on time or the cumulative water consumption of the water heater exceeds the preset water consumption or the heating time of the water heater exceeds the preset heating time, the cold water temperature can be reset to avoid the cold water temperature being too low after subsequent updates. In one embodiment, the cold water temperature can be updated with a preset cold water inlet temperature. For example, the preset cold water inlet temperature can be determined as the cold water temperature. In another embodiment, the cold water temperature can be updated with the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the bile obtained during the last water outlet process. For example, the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the bile detected during the last water outlet process can be determined as the cold water temperature. Through the above-mentioned method, the scenario in which the update of the cold water temperature can only learn downward and cannot adapt to the continuous increase in the actual cold water temperature is solved, and the updated cold water temperature can be prevented from being much lower than the actual cold water temperature, thereby preventing the outlet water temperature from being too hot and affecting the user's water use experience and water safety, and can improve water safety and improve the user's water use experience.

[0128] In some embodiments of the present specification, the hot water temperature probe is an upper temperature probe 202 located at the upper part of the gallbladder 200 to detect the water temperature at the upper part of the gallbladder. The heating rod 204 can start and / or stop working according to the water temperature at the upper part of the gallbladder and / or the water temperature at the lower part of the gallbladder. The step of obtaining the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe and using the current value of the hot water temperature as the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet is specifically to obtain the water temperature at the upper part of the gallbladder detected by the upper temperature probe 202 and use the current value of the water temperature at the upper part of the gallbladder as the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet 115.

[0129] In the above embodiment, by setting the upper temperature probe 202 as a hot water temperature probe and using the current value of the water temperature at the top of the tank detected by the upper temperature probe 202 as the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet, not only can the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet 115 be accurately obtained, but also the temperature data detected by the upper temperature probe 202 of the tank and the lower temperature probe 203 of the tank can be reused at the same time to reliably pre-adjust the valve core of the mixing valve without setting a cold water temperature probe and a hot water temperature probe on the valve body 101 of the mixing valve 100, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the mixing valve 100 and reducing the potential leakage points of the mixing valve 100, thereby improving the reliability of the mixing valve 100.

[0130] Please refer to Fig.11 , shows a flow chart of a water heater control method in a specific embodiment of this specification. Fig.11 As shown, the water heater control method in the embodiment of this specification may include the following steps.

[0131] Step 1, start. This can be by turning on the water heater.

[0132] Step 2: Assign Tcold, which is the cold water temperature at the cold water inlet.

[0133] Before the water heater discharges water for the first time, Tcold can be initialized. Specifically, the cold water temperature can be determined based on the preset cold water inlet temperature and / or the minimum value of the lower temperature of the gallbladder detected by the lower temperature probe before the first water discharge. In one embodiment, the preset cold water inlet temperature can be determined as Tcold. In another embodiment, the minimum value of the lower temperature of the gallbladder detected before the first water discharge can be determined as Tcold. In yet another embodiment, the smaller value of the preset cold water inlet temperature and the minimum value of the lower temperature of the gallbladder detected before the first water discharge can be determined as Tcold.

[0134] After subsequent use and power-on for 10 days, Tcold can be reset. The cold water temperature can be determined based on the preset cold water inlet temperature and / or the minimum value of the lower gallbladder temperature detected by the lower temperature probe during the last water discharge process. In one embodiment, the preset cold water inlet temperature can be determined as Tcold. In another embodiment, the minimum value of the lower gallbladder temperature detected during the last water discharge process can be determined as Tcold. In yet another embodiment, the smaller value of the preset cold water inlet temperature and the minimum value of the lower gallbladder temperature detected during the last water discharge process can be determined as Tcold.

[0135] Step 3, obtain T1, T2 and T3. Among them, T1 is the current value of the water temperature at the top of the gallbladder detected by the upper temperature probe. T2 is the minimum value of the water temperature at the bottom of the gallbladder detected by the lower temperature probe. T3 is the mixed water outlet temperature detected by the mixed water temperature probe. Execute steps 4 and 5.

[0136] Step 4: Update Thot to T1. Go to step 8.

[0137] Step 5, determine whether T2 is less than Tcold. If so, execute step 6, otherwise, execute step 7.

[0138] Step 6: Update Tcold to T2. Go to step 8.

[0139] In step 7, Tcold remains unchanged. Go to step 8.

[0140] Step 8, determine whether the water heater is discharging water. If yes, go to step 9, otherwise go to step 10.

[0141] Step 9: Perform constant temperature adjustment according to T3 and Tset to control different adjustment speeds. Tset is the target water outlet temperature of the water heater.

[0142] Step 10, pre-adjust the mixing valve according to Tcold, Thot and Tset.

[0143] Step 11, determine whether the power-on time is 10 days or more. If yes, go to step 2, otherwise go to step 3.

[0144] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6In some embodiments of the present specification, the water heater 10 may further include an inlet pipe 301 and an outlet pipe 302. At least part of the inlet pipe 301 and at least part of the outlet pipe 302 are arranged in the tank 200. The inlet pipe 301 is connected to the cold water inlet 113. The inlet pipe 301 is used to input the cold water flowing into the valve body 101 through the cold water inlet 113 into the tank 200. The outlet pipe 302 is connected to the hot water inlet 115. The outlet pipe 302 is used to input the hot water in the tank 200 into the hot water inlet 115. By providing the inlet pipe 301 and the outlet pipe 302, the cold water flowing into the valve body 101 of the mixing valve 100 through the cold water inlet 113 can be input into the tank 200, and the hot water in the tank 200 can be pressed into the hot water pipe and output to the hot water inlet 115 of the mixing valve 100.

[0145] In this embodiment, the "in" and "out" in the water inlet pipe 301 and the water outlet pipe 302 are relative to the tank 200 of the water heater. The pipe for water to flow out of the tank 200 is the water outlet pipe 302, and the pipe for water to flow into the tank 200 is the water inlet pipe 301.

[0146] Usually, the water inlet of the water outlet pipe 302 is located at the upper part of the tank 200. This is because the water temperature in the tank 200 is stratified, that is, the heated hot water gradually rises to the top of the tank 200, while the cold water sinks to the bottom. By setting the water inlet of the water outlet pipe 302 at the upper part of the tank 200, hot water with a higher temperature can flow into the water outlet pipe 302, and then flow into the valve body 101 of the water mixing valve 100 through the hot water inlet 115.

[0147] In some embodiments of the present specification, at least part of the lower temperature probe 203 is located in the tank 200. The lower temperature probe 203 can be arranged to be close to the outlet of the water inlet pipe 301 in space to accurately detect the temperature of the cold water flowing into the tank 200 from the cold water inlet 113, thereby improving the accuracy of the pre-adjustment of the mixing valve 100.

[0148] In the embodiments of this specification, A is close to B in space, which means that the spatial distance between A and B is small, for example, the spatial distance between the two is smaller than a preset distance.

[0149] In some embodiments of the present specification, the lower temperature probe 203 is arranged on the outer wall of the liner 200. The lower temperature probe 203 is arranged close to the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 301 in the height direction. Alternatively, the lower temperature probe 203 is flush with the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 301 in the height direction. Since the water temperature in the liner 200 is stratified, the lower temperature probe 203 is placed close to or flush with the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 301 in height, so that the water temperature detected by the lower temperature probe 203 is closer to the temperature of the cold water flowing out of the cold water inlet 113.

[0150] In the embodiment of this specification, A is close to B in the height direction, which means that the absolute value of the height difference between A and B is less than the preset height difference. That is, A is slightly higher than B or slightly lower than B.

[0151] In some embodiments of the present specification, the lower temperature probe 203 is arranged higher than the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 301 and is closer to the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 301 than the upper temperature probe 202. Usually, in order to detect the heating condition of the water in the gallbladder 200 by the heating rod 204, the lower temperature probe 203 is arranged to be higher than the heating rod 204 in the height direction. The heating rod 204 is usually arranged to be higher than the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 301 in the height direction or flush with the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 301. Therefore, the lower temperature probe 203 can be arranged to be higher than the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 301. Based on the water temperature of the lower part of the gallbladder detected by the lower temperature probe 203 and the water temperature of the upper part of the gallbladder detected by the upper temperature probe 202, the overall heating condition of the water in the gallbladder 200 can be determined, so as to control the start and stop of the heating rod 204 according to the heating condition of the water in the gallbladder 200. In the above embodiment, by setting the lower temperature probe 203 to be higher than the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 301 and closer to the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 301 than the upper temperature probe 202, the water temperature detected by the lower temperature probe 203 can be used not only for constant temperature regulation of the mixing valve 100, but also for controlling the start and stop of the heating rod 204.

[0152] In some embodiments of the present specification, at least part of the upper temperature probe 202 is located in the tank 200, and the upper temperature probe 202 is arranged near the water inlet of the water outlet pipe 302 to accurately detect the water temperature of the hot water flowing into the mixing valve 100, thereby improving the accuracy of the pre-adjustment of the mixing valve 100.

[0153] In some embodiments of the present specification, the upper temperature probe 202 is disposed on the outer wall of the tank 200. When the upper temperature probe 202 is disposed on the outer wall of the tank 200, the upper temperature probe 202 can be disposed close to the water inlet of the water outlet pipe 302 in the height direction, or can be disposed flush with the water inlet of the water outlet pipe 302 in the height direction, so as to more accurately detect the water temperature of the hot water flowing into the mixing valve 100, thereby improving the accuracy of the thermostatic adjustment of the mixing valve 100. Moreover, by disposing the upper temperature probe 202 outside the tank 200, the manufacturing process of the tank 200 can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0154] Since the water temperature in the tank 200 is stratified, that is, the heated hot water will gradually rise to the top of the tank 200, while the cold water will sink to the bottom, therefore, by setting the upper temperature probe 202 to be close to the water inlet of the water outlet pipe 302 in the height direction or to be flush with the water inlet of the water outlet pipe 302 in the height direction, the water temperature detected by the upper temperature probe 202 is close to the water temperature of the hot water flowing into the mixing valve 100 through the water inlet of the water outlet pipe 302.

[0155] In some embodiments of this specification, Figure 2 As shown, the water bladder 200 may include an upper bladder and a lower bladder. The upper bladder is connected to the lower bladder, and the upper bladder is located above the lower bladder. The upper temperature probe 202 may be arranged in the upper bladder, and the lower temperature probe 203 may be arranged in the lower bladder. The lower temperature probe 203 may be arranged higher than the heating rod 204 in the lower bladder.

[0156] Each embodiment in this specification is described in a progressive manner, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above-mentioned related processing related embodiments, and no further description is given here.

[0157] The above specific embodiments of this specification are described. Other embodiments are within the scope of this specification. In some cases, the actions or steps recorded in the specification can be performed in an order different from that in the embodiments and still achieve the desired results. In addition, the process depicted in the accompanying drawings does not necessarily require the specific order or continuous order shown to achieve the desired results. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0158] The embodiments of this specification also provide a controller. The controller may include a processor and a memory for storing processor executable instructions, and the processor implements the steps of the method described in any of the above embodiments when executing the instructions.

[0159] A computer storage medium based on the water heater control method is also provided in the implementation mode of this specification, and the computer storage medium stores computer program instructions, and when the computer program instructions are executed, the steps of the water heater control method described in any of the above embodiments are implemented.

[0160] In this embodiment, the storage medium may include but is not limited to a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a cache, a hard disk (HDD) or a memory card. The memory may be used to store computer program instructions. The network communication unit may be an interface for network connection communication set in accordance with the standard specified by the communication protocol.

[0161] In this embodiment, the functions and effects specifically implemented by the program instructions stored in the computer storage medium can be explained in comparison with other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0162] The embodiments of this specification also provide a water heater, which may include the controller described in any of the above embodiments.

[0163] like Figure 2 As shown, the water heater 10 may further include a water mixing valve 100 and a tank 200. The tank 200 is used to store water, and a heating rod 204 is arranged in the tank 200. The heating rod 204 is used to heat the water in the tank 200.

[0164] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the water mixing valve 100 may include a valve body 101 and a valve core 102. The valve body 101 may include a cold water inlet 113, a hot water inlet 115 and a mixed water outlet 116. The inlet of the cold water inlet 113 may be connected to a cold water source, so that cold water from the cold water source can flow into the valve body 101 of the water mixing valve 100. The outlet of the cold water inlet 113 is respectively connected to the gallbladder 200 and the mixed water outlet 116. The cold water flowing into the valve body 101 through the cold water inlet 113 can flow into the gallbladder 200 and the mixed water outlet 116. The hot water inlet 115 is used to connect the gallbladder 200 and the mixed water outlet 116. The inlet of the hot water inlet 115 is connected to the gallbladder 200, and the outlet of the hot water inlet 115 is connected to the mixed water outlet 116. The hot water in the tank 200 can flow into the mixed water outlet 116 via the hot water inlet 115. The valve core 102 is used to control the mixing ratio of the cold water and the hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet 116. The outlet of the mixed water outlet 116 is used to output the mixed water.

[0165] In this embodiment, the "water inlet" or "water outlet" in the hot water inlet 115, the cold water inlet 113 and the mixed water outlet 116 are all relative to the water mixing valve 100, "water inlet" means water flowing into the water mixing valve 100, and "water outlet" means water flowing out of the water mixing valve 100. In addition, the concept of cold water can be water with the same temperature as tap water, or it can be a relative concept, that is, water that is colder than the water temperature of the hot water inlet 115 (such as water that is higher than the tap water temperature after preheating but lower than the water temperature in the hot water inlet 115).

[0166] In one embodiment, the gallbladder 200 has a lower temperature probe 203. The lower temperature probe 203 is located at the lower part of the gallbladder 200 to detect the water temperature at the lower part of the gallbladder. The heating rod 204 can start working and / or stop working according to at least the water temperature at the lower part of the gallbladder.

[0167] In another embodiment, the tank 200 has an upper temperature probe 202 and a lower temperature probe 203. The lower temperature probe 203 is located at the lower part of the tank 200 to detect the water temperature at the lower part of the tank. The heating rod 204 can start and / or stop working according to the water temperature at the upper part of the tank and / or the water temperature at the lower part of the tank.

[0168] The water heater 10 may further include a hot water temperature probe. In one embodiment, the hot water temperature probe may be disposed at the hot water inlet 115 of the water mixing valve 100, and is used to directly obtain the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet 115. In another embodiment, the hot water temperature probe may be an upper temperature probe 202. The upper temperature probe 202 is disposed at the upper portion of the tank 200 to detect the water temperature at the upper portion of the tank, and is used to indirectly obtain the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet 115.

[0169] Please continue to refer to Figures 3 to 6 In some embodiments of the present specification, the valve body 101 of the water mixing valve 100 may further include a cold water cavity 110, a first cold water connecting portion 111, a second cold water connecting portion 112, and a cold water outlet 114. In this embodiment, the "outflow" in the cold water outlet 114 is also relative to the water mixing valve 100, and "outflow" means that water flows out of the water mixing valve 100.

[0170] like Figure 6 As shown, the hot water inlet 115 and the cold water outlet 114 are used to communicate with the tank 200 through the same opening on the tank 200. In this embodiment, by making the hot water inlet 115 and the cold water outlet 114 communicate with the tank 200 through the same opening on the tank 200, only one opening is required on the tank 200, the process is relatively simple, and there are fewer water leakage points.

[0171] like Figures 4 to 6As shown, the cold water inlet 113 is connected to the cold water cavity 110, and the cold water flowing in through the cold water inlet 113 enters the cold water cavity 110. The valve core 102 is arranged in the cold water cavity 110. The valve core 102 is used to allow the water entering the cold water cavity 110 through the cold water inlet 113 to be diverted to the first cold water connecting portion 111 and the second cold water connecting portion 112. Specifically, after the cold water in the cold water inlet 113 flows into the cold water cavity 110, it enters the inside of the valve core 102, and then flows out to the first cold water connecting portion 111 and the second cold water connecting portion 112 after being diverted by the valve core 102. The first cold water connecting portion 111 is used to connect the cold water cavity 110 and the cold water outlet 114, and the cold water outlet 114 is used to allow the cold water to flow into the gallbladder 200 through the same opening on the gallbladder 200. The second cold water connection part 112 is used to connect the cold water cavity 110 and the mixed water outlet 116. The hot water inlet 115 is used to allow the hot water in the tank 200 to flow into the mixed water outlet 116 through the same port on the tank 200. Compared with directly adjusting the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water through the valve core 102, in this embodiment, the ratio of cold water diverted from the cold water cavity 110 to the first cold water connection part 111 and the second cold water connection part 112 is adjusted by the valve core 102, so as to indirectly adjust the ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet 116, thereby adjusting the mixed water outlet temperature and preventing the valve core 102 from contacting hot water and easily scaling. At the same time, Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the first cold water connecting portion 111 and the second cold water connecting portion 112 have a preset length, and the valve core 102 in the cold water chamber can be spaced apart from the cold water outlet portion 114 and / or the hot water inlet portion 115, thereby avoiding direct or indirect interference of hot water on the valve core 102, thereby improving the reliability of the mixing valve 100 and the accuracy of water temperature regulation.

[0172] The mixed water outlet 116 can mix the cold water flowing in from the second cold water connecting part 112 and the hot water flowing in from the hot water inlet 115. That is, the mixed water outlet 116 is used to mix the cold water and the hot water and then output the mixed water. The inlet of the mixed water outlet 116 is connected to the second cold water connecting part 112 and the hot water inlet 115. The outlet of the mixed water outlet 116 is used to output the mixed water.

[0173] In one embodiment, the mixed water outlet 116 is provided with a first inlet and a second inlet. The mixed water outlet 116 is connected to the second cold water connecting part 112 through the first inlet, and is connected to the hot water inlet 115 through the second inlet. The first inlet may include one or more inlets. The second inlet may include one or more inlets. The first inlet and the second inlet may be the same inlet or different inlets.

[0174] The hot water flow channel formed in the hot water inlet 115 and the cold water flow channel formed in the cold water outlet 114 are independent of each other. Figures 3 to 6 As shown, at least part of the hot water inlet 115 is located inside the cold water outlet 114. Correspondingly, at least part of the outlet pipe connected to the hot water inlet 115 is located inside the inlet pipe connected to the cold water outlet 114. In this embodiment, at least part of A is located inside B means that at least part of the cross section of A is located inside the cross section of B, that is, the cross section of B surrounds at least part of the cross section of A. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the embodiment of this specification, the x direction is the horizontal direction, and the z direction is the longitudinal direction (ie, the height direction). The cross section in the embodiment of this specification refers to the cross section obtained by cutting along a direction perpendicular to the z direction.

[0175] In this embodiment, by arranging at least part of the hot water inlet 115 of the water mixing valve 100 to be located inside the cold water outlet 114, the hot water inlet 115 and the cold water outlet 114 are arranged relatively compactly, which can reduce the size of the water mixing valve 100, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the water mixing valve 100. In addition, the size of the same opening required to be opened on the tank 200 of the water heater can also be reduced, reducing the difficulty of sealing, thereby reducing the possibility of water leakage.

[0176] In some embodiments of the present specification, the cold water cavity 110 is provided with a cold water inlet (not shown in the figure), a first cold water outlet 1101 and a second cold water outlet 1102. The cold water inlet is connected to the cold water inlet portion 113, and the water in the cold water inlet portion 113 can enter the cold water cavity 110 through the cold water inlet. The first cold water outlet 1101 is connected to the first cold water connecting portion 111, and the water in the cold water cavity 110 can flow to the first cold water connecting portion 111 through the first cold water outlet 1101. The second cold water outlet 1102 is connected to the second cold water connecting portion 112, and the water in the cold water cavity 110 can flow to the second cold water connecting portion 112 through the second cold water outlet 1102. By arranging a cold water inlet, a first cold water outlet 1101 and a second cold water outlet 1102 on the cold water cavity 110 , the cold water cavity 110 is connected with the cold water inlet portion 113 , the first cold water connecting portion 111 and the second cold water connecting portion 112 .

[0177] like Figures 4 to 6As shown, in some embodiments of the present specification, the first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102 are arranged on the same surface of the cold water cavity 110. The cold water cavity 110 may include multiple surfaces. The first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102 may be arranged on the same surface of the cold water cavity 110. By arranging the first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102 on the same surface of the cold water cavity 110, the two cold water outlet directions of the cold water cavity 110 are consistent. Compared with setting the two cold water outlet directions to be inconsistent, in this embodiment, the cold water outlet directions of the first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102 are set to be substantially consistent, which can ensure that the valve body 101 has a smaller volume, and at the same time, it is convenient to guide the water outlets of the two cold water outlets to the cold water outlet 114 and the mixed water outlet 116 respectively.

[0178] In some embodiments of the present specification, the cold water inlet (not shown in the figure) is arranged on the same surface. Compared with the cold water inlet being arranged on a different surface from the first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102, in this embodiment, by arranging the cold water inlet, the first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102 on the same surface, the structure of the valve core can be simpler, the manufacturing process can be simpler, and the reliability can be higher.

[0179] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in some embodiments of the present specification, the same surface is the surface of the cold water cavity 110 facing the cold water outlet 114 and the mixed water outlet 116 . Compared with setting the first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102 on other surfaces of the cold water cavity 110, in this embodiment, the first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102 are set on the surface of the cold water cavity 110 facing the cold water outlet 114 and the mixed water outlet 116, which is convenient for the cold water cavity 110 to be connected with the cold water outlet 114 and the mixed water outlet 116, and can shorten the distance between the cold water cavity 110 and the cold water outlet 114 and the mixed water outlet 116, reduce the length of the first cold water connecting part 111 and the second cold water connecting part 112, reduce the complexity of the valve body 101 structure of the mixing valve 100, reduce the size of the valve body 101, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the mixing valve 100, and the manufacturing process of the valve body 101 is simpler.

[0180] Please refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13 , shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the valve core in the embodiment of this specification. Fig.13As shown, in some embodiments of the present specification, the valve core 102 may include a movable valve plate 121 and a fixed valve plate 122. The fixed valve plate 122 is provided with a first cold water outlet 1221 and a second cold water outlet 1222. The first cold water outlet 1221 is used to communicate with the first cold water outlet 1101. The second cold water outlet 1222 is used to communicate with the second cold water outlet 1102. The first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102 are arranged on the same surface of the cold water cavity 110. At least part of the water flowing into the cold water cavity 110 from the cold water inlet 113 can flow to the first cold water outlet 1101 on the cold water cavity 110 via the first cold water outlet 1221 on the fixed valve plate 122, and then flow to the cold water outlet 114 via the first cold water connecting portion 111. At least part of the water flowing into the cold water cavity 110 from the cold water inlet 113 can flow to the second cold water outlet 1102 on the cold water cavity 110 via the second cold water outlet 1222 on the fixed valve plate 122, and then flow to the mixed water outlet 116 via the second cold water connecting portion 112. The movable valve plate 121 is used to control the connection relationship between the cold water inlet 113 and the first cold water outlet 1221 and the second cold water outlet 1222, so as to control the ratio of the water flow to the cold water outlet 114 and the mixed water outlet 116. Compared with setting the first cold water outlet 1221 and the second cold water outlet 1222 on different valve plates, in this embodiment, by setting the first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102 on the same surface of the cold water cavity 110 and setting the first cold water outlet 1221 and the second cold water outlet 1222 on the fixed valve plate 122, the cold water cavity 110 and the valve core 102 can be better adapted, without adding a bending flow channel in the cold water cavity 110, and the manufacturing process is simpler.

[0181] like Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the fixed valve plate 122 is also provided with a cold water inlet 1223, which is connected to the cold water inlet on the cold water cavity 110. Water flowing into the cold water inlet 113 can flow to the cold water inlet 1223 on the fixed valve plate 122 through the cold water inlet on the cold water cavity 110, and then flow into the cold water cavity 110.

[0182] In some embodiments of the present specification, the first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102 overlap at least partially in the horizontal direction. Wherein, in the horizontal direction refers to the projection on the horizontal plane (i.e., the plane perpendicular to the z direction). The first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102 overlap at least partially in the horizontal direction, which means that the projections of the first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102 on the horizontal plane overlap at least partially, so that the overall thickness of the valve body 101 (i.e., the size of the valve body 101 in the y direction) is small. When installed on the water heater, the local thickness of the water heater (i.e., the size of the water heater in the y direction) can be reduced, the installation volume of the mixing valve 100 can be reduced, and the distance between the mixing valve and the wall can be expanded, thereby ensuring the operating space of the external pipeline. In addition, it can also be more convenient to install on the tank 200 of the water heater while ensuring the water flow of the valve body, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost. For example, when the valve body 101 of the mixing valve and the tank 200 of the water heater are installed through a flange, if the size of the valve body 101 is too large, it cannot be adapted to the flange studs on the conventional tank 200, and the flange studs on the tank 200 need to be redeveloped, resulting in high costs. If the diameters of the first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102 are reduced due to size issues, the amount of water flowing cannot be guaranteed.

[0183] In some embodiments of the present specification, the first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102 do not overlap in the horizontal direction, but the horizontal spacing is less than the first preset spacing. That is, the projections of the first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102 on the horizontal plane do not overlap, and the distance between the projections is less than the first preset spacing, that is, the first cold water outlet 1101 and the second cold water outlet 1102 are arranged close to each other in the horizontal direction. Although the effect is not optimal compared with the previous embodiment, it is still an improvement with beneficial effects, which can make the overall thickness of the valve body 101 smaller to a certain extent, reduce the manufacturing cost to a certain extent, facilitate installation on the tank 200 of the water heater to a certain extent, and can also reduce the installation thickness of the mixing valve 100 to a certain extent, thereby reducing the installation volume of the mixing valve 100 to a certain extent.

[0184] like Figures 3 to 6As shown, in some embodiments of the present specification, the extension directions of the first cold water connecting part 111 and the second cold water connecting part 112 are the same as a whole. The first cold water connecting part 111 extends from the cold water cavity 110 to the cold water outlet 114 as a whole. The second cold water connecting part 112 extends from the cold water cavity 110 to the mixed water outlet 116 as a whole. The extension directions of the two are the same as a whole. The same as a whole can be that the extension directions of the two are parallel or nearly parallel. For example, the extension direction of the first cold water connecting part 111 is slightly inclined relative to the extension direction of the second cold water connecting part 112, and the angle of inclination is less than the preset angle, or for example, the extension path of the first cold water connecting part 111 and / or the second cold water connecting part 112 has a bending section, but it still extends to the cold water outlet 114 and the mixed water outlet 116 as a whole. By setting the extension directions of the first cold water connecting part 111 and the second cold water connecting part 112 to be the same as a whole, the size of the valve body 101 can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

[0185] In some embodiments of the present specification, the first cold water connecting part 111 may include a first cold water connecting pipe. The second cold water connecting part 112 may include a second cold water connecting pipe. The first cold water connecting pipe is arranged in parallel with the second cold water connecting pipe. In this embodiment, the connecting part is arranged in the form of a connecting pipe, and the first cold water connecting pipe and the second cold water connecting pipe are parallel to each other. Compared with the non-parallel arrangement of the first cold water connecting pipe and the second cold water connecting pipe, in this embodiment, the first cold water connecting pipe and the second cold water connecting pipe are arranged in parallel, which can reduce the volume of the valve body 101, make the structure simpler, and reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0186] Please refer to Fig.14 , shows a cross-sectional view of a water mixing valve in an embodiment of this specification. Fig.14 As shown, in some embodiments of the present specification, at least part of the hot water inlet 115 is located inside the cold water outlet 114. The first cold water connecting portion 111 is higher than the second cold water connecting portion 112. The first cold water connecting portion 111 extends from the cold water cavity 110 to the direction of the cold water outlet 114. The second cold water connecting portion 112 extends from the cold water cavity 110 to the direction of the mixed water outlet 116. The cold water flow channel in the cold water outlet 114 and the cold water flow channel in the second cold water connecting portion 112 are not interlaced. The non-interlacing here may refer to that the projections of the cold water flow channel in the cold water outlet 114 and the cold water flow channel in the second cold water connecting portion 112 on the xz plane do not intersect. By arranging at least part of the hot water inlet 115 to be located inside the cold water outlet 114 and arranging the first cold water connecting part 111 to be higher than the second cold water connecting part 112, the cold water flow channel in the cold water outlet 114 and the cold water flow channel in the second cold water connecting part 112 are not staggered.

[0187] In some embodiments of the present specification, the cold water cavity 110 and the cold water outlet 114 and / or the hot water inlet 115 are separated by a preset distance in the horizontal and / or vertical directions to be independently arranged. The first cold water connecting portion 111 has a first cold water connecting pipe of a preset length, and the first cold water connecting pipe is used to connect the cold water cavity 110 and the cold water outlet 114. The second cold water connecting portion 112 has a second cold water connecting pipe of a preset length, and the second cold water connecting pipe is used to connect the cold water cavity 110 and the mixed water outlet 116.

[0188] In this embodiment, the horizontal direction may refer to the horizontal direction and is parallel to the installation wall, that is, the x direction. The longitudinal direction may refer to the vertical direction and is parallel to the installation wall, that is, the z direction. Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the cold water chamber 110 is spaced apart from the cold water outlet 114 and / or the hot water inlet 115 by a preset distance in the lateral direction.

[0189] In another embodiment, the cold water chamber 110 is spaced apart from the cold water outlet 114 and / or the hot water inlet 115 by a preset distance in the longitudinal direction.

[0190] In yet another embodiment, the cold water cavity 110 is spaced apart from the cold water outlet 114 and / or the hot water inlet 115 by a preset distance in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0191] The cold water cavity 110 is connected to the cold water outlet 114 through a first cold water connecting pipe of a preset length. The cold water cavity 110 is connected to the hot water inlet 115 through a second cold water connecting pipe of a preset length. By setting the cold water cavity 110 and the cold water outlet 114 and / or the hot water inlet 115 to be spaced at a preset distance, the valve core 102 in the cold water cavity 110 is kept away from the hot water inlet 115, so as to avoid the valve core 102 from contacting the hot water and scaling and blocking the valve core inlet, thereby causing the valve core to fail. It can also avoid that the plastic parts and seals in the valve core 102 are affected by being close to the hot water, thereby reducing their service life and reliability, thereby improving the reliability of the mixing valve 100 and the accuracy of water temperature regulation.

[0192] Obviously, those skilled in the art should understand that the modules or steps of the above-mentioned embodiments of this specification can be implemented by a general computing device, they can be concentrated on a single computing device, or distributed on a network composed of multiple computing devices, and optionally, they can be implemented by a program code executable by a computing device, so that they can be stored in a storage device and executed by the computing device, and in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in a different order from that here, or they can be made into individual integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps therein can be made into a single integrated circuit module for implementation. In this way, the embodiments of this specification are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

[0193] It should be understood that the above description is for illustration and not for limitation. Many embodiments and many applications beyond the examples provided will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the above description.

[0194] The above description is only the preferred embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. For those skilled in the art, the embodiments of this specification may have various changes and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of this specification shall be included in the protection scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A water heater control method, characterized in that: The water heater comprises a tank and a mixing valve; the tank is used to store water, and the tank is provided with a heating rod; the tank also has a lower temperature probe, and the lower temperature probe is located at the lower part of the tank to detect the water temperature at the lower part of the tank; the heating rod can start working and / or stop working at least according to the water temperature at the lower part of the tank; the mixing valve comprises a valve body and a valve core; the valve body comprises a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet and a mixing water outlet; the cold water inlet is respectively connected to the tank and the mixing water outlet, and the cold water flowing into the valve body through the cold water inlet can flow into the tank and the mixing water outlet ; The hot water inlet is used to connect the tank and the mixed water outlet so that the hot water in the tank can flow into the mixed water outlet; the valve core is used to control the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet; the outlet of the mixed water outlet is used to output the mixed water; the water heater also includes a hot water temperature probe, which is arranged at the hot water inlet and is used to directly obtain the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet, or the hot water temperature probe is an upper temperature probe located at the upper part of the tank to detect the water temperature of the upper part of the tank and is used to indirectly obtain the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet; The water heater control method comprises: Acquire the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe, and use the current value of the hot water temperature as the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet; Obtaining the water temperature of the lower part of the gallbladder detected by the lower temperature probe, and determining the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet part according to the preset cold water inlet temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature of the lower part of the gallbladder or according to the minimum value of the water temperature of the lower part of the gallbladder; Before the water heater discharges water, the valve core is driven to operate according to the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet, the cold water temperature of the cold water inlet and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater, so as to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water.

2. The water heater control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control method specifically includes: S1. Before the water heater discharges water for the first time, the cold water temperature is determined according to the smaller value of the minimum water temperature of the lower part of the tank obtained before the water heater discharges water and the preset cold water inlet temperature, and according to the cold water temperature, the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater, the valve core is driven to act so as to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the first time, and the minimum value of the water temperature of the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained during at least the first water discharge of the water heater; S2. Before the water heater discharges water for the next time, the cold water temperature is updated with the smaller value of the cold water temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process, and the valve core is driven to act according to the hot water temperature, the cold water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the next time, and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained during at least the next water discharge process of the water heater; S3. Loop S2.

3. The water heater control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control method further comprises: When the power-on time of the water heater exceeds the preset power-on time or the cumulative water consumption of the water heater exceeds the preset water consumption or the heating time of the water heater exceeds the preset heating time, the cold water temperature is updated using the preset cold water inlet temperature or the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process.

4. The water heater control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The water heater further comprises a mixed water temperature probe, which is used to detect the mixed water outlet temperature outputted from the outlet of the mixed water outlet; The control method further comprises: During the water discharge process of the water heater, when the target water discharge temperature of the water heater during current use is higher than the mixed water discharge temperature when water discharge starts and the difference between the target water discharge temperature and the mixed water discharge temperature is greater than a preset temperature difference, the cold water temperature is lowered.

5. The water heater control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The preset cold water inlet temperature is not less than 25 degrees Celsius.

6. The water heater control method according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that: The control method further comprises: updating the preset cold water inlet temperature according to the season; Specifically, the preset cold water inlet temperature in summer is higher than the preset cold water inlet temperature in winter.

7. The water heater control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The water heater further includes a mixed water temperature probe, which is used to detect the mixed water outlet temperature outputted from the outlet of the mixed water outlet; the mixed water valve further includes a motor, which is used to drive the valve core to adjust the mixed water ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet; The control method further comprises: When the water heater is discharging water, the mixed water outlet temperature detected by the mixed water temperature probe is obtained, and the target driving speed of the motor is determined according to the difference between the mixed water outlet temperature when water discharge starts and the target water outlet temperature when the water heater is currently in use. The motor is controlled to operate at the target driving speed to drive the valve core to operate, so as to adjust the mixed water ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet part when the water heater is discharging water, and the target driving speed is positively correlated with the absolute value of the difference.

8. The water heater control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control method specifically includes: S4, before the water heater discharges water for the first time, the cold water temperature is determined according to the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained before the water heater discharges water, and according to the cold water temperature and the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater, the valve core is driven to operate so as to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the first time, and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained during at least the first water discharge process of the water heater; S5. Before the water heater discharges water for the next time, the cold water temperature is updated with the smaller value of the cold water temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process, and the valve core is driven to operate according to the hot water temperature, the cold water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the next time, and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained during at least the next water discharge process of the water heater; S6. Repeat S5.

9. The water heater control method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The control method further includes: When the power-on time of the water heater exceeds the preset power-on time or the cumulative water consumption of the water heater exceeds the preset water consumption or the heating time of the water heater exceeds the preset heating time, the cold water temperature is updated using the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process.

10. The water heater control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control method specifically includes: S7, before the water heater discharges water for the first time, determining the cold water temperature according to the preset cold water inlet temperature, and driving the valve core to act according to the cold water temperature, the hot water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the first time, and obtaining the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe during at least the first water discharge of the water heater; S8, before the water heater discharges water for the next time, the cold water temperature is updated with the smaller value of the cold water temperature and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process, and the valve core is driven to act according to the hot water temperature, the cold water temperature and the target water outlet temperature of the water heater to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water flowing into the mixed water outlet before the water heater discharges water for the next time, and the minimum value of the water temperature at the lower part of the tank detected by the lower temperature probe is obtained during at least the next water discharge process of the water heater; S9. Loop S8.

11. The water heater control method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The control method further includes: When the power-on time of the water heater exceeds the preset power-on time or the cumulative water consumption of the water heater exceeds the preset water consumption or the heating time of the water heater exceeds the preset heating time, the cold water temperature is updated using the preset cold water inlet temperature or the minimum value of the water temperature in the lower part of the tank obtained during the last water discharge process.

12. The water heater control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hot water temperature probe is an upper temperature probe located at the upper part of the gallbladder to detect the water temperature at the upper part of the gallbladder, and the heating rod can start working and / or stop working according to the water temperature at the upper part of the gallbladder and / or the water temperature at the lower part of the gallbladder; The step of obtaining the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature probe and using the current value of the hot water temperature as the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet is specifically, obtaining the upper water temperature of the gallbladder detected by the upper temperature probe and using the current value of the upper water temperature of the gallbladder as the hot water temperature of the hot water inlet.

13. The water heater control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water heater further comprises an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe; at least part of the inlet pipe and at least part of the outlet pipe are arranged in the tank; the inlet pipe is connected with the cold water inlet, and the inlet pipe is used to input the cold water flowing into the valve body through the cold water inlet into the tank; the outlet pipe is connected with the hot water inlet, and the outlet pipe is used to input the hot water in the tank into the hot water inlet; At least part of the lower temperature probe is located in the tank, and the lower temperature probe is arranged close to the water outlet of the water inlet pipe. or, The lower temperature probe is arranged on the outer wall of the bile, and the lower temperature probe is arranged close to the water outlet of the water inlet pipe in the height direction or the lower temperature probe is flush with the water outlet of the water inlet pipe in the height direction. or, The lower temperature probe is arranged higher than the water outlet of the water inlet pipe and is closer to the water outlet of the water inlet pipe than the upper temperature probe.

14. The water heater control method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The water heater further comprises an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe; at least part of the inlet pipe and at least part of the outlet pipe are arranged in the tank; the inlet pipe is connected with the cold water inlet, and the inlet pipe is used to input the cold water flowing into the valve body through the cold water inlet into the tank; the outlet pipe is connected with the hot water inlet, and the outlet pipe is used to input the hot water in the tank into the hot water inlet; At least part of the upper temperature probe is located in the tank, and the upper temperature probe is arranged close to the water inlet of the water outlet pipe. or, The upper temperature probe is arranged on the outer wall of the tank, and the upper temperature probe is arranged close to the water inlet of the water outlet pipe in the height direction or the upper temperature probe is flush with the water inlet of the water outlet pipe in the height direction.

15. A controller, characterized in that: The method comprises a processor and a memory for storing processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14 when executing the instructions.

16. A water heater, characterized in that: Includes the controller as claimed in claim 15.

17. The water heater according to claim 16, characterized in that The valve body of the water mixing valve of the water heater further comprises a cold water cavity, a first cold water connecting part, a second cold water connecting part and a cold water outlet; the cold water inlet of the water mixing valve is connected with the cold water cavity; the hot water inlet and the cold water outlet of the water mixing valve are used to be connected with the tank through the same opening on the tank; The valve core of the water mixing valve is arranged in the cold water cavity; the valve core is used to divert the water entering the cold water cavity to the first cold water connecting part and the second cold water connecting part; the first cold water connecting part is used to connect the cold water cavity and the cold water outlet, and the cold water outlet is used to allow cold water to flow into the liner through the same opening on the liner; the second cold water connecting part is used to connect the cold water cavity and the mixed water outlet of the water mixing valve, and the hot water inlet is used to allow the hot water in the liner to flow into the mixed water outlet through the same opening on the liner; The inlet of the mixed water outlet is connected to the second cold water connecting part and the hot water inlet; At least a portion of the hot water inlet is located inside the cold water outlet.

18. The water heater according to claim 17, characterized in that The cold water cavity is provided with a cold water inlet, a first cold water outlet and a second cold water outlet; the cold water inlet is connected to the cold water inlet portion, the first cold water outlet is connected to the first cold water connecting portion, and the second cold water outlet is connected to the second cold water connecting portion; The first cold water outlet, the second cold water outlet and the cold water inlet are arranged on the same surface of the cold water cavity; The same surface is a surface of the cold water cavity facing the cold water outlet and the mixed water outlet.

19. The water heater according to claim 18, characterized in that The valve core includes a movable valve plate and a fixed valve plate, and the fixed valve plate is provided with a first cold water outlet and a second cold water outlet. The first cold water outlet is used to communicate with the first cold water outlet, and the second cold water outlet is used to communicate with the second cold water outlet. The movable valve plate is used to control the connection relationship between the cold water inlet and the first cold water outlet and the second cold water outlet.

20. The water heater according to claim 18, characterized in that The first cold water outlet and the second cold water outlet at least partially overlap in the transverse direction, or the first cold water outlet and the second cold water outlet do not overlap in the transverse direction but the transverse distance is less than a first preset distance; and / or, The first cold water connecting portion and the second cold water connecting portion have the same extending direction as a whole; and / or, The first cold water connecting part includes a first cold water connecting pipe, the second cold water connecting part includes a second cold water connecting pipe, and the first cold water connecting pipe and the second cold water connecting pipe are arranged in parallel.

21. The water heater according to claim 17, characterized in that The first cold water connecting portion is higher than the second cold water connecting portion; the first cold water connecting portion extends from the cold water cavity toward the cold water outlet; the second cold water connecting portion extends from the cold water cavity toward the mixed water outlet; The cold water flow channel in the cold water outlet portion and the cold water flow channel in the second cold water connecting portion do not intersect.

22. The water heater according to claim 17, characterized in that The cold water cavity and the cold water outlet and / or the hot water inlet are separated by a preset distance in the horizontal direction and / or the vertical direction so as to be independently arranged from each other; The first cold water connecting part has a first cold water connecting pipe of a preset length, and the first cold water connecting pipe is used to connect the cold water cavity and the cold water outlet; the second cold water connecting part has a second cold water connecting pipe of a preset length, and the second cold water connecting pipe is used to connect the cold water cavity and the mixed water outlet.

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