Water heater equipment and its anti-scaling treatment methods

Abstract

This application relates to a water heater device and its anti-scaling method. The water heater device includes a water heater body, a water pump, a heat exchanger, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a main controller. The water pump and heat exchanger are located within the water heater body. The water pump is connected to the inlet pipe, and the heat exchanger is connected to the outlet pipe. The water pump is used to pump the water flowing in from the inlet pipe to the heat exchanger. The method includes: after detecting that the water heater body has stopped operating, controlling the water pump to run, so that the water flows through the heat exchanger to remove the residual heat from the heat exchanger; obtaining the outlet water temperature of the water heater body; determining whether the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold; if the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, controlling the water pump to shut off. The anti-scaling method for water heaters provided by this application can reduce hardware and maintenance costs, improve anti-scaling effect, and enhance ease of use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to a water heater device and its anti-scaling treatment method. Background Technology

[0002] The widespread use of gas water heaters has brought convenience to people's daily lives. However, after a period of use, scale buildup can easily occur inside the heat exchanger of the water heater.

[0003] Because the thermal conductivity of scale is less than 1 / 1000 that of oxygen-free copper, once it adheres to the heat exchange surface of a heat exchanger, it will severely hinder heat conduction, leading to a significant decrease in the heat exchanger's efficiency. This not only causes a significant increase in fuel consumption but also often results in situations where the set water temperature cannot be reached even after prolonged combustion. If scale accumulates over a long period and is not effectively removed, it may also cause blockage of water flow channels, localized overheating, or even damage to the heat exchanger structure.

[0004] To address these issues, existing technologies primarily employ methods such as adding pre-filters or high-precision filters to prevent scale buildup. However, this method requires regular filter replacement, increasing costs. Furthermore, high-precision filtration can limit water flow, affecting the comfort of hot water output, and the filters are prone to clogging, requiring frequent cleaning and making operation cumbersome. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a water heater device and its anti-scaling treatment method, aiming to solve the problems of high cost, cumbersome operation and need for regular maintenance of traditional anti-scaling technology.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for preventing scale buildup in a water heater. The water heater includes a water heater body, a water pump, a heat exchanger, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a main controller. The water pump and the heat exchanger are located within the water heater body. The water pump is connected to the inlet pipe, and the heat exchanger is connected to the outlet pipe. The water pump is used to pump water flowing into the inlet pipe to the heat exchanger. The method includes: After detecting that the water heater body has stopped running, the water pump is controlled to run, so that water flows through the heat exchanger to remove the waste heat of the heat exchanger; Obtain the outlet water temperature of the water heater body; Determine whether the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold. If the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the water pump is controlled to be in a closed state.

[0007] A further technical solution is that if the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the water pump is controlled to be in a closed state, including: If the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the water pump will be controlled to be turned off after a preset time.

[0008] A further technical solution is that determining whether the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold also includes: If the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is greater than the preset temperature threshold, the water pump is controlled to be in operation.

[0009] A further technical solution is that the method further includes: Determine whether there is a flame signal in the water heater body; If there is no flame signal in the water heater body, it means that the water heater body has stopped operating, and the step of controlling the water pump to be in operation is executed.

[0010] A further technical solution is that determining whether the water heater body has a flame signal also includes: If the water heater body has a flame signal, it indicates that the water heater body is in normal working condition.

[0011] A further technical solution is that the method further includes: Obtain the water quality information used by the water heater body; The preset temperature threshold is set based on the water quality information.

[0012] A further technical solution is that the water quality information includes water hardness, and the setting of the preset temperature threshold based on the water quality information includes: The preset temperature threshold is set based on the water hardness, wherein the preset temperature threshold is negatively correlated with the water hardness.

[0013] Secondly, this application provides a water heater device, which includes a water heater body, a water pump, a heat exchanger, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a main controller. The water pump and the heat exchanger are located within the water heater body. The water heater body is provided with an inlet connector and an outlet connector. The inlet connector is connected to the inlet pipe, and the outlet connector is connected to the outlet pipe. The water pump is used to pump the water flowing in from the inlet pipe to the heat exchanger. The main controller is electrically connected to the water pump and is used to perform the steps of the method described above.

[0014] A further technical solution is that the water heater device also includes a temperature sensor, which is installed in the water outlet pipe and electrically connected to the main controller.

[0015] A further technical solution is that the heat exchanger includes a U-shaped tube and a heat collection plate, the heat collection plate is disposed on the outer circumference of the U-shaped tube, and the water pump is used to pump the water flowing in from the inlet pipe to the U-shaped tube of the heat exchanger.

[0016] This application provides a water heater device and its anti-scaling treatment method. The water heater device includes a water heater body, a water pump, a heat exchanger, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a main controller. The water pump and the heat exchanger are located within the water heater body. The water pump is connected to the inlet pipe, and the heat exchanger is connected to the outlet pipe. The water pump is used to pump water flowing from the inlet pipe to the heat exchanger. The method includes: after detecting that the water heater body has stopped operating, controlling the water pump to operate, causing water to flow through the heat exchanger to remove residual heat; obtaining the outlet water temperature of the water heater body; determining whether the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold; if the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, controlling the water pump to shut off.

[0017] This embodiment of the application actively starts the water pump after detecting that the water heater body has stopped operating, allowing water to flow through the heat exchanger. The flowing cold water exchanges heat with the heat exchanger, quickly removing residual heat from the collector plates. This effectively prevents scale formation caused by residual water in localized areas after the water heater stops operating. Furthermore, the system monitors the outlet water temperature in real time, only shutting off the water pump when the temperature drops to a preset threshold (e.g., below the scale formation temperature), ensuring the entire cooling process covers the period of highest risk for scale formation. Thus, by controlling the water pump alone, scale formation can be suppressed at its source, eliminating the need for a pre-filter or high-precision filter. This not only reduces hardware and maintenance costs but also improves the anti-scaling effect and ease of use. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of a water heater device provided in this application; Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchanger in a water heater device; Figure 3 This application provides a schematic diagram of water flow in a water heater device. Figure 4 A schematic flowchart of the first embodiment of the anti-scaling treatment method for a water heater provided in this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer device provided in an embodiment of this application. Attached image description: Water heater body 100, inlet connector 101, outlet connector 102, gas pipe 103, water pump 200, heat exchanger 300, heat collector 301, U-tube 302, inlet pipe 400, outlet pipe 500, main controller 600, temperature sensor 700, one-way valve 800, return pipe 900. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0025] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0026] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] It should also be further understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application specification and the appended claims means any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0028] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "if" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as "when," "once," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, the phrase "if determined" or "if [described condition or event] is detected" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as "once determined," "in response to determination," "once [described condition or event] is detected," or "in response to detection of [described condition or event]."

[0029] The widespread use of gas water heaters has brought convenience to people's daily lives. However, after a period of use, scale buildup can easily occur inside the heat exchanger of a water heater. Since the thermal conductivity of scale is less than 1 / 1000 that of oxygen-free copper, once it adheres to the heat exchange surface of the heat exchanger, it severely hinders heat conduction, leading to a significant decrease in the heat exchanger's efficiency. This not only causes a significant increase in gas consumption but also often results in the inability to reach the set water temperature even after prolonged combustion. If scale accumulates over a long period and is not effectively removed, it can also cause blockage of water flow channels, localized overheating, and even damage to the heat exchanger structure.

[0030] To address the above problems, existing technologies mainly employ the following scale prevention or scale inhibition solutions: 1. Use corrosion-resistant, smooth-surfaced heat exchanger materials, such as stainless steel or copper tubes coated with nano-coatings. While these materials may initially reduce scale buildup, prolonged use in hard water environments can lead to scratches or coating peeling due to water flow or friction from impurities, resulting in loss of protective effectiveness. Furthermore, these materials or processes are costly and complex to manufacture, making them difficult to popularize in low- to mid-range products.

[0031] 2. Magnetized scale inhibition technology alters the crystallization behavior of calcium and magnesium ions in water by applying an electromagnetic field of a specific frequency, causing them to form loose, soft scale rather than dense, hard scale. However, the actual effectiveness of this method is greatly affected by water flow rate, magnetic field strength, and water composition; strong magnetic field devices are expensive, and the magnet's performance slowly degrades over time. Furthermore, metallic impurities such as iron filings in the water are easily adsorbed onto the surface of the magnetization device, requiring regular manual cleaning and making maintenance inconvenient.

[0032] 3. Add a pre-filter or high-precision filter. However, this method requires regular filter replacement, increasing costs. High-precision filtration can limit water flow, affecting the comfort of hot water output, and the filter is prone to clogging, requiring frequent cleaning as well.

[0033] In summary, existing anti-scaling technologies generally suffer from problems such as high cost, unstable effectiveness, need for regular maintenance, or impact on user experience.

[0034] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a method for preventing scale buildup in water heaters, which can reduce hardware and maintenance costs, improve the anti-scale effect, and enhance ease of use.

[0035] See Figures 1-3 This application provides a water heater device, which includes a water heater body 100, a water pump 200, a heat exchanger 300, an inlet pipe 400, an outlet pipe 500, and a main controller 600. The water pump 200 and the heat exchanger 300 are located inside the water heater body 100. The water heater body 100 is provided with an inlet connector 101 and an outlet connector 102. The inlet connector 101 is connected to the inlet pipe 400, and the outlet connector 102 is connected to the outlet pipe 500. The water pump 200 is used to pump the water flowing into the inlet pipe 400 to the heat exchanger 300. The main controller 600 is electrically connected to the water pump 200 and is used to execute the method steps described in the following embodiments.

[0036] In some embodiments, the water heater device further includes a temperature sensor 700, which is disposed in the water outlet pipe 500 and electrically connected to the main controller 600.

[0037] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 300 includes a U-shaped tube 302 and a heat collection plate 301, the heat collection plate 301 being disposed on the outer periphery of the U-shaped tube 302, and the water pump 200 being used to pump the water flowing in from the water inlet pipe 400 to the U-shaped tube 302 of the heat exchanger 300.

[0038] See Figure 4 , Figure 4This is a schematic flowchart of a first embodiment of a method for preventing scale buildup in a water heater provided in this application. The method for preventing scale buildup in a water heater includes the following steps: Step 110: After detecting that the water heater body has stopped running, control the water pump to run, so that water flows through the heat exchanger to remove the waste heat of the heat exchanger.

[0039] Step 120: Obtain the outlet water temperature of the water heater body.

[0040] Step 130: Determine whether the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold.

[0041] The preset temperature threshold is lower than the formation temperature of scale.

[0042] Step 140: If the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, then control the water pump to be in the off state.

[0043] After a gas water heater is used once, some water remains in the U-shaped pipe, and the residual heat from the collector plate continues to heat the water, causing a large amount of scale to form and settle.

[0044] The main components of scale are carbonate and sulfate precipitates formed by calcium and magnesium ions at high temperatures, such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and magnesium carbonate. The formation process is directly related to the equilibrium of dissolution and chemical reaction. Calcium / magnesium carbonate in water undergoes the following decomposition reaction under heating conditions: Ca(HCO3) → CaCO3↓ + CO2↑+ H2O; Mg(HCO2) → MgCO3↓+CO2↑ +H2O; The decomposition reaction is an endothermic reaction. According to the principle of chemical equilibrium (Le Chatelier's principle), increasing the temperature will promote the reaction to proceed in the direction of precipitation (scale), greatly accelerating the formation of scale.

[0045] Specifically, the effect of temperature on scale formation can be found below: Low temperature (<40℃): Calcium and magnesium ions exist in dissolved form in water and are less likely to form scale; Medium temperature (40-60℃): As the temperature rises, the solubility of calcium and magnesium ions decreases, and tiny scale particles begin to form, but the formation rate is relatively slow. Medium to high temperature (>60℃): As the temperature rises further, the solubility of calcium and magnesium ions decreases sharply, the rate of scale formation accelerates, and a thicker scale layer is easily formed inside the water heater. High temperature range (>70℃): Scaling rate increases exponentially.

[0046] Based on this, this embodiment actively starts the water pump 200 after detecting that the water heater body has stopped operating, allowing water to flow through the heat exchanger 300. The flowing cold water exchanges heat with the heat collector 301 and U-shaped tube 302 in the heat exchanger 300, quickly removing residual heat from the heat collector 301. This effectively prevents scale formation caused by residual heat from the heat collector 301 in localized areas after the water heater stops operating. Furthermore, the system monitors the outlet water temperature in real time, only shutting off the water pump 200 when the outlet water temperature drops to a preset temperature threshold (e.g., below the scale formation temperature), ensuring that the entire cooling process covers the scale formation risk period. Thus, by controlling the water pump 200 alone, scale formation can be suppressed at its source, eliminating the need for a pre-filter or high-precision filter. This not only reduces hardware and maintenance costs but also improves the anti-scaling effect and ease of use.

[0047] Referring to a second embodiment of the anti-scaling treatment method for a water heater provided in this application, the anti-scaling treatment method for the water heater includes the following steps: Step 210: After detecting that the water heater body has stopped running, control the water pump to run, so that water flows through the heat exchanger to remove the residual heat of the heat collection plate.

[0048] In some embodiments, the burner can be stopped by a flame signal, as detailed in 1)-3) below. 1) Determine whether there is a flame signal in the water heater body; 2) If there is no flame signal in the water heater body, it means that the water heater body has stopped operating, and the step of controlling the water pump to be in operation is executed.

[0049] 3) If the water heater body has a flame signal, it means that the water heater body is in normal working condition.

[0050] Step 220: Obtain the outlet water temperature of the water heater body.

[0051] Step 230: Determine whether the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold.

[0052] The preset temperature threshold can be lower than the scale formation temperature.

[0053] In some embodiments, the preset temperature threshold can be adjusted and set according to the water quality information of the actual area where the gas water heater is used.

[0054] For example, the water quality information used by the water heater can be obtained; then the preset temperature threshold can be set based on the water quality information.

[0055] For example, the worse the water quality in a region, the lower the preset temperature threshold.

[0056] The water quality information includes water hardness, and the preset temperature threshold can be set based on the water hardness. The preset temperature threshold is negatively correlated with the water hardness.

[0057] Step 240: If the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, then control the water pump to be in the off state.

[0058] Step 250: If the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is greater than the preset temperature threshold, then control the water pump to be in operation.

[0059] This embodiment actively activates the water pump 200 after detecting that the water heater has stopped operating, allowing water to flow through the heat exchanger 300. The flowing cold water exchanges heat with the heat collector 301 and U-shaped tube 302 in the heat exchanger 300, quickly removing residual heat from the heat collector 301. This effectively prevents scale formation caused by residual heat from the heat collector 301 in localized areas after the water heater stops operating. Furthermore, the system monitors the outlet water temperature in real time, only shutting off the water pump 200 when the temperature drops to a preset threshold (e.g., below the scale formation temperature), ensuring the entire cooling process covers the period of potential scale formation. Thus, by controlling the water pump 200 alone, scale formation can be suppressed at its source, eliminating the need for a pre-filter or high-precision filter. This not only reduces hardware and maintenance costs but also improves the anti-scaling effect and ease of use.

[0060] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the water pump to be off if the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold includes: if the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, then controlling the water pump to be off after a preset time.

[0061] In some embodiments, the preset time can be 5s, 6s, etc., and can be set and adjusted according to the actual situation. This application does not limit it here.

[0062] In this way, by controlling the water pump to stop running only after a preset time, transient interference can be filtered out, ensuring that the temperature is truly stable within a safe range and preventing pump shutdown due to misjudgment caused by instantaneous fluctuations.

[0063] Based on the above embodiments, the anti-scaling treatment method for water heater equipment provided in this application includes the following steps: 1) Determine whether there is a flame signal in the water heater body; 2) If there is no flame signal on the water heater body, it means that the water heater body has stopped operating, and proceed to 3); if there is a flame signal on the water heater body, it means that the water heater body is in normal working condition.

[0064] 3) Cleaning after the water pump starts; That is, the water pump is controlled to be in operation, so that water flows through the heat exchanger to remove the waste heat of the heat exchanger; 4) Real-time detection of the outlet water temperature Tm using a temperature sensor at the outlet; 5) Determine whether the outlet water temperature Tm is greater than the preset temperature threshold T; 6) If not, control the water pump to continue running for 5 seconds and then stop; If the outlet water temperature Tm is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold T, the water pump will continue to run for 5 seconds and then stop. 7) If so, then control the water pump to be in operation.

[0065] That is, the water pump is controlled to continue running until the outlet water temperature Tm is greater than the preset temperature threshold T.

[0066] This application can effectively reduce the water temperature during the critical period after the gas water heater is shut down, namely the stage when the local water temperature is the highest due to residual heat and scale formation is the most rapid, by precisely controlling the temperature to drive continuous water circulation and constantly replacing the residual water in the high-temperature area of ​​the heat exchanger, thereby alleviating the problem of excessive scale formation caused by residual heat.

[0067] Corresponding to the above-described anti-scaling method for water heaters, this application also provides an anti-scaling device for water heaters. This anti-scaling device includes a unit for performing the above-described anti-scaling method for water heaters, and can be configured in a desktop computer, tablet computer, laptop computer, or other terminal.

[0068] The anti-scaling device for water heaters may include a detection unit, an acquisition unit, a judgment unit, and a processing unit.

[0069] The detection unit is used to detect whether the water heater body has stopped operating; The processing unit is used to control the water pump to run after detecting that the water heater body has stopped running, so that water flows through the heat exchanger to remove the waste heat of the heat exchanger; The acquisition unit is used to acquire the outlet water temperature of the water heater body; The judgment unit is used to determine whether the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold. The processing unit controls the water pump to be in a closed state when the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold.

[0070] like Figure 5As shown in the figure, this application provides a computer device including a processor 111, a communication interface 112, a memory 113, and a communication bus 114, wherein the processor 111, the communication interface 112, and the memory 113 communicate with each other through the communication bus 114. Memory 113 is used to store computer programs; In one embodiment of this application, the processor 111, when executing a program stored in the memory 113, implements the anti-scaling treatment method for a water heater provided in any of the foregoing method embodiments, including: After detecting that the water heater body has stopped running, the water pump is controlled to run, so that water flows through the heat exchanger to remove the waste heat of the heat exchanger; Obtain the outlet water temperature of the water heater body; Determine whether the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, wherein the preset temperature threshold is lower than the scale formation temperature; If the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the water pump is controlled to be in a closed state.

[0071] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program may be stored in a storage medium, which is a computer-readable storage medium. The computer program is executed by at least one processor in the computer system to implement the process steps of the embodiments of the above methods.

[0072] Therefore, this application embodiment also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the anti-scaling treatment method for a water heater device as provided in any of the foregoing method embodiments, including: After detecting that the water heater body has stopped running, the water pump is controlled to run, so that water flows through the heat exchanger to remove the waste heat of the heat exchanger; Obtain the outlet water temperature of the water heater body; Determine whether the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, wherein the preset temperature threshold is lower than the scale formation temperature; If the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the water pump is controlled to be in a closed state.

[0073] The storage medium is a physical, non-transient storage medium, such as a USB flash drive, external hard drive, read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disk, or optical disk, or any other physical storage medium capable of storing program code. The computer-readable storage medium can be non-volatile or volatile.

[0074] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of the various examples have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0075] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of each unit is merely a logical functional division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0076] The steps in the methods of this application embodiment can be adjusted, merged, or deleted according to actual needs. The units in the apparatus of this application embodiment can be merged, divided, or deleted according to actual needs. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0077] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a terminal, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0078] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0079] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Since these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

[0080] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for preventing scale buildup in a water heater, characterized in that, The water heater device includes a water heater body, a water pump, a heat exchanger, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a main controller. The water pump and the heat exchanger are located within the water heater body. The water pump is connected to the inlet pipe, and the heat exchanger is connected to the outlet pipe. The water pump is used to pump the water flowing in from the inlet pipe to the heat exchanger. The method includes: After detecting that the water heater body has stopped running, the water pump is controlled to run, so that water flows through the heat exchanger to remove the waste heat of the heat exchanger; Obtain the outlet water temperature of the water heater body; Determine whether the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold. If the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the water pump is controlled to be in a closed state.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of controlling the water pump to be in a closed state if the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold includes: If the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the water pump will be controlled to be turned off after a preset time.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold also includes: If the outlet water temperature of the water heater body is greater than the preset temperature threshold, the water pump is controlled to be in operation.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine whether there is a flame signal in the water heater body; If there is no flame signal in the water heater body, it means that the water heater body has stopped operating, and the step of controlling the water pump to be in operation is executed.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method of determining whether the water heater body has a flame signal also includes: If the water heater body has a flame signal, it indicates that the water heater body is in normal working condition.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the water quality information used by the water heater body; The preset temperature threshold is set based on the water quality information.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The water quality information includes water hardness, and the step of setting the preset temperature threshold based on the water quality information includes: The preset temperature threshold is set based on the water hardness, wherein the preset temperature threshold is negatively correlated with the water hardness.

8. A water heater device, characterized in that, The water heater device includes a water heater body, a water pump, a heat exchanger, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a main controller. The water pump and the heat exchanger are located within the water heater body. The water heater body is provided with an inlet connector and an outlet connector. The inlet connector is connected to the inlet pipe, and the outlet connector is connected to the outlet pipe. The water pump is used to pump the water flowing in from the inlet pipe to the heat exchanger. The main controller is electrically connected to the water pump and is used to execute the method steps as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. The water heater device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The water heater also includes a temperature sensor, which is installed in the water outlet pipe and electrically connected to the main controller.

10. The water heater device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes a U-shaped tube and heat collection plates, the heat collection plates being disposed on the outer circumference of the U-shaped tube, and the water pump being used to pump the water flowing in from the inlet pipe to the U-shaped tube of the heat exchanger.

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